FA S H I O N EDITION 2
THE GREAT GLAMSBY ISSUE
contents
july/august 2013 fashion Trend Mania - Festival Fashion Director’s Cut - Primeval Rules - Fashionable Tale. Desperately Seeking Sanity - Summer Fashion Story In Designer - Lauren Adriana - ‘Queen of Diamonds’ In Focus - Creative imagery speaking louder than words
beauty All about Yves - Behind the man of YSL Beauty Tips - Expert Insights from our Head MUA Melvita Magic - Products with Nature at Heart. Locks Luxe - Summer 2013 Hair trends L’Oréal Baftas - High Accolades for Hair Creatives
living And All That Jazz - When Everyman met Gatsby Haute Spot - Los Angelica - USA or plain UK? Store’s the Limit - Anyone for Cricket? We mean retail. Aired - The Love Connection Oh My Love - Behind the Brand Lovestorm in a Teacup - Or let them eat cake.
Editor’s Letter
Welcome
to the Great Glamsby Issue - an exciting yet challenging journey for Team Voir. We have some real treats in store for you in this our 2nd edition of Voir fashion magazine. It has simply been non stop at HQ. We started by collaborating with the fabulous Leeds Fashion Show ladies on their 2013 campaign, quite an honour for me actually as my creative journey stems from the very first show they staged back in 2006. I was invited to model back then by one of its founders - Sherelle Davidson, and this led on to hitting the runway for Romanian Fashion designer Livia Mihu as part of Romanian Fashion Week. To see what magic Team Voir have created for LFS feast your eyes on our Director’s Cut spread! It was quite a day shooting the campaign faced with the usual British weather challenges, and despite gale force winds, we managed to get some incredible shots at a breath-taking location (lol). Speaking of weather, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for our “Desperately Seeking Sanity” fashion spread. We got the perfect day and clothes you would die for! So if you’re looking for inspiration on how to turn some heads this summer Voir is jam packed with fashionable treats. There is something for every type of fashionista in these pages. We’ve rounded up the best looks from the runways in this Glam Issue, so get ready to make a statement with bold shapes and even bolder colour combinations.
Graphic prints slogan shirts and colours clashing are a sure fine way to brighten up even the dullest day. You can’t go wrong wearing black and white this season as monochrome ruled the runway in almost every trend. Don’t forget to add my personal favourite some 1920s glamour to your wardrobe this summer. As it comes as no surprise that Baz Luhrman’s adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” has spurred a 1920s fashion revival. With art deco jewels, T- bar sandals and obligatory opulent flapper dresses dominating our rails in stores right now, there’s no better time to channel your inner Daisy! Make sure you’re kept up to date with the CRC feature by Karen Dodds on how to get that 1920s signature hair alongside the latest hair trends. If that’s not quite enough Voir beauty takes you on a journey with all things YSL, and our very own MUA Stacy Borg demonstrates how to create summer fabulous make up looks. Finally we have had the privilege of speaking with some seriously inspirational women!! Allow yourself to be inspired by our unmissable articles with Anne - Founder and Creative Director of Oh My Love, Lauren Adriana (Queen of Diamonds), and Renee Cottle at Lovestorm Cakes gives us little insights into her journey to the top. Without giving much more away it’s now time for you to be VOIRed. jm@voirfashion.co.uk
J yoti Xx
SEE WHAT YOU’RE MISSING
THE LIVING FASHION MAGAZINE
fashion
JULY/AUG
TR E A I N N A MD Trend Mania is your fashion forecaster for 2013, brought to you by our very own Editor. Of course it’s up to you to choose and adapt the looks for your personal style but we’re bringing you the hottest themes. This Summer sparkle with a little 1920s glamour and get summer bright and beach ready with some sexy beach wear, or turn to the cheeky 90s for those timeless denim looks and get festival ready.
Look no further ladies summer is upon us! This season Voir turns up the heat and adds some glamour to your summer wardrobe. Pull out your bling its time to shine bright like a diamond. You owe it to yourself to look fabulous. Life is too short to be dull.
FESTIVAL
SUMMER and Festival Season is here!!! Thanks to Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Jameela Jamil and other celebrities, these are no longer the place to be caught in old clothes but to be seen in on-trend and eye catching outfits. By Georgia Sharpe (Daniel Footwear)
Festival Style has evolved over the years with inspiration from the catwalks, the high street and festivals such as Woodstock and Glastonbury dating back to the 60’s. Festivals are great places to experiment with style and unique items that you would never dare to wear in the street and to mix and match your favourite trends. Many festival goers see these events as a chance to let their hair down and wear what they please, including extravagant head pieces, face paints and depending on which festival you go to, fancy dress!
90’s Flair has returned this summer with white crop tops, denim dungarees, high-waisted boyfriend jeans, ruck sacks, baseball caps, bright prints, tie-dye t-shirts and platform wedges. This trend is the perfect example to be showcasing as it’s easy, casual and comfortable. It is also easy to mix and match key pieces to customise your own unique style.
Sport Luxe is a huge trend this spring summer, joggers being the most popular item loved by all. Well who wouldn’t love wearing com-
fortable joggers in the day and being bang on trend? Especially at a festival! Imagine waking up feeling rough, sticking your joggers on mixed with your 90’s style crop top and trainers and then you’re ready to go. Remember essential accessories are key at a festival including a hat, sunnies and a side bag. If a side bag isn’t your style then the ruck sack has returned! Small, medium or large, leather or canvas everybody has a ruck sack in their house somewhere. Find yours and wear it with confidence.
Trainers are very popular this summer, most probably because of the sports Luxe trend! No matter what colour, size or shape they are a must-have. Style yourself after Cara Delevingne, who wears hers with a pair of jeans, a simple T-shirt and a bomber jacket! Comfortable to wear, this makes them more desirable when you are on your feet all day! And with so many styles to choose from such as high tops, running trainers and if you like a bit of glamour the hidden wedge trainer (making your legs look longer), you will be spoilt for choice. They add a cool casual look to any outfit which is what you want whilst at a festival.
The most popular accessory at a festival is the floral headband, whether the flowers are big or small they will always add that bit of fun to your outfit and will never grow old. However this year is all about the statement bright neon coloured necklace, oversized sunglasses and an arm full of bracelets and fingertip rings which can instantly spruce up a simple look. Heard of Ear cuffs, Hair chains and chains that connect from your hair to your earring? Because this year, these are the accessories you’ll be wanting, especially if you’re going to festivals such as Secret Garden and Bestival as they’re quirky and add a touch of uniqueness.
Denim has also been all over the high street lately and is ideal for the festival season, whether it’s in the style of a shirt, shorts, dress, jeans or dungarees (who would have thought dungarees would come back in fashion)! The world has gone denim mad and even denim on denim is seen as a great look! So this year is sure to see denim shirts paired with denim cut off shorts! Festivals are the only places where it is acceptable to wear skimpy shorts when it’s throwing it down with rain! However don’t let the weather rain on your style parade.
Hunter Wellies are essential when the weather in the UK is so unpredictable and when they come in as many styles and colours as they do, they’ll appeal to everyone. Hunters are definately a popular choice amongst the celebs such as Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller, who mostly style theirs with little shorts or a floral dress.
If you are lucky enough to be heading to
Croatia or Burning Man
then you definitely don’t need wellington boots or a rain coat! However you’ll need a bikini and some amazing accessories! This year it’s all about the kimono, short or long, making it a suitcase must-have. It is the perfect cover up for any size or shape. As for the bikini, as mentioned before, Sports Luxe is a massive trend so you’ll find a lot of sporty style swimsuits and bikinis on the high street! These styles are perfect for a festival as they are supportive and comfortable. White is the colour favoured by many designers this summer and it’s great to show off your tan. So invest in a white sport style bikini and you’ll be laughing. You will also need sunglasses and as the 90’s are back so are round as well as with the famous ‘cat-eye’ sunglasses. If you are struggling on what to pack, just think of this year’s summer trends and mix and match them! That’s what festival fashion is all about, experimenting and having fun. It can never be too much when you’re at a festival like Secret Garden Party!
Festival Fever
Mono Magic
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DESPERATELY SEEKING
SANITY WELL......LIFE ISN’T ALWAYS A BEACH
Glamour comes in all forms, but next time you go on a summer vacation with your glad-rags, just make sure it’s an escape from not to domestic drudgery. Concept, Styling and Photography by Voir. Styling assisted by Gabrielle Little, Photography assisted by Joe Dryden. Hair by Kymberley at CRC assisted by Jamie, MakeUp by Amy Elizabeth Saville.
Models wear a selection of Swimwear available @http://www.sumarie.com/ classic.php
Ksenija wears Kendell Lime and Teal Bodycon two piece available at www.kendelle.com with Daniel white unforgiveable wedge sandal ÂŁ155 Available @ Daniel Footwear
Amy wears white boiler suit available @River Island £50 She also wears Melissa Odabash Greece Ruffle Bandeau Bikini Available @Morgan Clare £166 Sunglasses Tom Ford Available@ Morgan Clare
Cat Wears Electric Blue Sophia Grace Dress from Spring /Summer 2013 Look Book with Daniel Whitecraft T-Bar strap shoes ÂŁ155 Available@ Daniel Footwear
Amy wears Peter Pilotto Multi Print Silk Top £399 and Peter Pilotto Printed Pencil Skirt £590 available at Morgan clare with Stuart Weitzman Blue Upsy high wedge sandal £275 Available @Daniel Footwear
Ksenija wears Stella McCartney Floral One Button Blazer £1,070 Stella McCartney Floral Short Sleeve Dress £695 Available at Morgan Clare Shoes Daniel Nude Proud Women’s Strappy Wedge Sandal £169 Available @Daniel Foot Wear
Cat wearsPeter Pilotto Printed Silk Blend Dress ÂŁ590 Available at Morgan Clare with Bold Red Hexagon Sunglasses with round tinted lenses ÂŁ15.00
Amy wears Sunshine Yellow Azalea Dancing Dolls Dress £50 with Daniel Green Explosive Women’s Peep Toe Shoe £139 Available@ Daniel Footwear
Ksenija wears Stella McCartney One Button Tailored Blazer £890 with Stella McCartney Tailored Turn Up Trouser £340 with Red Alexander Wang shirt Available @ Morgan Clare Beige Redknapp high shoe £149 available@ Daniel Footwear River Island jewelled necklace £50
Ksenjia wears Vix Dakar Red Swimsuit £209 with Heidi Klein Indonesia Print Shirt £290 Celine sunglasses all available @ Morgan Clare Beige Wonderful Women’s Platform Shoe £169 available @ Daniel Footwear Gold Hollywood Cuff and selection of clutch bags available at www.AnjliLondon.com
Amy Wears 2-piece floral trousers £18 and crop top £35 with Grey tortoiseshell mirror lens sunglasses £13.00 Available@ River Island Whitecraft T-bar Shoe £155 Available@ Daniel Footwear
Ksenija wears Blue Sea Folly Bikini Available @ http://www.cocobay.co.uk With yellow Alexander McQueen Kaftan Available@ Morgan Clare Green Explosive peep toe shoe ÂŁ139 available @ Daniel Footwear Maria Lau Earrings Available@ http://www. marialau.co.uk/collections2013.htm
Amy Wears Isabel Marant Mendel Jacquard Trouser with matching jacket Celine Sunglasses Available@ Morgan Clare Blue one piece Katherine Monokini ÂŁ195 Available@ Sumarie http://www.sumarie. com/classic.php
HEAD OFFICE Plover Road Huddersfield West Yorkshire UK info@majors.co.uk
IN
S ’ R E F I F Y
S A T N A F
Devon-based stylist and creative director Lisa Fifer has fashion in her blood and a team to boot. We watch her fantasy world unfold before our eyes. Concepts and styling by Lisa Fifer, photography by Sabel Gonzalez, Emy Harris and Abi Bansal, Make Up by Kat Priest, Tracey Lear and Beatriz Lopez. For further information : www.lisa-fifer.com
www.lisa-fifer.com
Luca Iafrate Photography
VOIR PROMOTION
Styling & Jewelry
Gessica Scaccia Make Up
Paola Sgaramella Art Direction
Luca Iafrate Model:
Olga Shutieva Bologna Italy
www.lucaiafrate.it Fashion * Beauty * facebook.com/luca. iafrateph?ref=ts&fref=ts
VOIR PROMOTION
VOIR PROMOTION
SEEING IS BELIEVING
HIGH-FASHION THROUGH THE LENS OF
CINEMATOGRAPHER
MICHAEL BUCKLEY
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-Kv6pcQoBJLCk1Ltk1srg YouTube : Voir Fashion TV
t : +44 (0) 7801 992 287 e : jm@voirfashion.co.uk
PERSONAL SHOPPING BESPOKE STYLING W A R D R O B E R E VA M P SPECIAL OCCASIONS B E A U T Y C O N S U LTAT I O N
DIR ECT CUT Tales of Fashion, Fashionable Tales, Images of Expression or Expression with Image.
Leeds Fashion Show “Dress me Beautiful” captures the true essences of British fashion and talent. This spectacular runway show has been showcasing the UK’s hottest talent for the past 7 years and the team are getting ready to host their 8th annual event on 18th October 2013 at Leeds Town Hall. LFS is renowned for its chic high-end independent designers along with its international-style shows, and has caused quite a stir in the North of England. Showcasing their talent to capacity audiences, made up of style experts, retail consumers and media, LFS now attracts talent from overseas. Every year the team work with different creatives to produce their annual campaign to promote the show. This year VOIR Fashion were selected to co-ordinate, style and photograph their 2013 campaign, excerpts of which can be seen in our Director’s Cut on the following pages.
When passion, instinct and tension collide you can’t always guarantee there’s a fairy in the tale. Concept, photography and styling by Voir in association with LFS. Hair by Kymberley Jefferson, MakeUp by Stacey Borg. Models Lara and Declan. A selection of made-to-order clothing by Bo Carter and Ursula Melanchez.
g D ES i NE
G
R
IN
Who is cutting their way to the top in the world of fashion? In-Designer focuses the attention on what is new and different.
7 LAUREN
ADRIANA As the granddaughter of British fashion Royalty Sir Paul Smith, this international jewellery designer tells us “You’re not supposed to give people what they want, you’re supposed to give them what they don’t know they want, yet” Voir finds out more. Words : Claro Proofreading
Hailed as “a brave new take on luxury”, “avant-garde” and “artistically significant”, Lauren Adriana is taking the fine jewellery world by storm. Bold, cleverly colourful and powerful, each item in her collection is a statement piece. Referencing several eras, most notably the 30’s and 70’s, her designs are timelessly chic, seemingly picking the best from each and combining it with the new and fashionforward. In honour of her new Notting Hill showroom opening earlier this year, Voir’s Editorin-Chief, Jyoti Matoo, spoke to Lauren Adriana about her work, her inspiration and passions. We asked her about her vision and what she wanted her work to embody.
“Lauren Adriana jewels are noted for their discerning use of colour and extraordinary attention to detail. Innovation lies at the heart of each piece, with jewels often incorporating unconventional metals such as aluminium, copper
and bronze alongside exceptional and often indefinable gemstones.” “Notable for their size and scale, I want each to jewel stand alone as a unique exploration of geometry and colour - remarkable works that communicate a singular vision.” “Every design must go beyond the ordinary by demanding the highest levels of craftsmanship and dedication to create artistically significant jewellery.” Lauren Adriana’s pieces often feature a single central stone complemented by other stones and metals, like backing singers to a pop star, enhancing and adding to, but never competing with or overshadowing the main attraction; the Garter brooch, with a superbly cut citrine at its centre; or the Siren earrings featuring two teardrop-shaped amethysts set among diamonds, rhodolite and silver, are two particularly fine examples of this skill. Every piece showcases Adriana’s passion for gemstones, their colour and cut - a passion that has been growing since she was a small child.
There are very few people who have always known what they wanted to do when they grew up and actually followed through with it. Lauren is one of them.
“I have been collecting crystals and gemstones since I was about four years old. My mother used to take me to the natural History Museum and I would always get a small polished stone from the gift shop. Then it grew into a proper obsession with my collection growing considerably.” “When I was about ten, I moved into collecting cut and faceted gemstones only, and it was then that my mother suggested designing jewels around the stones in my collection. That was when I realised I could make a career out of what I loved doing.” “Despite knowing what I wanted to do from very early on, my career path has still been an interesting, and somewhat winding one. Although I was working with gems before I even got to art college, it wasn’t until a couple of years after I left that I started designing the kind of jewels that I’m making today. I think I needed to find my own voice in my designs and have the confidence to just do
what I wanted. When that happened, sales started to happen quickly and now I have the salon in Notting Hill. It has not been a steady climb... there have been some false starts.” This love affair with and wonder at beautiful and sometimes unusual gemstones inform her work. She draws inspiration from the materials that she works with:
“There’s always this little bit of wonder that it took millions of years to form a gemstone, that it came out of the Earth, that no two are ever completely identical. It’s incomprehensible that they were down there long before we were ever on this planet.” But it seems that if you have a designer’s eye, mind and talent, inspiration is everywhere.
“Inspiration is a tricky thing to pin down. For the most part it comes from the stones themselves, and then grows to incorporate anything else that is interesting me at that time; 1970’s furniture, communist architecture, space age design etc.” Lauren’s design innovation may well be in her blood, as the granddaughter of British fashion royalty, Sir Paul Smith, but she has very strong, independent ideas about how design should work and where the focus should be.
The homepage of her website tells us “You’re not supposed to give people what they want, you’re supposed to give them what they don’t know they want, yet” (Diana Vreeland). We asked her to elaborate on what that meant for her work.
“It comes back to the idea of innovation - and creating an original vision for your work. Today big companies are very concerned with giving people what they want.” “You have food products developed around taste studies, household appliances designed around the feedback of focus groups, and luxury goods designed by committee.” “Every item is designed and marketed to the widest range of people. But that is not how you create something new, or how you even create desire for your product. That can only be achieved by showing people something they didn’t even know they wanted - something that goes beyond their wildest dreams.”
“For my jewellery, it lies in the unusual metals that are used to create colours and finishes that have not been seen before - to step out of that comfort zone of just yellow and white metals... You are ‘supposed to give people what they don’t know that they want... yet’.”
Lauren’s work is luxurious, precise and dramatic. It is impossible to ignore the exacting geometry of the design and this is no mere coincidence, Lauren takes the execution of her ideas very seriously.
“The most difficult part, as with anything I think, is getting it made to the level you expect. You could come up with the most sensational designs in the world, but if you cannot get someone to make them to the quality you require, then they will always fall short.” Now that Lauren is a successful and much-lauded jewellery designer, we asked her whether she had any pointers on what it takes to make it in the industry and whether she ever wanted to give up.
“Don’t listen to anyone, including me. There is no one path that a jewellery business should take. Every single designer I know, or that has ever been in existence, has done it differently. Find what works for you and don’t be swayed by what other people seem to be doing. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to running a business.” “I’m not sure I’ve even cracked [the fashion business] yet! But the important thing is perseverance. Whenever you get knocked back, take a moment to re-evaluate what you did wrong, or how you could do it differently. This is how you learn and grow. We live in an age obsessed with youth where it’s not enough to have success;
you have to achieve it at a young age too. But it can make people give up too easily or too soon. It’s important to remember to take your time - if you love what you do, you have the rest of your life to make it work. Jewellery is especially slow - most jewellers don’t peak until their forties or fifties, so with this in mind, it’s good not to be too hard on yourself.” When starting a business, one of the biggest challenges is always trying to bring actual money in to live on. We wanted to know whether Lauren ever had to do anything else to pay the bills.
“Yes - it was called working at Tiffany & Co.! There aren’t many people in this world who have the luxury of not having to do
something on the side to pay the bills. The important thing is to remember why you are doing what you are doing. I never thought of packing it all in and heading in a different direction, but when sales were slow, I headed back into retail to make sure I didn’t get the gas cut off!” We are certain that being a hot young jewellery designer must involve exciting celebrity clients and glamorous exotic travel, but ever modest, Lauren assures us that it is not quite what we think.
“Any client that is happy to let me have free reign over their design is always exciting! We don’t have celebrity clients as such, since they only ever borrow pieces instead of buying them. But we have started a large
yellow diamond ring for a client recently and working with that stone is pretty exciting.”.... “I haven’t done any of the really exotic trips yet - so for the most part, I travel frequently to New York, Miami, Paris, Basel and Munich.” With her own fashion lineage, training from Central St Martins and collections firmly rooted in 20th century fashion and design, we wondered how Lauren feels about fashion, whether fashion magazines influence her style and whether she has a favourite fashion creative.
“To be honest – it’s the clothes on my back. I’m not obsessed with fashion from a trend and style point of view. I think it’s deeply interesting as an industry, but I’m not really involved with it as fine jewellery operates in its own world. In terms of getting dressed, I know what suits me and I tend not to deviate from it - I leave being experimental to the girls who can pull it off.” “I love Vanity Fair and W Magazine, but the American editions, as they cover fine jewellery the best. I also read Robb Report regularly and FT How To Spend It when it’s out as the shoots are great and they offer an amazing insight into luxury markets.”
“I love the work of Michael Roberts at Vanity Fair. He’s like a modern day renaissance man - writer, stylist, illustrator, photographer and editor.” “His aesthetic is so unique to him with this combination of retro, tribal, gothic and very sexual images. It’s a heady mix. Then you have his amazing illustrations and collages. He’s totally unique and his work never imitates anyone else. That’s a good thing to aspire to.”
Dotted with lighting by Serge Mouille and conceptual furnishings from Willy Rizzo, Milo Baughman, and Paolo Pallucco, and centered around a room upholstered in vivid blue Alcantara that Adriana describes as “very Halston,” her new showroom is a unique shopping destination in London. Like Adriana’s designs, the approach to display is highly considered, with a single item in each vitrine. “We needed to do something special to give each piece the grandeur it deserves.”
www.bocarter.co.uk
ALL ABOUT
YVES The Man, the Master and the Magic of Yves Saint-Laurent By Jyoti Matoo
Regarded as one of the biggest and most respected names in fashion history, Yves Saint Laurent was born and raised in Oran Algeria in a villa by the Mediterranean. At the tender age of 17 he left for Paris where he had won a young fashion designers competition by submitting 3 sketches. There he met Michel de Brunhoff - Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue. De Brunhoff saw a unique talent in Saint Laurent, and immediately published his work. Saint Laurent was encouraged to study fashion design at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, and graduated as a star pupil. Following his graduation several years later, the would-be designer was then introduced to Christian Dior who hired him on the spot.
Aged just 21 years and the youngest fashion designer in the world, Saint Laurent found himself as the Head Designer of the House of Christian Dior....... This was following the untimely death of Christian Dior in 1957. Here at the House of Dior, he launched his first collection for the company entitled “Ligne Trapeze” which became an instant sensation in the fashion industry, landing Saint Laurent a Neiman Marcus Oscar, international acclaim, and being hailed a national hero in Paris. It was in1961 that the young designer embarked upon setting up his own Haute Couture House under the name ‘Yves Saint Laurent’ with his partner Pierre Bergé. Between 1960 and 1970, the brand popularised fashion trends with ready-to-wear collections such as Rive Gauche, the beatnik look, safari jackets for men and women, tight pants, tall thigh-high boots, and arguably the most famous classic tuxedo suit for women in 1966, the Le Smoking. The Yves Saint Laurent brand went from strength to strength and Yves had truly conquered the fashion industry.
In 1978 a make up line was launched with the following tag line “Yves Saint Laurent gives a face to the woman he dresses”
“The theater of all desires, all emotions, La Beauté Yves Saint Laurent invites you on an adventure, the discovery of the true you, the elegance of make-up that brings out your unique beauty, and the pursuit of transcending seduction.”
YSL and YOU. When women shop for cosmetics I think it’s fair to say they are shopping for their alter ego. Look no further ladies Yves Saint Laurent invites you on an adventure to the discovery of the true you! Say goodbye to those everyday neutral tones that we are all guilty of pulling from our cosmetics bags and applying day after day. Open your minds and opt for colours equal to your intentions, emotions passions and desires. YSL in my opinion provide some of the most life-changing products a woman could ever purchase. Having worked for the brand for 5 years as a Cosmetics Consultant with the opportunity to try out the entire YSL range, I can assure you this brand delivers. Longlasting, these products have caused quite a stir in the industry.
Saint Laurent was in fact an absolute master of eye make up and invented the false lash effect Mascara, and with its success spanning 10 years, this made the eyes his signature. This Summer YSL launched the stunning Baby Doll collection, a gorgeous array of summer make-up must-haves providing the tools needed to channel your inner goddess. The look is described as “The radiance of Saharienne heat, contrasted by fresh waves of twilight..... A variation on torrid, golden hues heightened and cooled by touches of violet, coral, fuchsia and green.” Containing matte versions of the much-loved Terre Saharienne, a selection of intense, new vibrant lip and nail shades and a range of new BB creams – the collection is just what you need to brighten up your day and give you that feverish spirit of summer.
The Volume effect faux cils Baby Doll mascara defines a new aesthetic for eyes. It redefines lashes one by one, with radiance and graphic volume. This is most definitely one of the best mascaras on the market today. Not forgetting the beauty secrets of the worlds top makeup artists and models, Touche Éclat, the original must-have for a radiant, flawless, face. With a few strategic strokes of this award-winning complexion highlighter, dark circles, fine lines and signs of fatigue virtually disappear. Voir has taken guidance from the Creative Director of Make-Up at Yves Saint Laurent - Lloyd Simmonds to bring you the Summer Look as shown opposite. Sunset Eyes “The Marrakesh Sunset Palette contains warm shades gilded by a Saharienne sunset. For day, mix the brown and rosy shades for a smoldering nude look. At night, apply the violet in a smoky effect and add a touch of gold to the inner corners of the eyes to brighten your look. To take eyes to captivating extremes, I blend the Dessin du Regard Waterproof N°10 Violet Massa over the entire eyelid as a base, then I warm up the eyebrow arch with the golden shade. You can also use the gold to highlight the temples and cheekbones to accentuate the eye make-up for a truly YSL look.” Lip fever “To enhance a matte complexion and add an ultra sultry touch to the lips, I use Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre N°115 Brun Sultan. Its rich, golden colour completes the warm, luminous make-up look and creates a pulse of colour that is both natural-looking and surprising.” In short, your adventure can only start if you let go to your alter ego, and allow the spirit of Yves to transcend you into the theater of all desires and all emotions. Only then will you discover the true you.
Pro Summer ‘13 Tips with Stacey Borg 1920’s BASE - should be achieved using a primer and a matt foundation, An authentic 20’s look would have been to use a foundation 2-3 shades lighter than your skin tone. To bring this look up to date I’d say just match to your skin tone and don’t use any bronzers as a pale look was fashionable in the 20’s with all the focus on the eyes and lips. EYES - eyes were very dark and sexy in the 1920’s so here I’ve used smokey eye pallet by Benefit with lashings of mascara and black kohl pencil around the eyes.
A pop of colour could be added, a grey, blue or green but dark greys, black and brown are effective for this look. LIPS - lips were also dark in the 20’s and either a dark red or black. Here I’ve used Scarlett Express by NARS EYEBROWS - the brows from this era were very high, thin and arched. The total opposite of our love of big bold brows today! If you want an authentic look you can cover your brows using soap and then camouflage makeup/concealer before drawing the brows on with pencil
Pro tip - always wear an SPF. Even on an overcast day UV rays can penetrate through clouds and glass. So when you’re sitting in the car your chest is exposed. Most foundations, moisturisers and primers contain at least SPF 20. The sun is the very first thing to affect your skin causing signs of ageing, pigment spots and of course skin cancer.
SUMMER DAY LOOK BASE - Bronzed sun-kissed skin looks fab in the summer. Be sure to use a good primer with SPF and either a tinted moisturiser and a cream bronze/blush. I like NARS Lokoum. You want a dewy glow without looking shiny. Heavy makeup is a no no in the sun. EYES - a light shimmer shadow from the Estée Lauder delux pure colour eyeshadow palette. Cinnamon and taupe. Waterproof mascara. LIPS - a nice bright lip stain is a summer essential, easy to apply and will stay on for a lot longer than lipstick or gloss. I’ve used one of my favourites this year. Rimmel - apocolips 501 Stella
SUMMER NIGHT BASE - for a night out controlling the shine is a must! I’ve used an all time favourite of mine under foundation - DR feel good from Benefit. Cherry red blush and lots of highlighter EYES - star gazer glitter pots in green and gold. Dab on to a cream base in stripes across the lid. TOP TIP when using glitter always do this first before applying your base and other makeup as it can be a messy process! Plenty of face wipes needed. LIPS - Myth by MAC
freelance make-up artist
High Fashion Editorial Runway Available privately for Bridal Make-up tuition Skincare Brow shaping Telephone : 07931 092 606 Twitter : @stazmake_up Facebook : Stacey Borg Freelance Makeup Artist
HANDSTANNED THE BEAUTY LOOK OF SUMMER FACIALS TANNING MANICURE MASSAGE NAIL ART THREADING EYES LASHES
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MEL VITA
MAGIC By Stacey Borg - Beauty Editor Photographed and Styled by Voir
Now, more than ever, there is great interest in Eco-friendly natural and organic beauty products. The media has most definately played a part in scaring us into thinking that everything in our bathroom cabinet and makeup bag is full of harmful toxins and chemicals, convincing us that in the same way we have done with our food, wherever we can we should go organic. So it got me thinking - and by no means will I be switching all my beauty essentials to an organic range, but it would be good to research what is available. I came across a brand called Melvita. Well-known in France where it was founded but slightly lesser-known here in the UK, it is now owned by the very reputable L’Occitane group.
I knew I was on to a brand which would deliver what was promised, and with a strapline of “Nature at heart” I was able to proceed with confidence. The company was founded in 1983 by biologist and beekeeper Bernard Chevilliat on a farm in the Ardeche region of France, but only came to the UK in 2010 with a flagship store in Covent Garden London. I carefully selected my 3 products to review over a
period of 4 weeks. Each to use daily and ones I felt were suitable for my skin type. The first product was from the rose nectar range. - Rose Nectar MIlky Cleansing OIl (£19.50 145ml). It transforms from an oil to a milky lotion on contact with water, promises to remove all traces of makeup, and is gentle enough to be used around the delicate eye area. I was dubious. Could a product so gentle really remove my heavy dark eye makeup and eyelash glue? The product which is runny in consistency is best used in the shower or over a sink. Start by pouring a small amount into the palm of the hand and mixing it with water. Next gently massage into the face and around the eyes.This lotion has a herbal smell which uplifts immediately. The results were astounding. Whereas products in the past have left streaks on the cheeks, this one had removed every trace of makeup in a single use. A combination of rose hip oil and rose petal enfleurage creates a cleanser rich in fatty acids which removes even the most stubborn makeup. Although it is an oil it is very light so will not clog the pores . It left my skin nourished and perfectly cleansed. It’s was pleasant to use and did exactly what it promised.
Voir Beauty Promotion
Rose Nectar MIlky Cleansing OIl
The second product was from the Nectar Bright range Brightening Cream (ÂŁ36 30ml) I have combination skin so this would be a perfect choice. It is not too rich, but still nourishing enough for dry and problematic areas. I wanted a substitute for foundation, for daily use, and to revive a tired complexion. This brightening cream managed to successfully rejuvenate my skin, leaving an altogether glow and luminosity. I was even able to go without foundation for the day. I strongly recommend this for use as a daily moisturiser.
So on to the third and final product and the one I was was most excited about trying. Melvita’s ProSun Gradual Self-Tanning Moisturiser Gel Cream (£20 150ml) Looking for that justbeen-on-holiday look with a healthy glow, then this is the product for you. Like all products in this category, the degree of darkening is determined by the number of applications. This product’s huge advantage is that it doubles as a moisturiser, whilst gently tanning you at the same time. And you apply it straight from the tube without gloves for a streak-free finish. And if that is not enough to convince you girls, there isn’t the usual scent associated with tanning products. Instead it has the aroma of coco butter with a hint of citrus and vanilla.
After just 3 to 4 days use I noticed a beautiful bronze glow starting to develop. The combination of safflower, buriti, coconut oils and beeswax give the lotion its moisturising properties, leaving the skin soft, suupple and bronze. So all in all I’m more than impressed with Melvita as a brand - organic and natural beauty care products at affordable prices. All 3 of the products reviewed have now replaced my existing items, and take pride of place in the bathroom. For stockist and to see more in the range visit Melvita online at www. uk.melvita.com
ProSun Gradual Self-Tanning Moisturiser Gel Cream
www.naturisimo.com/index.cfm?nme=Melvita
S K C O L 3
E X U L
ning glory, our highly ow cr at th ir, ha to es m co it n he W just about all there is to ow kn o du e dg -e ng tti cu e tiv ea cr ren Dodds give us the Ka d an les ar Ch ain ag ce On . ow kn and styles. long and the short of cuts, curls fferson at CRC.
Photomontage by Kymberley Je
In Association with Cutting Room Creative
Words & Images compiled by Kymberley Jefferson
This season has seen the return of the 1920s hair following the huge success from the period dramas Mr Selfridge and Downton Abbey. It was also seen at the Spring 2013 couture shows. With the new Great Gatsby movie recently out, I predict there will be a lot of clients coming into the salon for these looks, especially as we are in Royal Ascot, Wedding and Prom season. I recently went to see the Baz Luhrmann movie and instantly fell in love with the visually stunning side of things. The combination of the sets, costumes, makeup, and hair all made it a very inspiring two and a half hours.
MAKING
WAVES With Summer well and truly here at last, Karen Dodds talks us through the hottest tresses hitting the pool sides this season. Styling by CRC, Photography courtesy of Cutting Room Creative.
The Great Gatsby is really HOT right now.
The film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan as the doomed lovers, Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan, has the country gripped in its spell. This, as expected, has had a tremendous influence on this seasons’ fashion and hair..... The 1920’s was an era of great indulgences; the economy was buoyant and the emergence of strong headstrong women who were happy and willing to make a statement! The Jazz Age brought decadence, flapper styling and bootlegging! Ladies were freed from the constraints of long dresses, high necks and demure hair styling and for the first time the Hair CUT became more important than the dressing. It was liberation for women! Versions of the ‘BOB’ never disappear but with this latest revival we are definitely looking at a shorter sharper graduated bob, either adorned with accessories, like a patterned head scarf or beaded jewellery worn as a headband, or worn more naturally. Straight or with curl and movement it’s the shape that counts!! So the big message here is to go for the chop!!! If however you are determined to hang on to you long locks don’t despair! There are alternative trends which are still as strong, this time influenced by the catwalks of the fashion weeks all over the world.
The return of the Bun!! No we don’t mean cupcakes which have also made a comeback but rather the slicked back tight little buns for longer hair! There are a variety of shapes and positions for your top knot so you can choose your favourite or ring the changes daily! Partings are centre (and this doesn’t suit everyone!!) or low with swept fringes. The hair is pulled back tightly into the nape and either a ballerina bun, double knot, twisty loop or a roll. Make the bun not too neat for a 2013 edge and a few wispy dishevelled bits escaping it are definitely de rigueur! Braids, fishtail plaits and cornweaves can also be incorporated into your new up do but make this a statement section on just one side, across the fringe area or in the bun itself.
Free and Loose!! If you are happier with free flowing locks then the buzz word here is undone done! Keep the hair looking natural, not too placed and with a natural looking movement. The hair still needs to look healthy and shiny though so to achieve this look shampoo, condition and style the hair with a heat resistant product such as L’Oreal Heat style constructor for hold, or Kerastase Chroma Thermique which due to having mother of pearl as a part of the ingredients creates a fantastic shine while protecting hair and colour from fade. Blow dry the hair with a large round brush to give body to the hair. Then use either a curling wand or large irons (we recommend Cloud Nine wands and irons as they are thermostatically controlled to be kinder to the hair) to give texture and movement in a random way. Run your fingers through it, a spritz of hairspray or a dusting of L’Oreal Superdust for body and you are good to go!!
Half way House! The half up and half down look, championed by Kate the Duchesse of Cambridge , has also evolved into the low sung ponytail. It’s all about dual texture here so keep the hair smooth to the band then make the tail as wide and textured as you can. Plaits dried in then undone and brushed through, crimping irons to the tail only or curled with tongs or irons and brushed out, the bigger the better!!
Colour This is as always important and there are a number of trends this season. In the last issue of Voir we showcased the ‘Ombre’ look and this continues to be popular but in a much subtler way with the addition of face framing pieces lightened at the front of the hair to create a sunny light to the face, a floodlight onto your features. At CRC we are calling this ‘Spotlighting’ Full head blonds are still very much in vogue and never more so than with the innovative introduction of Inoa Ultra Blond, the first ever high lift blond without Ammonia from those clever people at l’Oreal! They have called it ‘The blonde miracle’ and certainly hair feels amazingly soft and smooth with great shine and a purity of tone after being coloured with this. For those who prefer a full prelightened look we are seeing a trend, for pastille toners, baby pinks and blue, pale lilac and creamy ivory, in place of the stronger grey ash tones. For those with deeper coloured tresses amongst us its caramels and toffee, cappuccino and mocha combinations to give a more summery mood to our hair! These tones can be incorporated in a full head colour or using the ‘Spotlighting’ technique or indeed a more subtle Ombre.
L’ORÉAL
BAFTAS The L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy has been the benchmark of British hairdressing inspiration for 58 Years. As honorary members of the judging panel, Charles and Karen Dodds give us an insight into the history of the ‘Hairdressing Baftas’.
Considered today by the industry and press alike as one of the most influential stages to showcase real local talent alongside the industry’s icons, the L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy is continuing to inspire creatives over half a century later. The first competition was born in 1956 although then it’s main award was named the ‘Gold Cup’ which was a styling award and the ‘Colour Cup’ was just an additional prize running alongside. This reflects the view in the 1950’s and early 60’s that colour was not a very important part of hairdressing and mainly being used to cover white hair only and certainly not as a fashion accessory! The Colour Cup however, captured the imagination of the hairdressing world and it was this that evolved into the L’Oréal Colour Trophy!
At this point any potential entrant had to travel to the capital and compete on stage, demonstrating their cut and colour on live models to a panel of judges.
Soon the competition grew alongside the demand for more innovative colour and L’Oréal decided it was time to redefine the whole competition. In 1960 the idea of taking the competition to regions was mooted and 14 heats were organised with the aim of each producing a regional winner to compete against one other at the Grand Final in London. This would have an audience of up to 8,000, firstly watching a team of 20 well-known hairstylists prepare models on stage as the ‘show element’ of the evening and the Grand Finalists would arrive at the venue with their models already fully prepared and be catwalked before a panel of judges. This format was followed for some 20 years until in 1989, in an effort to make it more exciting than ever, L’Oréal along with top hairdressers’ improved the format to create more commercial appeal and enhance the success for the entrants! Regional Finals had competitors working live on their models in front of the audience, and with top salons providing a road show of inspirational hairdressing whilst the industry’s top names judged, the competitors finished looks anonymously so the work spoke for itself.
The Grand Finalists would arrive at the venue with their models already fully prepared and be catwalked before a panel of judges.
The shows have seen celebrity presenters such as Davina McCall, Cat Deely, Joanna Lumley, Martin Kemp, Vernon Kay, Graham Norton, George Lamb, Alexa Chung and Rick Edwards.
The Grand Final now had finalists competing at the L’Oréal Academy in London, before an illustrious panel of judges to make the important decision before the evening entertainment which was moved to the iconic Grosvenor House Hotel with an exclusive sit down dinner, more theatrical shows by invited top hairdressers and the catwalking of the models. This really is an exciting and prestigious evening and to add to this the shows have seen celebrity presenters such as Davina McCall, Cat Deely, Joanna Lumley, Martin Kemp, Vernon Kay, Graham Norton (our personal favourite), George Lamb, Alexa Chung and Rick Edwards! In the late 1990’s the competition was broadened out to create three additional awards, The L’Oréal Men’s Image Award, Young Colourist Award and The Mizani Afro Award. It was also at this time that L’Oréal’s collaboration with Central St Martins College of Fashion emerged and an element of Haute Couture shows were included reinforcing the strong message ‘Hair Inspired By Fashion’. Many of the top names in fashion design have shown their collections at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy including Fyodor Golan, Kinder Aggugini, Falguni and Shane Peacock, David Koma, Avsh Alom Gur, Marios Schwab, Jacob Kimmie, Aimee McWilliams and Molly Grad!
L’OrÊal has a portfolio of stylists taking care of the hair at these shows, and bringing a sense of artistry to compliment the innovative collections.
Many of Cutting Room Creative’s stylists have been privileged to work these shows, and in fact as is the case of Joe, manager at our city salon, lead the team. Charles and Karen have been judges at the Regional Finals now for some 10 years and are proud of their involvement with this exciting competition. The teams at CRC have also had great success in competing over the years, and have won through to the Regional Final every year since their first entry in 1995. They have made the Grand Final eight times and secured Regional victory twice. They also won the Mizani Afro Award in 2011 and became runner-up in 2012. This year’s Colour Trophy Finals saw our very own Kymberley (head stylist on Voir fashion shoots) invited to join the L’Oréal portfolio team to work backstage. Joe and Laura from our City salon had such a great idea for a look for the Mizani Award that we decided to break our abstention from this year’s show, and enter them. Successfully they won through to the Grand Final, but unfortunately did not secure their 2nd ‘L’Oréal Bafta’.
showstopping
http://shop.sophiagrace.co.uk
“Crafthouse has good food, great service, fab surroundings and an impressive attention to detail. What more could you want from a restaurant?” - Elaine Lemm, Yorkshire Post Lifestyle Magazine
Set menu available Monday to Saturday : 12:00pm-3:00pm and 5:00pm-6:30pm Two courses for £18.50 Three courses for £22.50
@
0113 987 0444 www.crafthouse-restaurant.com crafthouse@danddleeds.com www.facebook.com/CrafthouseLeeds @CrafthouseLeeds
CRAFTHOUSE Level 5 Trinity Leeds 70 Boar Lane Leeds LS1 6HW
living
Words and Photography by Voir
AND ALL THAT
JAZZ when
EVERYMAN
met
GATSBY
The film The Great Gatsby was shown earlier last month and who more trusting to put on a spectacle, none other than Everyman Cinema in the Trinity Mall Central Leeds. Whilst the film was capturing the riotous effervescence and revolutionary vitrality of the Jazz Age, Everyman were providing a 3-piece ensemble to provide the glamorous and jazzy backdrop, setting the ambiance for a sparkly evening. The recently-opened cinema, the largest in this small independent chain, was the perfect place to view or rather experience the magic that the Baz Luhrmann spectacle had to offer. There was just a buzz about the event as staff and cinema-goers alike dressed for the occasion. Corks were popping as the silky toetapping instrumentation took hold. People were shown to their seats or rather plush velvet sofas, pizzas were carried through to the auditorium, and bottles of wine were placed on chill at the side of the seats. Overwhelmed by the visual treat which unfurled before our eyes both inside and outside of the auditorium, Luhrmann and Myers (Everyman’s CEO) had successfully placed the right ingredients together to produce a potent and heady cocktail of seduction, romance, je ne sais quoi and all that jazz.........
Telephone : +44 [0] 7516 617 087 lovestormcakes@hotmail.co.uk
A H U T T P S O E The coolest cafe, the hottest hang-out, the stylish salon or the hippest hideaway. Voir reveals what’s in.
LOS
ANGE
ELICA
Situated high above a stunning domed retail centre, Angelica bar and restaurant is Leeds’ jewel in the crown. But this could be in New York, L.A or Paris couldn’t it? Words by Rachel Morris Photography by Voir.
Looking out of the 6th floor window onto the crisp clear cityscape of the ever-developing commercial quarter, for a split second I was smooching through a crowd of Lower East Side socialites at a rooftop cocktail lounge in Downtown Manhattan or Los Angeles for that matter. I was a ‘Real Housewife’ with class money cannot buy. The idea of a rooftop luncheon, having experienced the shopper’s rapture which is the Trinity centre, was more than welcome as we were about to discover the Angelica experience. Meandering up through the hustle and bustle of heavilyused credit cards and apropos fashionistas, we arrived at a section of the centre which is seemingly dedicated to one of my favourite times of the day, ‘Lunch’. Whilst some invariably gravitate to a more liquid variety, which the centre aptly caters for, others prefer the type that actually involves food. Myself, I like to mix it up a little and do rather a lot of both.
The presentation of two framed menus, hung rather inconspicuously on the back wall was the first hint of extravagance, as dishes like dressed Bridlington crab and Sea Bass Cevich presented themselves with mouth-watering finesse. This is certainly not your average shopping marathon half-time refreshment, this is Trinity’s jewel. A sense of exclusivity exuded through the entrance hall, with its high ceilings and subdued lighting, made more apparent with the vision of two androgynous yet
glamorous hosts in Saint Laurent-esque tailored suits and velvet red lips. This set a precedent for the experience yet to come. These incredibly stylish ladies, dressed as though ready for a Voir fashion magazine shoot rather than hosting the publication’s Editor-In-Chief and myself, escorted us through a small set of double doors to an overwhelmingly spacious bar, bathed in natural light.
The contrast between the dimly lit hallway and the natural haze of the contemporary dining suite was almost magical, as though we’d stepped through the doors to an alternate universe of subdued deep house beats, stylish surroundings and city slickers.
That transition from dark to light, or was it the sight of a spherical bar, showcasing the widest range of luxury brand liquor from all corners of the world which brought about my rapid pupil dilation? Perhaps I will never know which. Not to mention the uber-stylish floppy-haired Christian Gray-esque bar tenders, confidently charming with their established mixology skills. Effortlessly crafting a fantastic range of Angelica Special cocktails, the sense of theatre was mesmerizing enough to make any self-respecting woman quiver and blush in her Louboutin heels.
We were seated by the panoramic window which separates the bar from the outside planted terrace, where amber lit olive trees gently swayed in the breeze - perfect for lazily sipping cocktails on a late summer’s evening. Beyond that on one side, the whole Parisian-esque rooftop cityscape of Leeds buzzed right under our feet. On the inside, beautifully dressed business advocates closed deals over maxi rolls and built partnerships through shared platters of cold cut meats. Relaxed ladies and gents casually clinked glasses and
shared anecdotes over beverages of all conceivable colours, house burgers and rib eye stakes. The waiting staff were attentive to the highest degree. With their bright smiles, crisp white shirts and skinny blue jeans they brought a welcome air of casuality to combat the highbrow perception that can all too often consume venues of such high precedence. They happily catered to our every need, providing a breakdown of their extensive drinks and food menus, topping up our jugs of palate-cleansing water and making sure our experience left nothing to be desired.
Our evening encounter was not dissimilar but with the heat turned up. The clientele had dressed to impress and the hues took on a cool decadent blue on the outside, and a warm amber glow on the inside. The beat became more hypnotic and the drinks glowed under artificial light. The buzz became louder and the laughter more apparent. This was a scene from a Hollywood movie and I was the lead lady. I closed my eyes and was in Downtonwn New York, opened them again and returned to [Los] Angelica.
bellesbejewelled.co.uk
E
THE
L1MIT
ANYONE FOR
CRICKET?
Situated in Liverpool’s super cool and trendy Cavern Quarter lies Cricket, an independent fashion emporium that stands head and shoulders above the rest. A high-end destination which caters for every kind of style-inclined fashion addict, this is the focal point for men, women and even children who need to give in to their highest of fashion urges. Words - Daniel Riding.
Liverpool, not acknowledged as an international fashion capital, but a city nontheless where stylish women lose themselves within the fashionable boutiques and clothes shops located around it’s centre.
Within this enclave lies Cricket, an uber-stylish, designerled store which caters primarily for the fashion savvy, celebrity A-listers, footballer’s wives and those with impeccable taste. Founded in 1991 by Justine Mills, Cricket has become known [globally] for its extensive range of high-calibre fashion brands, extremely loyal customer base, and exquisite customer service to rival the finest fashion retail stores. Already racking up some impressive recognition, they have been featured in The Telegraph’s 50 Best Boutiques in Britain, VOGUE Magazine’s “Best 100 Shops Outside London”, and Recommended by The New York Times and The Guardian. So what did I experience on my visit? There was such buzz and an air of accessibility that you can’t help but feel welcomed into what is essentially the Cricket fashion family. Their brand-to-customer relationship is something that is extremely important to them, which was evident in the sheer dedication the Cricket personnel were affording their clientele. I have never seen so many fashionable assistants flying past me at any given time, some with designer products in hand, another gripping the leg of a mannequin to be dressed, and one girl actually taking pictures of a potential outfit to send to a customer in preparation for a shopping trip.
I could tell that fashion was not only Justine’s primary source of inspiration, it seemed to emanate from her veins. She spends pretty much all of her time focused on delivering the most inspirational, desirable, relevant and stylish designer brands to her farreaching clientele. This is made possible in part by employing the fashion-hungry, those who innately imbue a sense of style and have a desire to impart that with their customer.
The Cricket Team can regularly be seen at international runway shows, forever on the lookout for new labels before they peak.
“I love introducing new brands to Liverpool and seeing them flourish or sell out. For example Balenciaga; when it first arrived at Cricket customers couldn’t pronounce it now it is a best seller.” They have a desire to harness the essence of those shows, and bring a sense of Milan or Paris back home. With modifications of course. Originally starting as a menswear shop, the Cricket brand has evolved into a super boutique to cater now for men, women and children. The store offers
two floors with rooms that simply twist and turn so you will have no idea of the extent of stock that floods every inch of this maze-like Aladdin’s cave. Some of the labels they sell include: Céline, Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney and Givenchy. Stars who have graced the shop floor include Kelly Rowland, Girls Aloud and Gok Wan; which means that Cricket has become something of a globally established luxury retailer. You don’t have to be an A-lister to shop here though, all you need is a love for fashion and to prepare yourself for a truly personal and enjoyable shopping experience.
