I was delighted to be invited to the ‘Surrey Awards 2024’ at Sandown Racecourse on Friday 17th May to pick my ‘Top 10’ fashion looks. The evening did not disappoint as around 350 guests, from some of Surrey’s top businesses, paraded their best attire for this special occasion. A big shout out to everyone who attended the event as it was one glamorous affair. There were so many amazing looks to choose from that I found selecting 10 difficult. However, after some deliberation, here are my Top 10 Stylist Picks of the evening. By Natasha Terri Franklin.
HANNAH NELSON
FROM: EPSOM
JOB: YOGA TEACHER & SOUND HEALER @BODHIEDEN.EPSOM
OUTFIT: DRESS BY JASMINE HEMSLEY AT NEEDLE AND THREAD
This stunning sequin gown caught my eye straight away with it’s flattering cut and fluted sleeves. The colour-blocked placement of the sequins offers a fresh take on classic sequin gowns and the pastel colours make this the perfect spring/ summer occasion dress. Sequins and metallics are one of the hottest trends this summer. Hannah wore this dress so well, she thoroughly deserves to be crowned our winner for the evening.
DARRAN HOWARD
FROM: KENT
CEO @HOWARDANDCO_ATTIRE
OUTFIT: FROM HOWARD & CO ATTIRE
I was drawn to this dapper look due to the stylish accessories on the jacket. No modern man’s wardrobe is complete without a great suit, as they allow for freedom of expression and elevate confidence. A good suit affords a look suitable for any distinguished, modern gentleman and this season is no different as current suit trends include different textures and colours.
CHRISTINE EKKEL
FROM: WEYBRIDGE
JOB: INFLUENCER @SURREY_GIRL
OUTFIT: DRESS BY FOREVER UNIQUE
This dress was an absolute showstopper. When I asked Christine what made her choose this look for the evening, she responded, “Look at it!” and I couldn’t agree more. This elegant, modern take on a classic sequin dress ticks all the right boxes in terms of both fit and style. A perfect occasion dress for the Surrey Awards and the Summer Season.
EMILIE-KATE OWEN
FROM: HORSLEY
JOB: PRESENTER OF BREAKFAST ON RADIO JACKIE
OUTFIT: MIMI DRESS BY @MONICELONDON
Emilie-Kate was the host with the most on the evening at the Surrey Awards. Her shimmery, sequin number by Monice London really stood out from the crowd. This figure-hugging spectacle with a front split was a definite head turner. Pictured here with designer and brand owner of Monice London, Janice Akhtar wearing her stunning Amari dress.
MOSIN EL FADDI
FROM: NEW HURST
JOB: HEAD CHEF @KINGHAMSRESTUARANT
OUTFIT: BESPOKE TAILORED SUIT
I loved the laid back summer vibe this suit afforded. Mosin told me he had it made by a tailor in Thailand a few years back. Cream suits are always in style for men, particularly during these warmer months. Trends indicate a particular focus this season on pastels, so this blue shirt with bow tie ticks all the men’s trend boxes.
HARRIET GARBIEL
FROM: LONDON
JOB: INFLUENCER @HARRIET.GABRIEL
OUTFIT: JUMPSUIT BY CLUB LONDON
Proving that sometimes less is more, Harriet looked sensational in this elegant, fitted jumpsuit. Harriet told me she loved the low-cut neckline and figure hugging fit and I couldn’t agree more. I love how versatile jumpsuits are. If you’re not already a proud owner of one, I suggest you invest in a jumpsuit now, as they can be carried from day to evening very easily and are a trendy alternative to a dress.
RAMON MULLAN
FROM: ESHER
JOB: BAR OWNER @HUMMINGSBAR
OUTFIT: TRAINERS BY BAPE STA // TOP BY ZARA // TROUSERS BY OAMC
Ramon’s fresh kicks by BAPE STA caught my eye from across the room. This brand knows how to combine luxury and streetwear aesthetics to create trainers that are a welcome addition to any sneakerhead’s collection. Ramon’s look was completed with a pair of black trousers from OAMC and a shirt from high-street favourite, Zara. For his laid-back street vibe, mixing high-end and high street, Ramon deserves to be our highly commended look of the evening.
BIANCA CHANDLER
FROM: HEDGE END, SOUTHAMPTON
JOB: ENTREPRENEUR @SERENITYHAIRANDSPA
OUTFIT: DRESS BY SHEIN
Bianca looked absolutely stunning in this full-length black sequin dress. The split front, figure enhancing style were enough to make Jessica Rabbit envious. I was astounded to hear that this timeless classic was from Shein, which just goes to show that you don’t always have to spend a fortune on fashion to look good.
HEIDI MILNER
FROM: ASHTEAD
JOB: EVENTS MANAGER @LIQSCLUB
OUTFIT: TOP – ZARA // SKIRT AND BELT – NEXT
It is not surprising that leopard print is trending again this season. Establishing itself as a classic, permanent feature in any capsule wardrobe, leopard print is best worn in chic styles. When I saw Heidi in this leopard print skirt, I had to capture her as she was the perfect example of how to wear leopard print in a sophisticated way.
GEMMA DORMER
FROM: WOKING
JOB: SURREY BEAUTY & AESTHETICS
OUTFIT: ELISSA JUMPSUIT BY NADINE MERABI
This jumpsuit has it all – sequins, feathers, you name it. I asked Gemma what she loved most about the look and she told me “the fit and the sparkle”. I couldn’t agree more as the belt around the waist really accentuated Gemma’s great figure. Whilst the feather detail on the shoulders added a touch of glamour and extravagance.
