The only thing blaring through my headphones until about a month ago was music. Now, it’s podcasts. While they have been around for some time, podcasts have become quite a phenomenon in recent years. The momentum continues to grow with more listeners tuning in and more podcasts saturating the market. The good podcasts are a little harder to find with every podcast catering to what it seems like every type of person in the world. Whether you’re on the way to somewhere or waiting between lectures, podcasts are the perfect company. And if they’re done well, you feel right there with the presenters. Here are five of my favourite lifestyle and fashion podcasts.
ONE // The BoF podcast (a.k.a. Business of Fashion)
The Business of Fashion, or the BoF for short, is like The Economist equivalent for fashion. They publish business-related news about fashion, providing insight into issues among the industry as well as movement within top brands.
In their podcast, they interview industry professionals from former models, Liya Kebede, to famous designers, including Katherine Hamnett and Alexandre Mattiussi of AMI. Their podcasts provide listeners with insight into their guests’ lives – how they grew up, what attracted them to fashion and where do they see the industry going, to name a few. Their guests relate to the current affairs in the fashion industry, keeping you in the know of what’s going on and who the key players are.
Fave episode: Derek Blasberg's plans for YouTube / Marco Bizzarri on China's Role in Gucci's $10 Billion Plan.
TWO // Table Manners with Jessie Ware
This has to be one of the funniest podcasts I have ever listened to. Between singer Jessie Ware, her Mum and a celebrity guest who sit around Jessie’s kitchen table; they have me in stitches. They have a good natter about everything under the sun from work and what's going on in their lives to their favourite dishes. Which has me dreaming about delicious food for the rest of the day. You can also catch the dirt on your favourite celebrities.
This podcast is very raw from the chair scraping on the floor to cupboards opening and closing and the rattle of crockery, all of which makes it feel like your right at the table with them.
Fave episode: Stefflon Don.
THREE // Feminists Don’t Wear Pink
…and other lies. Scarlett Curtis, author of Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies, a collection of essays from empowering activists, actresses and influencers featuring Adoah Aboah and Saoirse Ronan. Scarlett brings the book to life in her podcast interviewing inspiring women about what feminism means to them and why it matters. As well as what feminist lies they’ve heard/ been told. Despite feminism being perceived as a heavy topic, this podcast is incredibly light, insightful and throws out all the pre-conceived notions you know about feminism.
I’ve just started reading the book and I love it already. It’s all about what feminism means to these women and the relationship they have with it. I’ll probably do a review on it when I have finished reading it.
Fave episode: Saoirse Ronan.
FOUR // The Sunday Social
Is blogging dying? What’s life like after Love Island? Why is the media transfixed with trans women? Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber Lucy Moon encourages the conversation around pop culture trends in music, film and entertainment. Lucy brings guests – from fellow bloggers, YouTubers, authors and love island contestants- to feature in her episodes.
This podcast is a little more intellectual than Table Manners and more serious than Feminists Don't Wear Pink but it's great nonetheless. Lucy speaks very fluently and smartly on the subjects. I think the Sunday Social is aptly named as it's the kind of conversations you can imagine having over a relaxed Sunday breakfast. The kind with a cup of coffee and a newspaper in front of you.
Fave episode: Is blogging dying?
FIVE // Fashion No Filter
Camille Charriere and Monica Ainley, both fashion journalists, give a behind the scenes glance at how the industry operates. Useful if you want to know more about one of the world’s exclusive industries. In a recent episode, the duo interviewed Eva Chen, head of fashion partnerships at Instagram. She has been popping up on a lot of the vlogs and articles I tend to read. She, in short, is the go-to girl at Instagram keeping up you up to date and aware of algorithms. On top of that, she has one of the most impressive CVs, climbing her way to the top national magazines before moving over to Instagram.
Fashion No Filter keeps fashion at the focus of the podcast, discussing topics that very much at the centre of the fashion world.
Fave episode: Behind the Instagram Algorithm with Eva Chen.
The only thing blaring through my headphones until about a month ago was music. Now, it’s podcasts. While they have been around for some time, podcasts have become quite a phenomenon in recent years. The momentum continues to grow with more listeners tuning in and more podcasts saturating the market. The good podcasts are a little harder to find with every podcast catering to what it seems like every type of person in the world. Whether you’re on the way to somewhere or waiting between lectures, podcasts are the perfect company. And if they’re done well, you feel right there with the presenters. Here are five of my favourite lifestyle and fashion podcasts.
