Rashmi Shastri - Mariah Carey @ Pinko SW3

Mariah Carey @ Pinko SW3 15th February 2007

Mariah Carey needs no introduction. She is an award-winning superstar with total sales of her records in excess of 165 million worldwide, making her the top-selling female artist in history. Leading Italian fashion house Pinko announced Mariah as the new face of their London inspired fashion brand.

The Pinko campaign featuring Carey was shot by photographer Michelangelo Di Battista and art directed by Giovanni Bianco. The images depict Carey in strong sultry poses wearing Pinko’s signature urban designs.

I was one of the few media and fashionistas to receive an invite to Pinko's cocktail party to celebrate the new campaign and their newly refurbished store on Brompton Road. The store was lit up and there were paparazzi and police surrounding the area, not to mention the many fans waiting outside in the cold to catch a glimpse of their idol. Inside the store was a different story, it was full of glamorous people sipping on the neverending glasses of pink champagne and cocktails, and waiters handing out canapees (tiny sized food to us little people). As time went on, more and more celebrities arrived including Kimberley Stewart, Calum Best, Duncan from Blue, Ronan and Yvonne Keating, Benny Medina (Mariah's manager) and JC Chasez (from 'N Sync).

Suddenly the cameras outside started clicking like crazy and I caught a sneaky peek at Naomi Campbell (a previous model for Pinko) outside posing with her new look hair style. Not long after, Mariah Carey herself joined her looking relaxed but she spoke little words. They entered Pinko together and the paparazzi took photos of them. Naomi went off to circulate while Mariah was whisked upstairs. The place was packed and everyone wanted to speak with her. Making our way back down the stairs was a mission and Benny Medina was looking a bit frustrated, he said "Why can't people think of waiting and not going down the stairs like everyone else?!" and then started bopping to a Mariah song.

After only about ten minutes, Mariah and her entourage made their way to the door. I was introduced to her by Michael Richardson and she autographed my invitation (bless her) which proves she never turns down autographs no matter how busy it is around her. Michael let me know where they were having dinner so I made my way there. San Lorenzo's on Beauchamp Place had paparazzi waiting outside already to take a few more shots after dinner. The restaurant was very cosy and they had their own big table on the top floor with candles scattering the surface. Benny Medina, Michael Richardson, Connie Filippello, Mark Sudack and Mariah were all there together and looked like they were having a grand old time. I said my goodbyes and went home while they went back to Claridge's. I finally met Mariah Carey, my favourite singer and most probably the most talented person I will ever meet.

Mariah Carey