Joanne Black and friend Kelley

Where: House at… Cannes
Pic one: Dressed for dominoes
Pic two: My friend Kelley looks the part in Dolce & Gabbana, with Chanel bag.

The luck of the Irish certainly came in handy at Cannes’ star-studded Domino tournament. Dressed in Duro Olowu, with my favourite Alaia belt, fishnets, boots and a Chanel bag, my friend Kelley and I were treated to a night of French decadence – not to mention a few vodkas served in glasses carved from ice.

Held at The House at Cannes, a beautiful 100-year-old private residence, the tournament proved that Dominoes is popular among the A-listers. Penelope Cruz, who was joined at the charity event by Orlando Bloom and Lily Cole, looked stunning in her white John Richmond dress – even though she was suffering from flu. But it was David Furnish who had the best night – walking away Domino champion, with some jewellery, vodka and sevruga caviar. I’m sure Elton John was pleased!

Joanne Black in great company @ VIP Room

Where: VIP Room
Pic one: Maria and I with the circus master
Pic two: All dressed up and ready for the VIP treatment
Pic three: The best-dressed party animal!

You can’t take the country out of the girl, but you can certainly send her to Cannes to have some fun. Even a Diesel dress, Sergio Rossi sandals and a Bottega Veneta necklace didn’t stop me from making friends with the resident circus horse – complete with circus master.

Where: The Baoli Restaurant

Joanne Black and friend Maria indulge in a night of diamonds and dresses

Cannes’ biggest party brought a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘on the rocks’. Accessorising with some of jeweller Chopard’s fabulous gems – which I managed to try on earlier in the day – Hilary Swank, Peaches Geldolf, Gwyneth Paltrow and Christina Ricci were among those dazzling onlookers.

This was a party about diamonds and dresses – one that showed just how powerful accessories can be. I did my bit with some Prada earrings, a Diabless sequined black dress – worn back to front – YLS Tribune heels and a Sergio Rossi clutch, but it was Hilary who stole the show, wearing a metallic grey strapless Armani Privé gown with her Chopard jewels.

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?