January Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: ACQUA DI PRIMA PERFUME | KERASTASE RESISTANCE COLLECTION | 

SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES | LAURA MERCIER FLAWLESS SKIN | FIRST AID BEAUTY CONCEALER |

TATA HARPER CLARIFYING SPOT SOLUTION | REVLON ULTRA HD MATTE LIP MOUSSE | STILA 

COSMETICS LINGERIE SOUFFLE | DR. JART+ CICAPAIR COLOR CORRECTOR | KORRES H2ROSE SPRAY

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Happy Friday! I don’t know about you guys, but I’m really looking forward to this weekend as it will be the last relaxing one for the next few weeks. Fashion month is upon us as we have been prepping for many weeks to organize everything - which is a lot. From travel agenda, to meetings, showroom pulls, events, shoots and every day life/errands, it does take a bit of a toll on me. So I’m happy to enjoy not doing a whole lot this weekend, even though we are still shooting content and strategizing for future work, it’ll be nice to just sit back and unwind. In the meantime, here is my monthly roundup of beauty favorites!  From my latest favorite fragrance, to hair products, liquid matte lipsticks, a rosy face spray, to innovative makeup you all need to know about, it’s all happening now in today's post so don't miss out! Continue reading to learn more about these products and where the shop them!

ACQUA DI PRIMA MAGNOLIA NOBILE

Inspired by the beautiful palazzo gardens of Italy's majestic Lake Como region, Acqua di Prima Magnolia Nobile represents the essence and expression of natural, understated elegance. Top notes of Italian bergamot, lemon and citron blend seamlessly with the magnolia accord, a rare essence that can only be extracted with time and dedication. The heart evolves with refined notes of rose, jasmine and tuberose. The base notes unfold with sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver and vanilla. A unique and enveloping harmony. An unforgettable, captivating fragrance. Available at Sephora.

KÉRASTASE RESISTANCE COLLECTION

I've been using Kérastase haircare products since I was in college! They have amazing hair masks and lotions on top of shampoo/conditioners. With their new Resistance collection, it's the perfect regiment for hair seeking a healthy length. I’m growing out my bangs right now, and this collection has really helped speed up the process of my hair getting longer. My hair grows fast on its own, but after using this collection for a while now and the results have been amazing! Here's a breakdown of these four products:

Kerastasé Résistance Masque Thérapiste

Reparative Bandage Treatment Fiber Renewal care for thick hair. The thick, creamy reparative masque deeply nourishes and works at very core of the hair, for very damaged, over-processed thick hair. The hair is deeply repaired as its core. The hair fiber regains its strength and elasticity. Hair is toned and revitalized.

Kerastasé Résistance Serum Extentioniste

Strengthen and protect strands with the Kérastase Resistance Serum Extentioniste, a nourishing leave-in hair serum that helps to protect against breakage. The non-greasy formula uses a host of powerful ceramides to seal the hair cuticle whilst a blend of lipids creates a smooth surface, creating a fortifying effect from the inside out. The highly concentrated serum forms a defensive barrier over the scalp to protect against damaging environmental aggressors, whilst also sweeping away impurities for a fresh appearance. Hair will be boosted, revitalized and given improved resistance.

Kerastasé Résistance Shampoo

Strengthen hair from the inside out with Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste, a fortifying shampoo that uses powerful amino acids and ceramides to improve elasticity from root to tip. Targeting weakened and brittle strands, the silky formula helps to rebuild the hair’s internal structure to make it more resistant to breakage, whilst a blend of lipids creates a smooth and shiny surface. The shampoo gently lifts away the build-up of dirt, impurities and excess oil from the scalp to leave locks fresh, clean and strong. Suitable for weak hair types.

Kerastasé Résistance Conditioner

Create smooth, silky and flowing locks with Kérastase Resistance Fondant Extentioniste, a creamy conditioner that expertly detangles strands. Powered by a blend of ceramides and Maleic Acid, the formula helps to fortify the natural hair fibre from the inside out, improving strength and elasticity to encourage growth. Replenishing moisture to the scalp and nourishing from root to tip, the purifying conditioner will leave locks super-soft, supple and noticeably healthy.

SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES

For an instant boost, reveal brighter fresher skin with Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment. Harnessing the exfoliating power of lactic acid, this intensive treatment helps to instantly brighten skin while working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore damaged skin. Enriched with licorice and lemongrass, the rich formula works to reduce the appearance of dark spots and boost blood flow, helping to bring new life to tired skin, in time revealing a fresher, more even-toned face. You can use Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment as a mask for an instant rejuvenating boost, or apply daily under makeup to reap long-term benefits and get skin truly glowing.

LAURA MERCIER INFUSION DE ROSE FORMULAS

LAURA MERCIER NOURISHING OIL

Lightweight yet powerful, this fast-absorbing oil leaves skin with a healthy glow – soft, radiant, and renewed. A true multi-tasker, Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil also provides multiple beauty benefits:
•Skin: provides soothing nourishment and moisture.
•Hair: conditions dry ends and tames flyaways.
•Nails: hydrates and softens cuticles..

LAURA MERCIER CLAY MASK

A clay mask that deeply purifies and cleanses the skin, blended with the unique soothing and nourishing properties of the rose. A rose-infused mask powered by rich clays and infused with soothing, moisturizing ingredients to deeply cleanse the skin and remove surface impurities. 

LAURA MERCIER FACE POLISH

This creamy scrub cleanses, exfoliates and removes dead skin with purifying microbeads. A luscious blend of emollients softens the skin, leaving it smooth and even-toned. Suitable for all skin types.

LAURA MERCIER NOURISHING CREME

This light, whipped nourishing crème is supremely hydrating and offers intense moisturization and conditioning with mango and shea butters. Its unique formula rejuvenates the skin’s appearance and strengthens its moisture barrier, helping to replenish and balance during the day and restore natural radiance and softness at night.

FIRST AID BEAUTY HELLO FAB BENDY AVOCADO CONCEALERS

This full-coverage, buildable concealer provides a natural, luminous finish. It stretches and bends with skin’s movements throughout the day so it never cracks, creases, cakes, or settles into fine lines. The clean, skin-loving formulation contains avocado oil, vitamin E, and mushroom extracts to help hydrate, condition, and soothe skin while caffeine helps to diminish the appearance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles. The clean formulation contains no artificial colorants, is safe for sensitive skin, and is available in seven adaptable shades. The shade I use is 2.

TATA HARPER CLARIFYING SPOT SOLUTION

Tata Harper Clarifying Spot Solution Skin Care Serum: Infused with healing copper, magnesium, zinc, essential oils, and powerful herbal extracts, this solution treats blemishes by neutralizing impurities and reducing inflammation on the spot (literally). Whenever I get a big ole’ honking zit (hey, I love my dairy) I use this bad boy to quickly zap them away. And it’s the perfect travel size as well.

REVLON ULTRA HD MATTE LIP MOUSSE

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Mousse Hyper Matte is a pigment packed, creamy formula that glides on smooth for hours of comfortable hyper matte wear. My favorite lip shade is Spice.

Benefits:

• Hyper Matte meets creamy comfort for up to 8 hours

• Lips feel nourished, silky, and conditioned

• Extreme precision, plush applicatory defines and contours lips

• Non-drying formula with micro-fine mattifying powders glide on smoothly

• Non-smudging and lightweight

STILA COSMETICS LINGERIE SOUFFLE

STILA LINGERIE SOUFFLE SKIN PERFECTING PRIMER

Stila Lingerie Souffle Skin Perfecting Primer has over 70% water for the most luxuriously hydrating feeling. Formulated with light-refracting pearls which blur imperfections - so every light is a good light! Why you need it: Stila Lingerie Souffle Skin Perfecting Primer is Stila’s most luxurious multi-function primer. The opulently-whipped gel formula primes skin with the added benefit of two finishes - illuminating or bronzing. Multi-function gel primer smooths skin and blurs imperfections, with the benefit of two finishes - either illuminating or bronzing Opulently-whipped, yet refreshingly lightweight, non-tacky texture Skin-loving formula with natural botanicals and over 70% water for a refreshing feel, all day New generation light-refracting pearls add a natural-looking glow with a blurring, skin perfecting effect. Innovative gellifying ingredients and emulsifiers allow for a smooth application, without the usual associated tackiness.

