Valentino SS'16 Campaign shot in Kenya's Amboseli National Park.

National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry (best (known for his hauntingly beautiful 1985 cover image,  ‘Afghan Girl‘) has in an out of character move, shot Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2016 campaign in a Masai village in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park.

The campaign, featuring a collection inspired by ‘wild, tribal, Africa,’ has caused various accusations of cultural appropriation due to the use of predominantly Caucasian models, who all feature wearing their hair in cornrows (which I have to admit, is never really a good look - Monica Geller in the Caribbean much?!) leaving some also feeling that the, perhaps more interesting, Masai in the shoot were used as props.

As a big fan of photojournalist Steve McCurry, and as a Kenyan who loves drawing attention of the beauty of her country, I find these pictures refreshing, and exciting.  Rather than photograph the collection in a studio with a token elephant, this fashion shoot feels more like, as Pierpaolo Piccioli calls, a ‘cultural vision.’  

Steve McCurry commented, ‘photography is always finding the best solution to a puzzle and creating some wonderful feeling or scenario, making a great story’ adding, ‘the idea of these pictures is to take the viewer on a journey. The clothes were inspired by African motifs, to take the shoot to Africa and show how these interact and, this connection of the clothes, the models, the environment, the local people; I thought it was a great endeavour.’  What are your thoughts?...

Below:  A beyond beautiful behind the scenes video... and a stunning advert for visiting Kenya! 

The Golden Globes 2016

Award season kicked off this week with the 2016 Golden Globes (a lot like the Oscars, but a whole heap more drunken!)  Of course this time is about reflecting on and celebrating the most recent, epic movies and all the outstanding performances that Hollywoodland have exposed… But let’s not kid ourselves here, it’s mainly about the red carpet dresses, people! 

Here is a look at my favourite looks of the night… Ladies, Red Carpet High Fives all round!

Above: Jennifer Lawrence. Wearing wore a bold red Dior Haute Couture column gown topped off with more than 156 carats of Chopard diamonds, J-Law sizzled. A total head turner and show stopper (*and most importantly, she didn’t fall over.)

Above:  Alicia Vikander.  Nominated for not one, but two, Golden Globes, this beauty wore a refreshingly understated, yet effortlessly chic apron-front Louis Vuitton dress with ruffles and shimmering piping.  The cross-strap detailing of the column gown, and delicate pleating, oozed elegance. A total win.

Above:  Cate Blanchett.  The Marmite dress of the night; you either loved it or hated it. I LOVED. For me, Cate can do no wrong on the red carpet, continuously making unexpected, risky and regal choices. Wearing a Givenchy Haute Couture design, with Tiffany & Co. jewellery and a Roger Vivier clutch, Cate’s pale pink 1920’s silhouette, capelet and fringing was all kinds of Downton FAbbey.

Oh, and then there's that awkward moment when bad dresses happen to good people...

Above (L-R): I love Kate Hudson, she’s hilarious… However, I’m still waiting for the punchline of this outfit.  Despite her killer abs being more than sensational, this two-piece Michael Kors (stripper) ensemble, was just not red carpet worthy.  Eva Longoria’s underwhelming and rather conservative floral and bow ensemble just didn’t match the rest of the glitz and the glamour on the red carpet sadly. Melissa McCarthy apparently designed this metallic wrap dress/rain mac herself… Yikes! #StickToYourDayJob.

For the full list of Golden Globe winners, see HERE.  

Hello There: Boyarde

I was recently introduced to Boyarde who is well known for her vibrant pop-art infused aesthetic which she gloriously paints on any canvas, as long as it’s not paper!  With her popular monogramming technique, or ability to create bespoke characters and sayings to your preference, London fashionistas went into a frenzy towards the end of last year, vying to have their tote bags personalised by the artist. 

During London Fashion Week and Frieze London, Boyarde held a special exhibition at the Hyatt Regency, where several of her hand painted handbags, belonging to various tastemakers and fashion bloggers, were displayed in all their bright, shining glory.  I was lucky enough to be asked to participate, by having my newly customised, dove grey Smythson Panama North South Tote displayed alongside bags belonging to Charlotte Olympia and Laura Bailey (below).

I had decided on having one of Boyarde’s ‘signature divas’ on my bag, the African Queen herself, Katherine Hepburn (a Smythson fan herself!) who we decided to colour in similar tones to Smythson’s Panama range; emerald green and red. Playing on my African roots, and OBVIOUS love of The Lion King, my sassy lil’diva hollers out, ‘Hakuna Matata, Sweet Cheeks!'

Not many people get to swing their phone and keys around in such a beautiful piece of art! 

