EDITORSletter “It’s all about being fancy.” These are the first words that I said during my speech on the panel about “Importance of Networking in Media and Fashion”, in Doha, Qatar, when the host Dr Deanna Khalil asked me why Mess Magazine is expanding to travels and luxury sections. Travelling is undoubtedly a part of fashion lifestyle. I travel a lot and I can honestly say that travelling has completely changed my life, in terms of giving me new opportunities to expand Mess Magazine, discover new places, broaden my horizons and meet inspiring fashion people. By travelling I met amazing people with whom I established long-term collaborations and issue 8 is a fruit of meeting all of the emerging designers such as Raahim Khan from Haus of Ra that prepared custom made MESS hat for the cover shoot, Gewoo – new Chinese platform for emerging and established fashion designers from China, Monika and Bartek, duo of Acephala that allowed me to create unique looks in our cover editorial, or finally Onde – new emerging brand from Warsaw that prepared me unforgettable custom made coat for the biggest fashion event in Doha. In issue 8, I’ve covered the most important and rapidly growing fashion events with my Mess Magazine Team, such as London and Paris Fashion Week, Heya Fashion Exhibition in Doha or Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. I’ve shot editorials in one of my favorite continents – Europe (London, Paris, Berlin) with the most talented and undoubtedly creative fashion individuals such as: promising photographer Izack Morales that took care of our new cover with Dior and Adidas or Vogue Italy photographer Omi Chowdhury that had opportunity to shoot with me in Paris with stunning haute couture creations by Diamant Blanc Couture. As for our new travel section, I am incredibly thankful to work with the biggest hotels in the world that truly represent the ‘luxury’ definition. Ritz Carlton, Westin Paris, Burj al Arab, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Four Seasons Bahrain and more. Dear Reader, I hope that you’ll enjoy flipping pages of new issue 8 and remember, creativity must go on, mess must go on! Editor in Chief & Creative Director Domi Perek
CONTACT Editor-in-Chief & Creative Director Dominika Perek info@messmag.com SUBMISSIONS & ADVERTISING media@messmag.com
C O N TENTS MESS
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Editorial - Cover shoot
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LFW Streetstyle
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Fashion Week
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Rahul Mishra - Feature
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Dazzle your Christmas Party
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Editor Travels
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Streetstyle Trends
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Editorial - Ornate
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Top 10 Freshmess Posts
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The Ritz Carlton
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Editorial - Pre Party
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Bag It - Trend
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Editorial - Blunt
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Living Art
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Editorial - Arc
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Travelling Singapore
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Grace Coddington - Feature
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Travel in Style
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How to Play the Streetstyle Game
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Dominant
Production and Styling: Domi Perek Photographer: Izack Morales Model :Lena Wro MUA and Hair: Eve Alya messmag.com 4 Assistants: Raahim Khan, Agnieszka Loza Clothing credits: GEWOO, Dior, Adidas, Onde, Acephala, Konplott Jewelry
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The Streetstyle of
Mess Magazine caught the streetstyle stars during lfw on the streets.
There’s nothing we love more than women taking on the suit trend. This season it’s all about incorporating menswear in a woman’s closet. As photographed here, dare to stand out from the crowd by wearing a bold red pantsuit paired with a leather jacket to make your outfit more alternative.
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By Giulia Bardelli
You can never go wrong with a classic sheepskin coat, the endless designs and colours available make it a whole lot easier to mix and match with accessories too. Just because it’s getting cold doesn’t mean you should stick to beanies; the transitioning period means you can still wear your summer caps!
Mix prints! Be bold! There’s nothing more appealing than seeing different colours, prints, and textures that blend well together. For an edgy look, as photographed here, put on your best slip dress paired with a statement leather jacket.
What better way to make a statement than with the perfect box bag? The classic Louis Vuitton box bag, an item many girls wish to have in their closets and although for some is out of their budget you can find many cheaper alternatives. Perfect for autumn date nights with friends or your lover.
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Let your collar do the talking. A white shirt doesn’t have to be all that plain and simple. Dress up your outfit by adding a little twist, whether it be a phrase on your collar or on the back of your button-down blouse. They’re always a crowd pleaser at events and will make everyone envious.
Nothing says daredevil more than an alternative hairdo. Jourdan Dunn showed us just this when she attended the Topshop Unique show, looking very 60’s. Wearing the striped high neck sweater to match with her hairdo.
Oversized sunglasses. Sunglasses seem to be the biggest new “it” accessory, Australian brand Quay have shown everyone just how it’s done.
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There’s nothing we love more than a gold jacket with a standout print on the back. Whether it be a great leather or bomber jacket both are easy to find and great for the colder months.
Silk neck scarves are definitely on our radar for this season’s accessory wish list. Worn mostly by Olivia Palermo, we noticed them all over London during Fashion Week. There are endless ways you can tie and style them and simply another way to amp up any basic outfit.
Dungarees seem to be everywhere and are such a versatile staple and the ideal transitioning must-have piece for any girl’s closet. Paired with the perfect polo neck, sneakers and coat if it gets too cold, they’re perfect for autumn.
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Fas hi o n week i s exhi larating, inspiring and ex hausting. Bef o re yo u kno w i t, i t ’s ov er and y ou find y ourself counti ng do wn to the next season. Here at MESS Magazine, we have been f o r tunate enough to be able to attend and be i nvo l ved i n thi s ch aotic buzz. From London to Paris, o ur edi to rs have b een able to attend show s and industr y events that have enabled us to be inspired.
