#OMY Issue 3 by #OMY Magazine

FASHION

30 Pinterest Pick #1 34 Love Umbrellas 50 Spring Wedding Style 54 The London Bridal Show 56 An Interview with…Shamirah Sairally 64 The Glamour of Italian Fashion 78 What is Ethical Fashion? 88 Spring Breakers Editorial

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ENTERTAINMENT

An Interview with…Stephanie Adusei-Boateng

48 60 Seconds with…Paula Leite 55 60 Seconds with…Zara Alnaimi 80 Earth Day

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Cover Illustration of Elsa Schiapparelli By Sian Davila

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106

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ART

8 Art 14 London 100 Feliz Cinco De Mayo! LITERATURE

William Shakespeare: Classic vs. Contemporary

102 “To Be or Not To Be…” 104 What do we owe Shakespeare? MUSIC

40 Riotous Assembly 106 Move It 2014

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Editor-In-Chief & Creative Director - Layla Robinson Director of Communications - Renée-Louise Robinson Social Content and Website Manager - Kim Falcone Social Media Manager - Katy Phillips Online Fashion Correspondent - Kirsti Lee Illustrator - Sian Davila Writer – Caroline Paris Writer – Valerie Fasano Writer – Zara Alnaimi Writer – Paula Leite Stylist – Bobby Reyes

Whenever it comes time to compose my Editor’s Letter, I always find that I am tempted to lament over some small detail that occurred during the process of creating the magazine. Whether it be losing a writer, my laptop constantly overheating, or something inane entirely (being disappointed by a season finale #Olitz); apparently I have trained my brain to believe that this is the forum for sharing those issues. I call them issues because however large or small, they affect me in a present and realistic manner, in the moment in which they happen. While after the fact I can move on, it is at times of reflection such as this, that I truly consider how irrelevant and tedious those “issues” can be. This May edition of #OMY touches on ethical, environmental and societal “issues;” relating to fashion and the arts. You can expect all of the same high quality fashion spreads, illustrations, excerpts, editorials and music reviews; we have simply added a layer of humanity, with a view to understanding affective world issues. I am very proud of this quarter’s offering from #OMY and cannot wait to get stuck into the next one. “Men’s ONLY” #OMY Special anyone? Mmmhmm don’t mind if I do.

Art 14 London was a festival of creativity. Along with my team, I observed over 700 international artists, from 40 plus countries; all showcasing their impeccably insightful, stunningly sentient and downright bizarre works. Kensingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Olympia Grand reprised hosting duties to the now annual event and its quadruple heighted ceilings, coupled with interminable walkways, simply added to the resplendence of the affair. Literally encapsulating the entire spectrum of the arts, Art 14 was a triumph and we are certainly looking forward to next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offering.

Anders KRISAR Untitled, 2014 Acrylic paint on polyester resin, polyurethane, oil paint 40 x 100 x 15cm Edition A.P 1/2

JIN Yangping Oil on canvas, (dia) 200cm Hakgojae Gallery 2011

Ling Jian Army Princess â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lotus 2010 Oil on canvas 180 x 150 cm Fabien Fryns Fine Art

LO Chan-Peng Ashen face â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aiko Fang 259 x 194 cm Oil on canvas 2011 Aki Gallery

Chang Lei Black Cloth No. 2 (2012) 175 x 140 cm Oil on canvas

The Outsiders London / Newcastle | GBR

“I am a huge fan of artwork that expresses different kinds of emotion; much like Laila Muraywid’s “L’Annonciation, 2013,” which depicts a woman hiding herself. Even though her face is hidden and her body is turned away from the viewer, the image is seemingly filled with sadness. It calls into question what this figure wants to hide from the outside world and it was this unknown element that attracted me to this sad, yet undeniably beautiful drawing.”

Laila Muraywid Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Annonciation, 2013 Pencil and Pastel on canvas 100 x 73 cm Unique MUR-002 Janet Rady Fine Art

“My Art14 pick should be of no surprise to anyone with even the slightest idea of what whets my artistic appetite; Marjolein Rothman’s “Circle I” was an immediate stand out image for me. In fact “Gaze” - the collection from which this particular painting hails – consists of acrylic paintings and gouaches that stopped me dead in my tracks. The simplistic elegance of this piece initially appealed to me; upon closer inspection, it was the purpose and intent behind each brushstroke that drew me in deeper. Rothman’s sparing use of media further adds to the quiet finesse of this illustration; her expert inclusion of both dark and light tones, create shadow and negative space - which lifted the image right off the wall.”