Thank you Boyarde and Smythson xx

The A/W 15 Sale Edit

If you’re suffering from the serious medical condition of ‘Back to Work Blues’ then Dr. TLC can only prescribe one thing… Surfing the sales for an instant pick-me-up. Take THAT January! 

 Hover over the top left of the items you like for direct links... And remember this my friends, it's not what you're spending, it's what you're saving… Right?! Enjoy!

An Evening at Shinola, Soho

Having recently been introduced to Shinola (See 'HELLO THERE: Shinola') I was thrilled to be asked to host my own shopping evening with them, the last ‘hurrah’ at their Newburgh Street store before upgrading to a bigger venue around the corner on Foubert’s Place in Soho.  

The evening was a really fun opportunity for me to share the beautiful craftsmanship and brand ethos of Shinola, renowned for helping Detroit to get its groove back, with lots of my friends and followers. 

The city of Detroit, once blighted with unemployment and plummeting population after hitting bankruptcy a few years ago, is now enjoying regeneration and is home to the Shinola factory where their timeless, aesthetically ‘All American’, products are assembled.  

From 6-9pm the shop was buzzing with people hanging out, Christmas shopping, and perusing all the Detroit built products, including watches, artisanal bicycles and leather goods, with everyone leaving with their own embossed Shinola journal and a bottle of their famous Shinola Cola.

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  With Lauren Paton and Charlotte Cowen, Emma Watkins, and Miguel Arquero. 

I can’t tell you how many people over the last month have commented on my Shinola Medium Leather Shinola Shopper Tote handbag (RRP. £550.00) and new Shinola watch, The Gomelsky (RRP. £470.00), I’m a total convert and can’t wait to watch this brand evolve and see what styles 2016 has in store for us…

Hello There: Sorel

Founded in 1962, Sorel became the staple boot for rugged outdoorsmen, with it’s warm lining and sturdy rubber soles being perfect for the snowy Canadian terrain.  In the last couple of years however, this hard wearing, practical brand decided to get in touch with its feminine, softer side and the results have been staggering.  Combining its well known functionality with some lighter, more Autumn-friendly materials and a sleeker, more fashionable aesthetic, Sorel has been seen on many a stylish foot this year.  Worn by Hollywood’s most glam at the Sundance Film Festival, models and editors alike during NYFW, and by copious fashion bloggers throughout the year, these unpretentious, affordable, and actually just seriously useful, boots were recently described by Vogue as ‘the surprise must-have of the season.’ 

I was really thrilled to be asked to pick out some of my favourite Sorel boots recently, where I was beyond impressed with the range of styles, heights, and materials.  I was obviously immediately drawn to the the Low Print Booties (you can take the girl outta Africa…!) and the Winter Carnival Boots (love me some neon laces!) and know they will be just perfect for London’s inter-seasonal weather.  

Above:  Major Low Premium Print Bootie in Leopard and Zebra (RRP. £100.00)

Above:  Winter Carnival Boot (RRP. £85.00) 

The minute my sister saw my Sorel selection, she immediately went out to buy the same pairs, which we both wore with our matching, aptly named, Sibling jumpers in NYC recently (this is not something we regularly do FYI...!  Not wanting to leave my niece out of proceedings, I got Willow some Toddler Snow Commanders (RRP. £40.00) for her to wear in this Winter. They looked BEYOND adorable!!  

Photography:  Ella Sadika

Created in collaboration with Sorel.

#TLCCOMP: #MYMV Wishlist

It’s certainly no secret how much I LOVE Monica Vinader jewellery, and I was thrilled when they asked me to create my own ‘Wish List’ in time for Christmas this year.  Narrowing down their sparkles and jewels is always a difficult task, but this year the coloured gems with rose gold really stood out for me.  I love wearing bright clothes and accessories, but even if you are into wearing black everrrrything (errrm… do you work in fashion by any chance?!) this is a great way to incorporate some more colourful accents into your look. 

To be in with a chance of winning £500.00 worth of Monica Vinader jewellery, create your own wish list and share it on your Twitter or Instagram tagging @MonicaVinader and #MYMV.  

See HERE for more details. T&C’s apply. 

TLC LOVES... Monica Vinader

Hello There: Shinola

I was recently introduced to the brand Shinola over catfish gumbo and corn bread (my new favourite thing) at The Lockhart.  Whilst tucking into the most spoiling, hearty Southern fare (and a few too many Shinola Colas) I became enthralled at the history of the young, start-up, known as the brand that is making a difference.

In 2013, Tom Kartsotis (the entrepreneur behind Fossil watches), with ambitions to reinvigorate manufacturing in America, set up a factory in the economically depressed city of Detroit. 

