Loving Your Curves Bridal - Issue 1

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Loving Your Curves FOR THE BRIDE THAT LOVES HER CURVES

AUTUMN EDITION ▪ SEPTEMBER 2013

THE BECOMING OF THE CURVY BRIDE

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Designers & Make-up artists give their expert advice PAGE 10

MEET OUR EXHIBITORS

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KEY STYLES

YOUR GUESTS WILL ADORE!

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PLUS STUNNING CAKES,

FLOWERS, VENUES AND MORE

BRIDAL


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JOHN LEWIS TIMELESS ELEGANCE The John Lewis Gift List. For gifts you’ll love forever. Create your perfect Gift List with a choice of 350,000 beautiful products, charity donations or honeymoon contributions. Visit us at John Lewis Oxford Street or register your Gift List at johnlewisgiftlist.com

Our commitment to value means that we match the prices of the high street competitors (this excludes online-only or mail order businesses). Service conditions must be comparable. See our ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ leaflet in our shops or online for details.

300 OXFORD ST, LONDON W1A 1EX Whether you’re getting married, celebrating a new arrival, a big birthday or any important milestone in your life, we have a list for every occasion Visit us online at JohnLewis.Com


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THE FAIRYTALE BEGINS HERE CONTENTS SETP 2013 18 12

Features Real Weddings

Inspiration

10 14

Loving Your Curves Runway Sneak Peak

Diamonds are Forever

Ansrea & Adrian

16 20

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Bridal Fashion

The Becoming of the modern day bride

08 06 26

Wedding Cakes Wedding Henna

33 London Graduate Fashion Young Designer to watch

Get the look Pretty in Pink Gold & Glory

Top Tips Bridal Beauty - To have and behold Wedding Rings

Meet the experts

24 Event Team 25 models 30 Exhibitors & Wedding Essentials

37 Win Your bridal make-up


MESSAGE FROM

THE EDITOR EDITOR: Kemi Farquharson

EMAIL: editor@lovingyourcurves.co.uk

BLOG: www.lovingyourcurves.co.uk

Is it just me ... or did September come around so quickly? As we launch our first annual event and magazine, I would like to thank all the ladies that have shown their support in bringing a much needed platform to life. We really felt that a wedding fair and magazine dedicated to curvy brides was needed, it is great to see your inspiration in your image and find suppliers that can cater to your needs.

The team and I are very excited to bring you a quarterly edition full of wedding tips, themes, inspiration, dresses, cakes, flowers and so much more.

Oh and this is just the first half of the magazine! You will be able to purchase the full publication from our website from our Winter Edition.

We would also love it if you would participate an engage by sending in images of your special day, questions of our experts and any suggestions or comments on our publication to: pr@lovingyourcurves.co.uk

Meet the team

Contact us

Magazine team

Advertising

Kemi Farquharson e. editor@lovingyourcurves.co.uk

Digital or printed media packs available on request.

Caroline Williams e. styleme@lovingyourcuvres.co.uk

t. +44 020 3070 2910 e. advertising@lovingyourcurves.co.uk

Olga Crosse e. interviews@lovingyourcurves. co.uk

sucscriptions (uk) Digital

Chantell Simone Graham e. beauty@lovingyourcurves.co.uk

1 month subscription 3 months subscription 6 months subscription

Ricardo Farquharson e. fitness@lovingyourcurves.co.uk

Printed

£2.95 £5.90 £14.00

To commence Spring 2014

Enjoy! Kemi Farquharson www.lovingyourcurve.co.uk


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Bridges Wharf, Battersea, London, SW11 3BE, Sat Nav 3RP. T: 44 (0) 20 7801 3500 | F: 44 (0) 20 7801 3501 | E: info@hotelverta.co.uk


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LET THEM EAT...

CAKE

#1 TY COUTURECAKES “At TY COUTURE CAKES, we believe that taste is as impor­tant as looks; our cakes are not only impres­sive and strik­ing aes­thet­i­cally, but exquis­ite in flavour and con­ sis­tency. We are very proud of our prod­ucts and ser­vice as we treat each cake and its occa­sion as if they were our own. We have exceeded the expec­ta­tions of our clients over the years and have made every event mem­or­ able! Just look at our Tes­ ti­mo­ni­als and see for yourself.”


