Estila Edit November 2016

ESTILA inte rio rs 路 art 路 sty le 路 trav el 路 bu sin ess

NOVEMBER 2016

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Welcome

to the November issue of ESTILA!

EVERYDAY ART First of all, a big thank-you to everyone who supports our first print issue - VOLUME 1., which we launched last month. It's going to be available on newsstands until the end of January 2017 so if you haven't got a copy yet, please head over to our website for more details.

By purchasing a copy you're not only supporting all the emerging brands and designers featured in it, but you also support our mission to empower women in finding their purpose and pursuing their passions.

This issue I call "Everyday Art" for one reason: I believe that we all are artists. We are creative by nature. Hopefully, by sharing the stories featured in this issue, we can spark "the creative" you are inside. Remember, there is no limit of what you can achieve!

Love,

Karolina xx Karolina Barnes editor in chief

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editor's recommended reads interiors the curious department The Curious Department is a business that not only creates beautiful homeware accessories but they also diversify their brand into interior design experience.

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style first impression As we all know first impression counts. Flavia, our fashion editor, talks about how to make a first impression with class and style.

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open up & inspire sharon costi An inspirational interview with Sharon Costi, the founder of Decology, which is an online platform offering interior design services to busy professionals.

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cover THE HOUSE OF ARTISTS

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OUR MAGAZINE ON APPSTORE

coming soon GET NOTIFIED HERE.

Photo credit: Matthew Williamson 5

HAVE YOU GOT A STORY TO TELL? We are looking for inspirational life stories, products and emerging brands in interiors, fashion and lifestyle.

If you have a story to share, please get in touch at editor@estila.co

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HOMES

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Curious Department words by Athina Bluff, photography and images by Chris McShane

Owned by Chris McShane and Ross Taylor, The Curious Department is a boutique online shop with an ultra-glam, sophisticated style. Think chic-obscurity manifested into objects – taxidermy beetles, butterflies and high-end gold glamour. Read on to learn how partners Chris and Ross began their unique business and how it’s even developed it into an open, shoppable tourist apartment available to let as well.

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1. WHAT WAS THE CONCEPT OF THE CURIOUS DEPARTMENT? The Curious Department is a London-based design studio and online boutique that specialises in the creation of quality art & prints, and luxurious home accessories, designed and created in the UK. Propelled by the notion of transformation, The Curious Department’s passion is to take the under appreciated aesthetics found in nature, and transform them into unexpected mesmerising objects of beauty. In a world where interior mediocrity is mass-produced, and design blandness comes neatly flatpacked, The Curious Department strives to embrace the eccentricity of clutter, clashes and the uncommon, with a splash of opulence and dash of art deco.

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2. HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR STYLE DOES IT REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY? Our style is both defined and evolving; a constant juxtaposition but parallel. We both bring completely different views and perspectives to The Curious Department, yet there’s a great sweet spot in the middle, a tension point that ignites our collective third brain. It’s this sweet spot where we agree on eclectic curated clutter, affordable luxury and objects that have hidden depth. Ross’ personal style leans more towards Art Deco and 1970’s Italian furniture design, whereas my style is a little more scatterbrained, picking up influences from mythology to pop culture.

One of our converging tastes is our love and appreciation for nature. Our first collection, Metamorphosis, is probably going to be our most literal specifically considering our butterfly taxidermy offering - but also looking at the overall transformation of the ‘ugly’ or ‘gross’ perception of insects and transforming them into works of art. We look for beauty in unusual places.

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3. YOUR ITEMS ARE QUITE TACTILE, DO YOU THINK THIS IS BECOMING A TREND? I think that physically tactile products have always been a trend; any product designer’s dream is for their creation to become an object of desire, and being tactile is certainly a part of that world. I suppose what we are trying to bring is an emotional tactility. When we founded The Curious Department we really wanted to create items that people had a desire to pick up, investigate and explore with the mind; we wanted our items to capture people attention, but hold their attention in an almost hypnotic trance. We want people to ask questions, or to dream up their own narratives, in the same way that a painting in a gallery can conjure an emotive connection or explanation. If we can achieve that then we believe that we’re playing to people curious nature and desire to discover more, hence the name - The Curious Department.

“We want people to ask questions or to dream up their own narratives similar to the ones in an art gallery.”