ONE // The BoF podcast (a.k.a. Business of Fashion)
The Business of Fashion, or the BoF for short, is like The Economist equivalent for fashion. They publish business-related news about fashion, providing insight into issues among the industry as well as movement within top brands.
In their podcast, they interview industry professionals from former models, Liya Kebede, to famous designers, including Katherine Hamnett and Alexandre Mattiussi of AMI. Their podcasts provide listeners with insight into their guests’ lives – how they grew up, what attracted them to fashion and where do they see the industry going, to name a few. Their guests relate to the current affairs in the fashion industry, keeping you in the know of what’s going on and who the key players are.
Fave episode: Derek Blasberg's plans for YouTube / Marco Bizzarri on China's Role in Gucci's $10 Billion Plan.
TWO // Table Manners with Jessie Ware
This has to be one of the funniest podcasts I have ever listened to. Between singer Jessie Ware, her Mum and a celebrity guest who sit around Jessie’s kitchen table; they have me in stitches. They have a good natter about everything under the sun from work and what's going on in their lives to their favourite dishes. Which has me dreaming about delicious food for the rest of the day. You can also catch the dirt on your favourite celebrities.
This podcast is very raw from the chair scraping on the floor to cupboards opening and closing and the rattle of crockery, all of which makes it feel like your right at the table with them.
Fave episode: Stefflon Don.
THREE // Feminists Don’t Wear Pink
…and other lies. Scarlett Curtis, author of Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies, a collection of essays from empowering activists, actresses and influencers featuring Adoah Aboah and Saoirse Ronan. Scarlett brings the book to life in her podcast interviewing inspiring women about what feminism means to them and why it matters. As well as what feminist lies they’ve heard/ been told. Despite feminism being perceived as a heavy topic, this podcast is incredibly light, insightful and throws out all the pre-conceived notions you know about feminism.
I’ve just started reading the book and I love it already. It’s all about what feminism means to these women and the relationship they have with it. I’ll probably do a review on it when I have finished reading it.
Fave episode: Saoirse Ronan.
FOUR // The Sunday Social
Is blogging dying? What’s life like after Love Island? Why is the media transfixed with trans women? Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber Lucy Moon encourages the conversation around pop culture trends in music, film and entertainment. Lucy brings guests – from fellow bloggers, YouTubers, authors and love island contestants- to feature in her episodes.
This podcast is a little more intellectual than Table Manners and more serious than Feminists Don't Wear Pink but it's great nonetheless. Lucy speaks very fluently and smartly on the subjects. I think the Sunday Social is aptly named as it's the kind of conversations you can imagine having over a relaxed Sunday breakfast. The kind with a cup of coffee and a newspaper in front of you.
Fave episode: Is blogging dying?
FIVE // Fashion No Filter
Camille Charriere and Monica Ainley, both fashion journalists, give a behind the scenes glance at how the industry operates. Useful if you want to know more about one of the world’s exclusive industries. In a recent episode, the duo interviewed Eva Chen, head of fashion partnerships at Instagram. She has been popping up on a lot of the vlogs and articles I tend to read. She, in short, is the go-to girl at Instagram keeping up you up to date and aware of algorithms. On top of that, she has one of the most impressive CVs, climbing her way to the top national magazines before moving over to Instagram.
Fashion No Filter keeps fashion at the focus of the podcast, discussing topics that very much at the centre of the fashion world.
Fave episode: Behind the Instagram Algorithm with Eva Chen.
What is Glossybox?
Glossybox is a beauty subscription service based in the UK and I think they have it in a few other countries too. Each box will cost you £10 plus postage. Every month they release a new box featuring five select products that are worth over £50. Some are miniature sizes and other full sizes. Occasionally these boxes come with a theme such as September had a Back to School theme and October has Halloween.
Products inside:
Your Facial Mini Scrubber- I love this! I have been using it for a couple of weeks and my skin is glowing! It is much smoother and my skin is looking clearer and purified. Facial brushes/ scrubbers are set out to lift away dead skin cells and encourage blood flow to the face, hence my newly found glow. The perk of the Your Facial is that the writing on the label will come off when it's time to replace it which I think is a really good idea because it's something I'm always forgetting.
