Indulge in the enchanting fusion of fashion and nature in our editorial, “Visions of Venus” Marie gracefully navigates the shoreline, embodying a seamless blend of coastal charm and style. Reflective textures and sunlit accents capture the essence of the beach, while inventive makeup and hair designs complement the natural setting. This editorial beautifully marries earthly elements, offering a captivating synergy between fashion and nature’s splendor. Join us for a serene coastal journey where elegance and the environment converge in perfect harmony.
Stylist | Taheed Khan
Photography | Narita Savoor
Beauty | Drew Suleman
Model | Marie @ Boss
Featuring Loewe, Archive Versace Roberto Cavalli Escada Donna Karen Birdshell Daren and Sicily
With eager anticipation, Taheed arrived in Abu Dhabi, camera in hand, ready to explore the city’s modern marvels and rich cultural heritage. His Instagram feed would soon showcase the captivating beauty of the Arabian Gulf and the warmth of Abu Dhabi’s hospitality.
Abu Dhabi, a city where ancient heritage meets modern luxury, beckons travellers from around the world to immerse themselves in its captivating wonders. This summer, Experience Abu Dhabi invites you to indulge in a truly spectacular season, where “One Summer Isn’t Enough” to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer. With its irresistible offers and enticing promotions, Abu Dhabi promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning for more.
Experience Abu Dhabi’s new campaign showcases the multitude of experiences available throughout the season. As part of Abu Dhabi’s ambitious plan to attract 24 million visitors by 2023, the campaign aims to inspire, excite, and restore travellers with its diverse range of offerings.
One of the highlights of the campaign is the all-inclusive Abu Dhabi Summer Pass, granting access to over 30 attractions, 600 restaurants, and a variety of retail outlets. With this pass in hand, you can embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, indulging in exquisite dining experiences, and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Abu Dhabi.
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But the excitement doesn’t end there. Abu Dhabi’s summer is brimming with fun attractions and exciting events for all ages. The recently opened, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi captivates visitors with its interactive family fun and eight themed realms waiting to be explored. And to make your exploration even more convenient, the Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus offers seamless connectivity throughout the city, allowing you to hop on and off at indoor theme parks, cultural venues, and other unique attractions at your own pace.
Abu Dhabi is ready to unveil its luxurious charms and invite you to a summer like no other. From tranquil beach getaways to cultural marvels and thrilling adventures, this vibrant city promises an experience that will leave you craving more. Discover the wonders of Abu Dhabi this summer and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Soaring gracefully above the captivating beachfront, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers sets an unparalleled benchmark for opulence in Abu Dhabi. Embracing a five-tower complex featuring three residential towers, one office tower, and the exquisite Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers hotel, this multi-award-winning haven captivates with its unrivalled grandeur.
Immerse yourself in 382 elegant rooms and suites, each boasting breathtaking vistas of the Arabian Gulf. Discover a myriad of captivating activities within the property – from indulging in three lavish swimming pools and basking on a private beach to embarking on a shopping spree at the renowned Avenue at Etihad Towers, a haven for Middle Eastern retail therapy.
Pamper yourself in the indulgent embrace of Conrad Spa by Amra, savouring a delightful variety of global cuisines and imaginative cocktails at the hotel’s exquisite restaurants and bars. Unwind with exceptional leisure facilities and engage in successful social events, meetings, or conferences hosted in their uniquely designed venues.
For more information and to start planning your Abu Dhabi adventure, please visit summer.visitabudhabi.ae. Prepare to be enchanted, for in Abu Dhabi, “One Summer Isn’t Enough.”
A new world has called for a new routine. To keep fit is both needed physically and mentally – to survive the current climate we are killing the home work outs like never before. And why can’t we look great at home whilst doing it? we interviewed Danielle King the creator of KIHT the innovating new fitness label that everyone is talking about. KIHT represents sisterhood the messages behind the brand are cute and we cannot get enough – we sat down with Danielle to get the low down.