Having suffered the largest municipal collapse in US history, America’s once famous ‘Motor City,’ was by the early 2000’s, $18.5 billion in debt, with a dwindling population, 78,000 rundown, abandoned buildings and a high rate of crime and unemployment

Starting with assembling a collection of quality, yet affordable, handcrafted and built to last watches, Shinola soon followed with a series of beautifully bound, luxury leather goods and accessories, and the most stylish range of bicycles.

 I am a huge fan of their 'throw-it-all-in' Medium Leather Shopper Tote Bags (above!) and their Double Wrap Leather Strap Watches.  Oh, and if anyone would like to get me my dream bicy-Kelly... See below!!

The brand hasn’t cured Detroit from all its financial devastation, but it has ambitiously brought a soothing level of hope and self-respect to the city.  With business currently booming, and 500 skilled employees, Shinola has flagship stores in Detroit, Minneapolis and New York, and as of quite recently, London’s very own, 13 Newburgh Street, W1. 

Above and Below:  There are plenty of watches and accessories for the fellas too... #ChristmasSorted.

I’m very excited to announce I shall be hosting an evening at Shinola next Tuesday, giving my friends and followers the opportunity to explore this brand further. The quality and beauty of this brand speaks for itself; It’s not flashy, it’s sturdy and soulful and if you are looking for a long-lasting, meaningful present this Christmas, I can help pick one out with you.  There will also be some Shinola treats awaiting, and complimentary in-store embossing available for any leather goods purchased. With a carefully edited selection from all of Shinola’s celebrated categories, I’m quite sure there will be something you find (for her, for him… or for you!) and I’d love to see you down there for a glass of wine and a 'chatter' (naturally!) 

RSVP: shinolarsvp@tcs-uk.net

L. K. Bennett SS'16 Breakfast

Earlier this month I was utterly spoiled by the wonderful peeps at L. K. Bennett, alongside a gaggle of my fashunnn faves, with a delicious breakfast at the stunning Mondrian London’s Rumpus Room, hosted by Brand Ambassador, the formidable Alex Meyers. 

We were given a sneak peak at the upcoming (predictably gorgeous) SS’16 collection (the over-the-knee boots will be a BIG hit, and are firmly now on my wish list) and each given a ‘goody bag’ to end all goody bags; a brand new L. K. Bennett Mariel Bag, hand-painted with our initials by esteemed British artist, and TLC Fave, Boyarde.  I meeeeean…!! You can only imagine our excitement!

Above (L-R) Clockwise:  Alex Meyers, Pippa Vosper, Kelly Eastwood (TLC), Anna Hart and Laura Fantacci. 

My bag was in orange, a favourite of mine for accessories (LKB had clearly done their homework!) and I couldn’t wait to hit the streets (whilst also wearing my prized Fianna Suede Ankle Boots) to give it a twirl. 

Shop TLC's LOOK...

After all of our bespoke Mariel bags had hit Instagram, there was such a demand for these gorgeous, bespoke bags that. L. K. Bennett decided to run a competition to win one, hand-painted with the winner’s initials.  Sign up on their mailing list HERE to automatically be in with a chance of winning. 

Street Style Photography: Ella Sadika

R.E.V by Rêve En Vert's #SustainableStylist Campaign

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is taking place in Paris next month, and intense discussions about cutting global CO2 emissions will be at the forefront of proceedings.  With many figures from all professions, including fashion, lending their voices to the cause in the lead up to the summit, my friends at Rêve En Vert asked me to help raise awareness with them in their #SustainableStylist campaign for #COP21.  Given that the effects of climate change do and will affect us all, and that preserving our planet is of course all our responsibility, I was thrilled to become involved.

Founded in 2013, Rêve En Vert focusses on sustainable luxury; fashion made from a place of consciousness, stocking designers who not only create stylish, long-lasting clothes and accessories, but who also respect our planet and their customer.  What's not to LOVE?! 

Founders Cora and Natasha, who I met earlier this summer in Utah, recently developed their own collection of entirely organic prima cotton basic tees, R.E.V by Rêve En Vert, made at an environmentally sound Peruvian factory just outside Lima. Every part of this range has been created with great care and respect for both planet and consumer (even the labels are printed on environmentally low impact fabric from natural dyes!) and I absolutely love my super soft Linda Tee (RRP. £48.00), the perfect accompaniment to my oh-so-predictable but oh-so-loved jeans evvvvveryday look!  A donation from the sales of any of these basics will go to support the work of Fashion Revolution in spreading awareness of the true cost of fashion. 

Photography:  Ella Sadika