Grow Gorgeous, Scalp detox- This is the product that I am most excited to try. I have heard of exfoliating your scalp before but never did I think I would do it. This is the mini-size version with the full 190ml costing £28. It smells gorgeous and reminds me of a Percy & Reed Conditioning mask I used to have. I have yet to try this out but I'll let you know how it goes.
Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes- I have to admit I was a little disappointed when I found a pack of wet wipes in the box. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting from a beauty subscription box. But never less, wet wipes can prove quite helpful especially since this pack is small. Perfect for slipping into your bag.
Bang beauty, Brow Cream in Milk Chocolate- Personally, I would not trust myself with a brow cream. The texture is very creamy, as you'd expect from a brow cream. The only thing is that it wasn't as soft as I thought it would be and you have to dig a little to get some product out. The shade is a little dark but I like the end result just the same. The product also comes with a mini angled brush for application.
Karl Lagerfeld lip liner- I don't really wear much on my lips so lip liners are more of an occasional thing when I do. This is the first lip liner I have used that isn't a pencil. It's a gorgeous deep pink colour and it's soft and creamy to apply. Unfortunately, I think it's a tad too dark and pink for me.
Beauty Pro, Bubbling Cleansing Mask- Face masks are a godsend. Honestly, the most perfect invention. I once did a bubbling face mask with my friend and it was quite a fun catastrophe. When you first apply the face mask, it looks like any other sheet mask. But then it starts to foam. And before you know it, you have two inches of foam coming out of your face!
Final thoughts:
I quite like the idea of receiving a parcel every month with a bunch of goodies inside. Even though you are buying it, you don’t know what you are going to get so it’s a bit of fun opening it. Plus, the box itself is adorable and very aesthetic.
Is it VFM? In some ways it is, the products inside are collectively worth over £50. That's five times as much as you pay for the box! On the other hand, they may supply you with products that you won't use or never intended to buy. Personally, I'd see what other boxes are selling and look at other reviews before taking the plunge. I love the concept of a beauty subscription service but GlossyBox can be a little gimmicky.
What do you think of beauty subscription services?
Love, Aoife x
Is it VFM? In some ways it is, the products inside are collectively worth over £50. That's five times as much as you pay for the box! On the other hand, they may supply you with products that you won't use or never intended to buy. Personally, I'd see what other boxes are selling and look at other reviews before taking the plunge. I love the concept of a beauty subscription service but GlossyBox can be a little gimmicky.
What do you think of beauty subscription services?
Love, Aoife x
What is Glossybox?
Glossybox is a beauty subscription service based in the UK and I think they have it in a few other countries too. Each box will cost you £10 plus postage. Every month they release a new box featuring five select products that are worth over £50. Some are miniature sizes and other full sizes. Occasionally these boxes come with a theme such as September had a Back to School theme and October has Halloween.
Products inside:
Your Facial Mini Scrubber- I love this! I have been using it for a couple of weeks and my skin is glowing! It is much smoother and my skin is looking clearer and purified. Facial brushes/ scrubbers are set out to lift away dead skin cells and encourage blood flow to the face, hence my newly found glow. The perk of the Your Facial is that the writing on the label will come off when it's time to replace it which I think is a really good idea because it's something I'm always forgetting.
Grow Gorgeous, Scalp detox- This is the product that I am most excited to try. I have heard of exfoliating your scalp before but never did I think I would do it. This is the mini-size version with the full 190ml costing £28. It smells gorgeous and reminds me of a Percy & Reed Conditioning mask I used to have. I have yet to try this out but I'll let you know how it goes.
Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes- I have to admit I was a little disappointed when I found a pack of wet wipes in the box. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting from a beauty subscription box. But never less, wet wipes can prove quite helpful especially since this pack is small. Perfect for slipping into your bag.
Bang beauty, Brow Cream in Milk Chocolate- Personally, I would not trust myself with a brow cream. The texture is very creamy, as you'd expect from a brow cream. The only thing is that it wasn't as soft as I thought it would be and you have to dig a little to get some product out. The shade is a little dark but I like the end result just the same. The product also comes with a mini angled brush for application.
