Even though I have been absent from my blog, I have not let you down in terms of sporting activities: Yesterday, surfing with the kids at polzeath, Cornwall. ( in my fab new sweaty Betty wetsuit made by local Cornish manufacturer, snugg) Last week, wake boarding and skiing on lake near Reading. beginning of the month, my first triathlon. Super sprint distance at Dorney Lake, Eton. I did the time I wanted (although I didn't beat my husband ;) unfortunately) - was ok at swim, v pleased with my cycle on my gorgeous new specialized dolce bike and bit slow on the run. Big relief to get it over and done with, but enjoyed it and will definitely do it again. The best part is the varied training you do. So good for your body and much less boring than just one discipline. ( all helped OF COURSE by my sweAty Betty trisuit!) Training now a bit addictive.. No bad thing I guess. Running on the Cornish moor this morning for 40mins without seeing a soul or car was bliss.

Style on court continued... Style of play is not the only thing on a player’s mind this tournament, or those gone before. What about the all important question ‘what to wear?’ A look back into the history of the Wimbledon wardrobe...

In 1985 Anne White strolled onto court, warming up in a tracksuit. Nothing to be noted here. As play began and both women took their place on court, White revealed her outfit: off with the tracksuit and out came an all in one skin tight cat suit! Play began to the dismay of crowd and commentator and continued until stopped due to weather conditions at one set all. Bad light allowed the umpire and officials to have their say regarding style on court: the jumpsuit was deemed unsuitable and White was asked not to wear this for the rest of the tournament. White now admits she may have been ahead of her time, sporting a body con all-in-one, I think she may have been right.

Not only did five time Wimbledon champion Suzanne Lenglen reapply her make up at court changeovers, she was also named the ‘the divine one’ by French press – charged with flamboyancy, trend setting and the rise of celebrity in sport. Lenglen wore a daring calf-length, short-sleeved cotton attire with white stockings under her skirt The French tennis icon experimented with wearing colourful skirt chiffon, a headband, and shiny white stockings. Her ‘revolutionary’ tennis attire caused a stir on the tennis court as spectators were used to the modest, and toned down attire of female tennis players. She also won 25 grand slam titles between 1919 and 1926. Wow.

Up until 91, Andre Agassi imposed upon himself a Wimbledon ban. He was a man where style came first, a man of colour and panache although Wimbledon did prove too tempting post 91 where Agassi lay down his fashion gauntlet for the white Wimbledon policy. Clearly the man where style came first…. Did someone say denim?!

The William’s sisters do respect the demure white ruling of Wimbledon but credit must go to the gutsy outfits Serena has showcased in the past – like this PVC black catsuit.

Ive been busy with my training for my tri in July.  I’ve been doing quite a bit of swimming in the sea in our AMAZING wetsuit, which I’ve decided to swim in for the actual event because even though it isn’t slick skin all over, the arms are super stretchy and I can swim fine in it.

I’ve also tested out our trisuit and I absolutely love it.  It is in sensitive, the miracle Italian fabric I love because it is super supportive, lightweight and dries really quickly.  5 minutes into cycling after swimming in it, it seems to feel dry again. 

Ive got renewed energy and zest to go out running and swimming in the high summer fluoro collection, although I must admit, running on the Cornish moors during half term, I definitely scared off the local sheep and probably a few farmers.

We’re just signing off next Summer’s designs inspired by themes that range from Alice in Wonderland to the 1930’s British seaside.  I’ll be making sure we have a great range for triathlons next year too.

Hmmm, a few weeks of silence from me.  So sorry.  What have I been up to?  Well, skiing was one week.  Deep powder and some hairy extreme off piste sessions in poor visibility pushed me out of my comfort zone.  I had 2 outfits, one this year’s Sweaty Betty and the other, an old and beloved Stella McCartney one.  The Stella one is military-inspired with waist-whittling salopettes, but the Sweaty Betty one won out in terms of more days per wear!  The parka was long enough to cover my bum for those wet chairlift rides and the hood big enough to go over my helmet for more wind/snow protection on those lifts.  The stretchy snug pants are oh-so-comfortable, warm and flattering.

Ditched the skigear for a sunny week on the beach on the south coast. Then back to work for AW10 shoot in Dalston, East London.  Really pleased with the results.  We had yoga and dance teachers helping coach the models, who were dancers and yogis, but always good to have experts on hand for ideas and to correct positioning.  The location was fabulous, so many opportunities.  Kate Moss had recently done a shoot there.

Was invited back to my old school to “inspire” them at their prefect’s leaving dinner!  Felt nervous, like I was back at school again, but I enjoyed it very much – the girls were fab and looked after me well.  Nothing seemed to have that changed much, except that the teachers seemed friendlier and younger (but maybe that’s me being so much older?!).  

