Hot Brands Cool Places - Love is in the Air - February 2011

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES FASHION CULTURE LIFESTYLE

Love is in the Air

FEBRUARY 2011

EDITOR’S LETTER This month our issue is a combination of celebrating St Valentine’s Day and Fashion. As we approach London Fashion Week we discuss how to create your own unique style in our feature Your Personal Style.

We have another in our series of inspiring interviews, this time with author and designer Kali Stileman. We have our usual collection of reviews of fabulous books including, Vintage-Style Beaded Jewelry by Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell, Flavours of Morocco by Ghillie Basan and Roses are Red-A Book for LoversKate Moore. www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Picture Credits: Front cover and inside cover image courtesy of LINLEY - www.davidlinley.com Images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Please Note All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items.Inclusion in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

LINLEY Valentine’s Day Gifts from Linley: luxuriously indulgent; imaginative designs; meticulous detailing; unique pieces - the perfect place for all your gift shopping. www.davidlinley.com/Accessories/valentines_gifts/icat/valentines_gifts

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Van Cleef & Arpels To celebrate St Valentine’s Day 2011, Van Cleef & Arpels has created the beautiful Nid de Paradis collection. This new collection captures the very essence of the Parisian High Jewellery Maison: extraordinary craftsmanship, stringent criteria for the choice of precious stones, and graceful designs inspired by the harmony of nature. www.vancleef-arpels.com

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Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Kali Stileman, author and designer for an exlusive interview.

1. Looking at your schedule for shows, publishing books as well as running The Square Card Company, how to you manage to fit everything into your day?

I get back from dropping the children at the bus stop at about 8, walk the dog in the woods which is when I plan the day ahead and I’m in my office by 8.45. My normal working day is spent on The Square Card Company where I am busy packing orders of the cards and wrapping that I design.

I pick the children up at 4 and then it’s time spent with them! I am busy making dinner and helping with homework until I settle down to work on my new picture books until about 10pm.

This varies from day to day depending on what’s happening and that’s the great thing about being self-employed when you are a single parent.

INTERVIEW

I have wonderful flexibility and can take an hour or two out to go to a school assembly for instance and then work later into the evening. It probably sounds like a very hectic day but I love being busy and working on my passions: the business and my picture books!

2. Where do you get your inspiration for your card designs and picture books?

I guess I am influenced by what I see around me - I keep sketch books of things I like which can be anything from a pattern hidden in the brickwork of a building to the colours of a row of old books. Inspiration is everywhere and I could happily sit and draw design after design.

3. We love Peely Wally, do you have future plans for her?

I have an idea for a follow up, but before that my new picture book will be coming out later this year, so watch this space! Peely Wally has been great fun to create though.

4. Looking at your website, and list of distributors it looks like you have the potential for a global business, how would you like to see your business grow?

Businesses either grow or stagnate and I have got to the point where I have to push it on to the next stage.

I have a good group of agents who work across the UK taking samples of my cards and wrapping to shops and distributors who handle foreign sales.

I think my next move has to be to hand over the packing distribution to a third party so I can concentrate on the creative side.

The other thing I intend to do is increase the product ranges that I produce.

Alligator books have just finished turning one of my designs into gift boxes and bags and I am working on designs for children’s mugs with Stubbs mugs. I have also got some silver jewelry being cast, so I am working on a few exciting projects for the future.

5. How do you inspire your own children?

By example, I guess. I think the biggest thing you can give your children is the confidence that you are supporting them in anything they want to have a go at and that nothing within reason is unachievable. They have seen it happen with my company and now my publishing contract. They have been instrumental in the company’s growth and nothing gets published without them giving their opinion.

My son is borderline dyslexic. He has all of the issues but none of the support and has had periods of feeling really low about his progress at school. The last time it happened, I took some lovely collages he’d done of bugs and by the following week I had a best selling wrapping paper of his design. He was thrilled and it gave him a real sense of achievement, which he really needed.

6. What is your favourite form of relaxation?

Killer sudukos in the bath! I need to learn to switch off!

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INFORMATION ABOUT KALI: http://www.thesquarecardcompany.com The Square Card Company is a venture specialising in brightly-coloured sparkly greetings cards for children and young people.