4. DO YOU HAVE A DESIGN PROCESS? We want to bring an appreciation to the insects that we use and demonstrate a surprising, unexpected beauty within their forms. We deliberately chose familiar insects like ants, flies and beetles that people already have strong negative associations with: by presenting them in gold and in silhouette form we are almost forcing the viewer to appreciate the form of the insects both individually and collectively. We’re heavily influenced by the geometry and symmetry of the art deco period, and we find this juxtaposition of nature's unruly design meshes well with the ordered mathematical lines of geometry. We’ve started off with very simple mandala and deco pieces, but we have already planned our design development for the future.

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5. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR INCORPORATING YOUR PRODUCTS IN OUR HOMES? Our prints are designed to be seen, enjoyed and talked about, so they work especially well in areas where you’re entertaining. The patterns are so detailed and reflective that it’s almost impossible to resist closer inspection - it’s almost like they have a hypnotic charm, that will have guests asking questions.

Our butterflies of course are most popular in bedrooms and more relaxing spaces, where the natural beauty and the idea of “bringing outside in” really plays a role in invoking serenity and calm. They are very flexible in terms of styling options, but work especially well on shelves, or grouped on walls.

6. WHAT IS YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR INJECTING COLOUR AND PATTERN INTO INTERIORS? The best piece of advice for injecting colour into the home is quite unusual, but for us it’s using highly reflective materials such as glass, high gloss and metallics. Highly reflective surfaces have the ability to reveal colour; every little reflection is almost like a little galaxy of colour. The true beauty of using reflective materials is that they have the ability to interpret the mood of a room and adapt and adjust to the decor and ambience as the light of the day changes.

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7. WHAT IS THE CURIOUS APARTMENT? The Curious Apartment is a modern one bedroom flat that we own in Borough in south-east London, just moments away from the iconic Borough Market and the recently developed London Bridge area. We originally decided to rent it out during the rise of Airbnb, but as our online boutique and homewares range developed we decided it made sense to incorporate a physical space into the mix.

The Apartment serves as both a fully functional central London short term rental for business travellers, out-of-towners and tourists, but is evolving into a conceptual “apartment shop”, where our prints, artwork and homewares are not only on display, but purchasable, so our guests are inspired by our quirky aesthetic and then allowed to “shop the look”. This not only includes our range of products, but we are pairing with other upand-coming designers to feature their designs too, as well as curate the best of the best from high street retailers and of course an eclectic mix of retro finds and antiques. This way we can continually fuel our compulsion to buy gorgeous and classic objects, knowing that they will be sold on.

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8. WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE CURIOUS APARTMENT? The trend of Airbnb isn’t dying anytime soon, and with our network of friends all looking to dip their toes into the waters of short term landlording, it makes sense that we try to extend the Curious Apartment into a simple franchise model, where we can expand the physical footprint of our items in properties across the country, but also for our partner suppliers and designers. We like to think that we’ll be turning lots of mediocre but functional Airbnb and short term rental properties into interesting and “curious” spaces for guests and tourists, invoking British glamour and eccentricity but whilst still on an affordable budget.

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9. IF YOU COULD OWN ONE HOMEWARE ITEM, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY? Our wishlist is ever-growing and varies from total opulence to technology-led innovations, but currently this Dar Attius gold leaf lamp pendant is our everything! It is such a delightfully playful piece that would be a centerpiece in our bedroom, which has been decorated as an all white and dark wood haven, almost in preparation for such a showstopper.

“Our apartment serves as a fully functional short term rental as well as get-the-look shop.”

THECURIOUSDEPARTMENT.COM 19

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shop we love

Jam Space words by Athina Bluff, photography provided by Jam Space, graphics by Karolina Barnes

Introducing Jam Space: the new retail concept that brings design stories from around the world, told through a lovingly-curated mix of art, lifestyle and interior products, hand-picked from Egypt, the Middle East, Europe and beyond.

Founded by Cairo-born interior designer Hedayat Islam, who has spent over 17 years creating spaces and products that are built on the idea of re-interpreting tradition, Jam Space celebrates uniqueness, quality, craftsmanship and design. We talked to Heddy about her mission.

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1. HOW DID YOUR STORE COME ABOUT? I moved to London three years ago and while furnishing my own home, it was very difficult to find exactly what I wanted, let alone commissioning bespoke pieces. I love working with workshops and craftsmen on creating bespoke pieces and have been designing spaces and furniture since 1998.