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By Emma Ellen
Fashion Week In The Blink Of An Eye
With New York Fashion Week coming to an end, the fashion world turned its attention to London. A city home to an amazing community of fashion followers and contributors, united in anticipation of seeing what the countries talent had to offer. The season, Spring/Summer, promises to bring colour and energy, which no doubt Londoners crave. First on the MESS agenda, was the cover shoot for our next issue. Our team began preparing for what would be a long yet motivating day. Fuelled on the hype that is fashion week, we sorted through the bags and boxes of garments and accessories to be used at our shoot. Styled on the idea of androgyny, we wanted to encapsulate the genderless direction fashion is heading towards today. Sport lux styles with monochrome tones, helped shift the mood of the issue from the seductive and alluring tones of the previous. Whilst at the shoot, we were able to have a film crew interview our team, having them speak about what it means to be MESS, digging deep to expose the DNA of our magazine. With the success of the shoot, we were ready and prepared for everything London Fashion Week (LFW) had to offer, from the shows to
the street style talent. On day one, we had our first show, Jamie Wei Hung, a collection styled like an urban tribe with a hint of grunge. The collection saw geometric prints and panels on garments perfectly displaying the designers’ ability to create a focus within the silhouette. The show was a great taste of what the week had to offer. Shows that followed were Daniela Barros where monochrome tones allowed for a focus on texture and intricately panelled garments. Then there was Niro Wang whose SS16 collection of linen garments bridged the gap between urban and nature. On top of shows, we were had exclusive access to showrooms where we were able to get up and close with the designers work. Ming by Ming-Pin Tien’s collection demonstrated a great use of colour and patterns. Before we knew it, LFW was coming to an end. Our team was exhausted, but just as exhilarated. Fashion week may be an obligation for many, but for us it’s a privilege to be surrounded by like-minded people, who continue to inspire one another and also a great opportunity to meet them. From LFW our team went to Paris, a week that was going to promise more than we could
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imagine. Paris Fashion Week (PFW) is the home to the industries best designers, with all the biggest brands show casing their designs. With LFW, the community and designers are exclusive, yet they are still growing, whereas in Paris, these are the shows and presentations of designers leading the way in fashion. It’s so hard not to be amazed by Paris; from the energy of the city, the buzz of the industry and the thrill of being apart of it all. Because of all this, MESS was inspired. Inspired to meet great and influential people, and to create. In Paris, our team was fortunate to see some of the most influential bloggers in the industry, like Melissa Mustafa and VogueDiary, and our photographer was able to snap exclusive shots of Vogue’s Anna Dello Russo and Le Report’s Lily Gatins. We also had the opportunity to shoot an exclusive editorial with Diamant Blanc Couture and Vogue photographer Omi Chowdhury. A shoot that beautifully demonstrated the style of couture and exposed the romantic energy of Paris.
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As well as all of these opportunities, we were able to see those designers who are changing the face of fashion. There was the Rick Owen’s show, inspired by an image of fashion icon Leigh Bowery and his muse Nicole Bateman, where his models carried one another to represent “the burden of life” and the “baggage we all carry.” Then there was the Issey Miyake show where Yoshiyuki Miyamae demonstrated the brands innovative approach to design by using 3D stretch steam technology to create texture on their designs. Lastly, there was the Louis Vuitton show, which was praised by many for bringing to life a ‘heroic fantasy.’ Then it happened again; another week flew by in the blink of an eye. Before we knew it our team was saying au revoir to Paris and saying hello to the next big thing. With so much accomplished over the past few weeks, we had so much more to look forward to. In fashion, we are fortunate enough to be exposed to the brilliant creations that are a result of a single individuals vision. These designers continue to raise the bar each season, pushing the boundaries of design and technology. It is through events like fashion week that we
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Rahul Mishra SS16 Rathul Mishra is a designer whose work is of artisanal fingers – with his SS16 collection demonstrating stylistic feminine silhouettes combining various elements and textures, such as mesh knits and sheer dresses. Mishra titled his collection the ‘fourth dimension’ as his work is a mix of heavy structural pieces and was inspired by the juxtapositions of different elements & shapes. The designer also gathered inspiration for his collection from the creation of the universe based on how everything starts with a single point to which everything is developed. It is evident that Mishra has used 3D printing to create pieces in his collection, from scalloped hems that look like fish scales to sculptural flairs on shoulders and hemline sleeves. The designer clearly demonstrates the extent of which 3D technology and ideas bring to his collection and how we will see more of 3D technology in the future of the fashion world, allowing designers to come up with new possibilities, allowing us to see not just past and present, but also insight into the future.
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Photography by Konrad Gzajkowski
By Katie Price
So lets talks about the colour palette that Rahul Mishra has chosen for his collection. A bright arrangement of colours including white, pale blue and delicate pink contrasts with the urban black that Mishra has chosen in his palette. Mishra is creating a hymn for spring with feminine colours and also by incorporating delicate floral embroidery into his collection. Mishra’s work is definitely a celebration of traditional Indian craftsmanship and design. Rahul Mishra has used merino wool in his collection – being the former winner of the Woolmark Prize 2014. There is definitely a sense of wearability in Mishra’s collection with pieces, such as the bomber jacket and pleated skirts that give an element of sports luxe to the collection. We are definitely a huge fan of the collection, with how the designer has used modernity in his collection by incorporating 3D technology into his pieces, but also by keeping traditional aspects into his work by demonstrating his craftsmanship into his beautifully skilled collection.
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How to dazzle them at this years christmas party As the festive season approaches its christmas this, christmas that, snow this, snow that, but of course what we all look forward too is the office party, I mean who doesn’t love to embaress themselve infront of all their collegues, am I right? But of course it’s the months planning the perfect outfit that has us jingling our bells the most!! But there’s always the question, am I too dressy? Should I wear heels? Will I be cold? Here are a few tips to head you in the right direction, to keep in style and to hopefully keep your dignity intact this year! Maybe… Baggy Jumpers Every woman knows a baggy oversized jumper is their favourite item of clothing, but instead of just wearing it inside on a Friday night with a tub of ice-cream and the Bridget Jones DVD’s. How about dressing it up with a pair of wet look leggings, Boot heels and a pattern scarf, you’ll be comfortable and stylish and hopefully your boss won’t get a cheeky flash of your knickers this year. A detacher’s A/W ready-to-wear collection shows us the right way to style a jumper and scarf along with a very 50’s beehive that we all wish we could pull off!