Marjolein Rothman Circle I 2012 Gaze Collection Acrylic paint

“Don Brown’s “Yoko VII 2012," is beautiful. The sculptural contours, natural femininity and tonal subtleties are transfixing. I am particularly taken with this image because it evokes an entirely non-sexualised female ideal. Her nakedness is irrelevant, as all of the focus is placed on form, posture and composition. An elegant portrayal of a woman, this image is timeless.”

Don Brown Yoko VII 2012 Edition of 5. 145.8 x 110.7 cm Epson 10 coour HDR ink jet on Hahnem端hle photorag 308gsm

So I thought I would try my hand at a little D.I.Y... This particular tutorial is one that I saw on Pinterest and have seen quite a few people do it before. It’s all about designing and making your own pair of tights. no heavy machinery or artsy skills required; believe me, it is oh so simple. Let’s get started!

A pair of nude/flesh coloured tights, a sheet of A4 paper, a black Sharpie & tape

Step 1 First you need to decide how you want to decorate your tights. It can be anything from an intricate pattern, to a single image that you like. Feel free to experiment with your design before printing, or simply draw it straight onto your piece of paper. I opted for a simple heart pattern; I printed it out (portrait page layout) so that all of the hearts were uniform in size and spacing. Step 2 Now you’ll need to roll your design so that both sides meet. Try to line up your pattern as best as you can, before taping the edges together to make a tube. Step 3 Slide the paper tube inside one leg of your tights until you are happy with its position, then get tracing! Using your Sharpie, go over your design and fill in all of the gaps.

Be very careful not to “catch” your tights and pull the material, as this could ruin your design and let’s face it, there’s no way back Step 4 Once you have traced your design, remove the paper tube and slot it into the second leg. Repeat. Voila! I told you it was simple. Now you can wear your very own hand-crafted and unique tights with pride.

It’s fair to say that it was love at first sight, when #OMY was introduced to the brilliant brolly brand, Love Umbrellas. You may have worked out from their subtle name, that YES, they sell umbrellas! However they are not just any umbrellas, these are hand crafted in the most elegant Edwardian style and each one possesses an exquisitely contemporary design.

Available in various colours - with prices ranging from £15-£18 - these umbrellas a more than reasonable, for the exceptional quality on offer. As if they couldn’t get any better, Love Umbrellas boasts a Bridal range that is delightful enough to make a matrimonial cynic coo.

Founded in August 2011 in the North of England, Love Umbrella’s creator Klair says, “I'm not a fan of rain whatsoever and coming from 'up North', I decided I was going to need to get used to it!”

You can purchase the umbrellas separately, or you can select 2, or 3 in just one click. Even with all of the ease they already provide, Love Umbrella’s also offer a hiring service; simply choose 1-10 brollies at a time and you’ll have the perfect accompaniment to a fancy dress costume, photo shoot, or of course your big day!

Showers, or no showers, we are so glad that she did, for we are now in awe of each and every umbrella touched by that distinctive piece of love.

All in all, Love Umbrellas is a fantastic company; with almost 10,000 likes on their Facebook page, they have a huge fan base and are only getting started!

I personally adore the heart shaped umbrellas; they are so unique and are most definitely not something you can grab on the high street.

If you haven’t done so already, then take a look at LoveUmbrellas.co.uk; you’ll be hard pressed to find a more sensational and stylish selection.

Riotous Assembly are South London’s newest and may I say finest, bunch of hugely talented musicians set to tear up the electro soul scene. With Chris Jacobs’ punchy and soulful lyrics & vocals, the seven piece band has been going from strength to strength, since their first gig in September at the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club. The best thing about Riotous Assembly is its sound. It’s real, it’s big and it’s powerful The strong horn section oozes musicality and provides a rather colourful backdrop to the equally robust vocals. In terms of their live performances, their gigs are always full of energy, musical prowess and stylish rhythms and melodies. For a muso like me, or even a passer-by, it is distinctly obvious that the band embodies a real sense of love, devotion and sheer confidence in what they do.

The standout track for me on the new EP is ‘Game Over’ which cleverly puts into perspective the notion of changing friends with drug habits: “stop seeing green you’re not a grocer, before you know it, it’s game over.” These witty lyrics are juxtaposed with a dubstep feel, spiralling chromatics on the keys and intoxicating horns, the overall composition is particularly exquisite. Another favourite of mine is ‘Party Song’, a powerful collective piece where individual solos demonstrate sensational technique and sound. I truly urge you to become a part of the riot, or the assembly…whichever takes your fancy! I do not doubt that as soon as you hear them, you’ll crave more from this exciting new band. Enough from me though, give Riotous Assembly a listen for yourselves!

