Coco Chanel

Super Socialite, Humanity, Natural Beaute and Jewels!

We got the chance to talk to Socialite and business woman Kari Ellison, founder of 
Jewels for Humanity and the newly launched health and beauty lifestyle site the natural way to super beaute.

What does fashion mean to you now?  Fashion to me is "personal branding".  It is a way to express ourselves, brand ourselves and put out into the world what it is that we want to say about ourselves.  Each new day we consciously or unconsciously choose to make a statement about who we are.  It is a powerful way to attract the things and people that we want in our lives.  I think that many people take the power of fashion for granted and do not realize its continual and powerful effect.

How would you define your city's fashion?  Unfortunately, California has been involved in a rapid "fashion" decline in the past decade.  10 years ago when I would walk through the streets of LA or SF, I would see the most exquisitely dressed individuals.  If one wants to understand our fashion and it's status just watch any of the "Real Housewives" shows.  Everyone looks beautiful but they also look very much alike, with the exception of hairstyles.  We seem to have lost much of our individuality.

How different do you think this is to that of the UK's fashion style? I think European woman are still very much individualistic and still appreciate the complexities and nuances of "fashion".  They seem to understand its importance.  One of the main differences between European Women and American Women is that American Woman (in general) dress for other woman and dress to "fit in" and it  is my belief that European Woman dress for themselves.  I don't think AW realize they are doing this but it is a very interesting dynamic.

Who is your fave British designer and why? How could I ever pick a fave?  There are so many.  I am loving Stellla McCartney and her designs, her purpose and mission, Phillip Treacy is an exceptional artist and I hope I can one day work with him. Christopher Bailey is brilliant and of course there is the iconic Vivienne.

Who is your fave American designer and why? Being a Gemini, this is a very difficult question to answer and it definitely varies with the event, my mood, the man...  Classiscally, I am usually crazy for Donna Karan's Collections and have many of her staples my wardrobe.  When I am feeling classic and want sensual americana, then my go-to designer is Ralph Lauren.  I love Rick Owens for his sexy, edgy vibe.  My taste is varied and unique.  I really don't like dressing like others.  My trademark is something like.... if I know most will be wearing black, I will wear gold or white or red.  If most are wearing a dress, I will wear a pantsuit.  It is always amusing because at the next event most women will be wearing what I had previously worn and I will show up in something completely different.  I am always bucking the norm and tend to set trends, even since HS.  Always tastefully, I hope.  

How would you define the two?  I believe that the difference between British and American Designers is that our American designers very much think "business" and what will sell and they design for the market whilst the British designers are much more artistic and pioneering.  Neither is better than the other and both are needed in the marketplace.

How old were you when you started modeling?  I started modeling at 14.

What is  your fave thing to wear on the catwalk?  We were commenting on this the other day.  For some reason, the older I get, the shorter they put put me in.  I am thinking I need to start protesting this.  I love pushing the boundaries and  fortunately I have the body to do this.  My favorite thing is when I start to walk the runway and you can hear people "gasp" or applaud....those are the outfits I like to wear. 

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get into that arena now? Modeling is a lifetime of judgement, from yourself and from others.  You need to be tough as nails and not take anything personally.  The best models are those who are comfortable, at ease and NOT self-conscious.  When I model, I tend to be a bit outside my body.  When I was a teen, I was offered opportunities in Japan and New York but I was not strong enough to handle it so I chose to focus on my academics.  I enjoy modeling so much more now than when I was younger and I really only enjoy Runway.  

Why did you choose JFH as your chosen path now? My forte seems to be  finding and creating untapped markets.  When I was in the NFL Business, I created what is now the Billion Dollar performance wear industry.  Prior to MAXIT, all the professional athletes were wearing nylons and borrowing "ski apparel" to keep warm.  We created the high-end performance skin tight apparel, which now is the norm.  Every time I designed something unique, the industry Giants would immediately copy it.  One of the reasons I was successful was because my heart has always been drawn to the underprivileged and the underdogs.  So while the Industry Giants were focusing the winning teams, I was courting the other 28 teams.  Each season things would change and my teams would end up winning.  Year after year, this cemented an intense loyalty to each other.  I have always been painfully aware that the Only thing that separates me from those in desperate need is the "luck of the draw".  It made since to me to combine exquisite luxury items and jewellry with international philanthropy.  This is my ultimate purpose in life.  I love that the simple choice of choosing to purchase from J4H can make such a huge difference in another person's life.  Our "brand" really is for "The Rare Individual who is as beautiful on the Inside as they are on the Outside".  There is such power in our choices.