Karl Lagerfeld lip liner- I don't really wear much on my lips so lip liners are more of an occasional thing when I do. This is the first lip liner I have used that isn't a pencil. It's a gorgeous deep pink colour and it's soft and creamy to apply. Unfortunately, I think it's a tad too dark and pink for me.
Beauty Pro, Bubbling Cleansing Mask- Face masks are a godsend. Honestly, the most perfect invention. I once did a bubbling face mask with my friend and it was quite a fun catastrophe. When you first apply the face mask, it looks like any other sheet mask. But then it starts to foam. And before you know it, you have two inches of foam coming out of your face!
Final thoughts:
I quite like the idea of receiving a parcel every month with a bunch of goodies inside. Even though you are buying it, you don’t know what you are going to get so it’s a bit of fun opening it. Plus, the box itself is adorable and very aesthetic.
Is it VFM? In some ways it is, the products inside are collectively worth over £50. That's five times as much as you pay for the box! On the other hand, they may supply you with products that you won't use or never intended to buy. Personally, I'd see what other boxes are selling and look at other reviews before taking the plunge. I love the concept of a beauty subscription service but GlossyBox can be a little gimmicky.
What do you think of beauty subscription services?
Love, Aoife x
Is it VFM? In some ways it is, the products inside are collectively worth over £50. That's five times as much as you pay for the box! On the other hand, they may supply you with products that you won't use or never intended to buy. Personally, I'd see what other boxes are selling and look at other reviews before taking the plunge. I love the concept of a beauty subscription service but GlossyBox can be a little gimmicky.
What do you think of beauty subscription services?
Love, Aoife x
There’s nothing quite like getting me out of a blogging rut than doing a skincare post, my favourite kind. I sort of took an unofficial blogging break to get things and my life back in order. After taking some time to myself, I have come back inspired and motivated to get back into blogging. For this blog post, I wanted to share some common skincare mistakes that I’m pretty sure that we are all guilty of doing at some point in our lives.
* * *
Not removing your makeup- How many times have you laid down in bed, got all comfy and wanted to just go to sleep except you've forgotten to remove your makeup and wash your face? We've all been there. But not removing your makeup is far worse than disrupting your almost sedated state. It only goes downhill from there, unfortunately, as your skin is most likely to get worse and you'll probably find some breakouts. There's a post on Good Housekeeping you can read to learn all about the
Insisting you need to buy a whole skincare range- But it looks pretty though *crying emoji*. Great skincare products are designed to complement other great products. I've learnt that if a product is good enough and lives up to what it says, it will work on its own without the aid of the other products in the range.
Thinking a good skincare routine will solve all your skin problems- Trust me, it's more than just the lotions and potions you put on your skin every morning and night. The truth is, good skincare is more than just how often you wash your face. Although that really does help. It's about diet, the body's hydration, mental wellness etc. Set yourself a challenge of drinking more water in a week and see if there's a difference in your skin.
Sun cream is only for the sun- Except it isn’t. We all use sun cream in the summer, we put it on our arms, legs, shoulders and faces. Sun cream is designed to protect us from UV rays which are the cause of sun damage and skin cancer. It’s important to wear sun cream all year round to protect your face from UV rays. You may not be able to see or feel them, but they are there. Remember to slap some on before you next go out. If you don't believe me, check out the real doctors here.
Using toothpaste to get rid of spots- Is it just me who thought this was a hack? I'm sure my friend told me about it. As it turns out, it's anything but a hack. The acidity in toothpaste actually causes your skin to erode, removing healthy layers of skin. I found out the hard way when my chin was left peeling for about a week. I couldn’t even cover it with makeup as it continued to peel throughout the day. There’s a reason it’s called toothpaste and not multi-purpose paste.
So there you have a list of five common skincare mistakes. How many are you guilty of? Got any to add?
There’s nothing quite like getting me out of a blogging rut than doing a skincare post, my favourite kind. I sort of took an unofficial blogging break to get things and my life back in order. After taking some time to myself, I have come back inspired and motivated to get back into blogging. For this blog post, I wanted to share some common skincare mistakes that I’m pretty sure that we are all guilty of doing at some point in our lives.