Facebook.com/RiotousMusic Twitter.com/RiotousMusic Soundcloud.com/RiotousMusic YouTube.com/RiotousVideo

Illustration by Sian Davila

The

23rd of April 2014 marked William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday. Theatre-makers, artists and writers around the world paid tribute to him through their creative endeavours; it is at this time that we asked ourselves, what makes Shakespeare so legendary? To quote the great bard himself,

“Can one desire too much of a good thing?” Well when it comes to Mr Shakespeare, apparently we all care to indulge. In a recent conversation I had with a friend, he deemed that ‘good’ literature claims (or even earns) its title, by withstanding 50 years of discussion, contemplation and mimicry. Well by those standards, Shakespeare is a ruddy good wordsmith. Not only is his written word quintessentially essential, but his works live and breathe with such vitality, that they are ever as relevant today. In his plays, the characters are not muses without minds, beholden to simple characteristics, or ideals – they are multidimensional examples of human life; filled to the brim with attributes and flaws alike. Perhaps this is what makes them so likeable, relevant, dislikeable and relatable.

Perhaps the best thing about Shakespeare’s work is that every single reading will be different. Inducing. Enticing. Remarkable. My interpretation of a play, as well as anybody’s, will be different from yours. In directing and performing Shakespeare for the stage, the possibilities are literally endless. If you’re an avid Shakespeare fan like me, you should try to see a completely new, modern and wacky take on a well-known play. It is always advisable to alter your perspective, or preconceptions of what you think you already know and replace them with an open mind. I know this from experience. Recently I saw a version of the comedy, “Twelfth Night;” the cast and musicians told the story with excellent attention to detail. The comedic timing and musical elements incorporating rock, jazz and experimental sounds were second to none. So there it is, 450 years later and Big Will has still got it. The next time you decide to delve into the world of Shakespeare, be sure to exalt him; for at the very least you’ll be perceived as exceedingly well read. That is a forgone conclusion.

What

Behind

the

Shadows?

Behind the Shadows is a script that I wrote earlier on this year; it is a drama/thriller based on a female lead who made a decision a few years ago, which comes back to haunt her. The choice that she made had repercussions & she begins to feel unsafe in her own environment. This is intended to be a short-film/ four-part TV series. Who else are you working with on the project?

A very close friend & partner of mine, Caleb Nelson; he is a very talented writer and is actually working on writing his second novel – it’s absolutely amazing. On this project he is acting as Editor and we simply collaborate on what we think will benefit the piece as a whole. What type of reception are you hoping to receive after its release?

This project centres on making the right decisions and choices in life. Not only does it have a strong message in the moment, but after it’s released I hope to get people hooked in and entertained. My inspiration for writing this piece came from watching Luther and I wanted to create something which has the ability to change the scope of the British film Industry. I want this to be the catalyst that inspires new faces, roles and film makers to be involved in creating GB films. What can viewers expect?

They can most definitely expect to be entertained, shocked and thrilled.

Can you give #OMY any exclusives?

I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s definitely got a lot of room for expansion…I can promise that there will be unexpected twists and turns within the storyline. Trust me, nobody would ever see them coming. How did you initially become involved in filmmaking?

I initially became involved in film-making through acting and writing small screen plays for my church. I started off going to a drama school when I was quite young and through my love of acting, I began writing down ideas with a view to sharing them. Writing & composing scripts came readily soon after and the moment I saw my first script become a reality, I was overcome with an amazing feeling. Since then I have continued scriptwriting and began to also write short-films. Last year I directed, produced and acted in my own 15 minute short-film called ‘Insight;’ which is currently in the editing process and should be ready for the world to see very soon. How would you like to positively impact the entertainment industry?

I would like for there to be more original ideas and opportunities for young people of all diversities. I feel as though the strong representation of females should also be highlighted more: we should be seen as hardworking individuals, with emphasis on positive portrayals of varying genders and cultural differences - especially in the younger generation.

I think it is possible to combat the onslaught of stereotypical movies that are released and begin a new trend in quality filmmaking, that I feel the UK industry desperately needs and hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen before. I enjoy putting together thought-provoking pieces that send strong messages to audiences, so I would hope to implement these facets to the industry as well. What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Put your faith and trust in God first and all things will follow.

Who would you say is making waves within the

entertainment industry at present? Idris Elba would definitely be my number one choice. He is a brilliant actor that is successful internationally and has well and truly made a name for himself within the British Film Industry. Coming from East London, he is an example that anyone can make it, as long as they want it enough and put in the hard work & dedication. List your top 3 personalities to follow in 2014

John Boyega, Chuka Ebinum & Neeko Skervin

What is your dream job?

Acting is my passion and first love, so definitely working in theatre. What is your favourite annual creative arts event?

It’s got to be the Oscars! In Philly we have the Fringe Festival too – it’s great because they work with lots of local artists and actors. What is next for you in 2014?

