Interviews

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Five Minutes With // Daisy Knight

Friday, October 29th, 2010

Daisy Knights’ jewellery features miniature skull, shell, ball studded and feather designs in 22 karat gold vermeil, oxidised silver and sterling silver.

The skull pieces have a feminine endearing quality. The designer cites nature, punk and rock ’n’ roll as influences for her work.

She founded her line while studying at London’s renowned Central Saint Martins College. The pieces are handmade using ethically mined gold and recycled silver.

I was honoured to interview Daisy (as seen in image above0, on her work and the nuances in between.

1. Hi Daisy, thank you for the interview. What inspired you to start your label while at college?

I always knew I wanted to be a jewellery designer and make pieces that were wearable and affordable, so I just decided to get on with it while I was at college and started my company in my spare time! I also wanted to have more than just my Central Saint Martin’s education when I got out of college; I wanted to have more of a stamp on the industry than just being a graduate. Paul & Joe were one of the first to sell my jewellery while I was still studying, and dealing with retailers in a business situation was a huge education for me too!


Daisy Knights Gold Vermeil studded wrap ring

2. Who is the Daisy Knights girl?

She is intelligent, strong, independent but also feminine, not afraid to mix metals and makes every look her own

3. If my readers were to purchase one piece from your collection which would you suggest?

The feather ring (from the Lornie collection) is my signature piece that sums up the Daisy Knights woman


Daisy Knights Oxidised Silver feather ring

4. If you were not a jewellery designer you would be?

I would probably be a sailor. But I have wanted to be a jewellery designer since I was 11, and in my heart I always knew it would happen so I didn’t really leave any other options open!

5. One great jewellery tip?

Don’t abide by ‘rules’ when wearing jewellery, go ahead and mix metals (gold & silver) and wear as much as you want! I always wear a tonne of jewellery when going through airport security and when I surf, I don’t think there is an inappropriate time to layer it up!

6. Why skulls?

The skull collection is inspired and named after my friend from Central Saint Martin’s, Kim. She was a bit of a punk but is so beautiful and delicate. Her hair is always a different colour, sometimes shaved, but she always maintained a really lady-like attitude which I love! so I designed some really girly but not kitsch skulls.


Daisy Knights Gold Vermeil skull bracelet

7. When you are not designing jewellery you can be found?
With my boyfriend and our dog Ace Ventura Pet Detective (ace for short) at home in the Cotswolds or most likely in the pub, either the Falcon in Poulton or the Village Pub in Barnsley

8. Which celebrities would you like to see in your pieces?
I don’t really design my pieces with celebrities in mind, but I’m lucky enough to have some very stylish ladies as fans. An early fan of mine was Lady Amanda Harlech, who works closely with Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. Since then Alexa Chung, Daisy Lowe and Poppy Delevigne have all bought pieces. It’s exciting when someone who’s style I admire wears my jewellery.

9. One random thing from your week?

My boyfriend just booked us a holiday to Cuba!


Daisy Knights Gold Vermeil antler necklace

10. The first piece of jewellery you ever designed was?

I made a ring for my friend Katie for her 13th birthday, it was a ring with a little silver flower on. She had to have it removed from her finger in the emergency room as it was so small for her, but she still has it today!

12. If your house was on fire, which jewellery piece would you save and why?

My grandmothers wedding ring that I always wear, my mother (Lornie) gave it to me for my 21st, it is my most precious piece of jewellery to me. I would also grab my dog and my favourite Mattthew Williamson dress!

13. Daisy Knights’s jewellery is synonymous with?

Nothing, there isn’t anything like Daisy Knights jewellery, its unique!


Daisy Knights tie bracelet with sterling silver skull

Click here for the Daisy Knights collection.

Kind thanks to Daisy.

All images courtesy of Daisy Knights.

Share

Tags: ,
Posted in Interviews | 3 Comments »

Focus On // Postcards From The Edge Of The Catwalk By Iain R Webb

Monday, October 25th, 2010


Cover Image taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R. Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

Iain R Webb’s ‘Postcards From The Edge Of The Catwalk’ is a personal photographic portfolio that spans 30 years of iconic catwalk moments and all the glamorous uproar surrounding it.
A collection of intimate images taken by Webb, from the front row at couture and ready to wear shows, memories captured at hard to access fashion events and all the glitter of the fashion world.

I reviewed the 272 page book in my ‘On the Coffee Table’ segment here.

I was honoured to interview fashion journalist and lecturer, Iain R Webb (as featured in below image) whose career has including working as fashion editor at The Times, ELLE and Blitz.


Photo of Iain R Webb. Photography by Iain R Webb. Courtesy of Iain R Webb.

1. Hello Iain, thank you for taking the time out to grant this interview. ‘Postcards from the edge of the catwalk’ takes its reader beyond the velvet rope at hard to access ready to wear and couture shows across a span of 3 decades. What gave you the presence of mind to capture these wonderful and many never seen before images?

Hello Marian. Thanx for inviting me to talk about my new book. To tell the truth the book is a bit of a happy accident. I never imagined this kind of outcome when I was snapping away at the shows. I have always taken photographs – at the collections, on fashion shoots and at parties – as a kind of visual diary I guess. It was a way of documenting the weird and wonderful situations that I was lucky to find myself in as fashion editor of Blitz, The Times and Elle magazine. Some of these photographs were occasionally published over the years.


Images taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R. Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

2. How did your personal portfolio of the fleeting magic of the catwalk turn into this must have book?

‘Must have’. I like that. While I was working on my last book ‘Foale and Tuffin. The Sixties. A Decade in Fashion’, I pitched the idea of a postcard-style photo book to my commissioning editor Matthew Freedman at ACC Publishing Group. The format was inspired by the way I had the photographs processed at Snappy Snaps. They would be printed like holiday snaps and I would make little photocopy layouts. I wanted the book to show some of the wonderful moments I have experienced. Luckily Matthew and his team were equally excited by the project.


