Excited to see our AW17 beauty editorial story published online for Black Beauty and Hair today shot by photographer Iulia David. It’s always a good feeling to see your work published especially when you actually completed the job several months ago. Particularly proud to see my copy attached to the images. Worked with a great team of creatives including the gorgeous Margarita Lievano whose face just lights up the page!
Next stop, Starworks Group . Home to global clients such as Gareth Pugh, Nicholas Kirkwood, IVY PARK & Richard Malone to name but a few. Here are a few of my favourite picks from their SS18 offerings:
ANOUKI
It’s that time again. SS18 press days have begun and I’m excited to get up close and personal with some of the collections that graced the catwalks and presentation spaces as part of London Fashion Week last month. My first stop was to see the lovely team at HPR in east London. HPR never fail to impress with their eclectic & stylish roster of fashion clients. Always made to feel welcome with a lovely smile on arrival & accompanying nibbles to choose from while you take your time to look over the array of designers collections.
Here are some of my favourite pieces for next season from their showroom:
Elissa Poppy Latex Lingerie
Zeynep Kartal
Ong Oaj Pairam
Zeynep Tosun
Paul & Joe
Love Hearts & Teacups
Spring Summer 18 promises us a variety of trends from pastels & pleats, florals & fringe, beading & pearls, satin & silk, to leather, lace & latex! A little something for everyone 😉
My best friend is in town from overseas and today was our day, just the two of us. I have a few special things planned for the limited time that’s she’s over here in London and so the day started off with a visit to the Tate Modern , Bankside. We were so excited to see the highly anticipated and recommended Soul of a Nation – The Art of Black Power. The exhibition has been running since the 12th of July and did not disappoint. “Celebrating the work of Black artists” from the turbulent times of the civil rights era through to 2 decades later, the artists expressed their points of view and emotions regarding the political and cultural mood at the time through various mediums of art.
Elizabeth Catlett, Black Unity 1968
Barkley Hendrick’s 1969 Icon for My Superman (Superman Never Saved any Black People – Bobby Seale
Soul of a Nation explores the juxtaposition between African-American artists speaking directly to a “Black audience” &/or a “Universal one”. Depicting a strong sense of pride and identity within the African-American community, you can feel the emotive tone and tensions of the time through the eyes of photographers, painters, sculptors, poets and political activists to name a few. The many artworks display what it meant to be a Black artist at the racially charged era of the 1960s & onwards. Beginning at the height of the civil rights movement, we were treated to archived footage of poignant moments in Black history specifically paying homage to Dr Martin Luther with his 1963 “I have a dream” speech in Washington D.C, Writer & social critic James Baldwin, the prominent Stokely Carmichael, the eloquent human rights activist Malcom X and an interview with academic, author & political activist Angela Davis.
We entered the main room and were inspired, humbled and filled with cultural pride to see photos, literature and sculptures that may at first seem a long time gone by but in reality it really isn’t. My friend and I glided from one room to the other taking it all in; the images bringing us to each particularly documented point in time with every spoken word, click of the camera, stroke of a paint brush. From inspirational iconic video footage, intimate interviews and historical speeches from prominent Black icons from the civil rights era to powerful art work from LA to Chicago to Harlem, “era-defining artworks that changed the face of art in America.
Wadsworth Jarrell’s Revolutionary 1972
David Hammons’ Injustice Case 1970 – this picture refers to the trial of Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale for conspiracy to incite violence
1978 Acrylic paint and screenprint of Muhammad Ali by Andy Warhol
Dana C Chandler‘s 1975 recreation of Black Panther Fred Hampton’s bullet-ridden door after he was shot in his bed by the LAPD.
David Hammon’s Untitled 1976 double body print collage
After exiting the exhibition, we had lunch in the 9th floor restaurant with views overlooking St. Paul’s. Our Cajun inspired 2 course meal and great conversation over glass of wine (for me, vodka & tonic for her), an hour or so later we left the tranquility of the Tate Modern heading to the shops to treat ourselves to dessert & cocktails.
The exhibition runs until 22nd October. I definitely recommend a visit (take advantage of the exhibition & lunch offer that they have running at the moment). I have always believed that one should look back now and then to learn from your past experiences in order to move forward in your future.
“If one wants to know the future, they must study the past” – Confucius.
So incredibly proud to see my latest work published on the Vogue Italia website as part of their PhotoVogue! The best Christmas present ever this year (professionally speaking)! This was a passionate collaboration between myself, photographer Stella Morais, MUA Coco Hirani and model Julie Dumont. Definitely a career high to end the year and begin a new one.
Thank you Vogue Italia! Xx
When my friend fashion designer Kathryn Rene asked me to style her SS16 look book I was so touched I think she was shocked at the speed at which I said yes! I hadn’t seen any of the upcoming collection prior to her asking me but I knew it would be good. Suffice to say (both to Kathryn’s joy and equal amusement), I have already put in a request in advance for several of her pieces! There’s an amazing cropped leather jacket with my name on it 😉 The day was a success working with fellow creatives such as Photographer Silvija Drazdziulyte, fellow Stylist Angelique Davis, MUA Lyndsey Samuels & Hairstylist Davinia B. I say this without bias (not just because she is my friend), Kathryn Rene is definitely one to watch.
Proud of you my friend X
As soon as I entered the Chanel exhibition at The Saatchi Gallery, I was greeted by the Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel’s “voice” welcoming us to her apartment at 31 Rue Cambon. I was immediately swept away to a another place in time by the stunning mock up of the “hallowed mirrored” staircase that lead up to the second floor apartment; the legendary private rooms of Mademoiselle Chanel. Completely immersed in the experience and just like my first ever trip to Paris and the Chanel boutique on Rue du Faubourg SAINT-HONORÉ, I fell in love with Chanel all over again.
There were so many aspects to this exhibition that were simply decadent yet powerful and inspiring. The Chanel story continues to capture hearts and minds from all backgrounds, generations and diaspora. Below are just a few of my favourite parts of the exhibition:
The Sensory Room:
I wanted to get lost in here. I could have immeasurable time in here whiling away the hours. The fabrics were so exhilarating I went in there twice and spent time inspecting and feeling the beautiful fabrics.
The Jardin A La Francaise:
The maze-like 18th century garden inspired by the intertwined C motif that is iconic of the brand. Gabrielle Chanel first saw these in the stained glass windows at Aubazine. The fragrance was so intoxicating I had to sit down for a minute and just breathe it all in.
Everything you could want from this exhibition is exactly what you got: Beauty, style, luxury, and decadence from the pearls, the embroidery, the legendary Chanel No.5 laboratory; all things synonymous with the Chanel brand. This is a mere part of what makes Chanel timeless, chic and iconic.
Mentos Halloween Facebook Campaign 2015
This was one of the most fun jobs I have had to date. Being asked to style the Mentos social media campaign for Halloween 2015 was like being in arts & crafts class at school all over again. Suffice to say a fun time was had by all and I for one, can definitely recommend the fruit flavoured Mentos personally! 😉
Don’t get a fright when the whole neighbourhood turns up!
Happy Halloween everyone!
HUF magazine, Photography by Dawn Marie Jones
So exciting to see my latest work published in HUF magazine online! It’s always great to work with new people who have a shared love for creativity. Huge thanks to Photographer Dawn Marie Jones for having me be a part of the shoot and I can’t forget the adorable pooch we had on set who made a surprise cameo 😉 Can’t wait for the next project!