After completing a degree in 3D design at Brighton, Kali illustrated for the Body Shop, painted murals for a year and then had a career change to teach primary school children until the birth of her daughter. Relocating to Bermuda for 3 years, Kali took up her craft again and began to sell collages and paintings through local art galleries. On returning to the UK and with her children starting school full time, she decided to make a life change and started up The Square Card Company.

Kali now lives in an old gamekeeper’s cottage in the middle of a wood in Wiltshire.

Peely Wally is published by Random House on 3rd March and is her first picture book. (Age 0-5 years, £5.99, Full colour paperback) This is the story of Peely Wally and the adventure of her egg! Follow the dotted line and see where the egg goes! With lots of animals to spot and talk about and a butterfly to find on each page. Don’t miss the special surprise at the end! Gorgeous textured cover and a fantastic egg-hatching flap inside – perfect for Easter.

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Peely Wally is a delightful book, our junior reviewers really enjoyed it, commenting, ‘It’s brilliant, we love the monkeys’ The images are enchanting and vibrant, and they especially loved the surprise at the end which is so cute that it merits another picture book on its own. We all loved it! Highly Recommended!

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THOMAS LYTE Thomas Lyte is delighted to introduce the ‘Eliza’, a distinctive collection of impeccably crafted leather hand bags. The Eliza Collection is elegant, practical and as captivating as its namesake. www.thomaslyte.com

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Ormonde Jayne Let Ormonde Jayne play Cupid - There is nothing more exciting than receiving a beautiful bottle of Ormonde Jayne perfume from a secret admirer.Our staff will handwrite your message and deliver it to your beloved’s door‌with complimentary worldwide postage. www.ormondejayne.com

BLINK BEACH Let BLINK BEACH be your one-stop holiday shop. Stock up with pieces from the stylish new Spring Summer 2011 collection with everything from chic beach cover-ups to bikinis and swimming trunks. Also new is the gorgeous new jewellery range from Zara Simon, as well as lots of other surprise treats in store. Available on line from mid-February. Happy holiday! www.blinkbeach.com

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Selandari Because you deserve Italian fashion! Selandari’s Italian Collection offers exceptional designer luxuries. Our ‘Made-in-Italy’ collection of Italian clothes, accessories, bags and jewellery are hand-picked from designers and artisans that we know you will love. www.selandarisitaliancollection.com

Paperchase Enjoy Valentine shopping with Paperchase - you’ll find everything you need in store- cards are vibrant, quirky and stylish, great to mix and match with Valentine’s gifts.

T 020 7467 6200 for stockists and enquiries www.paperchase.co.uk

FEATURE

e l y t S l a n o s r e P r u o Y

Do

you remember when you were little, the fun of dressing up? The joy and the freedom to choose who you wanted to be. The different combinations of clothes, unrestricted by rules of what you should and shouldn’t wear.

In A Life in Frocks, Kelly Doust writes about a grown-up version, ‘Ask me today what my perfect outfit is and I’ll tell you this: A fabulously frothy tutu in the shade of sea foam, made from layers and layers of tulle.

It nips in tight at the waist-a stretch satin band in a darker green-and blooms delightfully outwards, ending above the knee with artfully dishevelled edges falling over silky, translucent grey footless tights……’

She goes on to describe in beautiful detail the whole outfit and explains, ‘What does it say?

Life is beautiful.’ When she wears ‘this playful romantic outfit,’ her world changes, gone is the bad news and instead she enjoys life, picnics in the park, good news phone calls, romantic dinners.

Clothes may not magically change your day, but they can help to make you feel uniquely individual. Imagine a fairy godmother-someone who touches you on the shoulder and says, ‘You can do this’ and in that touch you feel transformed.

Much has been written about Personal Brands, but in many ways people find this too impersonal, too much like a product, we prefer to describe it as a personal style-your own signature.

Style is not restricted by age or gender, men and women of all ages have style, some people manage to achieve this seemingly effortlessly, while others feel no matter how hard they try, they never really feel self-assured.

One of the most important first stages is to be comfortable with yourself, to develop that inner confidence that comes from really knowing and liking who you are.

One of the ways of doing this is to acquire knowledge. Just as advertising agencies create a mood board to describe the essence of a brand, you can create a mood board to create your own essence - your style.

In creating your essence think as broadly as possible about the different elements of your style.

