Page 89 – Lemontrend

SYDNEY DUNCAN MODEL FASHION DESIGNER ILLUSTRATOR

Sallida | 28. June 2015 | Designers

Model, Illustrator and Fashion Designer

Sydney Duncan is a Model, Illustrator and Fashion Designer; in middle school, she ran a small black-market candy selling business. She would fill her ridiculously large purse to the brim with goods from Sam’s Club, and then throughout the day make secretive transactions in the darkest hollows of Lone Oak Middle like some sort of PBS looking, drug dealer. Others soon followed in her footsteps, and before she knew it there was a multitude of tiny illegal businesses hungering for a taste of her success. They couldn’t keep up. It was a lucrative gig until the vice-principal shut it down. Shut down her livelihood, he did.

‪She opens with this story only to give substance to her next statement:

"I have always been an innovator and a rule-breaker"

That, and because it is loads more interesting than the fact that I am a 19-year-old fashion designer and model living in Franklin TN (Just outside of Nashville). I began in the modeling industry at age 15, and along with doing that am currently studying fashion design at O’More College of Design. This model/designer thing is a pretty groovy combination, seeing as I get to model my own designs. I am in the beginning stages of my climb up the fashion ladder, so I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go. That being said, though my knowledge of the industry may not be deep, it is wide, and I would love to share with you everything that I can! I have dabbled in a wide variety fashion-wise, in that I have modeled print and runway, designed and constructed clothing, worked as a stylist and HMUA for shoots, etc. I would never be satisfied doing just one thing in the industry, so I am choosing to immerse myself in as much of it as I can. It’s a lot more exciting that way.

‪In my college years, the drive to build my empire is nearly overflowing, except nowadays I don’t sell candy, I sell my brand.

‪When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

‪I have always had a pretty distinct style, fluffy tutus, and vintage hats both a common component to my daily “casual” look, but it was not until I neared the end of high school that I seriously considered a career in fashion design. I had been set on the course to major in visual arts for almost as far back as I can remember, but although I love to draw and paint, the idea of solely doing either day in and day out seemed a little mundane. Fashion, on the other hand, excites me. The idea that my art can transcend gallery walls and come to life on the bodies of strangers is almost dreamlike. To think that my work’s story is only beginning when it leaves my hands, that its meaning evolves as its wearer’s experiences within it expand. It is like a chronic art installation. That being said, I can’t tell you that every day I am totally head over go boots for the industry, I have had more than a few stress-induced, “what am I doing with my life?!” moments, but every time that I think the flame is about to die, gasoline spills all over it.

What is it like being in the Fashion industry?

It gets pretty stressful, especially on the clothing construction front. Creating a seemingly simple shirt can be a grueling process, but the satisfaction of looking over a freshly finished garment never gets old. On top of the tediousness, fashion in itself is almost impossibly fast-paced.

‪As technology improves, styles begin evolving faster and faster, and it seems like the industry can just barely keep up. The fortunate side to this would be that there is no longer one style that everybody must adhere to. Fashion today is a collage of history, and it is beautiful to see the sheer delicacy of Egyptian times mingle so effortlessly with the edgy geometry of the 60s. Modeling, on the other hand, is not quite so labor-intensive and (in my opinion) much more fun, but let's be honest, getting half-naked for grown men with cameras is not the safest line of work. It is the sect of the fashion industry riddled with scams, some promising fame in exchange for your life savings, and others trying to lure you in so that they may do God knows what to you. I have to be cautious. Furthermore, there are very specific qualifications to be met in the modeling world, and oftentimes something as trivial as an inch thicker (or thinner, believe it or not) around the hips can disqualify you from a job. This only serves as a reminder that there is no point in trying to conform to a certain “look” because tomorrow it may be old news. I have learned to work what I have because confidence is much more attractive than conformity.

‪What was your first job in the fashion industry?

At age 15 I began working as a fashion model, a term I use loosely, as jobs were few and far between for the first few years. This fact was frustrating and utterly confusing. I had a lot of improvement to make, of course, but as far as raw potential was concerned, I had “it”. However, the “it” factor has never been enough in my case. I have grown to both accept and embrace this. I am a very spiritual person, and in my eyes, the roadblocks seem almost too convenient, like God is piling bricks in front of me and saying, “Show me what you got.” So I am. I’m always up for a good challenge.

