Where: ICA Figures of Speech Gala
When: 26 March 2009
Joanne Black style: Sharon Wauchob black dress (Autumn/Winter 09), with Alaia belt, patent leather gloves and a Sergio Rossi Clutch

Caught in Vogue’s Spy spread – just goes to show black will always be a fashionable choice.

Guests were wearing black like it was going out of fashion at the fabulous ICA fundraiser. Sydney Finch looked chic in Prada and Bianca Jagger made great use of accessories to go with her elegant black number – wearing emerald and diamond earrings paired with timeless pearls. As usual, I added my own ‘Black’ style, but it was good to see Yana Peel (wearing Duro Olowu) and our very own Marketing Director Jacqui Wales bring a splash of colour to proceedings.

With Alan Carr as host, it was always going to be an evening filled with laughter – and a few surprises. Little did I know when I sat down in the venue’s black and gold Porter Tun Hall that I be treated to a rendition of The Who’s ‘My Generation’ by Bob Geldof – on a Ukulele – or hear Janet Street Porter discussing the merits of shower caps (especially when I tell you speakers had been asked to bring something they treasured more than anything else).

I have to say, the after-party was a real highlight – although I’m still convinced DJ Henry Holland’s hair didn’t actually move throughout his entire set. My one regret of the whole evening is that I didn’t have chance to get my picture taken with HRH Queen Elizabeth (or should I say an Alison Jackson look-a-like) and her beautiful corgis. They were so beautiful in fact that had my dog Jinky been there, I am not sure I would have made it to the dinner.

My favourite ‘winter’ colour, a whole host of fabulous dresses and £180,000 raised for the ICA’s education programme – who could ask for more?