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CAKES WE LOVE ....

Naomi cake

Sweet Roses and Dots

by

by

GC Couture www.gccouture.co.uk

The Cake Parlour www.thecakeparlour.com

Dark Chocolate & Berry Foutain by

Pink Wedgewood

Le Papillon Patisserie lepapillonpatisserie.com

Sugar Bliss Cake Company

by sugarblisscakecompany.co.uk

CAKES FROM OUR FEATURED EXHIBITOR ....


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REAL WEDDINGS

ANSREA & ADRIAN PHOTOS: Claire Morgan

EMAIL: info@claire-morgan.com

Website: www.claire-morgan.com

Having eloped to Hawaii, Andrea & Adrian celebrated their wedding with family and friends back in Switzerland by having a lovely wedding brunch in an orchid glasshouse in the countryside nor far from Wettingen, near Zurich. With most of the decorations ordered form Etsy, this was a wonderfully creative mix of DIY and luxury, as the Proteas flowers beautifully decorated each table and guests were spoiled with hand made pralines by Lindt chocolatier ... also the gift and reminder of a great family celebration as pralines were beautifully packaged as little favors. A lovely wedding celebration beautifully told by photographer Claire Morgan.


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TO HAVE AND BEHOLD BEAUTY TIPS FOR YOUR WEDDINGDAY GLOW MAX FACTOR MASCARA False lash effect doubles your lash size appearance by coating the lashes from he root to the tip. In waterproof, no flaking or smudging formula leaves lashes gives you the confidence of looking lovely all day. MORE INFORMATION: www.maxfactor.co.uk

IMAN - LIPSTICK

BECCA - FOUNDATION

Luscious creamy and luxurious, this semi matt lipstick offers full coverage and a long lasting smooth finish.... Glides smooth to condition and mosisturize. “Offers superb moisture, long-lasting and has a great range of colours to suit all skin tones.”

BECCA Mineral Powder Foundation with pure mineral pigments is designed for a silky, sheer, weightless finish to suit all ages and skin types, including those with sensitive or acne prone skin. With adjustable, natural looking coverage, this water-resistant mineral marvel is both easy-to-apply and long wearing. Buff some on for sensual, luminous colour that stays put all day. “Offers great coverage, this range caters for a range of skin tones and is long lasting for your special day.”

MORE INFORMATION: www. imancosmetics.com

MORE INFORMATION: www.beccacosmetics.com

SLEEK - BLUSHER Highly pigmented blushers to brighten and define cheekbones and gives you that perfect glow. “Great pigment, can be easily blended and long-lasting.” MORE INFORMATION: www.sleekmakeup.com

BECCA - PRIMING PERFECTOR Get off to the right start with Becca’s Ever-matte Priming Perfector. Used before your foundation to control excess oil while minimizing the appearance of pores. The instant mattifying effect completely eliminates shine! MORE INFORMATION: www.beccacosmetics.com


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DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER VASHI DOMINGUEZ CEO OF VASHI.COM Editor: Olga Crosse

EMAIL: interviews@lovingyourcurves.co.uk

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Diamond expert, Vashi Dominguez form. Vashi continued his work, sourcing the highest quality diamonds for the lowest price and offered customers unrivalled options in bespoke jewellery whilst continuing to provide superlative customer guarantees. In 2010, Vashi launched a standalone e-tail site at DiamondManufacturers.co.uk. By 2011, Diamond Manufacturers has grown to become Amazon’s largest and most highly commended Pan-European diamond jewellery retailer gaining hundreds of 5* reviews along the way. In 2013, Diamondmanufacturers.co.uk evolved in to Vashi.com, paving the way for a new era of robust progression. Combining Vashi’s acumen and wholesale clout with a streamlined online-only operation, Vashi.com is able to trade diamonds at more highly competitive prices than traditional high street jewellery stores. Without the overheads of huge operational costs, retail space and commissions, Vashi. com is a true cut above the rest, offering high quality and unbeatable value. Vashi ensures that each and every diamond is personally approved by him; he sees, handles and selects every diamond we set. Only 1 in 10 diamonds that we receive make his grade, we only sell the best of the best.