Describe what do you do in your work?

Currently, I am a fashion design major at O’More College of Design in Franklin, TN, where I am learning and practicing design, clothing construction, fashion forecasting, and so on. My strengths and weaknesses have never been more apparent, and my patience is tested on daily. I’m learning how to break certain rules, how to follow others, and how to distinguish which instances call for which.

‪As a model, I am dabbling in a multitude of different areas of the fashion world beyond what design school is teaching me. I will often times double as a stylist or makeup artist in my own shoots and am continuously networking with photographers, stylists, makeup artists, designers, agencies, merchandisers, models, etc. That seems to be most of what I do these days, networking, and it is a very time-consuming job with little monetary payoff, but it is crucial. The industry is full of moving parts, and it is vital to understand how necessary each of these, as well as your connection to them, are.

‪As far as my artistic process is concerned, I typically like to let the materials inspire me. I feel them and stretch them every which way across my dress form until inspiration strikes. I follow a similar lack of guidelines when modeling, and I am sort of like the fabric in that sense, how my body is pushed and pulled naturally by the energy of a shoot into sometimes-unnatural shapes. Sometimes-painful shapes. Heck, sometimes my thighs end up sorer from holding a pose than from doing lunges.

‪What do you like about your work?

‪I love all of the people that I meet. That probably goes against everything anybody has ever heard about people in the fashion industry, I myself have only ever heard them described as words like ruthless and demanding, but in my experience that has yet to be the case. The majority of those I have met have been the best kind of people: artistic, eccentric, driven, determined, and with any luck a little crazy. They do more than just take what they want out of life, they make it. They are inspiring. I just love people who let you into their heads like that… it is such a raw and honest thing to do. Unless you yourself are an artist, it is challenging to understand how vulnerable it feels to show the world what you create. It’s like a public diary, and it makes you subject to a lot of criticism. To pour your deepest and most personal inner workings into a piece of art (a photograph, or garment, or what-have-you) knowing that there will always be somebody there to figuratively rip it to shreds, somebody who wants to tell you everything wrong with how you think, feel, and express yourself… to know that and do it anyway, that’s pretty badass if you ask me.

What advice would you pass along to those starting out in the Fashion Business?

Don’t always follow the rules. No great designer in history (that I am aware of) did, and that’s what made them great. It’s risky, yeah, but win or lose, a little risk always makes for a better story later. You have to stick to your aesthetic, even when your peers and leaders turn their noses up at it. I’m not saying to ignore some good old constructive criticism, there is always room for improvement, but never let your spice be dulled by the milk of boring people. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things for fear that they may not work out. Everything is an opportunity, failure included. If you really want to get somewhere, you need to internalize that. Every single “no” that you get is a step in the right direction, but only if you allow that to be the case. You have to let the rejection strengthen you and teach you because honestly, you’re going to learn a heck of a lot more from one “no” than you are from 100 “yes”’s.

What inspires you?

It’s much harder for me not to be inspired than it is to be inspired. I’d have to be putting in a lot of effort in order to look at something and not ‪see artistic potential of some sort. Perhaps that’s just how I’m wired, or ‪maybe conditioned, at this point, it's hard to tell. Sometimes I think it would be nice to just turn it off for a few hours and simply admire the beauty of what is in front of me for what it is, rather than what I could make it. All and all though, I really do like how my mind works, it’s a fun little mess.

Photo-Credits:

Matt Andrews

Photographer/HMUA: Nicovision

BARCLAYCARD BRITISH SUMMER TIME HYDE PARK 2015

Sallida | 25. June 2015 | Events

Today we bring you guys the Barclaycard British Summer Time Hyde Park 2015, a stellar line up with highlight performances from Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones, Mika

From the moment I stepped into the VIP Summer Garden with my guest, creative fashion director Michael Dye, I knew this was going to be a special experience. From the parched manicured park, we were welcomed by the AEG team event organizers who were in full great spirits to the coolest, most sought after the event on London’s calendar.

