By Rachael Perry
Fashion month is well and truly underway, and it will draw to a close with its grand finale in the fashion capital of the world; Paris. It’s no secret that Paris and its people exude ‘chic’, and Paris fashion week is the ultimate opportunity for fashionistas and their fans to flock together to celebrate the diverse craftsmanship that designers have to offer. It’s a feast for the eyes, not only on the runway, but the street style also excels season after season and is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in some way. I’m a red carpet stylist, and private shopper for clients all over the world and I’m here to offer you five insider tips and takeaways that will offer a little bit of insight into how to cope with the hectic pace of fashion month.
Pick your shoes wisely…
Unless you’re driving between shows (which is often a rookie error because the roads become chaos!) you’re likely to be on your feet for eight or nine hours a day, so I cannot stress the importance of picking good shoes. Save your heels for the afterparties, and go for a boot or a good loafer for running around during the day. By day three, you’ll be extremely grateful for that decision!
Fuel up…
Anyone who tells you that people in fashion don’t eat is fibbing. It’s perhaps even more important during fashion month because you’re constantly on the move and your schedule is always back to back, so grabbing a bite to eat when you can is essential. You don’t know when your next meal will be. Lunch at eleven am? Absolutely. However, fashion week is also an opportunity to catch up with old friends because it brings everyone together in one place, so use the time wisely. Enjoy the excuse to go out for (a very quick) lunch and make the most of being out and about with the people you don’t get to see as often as you’d like, in places you don’t often get to visit. Paris is especially good for this – charcuterie and a glass of vin rouge is mandatory.
Layers are your best friend…
You’re going from running around outside to whizzing into show venues, jumping into a cab or hopping on the tube, so you want to be able to de-layer if you overheat and keep warm if you’re on the move. Think light sweaters that will fit in a handbag or can be tied around your shoulders if necessary, and long, light coats that are easy to move in.
Say yes to everything…
Take this one with a slight pinch of salt, but generally, fashion week comes with plenty of last-minute invites to parties, presentations and events, and my advice would be to say yes to them all. After two years of lockdown and not being allowed out of the house, it’s more important than ever to embrace all the social occasions that life throws at us, but also you never know who you’re going to meet and what opportunities may arise. Fashion week is supposed to be fun, and not everybody gets the chance to get involved. It’s also an important opportunity for industry networking, and connecting with other like-minded individuals.
Don’t panic if you don’t get photos of everything…
It sounds like a cliché but it’s true; live in the moment and enjoy what you’re watching. The front row consists of hundreds of iPhones trying to capture every runway moment, but filming everything means you risk not taking it in properly in real life. Fashion week is a hive of creativity, an accumulation of thousands of hours’ worth of work that deserves recognition and appreciation. You can find photos of every show online afterwards (and normally the quality is better than an iPhone anyway), and not everyone is lucky enough to be able to attend shows in person so make the most of that.
2023 Jewellery Trends
By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
I spend the majority of my free time gazing into jewellery shop windows or scrolling through Instagram accounts dedicated to all that glitters. Between browsing the expressive work of contemporary designer-makers to squinting at velvet-clad plinths in antique jewellery ateliers, there’s hardly time to stop for a spot of lunch. In the world of jewellery, there is always a story to be told, whether it’s the innovative use of materials or a particularly exciting provenance, and that’s why it makes such a thoughtful gift, for loved ones or yourself.
Trends in jewellery move quickly, and any good jeweller will tell you to buy what you love, and wear it with gusto, despite the trends. However, if you’ve amassed something of a collection, a jewellery trend can act as a prompt of sorts, either to dig out a much-loved piece or to treat yourself to something new. So, read on for the biggest trends for 2023 from some of BBB’s favourite jewellery brands.
Colourful Gemstones
In a trend that echoes the romance and sentimentality of Victorian acrostic jewellery, which featured gemstones with specific initials to spell words or messages, colourful designs are enjoying a renaissance. From infinity bands set with a rainbow of sapphires in perfect chromatic order to cluster rings of bright stones in perfect chaos, this joyous trend encourages playfulness and self-expression.
Alice van Cal, the founder of her eponymous jewellery company, has just launched CHROMA, a collection of cocktail rings in pink tourmaline, emerald, garnet and yellow sapphire. Each ring in the radiant collection is inspired by the ancient tradition of colour therapy, inspiring a burst of happiness in its viewer. Van Cal works on the principle that each gemstone holds deep meaning and protective, supportive properties. She advises clients to go with the colour they’re most drawn to, allowing intuition to help in choosing the stone they might need the most.
Stacking & Layering
In another nod towards self-expression, stackable rings and earrings and layer-able necklaces will endure in popularity in 2023. This mix-and-match approach allows you to clash styles, colours and eras for a curation that speaks to your mood, or even just your outfit. There are no hard or fast rules to creating your own stacks and layers, but some of the most beautiful combinations can be achieved when you contrast old and new.
A one-stop shop for the perfect stackable, layer-able pieces is Rachel Jackson London, where birthstone necklaces can be paired with Art Deco-style alphabet pendants and gemstone chains with gold and pearl charms.
Organic Shapes
For many, the greatest marker of luxury is the evidence of the maker. For those who love organic shapes and perfect imperfection, this trend is for you. The visual signs of a craftsperson’s hand beating or engraving are characterful and charming. Equally, something magical happens when a jeweller takes the natural form of a piece of gold and sets it in a way that enhances its inherent, unadulterated beauty.
Irena Chmura is an independent designer who does just this. Each piece of jewellery is handmade in a small London studio, while gemstones are set in a small stone-setting workshop in Hatton Garden. The trend for organic, natural forms can be seen in Chmura’s Dewdrop pendant necklaces, each set with a cut gemstone that serves to accentuate the natural textures in the gold drop.
