Posts Tagged ‘Diary series’

Diary // Monki Store Launch Party Diary

Friday, March 9th, 2012

If you have been following the diary series, you know it usually takes you into the life of some of my favorite creative. Their diaries are usually documented over a trip, experience or frame of time.

It will now also take you into some of my experiences; events, trips and more.

First up is my time at the Monki Store launch party. Monki is a Scandinavian story concept brand launched in 2005, goes on to become an international chain in 2009 and open their first concession in Selfridges in December 2011.

The story based fashion concept brand speaks of Monki creatures, celebrating personal style and a mix of street style and a distinct Scandinavian minimalism.

I am invited to attend the launch of their first stand alone store in the UK on Carnaby Street.

Read on for my experience.

I get a lot of invites to events, so it is always nice if one stands out from the pack. This one from Monki is inviting me to their new store launch and is inspired by compasses, shipwrecked carousels and treasure. A theme that I noticed that their look book and The Travel Issue (current issue of the brand’s magazine) explores.

Would it not be fun if all maps were this pretty? It came with the compass inspired invite.

Last week I was invited by the brand to a gifting session. I pick these, some jewellery and a maxi white blouse. I like the proportions of the faux leather skirt. It is the print of the blouse that draws me to it. My one rule when it comes to clothes is really a question -Is it me and can I see myself wearing it more than once and liking it forever?

Today for the party I am wearing the print blouse and the racer circle skirt over a pair of MaxMara pants.

Next up I pile on my jewellery. The faux leather choker and bead necklace are courtesy of the Monki gifting session. There is something tribal but in a urban way that appeals to me. I think I am a product of those two worlds and unconsciously find myself being drawn to anything that combines the two successfully. I have been wearing them since the session.

Added to that mix is this gift from Silver Boleyn M necklace by fine jeweler Wendy Brandes. I have been wearing it constantly since I received it over New York Fashion Week. There is a delicate strength about it that resonates with me.

I add these two designs by Maria Francesca Pepe. The M necklace was a gift from the designer. I tend to wear both necklaces most of the time. I think our jewelry becomes our own little personal stamp or signet as it were, they end up sharing our journey.

My car is here so I quickly threw on some vintage shoes, wrap a scarf into a head wrap, spritz on some perfume, wear a bright orange lip and shrug on a coat.

I love Carnaby Street and find that the street sign always lifts my mood. There is so much creative history here and think Monki could not have picked a better street to have their first UK store on.

The first thing I spot when I get to the Monki store is this huge green Monki creature. It is right outside the store and it is huge. What a welcome! I’m realizing that graphics are central to the story based Monki approach.

Before I walk in I snap these onlookers who are peering into the store window with fascination. I am forever inspired by people watching. You can learn a lot by just stopping and watching people interact with others or with things.

I walk in and it is a Monki wonder world. Compasses, balloons of Monki creature friends and a huge carousel is upstairs. It is quite something. The little girl with the big imagination in me could have a lot of fun with it. The imagination is a powerful thing.

I am introduced to Monki’s head of marketing Nor Toma by the lovely Florence. It is a pleasure to meet her and I congratulate her and the brand on the new store. Here are Nor and I.

I go downstairs to get a drink and cannot help but take a photo. What a great turnout the launch has had.

If there are balloons to be found in a space, I will gravitate towards them!

I quite like how my orange lips bounce off the silver.If only I could take this wonder wall of round silver balloons with me home…

There is a sense of revelry in the air and treats being offered guests makes it feel like one big carnival meets happy fair.

These Monki creature balloons create a fun feeling of being watched. They are dotted all over the store.

I am a magazine head. Yes, there I said it. I picked up Monki’s current magazine edition, The Travel Issue at the gifting session and read it shortly afterwards. Nevertheless I find myself seeking a peek when I spot this display of them. It is a strong publication in the sense that captures a definitive feel of the brand while remaining aspirational.

All too soon and I have to dash off but what an experience it has been. Happy store launch Monki!

I leave but not before I take a shot with and of this happy Monki balloon sign. Like I said, If there are balloons to be had in a space, I will gravitate towards them…

More on Monki here.

Catch up on the diary series.

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Diary // Alistair Guy Exclusive LFW Autumn 2012 Menswear Diary

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012


Photo of Alistair Guy by Emanuele DAngelo for Livin Cool

I have longed liked the work of stylish and celebrated fashion and reportage photographer Alistair Guy. His clients include the likes of British Fashion Council and Jil Sander. His work has been featured in British Vogue, Vogue.com, Style.com, Vanity Fair, The Times, Wonderland Magazine to name a few.