The garden had a great vibe. Guests excited and ready to party with the talents of a great line up of “must-see” performers. A mixture of fabulous eateries, a chill-out area of giant oversized cushions on the lawn enticed us to flop into them with a cheeky bottle of Rose Californian vino.

Standing to attention were the enigmatic, immaculate Qantas crew welcoming guests to their VIP enclosure. I resisted being naughty and saying “Chicken or beef” as they are renowned for their onboard culinary delights.

As the garden filled up, the anticipation for all grew, especially from myself as I became unbearable with excitement as my ‘virginity` was about to be snatched away as a first-timer to see legendary Grace Jones. But before he was a rather wonderful pre teaser before such a climax.

MIKA

Was it the custom made attire or rich brown tousled hair that bounced around his perfectly formed handsome face that caught my attention.? Well, it was a great initial starter. However, as soon as his vocals projected across the park to the furthermost oak tree, I was smitten. His talents are in those variations of notes he can hit as he effortlessly goes into gear to hit falsetto tones. A dynamic performer with well-thought lyrics. I picked up on an undertone of Freddy Mercury. Well, he certainly has the energy to match as his tactile toned body flung around the stage including on top of a black high gloss grand piano. His seductive signature look, head tilted, staring directly to the camera was accentuated to his audience on the giant digital screens framed on stage by surreal awesome trees that could’ve been from a “Lord of the Rings” set. A perfect treat on the ears and soul as he put his hands up to pray to the above to pay homage for the fine ladies in the audience.

GRACE JONES

Have you ever stood before a fully loaded high-speed tribal voodoo train and received the full impact of it? Welcome to the iconic legendary Jones who can flatten out a park with her you won't dare to ever forget me stage presence. Making an entrance is what she has mastered. Strutting on stage with the most jaw-dropping gold metallic skull headpiece framed by black giant feather plumes. She sent her audience delirious as items of clothing dropped off her. What I initially thought was a skin-tight bodysuit with tribal markings suddenly became a realization that only Jones could carry this off as this was no second skin layer. Bearing her flesh only accentuated more what an exotic magnificent creation she is with her toned muscular figure, black marble skin, and panther-like moves. The show was a creative explosion of outfit changes. As for her antics on stage, it was an assortment of outrageous remarks to the crowds, strutting, dancing, gyrating that went to borderline madness. At one point she stood at the base of a pole as a semi-clad muscular male dancer wrapped himself and writhed like an anaconda while she frantically waved her Voodoo stick over him, dressed in a reed tribal skirt complete with under pannier. She took engaging with an audience to another level. Grabbing a very well built stage security personal, she straddled his shoulders risking asphyxiating him with her phenomenal endless legs. To the delight of her fans, he walked through them as she belted out her vocals wearing an extraordinary white fern-like headpiece complete with a white wig. This Jamaican born talented singer, songwriter, actress, model, record producer though is not just about being outrageous. She has musical genres that can range from reggae, funk, new wave, R and B, disco. Endless numerous hits, but we have always been here, “Slave to the Rhythm”. Well, I may be flattened by the freight train and my virginity no more. But boy you couldn’t ask for a better way to lose it.

KYLIE MINOGUE

There couldn’t be a more appropriate stage design consisting of gigantic disco mirror balls suspended at the top for the titled pop Princess Kylie. What else would you expect from the delicious diva to make her entrance in, draped with a deep purple, white faux fur trim regal tunic and revealing an ensemble of black attire, a figure painted mini dress highlighting her famous curves and raunchy accessorizing. Adorned by a miniature coronet crown festooned on a base of scarlet red roses and black heels and matching flowers, she looked every inch the stylish Princess we all love. Never should an appearance be made without a headpiece, but I am obviously biased.
Kylie is globally hot property and she always leaves her audience hungry for more. Slick sexy dancers with precision razor-sharp choreography. But what her loyal fan base always comes back for is her archive of tunes that get all of us up dancing and wriggling our derriere.

