A story to tell: Art de Parfum

When I hold a bottle of perfume, it always seems intriguing to me. This is not just a bottle of perfume; it is a story that needs to be told. Each perfume has its own way how it was created and it depends on its creator. It’s always the question where the flowers have been harvested, what flowers or fruit did they use, what was the ratio between different scents or perhaps even what inspired this scent. The story of  a perfume is not just that it was created, it is a love relationship between the fragrance and the creator. For creator of niche perfumery Art de Parfum, Ruta Degutyte, we can say all of this is true. She found her love and passion in perfumes and is now unstoppable in her inspiration to find a scent that will delight people. She shared how it all began and what brought her to this very specific perfume world.

Creator of Art de Parfum Ruta Degutyte

You have quite a business background. How does it feel creating your dreams now that you are doing what you love?

Yes, it feels amazing indeed. I have never been happier and more fulfilled in my life.

Trusting yourself and one’s instincts about what is right for business. Making and selling fragrance is a tricky business because you have to figure out how to make something so intimate, so personal relatable to people on a larger scale.

Does it get difficult at all?

Depends on the perspective of the things. Being in highly competitive industry keeps me alert and on my feet most of the time. However, I am used to lots of pressure, so I find it rather exciting.

Tell us what inspired you to start creating perfumes?

Perfumes was my expensive hobby for quite a while now. However, I never quite thought or planned thoroughly to own a perfume line until I went to South of France and met a few people from the industry that opened my eyes as well as new opportunities.

What does the process of creating a perfume looks like?

I don’t think you can put creating a perfume in any structure. It’s a like inspiration either you have it or you don’t. I never push the things or put it into a strict timeframe as I believe in natural flow of ideas and their realisation. Theoretically, it’s concept creating, formulation, sourcing of ingredients and packaging, testing and launching.

What do you love the most in this process?

I really love sourcing the ideas and ingredients, however, mostly assessing and testing final scents. It’s like looking at a newly born baby. I also highly appreciate the feedback of new scents of my panel groups and friends.

Which was the first perfume you created? Tell us its story…

Excentrique Moi was the first one in the line.  I was inspired by how we all can change one moment to the next. I think our personalities are not entirely fixed. So there’s an exciting shift between bitter and spicy, sweet and innocent in this perfume.

We can be all four seasons in one day. The notes are deliberately balanced between sweet, cozy accords such as hibiscus, black tea, spicy dried fruits, and bright lemon, and then a wilder, sexier green side brought in by the bitter herbs.

As more and more people wear my perfumes, I am curious to find out what the personal associations are for them. These perfumes are, after all, not about me, but about those who wear them. That’s as it should be.

What kind of perfumes do you create? And who for?

I create fragrances that are long lasting (extrait de parfum concentration), scents for various occasions either for sea lovers (Sea Foam), statement perfumes like Excentrique Moi and Signature Wild, vigorous Gin and Tonic Cologne as well as alluring elegant Sensual Oud.

Identifying a niche where you fit in is very important. Our fragrances appeal to sensualists and to minimalists alike, so that’s obviously a gap need that I want to fill. Art de Parfum is the antithesis of a mass-market fragrance brand – we are small, intimate, and highly curated. Our products appeal to a specific market, people who are looking for something really special and individual. I like to think of the people who choose Art de Parfum fragrances as classy iconoclasts a secret, crazy sensual side.

In what way is Art de Parfum better from any other perfume brand?

I take ethics very seriously. I believe that everyone has the right to a small, portable piece of beauty in their lives, be it a bottle of my perfume or an exquisite painting. But I don’t believe that animal cruelty should be part of the price tag.

Our products are all cruelty-free, nano-free, and GMO-free. Our bottles are made from recyclable materials and our packaging is all biodegradable. It took time and effort to ensure that our business was ethical from top to toe, but it is worth it.

Also, all the raw materials used in my perfumes are ethically sourced. I make sure that our perfumer doesn’t use any raw material that has a question mark of its sustainability, ethical harvesting, or impact on local hunting and farming communities. I don’t use any animal-derived products either. If you want to see our full range of promises on ethics and animal cruelty, please go to our website, www.artdeparfum.com, and you’ll find all the information you need there.

We also do not use any colorants. So the fragrances we make are of its natural color. The real color of pure juice.

What can a perfume “give” to its wearer?

Aesthetic satisfaction, confidence, feeling good sensation, style, uniqueness, boost of positive energy, I hope (smiles).

What should a woman (or a man) pay attention to when choosing a fragrance?

The occasion I suppose is the most important. The fragrance may be inappropriate if worn at the wrong occasion. Imagine you are on a formal meeting wearing something very overpowering.

What do you personally seek in fragrances? What is your favourite scent?

I always seek to wear a fragrance that is fitting me, my personality and style. I put more air on a bright side of fragrance, however, I might surprise myself with something very different from what I described. The perfume is also highly emotional choice. Sometimes you feel for a certain scents and also stay loyal to the ones you love.

Dress or fragrance – what is more important for a woman?

Both. It comes in a duet. The fragrance is only an enhancement of the style of a man or a woman.

Where can we find Art de Parfum?

In Bloom Perfumery, Covent Garden or online: www.artdeparfum.com at the moment.

What are your plans for the future?

I am currently working on a new scent which will be launched worldwide in a few months time.

 

Made in Italy: Leda di Marti

Made in Italy is synonym for good quality, wonderful designs and excellent taste. All of this is also Leda di Marti. This young and talented designer was born in Italy, so all of the above comes naturally for her. She is particularly inspired by the South and Calabria, two parts of Italy that are, by her words, an inexhaustible sources if inspiration. Leda creates daywear in most magnificent colourful prints and with designs that will for sure make this summer even hotter. Read her story and be wowed by her way of seeing Italy. 

What is your brand about?