Where does your inspiration come from? My inspiration really comes from knowing that I am better than no other man but I am luckier than most.  I could never be fulfilled or truly happy if I did not use the gifts given to me to benefit others. Also, as a single mother, I want to be a good role model for my sons. They inspire me daily and I hope that my life and my choices ultimately inspire them.

What advice would you give to women when picking out a casual outfit and evening outfit? I have always found it funny when it is obvious that a woman has sacrificed her comfort for fashion.  We have all seen the woman whose dress is too tight or she has difficulty sitting/walking and she is fidgeting all evening.  Most All woman radiate beauty when they are comfortable (in their clothes and in their own skin).  I remember to this day when I read the novel Princess Daisy.  The chapter that still resonates with me is when Daisy, due to her lack of money, went to a 2nd hand store and purchased a simple black dress for a small sum.  She adorned herself with simple accessories that had meaning to her. When surrounded by women who had spent thousands on outfits and jewels, it was Daisy who was the standout beauty.  It was something I read at a very young age and it is embedded in my subconscious.  To my mind, the most beautiful women are those who look like they do not obsess about themselves.  It is always about being comfortable with yourself.  I feel my sexiest when I have had a long, wonderful day and I am rushed for an event so I quickly throw on a black cashmere top and a perfect french skirt, slide on the perfect shoes and head out the door.  Life and happiness are Beauty. Individualism and creativity are Fashion.  The great international equalizer is that money does not automatically equate to beauty, class, style or fashion. 

What are the essentials for the ladies wardrobe?  We are ONLY speaking Essentials here....

The perfect undergarments are a must!  Improper undergarments will ruin the best of outfits.

 The perfect pair of jeans; distressed, white and dressy.  

A black cashmere sweater.

Black and white Tencel tees.

One or two perfect form fitting skirts.

I wear a lot of dresses.  I have 3 simple, classic,  sensual ones that pack easily and I can dress up or down depending on the shoes and accessories.

A signature leather jacket  

A signature handbag  

   

   Signature Sunglasses 

  

  (Some) Signature Jewelry

And of course, a Signature Fragrance.

You can join Ms Ellison and her ventures through her social sites 


http://thenaturalwaytosuperbeaute.wordpress.com/ 
http://www.jewelsforhumanity.co/
http://www.facebook.com/jewelsforhumanity
http://www.facebook.com/eatingforbeauty

The British Mac

The Mac was named after Charles Macintosh, the fashion icon shot to  fame by Thomas Burberry and Co during World War One. 

We thought with all this rain, there would be no better time to bring forward the timeless classic. 

A wardrobe must and is perfectly matched  to this British climate the ‘Mac’ is named after Charles Macintosh who, in 1823 patented a method for bonding rubber between two layers of fabric but, it wasn’t until World War One, that the item really came into its own when Thomas Burberry and Co. – in response to government demands for an all weather coat to protect our damp armed forces from inclement weather — created the single breasted ‘Mac’ for the troops at the front and the now ubiquitous double breasted trench coat for the officer at the back.

It was later popularised by Humphrey Bogart and all mysterious private detectives that went about their dark investigations, the Mac sold millions the world over, and became a firm favourite with the ladies, especially the black Mac which hung on the graceful bodies of many  silver screen goddesses and stars of Old Hollywood.

Today, there is no outer garment more classic than that of the Mac, the finest examples of which are produced by Burberry and Mark Marengo on Savile Row.

So come on Ladies and Gents, pop down to the local boutique and splash out on a timeless British Classic for the oh so terrible British Weather! 

*Kate Moss for Burberry  

Join us on twitter @official_BFW 


By- Josephine Smith-Mands

Win Win Win!! Diamante encrusted Summer Daydreams!

Summer sun and holidays are looming!
Fancy a great read whilst lounging by the pool or on the beach?

Well you may be in luck! Why not enter to win one of four diamante encrusted Summer Daydreams books by Carole Matthews.

What if you had always dreamed of something more . . . ?

Based upon the story of one of our guest designers Helen Rochfort, her family and her designer handbags you'd be mad not to find out more!

Established in September 2007, Helen Rochfort creates curious and decadent frame box clasped handbags and accessories. She has been on ITV This Morning and heralded ad a future collectable. With many big stores stocking her bag and many famous faces parading around with the great pieces I can't see why it wouldn't become a collectable!

Summer Daydreams is Carole Matthews 20th novel. Her books have been sold in 20 different languages and taken stateside to the likes of Hollywood!
Carole began writing after winning a short story competition and spending the money on a course in writing which has brought her to where she is today!

