Month: July 2013

English Country Garden

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Today’s post is a behind-the-scenes video of a shoot I styled for August’s issue of Country & Townhouse magazine (out tomorrow).  It was shot at the stunning Cannizaro House in Wimbledon and features the gorgeous Fifi (check out her blog on http://fifislookingglass.com).  Make-up was by renowned Beauty Editor Nathalie Eleni, with photography by the talented Clara Copley.  I adored doing this shoot – it was so much fun and such a fantastic team.  & it looks so pretty and serene.  Hope you enjoy.

Clothing by Roberto Cavalli, Alberta Ferretti, Temperley London, J. JS Lee, Stills and Jean-Pierre Braganza.  Accessories by Julia Clancey, Erickson Beamon and Bally, with ribbons, butterflies and flowers supplied by Barnett Lawson and McCulloch & Wallis.

Country & Town House – Summer Beauty Story – Behind the Scenes from Andrew Mackay on Vimeo.

Boys in blue

Published on by Alicja Jasnikowska1 Comment

Well, what a weekend! If you are British (or better still Scottish) chances are you were glued to your TV set yesterday afternoon from say 2-5:30pm. Even if you’re not a huge tennis fan, Murray mania was enough to get every Brit cheering (whilst sipping their Pimms in the sunshine obviously).

Whilst we were firmly glued to the game, there may have been a little something in the audience that caught our eye. I am of course referring to the bromance in blue that was Gerard Butler & Bradley Cooper, looking super slick in their Sunday best. And it seems the celebs pulled out all the stops to look dapper at Wimbledon. Also spotted were Wayne Rooney & Coleen looking positively regal & British queen of posh VB put in a sophisticated appearance. Girlfriend of the man-of-the-moment, Kim Sears looked delightful in a mint green crochet dress by the aforementioned Victoria Beckham. Whilst at Friday’s Murray semi-final Amir Khan was seen sporting a fetching Gatsby inspired pink suit – very SS14. Here’s a little medley of some of the outfits on show. I think perhaps the boys aced the girls on this occasion. Pun intended.

 

Pastel palette

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It’s not often that I partake in a nail trend (my grooming routine is particularly low maintenance), but as the sun is planning to show it’s beautiful face this weekend I am going to share my current obsession – pastel nails. Chalky hues are a big trend for Spring 2013 – on one occasion I noted a game of nail varnish snap with two rocking fashionistas both touting a very chic baby blue.

Part 80s Miami beach, part fun-time Barbie this trend can be both pretty and punky. Initiated by 2009’s obsession with the now famous Chanel Jade green, the trend has since spread across the pastel colour spectrum to include lemon yellow, powder pink, sky blue and my current fave-lavender. If you’re usual go-to is red or coral, then give it a try. Like a sugar rush for your nails, you’ll be converted to these candy colours in minutes.

20 years of Hugo

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Ah! Hugo by Hugo Boss. If, like me, you have fond memories of the ever-popular fruity fragrance you may be interested in finding out more about the brand behind the bottle. Today sees the retail reveal of the Hugo 20th Anniversary Collection, featuring 20 key pieces with a striking red, black and white palette.

The collection has been unveiled to coincide with the anniversary of the Hugo line, launched in 1993 as a range with a more unconventional, experimental edge. With clean lines and minimal detailing, this understated collection includes patent ankle boots, a scarlet two-piece suit and a graphic monochrome blouse. Stunningly simple and easy to wear this is the ultimate capsule wardrobe. I’ll take one of each please.

In store today at http://www.store-uk.hugoboss.com and http://www.selfridges.com

NB. Furthermore, to coincide with this year’s anniversary, on 31st July London’s Saatchi Gallery will be hosting an exhibition entitled Hugo: Red Never Follows. Featuring the work of 20 urban creatives, the exhibition will comprise of video installations, murals and light features all inspired by the spirit of Hugo. The perfect avenue to champion your new graphic garments.

Hugo: Red Never Follows will open to the public for free from 31st July until 1st September.

Eudon Choi for River Island

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Exciting news alert! High street brand River Island will be utilising the skills of fashion pack favourite Eudon Choi for its latest Design Forum collaboration. Launching in September 2013, the 16 piece collection will include leathers, streamlined garments and biker influences, and is inspired by a 90s Peter Linderberg shoot with original supers Naomi, Cindy and Claudia.

I attended the Eudon Choi AW13 catwalk show in Feb & adored the Russian folk references, buttersoft wide leather pants and fab colour combinations. Accompanied by a string quartet – which included a kooky triangular balalaika – the feel was quirky, serene & romantic. With fans including Jessie J, Rita Ora and Ellie Goulding, as well as almost every fashion editor of note, Choi is well on his way to success. & if he brings his meticulous tailoring and attention to detail to the high street favourite then we’re all in for a treat.