Glamour, compassion, and a touch of Shoreditch sparkle at 45 London
By Steven Smith https://www.veganwomensclub.com/pricing
Founder And Director
@
Viva!
Glitz and glamour poured into Shoreditch on a rain-soaked Saturday night as 2Shades Magazine joined the celebration for the official launch of the Women’s Vegan Club at the ultra-chic 45 London Despite the downpour, nothing could dampen the excitement as guests in sequins, faux fur, and high spirits gathered to raise a glass — or rather, a coconut-rimmed cocktail — to compassion, community, and cruelty-free living.
The event wasn’t just for women — men were warmly welcomed too — but it was very much a celebration of female empowerment and ethical entrepreneurship. The room shimmered with warmth and laughter as founders, patrons, and supporters mingled over divine canapés and cocktails, united by one shared passion: veganism.
In a world where being vegan can still attract raised eyebrows or outright discrimination — whether in the workplace, at the dinner table, or even in friendships — the Women’s Vegan Club has created a space where compassion is something to be proud of. This is a club about inclusion, not exclusion, and about supporting each other in living authentically and kindly.
And what a line-up of women at its helm. Three of my favourite ladies are involved — one as an ambassador and two as co-founders — each an inspiring powerhouse in her own right.
Model, vegan activist, and lifelong animal rights advocate Victoria Featherstone Pearce is the embodiment of grace and grit. Best known for her tireless campaigning and for co-owning K-9 Angels, a charity dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs worldwide, Victoria has been a compassionate force for change in the animal welfare movement. As a VegfestUK blogger and campaigner for both PETA and Animal Aid, she has fronted numerous awareness initiatives encouraging a kinder lifestyle. A devoted mum to her seven rescue dogs, Victoria’s dream is to one day open her own animal sanctuary — a place where every creature has a home and a second chance. Her work reflects a lifetime of dedication to animal welfare and her belief that kindness should be the foundation of everything we do.
The other visionary behind the Women’s Vegan Club is Karin Ridgers, an award-winning entrepreneur, broadcaster, and vegan advocate of more than 30 years. Karin is the founder of MAD-Promotions PR and the creative force behind VeggieVision TV, an online platform championing vegan businesses and ethical living. Her energy is infectious, her passion unshakable. Karin has long been recognised for her dynamic public speaking and unwavering support for cruelty-free campaigns. Through her work, she continues to inspire and connect people across generations, proving that compassion and confidence go hand in hand. When Karin took the stage later that evening, her speech was electric — part rally cry, part love letter to the movement. Her words reminded us that veganism isn’t a passing trend, but a moral choice and a lifestyle built on empathy. As I watched her speak, I couldn’t help thinking she should be in Parliament — we need voices like hers there.
Representing the club as its ambassador is Wendy Turner Webster, a beloved British television presenter and producer best known for hosting the long-running UK show Pet Rescue. An award-winning animal rights campaigner, Wendy has dedicated much of her life to championing the ethical treatment of animals, both on-screen and behind the scenes. Her work spans decades of advocacy — from campaigning for cruelty-free beauty to promoting vegan living through her media appearances. Her passion is as genuine as her warmth, making her a perfect fit for a club that’s about real change, not just polished image.
Now, full disclosure — I’m not entirely vegan… yet. One of my best friends in Dubai is, and when I stay with her, I become a temporary convert. And I have to admit, I love it. So, as someone who flits between plant-based and pescatarian, I was fascinated to see how this night would blend style and ethics.
From the moment I arrived, it was clear this was no ordinary launch. Guests were greeted with a warming vegan ginger and rum cocktail — the perfect remedy for a chilly London evening. The canapés were works of art: the standout being a delicate broccoli and black garlic bite that I’m still thinking about days later. The atmosphere was buzzing yet intimate. The crowd was a lively mix of media personalities, campaigners, and creatives — the kind of people who make you believe that small changes can truly change the world.
Victoria’s speech was heartfelt and deeply moving. I’ve known her since our days moving in the same media circles, and what has always struck me about her is her honesty and kindness. Hearing her speak about her personal journey into veganism — the challenges, the triumphs, and the quiet conviction behind her choices — left more than a few misty eyes in the room. Then came Karin’s rousing address — part Emmeline Pankhurst, part stand-up charm — reminding everyone that activism can be elegant, and leadership can be laced with humour. https://www.veganwomensclub.com/pricing
And then came a surprise highlight: an impromptu speech by Great British Bake Off’s own Freya Cox. Funny, humble, and full of life, Freya had the audience roaring with laughter — and soon queueing eagerly for a slice of the vegan cake she had created especially for the night. In true showbiz fashion, the cake even matched Victoria’s gown — a dazzling touch of edible couture. Imagine the jam roly-poly of your schooldays, only reinvented as a masterpiece of modern vegan patisserie.
But it wasn’t all “let’s hear it for the girls.” Victoria’s dashing husband, Stephen Pearce, added his own twist to the evening’s delights by introducing his line of vegan honey — made not from bees, but from pine needles. The taste was rich, aromatic, and unexpectedly moreish. As Dr Anna Kennedy OBE declared while snapping up a pot, “Just wonderful!” (Watch this space for more on that.) Stephen also unveiled a range of mouth-watering vegan cheeses that had even the most sceptical guests going back for seconds
The party carried on late into the evening, the room shimmering with the glow of good company and shared purpose. People danced, laughed, swapped numbers, and made plans for collaborations and causes. What united everyone there wasn’t just veganism — it was the belief that kindness, creativity, and community can coexist beautifully.
There was even an amazing musical moment with Annette Wardell who flew in from Italy for the occasion https://www.instagram.com/annette.wardell23?igsh=czlwZmw0Zmo1bWRp
By the end of the night, it was clear that the Women’s Vegan Club isn’t just a social group — it’s a movement. A space where women can support one another, promote sustainable change, and still look absolutely fabulous while doing it. As I left, rain still falling softly on the cobbles of Shoreditch, I couldn’t help but smile. Compassion has never looked so glamorous.
Follow the Women’s Vegan Club https://www.veganwomensclub.com Steven’s Note: 2Shades Magazine celebrates women who lead with purpose, style, and heart — those who use their voice to make the world a kinder, brighter, and more inclusive place
The event was sponsored by https://www.instagram.com/damapreziosaofficial?igsh=aG52OGJiZjZ2cTg%3D
2Shades Magazine 