I was so pleased when he kindly agreed to document a day in his life. He went one further and documented a diary (and what a memorable diary it truly is!) over the menswear autumn 2012 shows at London Fashion Week.

Read on for Alistair Guy’s LFW autumn winter 2012 menswear diary.

08:00


Image by Alistair Guy. Courtesy of Alistair Guy.

Alarm goes off and porridge for breakfast is in order for the start of the day!

08:30

Checked emails and blog…

09:00

After my shower I decided my outfit of the day based on my old 90′s New Balance grey and blue trainers which I adore! So I instinctively chose a Mr Start grey three piece suit (blue trousers to clash), light blue shirt and blue tie.

10:30

Met Oli Clutheth from Ben Sherman outside Somerset House and also bumped into Maurice from the Standard looking all so dapper.

10:45

Got photographed a lot outside before my first show.

11:30

Went to Christopher Shannon show, chatted to Chris Benns, stylist to Professor Green and then sat next to Susana Madsen, editor of Dansk magazine.

12:00

Met up again with Oli and had some tea in Covent Garden before next show…

12:30

Topman Design show and watched it from the balcony as turned up late as usually seated!

12:35


Image by Alistair Guy. Courtesy of Alistair Guy.

Afterwards bumped into the lovely Katy Lubin from Mr Porter who introduced me to her boys and their Jaguar.

12:45

Met my assistant Luke who joined me for some lunch in the BFC lounge.

13:30


Images by Alistair Guy. Courtesy of Alistair Guy.

Sat front row with Luke (see first image above) at the Lou Dalton show, I’m big fan of all of Village press who are all so lovely and always look after me! (See second image above)

13:45


Images by Alistair Guy. Courtesy of Alistair Guy.

Went to see Philip Start with Dan Rookwood, fashion editor of Men’s Health at his Mr Start presentation in the Portico Rooms, all looked so fine and cleanly put together as ever.

14:15


Image by Alistair Guy. Courtesy of Alistair Guy.

James Long show started with a speech introduced by Harold Tillman (see above) and Dylan Jones informed us about the next menswear fashion week in June, I can’t wait…

14:20

James Long show.

14:30


Image by Alistair Guy. Courtesy of Alistair Guy.

Went out into the courtyard of Somerset House and photographed again so returned in to the BFC lounge for some tea and cakes.

15:00

Chatted to David Gandy who is now working with the BFC on menswear fashion week.

15:30

Did an interview for Monocle Radio.

16:15


Images by Alistair Guy. Courtesy of Alistair Guy.

Oliver Spencer show and had a Casio G-Shock ‘Watch-Off’ with DJ/comedian Melvin Odoom.

Result was a draw as we were too well dressed to fight! Oliver’s show was my favourite of the day, a perfect balance of smart and casual (see second image above), also a lot of fantastic beards (see last photo)!

17:30


Image by Alistair Guy. Courtesy of Alistair Guy.

Met ex-model Didi Stoesell for drinks in Mark’s Bar downstairs in Hix.

19:00

Had drinks before James Small’s show, bumped into James Brown and Sacha Bailey, always well looked after by Fran Cutler…

19:30


Image by Alistair Guy. Courtesy of Alistair Guy.

Show started and the usual crowd cheering by Kate Moss and Jamie Hince began… It was styled by my friend Aimee Croysdill who did a great job.

19:45

Went for our regular post fashion week burger at Byron in Covent Garden, so delicious and well deserved!

21:00

Off to the Corinthia Hotel for James’ after party and joined Aimee and her new artist Yadi (signed to Warner). Danced the evening away to soul classics below the fashion film show starring the gorgeous Zara Martin who I recently shot for Elle magazine…

22:45


Image by Alistair Guy. Courtesy of Alistair Guy.

Visited Massimo’s restaurant and pretended to be a TV chef!

12:30

Left into the night with a lovely two blonde female escort…

0:200

Got into bed after emailing images to my lovely new client Joseph. Good night and thank you LFW until next season.

I thoroughly enjoyed Alistair’s diary and it was a reminder of inspiring menswear can be. It is no surprise that Alistair’s diary is brimming with visual inspiration. He is as dapper and well mannered as he is talented. I particularly like how varied his encounters are.

Follow his adventures via his blog and Twitter.

Kind thanks to lovely Alistair for documenting this diary.

Catch up on the diary series.