Tell about you! Who are you? Your story with fashion
Hi! I am Danielle, a designer, fitness lover and founder of the brand KIHT Collective. I am massively enthusiastic, annoyingly positive and a massive foodie!
My fashion story is so long I could probably write a book (I just might!)
From a really young age I was always drawing clothes and outfits that I’d love to wear, I went on to making them and customising things, taking sewing classes when I was in college and then onto Uni where I specialised in knitwear.
Fast forward quite a few years, I worked my way up in the industry to an up and coming company called Missguided. It was at the start of fast fashion and it was ace working to carve out that path that was so different from traditional retailers. My last role before I set up on my own was heading up the design team at PrettyLittleThing. Again when I started it was small and offered cheap basics. In a few short years, I’d built a design team, launched a ton of successful ranges and worked with some incredible people.
But it just never quite fit for me. The waste, the factories in China VS the shiny campaigns with celebs and models. I always knew I wanted my own business at some point and I knew it would be clothing but I didn’t know what. Up until this point I hadn’t felt ready.
One day the idea hit me and that was it! I took the leap, quit my job and started working full time on setting up KIHT.
Working out in the heat or the cold?
I enjoy both
Your brand reflects empowering women how important is that you?
So important! The brand is a reflection of a lot of my own beliefs and values.
How are you being sustainable?
The goal with KIHT is to become as sustainable as possible. Right now we are doing the following:
We manufacture near east out of a small town called Porto in Portugal, this keeps our carbon footprint low. Unlike most businesses we also buy our ‘2nds’, this is stock that doesn’t pass the strict controls, but is still wearable. We do this as it is normally destroyed or ends up in a landfill.
All our packing is either from recycled sources or can be recycled. We have also partnered with the charity TreeSisters, for every transaction we donate a tree to be planted. They are an incredible charity that supports women in reforestation projects around the world.
What’s your go to workout?
Right now my workouts have changed ALOT because of lockdown. Normally I would say it’s weight training, but right now it is spinning. I luckily bought a spin bike just before we went into lockdown and honestly it’s been one of the best purchases I have ever made!
Long baths or long runs?
Right now defo long baths!
Here at house of coco we love all things travel, what is your go to item from your collection that would be perfect for work out abroad?
For working out abroad and in nicer weather it would be the Myah bike shorts in pink and the matching top Olivia, plus they look so good you could easily wear them all day before you work out!
How have you dealt with the lockdown? Tell us about your home routine
I feel a little guilty admitting this, but I have actually quite enjoyed it! It’s been really good for solidifying my routine. I have definitely simplified my routine and life, which I aim to continue once we move out of lockdown.
The biggest game changers in my routine have been two things:
My bedtime routine, as I made the decision that I wanted to really prioritise my sleep. I put my phone on to night mode from 9pm so I don’t look at it. I watch less TV and ensure I wear my blue blocking glasses if I do. I cannot tell you how much this has changed my sleep quality! I now go to bed and fall asleep easily and sleep right through the night. In the morning I tend to wake naturally feeling refreshed! (it’s so unsexy, but omg its such a huge revelation for me!)
Meal planning, (not meal prep) this has made my life so much simpler and saved so much time! We shop less often and eat so much better. We sit down, normally on a Sunday and plan out our meals for the next two weeks, make lists and head out Monday morning to the local greengrocers and butchers/fishmongers. We stock up, freeze all the meat/fish, we have a little white board on the inside of the cupboard with our meals planned out, that’s basically it! We hardly use any plastic as nothing comes pre-packed, we never have food waste and it’s sooo much quicker than the supermarket! O, we also have a shared shopping list on our phones so we can easily add to it – that has been game changing!
What is go to holiday destination and why?
I’m going to say for me it’s variety! I don’t really go to the same place twice. I love to travel and explore, I’m not a sunbather, I’d much rather be doing something, whether that’s skiing, exploring a city or learning to kite surf, give me adventure!
How was Kiht born? What made you go down the route of a fitness brand?