Designer Leda di Marti

At the base of my LDM brand are the South and Calabria: for me inexhaustible sources of inspiration. The strong colors, the powerful and explosive nature, between seas and mountains, have always fueled my creative tension. Calabria is a generous land with sinuous shapes … as for me it should be the woman. But there is not only Calabria in my creations, I’m interested in all the south, that fantastic land that in ancient times was called Magna Graecia.

Did you always dream of becoming a designer?

Yes, since I was five years old. The gift that I appreciated most were pastels and brushes, with which I could spend hours drawing. The beauty of my work lies in the ability to dream, which has its origins in childhood and never ceases to grow.

What are some of the challenges you faced when you started designing under your own brand?

The main challenge is to be recognizable among many existing and established brands. From the choice of the press office, to that of the production laboratory and sample of trust: often the real challenge is to make everyone agree. If the common objective is the same and the commitment is shared, however, there is no brake that holds and the mark must necessarily take off.

What are Leda di Marti’s qualities?

Leda Di Marti is a brand entirely Made in Italy, which is its first quality. It is a brand dedicated to a land, and even more to a sense of belonging: the true Italian Mediterranean style. The target is medium-high and the type of woman who can wear it is both a twenty-five year old and a fifty-year-old because many items are transversal and cross over decades, while others are dedicated to a specific age group.

You studied and worked abroad. What kind of experiences would you say this brought to you?

Working and studying in the two biggest fashion cities, together with Milan, as NYC and in London, helped me to consolidate an awareness of my style, which is influenced by the cosmopolitan way of life, fused with the strongly Italian spirit. From my experience NYC, which for me is a second home, I learned that the woman must be comfortable and practical as it must be free to travel in style, so all my clothes are stretched and allow a wide movement, while remaining extremely feminine. From my experience in London I realized that my most intimate desire was to dress strong and sensitive women, who found in the leader an ally with which to face the surrounding world, and not a piece of art that obscures its beauty.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find inspiration in nature and in ancient myths that are so felt and still alive in my land. The main source of inspiration is my ideal woman: a modern Claudia Cardinale who with her strength and her charisma represents in the world, with her Mediterranean roots, a vigorous and dynamic Italian style.

Tell us more about your Spring-Summer 2018 collection…

Summer 2018 is a triumph of cedars, bergamot and broom flowers, finished by a whirl of chillies in a sea of ​​blue fish: symbolic image that represents the dreamlike union of the sea with the land. The colors are sparkling and explosive, just like me! The models are suitable for a complete and broken look: the shirts are paired with Capri-style trousers, in ankle, in cotton twill. The two prints become, then, beautiful long skirts with slits, which give Positano a touch to the look.

Are all the patterns painted by you?

All my collections share a passion for hand-painted prints. Every fantasy is in fact hand drawn by me with watercolors, digitized and then transposed onto fabric. It is the drawings that define the distinctive trait of the brand.

How do you know what kind of pattern do you want to make?

I am guided by instinct, which is my beloved advisor. The yellow and red colors are tipical of this summer, so I think I have guessed! For the Fall Winter 18 collection, for example, I reproduced the cactus (figs with paddles), typical of the South of Italy and they will be, again in a thousand different ways, the true protagonists of the next season!

In what way and why is “made in Italy” important to you?

Made in Italy is one of my keys to success, without a good base of “know how” you can not aim abroad. My product comes from the South, and there local companies produce my collection with dedication, following a tradition of decades. Made In Italy is the representation of my own culture, following slow fashion mixed with modern techniques of sewing.

Who is your typical customer?

My typical client certainly has a strong desire for uniqueness and at the base of his choices there are garments that tell a story.

What about your personal style? What do you feel most comfortable in?

I have a fresh and light, carefree style. I love the flowing shapes and the sparkling colors. I especially like being visible and recognized instantly. There is nothing more beautiful than being appreciated for your good taste!

How do you unwind?

I relax listening to chamber music, drawing abstract shapes that could become details of my next collection! I love reading, especially biographies of great personalities of the past who have left their mark, like Caterina de ‘Medici, my favorite; and walking around the city centers, looking at how people are dressed, how they move, how they behave in public, which is a great pleasure for me and also a great study.

What is next for you?

I am planning to join other fashion weeks, apart from the Milan one I have already done this year. I am launching the  e-shop and working on some collaborations with different brands, as I love to create synergies, especially between women.

You can find out more about the brand at www.ledadimarti.com.

 

Contemporary and unique: Catherine Hills Jewellery

Art is her passion. Her way of life. This devotion for art shows in everything she creates. Catherine Hills, jewellery designer who also created jewellery for Harry Potter movies, was surrounded by art ever since she was a little girl but it was jewellery that won at the end. Today she creates contemporary pieces with attention to detail and individually designed. Catherine Hills explains why, when and how jewellery took over her world.

How did you start with jewellery design?

When I was at art college, finishing my foundation course, I had to decide what discipline I was going to specialise in for my BA.

Despite always thinking I would do book illustration, I decided I was more interested in 3D design and thought it may be easier to make a living as a jeweller!

Were you always interested in jewellery design?

My parents are great collectors of antiques, decorative arts and all things beautiful. Silver, ceramics, and small objects were strewn around our home, as I grew up.

I have always loved wearing jewellery. I remember when I was in the sixth form at school, we were allowed to wear our own clothes. Most girls wore pearls, or small gold studs, but I wore huge wooden brightly coloured parrot earrings… it was the mid 80’s!

What kind of jewellery comes under the name Catherine Hills?

Catherine Hills Jewellery has a strong identity with an emphasis on detail, movement and texture.  All these combine to create stand out, feminine, yet ‘edgy’ contemporary pieces.

The use of individually designed, batch produced, components in singular and multiple combinations, are rhythmic, decorative and tactile, culminating in pieces that are audacious and timeless.”

“Distinctive, detailed and diverse.  Catherine’s jewellery is for men and women who value texture organic forms and individual statements from what they wear”.

Retail Jewellery Magazine, 2001.