Images taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R. Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

3. What was the process of compiling it like for you?

The hardest thing for me was deciding what would go into the book. I am a habitual hoarder so my archive of source material is vast – I have hung onto all sorts of odds and sods picked up along the way from invitations and notes from designers to shoot schedules and sketchbooks stashed away in folders, boxes and suitcases. They aren’t particularly organised either although this is something I am now trying to sort out. So, at first I had to locate photos that I knew I had, unearth negatives for prints that remained hidden and then go about identifying designers, locations and seasons. I kept increasing the number of photographs I wanted to include and fortunately my publisher was happy to up the page count. But I still had to edit at least half of my original selection. I am happy with the final edit but I am still finding photos that I wish I could have included!


Images taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R. Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

4. Your book captures some of the most important moments in fashion, what are your favourite images in it?

This changes all the time. I like different pictures for different reasons. I really like the straightforward nature of many of the portraits – the lucky one-in-a-million shot of Gwyneth Paltrow at the Gaultier show (page 58) or the happy-snap mood of Isabella Blow sparkling in iceberg size jewels (page 35). I really like the more obscure images of the catwalk shows – the picture of a model exiting Yves Saint Laurent’s catwalk, in her beaded lace and pink feather hat she merges into the floral bower decorating the stage (page 237), the line-up of McQueen models on page 235 or Jacquetta’s legs at Helmut Lang (page 46 as seen below). I also love the Gaultier cowboys on page 160. That was a WILD (West) show!


Images taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R.Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

5. Seeing that the images span 30 years of fashion change and evolution, would it be fair to say it was a photographic document of fashion history?

Gosh, that makes it sound a bit grand! The book definitely documents a part of the fashion experience – the craziness that surrounds the international collections. And I suppose it is a personal history.


Images taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R. Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

6. How are you hoping for the book to be received by the fashion industry and fashion enthusiasts at large?

I am thrilled with how people have already responded so warmly to my book. It has received great coverage in the press and there have been some very enthusiastic reviews. One reviewer said a more appropriate title for the book might be ‘A Love Letter from the Edge of the Catwalk’. I really like that. I would like to think that it is an affectionate reminder for those who were there and hopefully an inspiration for those who were not.


Images taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R.Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

7. What do you think constitutes to making a memorable catwalk show experience?

A lot of people think that a memorable catwalk moment must mean a big bells-and-whistles production. While I have adored the shows of Galliano and McQueen and Mugler and Kenzo before them (and count myself lucky to have seen such amazing staging free of charge!) I also believe that a low-key presentation can be equally compelling. Rei Kawakubo sometimes shows her Comme des Garcons collections in complete silence. Sometimes the over-emphasis on hair, make-up, accessories and staging can detract from the frocks (the designers intention?!!). When designers get it right the production is an extended narrative that showcases their wonderful frocks. But small and quiet can be more beautiful. And the flick of a models wrist or the drape of a neckline can be equally memorable.


Images taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R. Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

8. What is your most treasured catwalk/backstage memory to date and why?

Goodness, there have been so many! Fashion is very subjective. I guess I treasure the more intimate things. From Art School onwards I have been incredibly lucky to meet so many fabulous people who share the same fascination with frocks. Getting to know people whose work I admire – designers, writers, photographers, etc – has been a real gift.


Images taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R. Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

9. The photo captions truly bring each image to life. How did you go about writing these?

What surprised me most was how I could almost instantly recognise a dress from twenty odd years ago especially considering how many dresses I must have seen during my career. I used my show notebooks and PR contacts to confirm dates and also referred to magazines and websites to double-check. At times it was like an Agatha Christie mystery. Indeed there are a couple of photographs that have no captions because no matter how I tried I could not discover the designer, date or location. I love the Index section – it looks like a book in its own right. Simon Cryer of Northbank Design who designed the book did a brilliant job with the layouts.


Images taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R. Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

10. One reason why ‘Postcards from the edge of the catwalk’ is a must for every coffee table?
For anyone who is a fashion freak like me, it’s the perfect Christmas gift!
Thanx
Iain x


Photography by Iain R Webb. Courtesy of Iain R Webb.

Postcards From The Edge Of The Catwalk By Iain R Webb is published by ACC Editions, priced £24.95 and available from all good bookshops and online at www.accpublishinggroup.com

More information on the book here.

Images taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R.Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

Share

Tags: ,
Posted in Interviews | 5 Comments »

Focus On // A Life At The Airport: A Heathrow Photographer By Dennis Stone

Thursday, October 21st, 2010


Dennis Stone. Courtesy of Dennis Stone.

With a foreword from Sir Richard Branson, A Life At The Airport: A Heathrow Photographer’ by Dennis Stone is photographic look back at Stone’s 64 year career at Heathrow, specifically 40 of those spent as residential photographer.

The book sees a rare collection of the travels of the world’s most recognised personalities and celebrities as captured by Stone with footnotes. Over the course of his work as Heathrow’s longest serving resident photographer, he has captured the portraits of everyone from the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Elton John, the Beatles, Muhammad Beatles, Prince, the late Princess Diana, Sonny & Cher, the late Princess Grace of Monaco, Eddie Murphy, Nelson Mandela, Britt Ekland, the Rolling Stones to much more.

I was honoured to interview Dennis Stone on his book and remarkable career.

1. Hello Dennis, it is an honour to speak to you with reference to your book. How did the book come about?

“I’ve wanted to publish my photos for a while – if only to show my children and grandchildren what I’ve done all these years. I was talking about my idea with a few people from Heathrow and the ball started rolling from there.”


Brad Pitt. Photography by Dennis Stone. Courtesy of Dennis Stone.

