On Monday 8 November, we were delighted to hold a sparkling lunch celebrating the release of Dame Joan Collins’ latest memoir My Unapologetic Diaries, with an audience at London’s historic Fortnum and Mason.

The Hollywood legend and best-selling author spoke candidly about her years in Hollywood, raising children, marriage and even her little-known career as an interior decorator in her early 30s.

The event was raising funds for Wellbeing of Women’s research, education and advocacy work, with all profits from sales of My Unapologetic Diaries on the day going towards the charity.

Several high-profile guests were in attendance, including journalist, author and Wellbeing of Women Vice Chair Eve Pollard OBE, our supporter Carolyn Harris MP, who has been leading calls for greater support for menopause in the workplace, Lady Estelle Wolfson, Professor Roger Kirby, President of the Royal Society of Medicine, and Wellbeing of Women’s Honorary President Sir Marcus Setchell. Speeches were given by our Chair Prof Dame Lesley Regan and Chief Executive Janet Lindsay.

Speaking at the event, Dame Joan, said: “I am really pleased to be speaking about my life encounters and stories from over the years. It has been a great privilege to have met many wonderful people, and to have made countless fantastic friends. What better way to commemorate this than to share these experiences openly in my latest book and with this special audience here today.”

Reflecting on her years in Hollywood, Dame Joan added: “I’m a huge supporter of women. I consider myself an early feminist.”

Photograph: Sophie le Roux