ICYMI: Here’s what happened at Marie Claire’s Verified party

‘You don’t have to be a politician these days to make change. You can use your platform.’

Last night influencers and inspirational women gathered at Spiritland Royal Festival Hall to celebrate our #MarieClaireVerified power list, in partnership with Boss Watches.

July will see the release of our Marie Claire Verified power list, a carefully curated network of 30 game-changers, with this year’s picks ranging from mental health champions and body positivity pioneers to fashion forces and activists.

From micro-influencers who are using their followings to make real political change to Instagram icons who are opening new conversations in the worlds of fashion and beauty, last night’s event celebrated our collaborations – past, present and future – with these incredible women.

It’s safe to say that the evening was an inspirational one with MC Editor in Chief Trish Halpin paying tribute to the game-changing women in the room with a powerful speech, but the party was every bit as Instagrammable as it was empowering.

From the chic bar to the cool DJ booth, Spiritland Royal Festival Hall offered countless Instagram opportunities, and being a Marie Claire party, there was of course an elaborate flower wall, proving to be the perfect photo backdrop.

The drinks were flowing, the playlist had everyone dancing and #marieclaireverified was all over social media. Here’s a sneak peak inside one of THE parties of the year…

Who was there…

From micro-influencers to Instagram heavy weights, the #marieclaireverified party brought out social media stars in force. Guests included AJ Odudu, Grace Victory, Munroe Bergdorf and Adrienne LDN, who along with Trish Halpin, was wearing Hugo Boss.

Our Power list winners were of course in attendance, all going home with a special edition of the Marie Claire August issue, featuring them as a cover star, along with the luxurious goody bag given to all of our guests.

‘I think it’s really important for influencers to use their platforms for good because they’ve got the ability to make change,’ AJ Odudu told us at the Spiritland bar. ‘You don’t have to be a politician these days. You can use your platform.’

‘I definitely think there’s a place for everyone on social media and there has to be,’ Munroe Bergdorf explained to us later by the DJ decks. ‘I think it’s really about finding the people you feel a closeness to but also building your own spaces and if you’re not seeing yourself represented, then go out and build that space’.

And giving us a social media pep talk we also sat down with Adrienne LDN to talk the positivity of social media.

‘I think that social media can be a really really positive place,’ she told us. ‘I think you can find your tribe on social media. It has given everyone a voice - it has given me a voice. Find your tribe. Find those people that really speak to you, that encourage you, that empower you, that inspire you. Follow them, get involved with them, actually connect, reach out, DM, comment and enjoy.’

What we drank…

A Prosecco DOC drinks reception was on offer for guests to enjoy as well Whitley Neill gin and Lamb & Watt tonics, with Caleño offering a delicious non alcoholic equivalent. There were also a selection of Campo Viejo wines and Sadler's ales including a special Peaky Blinder rhubarb cider.

What we ate…

Mole short rib, dirty rice, green tomato jalapeño relish Lamb shoulder, lentils, pomegranate, mint, yoghurt, cumin salt Pork belly hot pot, pilau rice, crispy shallots, cucumber, coriander Baked cod, chickpea, fennel, samphire salsa verde Sea bass ika mata, red pepper, coconut milk, coriander, chilli Roasted butternut, turmeric chickpeas, kale, coconut, yoghurt, pomegranate Brown rice, pickled rhubarb, sesame broccoli, avocado, wasabi pea furikake

Tahini and tamarind brownie, date coconut labne, Mini meringue, Kalamansi curd, raspberries Neal’s Yard cheese, oat cake, membrillo

Inside the goody bag…

Hugo Boss, water bottle or compact mirror Balance Me, Vitamin C serum 7ml The Body Shop, Hemp hand protector Burt’s Bees, Lip stain in blush satin Murad, Pre-biotic 3-In-1 Multi Mist 5ml Murad, Mini exfoliating cleanser Living Proof, Travel size dry shampoo Whitley Neill, mini gin bottle HIPCHIPS, Crisps snack pack Pip & Nut, peanut butter sachet Kind, Mini snack bar Rituals, Hand cream Marie Claire, August Issue

The evening was inspiring from start to finish and we cannot wait to work together in the future with these incredible influencers - after the Prosecco hangovers have worn off.