* * *
Not removing your makeup- How many times have you laid down in bed, got all comfy and wanted to just go to sleep except you've forgotten to remove your makeup and wash your face? We've all been there. But not removing your makeup is far worse than disrupting your almost sedated state. It only goes downhill from there, unfortunately, as your skin is most likely to get worse and you'll probably find some breakouts. There's a post on Good Housekeeping you can read to learn all about the
Insisting you need to buy a whole skincare range- But it looks pretty though *crying emoji*. Great skincare products are designed to complement other great products. I've learnt that if a product is good enough and lives up to what it says, it will work on its own without the aid of the other products in the range.
Thinking a good skincare routine will solve all your skin problems- Trust me, it's more than just the lotions and potions you put on your skin every morning and night. The truth is, good skincare is more than just how often you wash your face. Although that really does help. It's about diet, the body's hydration, mental wellness etc. Set yourself a challenge of drinking more water in a week and see if there's a difference in your skin.
Sun cream is only for the sun- Except it isn’t. We all use sun cream in the summer, we put it on our arms, legs, shoulders and faces. Sun cream is designed to protect us from UV rays which are the cause of sun damage and skin cancer. It’s important to wear sun cream all year round to protect your face from UV rays. You may not be able to see or feel them, but they are there. Remember to slap some on before you next go out. If you don't believe me, check out the real doctors here.
Using toothpaste to get rid of spots- Is it just me who thought this was a hack? I'm sure my friend told me about it. As it turns out, it's anything but a hack. The acidity in toothpaste actually causes your skin to erode, removing healthy layers of skin. I found out the hard way when my chin was left peeling for about a week. I couldn’t even cover it with makeup as it continued to peel throughout the day. There’s a reason it’s called toothpaste and not multi-purpose paste.
So there you have a list of five common skincare mistakes. How many are you guilty of? Got any to add?
The other day I was looking around on InTheGloss when I came across a post by Anna Stevenett, who after trying all forms, had written about her experiences with different types of hair removal. Click to read the original post, The Best ways to Remove Body Hair. Anna divided her opinions into pro’s and con’s of each method that she had tried. It was quite a fun read so I thought I’d do the same.
Pro’s: Quick and simple. It is one of the cheapest methods too. When done properly, your legs can feel silky smooth.
Con’s: On the other hand, it can be massively time-consuming. If you want it done well you need to exfoliate, shave and moisturise. All of which cannot be done in under five minutes, I've tried. Plus, you're bound to get cut every time you shave and end up with missed patches.
Waxing- Con’s: On the other hand, it can be massively time-consuming. If you want it done well you need to exfoliate, shave and moisturise. All of which cannot be done in under five minutes, I've tried. Plus, you're bound to get cut every time you shave and end up with missed patches.
Pro’s: As painful as it is, I love waxing. I love how it lasts for two/ three weeks. If I could afford it, I would get it done every time. Honestly, the greatest thing ever and the hair grows back softer as well.
Con’s: Pretty hurts I'm afraid. And unfortunately, waxing can hurt like hell. The good news is you will find over time that your pain tolerance increases. The bad news is it might take a while to get there. Waxing can become quite expensive depending on what you get. But it's completely worth paying to get it done in a salon rather than it at home.
Hair removal cream-
Pro’s: Hair removal cream feels like a more softer approach when it comes to hair removal. There’s no blade involved which means you are less likely to cause any physical damage to yourself. Hair regrowth is a little slower compared to shaving but it's not a huge difference.
Con’s: In short- it smells. Hair removal cream comes with a very particular scent and it’s not the most pleasant of smells. When using the cream, you are often sat immobile on the bathroom floor waiting for it to work. If you move, you risk the chance of smudging the cream everywhere.
Epilating-
Pro’s: After only managing to epilate a small section of my shin, I found the hair didn’t fully grow back until almost a year later. Crazy, I know.
Con’s: The most painful form of hair removal ever! Just the mere thought sends shivers down my spine. Not only do you have to deal with the physical pain but the buzz of the rotating head still sets goosebumps everywhere.
No hair removal-
Pro’s: It clears up a huge chunk of time and can be quite empowering.
Con’s: Unfortunately, personal preference has me leaning toward methods of actual hair removal. Since the hair on my legs tends to irritate me, it doesn't stick around long.
No hair removal-
Pro’s: It clears up a huge chunk of time and can be quite empowering.
Con’s: Unfortunately, personal preference has me leaning toward methods of actual hair removal. Since the hair on my legs tends to irritate me, it doesn't stick around long.
