Style-wise, the biggest change was that I went from wearing 12 cm heels every single day in my previous career and predominantly black to, all of a sudden, prioritising comfort and practicality while still being fun and different. When working on events, you have to be comfortable but still look presentable and smart – it’s a fine line to walk!”
Charlotte Ricard-Quesado, Founder, La Fête
Charlotte Ricard-Quesado is a wedding and event planner based in London. In 2016, she established her business, La Fête, which specialises in creating enchanting memories for clients across Europe. Before founding her business, Charlotte worked as a merchandiser for several luxury brands, where she consistently engaged with contemporary trends and developed her own distinctive personal style. Now she combines family life with her high profile career…
C&B: “Charlotte, first of all congratulations for being featured on the CITY & BEACH INTERNATIONAL BEST DRESSED LIST 2025! Which fashion designers are your favourites, past and/or present?”
CRQ: “Back in my fashion days, I would have dropped a plethora of big established brands, and even though I still do love a D&G and a quirky print for Royal Ascot, I’m a huge fan of smaller brands and high street names that combine practicality and comfort with fashion flair. For example, I love Racil, Boden, Wiggy Kit, Saloni, and Doen. I also love picking up unique pieces when I travel…”
C&B: “Who would you say are some of your biggest style inspirations?”
CRQ: “I don’t think I could name anyone in particular. I love to pull inspiration from retro comfort 90s mum fashion, but with a modern flair. I like to be my own inspiration for how I feel on that day…”
Ever since becoming a mum back in 2021, it’s been a style change for me – channelling the comfy yet smart style means I can run from a business meeting, to school pick-up and then directly on to an event!”
Charlotte Ricard-Quesado, Founder, La Fête
C&B: “Is there a particular piece that is your favourite in your wardrobe right now, and why?”
CRQ: “Yes – there is a dress that I had made by a Sevillana designer a few years ago, which is crafted from traditional Spanish shawls. I love it; it is unique, different, and very dear to my heart, as my husband is from Seville…”
C&B: “Wow – that sounds amazing and very unique. When you think back over the years, which outfit has been your favourite?”
CRQ: “This is such a hard question to answer! I’ve been so lucky to wear some amazing outfits over the years, both casual and more elegant. However, the one that probably has been my favourite was my wedding dress as it was a labour of love co-designed with a studio in Mumbai, India. The embroidery was bespoke and took nearly 6 months to create…”
C&B: “That sounds like a family heirloom! Besides your wedding, have you planned or attended an event recently that required you to wear something extra-special?”
CRQ: “Being a mum, I now have fewer opportunities to attend black-tie events. However, I do attend Royal Ascot every year, which I love! I always start planning my outfits at least eight months in advance. I also get to attend some amazing industry symposiums, which allows me to dress up then…”
C&B: “Royal Ascot is always such a fantastic social occasion. What are your must-have fashion accessories that you’d never leave home without?”
CRQ: “I’ve always been a massive fan of bags and shoes – they can make or break an outfit. It’s so important to have a great black bag and a pair of ultra comfy and glam heels. Absolute basics that everyone should have! Also, I always have a hair clip and lip balm in my bag…”
I’ve started being more conscious about sustainable fashion, and my response has been to purchase more second-hand and vintage items, as well as to sell or donate more pieces from my wardrobe. Regarding the children’s wardrobe, I’d estimate that 80% of what I buy for them consists of designer second-hand items; this offers a better price point and, considering the one year of use they typically get from these items, it is overall a more sensible choice. I then sell or donate these items…”
Charlotte Ricard-Quesado, Founder, La Fête
C&B: “How do you incorporate current fashion trends into your personal style?”
CRQ: “I like to pick-up on details, for example – how are shirt sleeves being styled, collars being worn, or is it that it’s all about big chunky necklaces? I love picking up on trends and translating them with items I already own that are timeless…”
C&B: “Yes, ‘timeless’ is a word that crops up often in our best dressed conversations! You’ve mentioned that you’re overseas quite regularly; can you share any tips for maintaining a stylish yet comfortable look when travelling?”
CRQ: “It really depends on how far I am traveling and the reasons for the trip. If it involves a flight longer than ten hours with two children under the age of four, then style goes out of the window; comfort takes precedence. In that case, I opt for a tracksuit. However, if I am traveling without children or the flight is less than four hours, I prefer to wear a comfortable pair of jeans, a good T-shirt, a cardigan, a smart pair of trainers, and a large holdall. During spring or autumn, I always include a large shawl or scarf that I can wrap around myself. I make an effort to travel in adaptable clothing suitable for changing climates, while also remaining practical…”
CHARLOTTE ON ROMANCE AND RINGS:
I notice that most engagements between couples tend to take place between December and March. Valentine’s Day is wedged in the middle, but I don’t think it is as much of a special date to propose as it once was. Those coming up value uniqueness and do not want to do everything the same way as previous generations…”
Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, La Fete
Jewellery serves as a quintessential accessory, effortlessly elevating the aesthetic of any outfit. Among the various adornments available, none is more emblematic of love and commitment than a diamond ring. Diamonds, with their unparalleled brilliance and enduring symbolism, have long been cherished as the ultimate expression of romance.
In this context, we turn to Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, founder of the distinguished luxury event company ‘La Fête’ who appears on the CITY & BEACH INTERNATIONAL BEST DRESSED LIST this year, to discuss the relationship between romance and the much-coveted diamond ring. Charlotte’s insights reflect not only the timeless allure of these exquisite pieces but also the emotional significance they hold in celebrating life’s most meaningful moments…
C&B: “Charlotte, a diamond ring has always been viewed as a symbol of true love and commitment; in your experience, how does that apply today?”
CRQ: “The ring is still an important symbol, however alternatives to the classical natural diamond (see Graff, below left) are emerging. Some of my clients now have man-made diamonds, which are sustainably made and sourced (see Astrea, below right). This choice means that the cost is lower for a bigger carat piece. More and more, both parties are involved in the choice of the final ring. Whether it’s because they initially propose with a simple eternity band, which will then have a jewel added later; or by shopping around beforehand and making their choice. There have been too many horror stories or partners adventuring too far and creating something unwearable…”
I always encourage my clients to do ‘them’ when it comes to their choice of ring and the of their engagement and wedding. I want their big day to be as true a reflection of them as a couple as possible. Whether it be a mix of their respective cultures, traditions or unique quirks that they may have…”
Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, La Fete
C&B: “Besides the ring and engagement itself, what do you think encapsulates romance for your clients?”
CRQ: “For many of my clients, romance is linked to memories they have forged together over the years of their relationship. Whether it’s a visit to a restaurant, a holiday, a park, or even a show they’ve attended together, it’s therefore normal to have nods throughout the wedding that refer back to these moments, destinations, and themes. For example, a wedding I planned last year featured food stations catered by several of the restaurants where the couple had memorable dates.”
C&B: “Thank you for your insights, Charlotte, and good luck with your nomination for Favourite Event Planner at the RSVP European, African & Asian Awards 2025 – we’re rooting for you!”
CONTACT: http://www.la-fete.com