One thing led to another, and my husband and I decided to create Jam Space, a one stop interior design destination. Building on my experience as founding partner of Eklego Design, an award-winning Cairo-based design firm with a retail arm that has achieved international recognition, I decided to start my own company.

We offer interior design and full furnishing services in collaboration with Eklego Design based on our collection and other brands we represent. In 2015 we launched our own brand of fabrics and wallpapers and continue to create new collections every six months, inspired by my Egyptian heritage, travels and surroundings.

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2. WHAT IS THE CONCEPT AND MISSION WITH YOUR STORE? Our mission is to create a platform for the Design Clinic by Jam Space, a onestop interior design destination and my own collection of fabrics, wallpapers and furniture, as well as a vehicle for unique and interesting brands. In 2016 our main objective is to increase our web presence, our visibility as interior design consultants, and launch our new collection.

“I believe good design should be timeless and not dictated by trends.”

3. DO YOU FOLLOW TRENDS OR HAVE YOU GOT YOUR OWN SIGNATURE STYLE? I am always inspired by my surroundings, and if I were to be influenced by a trend, it is usually unintentional. I believe good design should be timeless and not dictated by any trends. I have a strong belief in building on one’s personal heritage and creating objects which are inspired by personal experiences.

My most cherished designs are those that are based on reinterpretations of historic spaces or ornaments within a contemporary context. A perfect example is the Depet sofa, which is made of solid wood and inspired by an ancient Egyptian barge. I also relish fusing old with new, such as in the Bukhara table by Eklego Design, where a hand embroidered traditional Suzanni is encapsulated at high heat within two sheets of perspex.

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4. WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCT IN YOUR STORE? Our large and plush sofas are a big hit. They are layered, often topped by a handtufted, Egyptian cotton thickly-piped mattress. Clients relish the flexibility of mixing and matching different fabrics to create unique seating solutions. Our fabrics and wallpapers are quite popular, especially the Safari collection, which is based on subtle colours of washed paint inspired by the landscape of South Africa.

Our hand-blown glass lights are also much coveted and come in an array of 23 colours.

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Heddy's 5 designer tips

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RECYCLE ITEMS & FIND NEW WAYS OF USAGE

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BRING IN PIECES THAT HAVE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION

Always work with what you have, recycling items and configuring new ways of displaying them. Recently for example, I used a client’s radio from the fifties as a bar (on previous page).

Make sure to bring out pieces that you are emotionally attached to that emotion usually conveys a story through the piece. A grandmother’s chair that is reupholstered or an old teapot that has been turned into a side lamp.

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MIX OLD & NEW

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MIRROR REFLECTION

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USE WALLPAPER AS A FEATURE

Mixing old and new in the same corner is always very effective in evoking an eclectic feel. For example, contemporary comfortable sofas are fabulous with kilim or traditionally embroidered throw pillows.

I love collecting old doors and old windows and inserting mirrors in their openings. The interaction of the person viewing them is always interesting and adds mystery as well as depth to any room.

Using wallpaper or cladding can add a strong feature to a room.

Our Ornamental Stories collection of wallpapers is inspired by ancient Egyptian ornaments and symbols and we often use it in our projects to give a room character.

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OUR FAVOURITE

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MASR MENAWARA, PENDANT £785

CAPITONE SOFA, £2,900

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JAM SPACE FABRICS, £69/MTR

GRAMMY CHAIR, £295

MAFROUKA SIDEBOARD, £2,250

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DECANTER, £50

FOLLOW JAM SPACE @JAMSPACEUK| JAMSPACE.UK

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Art amplified 30

artist spotlight

House of Artists words by Anouska Lancaster, photography provided by House of Artists

I recently visited the Affordable Art Fair in London’s Battersea Park. It is an event that I look forward to every year and if you haven’t been before, then I’d urge you to pencil it into your diary for 2017. It is basically a huge marquee filled with various artists’ work from all over the world. It is a whimsical celebration of colour, genres and subjects.

What I found most fascinating about my time at the art fair; was the various emotions that I experienced as I walked around. Stand by stand, I was overwhelmed by the highs and lows of an emotional rollercoaster. Some pieces excited me; others made me uncomfortable, whilst others made me reflect. What I am trying to say is - art is powerful. It can do so much more than visually please you, it can uncontrollably ‘possess’ you.