Ethical Jewellery
While it’s true that the importance of ethics shouldn’t come in and out with the trends, it would be remiss to omit the increase in the number of jewellers offering ethical alternatives. Ethical concerns in the jewellery industry could involve the support of artisans and reinvestment into communities all over the world, responsible manufacturing, ethical sourcing, the use of recycled or recyclable materials and environmentally aware shipment.
One great example of a jeweller taking steps to contribute to a more ethical jewellery industry is Ana Dyla, a company that prides itself on its ethics and sustainability. The company has had B Corp status since 2021 and designs with the environment and its artisans in mind to drive positive change in the jewellery industry. Not only does Ana, the company’s founder, constantly look for new ways to limit the jewellery’s impact on the environment, but also looks at the industry as a whole, right down to the packaging design, which is FSC® labelled.
Become Your Own Interior Designer
By Amira Hashish
If embarking on a home revamp seems rather daunting, fear not. Thanks to the rise of online workshops with some of the world’s leading designers you can learn from the best and gain access to the crème de la crème of the interiors world without breaking the bank. From a step by step guide to renovating with Rita Konig to lampshade painting at one of London’s loveliest hotels, these innovative platforms and events will enhance your home makeover skills whilst helping you have fun along the way…
The Ultimate Guide to Interior Design With Rita Konig
Known for her sumptuous but liveable style, Rita Konig’s interior schemes are coveted by the A-List set. The likes of Vogue, The New York Times, House & Garden and The Wall Street Journal celebrate her approach to design but it is more attainable than ever thanks to an online course by Create Academy. Rita opens up her little book of secrets to offer online tutorials from the comfort of her living room. Throughout more than five hours of video lessons, Rita delves into the techniques, suppliers and materials she uses. She also encourages her ‘students’ to be confident with their own skills and discover how decorating can be a little less daunting and a lot more fun. There are plenty more courses to explore on Create Academy as well. Through beautiful, thoughtfully curated videos, the expertise of today’s leading figures in food, interiors, gardening and craft are just a few clicks away.
Enrol me: £127, createacademy.com.
Firmdale Hotels’ Creative Workshops
Kit Kemp has inspired so many interior design lovers with her fabulous Firmdale Hotels and now she is opening their doors to those keen to learn from the best. Leading arts and craftspeople are hosting a series of Creative Workshops at the Ham Yard and Haymarket Hotels this spring. On March 17 set designer and decorative artist Tess Newall will give attendees their very own handmade card lampshade to paint and take home. Inspiration will be drawn from the shapes, colours and patterns found in Kit Kemp’s hotel interiors and in Tess’s own collections. On March 31 you can learn to paint interiors in watercolour with artist, author and host of the cult weekly painting challenge ‘Room Portrait Club’ SJ Axelby. It is over to world-renowned florist, author and designer Willow Crossley on April 17 for a flower arranging workshop on the Roof Terrace at Ham Yard Hotel. Ticket prices include all materials, morning coffee, lunch in the hotel and your completed item to take home.
Enrol me: from £195, firmdalehotels.com.
The Expert
British born, Los Angeles based interior designer Jake Arnold, who counts the likes of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen amongst clients, had the excellent idea of bringing together his network of movers and shakers from the design world to launch a platform called The Expert. The premise is that you can book a video consultation with designers of every kind at varying budgets. Appointments range from £125 to £1,250 and you can opt for a one-time consultation or several video calls for something more in-depth such as a full-scale home renovation. Gaining 1:1 advice from designers who are at the top of their game will give you an instant home makeover knowledge boost.
Enrol me: theexpert.com.
MasterClass: Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design
It doesn’t get much cooler than California design queen Kelly Wearstler. Her eclectic but soothing approach has become the epitome of the modern American home aesthetic whilst the Proper Hotels she puts her stamp on are the stuff of dreams. In her MasterClass series, she goes behind the scenes to demystify interior design. She teaches you to make any space feel larger and to choose colours, materials, and textures with confidence. Through her 17 video lessons, she also offers an insight into where she uncovers her collections of art and objects to create spaces that tell a story.
Enrol me: £14/month (billed annually) for all classes and sessions, masterclass.com.
Upskill…With a Little Help From Noah
Noah is an online platform selling Craft Starter Kits that help you take the first step into a new hobby. Ever fancied making your own pottery? How about learning how to make DIY Jesmonite & Terrazzo? Perhaps some scented candle making is on the cards? Noah’s kits offer step by step guides to making whilst supplying everything you need to turn your new learnings into reality. Fun, informative and fuss-free.
Enrol me: from £26.25 per kit, noahsbox.com.
Paint a Piece of Furniture at Minerva Workshop
This short course aims to introduce the wonders of chalk paint when upcycling furniture. A range of painting techniques are demonstrated such as how to apply paint, age products and apply finishes to ensure your furniture or walls looks good for the long-term. You will use various chalk paints, waxes and finishes and take home painted board to use as a future reference. There is also 10% off any Annie Sloan paint you purchase on the day which could come in handy. Minerva Workshop in Kentish Town offers several other great workshops too, including a regular Design Surgery with textile designer and doyenne of repeat pattern Sarah Campbell.
Enrol me: from £85, minervaworkshop.co.uk.
Tablescaping With Wild at Heart
There is an art to tablescaping and Wild at Heart are here to help. In this workshop, you will learn how to create beautiful bud vases to style alongside tapered candles and tea lights. The team will walk you through the tips and tricks of how colours, themes, placement and flowers come together so that you can wow your dinner guests with your table wizardry.
Enrol me: £225 per person, includes a set of six bud vases, three tea lights and three tapered candles, wildatheart.com.