Since admiring his grandmother’s jewellery as a child Vashi had maintained an abstract interest in diamonds; intrigued by the value and desirability of objects so small. Vashi self-studied gemmology and began arranging meetings in the global diamond centres of Antwerp and Mumbai. Vashi’s simple master plan was to purchase diamonds wholesale and sell them to jewellery stores in Spain. After establishing himself with the wholesalers and traders who mattered, Vashi was able to build a substantial client base in Spain which allowed him to expand rapidly into Portugal and then Belgium. By 2007 the global economy was experiencing a downturn. Emerging growth in e-commerce and an increasing exposure to risk in the supply chain prompted Vashi to move his business online, selling directly to the consumer. Diamond Manufacturers initially launched in 2007 on the Amazon UK plat-

Each natural, untreated, certified conflict-free diamond is guaranteed to have a minimum sparkle effect superior to that seen on the high street. Using leading cutting technology combined with premium materials, methods and techniques, each piece is handset, finished and fashioned on site by some of the UK’s leading diamond setters and polishers. Each item is checked carefully by professional hand and eye enduring strict quality control to ensure that what we send to you is the highest possible quality. www.vashi.com


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Vashi’s tips on how to choose your diamond The Carat: When buying your diamonds makes sure that you do your research and look out for the 4C’s as they will determine the value of your diamond now and in the future. The Cut:

The Carat is the weight of the diamond. The higher the carat the higher the value of the diamond, size corresponds accordingly. Colour:

The cut is the most important factor when determining value of the diamond. A good cut lets a diamond handle light well and emit superior sparkle. Grades of cut range from ‘Super Ideal’ to ‘Good’, ‘Super Ideal’ being the highest cut grade.

The colour of a diamond is graded by how ‘white’ the stone is. Grade D is colourless and Z has a yellow tint. The whiter the diamond, the greater its value. Clarity:

In a well cut diamond the light enters the diamond and is reflected from one side of the diamond to the other and back into the viewer’s eye. This light is called the ‘brilliance’. In a poorly cut diamond the light ‘leaks’ out the sides or bottom of the diamond, rather than being reflected.

www.vashi.com

Clarity is affected by flaws known as ‘inclusions’ on or in the stone. Grades of clarity range from FL (flawless) to I3 (visible inclusions). The fewer inclusions a diamond exhibits, the more valuable it is.


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TOP 10 TIPS PICKING THE PERFECT RING It is important to ensure that you pick the right Wedding Band to say ‘I do’ to as you’ll most likely wear your ring every day for the rest of your life. You need to consider a number of things such as style, metal and the comfort of your ring before you part with your money. Vashi Dominguez, Diamond and Jewellery expert offers his top 10 tips on how to choose the perfect wedding bands.

wedding ring you can possibly buy for your money. 3. Combination Will the wedding ring be worn alongside an engagement ring? If the answer is ‘yes’, then you may want to consider buying a curved wedding ring or even one that matches and complements the engagement ring. A curved wedding ring will sit smoothly around the diamond on her diamond engagement ring especially if she has a halo style ring. A popular choice is to have both engagement and wedding rings designed in the same metal and style.

5. Setting A flush or bezel setting for a diamond wedding ring is more secure, but a prong setting allows more light to go through the diamond. In other words, a diamond solitaire ring with a prong setting creates more sparkle. Wedding rings with a bezel setting or a flush set diamond show only the top of the gems with a nice edge around it, making it less likely to catch on your clothes.

