The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitenightout door saying and singing, ‘Happy birthday Mr President’. She spoke lyrics like “I’m pretty, but I’m not beautiful”, “I sin, but I’m not a devil”, and “I’m good, but I’m not dan- gerous”. The collection consisted of floral prints, intricate lace, extensive sleeves, embellished floor-length skirts, an off- the-shoulder crinkled purple dress and a lacy shoulder strap grey dress with long fishtail trains. An empire line glittery and lace dress with a plunging round neck and a similar style gown with puffed sleeves, a high split and embroidered symbols graced the restaurant runway. The next model walked out in a shawl and flung it to reveal a halter-neck glittery silver and black dress with Hollywood panache. Act Two presented the ‘Fairy Tale’ collection using lace like the red sheer, heart-shaped embroidered white and cream, and glittery sequinned layered ruched puff dresses. The dress length got longer with the sheer tan with green panelling and ruched puff skirt. A sexy two-piece emerged in grey and black with glittery embroidery and a plunging neck with a lace top, followed by the famous lion dress. We were mesmerised by the golden embroidered dress with a ruffled top, skirt, and headpiece. Mary entertained us with her song ‘Jesus Wept’ with a dancehall flavour which was moving and soothing. Her glittery off-the-shoulder black dress lit up the evening. TV presenter Brenda Emmanus and singer Heather Small were called to talk with Mary about her creative designs, pro- jects and their relationship with the designer, including an invitation to Brazil to do a fashion show. MOBO founder Kanya King joined them in a Mary Martin design the de- signer made within 24 hours. A dancer in a patterned leotard, tights and green tutu opened Act Three’s ‘Hidden Queens’ collection. Taking its cue from Benin artefacts, the lace-over fabric collection presented floor-length designs with beautiful embroideries and accessories. The styles became more regal with high necks, bodices, billowed sleeves and floating skirts. Act Four’s ‘Black Excellence’ collection presented the stand- out black puffed dress with a feathered neckpiece, puffed shoulders and red lace sleeves floating down the runway. The evening ended with former The Chimes vocalist Pauline Henry (best known for their cover of U2’s ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’) singing Whitney Houston’s ‘I’m Every Woman’ and DJ Kaspa playing more tunes. It was a fantastic event of fashion, music, poetry, conversation and a meal provided by the restaurant. Mary Martin is revered for her bespoke, creative designs that break and make the rules, and we look forward to her next fashion experience. https://marymartinlondon.com