At the cosy, Christmassy launch party for Markus Lupfer’s new range of accessories for Whistles last night, the man of the moment filled us in on all kinds of gossip.

Firstly, his recent royal connections, or the fact that Pippa Middleton was spotted last week in one of his dresses. ‘Yes I got really, really excited when I saw that picture of Pippa. She didn’t get it from us directly – there’s a fabulous boutique on the King’s Road called Austique, [that stock Markus Lupfer], so they have to take the credit on this occasion.'

The designer went on to comment that; 'I thought Pippa looked gorgeous in the dress, and it's great exposure for me – and something different from the usual person who wears my clothes.’

Will her sister Kate be the next to be spotted in a bit of the brand? ‘Well hopefully she will!’

We also wanted to get to the bottom of the canine jumpers Markus designed for the Whistles range – not usually a brand associated with pet-wear. Were they made with a particular pup in mind? ‘Yes. It was for Olivia [Palermo]’s dog. Jane [Shepherdson] also has a very cute dog – a miniature Schnauzer I think’

Aww. With the merchandise displayed temptingly under two fully decorated trees complete with festive gift boxes and wrapping paper, guests watched the video that accompanied the range – a slightly bonkers take on the avalanche of Christmas adverts we are sure to start enduring on TV soon, featuring Zoe Ball and Suki Waterhouse, among others.

On the subject of the film, we wondered if Markus had really wanted to be a movie director, since every collection he makes always comes complete with a video; ‘Well no. And yes. I just see it as another kind of creative outlet really. And the thing I've always been sure of is that I never wanted to make a fashion film like other films. I always want it to be funny, have a little story behind it and not take itself too seriously’

Now watch the film to see what Markus means when he says that . . .

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