In December I styled one of the most fun projects of my career – Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball With Barclaycard. It was a HUGE project, styling a boat on the Thames and then the back stage areas for the main event at the O2! it was crazy hard work but also I had so enjoyable as you’ll be able to tell from the videos below.
Come take a look!
STYLING CAPITAL’S JINGLE BELL BALL WITH BARCLAYCARD
What is the Jingle Bell Ball? Well, it’s a massive event hosted by London’s Capital FM with Barclaycard at the O2 in Greenwich. The event draws a star studded list of celebrities and music acts over two days in December.
It was my job to style Silver Sturgeon Boat – which is a luxury boat moored on the Thames, The boat was used for the VIP guests and some of the main stage acts played private sets on the boat which was live streamed into the 02.
Myself and a team of 3 assistants styled the boat with Christmas trees, lights and garlands creating a festive feel. We installed a stage are, disco balls, on brand colour baubles and flowers on the boat. There was a full stocked bar, and upstairs open air bar as well as booths to sit and relax.
In weeks running up to the event, I sourced all the decorations for the event. On the day, I was on the dock in the early hours setting up the boat as it sailed down the Thames down to the O2.
Pulling A Team Together For The JINGLE BELL BALL
There was a team of about 40 people working all the hours to get this event styled and set up with all the recording gear in time for the show.
On the days of the boat party, I was on hand to make sure that all the finishing touches looked perfect.
To entertain guests there was a Santa – who appears at Selfridges and Buckingham Palace. There were elves, face painting, fancy mocktails and gourmet food too. I got to experience the boat and saw the music acts pay on the stage I styled up close. It was such a thrill.
I was so busy working, I didn’t have much time to take photos but I did snap a few of the trees and the hand painted baubles that we commissioned for the event. But I did take lots of videos with Satan and the elves.
Styling Backstage at JINGLE BELL BALL At the O2
As well as styling the boat, I also got to go back stage at the O2 and style the VIP back stage areas. I got to see the event set up and even went on the main stage. it’s amazing to go to these place when they are empty and see all the work that goes into setting up the stage and lights. From the VIP box, I could hear them sound checking the event which was amazing.
I even managed to spot a celebrity or two as the Capital FM DJs came on the boat to present back to the O2.
My team worked so hard to set this event up! I have to say a huge thank you to everyone involved and a special mention to Chloe from Iris Worldwide who never stopped working solid for almost 3 days!
We finished about 3am on the Sunday, just in time for me to break up for Christmas holidays.
I hope this post gives you a little window into my world as an interior stylist
My job is so varied – one day I can be styling bedding for a brand, then next I can be sailing down the Thames toward the O2. Really love what I do. I made a short day in the life video which I shared on my Instagram which you can watch here. It gives you an idea of the befores & afters of the boat and what we did!
If you are looking for a stylist for your up and coming event, please drop me an email here. As now I can add ‘boat stylist’ to my CV thanks to the Jingle Bell Ball.
Have a wonderful day.