Annabel's Nightclub Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary with Diamond-Theme Jubilee
Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson crashed Prince Andrew's "Stag Party" in the 1980s. George Harrison, the lead guitarist of the Beatles, was turned away at the door for not adhering to the dress code in the 1960s (he was wearing a sweater and scarf). Queen Elizabeth popped by for her friend's 70th anniversary in 2003, the only time the late monarch ever visited a nightclub. When you've been around for 60 years as London's premier social club for the rich and famous, you're sure to have an oral library of legends embedded in your name. At least, that's the case for Annabel's.
The go-to nightclub in London was opened in 1963 by Mark Birley who named the destination after his wife, Lady Annabel Stewart (née Vanetemepst-Stewart). As one of London's first nightclubs, Annabel's was determined to lead the efforts of injecting a new zeal into the city. Sixty years later, after visits from household names across art, fashion, politics, and more, the exclusive nightclub upholds its legacy. To celebrate, a diamond-jubilee-themed interior makeover for a party that turned Berkeley Square into a celebrity hotspot.
"Diamonds are the symbol of a 60-year anniversary, timeless and enduring, just like Annabel’s, so we, of course, had to incorporate this into a remarkable design that would ensure this moment lives in our minds forever," Patricia Caring, co-chairwoman of Annabel's tells Town & Country. "Our incredible Creative Director, Tatiana Kharchylava, goes above and beyond to bring our dreams to life, and not only did we adorn the club with a diamond theme, but our restaurants also celebrated the decades with the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s interiors and entertainment as Richard and I wanted every room to light up in honor of Annabel’s legacy."
There has always been a cloud of mystery shrouding the happenings of Annabel's. When it first opened, journalists were not permitted into the club unaccompanied, and the only ever exception was the gossip columnist Nigel Dempster. Even today, taking photos is prohibited. So, it appears that the diamond jewel-box entrance that was installed for the 60th anniversary was a taunting method, making onlookers even more curious about what exactly was going on in the already highly glamorous and elusive club during the night of the anniversary party.
For those who need to know, here it is: entering through the diamond-like glass box entrance was a portal into a hyper-glamorous space. (It was near vulgar, but aren't most parties?) The already English eccentric interior decor was taken up a notch, with crystal candleholders surrounded by white flower bouquets adorning the space and a pegasus descending down the middle of the staircase alongside strands of mock diamonds.
Though it maybe should've, Marilyn Monroe's "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" didn't play during the night. Her "Happy Birthday" did. Guests, like Honey Dijon, Kate Moss, and Ricky Martin, joined in the jubilant chanting.
Legendary VIPs who have graced Annabel's were somewhat present, too. Images of Ella Fitzgerald, Elton John, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, and Joan Collins were displayed throughout during the party as if they were the old vanguard of members welcoming the new. "As with every club, our members continue to evolve over time. One notable change is the growth of our international membership, which has expanded our global reach," Caring says. "We have embraced a younger crowd, attracting a new generation of discerning individuals who seek a sophisticated yet vibrant social scene. We are proud to have created a club where the past seamlessly lives with the present.”
Only time may tell who the next generation of VIP members will join the ranks, be they naughty or nice.
For more information about Annabel's membership requirements, please visit membership.annabels.co.uk.
You Might Also Like
