Team these lace-up brogues with a cute floral dress and denim jacket or off-duty denim skinnies, a casual blazer and an across-the-body bag for a chic downtown look. £25 at Marks and Spencer.
This month’s London Design Festival (Saturday 18th to Sunday 26th September) is gearing up to be one of the biggest ones yet. Tom Dixon is taking over the dock at Portobello, Audi are creating a design installation in Trafalgar Square and Aram on Kean Street, W1, are putting on an exhibition of the much-revered work of Ineke Hans. She has worked for everyone from Arco (creating the Fly chair, above) to Cappellini, and of her design process, she says “there is an unbearable lightness to my decision making and I follow my heart.” Sounds sweet, and we really like this shade of blue.
Buying gifts for men is always hard – they usually have everything, including the socks you already got them last year. But if he’s a bit of booze hound, you could do worse than this surprisingly sexy wine stopper and pourer, £15 each from Normann Copenhagen. Bet he hasn’t got one already.
OK so we might be copying C.R.A.F.T. Denim fan Kate Moss just a little bit but what are style icons for? And, besides, C.R.A.F.T. (Can’t Remember A F*cking Thing)have gone mad for it with a host of covetable styles that extend far from the tight stove pipe Nervous Breakdown skinny they initially became well-known for. Head to Glassworks Studio or Harvey Nichols to cop your fill.
I have a friend who knew Banksy “back in the day.” He went round her house, graffitied her walls and then she moved out and they got painted over. Understandably, she’s now really upset. The next best thing, perhaps, is this bespoke Cherry Blossom wall sticker, from £900 from Graffiti Interiors, which definitely takes its inspiration from everyone’s favourite guerrilla artist – and is probably only a fraction of the price an original Banksy will now set you back.
Fragrance buffs will be hot-footing it to Harrods next month to gen up on perfume through the decades at the luxury department store’s The Perfume Diaries exhibition. This brand new exhibition, celebrating the past, present and future of the scent industry, runs from 2nd September to 2nd October, and chronicles the story of perfume from ancient times through to modern day and beyond. Curated by fragrance authority Roja Dove, it’s the first major perfume exhibition for around 30 years.
StyleJunkee was lucky enough to grab 10 minutes with Adriana Wheatley, co-founder of soon-to-be-launching Youngbritishdesigners.com. With this all-singing, all-dancing e-commerce site showcasing the work of a bevy of brilliant, young, emerging Brit designers launching during the week commencing 6th September, Adriana has her finger firmly fixed on the UK fashion pulse…
How did Youngbritishdesigners.com come about? Young British Designers is the brainchild of my partner Stuart and I. The idea was sparked by Stuart witnessing how much passion existed for young African designers during one of his fashion shoots to Cape Town in 2008. These formative thoughts and Stuart’s passion for great design, coupled with my love of British fashion and entrepreneurialism, lead us to wonder about developing a forum to promote young British talent. Together we explored various avenues and approached the other co-founders Debra and Julian for advice and support. Debra – a lifelong fashionista and successful businesswoman – and Julian – who was tiring of a corporate career and looking for the opportunity to develop a brand new kind of business – were fascinated and soon became completely committed to helping to making Young British Designers a reality.
What’s the premise behind the site?
A shared interest in design, in encouraging naïve talent, and in beautiful things. The YBD mantra is to “put young British design talent on the world stage”. We aim to make YBD more than merely a retail experience and we really do want to encourage new design talent. We hope that, through being the natural first home for designers who would otherwise struggle to find their own platform, we will catalyze the emergence of new generations of wonderful British designers.
Have you had outside investment to set it up?
No. The investments have all been made from our own resources.
How did you choose which designers to represent? And how many of them will there be by launch date?
There wasn’t any science behind this. London Fashion Week in February 2010 was full of amazing designs and wonderful talent, so we chose the designers that really moved us; it was that simple. It’s wonderful that emerging designers are approaching us and joining us on a daily basis. Our A/W 2010 collection will comprise 35 designers, with around 40 by Christmas.
What sort of prices will pieces range from?
Our prices range from £39 for an Ada Zanditon t-shirt, up to £2,300 for a hand-dyed, silk Felicity Brown dress.
Lucinda Dress by Minna Hepburn, available at Youngbritishdesigners.com
How long in the making has the site been?