It is very much of its time but echoes of the past are sustained by the makers attention to form and surface.”

Wendy Ramshaw OBE, 2009.

Lots of your work is custom made. Do you prefer working on client’s wishes or designing from your own vision?

They are completely different jobs; both are satisfying for different reasons. When a client comes to me with their own design, or a design they have seen elsewhere, its lovely when I can make the idea come to life for them. I guess if I had to choose; I prefer making pieces that I have designed myself. I find the design process, the most exciting part. I have so many more ideas than the time and money to create them!

You also created jewellery for Harry Potter films. How is it to design for something so imaginary? And to work on such a big project?

It was really exciting and definitely one of the highlights in my career.

Seeing the actors bring the jewellery to life on the big screen, in the films, was fantastic. I only wish I could have gone on set! I  made the jewellery in my workshop in London and later in Kent where I moved, in 2008. It always had to be made to a very fast deadline and was collected; so I never got involved ‘on set’ at Leavesden studios.

Where do you look for inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is nature and the human form and my work is influenced by the granulation technique of ancient civilisations.

I like to visit museums, galleries and aquariums, as often as I can to sketch.  Travelling is a great source of inspiration; as not only do I relax and de-stress, but I have the time to see interesting places and new things to inspire me.

Who is a typical woman that wears Catherine Hills Jewellery?

My customers are generally 30 to 60 year old women, who like their jewellery to be slightly different, yet affordable and wearable. Having said that, when I last did Goldsmiths Fair, I sold my one of a kind brand new large statement collar necklace to a woman in her 70’s. It was marvellous to see an older lady comfortably wearing such a striking  and theatrical piece of jewellery.

Jewellery is obviously a big part of your life. What does it mean to you personally?

My grandmother gave me a Silver charm bracelet when I was a young girl. I loved the bracelet and every year she would have a new charm added. I had a wonderful relationship with her and the bracelet still gives me much joy and comfort.

I have been making my daughter a charm bracelet with charms that mark a special occasion or are relevant to her life and family. I have found some charms in antique shops and others made by jeweller friends.

I have some very special pieces of jewellery made by some of my dear friends. Sometimes we swap our work; which is a great way to get beautiful jewellery. I, also, on very rare occasions buy, or get given, pieces of jewellery but its never from a shop, or a chain its always made by someone I know and that makes it very special.

My wedding ring was designed and made by an amazing Swiss Goldsmith friend from the RCA. My husband commissioned him. It’s such a beautiful and special piece of jewellery. Most of the work I wear, is made by the hands of very special people and to me, that is magical.

It still gives me personal pleasure when I see a stranger wearing my jewellery, as they pass me in the street. I once saw a lady wearing my necklace at Wimbledon, it was very satisfying indeed.

Do you believe jewellery tells a lot about person wearing it? In what way?

Jewellery like clothes, tells a story.  People are more often than not, conservative with their jewellery. They wear small classic pieces, like a pair of diamond studs but sometimes you see someone, who is wearing striking, bold, pieces and I find that very exciting. Large statement rings and unusual necklace always catch my eye.

What about yourself? Do you want to go all bold and big with jewellery you are wearing or do you swear on more classic pieces?

I wear both big and bold and smaller more classic pieces, depending on my mood, or where I am going.

Time is often the problem for me, as it is for many women. It takes time experimenting with your wardrobe and jewellery, seeing what works together.  Often I grab the same necklace and earrings, as I know they go with anything. I’d like to make more time to get dressed up in some of my older, more bold pieces of jewellery.

Do you have a piece from your collection that you especially cherish?

I own an Oxidised Silver Baroque Armour Collar necklace, a very large statement necklace that’s fabulous when dressed up for a party, or worn every day with jeans and boots. It’s my most favourite piece of jewellery that I made and people are drawn to it.

To look for more info, visit www.catherinehillsjewellery.com

 

 

For women who live the way they want: Fashionette

Luxury is much more than buying fancy stuff. It is a whole package and includes every single detail we as customers desire. Or as they say it at fashionette, a go-to online address for designer handbags, luxury is to buy yourself the bag you really love. If designers’ handbags are your desire, you won’t’ be disappointed. Established luxury brands as well as young design talents and coveted premium labels can all meet your style at fashionette.co.uk; bags are their real passion and they have over 4,000 of them carefully chosen by style experts to meet even the most demanding client. Giorgina Renken, Senior Brand Manager at fashionette, says there is a statement piece for every woman and we couldn’t agree more.

Hello Giorgina, what makes fashionette really so special?

At fashionette, we really go the extra mile. While you’d struggle to find another comparable website in the UK that genuinely puts their customer first, the team at fashionette will look at ALL the factors that really drive the science behind a bargain – from market research, trend prediction and sales, our buyers use their e-commerce expertise to offer the very best handbags and accessories that are guaranteed to last our buyers season upon season – you wouldn’t find that at very many stores!

How did the story begin?

The fashionette story started in 2008 with the dream to have a platform that grants you access to the most beautiful things in life. Dr. Fabio Labriola, Ronald Reschke and Dr. Sebastian Siebert launched this platform in Germany with a special focus on designer handbags, they wanted to be the expert platform for such a personal product.

Who is your typical customer?

fashionette ensures all customers have the freedom to love a certain style or designer, choosing her statement it-piece to go with every outfit. fashionette is unique and the same goes for our customers.  A bag isn’t just a bag – it’s a personal statement and an ultimate expression of individualism and personality, fashionette is for women who live the way they want, not the way they should.

Why do you like bags so much?

I love handbags because you never regret buying one! A beautiful and good quality handbag is a fashion investment which will last season after season. High-end and exclusive styles as well as the classics are proving more profitable than ever and it’s the perfect time to invest in a timeless handbag!

What should in your opinion a good bag offer? What does it have to have to get to fashionette?