So there are my opinions and thoughts on the four methods that I have used. The best kind of hair removal is down to personal preference and choice. I'm curious about the other forms of hair removal out there. Laser and Sugaring are down on my list to try next.
Comment below your thoughts on hair removal and if you’ve tried any other methods.
Love, Aoife x
The other day I was looking around on InTheGloss when I came across a post by Anna Stevenett, who after trying all forms, had written about her experiences with different types of hair removal. Click to read the original post, The Best ways to Remove Body Hair. Anna divided her opinions into pro’s and con’s of each method that she had tried. It was quite a fun read so I thought I’d do the same.
Pro’s: Quick and simple. It is one of the cheapest methods too. When done properly, your legs can feel silky smooth.
Con’s: On the other hand, it can be massively time-consuming. If you want it done well you need to exfoliate, shave and moisturise. All of which cannot be done in under five minutes, I've tried. Plus, you're bound to get cut every time you shave and end up with missed patches.
Waxing- Con’s: On the other hand, it can be massively time-consuming. If you want it done well you need to exfoliate, shave and moisturise. All of which cannot be done in under five minutes, I've tried. Plus, you're bound to get cut every time you shave and end up with missed patches.
Pro’s: As painful as it is, I love waxing. I love how it lasts for two/ three weeks. If I could afford it, I would get it done every time. Honestly, the greatest thing ever and the hair grows back softer as well.
Con’s: Pretty hurts I'm afraid. And unfortunately, waxing can hurt like hell. The good news is you will find over time that your pain tolerance increases. The bad news is it might take a while to get there. Waxing can become quite expensive depending on what you get. But it's completely worth paying to get it done in a salon rather than it at home.
Hair removal cream-
Pro’s: Hair removal cream feels like a more softer approach when it comes to hair removal. There’s no blade involved which means you are less likely to cause any physical damage to yourself. Hair regrowth is a little slower compared to shaving but it's not a huge difference.
Con’s: In short- it smells. Hair removal cream comes with a very particular scent and it’s not the most pleasant of smells. When using the cream, you are often sat immobile on the bathroom floor waiting for it to work. If you move, you risk the chance of smudging the cream everywhere.
Epilating-
Pro’s: After only managing to epilate a small section of my shin, I found the hair didn’t fully grow back until almost a year later. Crazy, I know.
Con’s: The most painful form of hair removal ever! Just the mere thought sends shivers down my spine. Not only do you have to deal with the physical pain but the buzz of the rotating head still sets goosebumps everywhere.
No hair removal-
Pro’s: It clears up a huge chunk of time and can be quite empowering.
Con’s: Unfortunately, personal preference has me leaning toward methods of actual hair removal. Since the hair on my legs tends to irritate me, it doesn't stick around long.
No hair removal-
Pro’s: It clears up a huge chunk of time and can be quite empowering.
Con’s: Unfortunately, personal preference has me leaning toward methods of actual hair removal. Since the hair on my legs tends to irritate me, it doesn't stick around long.
So there are my opinions and thoughts on the four methods that I have used. The best kind of hair removal is down to personal preference and choice. I'm curious about the other forms of hair removal out there. Laser and Sugaring are down on my list to try next.
Comment below your thoughts on hair removal and if you’ve tried any other methods.
Love, Aoife x
The Design Museum is currently showcasing the talents of Azzedine Alaïa in Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier. Alaïa sadly passed away last November (2017). The exhibition was co-curated with the man himself showcasing his Haute Couture and Ready To Wear collections from over the decades.
But first, what is Haute couture? Haute couture translates to 'high sewing' or in other words 'needlework'. Haute couture garments have been made to order, sewn by hand, and are fitted individually to the customer. One of the many reasons as to why couture is so exclusive and has a high price tag. Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaïa began his haute couture career at Christian Dior (under Yves Saint Laurent) and later at Guy Laroche before establishing his own fashion house.
I visited the exhibition a few weeks ago and it is absolutely breathtaking! It's held in this large open space and divided into mini sections, each containing a couture collection. I loved walking around the room, around the masterpieces. The silhouettes were ridiculous. Each dress was figure hugging and clung to the curves of the mannequin. I felt so inadequate surrounded by them as they stood propped up on podiums. Each mannequin had been cut to fit the dress which gave the impression it was standing up by itself. It was like each piece demanded attention and respect. For the designer and the craft.