2. There is a heartfelt foreword by Richard Branson. How did this come about?

“I’ve known Richard through the job for almost 20 years now and he’s become a firm friend. As has his family who often join him for inaugural flights. Richard’s mum, Eve Branson, who is featured in the book was one of the first people I sent the book too.”

3. You have captured hundreds of images over your career of some of the biggest icons of fashion, film, music and sport. One of my favourite photos in ’A Life At The Airport: A Heathrow Photographer’ is the one of the Queen’s dogs disembarking from the plane ahead of the Queen. Which celebrities have been your most memorable subjects to shoot and why? What is your favourite image?

“I am very fond of my plane pictures – particularly those of Concorde – but probably my most memorable photo was taken on an inaugural Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas. Most of the press were either drinking or sound asleep, but I decided to have some fun. I asked a stewardess who always looks after Eve Branson, Richard’s mum, whether she had a spare uniform. Eve used to be a stewardess on British South American Airlines when they flew Lancastrians. I said, ‘Eve, why don’t you put on a red uniform and become a stewardess on your son’s aeroplane?’ She liked that idea, so she got ready and went downstairs and got in position. Richard was sat in economy as he often does, nattering to one of his managers. Eve came down to wait on him and said, ‘Excuse me sir, would you like a drink?’ He went, ‘Oh!’ He laughed and said, ‘Thank you Dennis that was rather nice’.”


Photography by Dennis Stone. Courtesy of Dennis Stone.

4. How did you settle on the final line-up of photos to include in the book?

“I have taken thousands of photographs at Heathrow so it was very hard to choose which pictures would make the cut! The ones in the book are only a handful of my favourites and were chosen together with Heathrow.”


Paul McCartney and family. Photography by Dennis Stone. Courtesy of Dennis Stone.

5. Long before society’s obsession with celebrity and the rise of reality TV, you had privileged close access to celebrities. How has the current obsession with fame affected your work over the years?

“There has always been an interest in celebrities – I remember when thousands of fans came down to Heathrow just to see David Cassidy – but it has definitely become more intrusive. I try to stay away from this. My privileged access to the comings and goings of celebrities is in more demand than ever but I have never succumbed to keyhole journalism. I guess this is why over the years a number of the celebrities I have photographed have become friends. Joan Collins always sends me a Christmas card every year! I think she likes the fact that I am one of the few people older than her! I used to play squash with Tommy Steele and often shared the odd drink with the likes of Peter O’Toole, Oliver Reed and Richard Branson – the latter on numerous glamorous promotional trips overseas. Liz Taylor is just wonderful too. I’ve photographed her so many times that I promised to take her out for her favourite meal of sausage and mash, then take her on an open-top bus round London because she’d never done that. It’s our joke. Liz would always do a great model pose for me, looking very glamorous.”


Joan Collins. Photography by Dennis Stone. Courtesy of Dennis Stone.


Elizabeth Taylor. Photography by Dennis Stone. Courtesy of Dennis Stone.

6. Each photo has the story behind how it was captured. With such a long successful career and a multitude of photos taken at the airport, how do you still remember the story behind each image?

“It’s getting harder but I often get asked to talk about the stories behind my photos so it’s amazing how they stick! I’m also lucky to have captured some pretty amazing people and moments which are difficult to forget.”


The Spice Girls. Photography by Dennis Stone. Courtesy of Dennis Stone.

7. Over the period of your tenure, you have had insights to the most interesting celebrity moments. Which would you say has been the most random?

“One of the most random photographs I captured was of Robbie Williams wearing a plastic mask at Heathrow, which looked very strange. He’s always awkward with press but it made a good photo though and everyone wanted it.”

8. August 12th 2011 will mark the 65th mark of working at Heathrow airport and your 79th birthday. What has inspired such a longstanding career?

“I’m someone who likes to be busy so it’s hard to walk away from a job which I see less as work and more as a passion. It’s allowed me to capture such unique moments and events – few people are lucky enough to have a job like this so I guess I’ve never wanted to let it go!”


Clint Eastwood. Photography by Dennis Stone. Courtesy of Dennis Stone.

9. Finally, how will you like for ’A Life At The Airport: A Heathrow Photographer’ to be received?

“I am absolutely amazed at the response to my photos and the book. I am often asked about the celebrities I have met but I had no idea people would be so interested in my career. It has been a real honour to share my stories and photographs with passengers.”


Photography by Dennis Stone. Courtesy of Dennis Stone.

‘A Life At The Airport: A Heathrow Photographer’ By Dennis Stone is published by BAA Airports Limited,

More information on the book here.

Photography by Dennis Stone. Courtesy of Dennis Stone.

Share

Tags: , ,
Posted in Interviews | 8 Comments »

Five Minutes With // Skye And Charlotte Of Kitch & Honey

Friday, October 15th, 2010

As a fashion stylist/editor and a personal stylist to celebrities, I spend a lot of time liaising with fashion PR companies. The relationship between journalists/stylist and PR is very much symbiotic. I have been known to call many a PR contact at unheard hours when styling emergencies crop up. New boutique PR company, Kitch & Honey was recently founded by Charlotte Strodl and Skye Harrison(pictured above right and left respectively).

I interviewed the two on how Kitch & Honey PR came about, the clients, the story behind that hip name (how cool is Kitch & Honey?), their party tricks and all the nuances in between.

1. Hi Skye & Charlie! What is the story behind Kitch & Honey PR?

Hi! So the story of Kitch & Honey. Well we met each other while we were both working at Mission Media in the fashion team. It is where we became the blonde duo of PR, championing old school PR rules of being constantly on the phone, churning out the coverage and making best friends with journalists. In this time that we both launched Oli.co.uk and Astley Clarke jewellery together and worked on celebrity fashion campaign Visa Swap with Lindsay Lohan. Skye then left to join specialist fashion PR agency Snow PR to look after accounts such as PPQ and Olivia Rubin and Charlotte stayed to take over the fashion division where she looked after Jigsaw and The Shop at Bluebird.