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Diary // Ama K. Abebrese Exclusive London & Milan Diary

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

Ama K. Abebrese is an award winning British TV presenter, actress and producer of Ghanaian origin. She is Africa’s Best Actress for 2011 for the continent;s version of the Oscars, Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

The formally trained actress and Media Arts and Drama graduate is steadily making a name for herself as she works with the best in African and International talent. Abebrese’s last two movies saw her partner with film maker, Leila Djansiof Turning Point Pictures (winner of the Pan African Film festival and BAFTA LA awards respectively).

In the first Djansi film, Sinking Sands, she plays an emotional lead female role alongside Hollywood based, Haitian actor, Jimmy Jean-Louis in male lead role. In the film she brings to life the story of Pabi, a woman whose life becomes an abuse and violence filled nightmare when her husband is disfigured in an accident. For this role, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress 2011.

The second collaboration with Djansi saw her work with Nigeria’s Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Hollywood actress, Kimberly Elise. The three lead actresses play three women from different works of life, bound to together by similar pain; the loss of a child. Entitled Ties that bind

Aside from her acting, the recent currently Ghana based, Screen Nation Award 2011 nominated actress, also produces.

I was honored when Ama agreed to document her recent weekend trip to London and Milan.

Day One

On the plane heading to London from Accra, Ghana. Goodbye Ghana, hello London.

Here I am on my street, on my first day back in London.

In between my jam packed schedule I stop to have red wine, gelato and a catchup session with fab Marian at Westfields Shopping Center.

The street becomes the catwalk? Fun impromptu posing in my cheerful Lulu & Red jacket.

Bump into two lovely fans as I dash to my next appointment. The girls are so sweet.

Day Two

Here I am at the airport, en route to Milan for business, shopping and site seeing. Who says pleasure and business cannot go hand in hand? Bye for now London.

Business done. I take in some sites at Duomo. Such incredible architecture.

Two words…Louis Vuitton. Another two words… shopping heaven.

Off to dinner in Milan.I am wearing a dress Maksi and a clutch Sa4a, both Ghanaian designers.

Time for dinner. Love Italian cuisine. Here I am posing with my Sa4a clutch.

Day Three

Football glam! I do the Ghana v Brazil game at Craven Cottage, Fulham with my sister and cousin. Go Ghana!

What stands out to me is, despite the fact that she is in three countries, in three days, she still makes the time for fun; gelato with me, football with her sister and cousin, a spontaneous posing session just because, connecting with excited fans who ran up to her screaming etc.

It goes to show that the actress, who is up for a Screen Nation Award, is always going to be the approachable and warm person I met years ago, however successful she becomes.

Follow her on Twitter here.

Vote for her for Best Actress in the Screen Nation Awards 2011 here.

Many kind thanks to Ama for documenting over such a busy weekend.

Catch up on the Diary series here.

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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.

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Diary // Susie Erskine’s New York City, The Hamptons & Palm Beach Florida Diary

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

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Susannah Erskine (as seen in the above image)is a Digital Strategist for fashion brands. She was part of the team that set up Fashionair and is currently working on some very exciting projects due to be revealed later this year.

She recently documented a diary of a trip to America which saw her spend time in New York, The Hamptons and Palm Beach in Florida. Read on for the latest in the diary series.

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Thursday 11.30pm
It is almost midnight in London on a grey rainy Thursday. My boyfriend and I suddenly decide that it is time to escape the rain and general miserableness of a country which is still experiencing winter in May, and make a spontaneous trip to one of our favorite places – America!

Thursday 11.37pm
The tickets are booked!

Saturday 8pm
Less than 48 hours later we arrive at JFK and drive out to The Hamptons for the weekend. My boyfriend makes his traditional pit-stop at a drive through McDonalds, and I discover that the Marni dress I am wearing works perfectly when combined with fast food, as the voluminous sack shape comfortably hides my tummy full of fries. Fashion can be so practical!

Sunday
Sunday is spent enjoying the beautiful spring weather in the garden. My style in The Hamptons is all about retro bikinis and cute dresses. Today I’m wearing a cotton APC dress I bought in Paris 4 years ago, belted at the waist to give it some shape, with a pair of retro style sunglasses from Topshop. We drive out to Montauk for lunch at a little restaurant by the sea and enjoy the kind of chocolate peanut butter pie you can only find in America.

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Image courtesy of Susie Erskine.

Monday
On Monday morning we take the Jitney bus into Manhattan to spend two days in the best city in the world. I adore New York and get butterflies in my stomach as the city skyline comes into view. With huge smiles on our faces we jump off the bus ready to run round our favorite city.

We spend the afternoon wandering around downtown, walking down Bleecker street in the West village and shopping in Soho. My boyfriend finds a great blazer from Steven Alan at a sample sale for only $30 and proudly wears it around for the rest of the day. I’m planning on doing a little shopping tomorrow so for now I just enjoy strolling around eating hotdogs and cupcakes.