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Sleeveless Coats… Yes I know they sound pointless, but bare with me and you’ll see they are all the rage, especially when you want that bit of comfort but also want your nipples to not freeze off. You can buy sleeveless coats all over recently, simple trench coat styles with big buttons, with a long sleeved turtle neck top or jumper underneath paired with jeans or leggings, whichever you prefer, and some trendy heels. And Bam, Stylish, Warm and all together on fleek! Zara working for the classic girl, showing us how we can look good but on a budget.
Capes Who doesn’t love a good cape, you can pretend to be batman, or a queen, because we’re all queens at heart of course. But a cape or cloak can bring any outfit from dull to fabulous, you and pair it with a skirt, thigh high boots and a simple shirt, bang on a patterned cape and walk like the queen you are! Also a great blanket when you have one too many tequila shots. Acne shows the capes we all want in our lives, big, baggy and patterned to make us stand out to all!
Fur Fur, who doesn’t love fur, faux or not, its soft, its warm, its fluffy and damn girl it makes you look and feel like you own the place. You can wear a fur coat, scarf, gloves or hat and it will instantly dress up your outfit so you can be comfortable and warm but also you can be the bell of the ball! Gareth Pugh’s Ready-to-wear 2015/16 collection shows us many fur ideas, including oversized coats to keep you cosy in the winter evenings.
Be Yourself! Now this is the most important, Always be yourself, don’t drink too much, or drink a lot, who cares its Christmas! Keep warm, and dance like you’ll never dance again! There’s always fashion advice for you to take, and take it! But do it for yourself, you don’t need to impress anyone! Unless you need a raise… then do it for your boss, he writes the cheques! Enjoy, keep warm and out-style them all!
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By Tammy Barratt
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EDITORStravels
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Streetstyletrends Every fashion week we wait with bated breath to see how designers will once again inspire us. It’s to see what styles are in and what is out, and to prepare our accounts for their sudden demise. Yet, as we are drawn to what parades down the runway we often overlook those standing on the outside. For these individuals are the true representation of fashion, as it currently stands. Whether these people are following their own trends or the ones dictated for them, they represent the idea that fashion can be carried from the runway to the street. This season, Spring/Summer 2016, saw the rise of many classic trends on the street. It demonstrated that both women and men are focusing on two factors in their choices – comfort and ingenuity. More often that not, we are seeing people exude their own style. They are looking for pieces that reflect who they are and with that high-end fashion feel. At the same time, there are those who are looking for individual pieces that are memorable. Whether it is intricately pleated dresses or unique graphic prints, every one is looking for a style that will turn heads.
When we think of comfort, we think of garments that are like a second skin. Ones made of fabric that morph to our bodies and are in sync with our movements. They are effortless and ooze cool; they are biker jackets. The silhouette of a biker jacket is one that seems to be timeless - originally built for utility and durability during the war; it then became the signature of rebellion throughout the years. The jacket is a subcultural archetype that eventually embodied the sexual and social liberation of younger generations. From the greasers in the 1950s to the punks in the 1970s, everyone wanted a piece of the rebellion that the style embodied. By Emma Ellen 28
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Whilst the biker jacket never really went out ofstyle, it has now become a staple in everyone’s own style file. Yet what does the modern day biker jacket represent? Known for its masculine origins, the jacket has now become a representation of gender freedom. Over time, as the idea of equality evolved, men and women began trading and adopting different styles, and this one stuck. Both women and men, now have the opportunity to find comfort and freedom in the style of their trusty biker jacket, a garment that will stand to last the test of time.
SS 16
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Whilst many opted for the luxury of comfort during fashion week, as always, there were many who focused on the wow factor. Their bold choices saw a mix of bright colours, as seen at the Balmain and Elie Saab shows. The choice in colours acted as an ode to the passing summer, celebrating its vibrancy and energy. The brilliant shades of yellow, orange, pink and green were often complimented by a vast variety of textures. Texture added that little extra ‘pop’ that made their look go from wow to WOW. Colour was also perfectly demonstrated through the use of graphic prints and patterns. This style seemed to be all the rage on and off the catwalks, with designers and followers daring to go loud and proud. Prints ranged from feminine paisley prints, matched to their simple feminine styles, to bold Aztec inspired prints. But the prints that really stood out were those that incorporated artistic elements. At the Valentino show, we show a beautiful loose fitting blouse, intricately pleated so that its shape and print design gave the effect of pouting lips. This kind of design ingenuity is evidence that fashion is still able to take an artistic approach, even in street style. Technically crafted seam lines combined with the effect of the pleats, gave great volume to this set of lips. With its approach to the pop-culture style, this design was sure to have heads and camera’s turning.
Bold colour
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Whilst street style can often be interpreted as an advertisement for ones self, it is however the perfect opportunity to express style. Street style is the runway of the streets and it is fashion being seen as accessible to the public. Fashion should not be limited to the catwalks; it should be an expression of our reality. As Coco Chanel once said, ‘fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live [and with] what is happening.’
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Ornate Photography: Omi Chowdhury Production and Styling: Domi Perek Model: Lydia Tan Designer: Kim Ktorza/Diaman Blanc Couture MUA and hair: Isabelle Wilmot
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By Lucy Creber
Top10 Fres h me s s P o s t s
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Interview with MESS It Girl Audrey Kitching Our exclusive MESS It Girl editorial with Audrey Kitching is definitely one of the most highlighted webitorials of this issue. Her free, devil may care attitude has such a tangable and exhilarating quality to it that goes hand-in-hand beautifully with MESS ethos; Creative Chaos. Kitching’s interview with our very own Editor in Chief shows a very inspirational black sheep. Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong and have to conform to certain socital pressues? Well Kitching’s advice is don’t. Don’t try to fit in and be yourself. “I never fit in anywhere, so I stopped trying.” It is this forward thinking attitude that makes Kitching’s interview such a memorable one. To be yourself can be difficult, but to be yourself by yourself can be even more so. The faith and determination in oneself shows a great strength in her character. This combined with her own self styled editorial for MESS, exclusively, shows us her creative expertise. She combines huge lilies with pearls, lace and bondage inspired lower half to magically convey a classic, sexy, chic and yet soft feeling to the images.