4. Comfort

1. His and Hers Should you and your partner opt for identical his and her wedding rings or buy different style wedding bands for you both? Matching wedding rings doesn’t have to mean that you both end up with the exact same wedding ring, you could simply just choose to both opt for the same metal or a similar style band. 2. Budget Weddings are expensive, but a wedding ring is for life. You and your partner will need to decide how much you can realistically afford to spend on your wedding rings. Don’t get carried away by fabulous and expensive rings, but don’t buy your wedding rings too cheap either and regret it in years to come. Know your budget and stick to it. Do your research and get the best

If you and your partner enjoy sports and an active lifestyle in general, you may want to opt for wedding bands that are robust, secure and don’t scratch easily. A diamond wedding ring with a whopping great stones looks fantastic, but you may find it uncomfortable in the long run. It may also scratch or get caught in clothing more easily. Take into consideration your daily activities, for instance if you spend all day typing you may find that a thick set ring becomes uncomfortable throughout the duration of the day.

6. Metal Should you go for white gold wedding rings, platinum wedding bands, silver or for a yellow gold wedding ring? Silver is a relatively soft metal and will tarnish over time. Gold, whether white gold or yellow gold wedding rings, is fine as long as it not more than 18k (pure gold is 24k, whereas 18k gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals). White gold is coated in rhodium, a metal similar to platinum, to create a real white look. Unfortunately, this thin layer of rhodium will eventually wear off. To keep a white gold ring looking its best it should be re-rhodium plated approximately every 12 to 18 months. Platinum is the strongest of the jewellery metals, resistant to

damage and won’t tarnish, making it a great choice if you can afford it. 7. Style Remember that you are likely to wear your wedding ring for the rest of your life. A ‘Twilight’ style goth ring may set your pulse racing now, but will it still be a fitting choice twenty years from now? 8. Design your own wedding ring For something truly unique, why not design your own wedding rings? Although a wide range of beautiful pre-set wedding rings is widely available, you could decide to create your own, very personal wedding ring designs. Just remember though, that you are very likely to be wearing your wedding rings for the rest of your life. At Diamond Manufacturers, we have a team of skilled professionals who specialise in creating made-to-order pieces. We can create the wedding rings of your dreams from a single image in a record time of 5 days. 9. Diamonds It used to be said that the size of a diamond was proportionate to how much you loved your partner. Nowadays we know better. Quality is just as important. When you buy your diamond engagement ring or diamond wedding ring, it pays to read up on “the 4 Cs of diamonds” (cut, colour, clarity and carat weight). 10. Engravings Engraving your wedding band is the best way to make your rings unique and personal to you. Possibly opt for your names and wedding date, or a message of your choice for a special, personal touch.


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THE BECOMING OF THE MODERN DAY BRIDE

EDITOR: Caroline Williams

EMAIL: styleme@lovingyourcuvres.co.uk

LONG GONE ARE THE DAYS OF THE PRESSURE TO BE THE STICK THIN BRIDE. WE WELCOME A NEW ERA OF ACCEPTANCE AND VOILA WE HAVE THE NEW AGE MODERN DAY CURVY BRIDE. It could be argued as to whether it was ever likely to be a stick thin bride. Of course catwalks show their waif like models gracing the runway in their gowns. Additionally many brides are certainly renowned to lose weight prior to their wedding day, which can often be stress or exercise related, or a combination of both. The difference however that we have now encountered in today’s world, is that we have a new coming of acceptance in ourselves and in others. No matter what your size, as there is nothing against slim people either, we have grown to accept we can be beautiful regardless of what the old fashioned stereotypes may say and especially on our big day. Society has embraced size and as a nation we have established that the average women’s clothing size in the United Kingdom is indeed a curvy size 16. According to the Daily Mail nearly half of all the UK women are a size 16 or above.

These facts can no longer be ignored and if the fashion industry wants to make money, they have needed to change their ways to accommodate to these requirements. With the growing industry of ‘plus-size’ clothing, comes the growing industry of the ‘plus-size’ model, which then becomes an advertising desire, therefore suddenly acceptance of the plus-size, for the almost half of the United Kingdom women that this statistic covers. For many women their wedding day is the biggest day of their lives. With worrying of what size you are out of the way (and knowing the general population are no longer heavily fixated on that topic either), we can focus on the more important aspects of the wedding. There is flowers, stationary, invites galore but when it comes down to it we all love the whole idea of being the Bride and of course the outfit and glamour that comes with it.