We had talked about owning our own agency for years but were too busy with our jobs to even fathom putting it together. One night over a bottle of wine we decided to do it. We started having conversations and talking to small brands who didn’t have PR. In July, Charlotte left Mission Media to set up the company with three clients under her belt, clothing brand Misticon owned by friend Charlotte Dutton, Body London, a modeling agency owned by a girl she went to school with and Bellinski, a swimwear company owned by a friend of a friend.

She rented a desk from a friend in Jermyn Street and was helped by an intern to set everything up. In September, after fashion week was over, Skye left Snow and joined Kitch & Honey full time. We have now got twelve fantastic fashion clients, our own office in Oxford Street equipped with showroom, three staff members and a team puppy, Barley.

2. Great company name by the way! How did you come up with it?

One of our best friends is a fashion editor so we went to her for advice on the company name. There are a lot of PR companies nowadays so we wanted something really unique and original. After brainstorming we realised that the two PR agency names we really liked were named after condiments so we knew we had to throw a condiment into the mix. We also wanted something fashiony in there and we landed on Kitcsh after much thought and deliberation. We decided to put both names together as it seemed like the spirit of the times, think Marina & The Diamond, Florence & The Machine. So we ended up with Kitsch & Honey. We looked at it and Kitsch seemed a little bit obvious. We googled Kitsch and we found that in the Urban Dictionary Kitch without the ‘s’ meant ‘cooler than cool’. So there we had it, Kitch & Honey.

3. Who are your clients and what makes you stand out from other PR companies?

Our clients are:
Charlotte Taylor
Hemyca
Florence B
Elvira Sazesh
Stephen Einhorn
Misticon
Connected Generation
The Trouser Room
Katherine Thomas
Bellinski Bikinis
Body London

We are different from other PR companies because we are taking it back to basics. We believe in old school PR methods where the PR’s are best friends with the journalists and can call them up and chat with as friends as well as for work. We believe in phones over emails, regular showroom appointments throughout the week, regular coffees and catch ups and we always make sure we are on the pulse of what is going on in the media and where our clients fit in. We feel that too many PR agencies rely on emails and are too behind the scenes to really get under the skin of individual journalists. We also strongly believe in hard coverage results over lengthy reports and admin.

4. One random thing from each of your month’s so far?

Charlotte – Natasha Beddingfield telling me I had really nice hair at the LFW Kristian Aadnevik fashion show before running her hand through it and getting her nail caught in a tiny dread-lock at the back of my head. Cringe!

Skye – Picking up my McQueen handbag on the way out to a meeting, then realising that the puppy had crawled inside and fallen asleep in it, not before eating a new business pitch document, who says dogs don’t eat homework!

5. Which designers are you coveting lately?

Charlotte – The Anya Hindmarch is never far from my arm

Skye – The McQueen is handy right now with puppy bowls and blankets – glam uh!?

6. What is your party trick?

Charlotte – Balancing on one foot in a six inch Louboutin whilst downing a glass of champagne

7. Kitch & Honey in five years?

A big agency with a boutique feel. Lots of fabulous fashion clients, an amazing office with a huge showroom and lots of lovely employees

8. Last thing you tweeted?

Welcome to Account Executives Verity (formerly of Warehouse) and Hannah (Formerly of Iroquois) and Intern Lucy (Formerly of Mission)

9. Are you a heels or bag girl?

Charlotte – Heels all the way!!
Skye – Toughy – buy too many of both but to keep the man in my life happy has to be heels!

10. Kitch & Honey in five words?

Coverage is our currency, yes!

Follow Kitch & Honey on Twitter here.

Photo Credit: Skye Harrison and Charlotte Strodl.

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Interviews | 3 Comments »

Focus On // Isabella Blow By Martina Rink

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010


Photo Credit: Isabella Blow by Martina Rink book cover. Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

Isabella Blow was a style icon, international magazine editor, former assistant to Anna Wintour and noted style muse to Philip Treacy.

She is credited for discovering and nurturing talent near and wide, such as the likes of the late Alexander McQueen, Sophie Dahl, Hussein Chalayan and Philip Treacy etc.

The fashion industry and the world at large lost this shining, enigmatic talent, incredible eye, arbiter of style and natural mentor when she tragically committed suicide in 2007.


Photo Credit: Martina Rink. Image by Billa Baldwin

Till her death, her personal assistant was Martina Rink, as pictured above. Martina met Isabella at the Savoia in Milan and is now the fashion director of Mode Magazine. She is a style consultant and also founded Fashion Spotlight, an agency based in Berlin.

This month, the much anticipated book, Isabella Blow by Martina Rink, as published by Thames & Hudson (image of cover as seen above in first image) was launched to good reviews.

The hardcover book pays homage to Blow through a collection of letters by her closest family, friends including some of the biggest names in fashion such as Manolo Blahnik and Mario Testino. With foreword by beloved milliner, Philip Treacy, the book also includes images by the worlds most renowned photographers.

Rink’s book also features a transcript of the speech Anna Wintour gave at Blow’s funeral in 2007.

With these contributions from the people who loved and knew her best, the book by Rink comes across as it were written by them all as a collective.

I was honoured to interview Martina Rink with reference to the book that celebrates Blow. Please read on for her incredibly honest and insightful answers.

1. Hello Martina, Thank you for the honour of this interview. I attended the recent London launch of your book, ‘Isabella Blow’. You worked as personal assistant to the late Isabella Blow till her tragic passing. What inspired you to write your book now?

Hello Marian, I hope you had a good time at our book launch? I remember Issy wishing and stating several times to be remembered as an icon, therefore it has been logic to go and do the book in this particular way.


Photo Credit: Martina Rink. Image by Billa Baldwin

2. Isabella Blow was truly a remarkable person. Seeing that she inspired and nurtured talent abound, how did you go about deciding what contributors and memories to include in the book?