We know the most important thing to women in a handbag is quality. We ensure each bag has an outstanding quality, is long-lasting and timeless with style season after season so it can be used again and again. We want all of our bags to be that ‘IT bag’ for each customer – making sure there is a bag out there for everyone!

Do you follow fashion trends with your selection of bags, shoes and accessories?

Yes we do, we have an expert team of fashion buyers who are continually liaising with designers and keeping up with trends appearing on the catwalk and during Fashion Weeks. Our buyers will attend these shows and ensure we are making orders with these designers from the more classic styles, as well as those statement bags appearing in the press.

How do you define luxury?

At fashionette luxury is to buy yourself the bag you really love. This can of course be defined through the material, quality and design. There’s no doubt, a label can make a bag luxury, but this comes with trusted and beautiful craftwork from renowned industry designers such as Gucci, Prada, Chanel and more.

What is a fashion rule you swear by?

Whatever your outfit, you can always make it that statement look with a good handbag. Think about the numerous amount of celebs snapped at the airport or going shopping – dress down for comfort and style it up with a statement designer handbag.

Who is your favourite designer?  

I have so many it’s hard to choose, and it changes from season to season. One designer who really stood out for me for SS17 is Furla. Each season is a pleasant surprise with added personalities in each bag. My particular favourites were the jungle themed bags – a zebra, lion, panther and more, Furla is a go-to brand for a classic crossbody, with added elements in each collection.

What was your first designer piece and how did you get it?

I’ll never forget my first handbag, it was an investment piece and a very classic designer handbag by Tod’s. I discovered it on a girls’ shopping trip. At first, I was hesitant to buy it because of the high value, but after some days thinking about it, I could not resist! I always tell myself, it’s my money to invest and there’s no better way to do that than by purchasing a beautiful, high quality handbag you can use again and again each season.

 

In what way can working woman refresh her wardrobe, give it a personal touch? Can a bag stand up for it?

A new handbag can make any woman feel like she has refreshed her wardrobe. A classic such as a Jet Set Travel by Michael Kors or a textured handle bag like the Nymphaea Satchel by Gucci could redefine a women’s wardrobe for the rest of the season, making it that timeless piece to keep coming back to.

Look for more at fashionette.co.uk.

 

Aquis: change your hair routine today

If you believed that towel is just a towel you’ve clearly never heard of Aquis. There is actually a more relevant term in use and this is hair towel. Sounds interesting? That’s because it is. Imagine waking up in the morning, washing your hair, and getting them from wet to dry 50% faster than usual. On top of that imagine they are shiny and healthier than ever. It sure sounds a bit unrealistic but Britta Cox, founder of Aquis, wants to change how you dry your hair forever. I wanted to know what inspired her  and what does Aquis stand for.

Britta Cox, Founder of Aquis

Why towels? I am curious what inspired your story?

I grew up on a ranch a little outside of San Francisco, living a really outdoorsy lifestyle of skiing and horseback riding. I always resented the time spent drying and styling my hair – time that could have been spent elsewhere. I then started working in the sports industry where I saw time and time again that I wasn’t the only one fed up with the long process of hair maintenance. I knew there had to be a better way than using damaging blow dryers and other heat tools to achieve the healthy, beachy waves I coveted. Hair is hard and I just didn’t believe it had to be. So, inspired by sportswear and performance fabric (think dry fit), I set out to develop Aquis, which essentially is a way to simplify haircare.

How are Aquis towels different from anything else on the market?

While most hair products are designed to treat the problem (frizz, tangles, dullness etc) Aquis prevents it from occurring in the first place by helping hair become healthier. We’re not just different – we actually were first hair towel on the market and invented the turban shape. But what makes Aquis Towels and Turbans special is the fact that they are made from a unique fibre called Aquitex, which we invented. Like the dry fit materials I was inspired by, Aquitex is a breakthrough, performance-drying weave-technology that wicks away water while quickly and efficiently drying hair without heat damage. Regular micro-fibre hair towels are designed with an electrostatic charge to grab dirt, ultimately damaging hair and causing flyaways.

Do they have any specific effect on hair?

Aside from drying your hair 50% faster than standard hair towels, you will notice an improvement in overall hair health after just three weeks of switching to Aquis. How you dry your hair matters—because water is hair’s natural enemy. As you wrap your hair with Aquis, water is quickly removed so hair can begin to regain its strength. Then, rather than roughing it up with a bath towel that drags hair down and causes friction, the hair cuticles remain flat. This means frizz and breakage are significantly reduced, colour stays vibrant for longer and shine is maintained. Because of all these factors, hair is then healthier, more manageable and easier to style.

Water fatigue causes swelling, stretching, and damage which lead to bad hair days—and damage is compounded when you expose wet hair to heat. But drying hair very quickly protects the integrity of your hair, and our high-performance technology brings hair from wet to dry 50% faster, meaning less heat damage from your hair dryer. Harsh cotton towels do not effectively dry hair, damaging cuticles and causing frizz through friction due to harsh terry loops. And all microfiber hair towels are not created. Aquis Hair Towels and Turbans are unlike your average microfiber towels, which are typically designed with an electrostatic charge to grab dirt, ultimately damaging hair and causing flyaways. Because we didn’t just simplify the haircare routine—we reinvented it.

You say water does damage to our hair. In what way?

Hair is at its most vulnerable when wet, losing up to 60% of its strength. This always surprises people, but the best way to visualise this chemical change in your hair (known at ‘water fatigue’) is to picture your nails after a shower – they’re soft, weak and bendy. The same thing happens to your hair (both nails and hair are made of keratin). Therefore, the goal is to get hair to a damp stage as quickly and effectively as possible, where it will start to regain strength. When water absorbs into your hair for too long (i.e. during a shower) the inside of the strand swells and bloats, pushing open the protective layers (cuticles), which allows even more water in. Leaving your hair in this waterlogged state weakens it, leading to cuticle and hair breakages, which in turn cause frizz, tangles and dullness – basically a very bad hair day.