Well I’ll still be working on my BA in “Theatre,” at West Chester University; although next year I’ll graduate and be one step closer to my dream of ONLY working in theatre! What

are

things

that

you

can’t

live

without?

Family, theatre & food! What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

When I was 12 years old, I went to the park with my family and watched a Portuguese singer with a live band. Unfortunately I don’t recall his name, but his lyrics moved me “…today is the first day of the rest of your life.” From then onwards, I have tried to do what I can to make each day special and unique.

#omyfashion #omyonenightstand #omyselfie #TheCreativeMovement #omyallnighter #omybarcrawl #omyliterature #ourmyyour #omyentertainment #omyarmy #omybootycall #omymixer #omyquickie #omyspeeddating #omyart #omymusic #omyweekendbender

This spring is Wedding Season and it is in full bloom! What better way to celebrate all of the love in the air, than with a cute little outfit put together just for you. I decided on a look that I would wear if I were attending a wedding and have only used items found in my wardrobe…there’ll be no breaking the bank this spring! Firstly I found this pretty floral dress, which is an old favourite of mine; I bought it from the re-worked section of Urban Outfitters and it has served me well. Urban Outfitters always stock an incredible array of one-off pieces, so while unfortunately this dress is no longer available, you are sure to find something similar (or better) on your next visit. These dresses can cost anything from £20 £50, depending on whether or not there is a sale on, so keep your eyes peeled and your debit cards ready.

up are the bag and shoes. I have chosen these little beauties, both of which are from New Look.

Of course everyone is always weary of wearing white to a wedding, so as not to upstage the bride, but who’s to say that you can’t accessorize with white instead? I chose these items to lighten up the look; the base colour of the dress is black, so the white brightens up the overall tone and works rather well at balancing the final aesthetic. New Look have a wonderful wedding range including bags and shoes right now; so if you are looking for the finishing touches for your outfit and you’re on a budget, then New Look is definitely worth a visit! Shoes start around £17.99 and bags are upwards of £12.99.

For my make-up, I decided to leave it quite natural. I love a fresh-faced look, so a simple cat-eye effect was applied along with a little powder, blusher, mascara and eyeliner for the top water-line. Now of course I couldn’t forget a little lippy to finish, but you can do your make-up as you wish. The ‘halo plait’ is trending this season and is certainly the perfect hairstyle for a wedding. It is simple to achieve, yet looks so pretty and chic; no doubt you’ll have everyone admiring your tamed tresses after you try this tutorial.

Last

up are my final touches.

I am wearing my Pandora bracelet, along with various silver rings, to compliment the crystal gems on my bag. You can wear any type of jewellery, whether it is silver or gold, as long as it flatters and accentuates the key tones in your look. Oh, don’t forget to treat yourself and get your nails done – you can also just do them yourself, but remember that no outfit is ever complete without a full set of manicured nails. So there you have it, my Wedding Look. Always remember to have fun with your outfit and look in your wardrobe first…you might be surprised at what you find.

With the wedding season almost upon us, we absolutely had to have The London Bridal Show as a must attend event on our calendar. On the 6th – 8th April, Kensington’s Olympia Central opened its doors to retailers and buyers alike; patrons from across the far-flung reaches of the globe, descended on the most prestigious bridal trade fair in existence. The London Bridal Show is an annual exhibition showcasing not only bridal-wear trends, but occasion-wear, formal menswear and of course accessories. The show offered buyers the opportunity to purchase from a selection of 150 of the worlds most premier designers and bridal manufacturers. While the excellence of The London Bridal Show may have come and gone, September 2014 will bring with it The Harrogate Bridal Show. Complimentary champagne? Don’t mind if we do.

What is your dream job?

I’d really love to be a comedienne but unfortunately lack the skills required. What is your favourite annual creative arts event?

Camden Fringe. Yes! What is next for you in 2014?

My year abroad in France this September - very exciting. What are 3 things that you couldn’t live without? Music, Literature & Cheese. Who would most you like to collaborate with?

Riotous Assembly (hint, hint!) What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

You are more than good enough. Believe in yourself.

Tell

us a little about what you’re doing now

Then after talking the ears off my friends about doing a make-up course, I finally did it and the rest is history!

I currently work full time as a personal assistant and do freelance make-up part time - I’m hoping to change that this year though!

What has been the most enjoyable part of getting to where you are now?

Growing up how would your parents describe your creativity?

Learning from the established MUAs that I’ve been lucky to assist; when there’s no barred hold, you can go crazy and nothing has to be uniform.

My parents would say that I had an unlimited imagination when it came to telling stories, or doing drawings.

How were you as a student?

What is it like in your home town?

Port Louise supports a small community and everyone knows each other there. To be honest it was like that when we first moved to the UK; once we started going to school, most of our neighbours were very welcoming and happy to help us out - it’s the same now where I am in Kent. What process brought you to where you’re at now?