L & l Photography Fogli’s photography has a cinematic vintage mood throughout the editorial. Stylist Berardi’s vision has complimented the dramatic black and white studio setting to perfection. It is this sexy chic vintage feel that has placed Fogli’s webitorial in MESS top 10 freshmess. Black and white, or otherwise known as mono images, has made an incredibly popular come back in our contemporary digital age. Its almost like the over powering influx of coloured everything, increased definition of high quality imaging is like a bombardment for everyone’s eyes. The quiet solace of mono imaging is like the slow breath of fresh air. The mono imaging emphasises the silhouette and clean cut lines of the haute couture. Only with black and white can the subtlety of tones show the combination of different textures in the clothing, the designers have combined mesh with wool, sequins with velvet and crochet with chiffon stunningly. There is a lot of versatility in these studio shoots. How Fogli’s team used lightening as a medium to adapt to every image. With subtle changes and using the shadows to highlight the clothing which only adds to the dramatic feel to it. messmag.com
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Aga Stodolska Photography This then leads us to our next top 10 entry with Stodolska’s editorial, even though mono imaging is making a come back coloured images don’t always have to be in your face. This editorial is a tonal delight. Stylist Kuprowska’s choice of wardrobe compliments the industrial background in a peaceful and serene manner that is a showcase for the contemporary modern woman on the go. The gentleman touch in womenswear is a massive autumn and winter trend right now, it is shown on the catwalk and in the high street, the minimalist outerwear with the tailored shirts and bottoms have a feminine touch with a beautiful nude coloured lace bra. Due to the colours being so harmonious Stodolska manages to use one of the benefits that is normally associated with black and white; versatility. This is hugely connected with lightening and its affects. When you look at her images it is clear she has a vast understanding for it and how to use it to its maximum potential. One of my favourite images in this shoot is of the model, Subbotko, with her back to the camera and she is about to tuck away a stray curled hair away. It is in this moment that you can see the full textured benefits of the wardrobe. The contrast is quite interesting and sparks an interest in the fashion designer side of me.
Fashion Blogger Muzzy Stardust Muzzy Stardust aka Velvet Goldmine is a self confessed bowie-wowie sparkle gypsy. Her obsession with sequins, bright colours and eccentricly ethnic style brought my attention straight away. Even though my love for simplicity and intricacy is apparent with the first two entries into our Top 10 there is a fun filled enthusiasm that comes with a hybrid of styling cultures. Muzzy is like David Bowies and Twiggy’s love child with a biracial twist. Muzzy’s stunningly striking features compliment her mishmashed style perfectly. She is one of these bloggers that has a knack for combining vintage, wacky and tailored altogether and make it work. A skill a lot of people, much like myself, do not possess. Another point that puts Muzzy’s post firmly in the top 10 is her style of photography. In one photo she is standing in a field with a bright red and orange swinging sixties dress with a top hat and it looks like she even has dried daisys, thistles and leaves framing the photo. I love this personal touch to her photos. In another image she uses her own crochet fringing detail to again frame the photo and her outfit. Muzzy’s bright blue doe eyes pierce through you and leave you in awe of her strength of character shining through her bold fashion choices. 50
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Confessions of a Bloggers Wardrobe with Atsunamatsui Not only does FRESHMESS like to introduce up and coming bloggers, ask about how they started or why they started but also to take you behind the scenes, if you will, blogger style. And what is more behind the scene than an insight into their personal wardrobe. What goes in, why it goes in, what items having they been having their eye on. And it is this fresh insight into the blogging world and the success of Atsunamatsui that brings the post into the top 10. The insight into her thought process behind the style and creativity is intriguing. When asked what item of clothing she cant live without she gave practical and light hearted response that it reflects her style and character perfectly. And she gives her advice on why everyone else needs in their wardrobe. A nude bra. I have never thought of this before. But now that she states the obvious it makes so much sense, and would solve quite a few styling dilemmas that involves white material and due to my tan, not wanting a white bra to act as two neon ‘look at me’ signs.
Anja Ekstrom Photography This mono imaging is sexy chic with a dramatic edge. They styling by Aviaaja Hammeken Schultz has a sensual simplicity that exudes sex appeal. Sexy mono imaging and textured backgrounds brings this Editorial into the top 10. The model, Cecilie Wellemberg the Miss Universe Denmark 2015, is portrayed as a feisty and empowered woman. Due to the black and white studio shoot it has a moody tone to it so it has a strong assassin chic to it.
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Dominik Lozinski Photography This then leads us to our next entry on the top 10 list. The stylist, Lukasz Witek, brings together multiple outfits that are incredibly inspirational for autumn and winter season. Not only is this a fashion bloggers inspiration book but it is also photographed to perfection with Lozinski using the landscape and vintage sleek car to give it that traveller feel. Everyone knows that symbolic journey that you take from teenage into adulthood that is normally represented in movies as a road trip with friends or even by yourself. I might be embellishing a bit but is that vibe I get from this shoot that makes me excited about this post. Its symbolism combined with the style catches your eye and draws you in. One of my favourite aspects is how the model’s clothes incorporate the car’s colour into its palette. The deep, dark almost burgundy colour of the car can be seen on Jagoda’s top, or within her plaid shirt or her tartain scarf. This connection with the clothing and car brings together this shoot nicely. This team has a creative approach to outside lightening, wardrobe and use of props that seems effortless. It is like a still from a coming of age movie or even real life where the whole scene pauses and a professional photographer is right there to capture it. It is this authentic aspect to this editorial that places Lozinski’s post in the top 10.
Kiss the Future; Clio Peppiatt Feature
Freshmess has grown to feature in numerous parts of MESS. Becoming increasingly important to showcase all those who share our Creative Chaos motto and we love it. When our team went to London Fashion Week a particular designer caught our eye; Clio Peppiatt. Peppiatt took us down the new age digital lane. Her combination of space motifs, lots and I mean lots of fur and vibrant eye catching shades and dip glitter makes this collection the fun, light hearted look for the coming winter season. Who says you need to wear traditional autumn colours? How can you when pastels and vibrant purples, reds, pinks and yellows look to fun yet cosy. Heavily inspired by the space adventure cult classic films, such as Blade Runner (Those who dream of electric sheep anyone?), Marks Attacks and the Fifth Element. Its sci-fi futuristic meets 60’s vintage bringing the 60s to a new space and digital age. What makes this feature enter the top 10 in freshmess posts isn’t only the brilliant content of our own Charlie Pratt’s enthusatic writings by her stunning photography skills capturing the clothing to a dramatic and attention to detail images. She not only has a skill for fashion words but a creative photographer to boot.
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Editorial by Cate Neumann
My love for black and white photography knows no bounds. This editorial by photographer Cate Neumann, Stylist Victoria Petrova, Hair and make up artist Irina Gaeva and Model Ksenia collaborate together to bring us this moody urban atmospheric take on the casual everyday woman. I like how the mix of outdoor shoots of the crumbling derelict building is a direct contrast the stark shocking white background of a studio shoot. The mix of moody backgrounds adding tone to the shoot to a background of white is a startling yet interesting mix for your eyes. A truly stunning editorial.
Confessions of a Bloggers Wardrobe: Louise Jonsson Another Confession’s webitorial has made into the top 10. Louise Jonsson fashion style is undisputed with her sexy businesswoman meets studded casual goddess. Her fashion style is incredibly inspirational. She manages to look slick yet casual, hard yet demure. The ability to bring contrasts together and do it right has always been a fascination of mine and it goes perfectly with MESS vibe. Jonsson has another love for travel and share her stunning adventures on her blog which ties in wonderfully with our MESS Travels section that mess has grown into. Her beautiful photography, stunning beauty and fashion forward key features make a successful mix this Swedish blogger pulls off with class, strength and a friendly nature.
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The Ritz Carlton
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The Ritz Carlton Berlin Interviews Robert Lee, Beefeater
Arnd Heißen, Bar Manager
What is your story behind becoming the beefeater at RCB? I came into The Curtain Club for the first time with a friend of mine. At this time there was already a Beefeater working at the bar, but I didn’t know that his contract was supposed to end very soon. So we watched the Beefeater ceremony and then the bar manager asked if we liked it. I said it was great, but that a Beefeater with a German accent is a No-Go. I am from London and I would do better. A week later I just got the job. How did it happen that you have become the signature person that welcomes all guests at RCB? I do not really know. I love my job and I love meeting people from all over the world. And I do love kids. I think I was just made for this job. What is the best thing about your job, except meeting interesting people every day? To me it is an honor to be part of this marvelous hotel and working with such wonderful people every day. Why is The Curtain Club an absolute mustsee in Berlin? The moment you walk in The Curtain Club, you feel comfortable. A great bar team with a bar manager that is so amazing! Arnd Heißen really creates the best cocktails in Germany! What was the most hilarious thing that you’ve recently experienced in your work? A lady in our restaurant recently had her 90th birthday. The famous German singer Udo Lindenberg was also at the restaurant so I walked over to him and asked him if we can sing “Happy Birthday” for her. He said yes and so we went to her table and sung a duet for her. She was so happy!
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What inspired you to come up with the concept of Fragrances? My aim and urge is to wow every single guest that enters the bar. If I offer standard drinks I can of course make the guest satisfied but not excited... In the past the feedback to a bar menu with exotic ingredients was ranging from “world class!” to a statement like “do I need an academic degree to understand your menu?” That was something I really wanted to change so I came up with a new idea: For inspiration I bought books about perfumes, the way they are put together and composed and I realized they are actually put together like drinks. So with a perfume I can show my guests the idea of the cocktail before they are actually drinking it. This makes the choice for a drink easier and the guests are more experimental since there is less risk. That was the beginning of a very successful concept. What is the signature cocktail of Fragrances and which cocktail is the most popular amongst others in Fragrances? Vaara by penhaligons I guess it’s all about the visual AND scent. It is served inside a bird’s house that is filled with sandalwood smoke so it makes you feel like at home in front of the fireplace. Which fragrance / perfume is your personal favorite? I love all of our scents, I do wear a couple of them, depending on my mood, weather and daytime....
By Alexandra Maria Sira
Jan-Oliver Henschel, Chef de Cuisine As Berliner and chef of Brasserie Desbrosses, what are the most typical German cuisines that you serve in the restaurant? We do serve some typical German dishes and products such as beetroot from our own organic field, Buratta cheese from Kremmen, a little town north of Berlin, our own produced honey (for example in the BBQ sauce), German fish from the Northern Sea such as cod and halibut, shrimps from the Northern Sea as well as venison from the regional woods. Can you tell all our readers how did you transform the restaurant and its menu over the years? Within the last three years I changed from the classical but heavy French cuisine to a lighter and more modern version. We do use more vegetables and fresh herbs now and less carbs. Our main focus is on regional products such as our own-growned vegetables, regional meat and fish as well as an often changing menu with local ingredients. The dishes themselves have a more modern look, freshly decorated and are changing throughout the year in order to guarantee always the best products.