KIHT came to life when I was really struggling to find trend led gym wear that didn’t cost a fortune! The only things on offer at the time were not really feminine and covered in awful logos, unless you could afford to spend £100 on a pair of leggings.
It wasn’t long after this I quit my job and started working full time on KIHT. It’s taken a lot to get the business off the ground. From day 1 I was adamant that it needed to be high quality, affordable and produced near east (not china) as I wanted a high ethical standard. All of those things together are extremely difficult for a small business!
KIHT has perfectly married all of my passions together in one! Before this my active and fitness life was almost separate from my job, but now they feel like they are in total harmony! I love it.
What inspired you with your debut collection?
I took alot of my inspiration from the catwalks, necklines, detailing and colours. I wanted the collection to feel current so it would slot into your wardrobe and be really wearable. I spent time testing the fits too, I wanted them to make you feel great, support you and also perform. The whole range is also designed to be mix and match so you can really get the most out it! Something I defo took from my own gym wardrobe struggles!
Life had somewhat changed since covid 19 how have you adapted and what do you see the future for fitness being like?
I walk a lot more, which I am absolutely loving and something I will definitely continue to do. Getting outside in nature everyday has been great and it’s been so lovely seeing so many people out running, cycling and exercising outdoors. It would be great to see this continue.
My hope for fitness is that people will see it more as a blended and long term approach. Rather than the view that you can only be fit if you go to the gym, count macros and HIIT train. (all of which are great). Fitness is unique to everyone, it needs to be firstly what you enjoy and secondly something you can stick to longer term.
Looking at fitness as a long game and not as a weight loss hack is honestly one of the biggest changes I’d love to see.
Would you agree that keeping fit is key for great mental health? How do you deal with a bad day?
100% there is literally no downside to moving your body at all! It is so good for your mental health, mindset and wellbeing!
If I’ve had a bad day I need that endorphin hit! I always go for something high intensity. I am really into VO2 max training at the min, so it will be a 45 min spin session that involves Tabata training. It totally clears my head as I literally cannot think about anything else except breathing! I absolutely love it
If you want a serious dose of positivity then head to @kihtcollective on instagram
and if you like what you see head to www.kiht.co.uk
Hotel Senato – Slick, sophisticated and incredibly sexy. I have been to Italy every year for the past 6 years – usually to escape the fast pace city life, however this time round I decided I was going to try Milan! a weekend of shopping, espresso martinis and art galleries – that is what my soul needed!
Finding the perfect hotel that partnered my long weekend perfectly wasn’t an easy task. I wanted something small, personal, boutique and stylish. And hey presto! like a gift from god – Hotel Senato appeared.
The hustle and bustle of Milan is vibrant. Elegant women dressed head to toe in Prada are the only people left on earth who can still make smoking look sexy. The streets are filled with well dressed Italian fashionistas making those incredibly important phone calls with one hand, clutching their iced coffees in another. So it is incredibly refreshing when you push those doors open and enter the cool world of Hotel Senato.
A hotel so well designed – everything down to the perfect tiled floor you walk on is thought so well through. They say its all in the detail – Interiors so blissfully put together even the soft furnishings marry the wonderful pieces of furniture so well – it is nothing but style. Everything you deserve and more.
The room does not let me down – crisp fresh sheets. Long French windows with a Juliette balcony that overlooks the courtyard downstairs. As I place my bags down, I take a seat and admire the room and as a cool wind blows through the room blowing the long white curtains in like a smooth slow dance – I have finally fallen in love with Milan.
The room has all the necessities – including extra pillows! which I always usually have to ask for! the room is cool, contemporary and the fine details run throughout including the bathroom!
Pier is our host for the evening – a true Italian gent. The creative director at Hotel Senato selected some beautiful to die for cocktails and appetisers. A menu so well thought about consisting of only fresh and local ingredients – every morsel that passed my mouth was like tasting heaven.
I have always been dubious about going to a city when I am constantly city hopping in the UK – however Milan served me something else – I understand why it is one of the worlds fashion capitals. However escaping those crazy city vibes is a must! and nothing screams hidden paradise like the Hotel Senato.