I’d have to say my ongoing temping work and getting into the “living to work and not working to live,’” mantra. After being bollocked for taking a holiday, I just thought that there must be more to life than these dead end contracts.

I was never a big fan of school but thought that I should at least do my A-levels, then decide what to do from then onwards. I spent most of my college days at work and then studied afterwards; of course I got told off numerous times for it but I just loved being able to go out and buy things with the money I’d earned. What was it like studying at the Makeup School London?

It was so much more than what I expected; I was taught by 2 amazing tutors that are still working in the industry – which basically meant that I got to learn all the tips that they use on set...they also run their own agency, so on numerous occasions I’ve got work through them. Their aftercare programme is excellent and I can still drop them a text or email anytime, simply to seek advice.

How would you advise someone, looking to follow

What typically inspires or motivates you to work outside of obligation?

in your career path, of best practices and pitfalls?

I would definitely tell them to do their research. Look into schools and academies to see what sort of aftercare programmes they offer, as most are actually agencies themselves. I would also suggest assisting, testing and networking like a mofo. It helps to have a professional business card too, so spend that bit extra to be more memorable. I have noticed that my corporate background can sometimes be a downfall; as a PA I am in the habit of chasing and expecting things straightaway – which is something that doesn’t happen often in our industry so be patient and you’ll get the information in then end. Finally, they should be ready to be called up at 6am on a Sunday morning to cover an MUA that’s “sick.”

If it’s an amazing project, or even an idea I’ve dreamt of, I will try and recreate it just for a giggle; on a shoot without specific direction, I’ll try something creative and then scale it back (or add more) to get what they want. Where is your favourite place to work?

Definitely in my room; I can lock myself in there with my full kit and go wild on the face charts, creating looks for my next job. If you could take the life experience of anyone’s career, who would it be and why?

Mary Greenwell, Pat McGrath and Karen Alder have amazing careers and they seem to do it without having to post 50 tweets a day! I just want to get on with it and produce amazing images and do things with grace.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far? Working London Fashion Week for the A/W 2013 collections has got to be it. I had so much fun and met tons of amazing designers, stylists and other makeup artists - it was incredible. Being part of the Pretty Green sunglasses campaign was such a great opportunity that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll add that in too. Stay up to date with Shamirahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s astonishing artistry: www.shamirahsairally.com Facebook.com/Shamirah.MUA @Shamirah_Makeup

The pulse of Italia rhythmically coursed through me, as I attended the outstanding exhibition, The Glamour of Italian Fashion. Currently on display at the V&A are 7 decades of sumptuous, indulgent, rich and intelligent designs, all displayed exquisitely for us common folk to pine after. Celebrating the lives and works of some of Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most iconic and influential fashion houses, designers and artisans of the last 70 years; the Victoria & Albert Museum (nestled comfortably in the back garden of South Kensington) is the perfect host to the otherwise overwhelming Italian majesty.

Elsa Schiaparelli Illustration | Sian Davilla

The likes of Sophia Loren, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and (Princess) Grace Kelly, could be seen prepossessing the high walls and ceilings within the space. Projections of their flawless frames, gliding across promenades in scintillating gowns, truly epitomised the core essence of the exhibition; answering unspoken questions of what it means to look, behave and personify “Italian glamour”. Delving between glass display cases and around the intimate vintage collection previews, felt oddly voyeuristic at times. Perhaps it was the proximity to some of the unfinished garments that made me feel as though I were peering over the shoulder of a designer still at work. It could even have been the humming whispers issuing from those in attendance – after all, the opportunity to behold an original haute couture item from Jole Veniziani, felt like a poorly kept secret to me as well. After progressing deeper into the show space and therefore further along from the 1940s & 50s, I began to see the names and works of the more familiar contemporary designers (houses) working today. The 1970s most notably saw Milan eclipse Rome as Italy’s fashion capital and swore in a new term to the erudite Italian’s vernacular, “Stilista;” referring to a “stylist-cum-designer” in our base English - although in a more “nuanced and multifunctional” manner…naturally. Not only were the lion’s share of the garments, accessories and shoes on display, teeming with an effortless sartorial elegance; the entire exhibition was curated with such finesse, that even the sumptuously rich illustrations were given every honour that they so rightfully deserved.