Have tested out our new ride the wave wetsuit this weekend.  I swam in the sea in preparation for my tri in July.  It is AMAZING.  It is meant to be a surf suit, but it was great for swimming as there is so much stretch in the arms.  It was freezing cold and pouring with rain, but I was warm - except for feet and hand.  I highly recommend it.

With only a month to go until the London marathon, and thoughts of the 1000's of women in the depths of their training preparing for race day, I was reminded of an article I once read in runner's world. It documented the quite awe-inspiring (and recent) battle women have had to fight to be considered eligible in the long distance running stakes.

Inspired by the note on her returned race entry form explaining that women were not physically capable of running 26.2 miles, Roberta Gibb made a stand. Wearing only a black bathing suit, Roberta hid in the bushes at the start line of the 1972 Boston marathon (the most famous marathon other than the Olympics) so she could, in the very least, start the race she had intended to finish.
 
The following year, revolt – this time in the form of Katherine Switzer, made an appearance at the marathon. By entering using only her initials and avoiding a pre-race medical by sending her coach to vouch for her with a medical certificate, K Switzer received her number and status as an official race member. A mere four miles in, when local press recognised a women’s presence in this ‘man’s’ domain, race officials charged after Katherine to remove her from the race.

 
Inching forward, later in 1972, the American athletic authorities ruled that whilst women could in fact manage long distance running and participate in a marathon, they would have to start 10 minutes before the men, efectively in a separate race. That year the six female entrants heroically lay down as the ‘women’s’ gun sounded, awaiting the start of the ‘male’ race where they rose and ran alongside the men.

The defining moment(s)…

Victory, otherwise known as Grete Waitz, who was known for her perfomance ability at middle distances made it to New York to tackle new ground, 26.2 miles of it, in 1978. After having only ever run 13 miles, Grete’s victory that followed was even more prolific; winning her first ever marathon with a new world record of 2.32.30. Not only did Grete change the way women were seen and associated with long distance running, she also went on to beat her personal best, and world records for the next two years.

In 1981, after many inspirational and courageous acts, and a persistance that can only be revered, the women’s marathon was made an official Olympic event.

I had the most amazing evening at Buckingham palace on Tuesday evening. I had been invited to a British clothing industry reception, given by the Queen and Prince Philip... Along with 400 others. But still, I felt so honoured to be there amongst the great and good. The creative director of Hobbs and I bonded in the queue outside waiting to go in (we hadn't been allowed to bring anyone with us, so we didn't know if we were going to know anyone).

We were whisked past the Queen and Prince Philip, shook their hands and then convened in the "blue drawing room" with colossal chandeliers. I briefly met the Emanuels, Ignacio Ribiero (clements ribiero), Julien Macdonald, Hilary Alexander and Zandra Rhodes. Alice Temperley and Sophie Dahl stood out in their beautiful Temperley dresses.  Also met Katie Earie who was a past student of the RCA and was exhibiting some of her designs - she was great and crazy in equal measure and had been doing her own label since graduating. Well done her.

When the Queen came to talk to us, she was lamenting the fact that nothing is really made in GB anymore, but I suggested to her that we were leading the way in terms of design talent, you just had to look around you to confrim that.

A journalist asked us what I was wearing when I was standing talking to Yasmin le Bon, she in Chanel, her elegant neighbour in Armani....me in Cos!! But I love my Cos dress, it is all draped up at one side to create a nipped in waist and has asymmetric neckline and big puffed gathered short sleeves. I was wearing it with my grandmother's vintage earrings (admired by Yasmin no less!) and clutch.

My eyes were out on stalks as there were so many of my fashion heroes there. It was the most fabulous night of fashion dahling, one that I will treasure forever.

I have finally signed up for a triathlon this summer at Dorney Lake.  Anyone on for joining me?!  My aim for the moment is not so much to get the fastest time, but to look good in our new Sweaty Betty trisuit...

We have been recommended to go to Vinnie Marino’s class at Yogaworks on Main.  We have been advised to turn up 30 minutes early or we won’t get in.  We get there 45 minutes early and there are already 60 people queuing.  The girl on reception looks a little worried when we say that we have never attended Vinnie’s class before “It is very advanced” she says.  I’m excited.  Simon is looking nervous and wishing he hadn’t had that extra margarita the night before.

We all rush in to get mat space.  The only way you can do this is by moving other people’s mats in order to squeeze your own one in, but this being America, they are all nice and polite and make way for you.  There is literally 1 inch space between all the mats (we hear later that this is called a cluster f**k!)