About six months to date. We have very high ambitions to deliver a superb customer experience within an intriguing brand environment, so both functionality and the creative look and feel of the site are equally important. We took the decision very early on to develop the site from scratch ourselves, rather than to adapt a proprietary retail framework site. The YBD website is uniquely ours and we’re really proud of it. We think it has an edge that sets it apart and it’s uniquely British. The full site launches in a few weeks and in the meantime Youngbritishdesigners.com gives a flavour of where we’re going.
Are there any designers you’re particularly excited about having signed up?
We feel very privileged to work with all of the designers we have signed up. We are particularly over the moon with signing up Felicity Brown, as we are one of four exclusive stockists for her coveted first collection of sensational silk dresses! We spotted her on one of the first days of Vauxhall Fashion Scout back in February and fell in love with her collection straight away. Since VFS she has gone on to be awarded the BFC NEWGEN sponsorship for S/S11, which is a fantastic achievement in such a short time.
Jiwon Ree for Jas M.B. Altuiiq Hood with Viking Wong Baseball Tee, available at Youngbritishdesigners.com
You’re going to be selling the hotly-tipped Charlotte Taylor’s pieces – how did you get her and how is she to work with?
Charlotte is an absolute pleasure to work with and the epitome of professionalism. Again, we discovered her collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout – we couldn’t have walked past those adorable penguins! Charlotte was delighted to hear that we were interested as she loved the concept of Young British Designers.
The idea behind Youngbritishdesigners.com is so cool – it’s a wonder no one else has launched a site like it. Why do you think that is?
We don’t know; we too were surprised nobody had thought of it before as well! On the face of it this was a brave decision, after all most of the designers are unknown, or at least relatively so – and most businesses are intrinsically risk averse, particularly in this day and age. We don’t see it that way though– we believe the talents of our designers will speak for themselves; our first collection is utterly amazing and in a number of cases we are privileged Young British Designers will be sole stockists, so we will be offering our customers something wonderful – and something largely unique.
Aside from your site, what other ways do you think we could be using to nurture our home-grown talent?
The educational establishments and the British Fashion Council provide a very fine base for the training and encouragement of new design talent, as do celebrities and our brilliant fashion media. In our view the importance of the UK’s blogging community cannot be over estimated.
How important do you think young British designers are on a global scale?
When news leaked that Felicity Brown was ‘in the house’ at Paris Fashion Week, the entire world’s press flocked into the tiny kitchen space they had been allocated. British fashion always causes a storm at New York Fashion week. What more can we say?
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt so far in setting up Youngbritishdesigners.com?
The pool of young British design talent is much deeper than even we thought possible.
What is your greatest fear?
That we sell out in week one, given that we are not dealing in the mass market here – our products are painstakingly created in low numbers and not easily and quickly reproduced.
What’s your vision for the future for Youngbritishdesigners.com?
To continue to bring the wealth of young British talent to the world stage, enabling young British talent to thrive and grow.
Olivia Rubin Belle Dress in bug print, Swagga & Soul leather Jane Oversized Shirt and ISSI Volcano Kit Bag, available at Youngbritishdesigners.com
Click here to go to the Young British Designers site and check out the below launch ad for a video preview.
Not that eating cakes needs to be made any more fun than it already is, but Megan Herbert’s new cake and coffee stencils, £20, turn patisserie into works of art. We particularly love the rural scene – yes, now you really can be so hungry you could eat a horse.
We’ve waxed lyrical about lovely lifestyle brand Pedlars before, but their new stock means they deserve another mention. Particular favourites include this Locker Unit, £1,300, Tolix bedside table, £275, and Tolix bench, £145. They’ve put them all in their children’s section, but they’d easily add an instant hit of colour to any adult interior.
Forget Rodial’s Tummy Tuck, Boob Job, and Glamotox – £70 and more a pop is just too much – Maria Hatzistefanis who designed the luxury beauty brand is about to launch a cool, new, purse-friendly range of hero nip, tuck-style skincare products: Nip + Fab. Out on 27th September, NIP + FAB TUMMY FIX promises to tone those abs, while NIP + FAB DRY LEG FIX adds moisture to dry flaky legs, and NIP + FAB BUST FIX does all good things to one’s bosom area. There’s a shower fix, cellulite fix and more, and at prices starting from a meagre £8 it’s happy days all round.
Tapestry got a makeover last year with Liberty’s exhibition about cool and edgy crafts, and now the trend gets another boost with the launch of Komoko, and its hand-sewn fluoro cushions kits, from £50. They claim to be so easy that anyone can do them – why make do and mend when you can make one from scratch?