STILA LINGERIE SOUFFLE SKIN PERFECTING COLOR

Opulently whipped and refreshingly lightweight, Lingerie Soufflé Skin Perfecting Color creates the illusion of a flawless, naturally fresh complexion. Enriched with botanicals for comfortable wear, this delicately tinted cream forms a translucent veil over the face, using advanced pigments and light-reflecting particles to smooth, blur and even skin tone. Makes any unwanted feature - BE GONE! Ha ha! My shade is 3. :)

DR. JART + CICAPAIR TIGER GRASS COLOR CORRECTING TREATMENT

A green-to-beige color-correcting treatment that corrects redness and helps protect skin from environmental aggressors. Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment is the all-in-one treatment that includes a color-changing capsule within the formula to cover blemishes and restore the look of the skin's strength, health, and vitality. It provides SPF 30 protection from UV light, and it forms a dust barrier to protect the skin from the environment while enhancing the skin's viability. It restores the strength of skin with the resurrection plants, houttuynia cordata and yarrow. It's infused with sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to help improve the skin's moisture levels and restore fatigued skin for a healthy appearance. 

KORRES H2ROSE HYDRATING FACE MIST

This invigorating mist, made with aloe vera and orange blossom flower water, hydrates, refreshes, tones, and minimizes the appearance of pores with every spray. It can be used throughout the day to refresh skin. It feels weightless on the skin and after spraying my skin always feels energized and toned. With a subtle rose scent, it is a definite refreshing face mist!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Zavo Restaurant & Lounge New York

Okay… today’s the first day where I’m really feeling the cold. I’m a Midwest girl at heart, so the winter season doesn’t bother me much, but in New York, with the humidity AND the cold? It feels much more cold than normal. So what to do on a freezing day like today? I’d say just stay inside, but if you get cabin fever like me and need to get out of the house, you should go and check out ZAVŌ. A luxurious new Mediterranean restaurant that engages all of your senses, it’s the perfect location too after marathoning through a shopping spree. Got your holiday errands all checked off yet? If not, it’s cool. Me neither. Why not sit down and take a break in between with a glass of wine at my new favorite spot in Lenox Hill?

Zavo Restaurant & Lounge

A stylish and seductive multi-level celebration of Mediterranean cuisine and culture, ZAVŌ elevates the dining experience. Amidst tastefully appointed decor and lighting, the menu is just as scrumptious. Savor a cocktail at the sleek marble bar or unwind on the outdoor terrace. We sat in the dining room section with a pleasant ambience and excellent service. The staff was so sweet to give us a complete tour of their almost 1-year old restaurant in Lenox Hill (UES). ZAVŌ’s second floor is accessed via a private entrance on East 60th Street. Ascend the sweeping staircase to the intimate piano lounge, bar and refined private dining rooms, they offer unparalleled, five-star catering services cultivated from their deep expertise with corporate and special events. The Chef’s special selected menu changes daily to reflect their fascinating and unique live entertainment such as 50 Shades and Venetian/Masquerade Nights and others. It’s a great space for holiday parties right now, and even a wedding reception! The second floor can accommodate roughly over 200 people, and the decor alone will have you swooning.

We tried the crab cakes and grilled octopus for our appetizers which were cooked to perfection. Literally soft as butter, with wonderful taste concoctions to go with the seafood such as hummus, yellow pepper, and more. For our main course, we tried the branzino fish with grilled squash and zucchini, and the braised short beef with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The fish was excellent as well as the beef. The beef and asparagus were a tad dry and could have used more sauce, but the flavors were all there. Their sancerre wine was also quite good. But we were so full, we opted out on dessert. Gotta keep that holiday figure, somehow! ;) Overall, a wonderful dining experience. On the super plus side? It’s right across the street from Bloomingdale’s - the perfect spot to hang your hat and grab a bite after your holiday shopping!

LOVE & XX’S,

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February Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: SULWHASOO ESSENTIAL TRAVEL KIT | CLARISONIC MIA 1 SKIN 
CLEANSING SYSTEM | CLARISONIC THE ESSENTIALS SET | ALGENIST GENIUS LIQUID COLLAGEN | 
FIRST AID BEAUTY ULTRA REPAIR TINTING MOISTURIZER in MEDIUM | LANEIGE LIP 
SLEEPING MASK | BLISS® LEMON + SAGE SOAPY SUDS BODY WASH | BLISS® LEMON + SAGE BODY
 BUTTER | JIN SOON NEO POP COLLECTION | GIVENCHY EAUDEMOISELLE DE GIVENCHY PERFUME | 
URBAN DECAY COSMETICS DISCO QUEEN HOLOGRAPHIC STICK | URBAN DECAY COSMETICS 
HOLOGRAPHIC POWDER | MOUNT LAI JADE ROLLER 