A similar thing happened to me when I saw Ben Allen’s work for the first time at my local art gallery in Surrey. The piece in the window stopped me in my tracks on a busy afternoon with the children in tow. I literally couldn’t move. Ben’s vivid art work had mesmerised me; and suddenly I was in the fantasy world that he’d depicted on the canvas. I was momentarily transported to a world of brightly coloured, iconic cartoon characters, boldly portrayed in his signature style of mixed media.

I quickly began following Ben on Instagram as I was fascinated by his work and I was desperate to learn more. What I soon discovered was that Ben was more than an artist; he was an ‘art pioneer’.

The House of Artists was set up in 2015 after Ben noticed a gap in the market for creating ‘wow factor’ interiors using the power of art. HOA takes a chosen piece of artwork from one of its talented artists, and turns it into a piece of bespoke wall art by enlarging it, and recreating it onto wallpaper. Each piece becomes one of only 25 limited editions, which is signed and authenticated by the artist on completion.

The result is utterly breathtaking, and it seems to me that Ben has created an incredibly powerful, winning formula…..which is simply ‘Art Amplified’.

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1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE WORLD OF ART? I didn’t enjoy school and the restrictions that came with it. I found that art was the only subject that grabbed my attention and allowed me to express myself. I have never wanted to do anything else and to be honest I didn’t really need to look; it was more like art found me. I left school at 16 and worked as a painter and decorator and used my parent’s spare room as a studio.

“I have never wanted to do anything else. It was more like art found me.”

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2. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SET UP HOUSE OF ARTIST? House of Artists was born from a desire to work with other likeminded creative people and to transform spaces. I have always loved interiors and I saw a gap in the market to produce high quality wall coverings from a diverse selection of the most inspiring and talented artists from across the globe. It became obvious just how many art fans loved the vision of making interiors unique and aweinspiring. House of Artists meets that need.

“It became obvious just how many art fans loved the vision of making interiors unique and awe-inspiring.�

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3. WHAT IS YOUR MISSION WITH HOUSE OF ARTISTS? My mission with House of Artists is to continue to transform spaces and provide people with art that changes their world. Our wallcoverings are limited to editions of 25 so you know you are getting something unique and individual.

We have been working with some interiors agencies in LA and have had a fantastic response to the work in the USA. We are continuously looking for new artists to add to our collection. We plan to expand our range to include limited edition prints, originals and soft furnishings.

“Our wallcoverings are limited to editions of 25 so you know you are getting something unique and individual.�

4. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR HOME? WHAT KIND OF ART DO YOU HAVE? We are lucky enough to live on the north Cornish coast and have a period home, which we have been slowly renovating. My style at home is an eclectic mix of urban and bohemian. I am loving the colour teal at the moment. I have just redecorated my hallway in teal; and have laid down some beautiful parquet flooring.

I have my own murals in the kitchen and in my children's bedrooms. I have art from many of my favourite artists including Maria Rivans, Fafi, Tracey Emin and Shepard Fairey. My art collection is constantly growing and therefore my house tends to be a moveable feast. I like to change things up and have around me things that inspire my mood and my work at that time.

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For further information and commission requests, please contact Ben directly by visiting www.thehouseofartists.com. You can follow @thehouseofartists on Instagram.

FOLLOW ANOUSKA @NOUSKA_DESIGN | NOUSHKADESIGN.COM

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COLOURS of the month

words Karolina Barnes, styling and photography by Athina Bluff

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THE ART STORY

Playfully combining the Victorian fascination with entomology and the clean lined opulence of the Art Deco, these custom mounted butterflies on gold geometric prints add a splash of luxury to your home. Available at The Curious Department.

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THE PLATE & NECKLACE Like artware, this 22 carat gold finish plate is part of "The Creation of Madam" collection designed by Lauren Dickinson Clarke made by hand in Stoke On Trent.

The necklace is handmade by a young jewellery designer, Leonora from Daya Daya, and it's almost entirely upcycled using 18ct gold with a small silver lining.

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THE BAG STORY

This beautifully textured, winter white hair on hide cross body bag designed by Baia Bags is an exciting take on a classic that will go with any outfit and will take you from day to night.

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THE WALLPAPER STORY Opulent textured silk for walls. This wallpaper is called Diablo and creates a beautiful high shine metallic striped pattern. An ultimate understated sophistication for any room in your home. Available at Tektura Wallcoverings.

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THE SHOES STORY

These easy-to-wear green loafers, with python print detailing and front zip, are your new wardrobe essential of all time. Available at The Collective by Kari C.