I have kept collecting and then selected the most sincere and most beautiful contributions with a small circle of Issy’s closest friends and family.


Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

3. What are your favourite contributions/letters in the book?

ALL, each complements the other, however it is a huge honour to have Philip contributed with the foreword .

4. Would you call the book a living tribute to her?

YES of course, and it is very educational for all kids outs there who are crazy for McQueen, but piss their pants when one asks if they ever heard the name Issy Blow.

5. How important was it for you, to set the tone of the book?

I had the idea, mission and vision, the book itself developed thanks to Paul Sloman & Philip what it is today. You know when you have so many amazing people contributing it can only be a success to work as a team and listen to each individual’s wishes and try to find a middle way to make the best for all involved.

6. What was the process of compiling it like personally for you?

Therapy, it helped me to understand Issy much better and why she has decided to go, I feel I am closer than ever to her these days!

7. On the cover is a stunning image of Isabella looking like a magnificent bird of prey by Donald McPherson. How did you settle on this as your cover image?

I must confess this has not been my personal first choice, but I got outnumbered so I went along with it, and I am so happy I did, I love it, the more I look at it the more I get thrilled about it, it is so powerful and that’s so ISABELLA BLOW > POWERFUL !

8. What are your thoughts on the other recently launched, books on Isabella?

I have heard about Lauren’s that it is meant to be really funny , and I only judge once I read all books , as I would not like people to talk about my book without actually reading it. Detmar (Detmar Blow was Isabella Blow’s husband) and myself started around the same time for our book research, he wished me well and has been kind ever since which I am grateful for. I am reading BLOW by BLOW at the moment, so you have to ask me more about this in a couple of days.


Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

9. How will you like for this book to be received?

I already received to me the most important feedback. The family, all her friends, the press and even people who doubted it in the beginning are all pleased which is pretty surreal and of course my publisher they are very delighted with the outcome and they have been a great support, but last and not least my wonderful family, friends and team they are really amazed and we all enjoy this wonderful achievement together.


Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

10. Did the fashion and creative industries grasp how inspiring and unique Isabella truly was?

No, this is why I did this book!!! I always felt that it is a crime if the world does not know Isabella Blow for what she has actually given to our world and the huge impact she had!


Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

Isabella Blow by Martina Rink is published by Thames & Hudson, priced £29.95 and available from all major bookshops.

More information on the book here.

Many kind thanks to Martina Rink.

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Interviews | 8 Comments »

Focus On // Style BooK: Fashionable Inspirations By Elizabeth Walker

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010


Cover image of Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations by Elizabeth Walker.

Yves Saint Laurent once famously stated that Fashion fades but style is eternal.

The new must have book, Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations by Elizabeth Walker, clearly reiterates that style is far more than seasonal trends and fashion.

Walker’s book consists of over 400 images as accompanied with captions, that span across the scope of street style, the everyday, film sets etc.

This a spell binding and thought provoking book of contrasts. Think photographs from different fashion eras and decades side by side with those of notable figures, the exotic and unexpected.

Ever since I received Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations I have not been able to put it down. It is one part, style inspiration and one part, uncanny social documentation.

Elizabeth Walker’s inspiring background includes working at Harpers & Queen, the Times, Saturday Telegraph, Sunday Times. She also worked as Executive Fashion and Beauty Editor on Marie Claire.

She currently works as a freelance fashion consultant and writer.

I was honoured to meet and interview her about her new book.


Elizabeth Walker. Image courtesy of Elizabeth Walker.

1. It is an honour to interview you today. The book is wonderfully compelling. I think it is a bit like a fashion and social document as it were. What was your inspiration to compile it?

Well I hope so. What I really hope is that it is not just for fashion folks, which is what I said before. It is for people, anything and the pictures and through that came a bit of social documentation because when you see the change of the figure, which is fascinating. What people perceived in the twenties and thirties to be a fit body, we would not perceive that at all. Shape has just absolutely changed and also the clothes too, like women in swimming costumes, the advent of Lycra and all that sort of thing.

I think what we tried to do was do a real juxtaposition; I think most spreads work well in that way. We tried to mix men and women well together, not in all cases, but certainly from different countries and generations. We also tried; I think which I succeeded about eighty percent in showing pictures people have not seen before. It is quite funny though; there is a marvellous picture of either Portuguese or Spanish fisherman in a suit and to my horror in Selfridge’s book shop the other day and it has been used on the cover of a cook book. I had never seen it before. So in most cases there will pictures people have not seen, particularly the cover with Jackie O, and I have more books on her than you have had hot dinners.

So that is what we tried to do.

Also, we tried to keep it at a price, where you could give to a girlfriend as a present without actually breaking the bank.


Photo Credit – Getty Images

2. In the book you cover everything from exoticism to denim. How did you decide what sections to feature within the book?

Well at one stage, we were going to do two books in a box set, one on men and one on women but I didn’t really think that would be interesting enough or work as well. So I did not want to do things like, so yes we have the section called ‘Button Up’ which is largely suiting but I did not want to make it too fussy and scare the people who were not in fashion. I wanted to make it a bit more general than that and so that is how I came up with these sorts of sections and hopefully that works.


Photo Credit – Getty Images

3. How did you pick the images, I think you have such a wonderful eye?

Well, I started life as a graphic designer, so I have always loved pictures. I have also always had a personal passion for paintings and things too. So from my art director type head, I have always loved photographs and I mean I think we are just short of 500 images as there are 450 images in this book. If you imagine we probably printed out about twice that amount (I’m guessing) and we’d go through them going love it, love it… hate it, not sure. Then every time we looked at it we’d condense it.

Then I decided where I was going to put them and there was one section we called ‘All in one’. Which was quite contemporary as there are a lot of all in one jumpsuits on the catwalk anyway and at one stage, I didn’t think I had enough images because when you look closely at some of these images, they weren’t actually all in ones. There is one in there of Diana Ross in stripes and I am still not convinced that she is in an all in one. I think she has got on trousers and a top that may look like an all in one. It was such a great stripy picture that I thought, it could pass.