Louis Mariette

WELCOME TO THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM

Sallida | 21. June 2015 | Lifestyle

Andy Warhol Museum Pittsburgh

The Andy Warhol Museum is the largest single-artist museum in the United States. It’s a treasure-trove of Warhol’s work and consists of paintings, sculpture, 610 Time Capsules, archival material, and thousands of photographs and drawings. The collection offers an intimate and comprehensive look at Warhol’s rich and varied practice. I am still surprised at the depth of the collection, and I am constantly discovering new facets of Warhol’s life and work.

What was the biggest influence of Andy Warhol?

Warhol had an early fascination with celebrity culture. As a child, he was diagnosed with St. Vitus Dance, a neurological disorder that left him home in bed, under his mother’s care and glued to the radio. During these early years, while recovering, he wrote to celebrities for their autographed headshots. The scrapbook of photographs is in the museum’s collection and offers a glimpse into Warhol’s early interest in icons of cinema and his studied understanding of what it meant to be a celebrity. From this early age, Warhol was grappling with the mechanics of fame and its inherent relationship with desire.

What distinguishes The Andy Warhol Museum?

The wonderful thing about the museum is that you get to really experience and understand Warhol’s practice as it developed through the decades. You can see amazing paintings by Warhol in many of the major museums in New York, NY, and Los Angeles, CA, but it is here in Pittsburgh, PA, that you can see masterworks as well as Warhol’s early student and commercial work. It’s a unique experience to see an artist’s student work in dialogue with his mature projects. For Warhol, the early techniques used for his graphic design work, cropping and selecting images with great currency, were fundamental to his work as a Pop artist. It was his ability to highlight these images, which were already circulating in American culture, reformat them, and reinstate them into the American unconscious. It’s the reason why so many of his paintings remain contemporary. Visitors can see Warhol’s student work in the exhibition which I just co-curated with Matt Wrbican, the museum’s chief archivist, Pearlstein, Warhol, Cantor: From Pittsburgh to New York.

How many time capsules were found after the death of Andy Warhol?

The museum has 610 Time Capsules in its collection. All have been opened, but we are still in the process of cataloging their contents. They represent another side of Warhol’s practice and his commitment to archiving his work and life.

How big is the art collection of Andy Warhol, and what does it include?

The art collection of The Andy Warhol Museum includes more than 8,000 works (900 paintings; approximately 100 sculptures; nearly 2,000 works on paper; more than 1,000 published and unique prints; and 4,000 photographs). The collection provides an in-depth view of every period of the artist's creative life, from the 1940s through the 1980s. Drawings by Warhol's mother Julia Warhola are also included in the art collection. The museum’s archives consist mainly of Warhol's papers and other materials from his estate. This includes source materials for his art (such as photographs, newspapers, and magazines); a portion of his personal collection of thousands of collectibles, books, and ephemera; 610 Time Capsules (a work of art assembled from archival materials from the artist's daily life); a nearly complete run of Interview magazine; more than 3,000 audiotapes; and clothing, scripts, diaries, and correspondence. The film & video collection includes 60 feature films, 200 of Warhol's Screen Tests, and more than 4,000 videos. Exhibition prints of all Warhol films and videos are added to the collection as they are preserved.

What is the masterpiece of Andy Warhol's work?

One of the masterworks, and one of my favorite paintings in the collection, is Elvis 11 Times(1963), a massive canvas (measuring 82 x 438 in.), which Warhol painted for his second solo show at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles, CA. It was also the first time that worked with an assistant, Gerald Malanga, who became interwoven into Warhol’s circle as an actor in his films and as a popular face in photographs from the Silver Factory. Warhol painted the Silver Elvis series as a complete installation that was meant to be hung from edge to edge in the gallery. Since he couldn’t make it to Los Angeles for the opening, he asked the gallery director Irving Blum to cut the canvases, which is why today the size of these canvases and the repetition of Elvis vary. The other wonderful quality about this painting is that it speaks to both film and painting. Elvis functions as an icon of the silver screen and his floating, fading image bends and blurs almost like a filmstrip, which is an effect that one can only experience in person. With this painting, Warhol was engaging the politics and boundaries of painting in a subtle and yet highly sophisticated manner.

What can we expect in the near future?