Arnd Heißen
Why did you decide to become a chef? I always wanted to be a chef since I love the team work. As a chef you can be creative and work with your hands. You see the results of your work at the end of the day. Furthermore you have great job opportunities and you can travel the world. No day is like the day before – being a chef means learning and developing yourself every day. Is cooking a form of art for you? To me cooking is a mix between craft, art, painting and hard work. Creating dishes and new recipes is similar to painting a huge piece of art. Can you reveal the secret about exclusive honey and wine production in RCB that I was lucky to try? Our bees on the rooftop are just the best! They produce our own “city-honey” out of the flowers and trees from the adjacent Tiergarten park. The taste is very well balanced and a good mix between sweet and bitter. And we do serve our Hauptstadtgewächs, a red wine cuvee made exclusively for The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin. It is from a German winery called Weingut Rings. We do work very closely with this young but very professional winery and the brothers Rings are almost members of our team.
Jan-Oliver Henschel
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Bag
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By Katie Chubb
The handbag is the ultimate 21st- century object of desire. Why? They have become a status symbol, indicating a woman’s status, style and earning power. The increase in popularity of the handbag, over other accessories such as shoes and hats has followed the evident social and financial independence of their owners. We have come so far from a woman’s primary role being domestic, however 200 years ago women kept their belongings in purses concealed in the folds of their clothes. As women gained independence and began working and embarking on social activities out of the home, bags became the most practical way to transport their possessio such as suitcases, hat and shoeboxes. The “dream bag” is an aspirational object that many women see as an investment piece.
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There was so much amazing arm candy on the runway and high street for this season, it makes it hard to choose, so I have made a short list of the “it” bags for this season to help you decide on the perfect bag for you!
First on my list is the signature Saint Laurent Lulu, at £1,025 it ticks all the boxes for timeless handbag. The monochrome colour way makes it so versatile and the long adjustable strap makes it very easy to wear. It is simple, elegant and can be dressed up or down.
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Asos, £40
Pastels for spring…revolutionary! The pastel trend is one that comes around each spring, it is light and fresh and encapsulates everything we love about this time of year. It is also the opposite of the dark winter shades that we have been supporting over the past mothes. This season lilac dominated the catwalk with Balenciaga, Hugo Boss, Roberto Cavalli and Burberry all supporting the shade. This box clutch from Asos comes in at only £40 and covers both the lilac trend and has amazing long fringing which is another key element to accessories this season.
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Salvatore Ferramo, £3,700
Like many designers, Salvatore Ferragamo used the 1970s as inspiration this season and infused it into its handbags, with a sleek, modern, bendable clutch decorated with fringe sides. At £3,700 this bag is rather pricy however this woven beauty, features a fold-over silhouette with multicolour body, fringe trim at sides, and hand-blown Murano glass inset at the top handles, it’s muted tones make this a beautiful holiday bag, that will add a little 70s flare to an outfit.
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H&M, £19.99
Chloe, £75
The Drew by Chloe, £875, is another great bag that looks to be inspired by the 70s. The colour and size make this a perfect shoulder bag. The delicate gold chain is a great detail meaning that this bag can be taken from day to night, looking fabulous all the while.
Practical and spacious, the bucket bag is a perfect solution for fitting “everything but the kitchen sink” inside it. Jeremy Scott vamped the bucket for Moschino, by covering the quilted leather exterior in cartoon teddy bear faces. Victoria Beckham went for a sharp, leather cylindrical shape with suede ties and tiny golden letters spelling out her name, while House of Holland, went all out with multi-coloured snake prints, coloured chains and rainbow-bright marabou fur. The high street has also presented us with some really great, more affordable solutions. I am partial to a black bag and so my favourite has to be this amazing black and gold bucket bag from H & M £19.99, with textured detailing on the shoulder strap.
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Stella McCartney, £1,200
Denim has really upped the ranks this season. It has gone from everyday work wear to the designer’s fabric of choice. It was seen across the board at all of the fashion weeks and so a denim bag had to make it onto the list. The Falabella Cross Body Bag by Stella McCartney is a piece of art! It features is a lovely denim shade and features zigarette stitch work embroidery and a ruthenium diamond cut chain trim and strap. It will set you back £1,200 but it really is a statement piece.
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Philip Lim, £630
Along with the denim, the catwalks were dripping in precious metals. This trend can be quite hard to translate into everyday wear so to freshen up your wardrobe; a shiny new handbag can be a great way to adopt this trend. 3.1 Philip Lim’s Metallic Texture bag, £630, is the perfect evening bag. It is a great size to fit all your essentials for an evening out in; it will also travel well into AW15. A must have for those who want to add a bit of “pizazz” to an outfit.
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Topshop, £55
Lulu Guinness, £95
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Topshop have taken a slightly different approach with their more affordable metallic option. At £55 this leather rucksack would be a great way to implement the metallic trend into your day wardrobe. It is spacious too, which makes it great for summer festivals and hand luggage if you are heading abroad.
Lastly on my list is a funky, fun shopper. Everyone loves shopping and these bags make it super easy to store all of your new purchases. This bag is just the cutest! This Lulu Guinness bag costs £95 and is just so cute. It will be perfect for on the go women who have lots to store, but want to add a little humour to the outfit.
And there you have it, my round up of must have shapes, styles and colours for bags this season!