Photo Credit – Getty Images

4. What do you think makes a great image?

I think it is one that you really remember. For instance, that image of the New Look skirt that was photographed in the boulevard in Paris that is such a memorable image. There are ones in my mind stick out, probably for colour, Rod Stewart with a girlfriend. I cannot remember which girlfriend it was with in the most revolting yellow satin, he was in tartan. You won’t forget this when you see this as there was argyle, yellow and tartan.

In contrast to that you have got the, which is one of the first pictures is a Sheikh Army camp and it is in the Indian army. He is totally in national dress, the turban and khakis and you know everything else but he is in tartan and it is so bizarre. You think how come this Northern Indian is dressed up in head to toe tartan. It is just bizarre and I don’t think he was with the Scottish regiment or anything. It made no sense.

It is pictures you remember, be it that it is a marvellous image or just fascinating.


Photo Credit – Getty Images

5. My favourite image is the cover image of Jackie O. How did you decide to make that specific image the cover?

I was quite certain about it, various people suggested otherwise and I just said no. What I did not want to do was put a Jackie O image that everyone would know. On the back there is the contrast, you have a young boy from Darfur and in those days it was really quite unusual for them to wear American style clothes and again in my mind the contrast of those two cover images, sum up the contrast of what is inside. So we have an unknown but stylish young man, celeb, contrast. We have done (it is quite funny really) a Spanish edition and they wanted different covers and on the front and they would not be budged about this, they chose a picture of Marilyn Monroe. I had no objection to that but I found about six images of Marilyn Monroe that I had never seen before but off course they chose one that people will know.


Photo Credit – Getty Images

6. How are you hoping for the book to be received?

Well I hope that it is received well. I was very nervous because you have to get the quotes of certain people on the back and I was told I had to ask them as I know them but I was too embarrassed. I was so thrilled that the first person to reply, literally about half an hour, the post arrived was David Bailey who I used to work with in the early eighties.


Photo Credit – Getty Images

7. Are we to expect more books from you?

My publisher wants me to do another book. I don’t know about doing an actual second volume but it will probably be on some sort of style. Someone suggested one on accessories but because I now know the image library pretty well, I don’t think there is enough accessory images to merit a book so I am tossing ideas around.


Photo Credit – Getty Images

Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations by Liz Walker is published by Endeavour London, priced £20 and available from 14th September at all major bookshops.

Images are used with kind courtesy of Getty Images.

Kind thanks and regards to Elizabeth Walker for granting the interview.

Share

Tags: , ,
Posted in Interviews | 16 Comments »

My London Fashion Week // Jeff Garner

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Jeff Garner is the owner and designer of Prophetik, an eco fashion label. Read on for how he us preparing for London Fashion Week and his tips for getting through it.

Name: Jeff Garner

Occupation:

Owner & Designer of eco fashion label, Prophetik

My Personal Style in 5 Words:

Renaissance, Romantic, Idealistic, Southern, Poet

1. Two things that are absolute musts in your bag for fashion week?

Tape measure, seam ripper, leather journal and pen, and iPhone – in Prophetik iPhone case.

2. Three things that you are doing to prep for fashion week?

Sleeping 2 hours a night, writing poetry, learning the Dirty Dancing choreography and horseback riding.

3. One reason why London Fashion week is amazing?

The creative energy that consumes the air where artists reign and muses delight.

4. Your fail safe tip for getting through the hectic back to back show schedule?

Açaí (the antioxidant energising berry from the Amazon), cappuccino, and my PR Courtney Blackman leading me around like a baffled deer.

5. High heels or flats at fashion week?

I gave up my heels years ago…now I only wear riding boots so I can jump on a horse in Hyde Park at a moments notice.

6. One outfit you will be wearing at fashion week?

My new silk bloomer shorts with riding boots, Muse jacket and a silk, plant-dyed scarf ­all Prophetik.

Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

I am enamoured by his description of his personal style. I like the idea of him wearing the bloomers and riding boots at fashion week! How very distinguished. I will have to keep an eye out for him.

Like him, I will be stocking up on Açaí, in the form of smoothies and juice. to keep my energy levels up.

Follow Prophetik on Twitter here.

Visit the Prophetik site here.

Kind regards to Jeff Garner and Courtney Blackman.

Catch up on the series here.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jeff Garner.

Share

Tags: , ,
Posted in Interviews | 3 Comments »

Diary // Zara Martin Exclusive LA Diary

Friday, August 27th, 2010

TV presenter, Actress and Model, Zara Martin is making a name for herself with her smoldering screen siren looks, talent and presence. She also know has incredible taste in heels.

Grazia magazine online recently heralded her as one to watch. She is also featured in their current Back To Cool print issue. Fashion Week will see a capsule collection that she designed with BodyAmr shown as part of their line up, come September. She will also be hosting the catwalk shows at London Fashion Weekend.

I was honoured when she agreed to document a business trip to LA for me.

It is a delight to share her diary of her trip with you. It made for a fabulous read and know you will enjoy it too.

Day 1

I have arrived in LA, which I always forget is one of the most casual places on earth. So obviously I decide to wear a long, bright green BODYAMR dress to blend in. I went to Il Pastaio, my favourite Italian restaurant, for dinner with a friend. Mmm…pasta and jet lag…

Day 2

After a full day of meetings I’m feeling (and looking) a bit disheveled. Ok fine, a lot disheveled. We stopped off at The Crescent for a much needed vodka-based drink – it’s where this picture was taken. My outfit, which seemed to have confused a few Hollywood types, consisted of high waisted floral TOPSHOP shorts, VINTAGE chiffon cropped top, CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA black and white heels and a vintage CHANEL bag. Oh, and red
lips!