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Dresses By

Kemi Boutique (above) Simply Be (below)

PAGE 18 Embracing your curves has never been easier than on your own wedding day. You are almost always feeling beautiful having hair and makeup done. Plus you have preened your skin to perfection. You are glowing like no other and you have chosen the perfect dress for your shape. Embracing your figure is working out what works best for you. Knowing your best assets and accentuating them, whilst perhaps being more discreet with body parts you prefer to hide. It is amazing once you are aware of this, how fantastic you can look, regardless of shape or size and the confidence you beam externally. With this coming of acceptance we are openly seeing more and more plus-size brides, who are not prepared to starve themselves before their weddings. Just happy do things the right way by exercise and eating healthier, to tone up a little, as opposed to losing gallons of weight. Making sure there wedding is about them as a person, not someone they are trying to be. The media and society are helping us increasingly with this. This is evident of various people’s weddings that are published in magazines. Not just your average ‘model’ bride.

Long live the curvy, selfaccepted bride we say and let’s keep showing the world you can be beautiful whatever your size and that according to statistics curvy is the way of the United Kingdom’s future. So embrace it and flaunt what you have been given, as your average modern day bride is going to be curvy girl!


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LOVING YOUR CURVES RUNWAY SNEAK PEAK..

Lillian Mayro

Kemi Boutique

Dea London

Simply Be

Wedding dress makers based in Tower Hamlets, London.

Wedding couture for the curvy bride, based in Tooting, London.

Designer Work wear & fine tailoring for the lady with curves.

Fashion without limits ... Evening Wear

Bespoke dresses made to measure.

Prêt-à-Porter & Bespoke

MORE INFORMATION: www.lillianmayro.co.uk

MORE INFORMATION: www.kemiboutique.com

MORE INFORMATION: www.dealondon.co.uk

MORE INFORMATION: www.simplybe.co.uk

Simply Be

Simply Be

EvieAmore

Fashion without limits ... Day Wear

Fashion without limits ... Bridal

Lingerie for the buxom belle.

MORE INFORMATION: www.simplybe.co.uk

MORE INFORMATION: www.simplybe.co.uk

MORE INFORMATION: www.evieamore.com


MEET OUR SPONSOR

CSG Makeup & Beauty

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“ENHANCING BEAUTY STARTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT”

Hair: Lathaniels Chambers Photographer : Koshmo Photography


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MEET THE TEAM BEAUTY LOUNGE

PR April Atkins - PR & Events Executive Daisy Raymant - PR & Events Executive

RUNWAY Carolyn Bullimor 07592109461 cbullimore1@hotmail.co.uk www.carolynbullimore-mua.webs.com Kadine Watson kk@kandkshowers.com www.kandkshowers.com

07508297411

Virginia Anderson 07985594931 mrsrudinail@gmail.com www.facebook.com/virginia.anderson Iman Aziz 07534777739 iman_aziz@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/pages/iman-aziz/185226838269206 Shahida Akter 07957002877 shahida1981@hotmail.co.uk Kavita Varma kavi22v@gmail.com

07791262983

NAIL TECHNICIANS

Lien Vy 07947203249 gorgeousbeauty@live.co.uk www.gorgeousbeautybox.com

Virginia Anderson 07985594931 mrsrudinail@gmail.com www.facebook.com/virginia.anderson

Lorenna Fagan info@lsboudoirmua.com www.lsboudoirmua.com

Iman Aziz 07534777739 iman_aziz@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/pages/iman-aziz/185226838269206

07508665029

Natasha Osei 07958066484 natasha_osei@yahoo.com www.beauteekisses.wordpress.com Sabrina Richardson 07530308809 Sabrinarichardson48@hotmail.co.uk Sherizahn 07947380891 www.uniquebysherizahn.wordpress.com Yasmine Hussain 07943819542 Yasmin_a_hussain@live.com www.facebook.com/yasminhmakeupartist Iyva Clews 07778306352 iyva.clews@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/iyva.clews

