L O N D O N U P D A T E

The Independent is happy to announce the winner of our Lacroix competition to win a £10,000 couture outfit. The lucky woman is Daphne Priestley, 52, from Maidstone in Kent. She met M. Lacroix on Wednesday at his new boutique in Old Bond Street to discuss her ideas for the outfit, and had her first fitting with the couturier. Further fittings will take place at his salon in Paris. In the meantime, M. Lacroix will be sketching ideas and gathering fabric samples to send to Mrs Priestley. We will follow her progress over the next couple of months until the dream outfit is ready.

Meanwhile, still with Lacroix, Tuesday's opening party for the Bond Street shop, proved the hottest ticket of the week. The three sumptuously decorated floors were bursting with loyal customers, celebrities and paparazzi. Those prone to claustrophobia made a quick exit when it became impossible to move without upsetting a neighbour's glass of champagne. An impromptu party began outside, with Lacroix making an appearance to escape the throng. Roberto Devorik, responsible for bringing Lacroix to the UK, pronounced the party a huge success; his only regret was that Lord Linley, designer and hotelier Lady Weinberg (aka Anoushka Hempel), and the Ab Fab Jane Horrocks did not wish to face the crush and left without even entering the party.