I’ve been to my fair share of openings, and enjoyed many an affair with fair coloured and fruity tasting, continental, free flowing….beers. But I wasn’t expecting Prima to put on such a spread.
In the spirit of the office jolly; sly glasses of wine could be spotted by the eager eye by elevenses, bearing in mind the show opened at eleven. As bottles of Stella started appearing in sweaty palms throughout the day, it seemed a stand essential was a mini fridge, perhaps also an office essential it would seem.
By the time the opening party officially kicked off at 6:30 the bars we’re stocked, and remained stocked until close. One poor soul had the unfortunate situation of a rapid toilet refresh and chewing gum freshen up, after redecorating the stair well with a fine year of Merlot.
It’s easy to question the alcohol content of the show, but with retrospect the opening party is often the most productive time to visit. People let their guards down, salesmen patter less and the rich story behind every stand is proudly and confidently told, oh and business really does still get done.
With a show filled with UK based manufactures and designers, coming from companies far and wide, with rich heritages and painfully impressive client lists; who can blame them for having a little drink to celebrate, I just hope people weren’t downing any credit crunch woe