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Production and Styling: Domi Perek Photographer: Izack Morales Model :Lena Wro MUA and Hair: Eve Alya Assistants: Raahim Khan, Agnieszka Loza Clothing credits: GEWOO, Dior, Adidas, Onde, Acephala, Konplott Jewelry
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T en oda e “ y, Si nha face in a b e n c nc p m in co e t e t ain or N th me he he t” e s sh ort e m ea ir wi ub A ip h A Uni or rly nat th c du rt C m te e 19 ur o ed ”s o a s d w el mp eric S ide 90s l b me for ec e a ta ly b ea ti m te tit n tes a od ut cs , m d io Bo . O cc y y. in a w n d or ny or ti yp n ept pai de w n t O e ld le a r t om -c d in cto d a tin la “B tin b s “ g o ss o g er fi ha ar die C 20 ne s tis s ha 15 a ts as m , t rt” fr W pio he om o n r tw ks el of ve
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countries to compete in several categories focusing on this year’s theme, “The Human Condition”. In the early morning, artists together with their assistants and models, arrived at the Georgia Railroad Depot setting up their individual studios filled with work lights, paints, brushes, sponges, stencils, airbrush sprayers and compressors, drawings of their intended masterpieces, headdresses and accessories of all kinds. After the model orientation program, the competition began and six hours later the alarm sounded marking the end of the actual body painting and the beginning of the judging by a distinguished international panel based on creativity, technique and interpretation of the artist’s statement into the visual artwork …. simply amazing. The artwork of Cheryl Ann Lipstreu, first place winner in the professional division, symbolizes the human condition of sexual enslavement and reaches out across the world with 10,000 outstretched arms and yellow gold ribbons of compassion, hope and dignity. The Skin Wars Reality TV artist quotes Mother Teresa “If you judge people you have no time to love them”, verbalizing that today we too often judge with no compassion for the inflicted. The Nepalese social activist, Anuradha Koirala, a modern day Mother Teresa, is the founder and director of Maiti Nepal, an organization dedicated to helping victims of girl trafficking, child prostitution and various forms of female exploitation. As the model walked the runway with outreached hands, the painted artwork displayed portraits of a rescued girl and a fallen victim with a glimmer of hope from above. On the back side of the moving artwork, portraits of Ms. Koirala and Mother Teresa with child were predominant together with the oppressive dragon of sexual enslavement.
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As the first place winner in the emerging artist division, Bingchao Jiang, a student from South Korea, expressed the “Human Condition” as a person’s quest to achieve perfection while struggling with angels and demons, human and inhuman elements, within all of us. People strive to interact with each other through harmony and unity in the universe. When viewing the artwork on the front of the model, harmony and love for each other are personified as we push away the demons and embrace our angels. On the other side of the living artwork, the conflict of good and evil were split with a clear path upward to universal unity for all.
From the western shores of Lake Michigan, near Milwaukee, Sara Thorne Meyer, lives a double life as a face painter for hundreds of happy children, and a fine art painter on a living canvas, body painting. The former art teacher explores the “Human Condition” of vulnerability while striving to connect with another person whether it’s for love, friendship or spirituality. We all wear façades visible to all, but as we seek this connection with others, we need to pull back our protective layers exposing our real selves revealing our insecurities, doubts, flaws and strengths. The artwork shows a person’s core identity, the sheer essence of a person, to be shared but never changed by others. Many aspects of a person evolve as one grows and connects with others. This amazing artwork was beautifully displayed as the model walked the runway peeling back her layers, exposing her inner-core together with her insecurities, doubts, flaws and strengths. As the model turned and walked back, she revealed her true self by dropping her facades, mindful of the “ingredients that change, grow and melt with one another”. The judges didn’t select Meyer’s artwork as a winner, but the audience certainly connected with its “Human Condition”.
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Arc Photography: martyna gumula Stylist: Zuzanna radzimirska Assistant: Jakub nurczyk Mua & hair: michal sadowski
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Travelling Singapo
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Grace Coddington "“I still weave dreams, finding inspiration wherever I can and looking for romance in the real, not the digital, world.�"
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By Emma Ellen
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Grace Coddington - a dreamer, independent woman and the ultimate cat lady. This brazen and fiery red head is the reason we know fashion for what it is. Her ability to create nostalgic and quixotic images, are what make you believe in this industry. Many people would see her as Anna Wintour’s right hand woman, but she is her own success and just as much as an influence within fashion. Wintour may be the final say, but Coddington is the brilliant mind behind the idea. With the release of The September Issue in 2009, people saw it as the industry’s response to ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ – a chance for Wintour to show not just her power, but also her knowledge. However, something unsuspected happen, the shining star of the film was not Wintour, but Coddington. Whilst Wintour sat in her iron throne, Coddington used fashion to create images of art that would fulfil the September issues needs. So when it was announced last week that Coddington was to get her own film, one that would celebrate her life and achievements, we couldn’t help but be thrilled. Coddington is an example of the tenacity one needs to have when aspiring to be something in this industry. She built her way up to becoming one of the most admired people fashion has seen to date.
So when it was announced last week that Coddington was to get her own film, one that would celebrate her life and achievements, we couldn’t help but be thrilled. Coddington is an example of the tenacity one needs to have when aspiring to be something in this industry. She built her way up to becoming one of the most admired people fashion has seen to date. Coddington’s long partnership with Vogue all began back in the ‘60’s when she moved to London having won a Vogue modelling competition. The fashion industry during this time was a vastly different world to what it is now. Models were responsible for their own hair and makeup, which meant Coddington, had already built a keen of for styling. So when her modelling career was ended due to an ill fated accident, she decided to instead take a chance behind the camera styling shoots that would eventually lead her to work for Vogue. Coddington’s talent secured her opportunities working for Calvin Klein and eventually, US Vogue, ones that would rank her as one of those most influential stylists of our time.
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Coddington;s work is like no other. When you look at her images, you don’t just see you feel. In Vogue US May 2004 issue, Coddington collaborated with Annie Leibovitz to create a sequence of images inspired by the romanticism and cheek of the Marie Antoinette era. ‘French Twists’ sees models like Lily Cole and Gemma Ward decadently dressed in ravish gowns of modern couture and faces painted like porcelain dolls. We resonate with the romanticism of a time built on all things lavish and pretty. Then there is ‘Joy to The World,’ shot by Steven Meisel, Vogue US December 2002 issue. The editorial takes influence from the eastern culture, exaggerating the delicate ideals of geisha, throwing them quite of proportion. Every aspect of each garment is exaggerated – the sleeves, collars, skirts and cuffs, completely distorting the figure of the model. However, as chaotic as these images are it all works.