Elizabeth Taylor wears Bulgari jewellery at the masked ball, Hotel Ca'Rezzonico, Venice, 1967 Installation image of The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 – 2014 Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Fashion show in Sala Bianca, 1955 Archivio Giorgini Photo by G.M. Fadigati ÂŠ Giorgini Archive, Florence

Valentino posing with models. Rome, July 1967 Courtesy of The Art Archive / Mondadori Portfolio / Marisa Rastellini

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knitted ensemble, Missoni, 1972 Missoni / Fashion in Motion at the V&A Photo ÂŠ Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Installation image of The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 - 2014 Photo ÂŠ Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Evening dress of silk, designed by Roberto Capucci, 1987-1988 Courtesy Roberto Capucci Foundation Photo ÂŠ Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Alexandra Shulman, Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino Garavani and Franca Sozzani (c) Nick Harvey

Just as I thought I’d seen enough Italian tippets, stoles and shawls in supremely soft *sable; I rounded an unassuming corner and was elevated by the scale of a prodigious voile in white. Forthrightly dominating the space – and the 21st century – was a projection that further evidenced the magnitude of Italian design, influence and ingenuity.

To visit The Glamour of Italian Fashion, is to acknowledge the vast catalogue of talent that pours out of Italy and into our wardrobes. A 5 star launch, for a 5 star exhibition; The Glamour of Italian Fashion offers a wondrous insight into the labours of an industry loved by many, but understood by few.

Needless to say; Sicilian mosaics, handpainted flowers and shoes, shoes & more shoes were displayed in full view at the exhibition.

The Glamour of Italian Fashion 19452014, sponsored by Bulgari, runs from

To put it plainly: just about everything was astounding, humbling and inspiring all the same.

Tickets now available at: www.vam.ac.uk/italianfashion

5th April – 27th July 2014 at the V&A.

*#OMY Magazine in no way condones the farming of natural fur.

Even if you’re not entirely sure what it signifies, the term “ethical fashion" must have crossed your radar at some point over the last year. After decades of exploitation and the vast majority of consumers not caring about how and where clothing is made, we are finally starting to see a significant increase in the consideration and importance of clothing sources, as well as methods of production. When the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh collapsed last April (2013), taking the lives of over 1,100 people, many consumers sat up and took notice. Researching where and how our favourite retailers are getting their products made, is becoming much closer to common practice; and as consumer research continues, it is evident that many of us are unhappy with what we’ve discovered. Friends of mine have actually stopped shopping at some of their favourite retailers as a direct result of this. In an attempt to give ethical fashion some sort of definition, we can say that the term encompasses a wide range of issues; such as working conditions, wages, safety concerns, exploitation and fair trade. The focus is on how ethically these issues are represented in retail areas including: fashion design, production, retail, and purchasing.

So how can a company become ethical? Well any company endeavouring to become “ethical,” should know that simply saying “We Care” is not enough - changes need to be made to the way in which these companies operate. For example, one of the fundamental issues is worker safety; and across the industry, firms need to work with factories to ensure the long term well-being of their entire workforce. As consumers, we also carry the responsibility of holding these companies accountable. Would you knowingly shop with brands that were transparent about the strong presence of inhumane working conditions, staff underpayments, or sexual harassment to adults and children within their businesses? Let’s face it, contemporary society does rarely offer us the time to read the care label stitched inside our clothing, let alone research the source of it all - but that shouldn’t mean that we continue to perpetuate this myth, ‘that we’re all too busy to care’. So what is to happen?

How do we remain conscious of our shopping choices?

The bottom line

This is where organizations like the Global Poverty Project, which launched its 'See Through Fashion' campaign last September, come in; this campaign’s primary concern is in increasing transparency within the fashion industry. In fact, it urges companies sourcing in Bangladesh (the main location for production of clothes) to sign the *International Accord on Fire and Building Safety.

While it may seem like an uphill battle for the industry as a whole, as individuals we can make a difference.

Although over 100 companies have signed this agreement, there are unfortunately still some companies that are holding out and therefore refusing to hold themselves legally accountable for their workers’ welfare.

Consider ethical fashion as the stylish standard. Not the tasteful trend.

We should not support those companies who refuse to care about the basic human rights of workers and should instead, support those companies that have gone ahead and invested in ethical fashion, even when their profits have decreased as a result.

*(“Agreement between international federations of trade unions (IndustriALL and UNI Global Union)

EARTH DAY: APRIL 22, 2014 Margaret Mead once said, “Never

doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”. Earth Day aims to instil and set into motion just that: change. In small scale local and community environmental change, there lays vast influence and clout; why not harness this positive energy to create greener cities and instate more sustainable practices? Why nor make OUR actions count? Sadly, news on environmental awareness and the state of our natural world is often fed to us through a ‘doomsday’ approach, therefore paralysing the average citizen and crippling them from agency. Instead, a more inclusive method is needed; one which will inspire and trigger a hunger for a cleaner and greener future.