Through a shared love of handbags Carole and Helen met on Facebook and brought the story of Helen Rochfort to life! Summer Daydreams!
To find out more on the book click here

'There's something about a Carole Matthews' book that makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside'

Heat

'Will have you giggling from the start . . . Hilarious'  

OK!

To win one of the four diamante encrusted EXCLUSIVE (no you can't get a copy like this in WH Smiths) Summer Daydreams books, all you need to do between now and the 4th July, Tweet us  @Official_BFW or post to our British Fashion Week Facebook page with a photo of yourself with your favourite BRITISH handbag .

You have lots of time to do this so get tweeting and posting to our wall and then the four winners will not only win this exclusive gift but will also get their photo and story posted to our BFW blog!

We look forward to reading and seeing your tweets and posts!

Good Luck!!

Winners will be notified by the end of the day on the 5th July via our social media outlets.
Follow Carole on Twitter @carolematthews
Follow Helen on Twitter @helenrochfort

I Found Another Handbag

Argh - I've found another hand bag ,this time a clutch that ticks all the box's for me and trends today - touch pricey but...

It's the Valorie clutch bag by Anya Hindmarch - a great British designer!

I love handbags as any of my friends will tell you and I have one in every colour as i do glasses!!

But handbags not only have to look stylish, upto date and impressive, they also have to be practical, otherwise they are not worth anything at all and will end up sitting in a cupboard

First of all, unless they are a clutch bag, they have to be able to go over my shoulder comfortably and not ruche up the clothes i’m wearing, they should

have room to carry life's neccessities including all shapes and sizes of phones, ipads and shoes, nappies, tights, spare batteries... I digress

but they need to be appropriate for the occasions you use them, and so no lady can get away with only one bag, there has to be a few of them -

unless you use the Mitch Bag! Read on to find out why ...

Plea to British Handbag Designers

I have a plea for British designers out there could you please come up with an equivalent to the American Mitch bag, this, if you are not aware does the opposite of those handbag interiors that you swap from bag to bag which I've never quite got the hang of, which is a shame because my bags can look like the list above!! 

Magnetic Shells!

It works in a simple way, one handbag but you change the outer of the bag which has strong magnets in it so the outer is changed in a second and the bag changes colour, shape and pattern just by changing your exterior, all the rest of your mess stays put.

Easy!

 - so any British designers please take note.

Handbag Style Tips

At the beginning of every season the easiest bag to try and find is a multi coloured bright funky bag that will work with any of your clothes, think buttons, sequins or patches dependant on your taste. 

Then find an evening bag to match your jewelry (usually gold or silver) eg a large clutch bag but with the added benefit of a strap that you can tuck away but that can be used if necessary ( think glass of champagne and nibbles!)

All I have to do now is discover whether the Valorie bag has a hidden strap and if so start saving my pennies!

Written by BFW's Sally Inkster.


Follow Sally on Twitter @DivaDressing
View her website at: Diva Dressing

Want to be a Guest Blogger?

CALLING ALL – COMPETITION TIME!
British Fashion Week is set to be a corker, each month we will be offering one lucky follower the opportunity to be our monthly guest blogger, your article will feature on the Official British Fashion Week blog page and on our Facebook and Twitter feed, what more could you ask for?

We are searching for our very first guest blogger for June 2012.

How to enter: 
All you have to do is write a blog, the topic is completely up to you just as long as it relates to British Fashion. Max 500 words. You can include up to 5 images. 

Send us your name, age, email, postal address and twitter name (If you have one)
To enter, simply email Sarah & Dani socialmediaqueens@britishfashionweek.org by Sunday 17th June.

The winning blog will be announced and published on Tuesday 19th June and contacted by email!
 

T&C’s apply.

Get your thinking caps on and get blogging guys!! We look forward to what you come up with!!

Read all about it!

I know you've all been asking and getting excited as to the launch of the BFW blog and finally here we are!

So much going on and so much to tell you so look out for our press release at the end of the week to get a sneak peak of what is in store for BFW and BBW! Even I'm excited!

Whilst you are waiting let me give you a little bit of an insight as to, who we are, what we're going to do and what you shall expect to see on this blog in the coming weeks, months and years!  Yes we plan to be here for YEARS!

We are entering the fashion world in full pelt

We're giving British brands, designers and products a platform to showcase.

We've got a lot of talent floating about our team to make it a big success.

Vision and mission - Support, Promote and Brand Awareness.

There will be shows going on that you can attend as a guest, view the UK catwalk and join in the fun!

Finally keep checking the blog out as its exciting times ahead so loads of news to report designers to shout about and all the goings on in the world of BFW & BBW!

Oh and did I mention we've got a press release going out at the end of the week?!