DAY 3

It’s the weekend! How convenient. I’m big time into art so I took the opportunity to go to and see the Nancy Rubins exhibition at the very impressive Gagosian Gallery on Camden Drive in Beverly Hills. As I was walking around (yes, I said walking…Shocker!…In LA that’s a massive faux pas) I stumbled across the amazing Lazarides pop-up gallery on Beverly Drive (Steve Lazarides is the art dealer/manager known for giving Banksy’s career a helping hand). I was generally blown away but I particularly fell in love with the works they had on display by artist Antony Micallef…he’s my new obsession.

DAY 4

Today is maintenance day. First stop, I dropped in to see David at CT Nails on Santa Monica Blvd, who is ‘the shit’. This is what he calls himself. And this is what he did to me…Leopard print! He knows me well… Next up, MyBlow LA (yeah I can’t say it without laughing either) for some hair action with Remy AKA the world’s best blow dry.

But now I’ve got the hair and nails did I need to go out! So I grabbed my friend and casting director Tamara-Lee Notcutt (who we can all thank for the fine ab selection in 300 ) and we went to Soho House – hands down the most beautiful venue in LA. We spotted David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay having a bite, and then spent way too long in the amazing photo-booth-room. Just your average Sunday night…

DAY 5

After work work work, I was invited to the Dodgers game. Baseball? Nuff said.

DAY 6

I had the pleasure of meeting with MHA media today, one of the foremost fashion PR firms based in LA. Apart from discussing my upcoming capsule collection with BodyAmr (exciting!), I also managed to have some fun trying on all their clothes. Here I am in a BODYAMR one legged catsuit. Meaow.

Day 7

Another great day of TV meetings, but I’m definitely delirious by the point i took this picture with fashion photographer and founder of Showmeyourwardrobe.com , Jackie Dixon. Gotta love The Hoff. Or not. I’m wearing black studded leather mini skirt by TOPSHOP, white lace TOPSHOP socks, SALT VALLEY men’s denim shirt, fuchsia BALENCIAGA bag and MECHANTE OF LONDON heels – who’s Spring/Summer 2011 campaign I just shot!

DAY 8

This was the day I had planned to lay poolside in my MYLA bikini bottoms and DOLCE & GABBANA top at The Thompson Hotel where I’ve been staying. However, Brandy and her VH1 reality show slightly hindered this plan.

DAY 9

I’m in LA for goodness sake! How can I not squeeze in a spot of pre-work stuff shopping? That’s me in ZAC POSEN and VINTAGE sunnies [picture 1, 3rd row]. I kind of felt like I was cheating on my RAY BAN’s though – I haven’t taken them off my face since I got them! Tried to remember how to play Bullshit (card game) later that day, and failed. Bullshit.

DAY 10

Before heading off for work related matters came my second attempt at making it to the pool, this time in a PISTOL PANTIES gingham swimsuit, TOPSHOP heart print shorts and CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA leopard print raffia shoes. I’m print-tastic today.

DAY 11

Quick tan top-up in REFORMED shorts, VINTAGE belt and SOLUDOS espadrilles [picture 4, 3rd row] before flight. Bye bye LA, it’s been emotional.

I could happily read her diary over and over. How fantastic was it? Even though she was on a business trip, she still had a memorable time. From famous celebrity spottings, having the blow dry that ends all others to taking in some the Lazarides pop up gallery.

I think Zara looks great in all the images. Her wardrobe was enchanting! I am particularly taken with all the prints. I love the image of her trying on that one leg BodyAmr catsuit. She totally exudes raw vixen. There is something about her that is reminiscent of Sophia Loren meets Marion Cotillard.

I think I may just have to take her lead and try a leopard print manicure. Such a fun way to get in on the animal print trend.

I love Zara’s exclusive LA diary. Keeping her talent in mind, I concur with Grazia that she is one to watch.

For more on Zara Martin, read her blog here.

Follow her on Twitter here.

Many kind thanks to the lovely Zara.

Catch up on the Diary series here.

Share

Tags: , ,
Posted in Interviews | 11 Comments »

24 Hours In The Life // Zanele Kumalo

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010


Photo Credit: Zanele Kumalo

Zanele Kumalo is the amazing Beauty Editor of Marie Claire South Africa. Her work is an inspiration. I was honoured when she agreed to document a day in her busy life for the 24 Hours In The Life series.

Do read on for her day.

8:03

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Zanele Kumalo.

I wake up with a start when I hear someone leaving the complex. My Blackberry has died – screen is frozen and I can’t switch it on or off. I was supposed to wake up an hour ago! The day begins on a rushed note. It takes me an hour to get ready as I have to wash, blow and flatiron my hair because I’m meeting new clients today. Normally I would have just twisted my hair into an updo. I don’t usually have breakfast so skip it as normal. I only get hungry around 10am.

9:30
I race to the PR agency who organized both myself and the fashion director two new Blackberries. My cellphone provider has given me a long story about how it will take 10 working days to fix, and that they can’t give me a loan phone while they do so. I cannot function sans mobile when I spend a large part of my day out of the office. They come to my rescue and I set up my phone at every red light. I’m finally connected again and hoping no one has tried to get hold of me in the last hour.

10:14
I arrive at the Westcliff on time. They’ve asked us to arrive 15 minutes before the start of our scheduled interview with the doyenne herself, Essie Weingarten who creates all those fabulous bottles of nail colour. Only a few publications have been granted interviews so I’m lucky and I get to experience the new resort collection and anti-ageing hand treatment range a few hours before the other beauty eds. The colours are going to be perfect for my upcoming trip to Croatia. I catch up with the PR lady, a really sweet women, but all I can think is I wish I’d had time to paint my nails. I would have chosen my current favourite from the brand – Neo-Whimsical – a pinkish lilac.

