Where: Royal Albert Hall
Joanne Black style: Mage leather dress, Chanel bag, Chopard diamonds and Balmain heels
Joanne Black with Veronica Voronina & Mira Anafina
Mr Gorbachev is a man who certainly knows how to celebrate. So it is no surprise that his 80th birthday concert was an evening to remember. When I met him just two years ago, I jokily told him that Irish people and Russians both love to drink – although we prefer whiskey to vodka. It seems I am not alone in my observations – Bono made the same connection, choosing a shot of vodka to toast Mr Gorbachev in his video message.
Hosted by Sharon Stone and Kevin Spacey, the concert was a stylish affair. Ms Stone set the standard with a stunning figure-hugging blush pink Christian Dior gown accessorised with Damiani diamonds. I also spotted Goldie Hawn in the crowd – which featured everyone from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Israeli President Shimon Peres. Hawn looked young and cool in a long black gown with matching scarf. Ukranian-born actress Milla Jovovich deserves a mention for pulling off a funky look with her short lace and silk dress.
From my exclusive box, it wasn’t just the style that caught my attention. I was well-placed to enjoy the real highlight of the evening – which came in the form of Dame Shirley Bassey, who brought the house down by singing her classic James Bond song, Diamonds are Forever.