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I'm well overdue on last month's beauty favorites! You'll have to excuse the delay. With two weeks of back-to-back fashion weeks in New York and London, travel, and nonstop content creating since coming home, it's been rather the most difficult in terms of time management. I just can't do it all by myself, mind you it's still this way. Nonetheless, here are my top ten favs this past month - trust me it was hard to narrow it down to these! Continue reading to learn more about what's trending in the skin care & makeup world, from neo pop nail polish to a lip sleeping mask, these are all great beauty products you need to have in your hands right away come spring. 

1. SULWHASOO ESSENTIAL TRAVEL KIT

When it comes to traveling, I find it best to bring compact sized items in my beauty and makeup products. Which is why this month I've been using Sulwhasoo's Essential line. It was perfect for my five day trip to London for fashion week as it is travel size. There are three items included in the kit. Sulwhasoo's essential water soothes and hydrates, leaving your skin supple. The water containing Matrimony Vine and Purslane provides hydration, leaving your skin with a delicate veil of moisture. The essential emulsion helps improve skin texture, providing rich moisture to leave skin dewy and smooth. Mountain Peony extract helps improve skin texture while Yai Jiu Hua helps elevate skin clarity. It spreads easily over the skin’s surface and absorbs completely, leaving it soft and supple. Lastly the cream seamlessly absorbs into skin for a naturally healthy complexion. 
The cream helps fortify aged and loosened look of the skin, completing an overall younger-looking appearance. Formulated after dedicated research of skin resilience, Sulwhasoo developed JISUN Firming Complex™, a special ingredient complex of goji berries, black beans, and arrowroot. The proprietary complex effectively supports a more firm look of the skin. The cream helps skin to retain moisture, and makes its surface appear firm while hydrated. The whole collection together is thorough - my skin never looked fresher while traveling. 

2. CLARISONIC MIA 1 SKIN CLEANSING SYSTEM

I've been using this with my regular face cleanser from La Roche Posay with Clarisonic's Mia 1™ features one speed for basic sonic facial cleansing. Oscillation technology distributes 300 micro-massage movements that happen every second to work within skin's natural elasticity to sweep away dirt, oil, and makeup to unclog pores, while fluid forces allow the water on the device to flush pores clean. After only 60 seconds, these patented technologies in the Clarisonic facial brush cleanse skin up to six times better than hands alone. This leaves skin ready for treatment products and prepared for smooth, flawless makeup application. This set contains:- Clarisonic Mia 1 White (with Radiance Brush Head) with a USB enabled charger.

3. CLARISONIC THE ESSENTIALS SET

The 4 brushes included in this set, the Clarisonic Acne Cleansing Brush Head is for sensitive, acne-prone skin and has extra-plush bristles to provide gentle cleansing. The Deep Pore Brush is for all skin types with enlarged pores, the Clarisonic Deep Pore Cleansing Brush Head is engineered with graduated dual-action bristles to help flush and dislodge oil and debris that clogs pores. The Radiance Cleansing Brush Head is specifically engineered with extra fine bristles to deliver a luxurious and highly effective sonic cleansing experience.  This unique and patented brush head helps to remove sebum and dullness. And lastly, the new sonic foundation blending brush from Clarisonic utilizes patented oscillation technology to generate more than 18,000 micro-blends per minute. The makeup brush gently provides a flawless, full foundation coverage look in 60 seconds or less. Equipped with anti-microbial and non-porous bristles, it is easy to clean and ensures minimal absorption so you use less foundation. You can also use it to apply contour, concealer, blush and more. But nothing powder-related, it has to be liquid/cream form. 

4. ALGENIST GENIUS LIQUID COLLAGEN 

This breakthrough fountain of youth leverages a clean, vegan formulation design to help replenish and preserve a healthy, youthful skin matrix by delivering vegan collagen to the skin in its most active state. The anti-aging formula contains 13,000 microalgae oil beads naturally sourced and sustainably produced, omegas 3, 6, and 9, and a natural source of vitamin E. Skin is left more resilient, brighter, and youthful-looking. Since using it, my skin looks bouncy, radiant and well-toned. 