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By Tammy Barrett This is the amazing thing about Grace Coddington. Everything works – each and every single idea no matter how small or big it is. He determination to promote fashion as its art form rather than a social commodity is what keeps the dream of fashion alive. She once said that there are ‘three rules of success in fashion: perseverance, dream a bit and be passionate about it.’ Serving these in bucket loads, Grace Coddington is the kind of woman we all aim to be.
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Travel in style
Four Seasons-Bahrain Bay Just by looking at it need I say more? The spectacular Four Season in Bahrain Bay is a must visit, with its spectacular architecture and stunning location it is the perfect place for any traveller to visit whether you are there on business or pleasure this hotel has all that you need. A gym for the Schwarzenegger in you‌ I know I find it hard to find him too. A pool to cool down and relax after a intense work out, of course, a spa because of, well, spa! I mean why would you not want go here?
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Atlantis the palm Hotel - Dubai So again, just looking at causes drool, beautiful, stunning and all around amazeballs, Atlantis the palm is one of the most famous hotels in the world, Plus you can swim with dolphins‌ why would you not want that? Along with activities for all, including kids, you would be in your element with staying here. With the beach on your doorstep, and a waterpark around the corner you could never be bored, you would have the most relaxing time you would never forget your experience.
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Me London You wont be able to get enough of London so you will have to return, believe me, and of course as much as you loved where you stayed, you’ll have to try something new, and there is no place better than me London, as you can see it will light your way to an amazing trip, you’ll be comfortable and will be travelling in style, which we all want, with all the facilities you need and of course some of the best food around, you wont be able to leave, which is fine, why would you want too?
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Mondrian Hotel - London London, what’s not to love about London, Capital city with some of the most famous buildings around, Big ben, London eye, and of course good old queen Elizabeth! But to visit London you need somewhere to stay and no better place than Mondrian Hotel itself, with a spectacular view you couldn’t be a in a better spot, with sports and spa facilities there’s no better place to stay and relax after a long day exploring, and believe me once your out in London, you wont want to stop!
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Ritz Carlton - Berlin Berlin itself Is one of the most beautiful places to visit on its own, but paired with a hotel like the Ritz carlton is makes it 10 times better, if that’s possible! With its stunning location, this hotel will ignite all sophistication in you, we know its in there somewhere, along with the romance of the city you will have the time of your life, exploring all the city has to offer plus the luxuries of the hotel you wont ever want to leave!
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How To Play StreetStyle G When walking the streets at Fashion Week it is hard not to be enamoured by everyone who surrounds you. This urban concrete runway is ruled by the style of this industry’s hundreds of followers. The ideology of ‘it’s whom you know’ is left front row inside showrooms, and ‘you are what you wear’ becomes your mentality. Defined by your choices, you will lose more often than you will win, but it’s a game everyone wants to play.
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So what does it take to win? But more importantly, what does it take to play the game? This game is street style and it is fashion’s reality. Whilst catwalk trends are the guidelines, street style trends are the result.
Too Much Is Never Enough
At Fashion Week, everyone wants to be noticed. It’s wanting your style to be acknowledged and wanting to be commended for taking part in this industry. But not every one will be Here at MESS Magazine, our seen, not every one will be editors had the opportunity photographed. Those who to really see what goes on at take chances and make bold Fashion Week. We got to take statements are the ones street a step back, away from the style photographers are jumping runway and to where the magic through hoops to get a shot of. really happens. Whilst street style is the reality of fashion, followers of this industry Be Prepared want to see something different. They want to see these ‘fashOn the first day of Fashion ionistas’ standing out from the Week, there is this buzz; a con- crowd and owning their individtagious energy felt by all who ual style. The idea that fashion impatiently wait to see the first is a form of self-expression beshows of the season. Followers comes the rule for winning the are spectacularly, yet meticustreet style game. Bold colours, lously dressed, with every part loud prints and wild accessories of their outfits so perfectly put define those who dare to be together. This is the first rule of different. These are the individstreet style – to be prepared in uals who scour online platforms every way. Be prepared to melt for the latest designer pieces, in the heat and be prepared collaborate with local designers for a torrential downpour. Be for exclusive looks and even prepared to stand for hours on create their own one-of-kind end and be prepared to walk garments. It is their intuition and 500 miles. Be prepared to be ability to create their own trends in the same outfit from one rather than follow the ones cremorning to the next and be ated for them that makes them prepared for the following day. stand out amongst the crowd. With nothing ever certain during Fashion is about creativity and fashion week, you cannot afford these people have it in spades. to take chances. By planning you’re your outfits for each day, you will be able to hone your style; from simple and minimalist to outgoing and avant-garde, the choice is up to you.
y The Game Labels Matter
By Emma Ellen
There’s a scene in the film Legally Blonde, where a sassy and flamboyant male undermines the on-point and on trend style of the lead protagonist - “Don’t stomp your little last season Prada shoes at me, honey.” They’re not last season she says back, defiantly defending her shoes and ability to stay on trend. The commonality between that courtroom scene and concrete runway of fashion week, is that we all want those Prada shoes to defend. We feed on the latest designer looks and use fashion week to flaunt what we have. No one cares if you’re in Gucci from last season and it doesn’t faze people if your Chanel is vintage. What matters is now and if your style is not, then you’ve already lost the game. Photographers Will Do Whatever It Takes Now we cannot talk about street style and fashion week, without mentioning photographers. Models, bloggers and trendsetters are silently ruthless – their weapon is their style. But photographers play to a completely different set of rules. Their job all depends on that one shot; the shot of that one person, that one look and or that best angle. It is because of this level of demand that photographers have developed a cunning and ruthless attitude. messmag.com
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