We’re starting to take a more contemporary approach to the exhibition calendar, while also still developing exhibitions that tell different, untold narratives about Warhol’s life and practice. We’re also engaging local artists. I’ve been developing an exhibition series called Exposures, which features the work of recent graduates and emerging artistic talent in Pittsburgh. Our summer and fall artists include Elizabeth A. Rudnick and Travis K. Schwab, both Pittsburgh painters.

For more information about the museum please visit: Warhol Museum

Interview courtesy of Warhol’s Assistant Curator Jessica Beck

ROYAL ASCOT 2015 BY LOUIS MARIETTE

Sallida | 14. June 2015 | Events

Royal Ascot Dress Code

With the Royal Ascot Britain wouldn’t be complete without one of the most glorious events on the social calendar that captures the very finest in equestrian sports. Showcasing the finest in traditional pomp and ceremony. The world's top jockeys, prestige horses attract global interest and of course, this means a plethora of fascinating, colorful guests attend were gallons of champagne, strawberries are consumed by all. It is a day of fun merriment and the dazzling occasion is covered by the world’s media as the Royal party makes their official entrance at 2 pm in grand splendor in open-air carriages. May I wish all those attending a fabulous time and of course I would love to share a few tips and suggestions to make it even more splendid.

Races’ official dress codes

Royal Ascot, The Epsom Derby, and the Hurling ham Club Polo require a smart outfit both for ladies and gentlemen within the parameters of formal wear, which make the experience of attendance, even more, niche and exciting.

At Ascot ladies’ hats (or eventually headpieces) must have a base of 4 inches (10 centimeters) or more in diameter for the royal and grandstand enclosures. Ladies’ dresses and skirts should be of modest length, just above the knee or longer. Also, trouser suits of full length are allowed.

Off the shoulder, uncovered midriffs, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch (2, 5 cm) are unsuitable.

Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress with a waistcoat and tie, a black or grey top hat and black shoes. The top hat may be removed within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility's terrace, balcony or garden. Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Garden. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country or service dress. Girls and boys should also be dressed in accordance with gentlemen and ladies’ codes, although hats are not compulsory for them.

This smart dressing code ensures the events to remain an iconic example of pure timeless chic Britishness.

Looking fabulous at the races

My top and most important “Tip du jour” is quite simple: be confident!

Ascot dates back to 300 years. It represents the event where society would flock to be seen and promenade the latest styles. Great style icons such as the Duchess of Devonshire never put a silk heel out of place when it came to her attire. Her most opulent hat became famous as the Gainsborough hat, from what she wore to sit for the artist himself.

Going back in history, there was the famous ‘Black Ascot’. When Edward VII passed away, the ‘Black Ascot’ took place. Everyone wore their finest outfits, embroidered, laces, plumes, accessories, all in black. This later became the inspiration to Cecil Beaton's black and white scene in ‘My Fair Lady’.

For me, great style is an individual attitude being graceful yet with a fabulous deportment. Dressing up to any event like this is about carrying it off like the swan, effortlessly. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident! Remember: at the end the day, is about enjoying yourself and not taking it too seriously.

If you lack confidence and are wary of press photographers zooming in on you, then take a few minutes when getting ready to practice in the mirror. The key is to relax and keep it natural. Your posture should be upright, shoulders up, arch lower back; breath in so upper chest is fuller, elongate neckline as this also accentuates millinery better. Think of the days as a child being taught ballet, well, this is the time to showcase it!!! A good bit of advice is to research some of the great stars who entertain the media: Sophia Loren would be one of my top choices.

Never smoke and the only glass you carry should be champagne. Also, I personally wouldn’t advise wearing sunglasses unless you really know it’s working with your look.

What style icons inspire you most at the races?

To keep you in tune with what is current with designers and the stars look out for the big carpet events such as BAFTA and The Oscars, at which stars appear at their best. So much can be learned here about getting it right and, well, about getting it so wrong.

Although there are a plethora of ladies I admire, I am mentioning just those that I consider the great inspiration for the races. I am a great believer that true style is ageless, colorless, not about size and it is all about your inner goddess.