5. FIRST AID BEAUTY ULTRA REPAIR® TINTED MOISTURIZER

A multitasker with sun protection that provides up to 12 hours of soothing hydration, imparts a natural, luminous finish, and reduces the look of visible imperfections. Formulated with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and other nourishing ingredients, this tinted moisturizer provides skin with up to 12 hours of soothing hydration and broad-spectrum SPF 30. Colloidal oatmeal and allantoin help to reduce the appearance of redness, while calming and soothing sensitive skin. Natural mineral pigments and micro-pearls deliver good, clean, buildable coverage to enhance skin's natural radiance, while minimizing the look of redness, pores, uneven skin tone, and other visible imperfections. The whipped, mousse-like formulation will not clog pores. I've linked the product in the shade I've been using which has been 'medium'. 

6. LANEIGE LIP SLEEPING MASK

The Lip Sleeping Mask has a softening balm texture that closely adheres to lips for quick absorption. Enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants, its Berry Mix Complex™ offers a nutritiously sweet and fragrant blend of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, and blueberry extracts to indulge the senses. Exclusive Moisture Wrap™ technology boasts hyaluronic acid and minerals to form a protective film over the lips to lock in moisture and active ingredients. A generous layer of this soothing mask at bedtime helps reduce flakiness so you can wake up to lips that feel refreshed, supple, and soft to the touch. Moisture Wrap™ - an exclusive technology that features a mineral network of moisture-rich beta-glucan to form an 8-hour time-release moisturizing layer over skin. It locks in active ingredients and mineral water. What's the best part? It tastes like watermelon and yes, it's the best lip sleeping mask I've ever tried!

7. BLISS® LEMON + SAGE SOAPY SUDS BODY WASH

Bliss Lemon Plus Sage Soapy Suds jump-starts your morning with its invigorating body cleansing action. This fragrant body wash or bubble bath gently removes dirt and oil while comforting and moisturizing your skin. Glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin. Aloe soothes inflammation and irritation. Vitamin E softens the skin and fights free radicals.

8. BLISS® LEMON + SAGE BODY BUTTER

Lemon + Sage Body Butter - Bliss' Lemon + Sage Body Butter restores moisture to even the most 'rough and scaly skin' as it protects the skin from free radicals. It smooth's, softens, and hydrates dry skin, without making it feel greasy. Used in over 70,000 Bliss Spa massages every year worldwide, this superior skin-smoothing formula has gained a huge following - making it one of Bliss' best selling products. I am a definite fan of the product. 

9. JIN SOON NEO POP COLLECTION

Pop art has been a major source of inspiration since the inception of the JINsoon nail lacquer line, so it was only fitting that JINsoon teamed up with Korean Pop Artist, Hyang- Sook Yun, for the JINsoon Neo-Pop Collection. Hyang-Sook is known for super-imposing dot matrix patterns as a transformative medium over silhouette-like archetypal images. The various shades, all yielding an Andy Warhol-like result goes perfect for an iconic product such as JINsoon nail lacquer. I've been using their collections for years and it's my favorite nail polish brand.

10. GIVENCHY EAUDEMOISELLE DE GIVENCHY EXTRAVAGANT

Magnetic spices are blended with green citrus notes, followed by blossoming tuberose, and heightened by the warm, animalistic, and milky facets of vanilla bean on a sensual woody background. Adorned in matte black warmed by the golden lettering, the bottle presents a refined and modern design. Extravagant celebrates a heady and addictive flower, revealing an intense and sensual floral trail for a bewitching, self-assured, and intrepid woman.

11. URBAN DECAY COSMETICS DISCO QUEEN HOLOGRAPHIC STICK

This holographic highlighter creates an iridescent, multidimensional sheen that looks amazing on any skin tone. Use a little for a subtly ethereal shimmer, or keep layering for an intensely holographic highlight. This silky, lightweight formula glides on, flashes down, and has an airy finish so it won't interfere with your complexion makeup.

12. URBAN DECAY COSMETICS HOLOGRAPHIC POWDER

A lightweight, insanely pretty powder that comes in a translucent, iridescent lavender shade and creates a luminous, holographic sheen. Take your glow into the next dimension with this lightweight, insanely pretty powder that creates a luminous, holographic sheen. Use a little for a more subtle glow, or build and layer to achieve a high-watt highlight. UD infused this velvety formula with lustrous pearl pigments. There's never any white cast just a pretty, luminous glow. And because this formula isn't pressed, the feel is ultra-lightweight.

