Fashion has never been much of an issue at the Hay-on-Wye annual literary festival. Given the choice, it was highbrow over high heels, book worms over chic lit. Visitors don their wellies and comfy sweaters to mingle with an intellectual bunch, ranging from Al Gore to Zadie Smith. No Gucci or Prada required.

That was until this year’s Hay. The weeklong event, which attracts around 60,000 visitors per year, is as important for the literary cognoscenti, as it is for the movers and shakers of the fashion and art worlds. Recognising this, Harper’s Bazaar threw a glamorous event in on Saturday, choosing an exquisite country estate as its venue. The glamour continued well into the early hours when 43 South Molton, London’s private members’ club for the creative community, welcomed fashionable visitors to its Hay quarters for an evening of music, art and yes, fashion.

There were no Birkenstocks spotted, just an occasional pair of wellies. But at least they were worn with skinny jeans. The Hay Festival runs until 4 June. Go to www.hayfestival.co.uk for more information.