When people get married, they often enlist the help from a whole range of experts, why not apply the same energy to your everyday life. Why limit yourself to one day? Don’t wait for an interview and a series of personality tests to tell you who you are - develop your own understanding.

Think about all aspects of you, starting inside first; it is a well-recognised fact that real beauty comes from within.

We often feature interviews with people who have done something different with their lives and this issue is no exception (see our interview with Kali Stileman) If you want to do something different, or want people to recognise your talent you have to recognize it first.

And this recognition of your talent and abilities is part of the discovery of your essence, your style, your way of doing things. This is something that is constantly evolving as we move through different stages of our lives. People are discovering talents that they never knew they had.

Part of your inner strength is looking after yourself. Are you fit and healthy? Do you eat the right foods-do you exercise? Do you have regular eye and dental check-ups? Do you have the right mix of work and leisure?

Finally we come to the exterior, the outward appearance of style. Like dressing a house, if it is build on good foundations this is when you can seek advice. Visit a really good hairdresser and find a style that suits you based on your features and hair type. Seek expert advice about make-up.

When thinking about the fashion you wear remember the advice from Antonio Mancinelli in Fashion Box when describing timeless fashion essentials that define style.

‘The great fashion basics give us a sense of security that stops us losing our heads, yet at the same time they can be adapted to fit our personal style….. T-shirts, blue jeans, a white shirt, the little black dress, the trench, a tailored suit ... Fashion has given us many icons accessible, attainable pieces that are staples in everyone’s wardrobe’ Remember to also keep it personal, listen to all the advice, but ultimately develop your own unique style. Do you have something that really represents you, that makes you feel special, one special piece that is your talisman, a treasured piece of jewellery, a special perfume, a favourite bag, pair of shoes, or outfit that you can build your style around?

Today more than ever before, there is the opportunity and freedom to be really creative in developing your own style.

As Coco Chanel famously said,

‘Fashion Fades, only style remains the same’ Coco Chanel FashionBox - The Immortal Icons of Style Text by Antonio Mancinelli Published by Thames & Hudson http://www.thamesandhudson.com/9780500515525.html A Life in Frocks Kelly Doust Published by Pier 9 Murdoch Books http://www.amazon.co.uk/

Crumpet SS11 The Spring Summer 2011 collection will be arriving at the end of this month. With a menagerie of wild tropical prints and cashmere maxis the latest luxe collection is a must have for any fashionista. www.crumpetengland.com

REVIEW Synopsis: Inspired by the best of a century’s designs, Vintage-Style Beaded Jewelry shows you how to create 35 delightful designs for your very own modern heirlooms. Deborah SchneebeliMorrell uses a range of widely available materials to create jewellery for any event, including ideas to wear every day, such as a simple button necklace, and occasion pieces, such as a wedding tiara embellished with beads and paper rosebuds.

Despite their glamour, many of Deborah’s projects are surprisingly inexpensive; she shows how to make old china into cameo brooches, how to reuse jewels for a glistening two-strand bracelet and how to revive a beloved but broken necklace as a stunning pearl necklace.

Ideal as a gift, many of the bracelets, necklaces, brooches, and earrings can be created in an afternoon. With tips on how to work with found objects, Deborah shows how to transform favourite but damaged costume jewellery and thrift store finds into precious pieces that can be treasured forever.

Clear step-by-step artworks and the use of simple techniques such as wiring, beading and netting mean that even the beginner can produce stunning results. http://www.cicobooks.com/books/bookdetails.php?isbn=9781907563102 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict With the trend for all things vintage continuing, this is a delightful book full of stunning projects and ideas, which you can use to create your own unique designs. Combining an opportunity to search for vintage items along with easy to create designs this is a perfect book for a relaxing weekend.

It also presents a perfect excuse to go back through your jewellery box and recreate something new. Within the 35 projects there is something for everyone, whatever your taste or style. This is a perfect gift for anyone creative, or as a treat to yourself.

We Loved it! Highly Recommended!