13. MOUNT LAI JADE ROLLER

The jade roller is a Chinese skincare tool that has been used for thousands of years. Perfected throughout the centuries, this facial massager was built to have a cooling, soothing effect on the skin. Besides improving overall health and radiance of the skin, jade rolling has a multitude of benefits such as improving blood circulation, reducing puffiness and inflammation of the skin, and relieving facial and jaw tension. I have to say it might seem silly using something like this when it comes to skincare, but it's really great for de-puffing. (Love it around the eye area.)

LOVE & XX'S,

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London Fashion Week AW 18 Full Recap

All photos & edits by: Suzanne Spiegoski

XU ZHI

Known for his deconstructed fabrics and feminine silhouettes, Xuzhi Chen's was born in Shenzhen but is based in London. Chen studied foundation art in London, then fashion in 2010, graduating in 2015. Having done internships with menswear designer Craig Green and J.W. Anderson, he's now part of that booming hub of designers based in Dalston in East London. Also, a semi-finalist last year for the prestigious LVMH Prize and Asia finalist for the International Woolmark Prize proves his wizardry when it comes to fabrics. Chen looked to Jane Morris, wife of the textile designer William Morris and the lover of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who is one of the most recognised faces in art history for her famous pout, as well as the relationship between artist, muse and now, designer, which he states in the show notes in the relevancy of #TimesUp. The collection is filled with painting references, with the ankle length skirts and coats featuring a waxy finish, which mimics the sheen of oil paintings, while Chen’s yarn-braiding technique has been developed to make the fabric appear to have a brush stroke effect, and the deconstruction effects to the tailoring adds a textural element when paired with wide-leg trousers and pleated skirts. Definitely, a designer to watch out for - Xu Zhi will be a household name in the very near future. By far one of my favorite presentations during London Fashion Week.

AMY THOMSON

Emerging designer Amy Thomson poses the question: What do a princess, baker and a hairdresser look like from a child’s perspective with her playful autumn/winter 2018 collection ‘Chasin’ Dreams’. With the models standing amongst floating clouds, the eight oversized pink outfits really brought the idea of fantasy and dreams - each showcasing the profession as seen by a child, with also the help from the designer’s larger-than-life hand-rendered drawings that produced charming prints, motifs, and illustrations to form the narrative of the collection, ensuring that no two garments are the same. Metallic based textures created a sparkling performance. Feminine silhouettes, with giant bow ties and illustrative frills made for a fun slumber party feel. The use of silks, faux fur, and leathers using a palette of fuchsias, baby pink, hot pink that contrast with the royal blues and lilacs. Illustrations upon metallic fabric are layered and stitched on the faux fur. Thomson also collaborated with headwear designer Katie Hamlett from Sassy Freak featuring a range of tiaras of iconic childhood toys such as Barbie heads and My Little Pony. Commenting on the collection, Thomson said: “Telling a narrative and connecting with an audience is very important to myself as a designer. Chasin’ Dreams is based on real muses, real stories and my own and there is no story truer than the one you are living.”

CLAIRE TAGG

What do you get when you combine glamour with destructed textures? A dramatic yet opulent range. Debuting her collection in London at Fashion Scout's Freemasons Hall, Claire Tagg brought her inspiration from her travels as an air hostess. A graduate of University of Creative Arts, Rochester, Tagg was awarded the New Designers Hainsworth Statement Award, as well as being named the runner-up in the prestigious womenswear award at Graduate Fashion Week. Her AW 18 collection demonstrated Tagg’s signature layered aesthetic using digital printing to create rich textures of ripped paper alongside a cherry blossom print and elaborate embellishments, which were all placed by hand. There were structured jackets and blazer style dresses juxtapositioned with oversized full skirts and ballgowns created from Duchess Satin that really brought out sophistication and elegance. The accessories were also prominent with colorful earrings and fabric belts with plane seatbelt fastenings. Cute.   