We can no longer overlook our web of interdependence with other species, people, or the natural environment – our human wellbeing, ecosystems and community depend on it. A movement known as “Sustainable Happiness,” is what I have come to believe will reawaken our fervour for the world’s natural pleasures. Delights such as walking in crispy fall leaves, the crackling of a camp fire, or dozing off to the sound of summer crickets, are simple intrinsic joys that are exploited, yet not fully cherished. If we do not rekindle our relationship with nature and treat it accordingly, we risk losing these privileges forever. I challenge you to embrace the following quotidian practices and embody Earth Day throughout the year. Where can you start?

That equates to roughly 5 (standard sized) plastic water bottles solely for one day. From an annual perspective, this fact is quite alarming.

the reuse of current materials and refashioning them for various other purposes.

Saving and cleaning glass containers is an efficient way to make use of a reusable and safe material. Glass is 100% recyclable and can be reprocessed continually without loss of quality - a claim no other packaging can make.

For those of you frequent plastic bottle consumers, here is a thought; it is recommended that the average person should drink between 9-13 cups of water a day.

Most importantly, mason jars make for excellent storage with absolutely no risk of BPA, or carcinogenic transfer to the food or beverage it holds unlike its plastic counterpart.

A major function of living more sustainably involves

In keeping with the repurposing theme, going to your local used clothing store is an effective way to make smarter consumer choices. The apparel and footwear in the photo are thrifty gems and were all snatched from second hand stores. Although, wearing used clothing may not directly impact the state of the environment, being an aware and responsible consumer has tremendous influence on the chain of consumption. Buying used items increases the lifespan of the garment and reduces waste, meaning fewer new clothes are produced. Not to mention, the items tell a story and possess a unique quality that a mainstream brand simply cannot match.

I recently jumped on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Au Naturaleâ&#x20AC;? bandwagon and am finding the process and results incredibly satisfying. It started off as independent research on natural skin care brands, then it eventually aroused a desire to go chemical free on all of the products I use. It dawned on me that most - if not all - widely popular makeupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, shampoos, soaps and beauty products alike, contain harsh chemicals that are greatly harmful to our health and the environment. These substances seep deep into our skin organ and bloodstreams, where they can wreak havoc on our bodily functions. As a rule of thumb, if you cannot read the ingredients on label, perhaps it is not a product you should apply onto your body. In addition, if you would not ingest the ingredient, it is probably not advisable to apply it to your skin. Since this realization, I attended a soap making workshop and was taught a simple bar soap recipe, using lavender, essential oils and olive oil. I also have been cleansing my face with natural oils such as coconut, avocado (which as rich and nourishing agents) and castor oils (which acts as an astringent). As a gift, my mum even conjured up a honey and beeswax based lip balm.

Practicing more eco-friendly traditions has had a positive impact on my personal health and wellbeing, as well as my pocket. I would highly recommend switching to a more raw skin & hygiene regimen for these benefits, as well as the fact that the process of making the products is enjoyable, rewarding and did I mention very cost effective.

As consumers we play a vital role in the food production system. We have a choice to purchase organic, free-range, vegan and pesticide-free foods; but these are meaningless words, unless we come to understand what they imply and represent. I encourage you to research, inquire and pique your curiosity, about the journey your food takes before reaching your plate. As a vegetarian for two years now, my contribution is to boycott the mass production meat system. I do not want to encourage a system that raises livestock, for the sole purpose of killing them for our consumption purposes. From an ethical standpoint, the reasons behind my pledge are more evident; although equally from a sustainability perspective, the benefits of a more raw, plant and grain based diet are far reaching. The units of water used when producing vegetable and fruit based products, pale in comparison to that of the meat production sector. An obvious environmental link can be drawn here. I came across an insightful book called, Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer; it touches on the industrialization of the meat trade and the cultural attachments surrounding meat. I should however mention that vegetarianism is not for everyone.

If you choose to forgo all of the above points, simply getting involved in local community based environmental initiatives, is probably the most valuable place to start. In almost every city there exists an ecoinitiative, with a view to getting the earth back in balance and harmony. Whether it be research projects to restore an endangered species of marine life back into the water system, or cleaning out tree pits in litter infested areas or rooftop gardens; there is always a volunteer or ‘give back’ project out there. Seek out the information and get involved.

‘No Impact Man’, Colin Beavan once said that, “the most radical political act is to be an optimist. The most radical political act is the belief that if I change, other people will follow suit.” We must remember the power of “WE”. Humanity has come upon an important decision. We stand at a pivotal intersection. What we do from here on out will determine the future of the natural world for generations to come. We should be taking what we need to live well, yet in a way that doesn’t harm our planet. As a species we can have less of an environmental impact, in a way that will not adversely affect our happiness; innovation, creativity and an open mind are what will help shape a greener tomorrow.

