“THE SUCcESS OF EVERY SINGLE WOMAN IS THE INSPIRATION FOR ANOTHER” Diane Von FUrstenberg
aspiratIonal inNovative Succesful emPowering indivIdual oRiginal irreplaceAble capTivating unIque nOn – conformist enchAnting independeNt Ambitious humbLe poWerful strOng iMaginative selflEss uNited
INTRODUCTION Zenith is an exploration of the inspirational women of today and the future. Through photography you are introduced to a number of young creative women who have carved their own way in life. Creative writing tells stories of stereotyping, daring and success. Each woman featured has built up a prestigious career and owns her right as an inspiration to others. She exudes confidence without appearing arrogant, realises her worth and lives her dreams. They are an inspiration within their own right.
CONTENTS Camilla 10 – 19 Expectations Reality 20 – 21 Jessica 22- 35 Tabitha 38 – 51 An Observation 52 – 53 Sophie 54 – 67 We Have Youth 68 – 69 Emily 70 – 83 Boss Bitch 84 – 85 Acknowledgements 86
“I LIKE BEING A WOMAN, AFTER ALL, MEN CAN’T WEAR DRESSES BUT WE CAN ALL WEAR THE PANTS” Carine Roitfeld
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Expectation A steady mumble of voices fill the dimly lit space around me. The scent of burning candle wax fills my nostrils, a heady mix of cinnamon and spiced orange as I slink between the bodies that fill the room. Weaving my way through the crowd leaving a fresh but sweet scent lingering as I fiercely and ferociously ‘Work the Room’. It’s not big But not small either. Not sardines squashed tightly in the tin. Enough space to move freely but not free enough. To avoid the occasional awkward squeeze of flesh encapsulating together, I turn and introduce myself to a female guest. … “Fashion? Really? How interesting… I’ve never really considered that as an actual REAL career. What is it like? ww Vain. Shallow. Superficial. Fickle. Facile. Futile. *Fuck off?* Of course it must be SO glamorous. Isn’t it practically just standing around and looking pretty all of the time? All those Stuffy Bitchy People wrapped up themselves Practically an exercise in Narcissism. I can’t even imagine how SELF ABSORBED it must be. That’s fashion Right”?
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Reality My heart jolts It seems to have moved from its usual place to the left of my breastbone choosing to instead reside somewhere between my tonsils and windpipe. Its thuds excitedly. Like one hundred butterflies are trapped inside, fluttering and flustering to break free. I enjoy networking, After all it’s vital in order to succeed But… I can’t help but feel a burst of anxiety I glide seamlessly around the room meandering between The multitude of bodies packed into it. Apprehending, Anticipating, Awaiting. …
The oh so common gasp of surprise I’m often met with when I explain… SHOCK HORROR! I have managed to build a Sustainable, respectable career in… Fashion? All the usual snipes and sneers are made Why is it that because I am part of a certain industry I must automatically become a self - obsessed nitwit? Think myself Superior? Automatically I am so obviously Snooty? Snobbish? Not only does my career choice open me up to unnecessary prejudice and preconception because I take a pride in my appearance I am taken less seriously. I am not allowed an opinion… On current affairs? On popular culture? That my opinion is less valid? Is worthless?
I smile contently as I explain my achievements and triumphs I slither softly away ‘Must mingle’ I do not have to justify myself. PATIENCE PERSISTANCE PERSEVERANCE Has got me where I am SUCESSFUL and INSPIRING An inspiration within my own right.
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AN OBSERVATION
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A perfect pedicure, crimson red nails placed elegantly inside strappy-heeled sandals. Flowing sailor blue culottes accompany a draped silk white shirt, it’s Peter Pan collar and tails poking out of a cashmere sweater. Her striking scarlet lips perfectly compliment her glowing porcelain skin. With hair that colour the trees go at the start of autumn, perched atop her flowing mane a pair of square frame Miu Miu sunglasses. “They’re the only ones big enough to cover my dark circles babe” a roar of enthralling laughter. Well I suppose that’s only half the truth. I bought them after we signed Cassie (Cassandra Verity Green of Central St Martins alumni.) She’s doing amazingly. Her stuff is WILD! The colours, the structure and the texture…groundbreaking. Working within the industry is an inspiration within itself. The constant creativity is utterly awe-inspiring. My clients especially. Their vision, imagination and sheer brilliance. It is so absolutely encapsulating. I want to fall into their thoughts, explore every crevice, every nook and cranny of them to lose myself inside their weird and wonderful minds. Emerging talent is where my heart and soul lies. It’s the future. Representing young evolving talent, that’s what I do. I know it, I understand it, I am it. Doing what I do and getting it right, it’s a kick, a rush, it’s ecstasy. Agencies claim to represent young talent. But their corporate approach and representation of commercial designers is obvious and alienating. We want to be the hub of emerging designers. It’s a promise I made when creating Lewis & Leigh. I will ensure at all times that it’s the core of the Agency. You’re part of the next big thing. You see the journey, you support it, you are a part of it. I’ve got this. I know what I want and will not stop until I am satisfied. I thrive on what I’ve already achieved and I am not about to stop anytime soon.