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Images courtesy of Susie Erskine.

Whoever lives in this house must be very happy! Me in the West Village in a gold Marni dress and Stuart Weitzman sandals

Tuesday
On Tuesday morning I wake up super early from the jet lag so I pop all the way downtown to Century 21 which is an outlet store that opens at about 7am. I don’t really like to inflict too much shopping on my boyfriend so I leave him in bed and agree to meet for brunch later in the morning. I find a really pretty Giambattista Valli top (seen in last image in the diary) at Century 21 for $150 (originally around $800) which I can’t wait to wear, and then head back uptown for a little more shopping. I buy some grey sailor shorts from a great Korean store called Eryn Brinie, a pair of blush colored roll up pants from J Crew.

Brunch is at Balthazar which is one of my favorite places to go in NY. In this photo I’m wearing a vintage red polka dot blouse with silk shorts and a vintage Chanel bag. The waitress and I spend a long time discussing how useful a polka dot blouse can be – my boyfriend watches us looking a little bemused. He says I’m cute when I talk fashion.

We spend the afternoon enjoying the heat wave (yes a heat wave! no more grey rainy days for us!) by lying in central park, before heading off for drinks at the Mandarin Oriental and then dinner with friends in the East Village.

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Images courtesy of Susie Erskine.

Wednesday
On Wednesday we take a flight to Palm Beach in Florida – Palm trees and beach here we come!

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Images courtesy of Susie Erskine.

Thursday
Thursday is spent lying in in the sunshine. When it gets too hot we go for a drive, stopping off at the Chanel store on Worth avenue where they are having their fall trunk show. I hadn’t managed to go to the press day as I had too much work on so I jump at the chance to take a peek. I giggle over the little Chinese takeaway bag from the Shanghai collection, and drool over the beautiful sting ray bags that the store always has. Sadly though my eyes are much bigger than my purse so my price range is much better catered for by the consignment stores on the Island which sell a range of vintage Chanel pieces amongst other things. After stopping off in one of the nicest ones, which even has a small room dedicated to Chanel couture, I find a lovely jacket in one of the stores which I plan to have altered to fit me when I’m back in London.

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Image courtesy of Susie Erskine.

Friday
Friday is another beach day! We spend the evening having drinks at McCarthy’s bar which is normally rammed at Christmas and Easter with every person in their 20s on the Island, but for now is gorgeously quiet, before heading over to an Al Fresco Pizza restaurant where we eat under the stars.

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Image courtesy of Susie Erskine.

Saturday
We fly home on Saturday evening having enjoyed one of the nicest weeks, spending time with our friends and family in some of our favorite places. Below is an image of me in Palm Beach wearing the Giambattista Valli top that I bought in NY, a gold YSL cuff, scallop Chloe shorts (which are currently on sale at Yoox.com should anyone want them!) and my gold Stuart Weitzman sandals.

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Image courtesy of Susie Erskine.

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After reading Susie’s diary I felt like making like her by spontaneously jetting off to sunny Palm Beach.

From everything to eating Alfresco under the stars to picturesque hamlets in The Hamptons, Chanel and other shopping adventures, the diary was utterly fabulous.

Her effortless chic holiday wardrobe was spot on. I adore the photo of her in the nude Marni dress in front of the red West Village house.

I think it is fantastic that she found the Giambattista Valli top for $150 (seen in the last image) and that her boyfriend scored a Steven Alan blazer for $30. Don’t you just love hearing about a great fashion bargain?

It does not get much more fabulous then spending a week of vacation in between New York City, The Hamptons and Palm Beach, Florida!

What are your favourite parts of the diary?

Kind thanks and glam kisses to Susie for documenting it.

Visit her on twitter here.

Read her pre London Fashion Week to do list here.

Catch up on the rest of the features in the Diary series here.

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Diary // Tolula Adeyemi Exclusive LA Diary

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

Darlings I am super excited to share an exclusive!

Tolula Adeyemi; British actress, model and muse to Vivienne Westwood (as pictured below) recently spent a fabulous month in Hollywood.

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Photo Credit – Photography by David Yeo, fashion styling by Marian Kihogo, make up by Maria Papadopoulou and hair by Chrysostomos Chamalides.

She very kindly honoured Mariankihogo.com by documenting her trip in an exclusive diary. It covers the entire course of her trip. The A list glamour, the sights and all the nuances in between.

Her fun adventures make this personal piece a must read.

I am delighted to share Tolula Adeyemi’s exclusive LA Diary with you…

(more…)

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