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tartan

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SHOPPING

LIKE THEM, GET THEM research and graphics by Emilia Vespoli

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HOUSE OF FRASER Vivienne Westwood Derby Mac Henry Tartan Backpack JOHN LEWIS Barbour Stainless Steel Tartan Flask LIBERTY LONDON Avoca Manhattan Tartan Mohair Throw

SOCIETY SIX Framed Art Print Plaid Trophy Deer MY THERESA Tory Burch Tartan Skirt ANTHROPOLOGIE Tartan-Etched Flatware DESIGN PUBLIC Gus Modern Hex Ottoman HOUSE OF FRASER Dents Ladies Tartan Gloves with Faux Fur Cuff

FOLLOW EMILIA AT VIA SAN VITO FOR MORE INSPIRATION

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FASHION

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first impressions THE RULES words and images by Flavia Young

It is party season time, a time when, apart perhaps from a job interview, first impressions are crucial. In a room full of people, I find it really important to stand out for good reasons only.

When I scan a room for people I find interesting and would like to get to know better, the way they dress is the first thing I look at I work in fashion. For instance, nothing puts me off more than someone dressed in a way that shouts "trying too hard to be noticed!".

It is of course a very fine balance, even an art, to be able to confidently dress in a manner that gets you noticed without giving away that your outfit was well-planned, a bit like the "no make-up" make-up look.

Generally speaking, the people I pick out as chic and interesting at a party, invariably & instinctively follow some simple rules:

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CLEAVAGE VS BRAIN

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NO SLEEVELESS OUTFITS

They do not display low cleavages, therefore allowing their brain to fully show itself off.

They do not wear sleeveless outfits if their arms are past

a certain age - refer to Anna Wintour to understand that no matter how worked out an old arm may be, it's still unattractive. Helloooo, it is also winter and only actresses on red carpets should have to freeze like that they got the dress for free, you and I didn't.

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NO INSTAGRAM OUTFITS They do not wear ubiquitous and instantly recognisable

clothes that give away they spend too much time on Instagram. They wear what suits their body's shape and not the fashion victim's latest look.

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NO OBVIOUS BLOWDRIES, FAKE EYELASHES & NAILS

Needless to say, but perhaps important to reinstate..

They do not wear obvious salon blowdries, fake eyelashes or nails. And they most definitely don't over accessorise.

So in line with practising what I preach, here are the items currently in my various shopping carts (perhaps awaiting some Black Friday offers??). And remember to have fun because nothing, a fashion designer can create, will ever be sexier.

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ROKSANDA avenue32.com £995

JOSEPH Stylebop.com £709

DOLCE & GABBANA MyTheresa.com £3,900

ROKSANDA MyTheresa.com £1,450 48

ROBERTO CAVALLI Stylebop.com £3,979

EMILIO DE LA MORENA avenue32.com £780

DOROTHEE SCHUMACHER MyTheresa.com £374

ROKSANDA avenue32.com £1,495

FOLLOW LUXE-LAYERS FOR VIEWS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE FASHION WORLD49

autumnal wardrobe THE ESSENTIALS words and photography by Karolina Barnes

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Embrace autumn in style with small independent brands and emerging fashion labels.

Previous page - SHIRT: Gibson & Birkbeck, FUR VEST: The Collective by Kari C, TROUSERS: Troy London, HANDBAG: Stacy Chan, NECKLACE: Salome Designs, SHOES: The Collective by Kari C, HAT: Hats by Maria, SCARF: Marlow London 51

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little treasures uncovered

Grace & Oliver words by Karolina Barnes, photography provided by Grace & Oliver

I came across Grace & Oliver on Instagram and was immediately drawn to their style. Based in London, they specialise in luxury outerwear for all seasons. They believe that an exquisite coat is an investment, not a fashion accessory.

Their coats feature fine tailoring and unique fabrics and styles that are timeless yet current. Their AW16 collection is a considered mix of stunning silhouettes made from the finest Italian wool blends, in the perfect colour palette through which you can express your personality.

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GRACEANDOLIVER.LONDON | @GRACEANDOLIVER

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JO LOVES special offer to our readers: Enjoy FREE FRAGRANCE TAPAS at Elizabeth Street, London store.

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BEAUTY

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Make-up Palettes to Covet words and photography by Nicola McCullough

There's something deeply satisfying about discovering the perfect make-up palette, akin to nailing a capsule wardrobe for the eyes, lips and face. I'm not sure which I love more: the perfectly curated complementary colours, the convenience of a ready-made beauty edit or the irresistibly glamorous packaging.