As an avid fan of art – I found the Hotel Senato to be an actual work of art. The walls the food the service – worth every single euro! And what pleases me more about the boutique experience – that it feels like home and that makes me smile because hotels can be so cold – not Hotel Senato! The cool, contemporary vibe sweeps you in with an absolute warm embrace.
One tip – try the cocktails! actually make that two tips! take your beautifully crafted cocktail up to the hidden rooftop garden! I can assure you, your breath will be taken away – if Instagram needed moments – that would be it.
Blakes Hotel London has launched a sizzling new collaboration with Kiki De Montparnasse, the luxury lingerie and accessories brand – and we are in lust! Behind Closed Doors, this partnership promises to redefine luxury and sensuality, offering guests an exquisite experience like no other.
As storms brew outside! why go out? when you can turn up the heat inside.
Established in 1978 – Blakes Hotel is regarded as the world’s first luxury boutique hotel – located in Kensington, the desirable location provides discretion and absolute privacy. It is often the go-to option for many of the rich and famous – proudly earning its title the ‘couture’ hotel.
Behind Closed Doors at Blakes Hotel London
The ‘Behind closed doors’ package which has been so carefully curated by the chicest Kiki de Montaparnasse – things are bound to get heated up in the room. The package consists of Kiki de Montaparnasse silk pyjamas a bespoke eye mask – also further luxury accessories to set temperatures soaring – you’ll ask what is that smell? just the divine lotus candle which is burning which doubles up into a sensual sexy massage oil – and if he or she has been a bad kitty a little lesson with a leather hand-braided whip should spice it up! Still not satisfied? perhaps we can indulge you with some personalised engraved handcuffs? still wanting more? – then a double-sided tickler, should do the trick.
We can assure all you couples out there – you are in for the night of your life. You are bound to work up an appetite? then Blakes also has that covered dinner and breakfast are served in a room with unlimited room service – and expect oysters! Thirsty? That is completely understandable! Laurent Perrier has your back there darling. Worth every single drop of massage oil – will you let yourself go wild? – the behind closed doors package is currently available now.
When you enter Blakes’s superbly designed suite you are greeted by rich opulence at its finest – everything is perfectly thought of. The eye is in the finer detail. Every sheet feels divine each pillow is perfect to touch.
Enchantment Awaits
We have seen many a hotel – stayed in the most luxurious surroundings – but never has a hotel made us feel like we don’t ever want to leave. Dark and completely handsome – if The Blakes Hotel was a man – he would be the one of your dreams. Sophistically charming dashingly elegant. The staff open doors, friendly and beautifully presentable.
Blakes is incredibly stylish – each corner you turn something charmingly quirky grabs your attention. Luxury personified – it is easy to see why the rich and famous adore this place. Service is so impeccable – nothing has been thought about and this is down to even the smallest of things like the toiletries in the bathroom – everything will leave your senses invigorated.
Overall a truly magical experience which will never be forgotten a hotel so deliciously exquisite you will be back for more.
Lara Heems a name on everyone’s lips – every celebrity is wearing her splendid jewels on the red carpet and off – we wanted to know more! Welcome Lara to the House of Coco couch…
Who are your fashion inspirations?
My Inspirations derive from the runway – it inspires me the most and from that I decide what jewels would work the most.
What’s your go to key piece of clothing?
jeans and a comfy top but styled with some jewels of course!
How important is it to you that we influence and inspire the youth of today ?
It is incredibly important what we are exposed to today it can make a huge impact on our life later.
And what do you do to achieve that Job
be good , pay attention to detail
What has been your perfect holiday so far?
ummm anything relaxing ! it has to include the beach! That’s my kind of holiday
What are your handbag essentials when abroad?
wipes for your face , water , tooth brush and cream !!!
Ideal holiday destination
Maldives! it is so high on my list!
How do you detox from social media?
I set myself a goal to try not look at my phone at certain times!