UNDERAGE STUDIO

I found it extra cool being able to visit the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) during London Fashion Week (LFW), where also the UNDERAGE AW18 present took place. The designer, Ying Shen was born in Beijing China, where she initially studied graphic design, using multimedia techniques from film, to animation and 3D modeling before moving to London to pursue fashion design studies at Central Saint Martins School of Art & Design. The collection transported us to the underground punk movement from the 70s and late 90s. The UNDERAGE AW18 collection titled “Riots of Our Own” comments on the rebellious and social disruption of the era – and what that means for someone of a similar mindset today. A celebration of self-expression, independence, and nonconformity, acknowledges the makers of change from the past and applying it to a personal, modern-day fight for the future. Real eye-catching presentation.

MIMI TRAN DESIGNS

I'm not one to wear gowns, but if I had to (yes, how painful) I'd definitely go with San Francisco-based designer Mimi Tran. Her AW 18 collection consisted of a color palette with uncommonly rendered icy tones of gold, cool blue and dark pink among others. She is known for her artisan hand beading and the use of colors to full effervescent effect, the detailing of cutting-edge dimensional patterns evoked depth and with graceful movement. 

EDELINE LEE

I never thought I'd attend a secret Zen garden during my time in London a couple of weeks ago, but I did for Edeline Lee's presentation. Inspiration from holistic practices of the East infused within her collection with technique draping and most especially, my favorite, tassel trimmings that were similar to Ayurvedic robes. It refined a traditional cape coat with subtle sophistication. There were even gong players to immerse guests and a set dotted with serene topiary-style sculptures. Dark floral jacquards were in respects to the Garden of Eden, naturally along with Pilgrim collars, origami pleats, and an overall monastic tone. This collection is very appealing for those looking for a modest option but with a fashion-forward slant. Just lovely. 

MALAN BRETON

Self-taught, Taiwanese-born designer, Malan Breton, demonstrated strong and seductive pieces in his AW 18 collection titled, 'Omega.' His unusual colors, textures, and silhouettes pair a playfulness with drama - a consistent love of contrasts like my favorite: Hard leather silhouettes pressed up against soft Taiwanese florals. Plum, navy blue, and bright orange colors stuck out, especially a men's patent leather orange jacket. Think lavish splendor with theatrical fashion. Breton's numerous awards, including the FGI Rising Star Award 2016 and the Taiwan Tourism Award for contributions to Fashion and Media, along with some pretty impressive showbiz credits, including costuming Breaking Bad and MTV’s VMAs, speak for themselves. 

 

steventai

steventai’s AW18 presentation brought the neon streets of Macau to London Fashion Week with a unique digitally augmented experience. Created in collaboration with San Francisco film tech experts ILMxLAB (Lucasfilm’s immersive entertainment division), the presentation carried us into a hyper-real world inspired by the ‘Las Vegas of the East’. Models dressed in softly structured velvet and corduroy pantsuits and flowered dresses with trench coats, and my favorite, the accessories such as clear grocery tote bags and clear umbrellas, elevated the workwear with luxurious detail and lavish material. Among the models was an avatar, generated with real-time CGI and dressed in digitally formed garments as part of the collection. Perhaps this is a new way we will see and shop fashion in the future?

AADNEVIK

Aadnevik is a London based luxury label directed by Hila & Kristian Aadnevik renowned internationally for their characteristic feminine, opulent, alluring designs. Presenting their new Swan Lake inspired collection at London Fashion Week AW18 in an opulent historical setting of a grandiose library at One Whitehall Place, the collection is inspired by the classic story of Odette and Odile, where light and dark contrast each other, like good and evil, and romance and tragedy. A woman can be strong and soft at the same time and makes no difference when it comes to undying love. And you can sense this form of unconditional emotion through the pieces, intricate beadwork with silver metal and pearls, delicate French lace was adorned with black and red hearts, beads, crystals, stars, feathers, and flowers. Sensual yet ethereal. Hair by Moroccan Oil, makeup by Bellápierre Cosmetics, nails by Candy Coat. 

PAUL COSTELLOE

Paul Costelloe presented to us, volume and print for this year's AW 18 collection. For his collection, he used quite neutral colors like shades of browns, greens, greys and a pop of colors like the yellows and pinks. A variety of fabrics like tweed looked terrific in a cinched-in jacket over floaty layers of chiffon and also in a flattering A-line dress with a contrasting top with peplum. Striking yellow and blue fabric in the generous oversized formal skirt which stood out from the 60s-look show.

PAULA KNORR

Hollywood glamour can be badass too. A sensually powerful collection, Paula Knorr's AW18 Collection was full of body-hugging lamé and seductive sparkles. With clashing fabrics and dramatic shapes, the looks drastically push the boundaries of evening wear into abstract realms, all the while keeping the looks as glitzy and glamorous as Hollywood’s elite. From emblazoning flares with an abundance of sequins to layering block color on block color fearlessly (hello, to the power of red), to even bringing back sheer materials, the collection was vibrant and unforgiving. And what brought it all together was Jazz singer, Laura Totenhagen, who set feminist poetry to music, using her voice and a loop pedal, made it an exceptionally atmospheric experience.

EUDON CHOI

The catch of the day. St. Ives, Cornwall inspiration // plush fisherman vibes with traditional technique and a touch of rugged romanticism. By far one of my favorite collections of London Fashion Week, Korean-born designer Eudon Choi, translated the relationships between these Cornish artists and their environment to create a collection that pays homage to St Ives as a muse to so many artists and a place of artistic pilgrimage. He celebrates the abstract art and Cornish light as well as paying homage to the brave fishermen who worked the harsh sea and the tin and copper miners who were once such an important part of the Cornish way of ilfe. Since launching his eponymous label in 2009, Eudon has become a regular fixture at London Fashion Week. He has received numerous accolades for his work, most recently support from the British Fashion Council and the Fashion Trust through the Fashion Trust initiative, for the second time. Hair by Stephen Low at Neville for L'Oréal Professional // Makeup by Lucy Bridge for Streeters and the MAC Cosmetics Pro Team // Nails by Jessica Nails. 

LOVE & XX'S,

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L'ADRESSE NYC

This post is brought to you by L'ADRESSE NYC, but all opinions are my own. 

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At L’ADRESSE they serve innovative breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus, as well as pâtisserie created on site in the classic French tradition. Their diverse beverage program includes artisanal cocktails, fruit and vegetable blends, spritzers and one-of-a-kind coffee drinks prepared by an award-winning barista team. We're talking over 40 national and international awards for coffee excellence and hospitality! And well-deserved. Whether you want to enjoy a single cup of espresso or a complete dining experience, come take a read about my experience in this convivial atmosphere and laid-back attitude that made me feel so welcome and full at the same time. :) 

L’ADRESSE utilizes the latest trends in restaurant design resulting in a warm and welcoming walk-in atmosphere where guests can enjoy the highest quality of service, hospitality, and accessible pricing. Located right across the street from Bryant Park, it's perfect for both tourists and New Yorkers - it is one of a handful of restaurants in the U.S. to use the Josper grill, popular throughout Europe, to highlight the flavor of their meats, fish, and vegetables.

We tried the Wagyu carpaccio with Bayley Hazen blue cheese, bloomed mustard seeds, spring onions, and fig compote which was insanely delicious. And because it's #NationalSoupMonth, and the fact that I'm soup-obsessed, I tried both the classic borscht, a traditional beet soup with beef and crème Fraiche, and one of my favorite dishes we tried, their cauliflower soup with poached egg and garlic chili. A truly mind-blowing soup, I could eat it every day! We also had the seared sea scallops with truffle cauliflower purée, hazelnut brown butter, vincotto and a side of Brussel sprouts with Chinese sausage, sesame cilantro pesto, and chili lime vinaigrette. I loved the combination of flavors together, the scallops were perfectly cooked and service was top-notch. 

L’ADRESSE’s dessert repertoire includes fine patisserie created on site in the classic French tradition in collaboration with world-renowned pastry chefs. From the Chocolate Envy, a decadent chocolate mousse cake with hazelnuts to Smetannyk, a traditional sour cream layer cake to Tiramisu to Cheesecake and more, their menu is inspired by sweet flavors from around the world. They also offer whole cakes available to order in advance for pick up to celebrate those special occasions including birthdays and anniversaries. 

We weren't planning on dessert but once I saw their patisserie in the back, it was really hard to say no! We tried onyx, a Russian tea cake with white chocolate mousse with a bitter aloe twist in marble glaze. Never had this, even after having been to Ukraine - it was something new and fun to try. You can see it on my Highlights on Instagram for more, video and pics. We also had cheesecake with strawberry jam (out of this world) and Kimura, a French pistachio cake, refreshing lime, and passion fruit purée, that was superb. Really decadent and full of a variety of flavors, whether you just want a cup of coffee or a full meal, L'ADRESSE is definitely a place to check out in New York!

LOVE & XX'S,

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