You also don’t advise leaving our hair to dry naturally. Why so?

Many people think that air drying is better for hair, but as I mentioned earlier, hair is most prone to damage when wet so the longer it takes to dry, the more damage can occur. Many people leave hair to air-dry as a direct action against not using a blow dryer (which we all know cause damage) without realising that they are potentially exposing their hair to even more damage. Blow dryers are designed to assist with styling damp hair, not drying it from sobbing wet. Aquis Towels and Turbans were designed to bridge the gap between needing to dry your hair effectively, without the use of heat tools.

Do you have specific types of towels for different hair types (like curly or thin) or is there one style for all?

Yes, we do. We have two main designs – the Hair Towel and Hair Turban and two variations of each. The Lisse Luxe range is best suited to thin, delicate and curly hair, while the flatter woven design of the Waffle Luxe range is perfect for thick and porous hair.

Whether you go for a Towel or Turban is personal preference – some people prefer the extra hold of the Turban hook but the Towel is roomier, so useful for longer or thicker hair. We also have a Long Hair Towel for those with extra-long hair (it measure 10” longer than the standard length).

Is it safe to use it if you dye your hair?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, it is actually very beneficial for those that dye their hair. We conducted a third-party study recently where 100% of participants* who had coloured their hair agreed that the colour had not faded as much as it normally would in the same timeframe (meaning less frequent visits to the salon). This is because when hair cuticles are roughed up (through rubbing with a towel or chemical treatments such as bleach) they are not able to hold colour as well within the hair cortex, resulting in quicker loss of colour. As some damage is unavoidable through the process of colouring hair, it is crucial to prevent further damage to cuticles.

I also have to ask about the hair turban. It just seems like an excellent choice for those (I count myself here as well) who are lazy with their hair care. Can we just wash our hair, put on the turban and leave it to dry our hair?

Definitely, it is my preferred option too. After exiting the shower you simply lean forward so your hair falls in front of your face, placing the end that has the button fastener at the nape of your neck, gently twist the turban to your desired fit and then fasten the loop around the button. Leave-on time varies depending on hair type but as a general rule of thumb remove the Turban/Towel when hair feels damp (for me this is after 15 minutes). The Turban’s super lightweight and compact design also makes it ideal for popping in your gym kit.

What is your hair routine?

I keep my routine simple because, frankly, I have better things to be doing than my hair. I’ll put in extra effort for special occasions or when I feel like getting dressed up on the weekends, but I feel most beautiful and confident when it’s not overdone and I feel more authentic allowing natural beauty to shine through. That goes for hair, skin, body and soul.

I wash my hair every 5-7 days on average as shampooing too often can strip hair of natural oils, triggering overproduction to compensate for the loss. If I’ve engaged in vigorous exercise and sweat a lot, I may rinse the hair quickly without shampooing it between washes. Or if I feel I need it, I may use a very small amount of shampoo/cleanser on my scalp while massaging to remove salt and residues at the root. Conditioner-wise, I always use a high-quality one after shampooing and then another leave-in version after towel drying. After I’m finished washing my hair I immediately gently squeeze out excess water, then pat my hair with my Aquis Hair Towel while fixing it into place. I then leave the Towel to work its magic while I get ready for work.

Once a week I use coconut oil to do a pre-wash treatment, to ensure my hair gets enough moisture and is protected from the elements, especially in the colder winter months. Its small molecular structure allows it to penetrate the cuticle, making hair less thirsty and less vulnerable to environmental elements.

What keeps you going after all this time?

Honestly, I never tire of hearing feedback from customers new and old, especially how Aquis has transformed their relationship (and life-long struggle) with their hair. As we expand into new markets, I feel inspired by the travel and people I meet on these adventures. The brand is constantly evolving and we have some incredibly exciting developments in the UK coming soon so stayed tuned!

What do you like to do in your free time?

Well I don’t have a lot of it but I do enjoy being outdoors – hiking, skiing, horse riding in the mountains.

Look for more at aquishair.co.uk

*The Benchmarking Report Aquis 21 Day Beauty Product Testing Final Report

 

Fashion and smile: OHHCOUTURE

Head over to ohhcouture.com and you’ll be welcomed by a happy beautiful German girl Leonie. You will be instantly overwhelmed by her smile that will make the entire surfing experience joyful and fun. Always smiling means Leonie loves her work and if you love what you’re doing means you are doing it well. This is clearly the case at ohhcouture.com where having fun means posing in amazing collections the blonde German styles on her own and are captured for the camera by her loving boyfriend. Her style is defined by ponchos, oversize knits and cape coats and has the touch of the everyday glamour everyone is looking for.

Hi Leonie, tell us something about yourself …

I am a twenty something girl from Hamburg, Germany! After high school I travelled around the world and afterwards I knew that I would love doing something creative and free that allows me to meet new people and see new places! Now I am blogging at www.ohhcouture.com .

I love that you’re always smiling on photos; clearly you love what you’re doing. What inspired you to start blogging and how long do you do it?

I had the idea to start a personal style blog early, but I decided to finish university and work some time before I finally “took the risk” and started working on my dreams! I launched the blog about a year ago – and it was the best decision I ever made!

How would you describe your style?

Hmm… I guess it’s a mixture of chic, playful and edgy – simply everything that feels good to me!

What is your everyday inspiration?

Inspiration happens everywhere! I’m never planning purchases – I just fall for beautiful and unique pieces and then outfit ideas and stories pop up in my head! I love to browse through fashion images on Instagram and Pinterest and wander around boutiques!

Who is your favourite fashion person?

There are many people that inspire me, but I really like Leandra Medine – she interprets fashion in a witty and humorous and unique way!

Best style advice you got so far?

Always show your personality!

You obviously love oversized knits and cape coats. Are these the favourite pieces from your wardrobe and what are some of the best pieces for winter?