Wintersweet At Wintersweet we source designer and bridal jewellery created for girls who love understated beauty. At Wintersweet, shop in our online boutique for antique-style beaded necklaces, freshwater pearl earrings and exquisite cuff bracelets complemented by romantically oversized stone rings. www.wintersweet.co.uk

REVIEW Synopsis: Kate shares her tips on: • • • • • • • •

Perfect, genuinely thoughtful and personal gifts How to keep the spark alive when you’re apart The perfect romantic night in Creating a couple’s time capsule Establishing a book club for two The ultimate breakfast in bed Arranging the perfect blissful getaway Dating each other – yes, still!

However long you’ve been together (and however much your eyes roll when Kate enthuses about the many splendours of love) there is something here to reignite the most jaded of lovers, to remind you to think about the little things you love about them, to give you ideas for the simple gestures that mean so much (and that, for most of us, are distant memories of the early days of courtship!)

Also includes: • The most romantic films and books • Miscellanies of trivia on weddings, kisses and love Dive in and get loved up again! http://www.amazon.co.uk/ Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a delightful collection of all things romantic which you can personalize on the inside cover. It includes quotes and tips about love and whole range of topics about love including: The Science of Love, Lovers in History, The Language of Love, Popping the Question, Love on the Silver Screen, Love In Literature, The Perfect Gift, Write Your Own Love Poem and much, much more.

A perfect gift for Valentine’s Day! Highly Recommended!

Limited Edition Pure Color Metamorphosis Makeup Collection by Tom Pecheux Inspired by modern Chinese beauty, and wearable for all woman around the world, Tom Pecheux designed this special, limited edition collection of products to give women a look that is soft yet sophisticated, a look that is reminiscent of a butterfly at night, with its fluttering dark wings of delicate pearl and effervescent mystery.

In this intensely reflective collection, eyes are sheerly washed in glittering pale blue, lavender and pink and finished with a wing of black crystal; lips are delicately glossed in a soft whisper of pink.

Limited Edition Pure Color Metamorphosis Makeup Collection by Tom Pecheux will be available exclusively at EstĂŠe Lauder counters in Harvey Nichols only from 3rd January 2011.

Stockist Information: 0870 034 2566 or www.esteelauder.co.uk Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/esteelauderuk

REVIEW Flavours of Morocco by Ghillie Basan Photography by Peter Cassidy Synopsis: This collection of authentic recipes by Ghillie Basan has been beautifully photographed on location in Morocco by Peter Cassidy. Kemia and Salads include simple recipes such as Garlicky Broad Bean Dip, and Preserved Lemon and Tomato Salad with Capers.

Explore Soups, Breads and Savoury Pastries, from Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Aniseed and Saffron to Spiced Festive Bread.

Tagines, KDras and Couscous features the classic Lamb Tagine with Almonds, Prunes and Apricots. Grills, Pan-fries and Roasts include a Baked Trout Stuffed with Dates; Side Dishes and Preserves includes Spicy Potato Omelette, whilst Sweet Snacks, Puddings and Drinks includes treats such as Rose-flavoured Milk Pudding and Fluffy Pistachio Nougat.

The book also includes essays on The Souks, Spices and Sensual Flavours; Berber Traditions and Tagines; Mint Tea Culture and much more. Board the Marrakesh Express with these tantalising and authentic Moroccan recipes. delicious magazine Shortlisted for the 2010 Le Cordon Bleu World Food Media Awards. http://www.rylandpeters.com/books/bookdetails.php?isbn=9781849750868 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is so much more than a cookery book, Ghillie Basan and photographer Peter Cassidy have created a beautiful collection of recipes and images of Moroccan food which really makes you feel that you are embarking on an exotic journey.

Here is a mouth-watering collection of delicious meals beautifully illustrated with step-by-step recipes as well as background information about the traditions and flavours of Moroccan food.

There is also a list of useful websites and mail order.

A perfect gift for all lovers of fine food. Highly Recommended!

Gift-Library.com Gift-Library.com has a wide selection of romantically-themed gifts for Valentine’s day this year. Choose from stylish fashion-focused gifts such as the Shana London heart love clutch or the ultimate token of love with the Noa Love Knot bracelet as well as a variety of scented candles, chocolates or cards. www.gift-library.com

Elegant Resorts Elegant Resorts promise a holiday experience ‘beyond luxury’, as experts in providing tailormade luxury travel. For over twenty-three years this British company has been providing bespoke holidays to the world’s finest hotels and resorts worldwide, from luxury ski chalets to tropical island retreats. www.elegantresorts.co.uk