HOSTS Lorna Graham Kristy Price


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MODELS Amy Sellu Charlotte Doering Chantelle Masukli Ebun Ali Laura Creamer Fritha Lambert Tanya Davis Michelle Vernege

GRADUATE DESIGNERS Rosie Dennington Birmingham City University Erin Carroll-Saks Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand) Reece Curtis-Walwyn Ravensbourne University Kimberly Makina Birmingham City University Mellisa C. Haynes University of East London

Ebonnie Roberts Amy Osabuohien Dominique Wells Eva Believer Keny Fraser Debbie Judic Cecilie Kaasgaard Gemma Cruickshank Lizzy Riley

Erin Carroll-Saks


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BRIDAL

MEHNDI

Uwaisa Mehndi

Experience the Art of Henna with Uwaisa...

PRINT READY TEMPLATE EASY TO USE PAGE LAYOUTS Editor: Kemi Farquharson

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EMAIL: editor@lovingyourcurves.co.uk

With the ever growing Indian inspired trends like threading it is great to see culture and vibrance inspiration expressed in moden day weddings. No longer are Henna or Mehndi constrained to the Indian or Asian culture, we are seeing an increasing trend in African and European brides arorning themselfs for their special day. Traditionally brides would see themselfs decorated in intricate patterns draped from their hands to well above their elbows and and feet to knees, but this is a new era and as all things Bridal Mehndi has been reinterpreted by suit a 21st centery bride. Modern brides now prefer to keep it simple both in the areas of the body decorated, but also in the artwork, which has seen a welcoming rise in eye-catching inrtpretaions as gold-colored mehndi, stones, and even glitter. But how does this Mehndi designs translate to brides I hear you ask, well it’s about love. The mehndi adornment on a bride represents the love the bride holds for her intended groom, the deeper the mehndi’s color, the deeper the affection.

Whant to find out more? We will be having two Mehndi artists in our Beauty Lounge who will be happt to answer your questions and provide you with a lovely mini Mehndi design. You can also contact Uwaisa Mehndi, a professional Mehndi artist and owner of a training accademy.

www.uwaisamehndi.com


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Professional Styling, Wedding Styling and Personal Shopping

www.devallenger.com styleme@devallenger.co.uk @DeVallenger


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MEET THE EXPERTS DRESSES

CATERING

Kemi Boutique www.kemiboutique.com

020 3070 2910

Lillian Mayro www.lillianmayro.co.uk

02032 399107

Carolyn De La Drapiere www.drapiere.com

020 8288 8919

Taylor & Co Jewellery 0800 111 4987 www.taylorandcojewellery.co.uk 020 7404 0757

TY Couture Cakes www. tycouturecakes.co.uk

07506430347

Kanta Kakes www.kantakakes.co.uk

07530168043

MAKEUP

FLORIST Abbey Creations 020 8355 3471 www.abbey-creations.co.uk

Flutter Eyes www.fluttereyes.co.uk

07895 059 971

PHOTOGRAPHY Kim Rix 020 8989 4886 www. kimrixphotography.co.uk

07580499929

SHOES long Feet Boutique www.longfeetboutique.co.uk

020 3073 0549

BEAUTY

CAKE

Agata Cieslak www.agatacieslak.com

07741 263 259

GIFT LIST John Lewis www.johnlewisgiftlist.com

RINGS COO Jewellers www.coojewellers.com

EAT www.eat.co.uk

VIDEOGRAPHER Special Functions Media 07985142943 www.specialfunctionsmedia.net

020 3086 8996


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JEWELLERY I PREGI www.ipregi.com