You got me! 🙂 I love, love, looove wearing skinny pants and combine it with oversized pieces such as knitwear and capes! It would be a miracle seeing me in a tight top or shirt! 😉 I also love over knee boots  (!!!) and huge scarves in winter!

What do you splurge on?

I always go crazy during Zara sale. It happens twice a year and I even wrote some posts about how to get the craziest bargains during Zara sale! 🙂

What colours do you love wearing in winter?

Easy: black! Nothing can go wrong when wearing black! You can look effortless, cool or ever super chic just wearing this one colour! But I also love to play around with surprising colours such as pastels or a bright blue in winter!

Heels or flats?

Heels – they make me feel feminine and powerful even on bad days! 🙂

You never leave your home without?

My iphone – I would feel lost!

What are some of your interests beside fashion and blogging?

I love travelling! Nothing makes me happier than discovering a new place and meeting new people! My favourite places I’ve visited the last years were Hawaii, Israel and Thailand! Furthermore, I couldn’t live without music! I’ve always been a dancer and I could listen to music 24/7!

If you could do anything in the world what would that be?

I would love to travel around the world with my boyfriend (who is also the one taking the pictures for the blog!).

What is your “safe” party outfit for Friday night out?

A black asymmetric dress over really skinny pants is a very fashionable and good decision – even for colder days! And I would always wear black killer heels! 🙂

 

The article was first published on my-fashionmagazine in January 2015.

 

Fitness blogger you will love: Carly Rowena

When you browse through her Instagram account it makes you want to stand up, kick your ass and just go work out. Carly Rowena is a Personal Trainer and Fitness Blogger with her own YouTube channel, who knows how to strike a balance between a healthy lifestyle and eating chocolate. And this is what she wants to teach you through her YouTube channel, her Instagram workouts and her website full of healthy recipes. It’s ok to grab a slice of pizza but don’t do it every day, it’s good for you to eat a slice of cake but balance it with a healthy diet. Carly is definitely not another self-raised internet star who throws everything out of your diet in order to stay fit. She suggests finding a balance between what you love and what you really need. With her realistic approach and amazing sense of humour, you are going to like her for sure.

How did you become a personal trainer? Was sport something you always loved?

I’ve been a PT for 3 years but online for 4 years. My story is slightly backwards, I was working as marketing manager for BMW & MINI and although it was an incredible career it just wasn’t where Iwanted to be. I turned to YouTube in the hopes of finding out my passions, I had never known what I was good at, or what I wanted to be and when you don’t know it becomes really hard to train for it. I started making YouTube videos about various topics, from embarrassing bodies, to food, fashion, travel and fitness. It was the fitness videos that received the most amount of engagement and subsequently it was my followers who made me realise that my talent was fitness! 6 months later and I’d quit my job and become a Personal trainer, best thing I have ever done!

What do you like the most at being a personal trainer?

The opportunity to change someone’s life, most clients come to me wanting to change their body but after 6 weeks we’ve changed so much more than that, lifestyle, relationships, confidence, goals, it’s the best feeling!

What about blogging? What is your blog about and what inspired you to become a fitness blogger?

I became a blogger around 2 years after YouTube, I realised I had topics I wanted to talk about that didn’t feel right for YouTube, I write about everything from food, fitness, beauty, fashion, confidence, anxiety, homeware to travel.

What is your favourite workout?

I adore CrossFit and Tabata, anything high intensity that leaves me sweating and having to push for that final round. I love feeling strong, it gives me an independence I never knew existed.

What is the secret of getting fit? How to start?

There’s no big secret, it’s just preparation and time. We’re all searching for something to happen fast, it’s our downfall. We’re so used to being able to get everything we want the following day, fitness and health is slower.

You don’t go into strict diets rather support people to eat what they want but in moderation. How do you understand a healthy way of eating/living?

I teach my clients to add in new ingredients and food groups, instead of concentrating on taking everything out. Too often we decide to remove chocolate, carbs, alcohol but what if that’s all you enjoy? Life is short and for living, if you love treats, keep them just spread it out, this way you’ll stop crashing and binging. If you eat more foods without labels you don’t have to worry about calories.

What is your favourite food?

I’m lucky, I love all food groups, I adore gooseberry crumbles and can never say no to peanut butter and banana but I also love fish, just give me all the food!

I really love your workout clothes. Where do you shop the most?

I’m lucky that i get to work with some incredible brands, I always turn to Sweaty Betty for leggings, such good quality and always beautiful prints, also ASOS is an amazing place to be able to mix and match between brands like Adidas, Nike, Reebok and more!

What is your favourite fashion brand that isn’t sport’s brand?

Oooh tough question, I adore Zara, I feel like I always buy something when I pop in, otherwise I love AndOtherStories and Urban Outfitters.

In what type of clothes do you feel the most comfortable in?

I usually go for something tight for legs and then a baggier band tee or big jumper, I’ve never really been a heels girl, so ankle boots or casual trainers. As long as my outfit allows me to eat, I’m happy!

What are your gym bag essentials?

I always carry a resistance band, my anger headphones, 1.5litre of evian water, a workout towel, skipping rope and origins lip balm.

Do you wear makeup when you work out?

Unless coming from a meeting or event I’m always makeup free, accept for my origins ginseng tinted moisturiser, I’m all about sun protection.

Do you have a mantra you live by?

Life is not an emergency.

I’ve noticed you travel a lot. How do you combine travelling and a healthy diet and exercise? I know I always forget about my limits when I am away… 

It’s SO hard, travel is definitely a killer for routine and reaching your goals. I always take a resistance band & skipping rope with me, walk as much as possible and always opt for the fresh salads, vegetables.

What are we missing if we haven’t (yet) read your e-book?

You’re missing my 12 week transformation, 12 weeks of workouts which can be completed at home or in the gym, you don’t need anything but yourself, although if you want to take it to the next level some home DB’s or a kettlebell is all you need.