Numbering B-town glitterati such as Shilpa Shetty, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Kajol, Amrita Arora Ladhak and Malaika Arora Khan among her clients, Mallika Bhat is one of Indian cinema’s most-wanted make-up artists and something of a celebrity herself. We chatted to her about Bollywood’s a-list, her parents and, of course, make-up…
Mallika (second from left) with bridesmaids at actress Amrita Arora’s wedding
How did you first get into the beauty industry?
Ever since I can remember I always wanted to be a make-up artist. I was always fascinated with colours and the craft of transforming faces – not literally, but through enhancing one’s features. After graduating I moved to Los Angeles to study make-up and after that I came back to India and started working with make-up guru Cory Wallia. Ever since then I have never looked back and to date I have been doing make up for some of the world’s biggest stars.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration definitely comes from women from all around the world – not just the people I work with but people I would love to work with as well. I’ve gained most inspiration from Sonia Gandhi, Monica Bellucci and Sophia Loren. Saying that I don’t want to take away credit from the people I work with on a daily basis, including actresses such as Shilpa Shetty, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Kajol and sister duo Mallika Arora Khan and Amrita Arora Ladak.
Which celebrities and/or projects have you most enjoyed working with/on?
It’s simply too difficult to pick one out of all the projects I have worked on. For me each one was an experience that I shall cherish for the rest of my life. Recently I’ve worked on a couple of Bollywood films that were great. One was Anjaana Anjaani – which was shot in Las Vegas, Frisco-Texas and New York with Priyanka Chopra, and another was Kambhakt Ishq, which was shot in the US with Kareena Kapoor. With both I was given a lot of creative freedom and I really enjoyed being on the sets with the cast and crew.
Which make-up trends should we be coveting for autumn/winter?
For autumn/winter 2010, I would pick on unctuous deep and dark full-bodied shades to create high contrasts and high-impact effects. Striking high-precision eyeliner/kohl/mascara and luscious dark lips accent a perfect porcelain complexion. Shades like wine, hot pink and blood red are definitely going to make their presence felt. Light-catching metallic reflections, in warm shades of copper or pink gold, will also add a precious touch. The quintessential look of dark eyes and pale lips will remain popular, as will a deep and dense range of ink tones that evoke luxurious looks such as rich burgundy, leather and cigar tones, midnight blues and cocoa browns. Basically, it’s going to be a dark palette highlighted by pure earthy colors to add rhythm.
What’s your morning beauty/make-up routine?
I have always believed beauty is all about how you feel within. Therefore, my day starts with coconut water followed by a yoga session. Before stepping out I always use a sun-screen moisturiser to protect my skin from UV rays. As far as make-up is concerned, I hardly use anything on daily basis accept kohl in my eyes, which has been my trademark look forever, and probably some lip balm on my lips.
What make-up item(s) could you not be without?
Undoubtedly it would be my Pakistani Kohl, Lip Balm, Eye Lash Curlers, Mascara, Blusher and a lipstick. That covers just about everything and I doubt you would ever find me without any of this kit.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
There have been so many but one highlight would be the day I first got the opportunity to work with my favourite make-up artist and mentor, Cory Wallia. Another would be when I worked with Sridevi – one of the actresses I grew up watching on TV – for me this was a very humbling experience.
What do you owe to your parents?
I think I owe my entire life to them for bringing me up the way they have. The unconditional love they have showered on me. They allowed me to follow my dreams and they supported them whole-heartedly. They have been with me through all lows and highs, so it would be very inadequate to describe in words how much I owe them.
When are you happiest?
I think I am the happiest when I am doing make-up for someone, those 20-25 minutes during the application is pure bliss for me. It’s then that I feel so proud of who I am.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
To live each day as if it is your last. Also, someone once said that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
What is your greatest fear?
I guess this would be if I ever forgot how to do my job or no longer being able to do justice to my career.
Who are your heroes in life?
I have always had just one hero in my life and that has to be my father. He’s someone I have always looked up to. He has always looked after me and I love him very much.
What’s your best beauty tip?
My best beauty tip has to be well-shaped eyebrows. If you have well-groomed eyebrows half the battle is won, the rest is camouflaging and enhancing of your personal assets.
With much thanks to Nokia for organising this interview. The Nokia E72 is a handset designed for those who want to stay stylishly connected. It gives people access to email on the move, instant messaging and mobile internet – as well as much, much more.