Probably a combination of all three.

'Tis the season for new palette launches and some 2016 festive releases have set my pulse racing.

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Bobbi Brown's holiday collections include edits that are glamorous and practical in equal measure. The Golden Eye Palette and Party to Go Lip & Eye Palette come with a mini mascara and lipstick for the perfect festive look, while Limited Edition Brightening Blush in Pink Truffle adds a pretty pearlised effect to cheeks.

Clarins's The Essentials Eye Palette includes 10 ombre eye shadows in dusky mauve, bronze and neutral tones, with a mix of satin and shimmers that will work hard from day to evening.

Chanel's Les 4 Ombres Eye shadow palette in Candeur de Experience is one of the most talked about eye palettes of the season. Three buttery nudes and a surprisingly wearable cranberry shade have quickly edged into everyday staple mode.

If you're new to make-up or prefer a palette to cover multiple bases, Pixi Beauty's Rosy Radiance palette includes blush, highlight, contour and gorgeous ready to wear combinations for eyes and brows.

5 more new palettes not to be missed:

Chanel Ombre Lamees de Chanel limited edition eye palette embossed with golden braids

Givenchy Nudes Nacres six strikingly presented matte and shimmer eye shadows

Dior Holiday 24hr Couture All-in-One two day and evening looks for lips, face and eyes

Giorgio Armani Night Light a two tiered circular palette for complexion and eyes

Laura Mercier Master Class Limited Edition 18 eye and cheek colours with eye brushes.

FIND MORE TIPS ON STRAWBERRYBLONDEBEAUTY.COM

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OUR MAGAZINE

on Instagram Follow us for behind the scenes, latest news and sneak peeks!

FOLLOW US HERE

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winter ready 64

tried & tested

HELENA RUBINSTEIN words and photography by Karla Cihak

Born in Poland, Helena Rubinstein was a businesswoman, art collector and a cosmetic entrepreneur. After moving to Australia, she launched her company with one beauty cream that said to treat the "problem skin". Soon after she opened her first salon selling glamour as a science.

Fast forward to today and Helena Rubinstein skincare products are still going strong, with branches across the world. For the harsh weather ahead I chose their Re-Plasty Age Recovery range.

If you struggle finding a nourishing, anti-aging cream under your make-up, the Re-Plasty day cream is ideal. This powerful, velvety day cream is designed to repair, hydrate, and smooth the face. After using the cream for a few weeks each morning I have noticed a reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and my skin feels softer, smoother and more youthful.

At nighttime, I use the Prodigy Re-Plasty Age recovery night cream developed by Dr. Pfulg, the founder of the well-known beauty clinic in Switzerland - LaClinic Montreux. From the very first application, I feel that my skin is soothed, nourished and smoothed, and it feels very comfortable.

From my personal experience I can highly recommend both Re-Plasty Age Recovery products.

Until next time..

Karla xx LEARN MORE ABOUT IT HERE 65

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Bologna words and photography by Karla Cihak

Bologna is an important historic city located in Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy. It's a popular tourist destination because of its cultural and artistic centre with many medieval landmarks, antique buildings and churches. If you love architecture, Bologna's city centre contains many interesting monuments, from medieval, renaissance to baroque.

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do Walk around the city centre We had only one day in Bologna but we managed to see all the major historic landmarks. One of its amazing ones is the famous Due Torri - Two Towers - which date back to the 12th century. It is believed that between the 12th and 13th century up to 180 of them were built. Over time most of them either collapsed or were demolished.

Another obvious place is the Piazza Maggiore, which is the central square of the city.

Its architectural layout and appearance is exactly the same as it was in the 15th century. The square is surrounded by important buildings such as the Duomo of Bologna and Palazzo d'Accursio Museum.

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stay The Grand Hotel Majestic The Grand Hotel Majestic "giĂ Baglioni", is the oldest and most prestigious hotel in Bologna located right in the city centre. Decorated in a mix of antique furniture with modern amenities, its interior is a blend of classic Italian style and elegance. The building itself is, in fact, built on top of an ancient Roman road, part of which can be seen within the hotel.

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eat Bologna is also known as the most elegant of the city destinations of taste, where you can taste typical dishes of the Emilia-Romagna cuisine. We treated ourselves to an afternoon tea with cakes and coffee at The Grand Hotel Majestic being surrounded by art. It was a great experience which we will never forget.