10:28

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Zanele Kumalo.

I finally meet Essie, after months of anticipation and have a moment of panic when I can’t find a pen. She’s beautiful, engaging and very savvy and we chat about fashion, colours and groomed hands. I’m glad my nails are bare though as chipped nail polish would have been unforgivable.

11:00
My half hour interview is up and I have 30 minutes before my next meeting. I’ve decided to conduct all my morning meetings at the beautiful hotel. It’s one of my favourite places in the city because the views overlooking the Zoo and Jozi’s leafy suburbs are spectacular. Even in winter. You can see trees up until the horizon. I’m tempted to lock myself into a bathroom and play with the new colours but I know I’ll make a mess of it.

11:27
A skincare range, developed by an infamous surgeon is being launched in SA and they’re talking to Marie Claire about it first. We all love a scoop. Sipping on sparkling water, out in the sun at a table by the pool, makes for an incredible setting. Marie Claire is an easy sell so I keep it simple and we’re both excited about upcoming opportunities. The guy to my left is very cute, and straight. I’m surprised because the industry is largely female with a few gay men. I’m single so that’s the only relevance.

12:45
A large group of beauty eds and salon owners settle down to lunch. One colleague who I consider a friend, has just come back from a 20 day trip to Italy and France and I’m dying to hear how it was, particularly Milan where I visited a few months ago. We chat for a bit over a Chardonnay but have to postpone the conversation to a weekend catch-up. Essie is going to be unveiling what I’ve already been privy to but I don’t mind. She’s eloquent and I hear a little more about what makes her tick. She crawls into our hearts when she says that South Africa has been one of the best places she has ever visited and I’m super happy that she’s enjoying the World Cup. The buzz here has been historic. We have a lovely starter of butternut soup followed by Kingklip and risotto. Nice and light.

14:38
I have to rush off to do a radio interview and we both sneak out while Essie is talking. It’s rude but I can’t be late for my next appointment. And we both have all the info already.

15:01
I arrive at the broadcaster and am told at reception that the ladies I was supposed to be meeting, have left for the day. Usually I would have been quite angry but after a glass of wine and a lovely day at the Westcliff, I’m in no mood to pick a fight.

15:42


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Zanele Kumalo.

I arrive back at the office and show the ed, fashion director and assistant ed the colours. They all pick a different colour, which expresses their personalities perfectly but I let them know, they’ll have to wait til I get back from Cape Town after shooting them for the next issue. I have to add a few more colours to my mood board to reflect these new pastels. I explore one of my cupboards to see what else I can include as part of an upcoming story.

17:27
I get home with just enough time to finally give myself a mani before meeting a friend for drinks at the nearby Hyde Park Hotel. It’s my favourite bar in Jozi – our slice of Manhattan. Quiet, chic and unpretentious and I never seem to wakeup with a hangover after.

20:21
The day ends as I look at my diary to see what’s planned for tomorrow. I fly to Cape Town and have a function in the evening. On a boat, with a nautical dress code. Exciting. Can’t wait to sample the new fragrance they’ll be launching. Will definitely be glamorous.

22:30
After packing my bags, reading a chapter of a neglected novel (due to the World Cup) and watching a bit of television, I put my lights out. Early to bed, early to rise.

I am honoured that Zanele agreed to document a day in her life. It was such a joy to read. I absolutely loved her day. Being a nail varnish enthusiast myself, I think it is amazing that she met and interviewed Essie Weingarten.

Zanele’s day was as busy as expected for a beauty editor. I adore that despite its pace, she still managed to have drinks with a friend at the end of it all.

It is clearly evident that she is passionate about her job, Marie Claire SA and works incredibly hard.

I am sure her trip, the following day to Capetown, for the event on the boat went well. Functions with dress codes are always fun!

Visit the Marie Claire SA site here.

Many kind thanks and regards to Zanele.

Read all the other fabulous features in the 24 Hours in the Life series here.

Share

Tags: ,
Posted in Interviews | 13 Comments »

My London Fashion Week // Hannah White

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Today brings a new installment in the My London Fashion Week series.

Name: Hannah White.

Occupation

Account manager for Fashion Monitor

My personal style in 5 words

Eclectic, vintage inspired, glam, classic, bold.

1. Two Absolute musts for your bag during LFW?

My Blackberry to keep an eye on Twitter and my camera to capture those special glimpses of LFW!

2. Three things you are doing to prep for LFW?

- Arranging to catch up with clients that will be attending the shows and exhibition

- Setting up collaborations with key industry figures

- Picking out shows that I want to attend

3. One reason why LFW is amazing?

Every day is different, it is amazing just to people watch in and around Somerset House I absolutely love the outfits that some people rock out! The Off Schedule shows provide the opportunity to have an insight into the emerging designers – they always give me inspiration.

4. Your fail proof tip for getting through back to back show schedule?

Use Fashion Monitor to begin planning your schedule we have all of the On and Off schedule shows as well as the after parties listed allowing you to work out which shows you want to attend avoiding any clashes! – - look out for our LFW micro site on FashionMonitor.Com

5. High Heels or flats at fashion week?

Definitely heels! I don’t feel dressed up enough in flats, LFW is a chance to be glam so I take advantage of that.

6. One outfit you will be wearing for LFW?

I will be wearing my playsuit with my grey platforms at some point! I am also secretly hoping it will be cold one day so that I can bring out the thigh high leather boots as well :)

Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

I am not a fan of the cold but for Hannah, I am hoping it is cold enough for her to pull out those thigh high boots too! A girl who shares my views on heels, is a girl I can bond with.

Her answer to the fail safe tip to getting through fashion week is fantastic as Fashion Monitor is such an essential resource.

Follow Hannah on Twitter here.

Visit the Fashion Monitor site here.

Kind regards to Hannah.

Catch up on the series here.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hannah White.

Share

Tags:
Posted in Interviews | 6 Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »