It's the most wonderful time of the year. There's not much I enjoy about the British winter apart from seeing London lit up with all the Christmas lights. This year, Dior has taken over Harrods giving it a festive gingerbread-themed makeover. Alongside giving all the store windows and store facade the Dior treatment, they also have a temporary exhibition made entirely from gingerbread. It's a must-see!
The Fabulous World of Dior is a free exhibition open to the public. You are brought to a set of escalators travelling down to the lower ground of the store. Surrounding the escalators is something straight out of the entrance of La Galerie Dior in Paris. A very aesthetically pleasing rainbow of miniature versions of the brand's classic bags, gowns and shoes in block colours.
At the bottom of the escalators, you are stopped by a large curtain which is soon pulled back to reveal an incredible gingerbread depiction of 30 Montaigne, Dior's flagship store in Paris. The real-life version of the building carries a lot of history being the place Christian Dior opened his first atelier and store in Paris, just off Champs-Élyseés. Christian Dior's shop then expanded from 30 Montaigne to pretty much the entire block. In the gingerbread version, there are cut out windows showing various ateliers and seamstresses made from, you guessed it, gingerbread.
I loved the window with the J'adior slingback and how they incorporated the gingerbread to set the scene. I also loved the staircase in the middle window which on every level had families and people spread out on the landing. The tour guide mentioned the staircase railing was made from sugar. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture to share but it's amazing. It was incredible to see the art and skill that went into not just beautifully decorating the gingerbread pieces and scenes but constructing it too. As an exhibition from Dior, would you ever expect anything less?
The rest of the exhibition followed similarly, carrying that wow factor. Behind the main masterpiece was a garden containing miniature garden-inspired dresses twirling in a snow-like scene. It was something small and simple but paired with the whimsical classical music that follows you through the exhibition, it was stunning. If you've been to La Galerie Dior, you would recognise quite a few of the gowns.
The last gingerbread scene you see before you are guided to the exit are gingerbread characters playing in the snow. There's one scene of a parent and child building a snowman in the snow - which just so happens to be a Dior gown!
The exhibition is a piece of Christmas magic located in the heart of Harrods. It's a small but mighty exhibition showcasing three of Christian Dior's favourite buildings – 30 Montaigne, Granville and La Colle Noire – made from gingerbread. The winter wonderland brings some of the Dior magic to the UK, which it hasn't seen since the incredible V&A showcase back in 2019. There is also a Dior cafe located on the ground floor where you can buy some Dior-inspired gingerbread treats. Personally, I'd skip that and head to the Harrods bakery and treat yourself to one of their cakes instead.
Love, Aoife
The exhibition is ticketed (but free) until Jan 3rd.
It's the most wonderful time of the year. There's not much I enjoy about the British winter apart from seeing London lit up with all the Christmas lights. This year, Dior has taken over Harrods giving it a festive gingerbread-themed makeover. Alongside giving all the store windows and store facade the Dior treatment, they also have a temporary exhibition made entirely from gingerbread. It's a must-see!
The Fabulous World of Dior is a free exhibition open to the public. You are brought to a set of escalators travelling down to the lower ground of the store. Surrounding the escalators is something straight out of the entrance of La Galerie Dior in Paris. A very aesthetically pleasing rainbow of miniature versions of the brand's classic bags, gowns and shoes in block colours.
At the bottom of the escalators, you are stopped by a large curtain which is soon pulled back to reveal an incredible gingerbread depiction of 30 Montaigne, Dior's flagship store in Paris. The real-life version of the building carries a lot of history being the place Christian Dior opened his first atelier and store in Paris, just off Champs-Élyseés. Christian Dior's shop then expanded from 30 Montaigne to pretty much the entire block. In the gingerbread version, there are cut out windows showing various ateliers and seamstresses made from, you guessed it, gingerbread.
I loved the window with the J'adior slingback and how they incorporated the gingerbread to set the scene. I also loved the staircase in the middle window which on every level had families and people spread out on the landing. The tour guide mentioned the staircase railing was made from sugar. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture to share but it's amazing. It was incredible to see the art and skill that went into not just beautifully decorating the gingerbread pieces and scenes but constructing it too. As an exhibition from Dior, would you ever expect anything less?