TO MAKE A BOOKING, TAP HERE. 71

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READY IN 50 MIN

mini lamb roast with red pesto words and photography by Jemma Andrew-Adiamah

During the week, cooking a massive roast for the family can be a bit much, especially during a busy working week. Mini roasts are delicious joints of beef or lamb that are just smaller, so easy and quick to cook which makes them perfect for a mid-week roast dinner. They are a lovely size for two to share, but we found that we managed to stretch our mini lamb joint between the three of us with a bit left over.

ingredients 1 1 x 400-450g/14oz-1lb lean lamb mini roast Salt and freshly milled black pepper 15-30ml/1-2tbsp prepared red pesto 175g/6oz pasta shapes 30ml/2tbsp prepared red pesto

100g/4oz cherry tomatoes, halved Handful baby spinach leaves 25g/1oz pine nuts, toasted Freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, to garnish

method Preheat the oven to Gas mark 5, 190°C, 375°F. Place the mini roast joint on a chopping board and make several slits over the surface and season. Spread with the prepared pesto.

Transfer to a foil-lined metal rack in a roasting tin and roast and roast for 35-40 minutes. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.

Transfer the lamb to a warm plate; lightly cover with foil and leave to rest for 5-10 minutes, 20 minutes if time allows.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, drain and return the pasta to the pan. Add the remaining pasta ingredients.

Slice the lamb and serve with the pasta. Serve and enjoy!

FIND MORE RECIPES HERE 73

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“open up & inspire�

Sharon Costi words by Karolina Barnes, photography and images provided by Sharon Costi

I talked to Sharon Costi, the founder of Decology - an online platform providing a virtual interior design services to home and business owners across the UK - about why she started her business, her mission, challenges and advice she has for others wanting to start their own brand.

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1. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR? Before starting Decology, I ran a catering business. On the side we also have renovated few flats and after my third pregnancy we have decided to buy a big house in Richmond. Going from a small flat to a house was a big challenge for me.

I was busy and didn't have a big budget to hire an interior designer. I was struggling with every aspect of renovating a larger property, especially when I needed a professional advice. My architect used to ask me questions about where to put plugs and what kind of lighting I'm planning to use. I was stressed but managed to finish our home.

After going through my struggles, I thought there must be a better way of going through projects like mine. I started to research the interior design services and came across the online model abroad. It took me two years of research to finally launch Decology in early 2016.

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2. WHAT WAS THE MAIN TRIGGER FOR YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? It was frustration. I had no deeper knowledge or experience in interior design or decorating but wanted to offer a better service that appeals to busy professionals, mothers and anyone who needs help while making their home their own.

“I thought to myself there must be a better way of going through projects like mine. I started to research the market and found a better way. However, it meant creating a whole new concept.�

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3. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT DECOLOGY? At Decology we connect our talented pool of professional interior designers with anyone who needs help and decorating advice. For an affordable flat fee per room, our interior designers - Decologists - will work with the client's style and budget to transform their space. Because this is such a new concept we offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee to provide confidence in buying our services.

“Always remember: today is earlier than tomorrow.”

4. WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING YOU HAD TO LEARN WHEN SETTING UP YOUR OWN BRAND? The most challenging part for me is having a small budget and launching a new concept to a market. I find that I have to constantly educate people and create a new market that doesn't exist yet. It's very hard and I'm learning every day about who the target audience is and understanding their needs.

5. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO CHANGE CAREER OR FOLLOW A PASSION FOR INTERIORS? I would say - go for it. If you have a passion and are doing something you truly love you should pursue it. Try different things and change on the way. You have to be flexible and be willing to learn. You also need to recognise that you will make mistakes but the key is to learn from them and grow. Set objectives and focus on resources. It's more about making small steps and overcoming challenges. Also, think about what value you're adding to the market. Always think how you can improve the status quo.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DECOLOGY HERE 79

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ESTILA MAGAZINE editor in chief

Karolina Barnes fashion editor

Flavia Young @ Luxe Layers beauty editors

Nicola McCullough @ StrawberryBlonde Beauty Karla Cihak food editor

Jemma Andrew-Adiamah @ Celery & Cupcakes design editor

Emilia Vespoli @ ViaSanVito interiors editor

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Athina Bluff researcher & proof reader

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