Extract

Chapter One

 

The first of Svetlana’s new outfits for Spring:

Dress in vibrant purple, green and white (Pucci)
Wide green suede belt (Pucci)
Purple boots with rapier heels (Manolo)
White cashmere coat (Maxmara)
Green handbag (Chloe)
Total est. cost: £2,800

‘Sexy, but ladylike’

 

Annie Valentine, senior personal shopper at the five floors of London retail heaven, called The Store (because less is oh-so-much-much-more) watched Svetlana Wisneski emerge from behind the fuchsia velvet curtain of the changing room. The silk jersey dress clung to the curves of the billionaire’s wife and, in three-inch heels, she towered like a blonde superhuman.

The effect was breathtaking, but Annie, who always exceeded her monthly commission targets and almost always scooped the 10% bonus for highest overall sales figures, immediately read the slightly dissatisfied look across her VIP client’s high-cheekboned, high-maintenance face.

‘Not working for you, darlin’?’ Annie asked, ‘Not channelling Spring, lambs frolicking, Easter bonnets or April in Paris?’

Svetlana shook her head gravely.

‘Never mind… have no fear… we will find it for you here…’ Annie sing-songed, flicking at speed through a rail packed with sensational dresses – Chloe, Missoni, Temperley, Gucci, Versace -  many so new in they were not yet out of their plastic wrappers. She pulled out another stunning day dress and offered: ‘Mmmm… how about Pucci? This could be delicious.’