Where else to start but the Duchess of Cambridge: she has hit the global stage at breathtaking breakneck speed, with so much media coverage, there is the risk of endless faux pas. But, I have to say she has never got it wrong. The key to her success is less is more. She knows her style and more importantly it fits the Royal protocol. In a few year's time, I would love to see her outfit developing to more couture statement pieces, especially the cocktail dresses. She has the figure, poise and can carry it off as well as anyone. Plus it would be a huge bonus supporting British designers.

Penelope Cruise exudes Spanish charm and melts the camera with her personality and warm, uplifting energy. She is every designer’s dream. She can flitter before jeans and simple top to couture dresses and still look fabulous. It’s her sexiness and refined style that keeps her on top of her game.

Christina Ricci is perfection and should be bottled as a perfume. Put her in a Givenchy dress and you will see how she can work an outfit. She can carry off strong makeup that should be reserved by only a select few ladies. I could see her wearing different looks that suit her quirkiness.

I adore Judi Dench. She is the kind of mature lady that I admire in so many ways. On numerous occasions, I meet ladies saying to me they don’t feel comfortable wearing millinery as they feel hats are young ladies’ accessory. I adorn them with a hat and ‘voilà’, I have another lady converted to the love of millinery.

I and half of the planet are drawn to a celebrity with great curves and jaw-dropping Grammy Award-winning voice: Adele. She has captured the world’s hearts with her refreshing down to earth attitude. I am enamored of her total by dressing in signature black. For years I have been harping on that no matter what size we are, we must embrace, celebrate and love our physique. She is a fine example of how a fuller figure lady can carry off a look so well, again it is all about real confidence and believing in yourself.

So what advice can I give on celebrities to inspire you? Well, if you have the time, have some fun doing the following: create a mood board. Get an A4 piece of card, flip through all your favorite fashion magazines and cut out the outfits, accessories, and celebrities you like. Once you have created your board, start to take elements and build up your look. Remember, this can be a gentle guide to your current style or if you are feeling like a radical makeover then goes for it. However, before you go for any extreme change, I would definitely suggest you put yourself into the hands of a professional stylist and get the honest advice of a best friend/family member.

Your Style: Dress to Impress:

Be realistic and honest with yourself. Only go for a look that you know you can carry off effortlessly whether it is statement couture or eccentric. If a statement hat is required, don’t get lost in it but held yourself regally as if it is an extension of you. Explore vintage dresses, you can rarely go wrong here and it is part of the quirkiness we adore the British for. Explore more ways to have your hair done. Putting your hair up in a French chignon to one side is very chic when wearing a hat, as this elongates the neck and is flattering in photos.

Accessory Alert

Let’s face it, ladies, our total weakness is shopping and a splurge on accessorize is akin to falling into a bathtub of warm chocolate! When it comes to the races finishing off your look may be about minimizing your accessories, as your main feature is your hat. Downsize jewelry, especially earrings, stylish clutch bags are great and can be custom made if you decide to have a bespoke dress made. I love delicate details such as gloves, especially vintage style lace. Checkout Stardust online vintage boutique or have a fun Saturday morning exploring the fabulous Portobello market. As far as shoes are concerned, we are spoilt by some incredible cobblers who make creations that could stand quite comfortably on a plinth as an art installation in a museum. I should be somewhat responsible and give you some practical tips as it is the races: it is a long day so comfort is necessary. However, I won’t be so tedious and bore you with all this, because let’s face it, if you are a shoe addict then your prime belief is beauty knows no pain! Hereafter, some of my favorite designers: Roger Vivier’s feather sandals that could be matched to a fabulous feather hat; Daniele Michetti’s creative accessories that will make you feel unique; Brian Atwood’s eccentric shoes that will match well your glamour colorful dress; Stuart Weitzman’s elegant bags to enrich your outfit; Burak Uyan’s contemporary creations; Christian Louboutin’s trademark glossy red soles that are an undisputed stamp of fashion excellence; and finally Jimmy Choo Couture, where you can have the master create a bespoke work of art.

Please Look at MY HAT…

Some horse meetings attract the media worldwide and one of the most talked-about subjects is what the ladies are wearing and of course…‘their hats’. So I cannot emphasize the importance of getting a pretty spot-on ensemble as in my experience I have seen media coverage that can be cruel showing the best but also the worst dressed and trust me… comments can be cruel. However, let’s not get you overly concerned about that as I am sure you will get it right and remember that the day is about enjoyment and not fear of a camera zooming in on you.

Every year I am asked what the current hat color to wear is. To be honest I personally would not recommend one. Millinery is a passion, expressing your individual style and taste. This is a great time to express who you are whether understated or quirky. Start by choosing your hat and work the outfit from there. Choose a color that you adore and remember that the races are all about variety, textures, prints to blocking colors so try not to restrict yourself. We all look forward to the Queen arriving in wonderful color variations… well, she is not dictated by fashion.

How the hat is trimmed could be what really creates the ‘wow’ factor turning the heads of your admiring onlookers. There are endless hat embellishments from feather plumes, quills, fabric pleats, silk flowers, pearls, crystals, vintage elements. Your milliner, if that is ‘Moi’, is creating a bespoke hat, and you can explore the shapes of the brim being blocked and reverse it so the look becomes more unique. Maybe elongate the crown or bunch flowers in the inner of the brim so it silhouettes your face. If you are intending to be photographed, reduce the width of the brim. Millinery comes in endless shapes so take your time exploring what works for you. The most important thing is you wear a hat and not vice versa and enjoy the day with a glass of bubbly.

What hats to choose to suit your features…

I am always asked what face shapes work with styles of hats. I have listed some guidelines. However, with past experience I would strongly advise that wearing a hat is such a personal experience. Much of it is about you emulating your style and carrying off the hat with your inner confidence. If for example, you were in a department store, take your time trying on hats and enjoying the moment. I can bet when you put on the hat that best suits you, you will know instantly it’s the one. Shop assistants and critical friends are there to guide you and when you wear "the" hat, it will be love at first sight.

First, it is important to determine your face shape to get that special hat. Therefore, look at yourself in the mirror and with a lipstick outline your face on it…

If you have a round face shape remember that the crown of the hat has to be broader than your face, prefer broad and asymmetrical brims to small ones and try to avoid round crowned hats. The best way to wear your hat is at an angle to confer the illusion of lengthening your face.

An oval face? Well, most hats fit your face but they should be appropriate to your height. Wear it tilted towards the eye brown and across the hair.

If you have a square face, prefer wearing tall or round crown hats with asymmetrical and circular brims. Wear your hat slightly slanted to hide your square edges.

Oblong face- Choose full brim hats and avoid high crowns and narrow shapes. Achieve a good balance!

If you have a heart-shaped face, avoid heavy and large hats, make sure you wear those hats which are small and have trims.

To sum up, remember that the crown of the hat has to be broader than your cheekbones and that a petit lady should avoid brim hats as they can overwhelm your overall appearance. Moreover, angle your hat in many ways as this can be the twist that adds character.

Dos and Don’ts:

Ladies

Dresses must adhere to height restrictions, as we have previously mentioned. It would be disappointing to be turned away after making such an effort.
Use shawls to cover your shoulders in Royal enclosures.
Remember with millinery that the crown must be covered.
Minimize overconsumption of alcohol and constantly hydrate, it’s a long day especially if it is a hot one.
Apply simple and precise makeup. Have pre-trials if you are going bold and out of your unusual parameters.
Fake tanning is a risk area. If you are going to do it, don’t let it be your first time at the races… I have witnessed tangerine, orange horrific moments.
Moisturize the whole body especially those fabulous legs.
Carry a sample size of your favorite perfume as well as a water mister for refreshing the makeup on hot days.
Minimize the amount of staff to carry, but be armed for variable British weather.
Don’t overplay the cleavage, it may be considered borderline vulgar.
Chipped nails… ‘Quelle horreur’.
Always carry spare hairpins for hats and for windy days.
Get Indore as soon as possible if it rains, you need to protect your hat!
Look to celebrities as points of inspiration but remember what works for them might not be ideal for you.
Only be escorted by a gentleman!

Gentlemen

You are taking a lady out so play the gentleman role to perfection.
Remember polished shoes, well-groomed.
Choose a suit that doesn’t look like it has come from the office. Go for sharp tailoring. I advise Ozwald Boateng or maybe go for a bit of British quirky individual style.
The tie can be an expressive accessory but please no cartoon prints!