Pair

shocking neon brights with denim cut-offs and your favourite fashion kicks to stand out this season. Add your bouncing beach waves and “never too many,” chunky accessories to amp up your appeal. Finally, complete the look with a “just because,” beanie and dive head first into spring, as you glimpse summer just on the horizon.

THIS PAGE Photographer: Josefin Mirsch Model: Katie Wile Agency: Aston Models Styling: Bobby Reyes Hair: Tiffany Bernard Makeup: Chelsea Moreno Lightning Assistant: Ted Sun NEXT PAGE Model: Amy Charsley

Photographer: Josefin Mirsch Model: Katie Wile Agency: Aston Models Styling: Bobby Reyes Hair: Tiffany Bernard Makeup: Chelsea Moreno Lightning Assistant: Ted Sun

Photographer: Josefin Mirsch Models: Amy Charsley & Katie Wile Styling: Bobby Reyes Hair: Tiffany Bernard Makeup: Chelsea Moreno Lightning Assistant: Ted Sun NEXT PAGE Amy Charsley

Illustration by Sian Davila

have often found myself questioning the reasons for our existence. Have you ever been at the end of frustration with life and the way in which people treat each other? I guess those reflective moments make us more human.

Of course Hamletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s struggles are very deep-rooted in relation to his fate; but I cannot help but be moved each time I read, or see this scene being performed.

I want to feel the connections between the struggles in life; otherwise I will remain unaffected by my own reality. In literature there are two things to consider: what is given to you and more importantly, how you feel about what was given to you. Every single text that you read and experience should bring you to a point of reflection, or at the very least, pique some small fraction of your interest.

The countdown to Move It began as soon as the dates were announced; and let me just say that YES, it was well worth the wait! The scene at Earls Court Tube Station was our first taste of what was to come. Smiling people with dancers’ physiques, complete with stage make-up and costume, milled around the station platform; alongside other Move It revellers, boarding the soul train to Kensington Olympia. A plethora of regional accents played across our ears, accompanying the cacophony of sounds swelling within our moving carriage. After what felt like an age, the tube finally pulled off and I spotted a familiar face. After a brief, “I know I’ve seen her somewhere before,” moment; I recognised Annaliese Dayes.

Successful actress and presenter from Camden, Annaliese got her start by appearing on Britain’s Next Top Model 2009 and America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion 2011. Celeb spotting complete, I braced myself for the opening of the tube doors; like a colony of ants we filed onto the bustling platform and headed towards to open arms of Olympia London. The growing crowd – sporting plaid shirts, tied around waists GALORE - threatened to swallow up my team and I; but we managed to successfully navigate our way to the ticket office and were promptly issued our press passes. That will never get old! Without further ado, we sidled past the lengthening queues and into the annual 3 day dance, shopping and performance extravaganza.

Every year at Move It, around 20,000 people take part in the dance classes on offer; ranging from Ballet to Ballroom & Belly Dancing to Hip Hop, there is a style for everyone. Open to all, you have no excuse not to take part; The Harlequin Ballroom will have you grabbing a partner and twirling, “Strictly” style in no time and at the Master Class Studio (complete with Harlequin floor) you can join a class with the UK’s top dance companies and teachers. You can even listen in for tips and tricks for auditions, all with a chance to get scouted! Whatever your movement of choice, don’t forget that you can shop for all things dance related. With over 100 vendors and leading brands just inches from the performance stages, you will be spoilt for choice and loving it. On our hugely distracted walk to the main stage – so…much…to look at…so…little…time – I spotted that familiar face again! Now confident in the knowledge that I did know who she was (thank you Google), I moseyed on over to Annaliese Dayes and got an #OMYSalute. Annaliese Dayes Model & Presenter

At the Move It main stage we were treated to offerings from dance companies and performers from across the UK.

After being left in awe of the choreography, stage presence and precise execution of the routines, we somehow managed to pull ourselves away and go in search of the freestyle stage and showcase theatre. A few impromptu dance breaks and even more #OMYSalute’s later, we found ourselves at the Direct Dance chalk board, surrounded by Move It vendors, dancers and patrons alike. Their simple question of, “What song gets you dancing?” inspired us all and without hesitation we all grabbed a piece of chalk and put down our choices.

@_KimOMY’s Choice

As we moved through the crowd, more recognisable faces popped up before long: Twist & Pulse, Diversity and “Ooh wait. Isn’t that Floe and Proes from Peridot?” Before we knew it, it was time for us to Move It on out and head home. So after an exhausting yet exhilarating day, we said goodbye to Move It 2014 – but not before resetting our countdown for next year.

@ReneeLouiseOMY’s Choice

Move It 2015 is not an event to be missed. Be sure to add February 13th-15th 2015 to your diary – we already have and so should you! @LaylaRobin’s Choice