Sarah Holden is the creative director of Cricket-fashion.com, and responsible for the brand’s online presence. Like the rest of the fashion-savvy team, she was impeccably dressed when we met.
“It is imperative that we give our customers an insight into the fashion world behind the scenes, as we act as gobetween from designer to customer.” “Social media has dramatically improved the way we communicate this across as we invite customers to our
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
We have our own studio where we shoot the products and create magazine-style editorials. We also prepare garments to be shipped in our luxury, bespoke packaging to people across the globe.” On top of this, a constant stream of events and private trunk shows gives Cricket’s most loyal customers the opportunity to see new lines and featured designers first, and have first pick of some of the most covetable fashion pieces. This is what has allowed the brand to maintain such a loyal, ever-expanding, and international customer base. For a truly unique shopping experience, this is the place to come. If there is something you want which they don’t have, they will do whatever they can to try and get it for you. It wouldn’t surprise me if the new saying on the lips of fashionistas this summer was ‘Anyone for Cricket’. Visit cricket-fashion.com for more information.
The Love connection
Behind every great brand, product, service or performance lies a hidden face helping to make it happen. Voir pushes the boundaries to get the low down on what makes them tick.
IR E D
Oh Y M
From market stall to international brand in just 4 years, Anne LombardNatheer has got fashion sewn up. This Parisianborn designer gives us some inside information on what it takes to “tell the world about your personality without saying any words�. by Marianne Tupelo
E V LO
When did you first discover realised that I always say ‘Oh my love’. your love of fashion design? It is a nice little phrase that represents My mum used to sew clothes when I was a child and I used to play with the fabric pieces. My younger sister was also good at sewing, especially on a machine so we would make dresses together. Although I would never sew myself, I would always cut the pattern.
my vision and myself well, it’s definitely been a labour of love!
Did you study Fashion?
I didn’t study Fashion, no. I studied business, but always knew that I would put my education towards a fashion business. I wanted to learn the nittygritties of the industry as I feel it is How did Oh My Love become a invaluable when making a company. brand? And…How did you go from selling on market stalls in the North of England to being a concession in Topshop?
What is fashion in your eyes?
Fashion is a way of telling the world about your personality without saying With a lot of hard work and determi- any words, but it should never be taken nation! I began selling a few handmade too seriously - it should be fun! pieces on a market stall. I couldn’t find clothes I wanted to buy on the high Where do you get your inspiration street and I really believed in what I from, friends, family, fashionable peowas doing, so I contacted Topshop and ple, magazines or life around you? soon after Oh My Love launched as a concession in the Oxford Circus flag- I get inspiration from my East London ship store. This was the first big step- surroundings, the cool people there, ping-stone in the Oh My Love jour- the music, the street style. Also, the more and more girls that are wearing ney. Oh My Love has to be the biggest form Where did the name Oh My Love of inspiration to me. originate?
I have a very creative friend called Steve. When I first started up, we got together to brainstorm ideas and we
What was it like to go from a market stall to the high street? This must have been a massive change, please tell us all about this experience?
“
Fashion is a way of telling the world about your personality without saying any words, but it should never be taken too seriously - it should be fun!
�
It was a big change but for me I will always value the market experience, it educated me and was essentially the foundations in which Oh My Love was founded.
If anything I appreciate landing Topshop even more because of how far the company has come. To me, the change from market stall to high street stores wasn’t about the volume of stock it was about increasing quality of our products.
their game, who can add value to the business and help us grow. Did you ever have moments through your journey where you felt like you wanted to give up?
I have put my heart and soul in to the company from the very beginning but of course there is struggles along the way. You just have to remember that success is all about passion and ultimately believing in what you do and I am so proud of Oh My Love, it’s my baby.
What is the most difficult part to your work and what you do?
Have there been any moments in your career where you thought of doing something else to pay the bills? If so, what prevented you?
Business is always stressful especially when I juggle so many different sides of the company (I like to be involved in every aspect of Oh My Love on a daily basis: accountancy, design consultancy, fabric sourcing, marketing, buying - I do it all!). But, having such a strong, talented team helps take the stress away. As Oh My Love has grown and developed, we have been able to bring people on board who are top of
I have always wanted to be my own boss and have my own business. The first two years were very difficult because money was tight and around the same time, there was a property crash - my husband is a property developer so this time was hard for us. But, I have never once deterred from the dream and have never wanted to do anything else. Even through the tough times, I still believed in what we do!
Do you have any inside tips that you would give to young aspiring fashion designers who clearly have talent, to help them make it through to a career today?
You have to believe in yourself: anyone with a dream can fulfil it if they put the hard work in. I have always wanted to learn new things and this is key, everyday you need to add a little knowledge to yourself: don’t try to run before you can walk. Be focused and listen to your own instincts but also be sure to listen to people with experience who can advise you, especially on the business front. Never lose your creative flair but understand that you have to be realistic. Oh My Love is popular with celebrities; please tell us about some of the celebrity names that have worn Oh My Love pieces?
Lots of A-list celebrities and musicians are fans of the brand, but what is even better to me is seeing girls on the street wearing Oh My Love. That’s why I started and it gives me so much satisfaction!
LOVE STORM IN A TEACUP Renee Cottle has overcome a wealth of setbacks and emotional roller-coaster journeys to get where she is today. As the proud owner and driving force behind her Cup Cake business, we visited her to find out whether it’s all just a ‘Lovestorm in a Teacup’
“My interest was first sparked when a lady made cakes for my daughter’s 1st birthday; I was amazed at the detail, and the fact that it was completely edible!” My Mum has made it possible for me to dedicate so many days and nights to growing LoveStorm as a brand. It does get overwhelming and I have regular melt downs where I think I just can’t operate at this level, but it’s short lived. I know what I want to achieve and I know nobody else is going to get me there.
I love what I do now. I love playing a small role in people’s happiest occasions. I’m passionate about making people happy through my work. I’ve been very lucky to have an incredible support network of people who believe in what I’m doing.
In terms of design, I take inspiration from our customers. I like to know the person I am baking for….especially when it comes to children’s cakes.
I got a call from Coronation Street who wanted me to make and deliver one of our very popular cupcake towers to the production team at Emmerdale to celebrate their 40th Anniversary.
Be defiant as opposed to defeatist, be brave as opposed to hesitant and most of all picture yourself where you want to be‌your vision is a more powerful tool than you know.
www.lovestormcakes.com
Voir - The Living Fashion Magazine is an online publication issued on a bi-monthly basis. This edition has been brought to you by the following : Jyoti Matoo Editor-In-Chief Luke Walwyn Art Director/Photographer Michael Buckley Cinematographer Stacey Borg Head of Beauty Kymberley Jefferson Head Hair Stylist Amy Elizabeth Saville MUA CUTTING ROOM CREATIVE Charles Dodds Karen Dodds Jamie Joyson ASSISTANTS Joe Dryden - Photography Gabrielle Little - Styling Model Agency : Industry People Nemesis
www.voirfashion.co.uk
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