The rest of the exhibition followed similarly, carrying that wow factor. Behind the main masterpiece was a garden containing miniature garden-inspired dresses twirling in a snow-like scene. It was something small and simple but paired with the whimsical classical music that follows you through the exhibition, it was stunning. If you've been to La Galerie Dior, you would recognise quite a few of the gowns.
The last gingerbread scene you see before you are guided to the exit are gingerbread characters playing in the snow. There's one scene of a parent and child building a snowman in the snow - which just so happens to be a Dior gown!
The exhibition is a piece of Christmas magic located in the heart of Harrods. It's a small but mighty exhibition showcasing three of Christian Dior's favourite buildings – 30 Montaigne, Granville and La Colle Noire – made from gingerbread. The winter wonderland brings some of the Dior magic to the UK, which it hasn't seen since the incredible V&A showcase back in 2019. There is also a Dior cafe located on the ground floor where you can buy some Dior-inspired gingerbread treats. Personally, I'd skip that and head to the Harrods bakery and treat yourself to one of their cakes instead.
Love, Aoife
The exhibition is ticketed (but free) until Jan 3rd.
I'm normally a window-shopper when it comes to Sephora. Just wandering around the store browsing the plethora of makeup and beauty products is more than enough for me. With the UK beauty scene having exploded like it has in recent years – and Boots earning its place in the beauty industry–, the beauty supply store is no longer the haven it once was. That won't stop me from looking though.
When I was in Paris earlier this year, I stopped off at the Champs-Élysées store and picked up a couple of items. I was also fortunate enough to go on a work trip to Las Vegas so I snuck in some time at one of their stores for some US luxuries.
On both occasions, I went in with the idea of picking up some skincare and makeup goodies that were not available in the UK. Since my visits, Sephora announced it was launching in the UK with its first physical store hitting the streets next year. Needless to say, I've been entirely unsuccessful in my mission.
One item on my US Wishlist was the Topicals Faded Serum. Unfortunately, being on roaccutane has meant I'm restricted in using acids on my skin so I couldn't pick it up. I was tempted to buy the brands Like Butter cream but I have enough barrier repair creams to last me the next few years so I left that behind too.
Here are all the beauty and makeup products I bought in Sephora this year:
Sheer Skin Tint in Shade 2, £40, Summer Fridays |
I am all for minimal makeup looks and this Sheer Skin Tint from Summer Fridays fits perfectly into that category. I hadn't come across Summer Fridays before so I was keen to try it. I matched with shade 2 and the lightweight silky formula blended in effortlessly. I have a couple of angry breakouts on my face at the moment but once my skin clears, I'm looking forward to testing it out.
Green Clean, £32, Farmacy |
There is something really satisfying about removing makeup and watching it dissolve. Anyone else? I have never tried a makeup cleansing balm before so I'm excited to try this one out. The balm contains moringa extract which is said to help purify the skin by removing impurities and pollution residue. It comes with a small spatula making it easier to get the product out and to saves you adding dirty fingers into the pot when you need a little more product.
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, £20, Sol de Janiero |
Sol de Janiero's famous Brazilian Bum Bum cream has been on my beauty wishlist for the last few years. Now, I know I can buy it in SpaceNK, Boots and many other British retailers but when I was walking around the store in Paris, I caved. The body butter comes highly recommended and from what I can remember, it smells absolutely divine.
Ultra Repair Cream, £32, First Aid Beauty |
I have an unhealthy obsession with barrier repair creams. As an acne sufferer, who's now on month 2 into a roaccutane course, I am focused on keeping a healthy moisture barrier. Most creams that are similar help to reduce the redness in my complexion which is perfect when my skin is looking quite angry. This staple from First Aid Beauty contains ingredients like shea butter, oatmeal, eucalyptus and ceramides.
Papaya Vitamin mask and Caffeine eye mask, Sephora |
Is it just me or does Sephora have the best face masks? I've tried plenty of sheet masks in my time and nothing feels as relaxing or as good as Sephora's ones - aside from these K-beauty ones. My go-to is the pomegranate face mask which is meant to help with energising and toning. This time I decided to try the papaya vitamin C mask to help give my complexion a much-needed boost.
I also added the caffeine eye mask to my basket on the basis I felt a little tired that day. As you can see, I still have yet to use it. I've heard mixed reviews of the effectiveness of using eye masks but I'm all for a little pampering.
Rainwater power mist, touchland |
This purchase was 99.9% for the aesthetic and 0.01% because I actually needed a new hand sanitiser. I had seen quite a few influencers and TikTok babes with their neat touchland hand sanitisers that fit perfectly into their tiny bags and I wanted to be part of that lifestyle too. Disclaimer: I did spend a stupid amount of money on it.
Love, Aoife xo
I'm normally a window-shopper when it comes to Sephora. Just wandering around the store browsing the plethora of makeup and beauty products is more than enough for me. With the UK beauty scene having exploded like it has in recent years – and Boots earning its place in the beauty industry–, the beauty supply store is no longer the haven it once was. That won't stop me from looking though.
When I was in Paris earlier this year, I stopped off at the Champs-Élysées store and picked up a couple of items. I was also fortunate enough to go on a work trip to Las Vegas so I snuck in some time at one of their stores for some US luxuries.
On both occasions, I went in with the idea of picking up some skincare and makeup goodies that were not available in the UK. Since my visits, Sephora announced it was launching in the UK with its first physical store hitting the streets next year. Needless to say, I've been entirely unsuccessful in my mission.
One item on my US Wishlist was the Topicals Faded Serum. Unfortunately, being on roaccutane has meant I'm restricted in using acids on my skin so I couldn't pick it up. I was tempted to buy the brands Like Butter cream but I have enough barrier repair creams to last me the next few years so I left that behind too.
Here are all the beauty and makeup products I bought in Sephora this year:
Sheer Skin Tint in Shade 2, £40, Summer Fridays |
I am all for minimal makeup looks and this Sheer Skin Tint from Summer Fridays fits perfectly into that category. I hadn't come across Summer Fridays before so I was keen to try it. I matched with shade 2 and the lightweight silky formula blended in effortlessly. I have a couple of angry breakouts on my face at the moment but once my skin clears, I'm looking forward to testing it out.
Green Clean, £32, Farmacy |
There is something really satisfying about removing makeup and watching it dissolve. Anyone else? I have never tried a makeup cleansing balm before so I'm excited to try this one out. The balm contains moringa extract which is said to help purify the skin by removing impurities and pollution residue. It comes with a small spatula making it easier to get the product out and to saves you adding dirty fingers into the pot when you need a little more product.
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, £20, Sol de Janiero |
Sol de Janiero's famous Brazilian Bum Bum cream has been on my beauty wishlist for the last few years. Now, I know I can buy it in SpaceNK, Boots and many other British retailers but when I was walking around the store in Paris, I caved. The body butter comes highly recommended and from what I can remember, it smells absolutely divine.
Ultra Repair Cream, £32, First Aid Beauty |
I have an unhealthy obsession with barrier repair creams. As an acne sufferer, who's now on month 2 into a roaccutane course, I am focused on keeping a healthy moisture barrier. Most creams that are similar help to reduce the redness in my complexion which is perfect when my skin is looking quite angry. This staple from First Aid Beauty contains ingredients like shea butter, oatmeal, eucalyptus and ceramides.
Papaya Vitamin mask and Caffeine eye mask, Sephora |
Is it just me or does Sephora have the best face masks? I've tried plenty of sheet masks in my time and nothing feels as relaxing or as good as Sephora's ones - aside from these K-beauty ones. My go-to is the pomegranate face mask which is meant to help with energising and toning. This time I decided to try the papaya vitamin C mask to help give my complexion a much-needed boost.
I also added the caffeine eye mask to my basket on the basis I felt a little tired that day. As you can see, I still have yet to use it. I've heard mixed reviews of the effectiveness of using eye masks but I'm all for a little pampering.
Rainwater power mist, touchland |
This purchase was 99.9% for the aesthetic and 0.01% because I actually needed a new hand sanitiser. I had seen quite a few influencers and TikTok babes with their neat touchland hand sanitisers that fit perfectly into their tiny bags and I wanted to be part of that lifestyle too. Disclaimer: I did spend a stupid amount of money on it.
Love, Aoife xo
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