Not-So-Little Pony

"When Richard Mortimer throws a party, there is no choice—you just have to come, don't you?" said Erdem Moralioglu. Most of his London designer comrades—and a generous helping of club kids of all persuasions—certainly think so. Mortimer is something of a legend in the local club scene for his dearly departed Boombox party, of course. Those days have come and gone, but Mortimer's second act, as editor of the online fashion mag Ponystep, fortuitously comes with ample opportunities for revelry. Ponystep's parties tend to take place in Paris, but for one night, Mortimer repatriated them—to the Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen in East London, the old stomping grounds of Boombox, no less—for a very special event: his 30th birthday.

Holly Fulton, Louise Gray, Kinder Aggugini, and Sophia Kokosalaki were among the designers who stopped by to wish the birthday boy well (and to blow off a little steam before London fashion week). Gareth Pugh and Jefferson Hack alternated sets on the decks, and the winsome Florrie Arnold—face of Nina Ricci's relaunched L'Elixir—performed a few songs, too.

Mortimer's mates were toting masks with his face on them, and as you'd expect from London's party set, the maquillage on some of the guests was a sight to behold in itself. 'In Paris, they are just so happy to have a party to go to,' Mortimer said appreciatively when we tracked him down (we're pretty sure it was him and not a masked impostor). 'Here, they really expect something nuts and out of control each time. They are the professional kind of party people, this lot, so I constantly have to raise the bar to keep them happy.' As if on cue, the proof of a great party appeared: the cops at the door, trying to bring the noise and crowds under control. As if.

—Afsun Qureshi