Jewellery designer, muse and model Tina Chow is a style icon. Known for her minimalist style the icon was never far from her fuss free short slicked back hair, minimal garments and perspex jewellery of her own design. Photographed by Andy Warhol, friends with the likes of Basquiat, she influenced and inspired the scene she was very much a part off. Her timeless style inspires till this day and many a stylist and fashion designer has been drawn to her aesthetic, pulling elements from her look. It is no wonder her style has stood the test of time, it's clean lines is ageless.
My Style | Crochet Dreams
I like a good crochet. Infact I like anything that reminds me of the 70s. Macrame, crochet, knit and more. When the crochet is in garment form the like doubles. Thank you to Zara for crochet knitwear that cheers on even the dreariest of days. Some tan boots and I'm good to go. What cheers you up? Are crochet what your dreams are made of?
Beauty Icon | Lupita Nyong'o
Images via Google.
Lupita Nyong'o is a beauty icon. The actress of Kenyan heritage has heralded her natural coily hair texture both on magazine covers and at events. She has become known for gracing the red carpet with natural hairstyles diverse as they are beautiful. She is a champion for embracing natural black hair and turning back the hand on its negative stereotypes. In an industry which champions a more Caucasian aesthetic, Lupita stance has helped give those of a black heritage a positive role model that they can identify with. Today I celebrate her not only as a positive role model but also a personal who will long be looked at as a beauty icon.
Trend | Barrettes & Hairclips
Image via Matches Fashion.
Hair clips are having a moment. From Shrimp's high end crystal barrette to Zara on the high street. There is one for every girl and every price point. This holiday juxtapose a beautiful clip with a pair of trainers. Or even better, think about unusual placement to add an air of freshness and modernity to your look. Making your overall look more fashion and less high school prom. Have fun with it.
My Style | Stripe
Top & trousers from Zara | Shoes by New Look
I love a good stripe. The only thing better than a stripe is a stripe on stripe. Zara make a good stripe. I like how these pants lengthen my legs and paired with the stripe top it is a party waiting to happen. One topped off by a headwrap.
Beauty Look | Anok Yai
Image via Twitter.
Twenty year old Anok Yai stuns with a golden highlighter that shows she has the midas touch. The model absolutely glows and this is further exacerbated by the hue of the garments she has on. She looks great and I'm here for it.
Style Icon | Françoise Hardy
Image via Vogue.
Image via Vogue.
French girls do it best. Cannot believe this Françoise Hardy looks via @MissVogueUK are vintage. Each looks like it could be from modern day. Though these are outfits that Magpies will love both are unflappably cool. There is an air about her that transcends what she wears. Her looks from the 60s and 70s inspire till this day. The true makings of a style icon.
Current Crushes | Prada Nicole Saldana Jacquemus
Bag by Prada. Image via @voguemagazine
Bag by Jacquemus. Image via @voguemagazine
Clog by Nicole Saldana. Image via @voguemagazine
This week's crushes are all inspired by the 90s and perfect for the now. Pair Nicole Saldana's clog with 70s corduroy or a 90s slip dress. Jacquemus micro suede bag is perfect with everything, think everything from a co-ordinating suit to bohemian florals. The Prada pouch is as 90s as it gets, wear with athleisure by day and with slinky evening wear by night.
Object Of Affection | Magda Butrym Heels
The oversize bow, the pearl anklet like detail, the shade of pink. Magda Butrym was on to a winner with her autumn winter 2018 collection Rodeo to Vegas with its western influence and 80's structure. These shoes are by far one of my favourite pieces. Object of my current affection. Magda keep it coming.
Art | Marian Kwei by Kofi4Art
Marian Kwei by @kof4art
A great art edit adds to a picture. Love what @kof4art does to photography particularly portraits. Draws you right in. His pop art is pretty fun too. Check him out at @kof4art on instagram.
Trend | Anklets
Image by Style Stalker
This trend has captured everyone's heart from the runway think Victoria Beckham to street style influencers like @styleheroine. A throwback to the 90s like bumbags and slip dresses, this trend has been embraced by fashion lovers and has been making the rounds since summer. If this one is not for you go for a heel with an embellished (think pearls as in the case of Magda Butrym) ankle strap. You cannot go wrong.
Interview | Lisa Folawiyo
Image via @lisafolawiyo
Image via @lisafolawiyo
It was a pleasure to interview Fashion Designer Lisa Folawiyo who is as much known for her ingeniously cut garments as she is her incredible personal style. She shared thoughts on her personal style as well as tips to looking great. Read on to discover her fabulous answers.
1. You are a fashion designer and arguably a style influencer. What informs your personal style and would you say that you are a style influencer ?
The things most important to me when shopping or getting dressed are my comfort, the clever detailing of any piece, the fit and quality. My personal style is really unfussy. I am quite laid back in my approach but still have fun with it, experimenting with colour and print for the most part..
2. You share outfit posts liked by masses of followers. How has this affected your personal style?
The fact that so many other people get to see my sartorial choices via social media hasn’t really affected my personal style.. I wear only what I love, that’ll never change.
3. How much of your personal style directs what you design for your collections?
Though I am designing for so many different women, I only design what I could and would wear. So from design to interpretation and then execution, I make sure every cut, the fit and detailing resonates strongly with my own personal style needs.
4. You have an enviable closet with shoes that many can only hope for. How do you pick which to buy each season?
They say a woman never has enough shoes. 🤗 I do love shoes. I believe shoes say more about you than the clothes you wear. Like I do with clothing, I am always on the look out for clever and fun details~From the choice of colour or fabrication or heel design. Heel height is also very important to me.. Comfort is key, but I am happy to let go of that every now and then. Some of the most beautiful shoes end up being the most uncomfortable 😣 What to do? Lol.
5. Your style is colorful and eclectic. Do you have any fashion donts and if so what are they?
Don’t look like you tried too hard.
6. Who are your style icons, who inspires you?
There are some really cool girls on IG whose style I’ve come to admire.. Dalia Nsouli, Tamu McPherson, Karen Koshoni, Natasha Goldenberg, Zara Odu, Nasiba Adilova, Leandra Mcohen.
7. What is currently on your to buy list fashion wise?
A signature woven black and white Bottega Veneta clutch.
8. Tell us a bit about your current collection.
You know the feeling one gets when spring breaks into summer.. Yeah, that’s what I was saying with my SS19.. Joy, laughter, nostalgia, happiness, sunshine, flowers.. All those feelings expressed in the femininity, sexiness, the wearablitity, a lightness and ease of the pieces.. The collection is a grown up interpretation of my childhood~ the prints inspired from my recollection of myself as a child growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, when I ran through green fields, picked flowers and put them in my hair.. Braided straps and detailing taken from my braided plaits, accents of neons detailing inspired by the colourful plastic bobbles and clips I wore in my plaits. And ofcourse never leaving out my signature embellishment with crystals, glass beads and sequins.
9. Who are your favourite people to follow on instagram and why?
Omg! I am currently obsessed with @steve_chuks. He is so funny! l follow and enjoy listening to messages by pastors @tonyrapu @stevenfurtick and @thesamadeyemi.. I also recently discovered @nneka (female Nigerian artiste) is on IG. She’s got a vibe and an authenticity that’s so rare these days. I also love @graftandglamour for my daily dose of fashion.
10. What are your best fashion and beauty tips?
A good fashion tip which I have come to appreciate over time is to spend more on investment pieces than on ever changing trends. Please note, a little dabbling in seasonal trends every now and then is not a terrible thing, after all fashion should be fun too. Take time to scour through the vintage racks and shops. I’ve found some wonderful pieces that way.
And a beauty tip... never underestimate the power of exfoliation. Try to exfoliate at least twice a week.
11. You have your signature braids, how central has this become to your look?
I have recently taken my braids out and am really embracing my natural hair.. If I get bored with it, or it becomes difficult to manage, I might get braids back in, because, to be honest, they are most convenient for me. However, I choose not to be defined by my choice of hair style.
12. You make fashion look fun and style innate. What would you describe style to be?
Someone once said, ‘style is a true reflection and expression of the light you carry within’ I agree.
Many kind thanks to Lisa for the interview. Follow her at @lisafolawiyo .
Photo | Beanie
I like a good beanie. One that surprises you with great texture. Zara do a great beanie. This one always gets compliments. Pair it with great clip on earrings and some florals and you have a fun outfit ready to see the day through. You can't go wrong with a good beanie.
My Style | Headwrap
I am a lover of headwraps. Wrapping my head in printed scarves has become traditional for me. It is the very DNA of my style. It feels like an amalgamation of all of who I am. My headwraps speak of my culture but also my interest in fashion. It perfectly captures who I am as a stylist and woman.
My Style | Yellow
There are some colors that just bring you joy. Yellow is one of those colours. I love this dress. From the cut to the colour. Zara keep producing garments that are just great. Not bad for the high street. Another happy number. Thank you Zara.
Event | Slow Fashion Store
What - The Slow Fashion pop up shop by Clothes Aid and Method UK launch.
When - 15th October 2018.
Where - 189 Shoreditch high street.
Earth friendly and non toxic detergent brand Method UK and Clothes Aid came together to open a popup shop to aid charity. Pre loved garments from personalities like Millie Mackintosh were donated to the shop with the intention of all the proceeds going to Clothes Aid partner charity.
Every year 300,000 garments end up going to landfill and Clothes Aid are trying to combat it by raising money for its partner charities by selling donated clothes. At the event the preloved garments were available to buy and there was a customising table were you could add a personalised touch.
Slow Fashion shop is open from 16th - 17th October at 189 Shoreditch high street. Go and have a ball. You can take your pre loved garments to donate or customise.
My Style | Mix
It's all the mix. Lover of prints long time. Prints go hand in hand. Multiple prints is better than one. Love a good mix of prints. Here I am wearing a Zara pair of stripe pants. They are my object of affection. I love the way they drape. Part of a coordinating set, they work well with everything. Thank you Zara for another great pair of pants.
Trend | Animal Print
Image by Getty Images via Elle
Trend of the season has to be animal print. From Leopard to Zebra and any in between. It's all about layering this print that has become a style basic. Coming in a variety of interesting colorways, animal print is being styled as a neutral, being put against athleisure pieces and a host of other looks. It's all about keeping it more directional than dated and sultry. Tip for doing so is keep the cuts of the pieces tailored and conceptual as opposed to body hugging and skin tight. Go for a layered look or keep it combined with classic neutral colors like taupe, black and white. Whatever you do, enjoy it. That's what trends are for, for your enjoyment. Have fun with it. Image via Elle.
Style | Princess Eugenie Wedding Reception Zac Posen Gown
Princess Eugenie stunned in her wedding gown for her beautiful royal ceremony but Princess Eugenie wowed in her reception gown. The exquisite Zac Posen design showed why she is every inch a princess. Absolute perfection. This timeless design will be talked about for years to come. Bravo.
Style | Naomi Campbell Princess Eugenie Wedding
A vision in Couture Ralph and Russo. Naomi Campbell every inch the supermodel icon that she is with the look that was topped off with a Phillip Treacy hat. Stylist Robert Behar gets ten out ten points for this dream of a look. Perfection. Who wears such a dark look to a wedding and gets it so right?! Wonderful.