Men, women, transgender, gay or straight; the industry is true manifestation of confidence and self-expression. You are automatically enthralled and amazed by the entirety of it. I’ll never forget the feeling I got when I first saw our first product placement, LADY GAGA. (I mean come on, HOW INCREDIBLE) she wore a full look from our youngest designers collection. My body was flooded with goosebumps I still get them now thinking about it. It was like one hundred volcanoes erupting inside me. That initial explosion, an outburst of elation, of ecstasy, of euphoria within me followed by an emersion of satisfaction and fulfilment like hot lava seeping through my veins. Be prepared for failure, nothing will ever run smoothly. I don’t accept failure; it’s a motivation, a drive that makes me prove my ability just that little bit more. I want young creatives to be celebrated whoever they are. It does not matter what their size, race or gender. Its not only what my Company represents but what I am myself. People are repeatedly shocked by the fact that I am a female and my age. I have a thick skin and I won’t let this intimidate me. I may have experienced failure first hand but ultimately my results, hard work and passion never fail to impress. Done correctly, this job has the power to be extremely rewarding. It’s all consuming, exhilarating, intoxicating, exhausting and that’s just in an hour. I knew I could do this. I’ve seen other PR’s, Magazines, Designers start from the bottom. It lit a fire within me, pushed me, I knew I had the drive and the passion to succeed. I want to be an inspiration! Hell, I am an inspiration. I’m excited for what the future may hold and I’m lucky that I can say that. Koral Webb | Twenty Three Managing Director Lewis and Leigh PR
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WE HAVE YOUTH We have youth. The phoenix tail feather. The elixir of life. The rest of our lives.
We are youth. Incorruptibility, Innocence, Intuition. Flirtatiousness, Frivolity, Foolishness. Excitement, Exuberance, Exhilaration. Youth is. To inspire. To influence. Be an inspiration, be an influence. Don’t hold back. Don’t be afraid. Don’t apologise. Speak your mind, allow your opinions to be heard. Make them heard. To delusion. To dream. Dream big. Dream wild. Dream free. Let your dreams run wild inside you. Fabricate, fanaticise and fixate. To inflame. To ignite. Fuel the flames inside you. Let them burn. Let them burst out. Erupt from the pit of your stomach. Out to the tip of your tongue.
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You are a creative. An inspiration. An innovator. An original. You have a voice and it deserves to be heard. Allow your thoughts to absorb you. Allow them to captivate you. Allow them to be heard. You have a voice.
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Boss.Obstinate.Strong.Sassy. Bold.Independent.Tough.Confdent.Heroine. She knows what she wants and exactly how to get it. She is fearless. She is successful. She is vivacious. She thrives under pressure and knows her worth. Often described as intimidating, but this does not phase her. In fact it’s a compliment. I am intimidating therefore I command your attention. You will listen because my views are ones worth hearing. She never settles for anything less than everything. Why would you? Her ambition has no bounds, its exhilaraing, elating and exciting. A magnet of energy. Authoritative and endearing. “Intelligent” and “Gifted” are words always associated with her. You know she will speak her mind. Not only does she speak her mind, she understands it. She knows what she is talking about. This girl is always on top of her game. One step ahead of the rest. Articulate, Coherent, Expressive and Enlightening. She will always stand up for herself, her beliefs and will not stop until she is finished. Work, Family or School she is relentless, constantly adapting to any situation and thriving within it. She is never afraid to take control. “Bossy and commanding” it’s called having leadership skills, thank you. Her chameleon is celebrated. She revels in her light. She manifests her dreams. She realises her worth. “Because I’m fierce bitch.”
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Acknowledgements I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to Zenith publication. Your hard work is deeply appreciated and it would not have been possible with out you.
With Thanks to: Models Camilla Jensen Jessica Sparrow Tabitha Grindrod Sophie Hadfield Emily Johnson Make –Up artists / Hair stylists Amy Baulcome Fabiola Creed Julia Smith Sophie Ashton Contributors / Photographic assistants Koral Webb Annabel Coleman Tom Kingaby Harry Fletcher Maddison Gale Printing Colin Davies (stirland paterson group) Photography / Styling / Writing / Layout & Graphics Emma Bevin Contact: ezbevin@gmail.com
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