The fact that traditional breakfast trays are no longer that common is, quite frankly, a crime. However, this modern update may see them come back, as the Pamper Tray, £370 from iwoodesign, has brackets to hold your laptop whilst you’re surfing the web in bed, as well as pockets for magazines and papers. Leave it lying around the house and if you’re really lucky perhaps someone will bring it in for you, with a glass of orange juice and plate of eggs.
Renowned party girl Jade Jagger is the Queen of all things Ibiza, but she somehow also manages to find the time to design interiors for Yoo and run her own shop selling her fashion and jewellery lines in Soho. Not content with using her downtime to soak up the Balearic sun, she will also be appearing with her Jezebel Sound System this Sunday at the Gallo Rosé party at Beach Blanket Babylon, as part of the Notting Hill Carnival. We caught up with her to find out exactly what is floating her luxury boat…
When did you last have a shopping splurge? What did you buy? I was in Paris during couture week and bought myself a gorgeous new Lanvin bag and some new shoes – I just can’t help myself in there.
How would you describe your style? I love to dress up differently every day. I would describe my style as playful.
What’s your beauty trend for this summer? Gold eye shadow always complements a healthy tan and, of course, lots of jewellery.
Who are your favourite designers? I make a lot of clothes for myself in India, but I also love all the classics; YSL, Lanvin, Chanel and, of course, a bit of Topshop and Zara.
Where do you get inspiration for your jewellery and fashion designs? I have a long-standing love affair with India. We have a beach house in the north of Goa, which is where I am at my happiest. I work there around two months of the year on my jewellery designs, and some of my clothes are embellished and embroidered in India
What’s your current soundtrack to the summer? Tinie Tempah, ‘Pass Out’.
What’s the best music to dance to? Nu Disco.
Any emerging talent we should listen out for? I love The Whip’s new album – it will be out soon.
What exciting things do Jezebel have planned for the rest of the summer? We are doing the Gallo Rosé and Beach Blanket Babylon Notting Hill Party on the Sunday of Bank Holiday weekend. We’ll then be back hosting nights in Ibiza.
What tunes will D.R.W be dropping at the Gallo Rosé and Beach Blanket Babylon beach party? The great thing about Dan’s sets is that they are always unpredictable. He definitely has a couple of signature tracks that he likes to drop but he likes to read the crowd and not play the same stuff each time, so your guess is as good as mine.
Jade Jagger and DJ D.R.W will be appearing with their Jezebel Sound System at the Gallo Rosé and Beach Blanket Babylon Notting Hill Party on Sunday 29th August. For more information see www.gallorose.co.uk
Chanel are upping the ante on the nail varnish cult bandwagon for autumn/winter by launching a military-inspired polish set. Les Khakis de Chanel, otherwise known as Chanel Khaki Collection, offers a muted colour palette rich with olive green, earthy brown, and dusty rose. Chanel Khaki Brun, Chanel Khaki Rose and Chanel Khaki Vert will be available from 10th September is department stores nationwide, including House of Fraser and John Lewis. Which one will you be plumping for first?
Giving someone a bunch of flowers is already a pretty good deed, but thanks to Project (Red) it’s now even more so. Yes, Bono’s favourite initiative, which channels its profits into Africa, has now launched its new Flowe(red) collection, with bouquets from £30. They’re all ethically sourced, and mostly come directly from smaller producers in Africa.
All pieces are from the brilliantly cheaps as chips Primark… And we’re already hankering after the aviator and fake-fur jacket. Oh and maybe the cute cream snood, leather look leggings and studded clutch too… well, just for good measure.
Fashionista anglophiles will be flocking in their masses to e-commerce site Young British Designers when it launches next month. The site’s founders are currently busying themselves with uploading 1,000 product images, ready to provide Britain’s brightest up-and-coming designers with a glorious, new, global stage for their work. Among the many fab labels the site will be touting is that of the multi-talented Finnish designer Minna Hepburn. Her dresses are to die for and feel utterly worthy to boot – they’re made only with vintage and sustainable material. See Minna’s transactional website here.
The above teaser trailer for the mini-movie/commercial for Gucci’s new fragrance – Guilty – is well worth checking out. Totally cool and oozing decadence, the whole video is impressive enough that it could be a movie trailer. And no, we can’t believe it either – there are actually trailers for commercials now!
Here’s another lovely little film from fashion and home catalogue label Toast. We love their collections and this intro to autumn/winter 2010/11 is beautifully styled and shot and just so evocative.