Everyone is slim, muscular and toned.  The girl next to me explains “we are all A types in LA.  We all want to have super fit bodies, this is not a granola and relax type class”.  They are obviously all such regulars (she drives 30 mins to get to the class every day), that out of 90 people he immediately recognises us as newcomers (that, or our apprehensive inaction whilst everyone else limbers up with splits, forearm stands etc etc) and comes to greet us.

So far so good.  45 minutes later and we are soaking with sweat – our mats are wet, the tiny towel I bought from the hotel useless, our bodies shaking, everyone in headstand to side crow, us in childs pose wondering if we can make it through the next 45!  It is amazing though.  It is similar to our weekly power yoga class that we do in London in the sense that it is fast flowing with strong poses, but this is faster, stronger, hotter and longer.  There are about 6 tattooed, muscular guys up on the stage at the front of the class and they are soooo strong.  Going into chaturanga they sort of do this beautiful slow motioned semi handstand and then float their legs to plank.    Later on in the class they are doing weird hovering things on one arm with horizontal bodies etc, holding handstands for 3 minutes, doing forearm stands with their toes touching their foreheads.  Really amazing to watch, making us realise how far we have to go.  The girl next to me, as we lie dribbling on our mats at the end, in a slightly incredulous tone says “you guys rock”.  Imagine, in England, I think you would get some disapproving looks and “are you OK?” comments...”are you sure you should be here?”!They are so positive here.  As we walk out I feel fantastic.  A bit wobbly, but energised and totally clear of the slightly niggling hangover I went in with.

day 1

I am here in Lala land to make sure we are keeping up to date with what is happening in the  activewear centre of the world.  Honestly, you wouldnt believe how many people wear our sort of kit all day every day.  It helps that the beautiful weather and being by the beach is a huge reason as to why everyone is mad keen on exercising here.  You cannot blame the weather EVER for your laziness.  It is 25 degrees .. oh well, maybe you could claim it is too hot...

Not so us, we are up at the crack of dawn (jetlag rather than over-zealousness really) to get our bit of exercise in.  Yesterday we ran to the beach - we are staying in Santa Monica about a mile and a half away from the beach - in order that I could do an anusara yoga class at Lululemon Santa Monica. It was well and truly packed and full of american LOVE, it being Valentines Day.  It was also HOT and sweaty.  Most of the girls there were wearing Lulu, so I think i looked quite different in my signature sweaty Betty fluoro sports bra and seamless tights and cami.  Fly the flag, of course.  Simon carried on running to Venice Beach to check out the beach action there - loads of paddleboarders, skateboarders,volleyball players and the normal runners, dog walkers etc on the boardwalk.  Packed.  In February!

Bit of celeb watching during lunch at Chateau Marmont ("french" castle hotel up in West Hollywood) - Nicole Kidman celebrating a birthday lunch with some friends next to us.

Shopping at Robertson Boulevard.  Amazed at how many british brands are there now: agent provocateur, all saints, reiss, ted baker.  Funnily enough, most of the American brands are available over in the UK.  The American's speciality is their cotton and super soft finishes.  Vince, Splendid, James Perse and Velvet are all experts at it.

Day 2

Waking up a bit later now...6.30 am as opposed to 4 am yesterday.  head downstairs for breakfast from Urtth Cafe - amazing pastries, fresh strawberries, granola and millions of different types of tea.  Decide to go for hike/run up in the hills.  Drive approx 8 miles north of santa monica to Topanga State Park to run along a ridgehead up there.  By 9 am it is already hot and we are sweating after 10 mins.  There are snow-covered mountains to the east and beaches to the west.  Wow, this is a fab place to be.

We go to the Malibu shopping centre next.  It is the type of place you expect to see Jennifer Aniston and sure enough, in the new AMAZING James Perse store we are in the fitting room next to Marcia Cross (Bree from Desperate Housewives).  This is another v cool shopping place, jeans brands like Earnest Sewn have opened their first store outside of New York, there's 7 for all Mankind, Juicy couture and the most amazing foodstores selling cupcakes on steroids, the tastiest sandwiches in the world and awesome salads.

In the evening we meet up with some yummy mummies from Brentwood who are into their power yoga and tell us where to go for the best yoga and clothing to look at.  Everyone in LA who is into their yoga is a devoted follower of teachers, not a type of yoga or place...the teacher is key.  We are having supper at this cool hangout R&D kitchen in Montana and there are a few empty stores nearby.  We are tempted...

Very excited to say that I have just opened a large white crested envelope with thickest white card trimmed in gold inside, inviting me to a reception for the British Clothing Industry at Buckingham Palace!  What will the Queen make of the name Sweaty Betty?!?  What shall I wear?  I dont need to wear a hat, but should I?  I guess it will be quite flamboyant, so I'll definitely need to go for it, wont I?