Follow Carly at:

www.carlyrowena.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Carlyrowena

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlyrowena/?hl=en

Meet the artist: KSAVI

Her work is phenomenal. It is seen that she loves what she does and that’s why she does it so good. KSAVI is a London based makeup artist, who specialises in celebrity and editorial makeup. I had a brief chat with her about her work and she not only shared why she loves makeup so much but also what are some of the biggest trends for the upcoming spring.

Makeup artist KSAVI

When did you know that you want to become a makeup artist?

I knew pretty early on in my life; I’ve always loved glamour, fashion, and the arts. I used to love watching a cabaret dancer called Helen who was prominent in Bollywood movies in the 60-80s and she always had the latest fashionable looks. Her makeup was trend-setting for that era. That’s where my love for makeup came from.

How long have you been in the business?

I’ve been in the industry for about 10 years, focusing on fashion makeup for half of that time.

What do you love the most about makeup?

Everything! I love skincare, makeup, the products, the innovation behind it, and the different applications and techniques around the world. I am still in awe to this day of how transformative makeup can be and change a mood from low esteem to full on power and confidence.

Where do you get inspiration from and who inspires you in the beauty industry?

As I said, Helen was a big inspiration, and another Bollywood actress called Madhubala. Also, recently, I love Madhuri Dixit, Neha Dhupia, and Priyanka Chopra. On the western front, I admire Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lopez. I’d like to do all these stars’ makeup. My makeup inspirations are Val Garland, Alex Box, Tom Pecheux, Mary Greenwell, Isamaya French, Pat McGrath and Lisa Elridge, Lucia Peroni, Charlotte Tilbury, and Terry Barber. I also love the work of Sam McKnight, Guido, and Nick Knight. Without them, a makeup artist’s work and those they inspire would just not look as splendid.

What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Keying up my first A-lister concert at the O2 was grand. My first print publication was special. Working with Vanity Fair has been awesome, and my first Paris Haute Couture show backstage was thrilling, a totally different world from home life. Every project is exciting, a different team, a different concept.

What makeup product(s) should no woman leave home without?

Skincare, lip balm, eyeliner, bronzer, and mascara!

Where do you look for latest beauty trends?

I follow social media, what’s coming out from the fashion shows, latest product innovations, and what the big skincare and makeup brands are saying.

What are some of the biggest trends for spring 2018 that you think will be seen on the streets?

I think blusher will be placed on the cheekbones higher; it’s more modern. Contouring (or excessive contouring) has had its day, gloss or shine will be around, glitters in the eyes smoked out instead of a smokey eye, and wine-stained lips. Those are some of things coming from the runway this season.

What is your advice for everyday makeup?

Start with a really good skincare regime; it’s so important to base the makeup up. For everyday makeup, I like just a few things: concealers instead of foundation, a winged liner, soft lips with a tinted balm, and a little bronzer or blush, finished with mascara, that’s it! I always use my bronzer to contour my eyes and accentuate the shape rather than put eyeshadow on for the day.

With Valentine’s Day nearing what kind of makeup would you recommend for this special day?

If it’s an evening look, be a little adventurous. Why not try a Holographic Smokey Eye? Barry M have some fab products. For lips, try a deep red or berry; I love what Rihanna is offering through Fenty Beauty. An alternative to smokey glitter eyes are the Pat McGrath eye palettes – they are lush!

Look for KSAVI’s work at www.ksavi.co.uk.

Bohemian Chic Minerals: create a safe makeup

I first heard of her through mutual acquaintance but she only got my attention after I was speaking to a friend who also suffers from different skin conditions. Then is when I got interested to explore more than just conventional cosmetic and was pleasantly surprised that you can do vegan, eco and gluten free and still use a cosmetic of good quality. Bohemian Chic Minerals was created by Jameela Kosar, who struggled on her own to find beauty products for her skin. Having super sensitive skin this was a constant battle for her and she almost gave up on using any beauty products until she got inspired to try testing different ingredients and mixing them into a combination that worked for her. Today I want to share her story, simply to tell you that even if you can’t find a cosmetic that works for you, look deeper, research and come to Bohemian Chic Minerals.

What inspired you to create your own cosmetic brand?

For years I struggled with finding makeup that didn’t react to my skin. I was always chopping and changing types of makeup in the hopes of finding something that would work for me. It became an expensive habit and the more I tried to find the perfect foundation or eyeshadow, the more irritated my skin became, but it still didn’t stop me. It was only when I was told that maybe I have sensitive skin and that I should really only use makeup that is designed for skin sensitivities, I thought “ahhh maybe that’s why I’m breaking out and have these really horrible dry patches, because I have sensitive skin”.

Believe it or not, finding out that I have sensitive skin was a relief. I now know what I can or cannot use.  Or so I thought. I just went to brands that were designed for sensitive skin. Without really understanding what it means to have sensitive skin. On the advice of a friend, I invested in a brand that had makeup specifically designed for sensitive skin. I spent a fortune, only to regret it after a few weeks, I broke out in what I could only describe as eczema looking bumps and 3 blisters on my cheeks. I was mortified and panicked. My sister also has sensitive skin and she didn’t react to it. I swore off makeup. My love affair was over and my skin changed drastically. What took days or weeks to cause irritation now is either instant burning or within a few hours I will know.

Years later I came across a lovely but very convincing sales lady with a mineral make up stall at my local shopping centre. After a “debate” about how nothing works for me she did finally convince me but I was still adamant it will not work. She put foundation on half my face and I waited for the tingly, the itch or the burning sensation, just something so I know. . 30 minutes.. nothing . Still not 100% convinced I carried on about my day with half my face done. The itch still didn’t appear so I went back to her and bought loads. I was so impressed, foundation, blusher, concealer and loads of eye shadows.  After a few hours more, I started to feel like my face was feeling tight and slightly irritated and really angry looking. My face became so red, I panicked, washed, cleansed and applied tea tree oil all over my face, and waited. Thankfully the redness and little itch was the worst of it. But it did get me thinking. I researched and tested mineral formulas (on me and my sister) for years until I found a combination that worked for us. It wasn’t until about a year or so later that I created Bohemian Chic Minerals.