My favourite collections from the exhibit were Exploring Volume and Sculptural Tension, Alaïa's final haute couture collection (above). Exploring Volume had a Hollywood feel, of glitz and glamour. I also loved the contrast in Sculptural Tension, between the resistance and solidity associated with metal and the delicacy of the chiffon and stature of the dress. The most unusual collection was Other Places, Other Cultures. One of the items had been made from a hair-type material; it was a little bizarre but intriguing at the same time.
Student, £10.75. Adult, £14.50. Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier. Until 7th October. Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG, London. Find out more at the Design Museum.
Love, Aoife x
The Design Museum is currently showcasing the talents of Azzedine Alaïa in Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier. Alaïa sadly passed away last November (2017). The exhibition was co-curated with the man himself showcasing his Haute Couture and Ready To Wear collections from over the decades.
But first, what is Haute couture? Haute couture translates to 'high sewing' or in other words 'needlework'. Haute couture garments have been made to order, sewn by hand, and are fitted individually to the customer. One of the many reasons as to why couture is so exclusive and has a high price tag. Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaïa began his haute couture career at Christian Dior (under Yves Saint Laurent) and later at Guy Laroche before establishing his own fashion house.
I visited the exhibition a few weeks ago and it is absolutely breathtaking! It's held in this large open space and divided into mini sections, each containing a couture collection. I loved walking around the room, around the masterpieces. The silhouettes were ridiculous. Each dress was figure hugging and clung to the curves of the mannequin. I felt so inadequate surrounded by them as they stood propped up on podiums. Each mannequin had been cut to fit the dress which gave the impression it was standing up by itself. It was like each piece demanded attention and respect. For the designer and the craft.My favourite collections from the exhibit were Exploring Volume and Sculptural Tension, Alaïa's final haute couture collection (above). Exploring Volume had a Hollywood feel, of glitz and glamour. I also loved the contrast in Sculptural Tension, between the resistance and solidity associated with metal and the delicacy of the chiffon and stature of the dress. The most unusual collection was Other Places, Other Cultures. One of the items had been made from a hair-type material; it was a little bizarre but intriguing at the same time.
Student, £10.75. Adult, £14.50. Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier. Until 7th October. Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG, London. Find out more at the Design Museum.
Love, Aoife x
I absolutely love how my bedroom has turned out! Everything about it is perfect and so much better than I was expecting. The room was completely renovated; walls re-plastered, window frame painted and the floorboards underneath were white-washed. All of which is a far cry from the navy carpet and dark green walls before.
In decorating my room, I wanted to create a light and open space. Something feminine and chic. I love that typical Parisian style and the soft palette of neutral colours and textures. I wanted to include elements of this in my room so I added a couple of black accents (curtain rail, bedside table, photo frames) to contrast the light grey and to add chic feel. To magnify the light and airy feel, I opted for linen curtains. They don’t block out any light and are more of a design feature than anything practical. I love how they let the light shine through and create a glow in the room in the morning.
My favourite part is the area around my bed. It’s the perfect place to snuggle up in the evenings especially with the Christmas tree lights wrapped around the headboard. Above the headboard are a couple of Desenio prints. I am completely in love with them! The ones I have chosen are bold, elegant and feminine. All of which complement the ambience of the room.
Love, Aoife x
I absolutely love how my bedroom has turned out! Everything about it is perfect and so much better than I was expecting. The room was completely renovated; walls re-plastered, window frame painted and the floorboards underneath were white-washed. All of which is a far cry from the navy carpet and dark green walls before.
In decorating my room, I wanted to create a light and open space. Something feminine and chic. I love that typical Parisian style and the soft palette of neutral colours and textures. I wanted to include elements of this in my room so I added a couple of black accents (curtain rail, bedside table, photo frames) to contrast the light grey and to add chic feel. To magnify the light and airy feel, I opted for linen curtains. They don’t block out any light and are more of a design feature than anything practical. I love how they let the light shine through and create a glow in the room in the morning.
My favourite part is the area around my bed. It’s the perfect place to snuggle up in the evenings especially with the Christmas tree lights wrapped around the headboard. Above the headboard are a couple of Desenio prints. I am completely in love with them! The ones I have chosen are bold, elegant and feminine. All of which complement the ambience of the room.
Love, Aoife x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons