From Runways to Bestsellers: A.N. Porter’s Journey as a Multifaceted Creative

By: Georgette Virgo

Many individuals are drawn to a singular passion, a calling that shapes their identity and defines their purpose. These individuals often excel in their chosen field, becoming masters of their craft, as if they were destined to follow this particular road from the beginning.

However, A.N. Porter defies this notion. As a U.K.-based writer, former model, emerging fashion icon, and entertainment producer, she is an artist who refuses to be confined to just one domain. For Porter, expression is not limited to the written word; it extends to the vibrant world of fashion, film, and event production. Each of these pursuits reflects who she is—an artist unafraid to express her mind and heart in different ways.

The Literary World of A.N. Porter

Porter’s debut novel, “Phantom Wedding,” brings a unique take to the psychological thriller genre. Her storytelling is known for its vivid and immersive narrative style, which draws readers into the unsettling world of Patsy, a young graduate working in music public relations navigating the eerie mysteries of her new North London flat. 

Inspired by one chilling incident in Porter’s north London apartment with two spectral figures, “Phantom Wedding” combines supernatural elements with a gripping exploration of fear and isolation. 

However, what distinguishes “Phantom Wedding” from other thrillers is Porter’s adeptness at blending traditional horror elements with profound socio-political commentary. A.N. Porter seamlessly delved into issues of colorism and racism, reflecting the real-world challenges faced by its protagonist. 

‘’Phantom Wedding” is thought-provoking, causing readers to process the world on a macro-level while being absorbed into the world of the characters,” A.N. Porter shares. 

Yet, the author’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. “Turning down publishing deals to self-publish was a risk, but it was important for me to see my vision through to the end,” Porter shares. However, that gamble has paid off, with the novel receiving good reviews from readers worldwide. 

After re-establishing her production company, Alison Naomi Entertainment (ANE), A.N. Porter explores producing events and films. She is working on the sequel and screenplay adaptation of “Phantom Wedding.” 

With her skills in event organizing, the author also produced the book’s launch, which was not just a traditional launch in a bookshop. Porter shares what the setup looks like. There was a champagne and canapés reception with celebrities, such as Levi Roots, Boney M, and Fashion Designer Hector Maclean, on the red carpet. It was an immersive production, a spectacle, with models and actors bringing the characters to life in the form of a wedding scene, standing outside in the street outside Bantof in Piccadilly in the form of tableaus. 

Two readings of the ‘Greg Yale’ section of the book from page 58 enabled Porter to capture the full attention of the guests, who were relaxed and consumed popcorn and vegan-friendly retro sweets. According to Porter, her guests said the moment was like being at the movies.

It was a fusion of fashion, glamour, and intrigue, with Porter conducting the dramatic scene from the book. In the future, Porter shares how ANE intends to develop this immersive concept further.

Fashion as an Art Form: Porter’s Signature Style

While many know A.N. Porter for her writing creativity, she is also celebrated for her distinctive sense of style. As an emerging style icon, her approach to fashion is an extension of her artistic expression. She sees clothing as a canvas to blend colour, eclectic fabrics, patterns, and textures. 

A.N. Porter shares that her wardrobe is a harmonious mix of haute couture designer fashion and high-street style, where pearls meet jumpers, and classic dresses are paired with edgy, street-style boots. She cherishes the fashion heirlooms given to her by her mother, Yvonne Faye Foley, such as her Karl Lagerfeld tapered-waisted jacket. Her love of fashion started when she was young when her mother would make her bespoke bottle green school uniform at The St. Marylebone CofE School in London when she became bored with the shop designs. Her fashion sense is daring and sophisticated, reflecting her love for brands like Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Miu Miu, Dior, and emerging British streetwear brands Jocarde, Melaninaire, and DenimreconLondon, which takes denim and reimagines it using textiles and interesting designs. Also, Kimonos by Olessia at Rai Kimonos are colourful and whimsical.

“Fashion can be fun, stylish, and sophisticated; it can be an extension of you – expressing yourself outwardly how you may be feeling within. It is a philosophy that I aim to embody through how I dress up,” A.N. Porter shares. 

One of Porter’s most iconic fashion moments is the creation of a wedding veil to symbolize her novel “Phantom Wedding.” This veil is more than just an accessory but a fusion of her literary and fashion passions, representing her ability to intertwine her diverse creative pursuits. 

Embodying her distinct style, A.N. Porter also enjoys being in front of the camera, relishing the opportunity to model for some of the industry’s top photographers. Her fashion journey is true to her versatility as a creative and shows that her sense of style is as multifaceted and dynamic as her career.

From One Fashion Expert to Another

Porter’s eye for fashion saw her work as a stylist on shoots and music videos while at university after being spotted by a photographer. It is also more than about building her wardrobe and spotting good emerging designers. She is deeply invested in the industry’s future and often scouts talent. 

Porter is particularly drawn to the innovation and style of the 2024 fashion graduates from Istituto Marangoni London, specifically designers such as Theo Moraes Garcia de Campos, Hityshi Dwarkanath, Anneka Taylor, Punn Viravaidhya, and Melania Meleloudi.

Porter explains that her support for these emerging artists stems from her desire to build a community of creatives who, like her, see fashion as a form of storytelling.

Collaboration is Key – Creative Journey that Inspires Others 

Porter’s multifaceted career in writing, music, fashion, and entertainment reflects her passion for what brings her joy and allows her to express her unique talents. Whether she is writing chilling narratives like “Phantom Wedding,” curating bold fashion ensembles or producing compelling events and films, each reflects her creative soul and the desire to explore and share her ideas with the world. 

Despite her achievements, A.N. Porter remains grounded and open to growth, acknowledging that there is still much to learn in these fields. She enjoys collaborating with other creatives. 

“London is bursting with talented business creatives,” Porter mentions. “There are great names such as Natalia Cassel from Cassel Consultancy, a powerhouse in PR, and top fashion photographers, such as Chris Davis, Vishnu Chettry (Vcmediaevents), Andrea Santoni, and Luana Radovic at Level 26 Studio, fashion videographer Giulio Sabia, catwalk model co-ordinator Omotayo Robin, fashion stylist Doris Adu, the team at Lazin magazine, including Patrycja (aka PLAY), Lucyna Altynska, an innovative, imaginative Lifestyle Editor, and AB Poeticframe, the Creative Director and Kostiantyn Lieontiev, the CEO of London Fashion Day, which happens on 2nd November and showcases emerging designers.”

Porter also mentions that Kostiantyn Lieontiev also runs Prominent, a magazine that showcases prominent people’s contemporary style. The author was featured on the cover of the Prominent 13 August 2024 issue.

Despite her multifaceted career, Porter enthusiastically embraces the journey. The author is glad to have the opportunity to do what she loves and to have a platform to express her true self without hesitation.