Why should a woman be using Bohemian Chic Minerals? What makes the brand unique?

I would love to say we are unique but we’re not. What we are though is a clean, pure, natural, vegan and cruelty free brand that tries to cater for all skin types, conditions, lifestyles and beliefs (religious or ethical). We are a free from brand; we’re free from chemicals, artificial, toxic and man-made minerals/ingredients. No alcohol, no nanoparticles, no double milled minerals or finely ground minerals, no animal ingredients including animal by-products. Essentially no nasties and unnecessary ingredients.  This is why you should be using BCM, because it’s designed to help you take care of your largest organ. Your skin.

You promote vegan, cruelty free, organic. Why is this important to you?

Vegan, Cruelty free and Organic is the only option for us. Cosmetics should be Vegan and Cruelty free from the get go. There is no reason why you need torture animals to make beauty products safe for human use. If you have to go down that route then you need to think again. There are so many alternatives available that do not involve taking or harming another life. We cannot justify otherwise. Every life is precious. If we knew as a public what really goes behind the making of cosmetics, we would all go vegan/cruelty free with our products.

What about gluten free? I have so many people around me who can’t tolerate some cosmetic just because they include wheat ingredients. Or soy for that matter. Is Bohemian Chic Minerals gluten free as well?

We are Gluten Free and have been since conception. Not a lot of people know this but we don’t use food ingredients or extracts except in our Organic Lipsticks (Shea Butter and Tangerine Oil). I don’t just have chemical sensitivities but also food allergies. So a mineral ingredients make up was the only way forward. Food ingredients were never an option.

What does your range include?

Over the years, we added more and more products. So far we have; Mineral Foundation(Matt), Mineral Blush(Matt &Glow), Mineral Bronzer(Glow), Mineral Veil(Glow Face Powder, Mineral Correctors(Matt), Mineral Eye Shadow(Matt, Shimmer & Glitter), Eye Brow(Matt), Eye Liner(Matt), Masacara, Organic Lipstick(Matt, Creamy and Frosted) and our newest addition Mineral High Lighter. Our minerals are in loose mineral form, except the mascara and lipsticks.

What is your favourite product from Bohemian Chic Minerals?

It really hard to just pick one product when they are all your favourites. It’s like asking which child is your favourite and that’s really hard to do. They are all my favourite but I would have to say my best seller is our Vegan Lipsticks followed closely by our foundation and joint third eyeshadow –  blush and mascara also come close.

What is next for Bohemian Chic Minerals?

We don’t have any big plans just yet. At The moment we are still spreading the cruelty free beauty vegan vibe throughout the hundreds of grassroot events that we attend. What we do want to do is expand on the products that we have.  I would love to add more vibrant shade to our lipsticks collection and add more highlighter shades. We have a pink (Razzmic Berry) and gold (Flattery) highlighter but I really want a purple, orange and red highlighter to be added to our collection by summer latest, instead of being stuck on my “to do”list.

You can get more info at www.bohemianchicminerals.co.uk.

 

Love, Fashion & Friends

Every mom knows that juggling between her personal and work life is a big challenge but to always look like she just got a makeover is unimaginable. In this constant juggles it is easy to forget about yourself and just grab leggings and oversized T-shirts. Dileiny from lovefashionandfriends.com has only one thing in mind: to show all moms, all women that it is easy to look polished. With her styling tips you will only wish to have heard of her before.

What inspired you to start blogging?

I have a degree in English Language and Literature, I’ve always had a passion for writing. Another love of mine is style and fashion. My inspiration were my passions, blogging was a way of tying them together.

On your site it is written that your blog is a style guide for the modern mom. How so? Can you tell us more about why moms?

I talk a lot about, “the modern mom” or “the woman on the go” but who is she?

It’s the woman that does it all! She goes to the sports games, takes the kids apple picking, she’s a party planner, a side hustler, works a job (or two), keeps a social, romantic and exercise life!

What does she need? She needs to look and feel good but she has to do it as fast as grabbing a Big-Mac at the McDonald’s drive thru window.

Moms are so busy, and so many times I see mothers with kids not looking great. They wear leggings and oversized t shirts, they don’t put any makeup on and they look tired. They don’t know how easy it to look polished. I wanted to help those moms, I wanted them to have a place where they can find easy style tips to look polished on the fly.

What style do moms look for?

The modern mom will keep her closet staples but will add trends for an updated look.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is always evolving, but it’s always feminine with an edge.

Who inspires your style the most?

I don’t turn to one person for an inspiration, I am inspired daily by different people but If I had to pick one person I would say it’s my fiancé. His style is effortless and always on point. He’s helped my style evolve into something a lot edgier than it used to be, and I love it.

What is your favourite brand?

I love Zara, their pieces are simple but with an edge. I am normally in the store loving every piece.

What is the most essential item from your wardrobe you can’t live without?

My Levis Wedgie jeans.

What shoes do you love the most for winter?

Block heel booties.

What is the first thing you notice on another person’s outfit?

Shoes.

What are your handbag essentials?

My handbags for the part are classic Louie Vuitton’s. I have 4 LV bags and they have been In my hand or hanging from my shoulders for the last decade and they never go out of style.

What is your favourite lipstick (shade) for winter?

Red!

Which fall and winter fashion trend do you love the most?

Right now I am loving teddy bear coats and dusters (the super long cardigans)

What are your biggest passions?

My biggest passion is my blog, I love mind mapping ideas of new content and putting it all together for my readers.

With party season ahead of us what is your favourite party outfit?

For the party season I am obsessed with sequin blazers. You can wear them with pretty much anything and look cute and festive.

Follow Dileiny at lovefashionandfriends.com.