I personally find that a man in full top n tail is the supreme in elegance.

Louis Mariette

Credits:

Philip Volkers

TRAVEL DIARY MARRAKESH DAY 3

Sallida | 11. June 2015 | Lifestyle

Travel Diary Marrakesh Day 3

Today we continue with the adventures of Louis Mariette in Marrakesh, as some of you already know, last week we brought you Day 2 and today we are delighted to bring you day 3 in Marrakesh…

Awkward Moment!

Now if there’s one thing that has to be on everybody’s to-do list, it’s a visit to the Hammams. These rituals play an important role in Moroccan life and society. The tradition of steaming and bathing with endless amounts of water being poured on you, followed by various levels of massage ranging from medium to something that feels like you’re being tortured! Well, I must have been feeling soft at heart on this occasion towards my sister, so I didn’t take her to a local establishment to give her the full experience, but instead to a more luxury venue that caters more for tourists. We get touted by a gentleman to visit this particular establishment. However, I’m glad we did. As we ascend to the top of the steps, we are greeted by a team of the most delightful ladies. What struck me as I looked up to the ceiling were the intricate stained glass windows with shards of sunlight streaming across the room and hitting the marble fountain with rose petals scattered delicately across the surface of the water. As the smoke of jasmine-scented joss sticks spiraled upwards, it created an environment of stylish Arabian mystique. Wendy and I looked at each other, sharing a smile knowing full well it was time for pampering, and this they do well in Morocco. The ladies, after serving mint tea, guided us to the locker room, showed us the lockers to put our valuables in and handed us a robe and a pair of identical black pants. Although I had said nothing, I had thought they were rather skimpy. We were then led to the steam room, where the lady pointed for Wendy to sit and then invited me to sit opposite her. Already the billow of steam was welcomed on our skin. But what happened next neither of us was quite expecting. Before you knew it, my sister’s robe was whipped off by the lady only for me to be fully confronted by my sister in her glorious birthday suit! We both stared at each other stunned and then doubled over laughing. Since childhood, the worst thing is when we get a fit of giggles. Of course, this was the first time I’d ever seen my sister in such a ‘natural’ state, and of course more reason for this personal joke was the fact that myself and all my brothers used to torment Wendy, being the only girl in the family whose assets were as flat as pancakes! But being Wendy, who is quite capable of standing her ground, would retort back, “ Well boys, mine might be flat as pancakes, but when I’m old, nothing will be heading down south and everything will be part and still exciting!” …of course, she was right! The fits of giggles continued to get worse because halfway through our steam when we were told to lie on the hot marble, we were both trying to out-psyche each other as the temperature became exceptionally unbearable! We were trying to outdo each other by playing it cool and calm. But it was when Wendy asked me her question quizzically, “You know the pants they gave us to wear, how are you as a man supposed to cover your modesty with this tiny piece of string at the front? “ I instantly replied, “Darling, the steam has got to your head, you have your thong on back to front!”

Jardin Majorelle

One of Morocco’s treasures is the Jardin Majorelle, a plot of 12 acres of meticulously covered rare botanical marvels. It has to be visited first thing in the morning while the light is fresh highlighting the kaleidoscope of colors of opening blooms. This is also the best way to fully appreciate the gardens- tourist-free. It’s like a picture postcard with the contrast of bougainvillea’s spilling against the signature cobalt blue walls and fountains. It is like a fusion of the Greek island of Mykonos with an Arabic flavor.

أتمنى لكم رحلة من العمر

I visited this garden before and dragged Wendy off with much excitement to my personal favorite surreal spot. This veranda has a boundary of latticework that overlooks a long clean-lined water feature with its avenue lined with serene bamboo. The sounds of birds add to this Garden of Eden. Some of the feathered creatures that dance around us are endemic to North Africa. The garden was designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle. Thankfully such passion continued as Pierre Bergé and legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent took ownership in the ’80s. It seemed like a perfect and fitting way to end our blissful trip, to pay homage to the king of fashion whose ashes lay scattered in the place he loved so dearly. I take my hat off to a man of such talent.

''Wishing you journeys of a lifetime''

Louis Mariette