07500 960777

Loyatobs Creations www.loyatobs.com

07950 134362

PLANNING & DECOR Deizi Events & Wedding Planning WWW.DEIZIEVENTS.COM

07947863452

Events Royale www.eventsroyale.co.uk

07951220570

LINGERIE EvieAmore www.evieamore.com

07517681086

A Finer Figure 07740-257601 www.angelagaughan.afinerfigure.com

MENS SUITS Morts & More www.mortsandmore.com

07790803526


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INTERNATIONAL GRADUATES SUPPORT CURVES ON THE CATWALK


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Congratulations on winning Curves on the Catwalk – Young Designer to Watch. Speaking to Rosie Dennington, Birmingham City University Graduate, one of the collaborative graduate designers on why she was inspired to participate in a runway show for ladies with curves. What made you decide to enter the Curves on the Catwalk competition? I saw the competition as a platform for me to really showcase my work and what I do. I also was really keen to meet other designers and models all involved in the plus size market. I honestly believe that I have a unique style that I can offer brides. To me, shape and size is irrelevant: we all deserve to feel beautiful! Where did you study? I have just graduated with a First Class degree with Honours from Birmingham City University in Fashion Design with Design for Performance. Before getting my place at BCU I did a National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing in my hometown of Oxford, and also a short course at Central Saint Martins. Why did you decide to design for curvy ladies? I love curves and glamorous hourglass shapes, this probably explains why corsets are my specialism. Moreover, Having a background in costume design, you are taught to cut and design for the individual, whether they be a size 4 or 44. I see this as a benefit over having a pure fashion background as I feel I really look at the individual as well, an individual.

Also, I see myself as a curvy women, and I am able to design the kind of things I would wear and feel great in, based on my body shape. This gives me an added empathy. Have you ever designed for curvier ladies before? I have designed for curvy ladies before, including making myself pieces! I also think there is a gap in the market for bespoke ‘alternative’ bridal wear for all shapes and sizes. I’m hoping this is a niche I will be able to fill. Is there a difference in terms of cut or design? There is a difference in cut and design to an extent. There are certain things to take into account when designing and cutting, for example, how will the bust be securely supported? What style tips would you give curvier ladies? Ohhh style tips. Well I am not one to follow trends particularly. And, maybe that is the tip I would give to curvier ladies? Be yourself, your clothes are such an expression of who you are. You need to be comfy in your own skin. I personally love the vintage style and I find this to flatter my figure ( hourglass shapes, nipped in waists etc). What are the main style faux pas in your opinion? Bras! And the not wearing of bras. To me this is really my biggest fashion faux pas for all women- not just curvy ladies.

Fashion of Tomorrow! Young Designers to watch

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With the huge range of gorgeous underwear available, including a wider range than ever before for plus size women, there really is no excuse. It’s surprising how a lift up front can make you feel and stand totally differently. Maybe even try a corset if you fancy a change? What colours do you think will be in vogue this AW? Like I say, I’m not one for following trends particularly, but I hear pinks and oranges will be pretty big this A/W. Red is my favourite colour, so I will be sporting this along with florals and polka dots. I think it’s key to wear what you love. What styles will be huge? Again, I can say that we will see collarless coats and patterned trousers. What is your favourite design piece? I have so many favourite design pieces it’s hard to count. The gown that first really inspired me was Vivienne Westwood’s Watteau dress. It was a long time ago, but captured my imagination and has never really let go. I love the outfits Paloma Faith wears, and really see her as a personal style icon. Absolutely someone I would love to design for in the future. And to list one more, any piece by Sparklewren. I was lucky to have been able to intern for her for a year, and every time I went in I was inspired by her couture corsetry. Meticulous quality and just stunningly beautiful. What do you like to design and why? At the moment I design both gowns and lingerie. I have found this to be a key overlap for where corsetry is involved. I think they bring out both elements of my personality: elegant and imaginative yet cheeky and a bit naughty at times. I love the structure involved in corsetry juxtaposed with softer fabrics. It is obvious looking at my work some of my key influences: the 1950s and pinup girls being key examples. What the main gripe or problem you get in terms of feedback from women in your day job? The main gripe I hear, particularly from brides who are plus sized is that they feel the treatment they receive when they enter a bridal boutique is really awful. It is their special day and they should be made to feel incredible, choosing a gown is such a huge decision and should be a joy to absolutely all shapes and sizes. What’s next in store for you? In the bigger picture I have so many ambitions and goals, I want to have my own Rosie Red boutique, incorporating both bespoke bridal wear with lingerie. This will be a boutique with a twist and it will have at the centre of it the philosophy that every individual is beautiful and that every individual deserves to feel this way. For the meantime I am working on a new lingerie and bridal collection, and hope that someone will spot me and feel inspired... To view Rosie’s work go to facebook.com/MissRosieRedCorsets Editor: Olga Crosse

EMAIL: interviews@lovingyourcurves.co.uk

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CSG MAKEUP

& BEAUTY

“Enhancing beauty starts from the inside out, and the greatest beautifier of all is feeling happy!” Editor: Olga Crosse

EMAIL: interviews@lovingyourcurves.co.uk

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I had the pleasure of interviewing Chantell Somine Graham for our very first Lovin’ Your Curves magazine. Chantell is a celebrated makeup and beauty artist and last year was nominated 2012 BEFFTA Nominated Best Makeup Artist. Chantell’s motto is the charming. How did you get into makeup and beauty? I was always interest in Makeup & beauty from an early age but I actually wanted to be a barrister when I was in school. Where are you based? South London but my job requires me to travel. What are the typical treatments brides ask for? Makeup, waxing, eyebrow shaping, pedicures and manicures. Have you ever come across any Bridezillas who totally lose their minds leading up to the big day? Yes but thankfully only once, although in her defence she had planned her wedding in less than 12 weeks. Do you get any grooms wanting preening and pampering? Most definitely, men tend to go for a facial, massage and manicure. What stress techniques would you recommend for a bride or groom? Get plenty of rest, delegate tasks and know exactly what you want or don’t want.

What make up and beauty tips would you give brides and grooms? A full body scrub is a great way to get your body buffed and polished for your big day. Consult with your makeup artist about makeup services for the whole bridal party. Book an appointment with a professional nail technician. It is important that your hands and nails are groomed as you will constantly be showing off your gorgeous wedding ring. Strip lashes are great as temporary lashes for the day but why not book an appointment with an eyelash technician for a set of individual semipermanent eyelashes. Remember to drink plenty of water, get lots of rest and maintain a healthy lifestyle as this will help you look and feel your best on the big day. And not forgetting the bridesmaids or mothers of the bride? Maintain a good skincare regime to ensure your skin is prepared and looking its best for the special day. Should you wish to have beauty treatments such as a spray tan, hair removal, manicure, pedicure, nail enhancements, eyebrow shape etc. have these carried during the week of the wedding day. In terms of cost what should a bride budget for in terms of make up and beauty for the big day? The average cost is bridal makeup can be £150 and upwards.


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perfect for the festive season. Would you recommend a trial before hand? It is vital, the day of your wedding is not the right time to be playing around and trying different makeup looks. It is best and easier for all if the makeup look has been decided before the big day. What should a bridesmaid carry in her handbag on the big day to help the bride? Face powder, blusher, lipstick or gloss and brushes. What are the main make up faux pas in your opinion? Too much makeup, too thin eyebrows.

What the main gripe or problem you get in terms of feedback from women in your job? How do I apply my makeup correctly? What are the best makeup brands? What is a good but inexpensive makeup brand? What’s next in store for you? Training to teach beauty and makeup. www.csgmakeupandbeauty.co.uk

What colours do you think will be in vogue this AW? Autumn/winter 2013 will see a trend in berry coloured lips which is

Win your Bridal Makeup by CSG Makeup & Beauty Everyone is unique and inside every woman is a star! Whether you are a natural, sophisticated or glamorous beauty, you can benefit from a professional makeup artist to make your bridal look seem effortless. Chantell Simone Graham is a professional Makeup Artist, Beauty Therapist & Nail Technologist offering a personal mobile serivce for your special day “As a makeup artist I know how to complement your face and emphasis your best features. I have the creative, artistic and technical skills, an eye for colour and detail as well as the ability to put people at ease.” We are lucky to be able to give away a Bridal Makeup to one lucky winner (RRP £150).

How to enter To enter simply “LIKE” their Facebook page www.facebook.com/csgmakeupandbeautyuk Compertition closes midnight 31st October *T&C Apply


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