Hackett and Williams cross the starting line

It isn’t every day you get the chance to race a F1 star - when it comes along, you have to grab the steering wheel with both hands.

Last week, Hackett and Williams hosted an event to celebrate their partnership ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. Driver Valtteri Bottas set a lap time on a driving simulator and guests were invited to try and beat it.

It was a lovely opportunity to see Hackett’s latest collection and some of the unique pieces created to celebrate the partnership.

The event itself was typically glam with delicious cocktails and canapés. Guests included Susie Wolff, Claire Williams, former motorsport team boss and racing car driver Freddie Hunt.

‘Motorsport has been a part of the Hackett DNA for many years now and the prospect of working with one of the giants of F1 sends shivers up and down my spine. The Martini racing stripe has always been heralded as a marque of prestige and luxury and it seemed only natural for Hackett to style the team for the new season. I also noticed that Hackett was founded the same time Williams won its first World Championship...an omen, if ever there was one!’ – Jeremy Hackett.

www.hackett.com

The first of many tasty cocktails

Bottas takes the wheel

Neil meets a hero

Interesting interiors in the Hackett shop on Regent Street

Lovely suits

Bottas and a magician

Love these accessories...

...although I look a bit scared wearing them!

Neil meets Claire Williams

Hip to be square

A neon driving track

Sshhh, I don't really drive...

Lacoste Regent Street

I had no idea the Lacoste Regent Street reopening was going to be such a star-studded affair! Lady Mary Charteris and Big Pink hubby Robbie Furze, Gemma Chan, Jack Fox, Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams and singer John Newman all attended. We nibbled tasty mackerel canapés and sipped champagne cocktails as we walked the rainbow of product in the new look space. DJ duo Lou Lou hit the decks and there was even a harpist and other classical musicians later on in the evening. I loved the new Lacoste accessories, especially the sporty totes. Colour fans will love seeing the bright polos and snappy dressers will enjoy the streamlined chinos and slim-fitting jersey tops. There’s something for everyone and the shop location is unbeatable – I’m planning my next Wednesday night spree as I type; I’ll be sure to pre-book a restaurant next time as Hump Day seems to have overtaken Thursday as the new hot night out.