When you were a little girl – what did you want to be?
A jeweller! and that’s exactly what I did.
Working from home or working in a coffee shop?
Working from home for sure – my mind is too busy to be in a coffee shop!
Tell us about a hidden gem where you live!
There is this amazing sushi restaurant near me .. i could go there everyday!
What are your favourite pieces of jewellery in your current collection ?
Difficult cos I love them all! but it would my Bella drops and necklace and my captivating hoops.
Tell us about time someone wore your jewellery and you genuinely felt blessed?
There are so many but I would say Helen Mirren , Mariah Carey and Tayla Parax who recently wore my jewels for the Grammys
How do you balance your busy work life and make sure you get downtime
It is so hard ! I am still trying to figure this one out! hopefully I will get this one right soon! and get back to you!
Where do you escape to that’s local?
I would say Kings Road in Chelsea it is cute and its nice to walk around there or Hampstead , there is an amazing place there for the most lovely pancakes!
Mena showcased her debut collection at last years Manchester Fashion Festival and since then she has been turning heads – a rising star that is sure to set the fashion world on fire with unique and immensely beautiful pieces. Thank you Mena and welcome to the House of Coco offices…
Who are your fashion inspirations?
The beloved Princess Diana, she embraced the etiquetteness of dressing like a royal, whilst setting her own fashion statements and rules, the sexy sequin blue dress she wore when dancing with John Travolta is my all-time favourite dress she wore. And most importantly, Madonna, and My Mama, Soraya. Their empowered persona, daring sensuality and spirit of fashion is what inspires me.
What’s your go to key piece of clothing?
A dress or top that has definitive shoulder details, anything that shapes the shoulders will frame the face, going with that extra detail like a ruffle.
A Bardot dress makes all the difference to my smile.
How important is it to you that we influence and inspire the youth of today? And what do you do to achieve that job
Everyone is concerned with getting successful results, quick and fast, forgetting that one picture, or one moment, can summaries 10 years of hard work, persistence and perseverance.
By volunteering in pursuit of your passion, by contacting those people who can help get you there and always have belief in the beauty of your dreams.
That’s where you can help others see that it’s all a journey, and we are all students when achieving our dreams. I plan to take on students in my luxury label to hold the legacy of Couture in Manchester, that is so rare in the UK, making it the first luxury house outside of London to produce evening wear in couture by a young designer.
What has been your perfect holiday so far?
Resting and exploring the treasures and culture of Jordan, sleeping in the desert dunes under the clearest night sky and stars, then swimming in the dead sea and being coated head-to-toe in its salty mud minerals. It was all adventure and recognizing a culture familiar to my own, I loved it!
What are your handbag essentials when abroad?
Coconut oil, L’Oreal’s clear eyebrow and eyelash gel mascara, my favourite snack pack of raisins and almonds, Mui Mui’s signature perfume and I never leave the house without at least some safety pins!
Ideal holiday destination
I adore the Mexican guitar, and all that comes with the Mexican City, Cancun. Nothing seems more sensual and story telling than a woman wearing a red asymmetrical flamenco dress in a short, daring length, dancing away on a balmy back- alley of a small local restaurant outside under the night sky.
How do you detox from social media?
Quite simply rid myself of toxic people and their negative energies, their expectations and wealth. Whilst cutting back and adding more fulfilling activities that sometimes, cannot be captured, or even understood, like meditating and being comfortable in your own skin. This is very important to me, the more confidence I have in myself, the more I can create and give to my world.
If you had to have 4 women past or present over for dinner,who would the be and why?
My wise and outrageously funny grandmother who could put a smile to all friends and foe in all situations. The queen of Egypt Cleopatra and queen of England Elizabeth 1, as I’m fascinated by their lives and how they conducted their countries and empire, and history of their time, fashion and art. And then at the end, get Shakira to perform a medley of her greatest hits and the rest of us would sway our hips to dessert. Bliss.
When you were a little girl – what did you want to be?
Archaeologist! – I loved the idea of telling and reading stories of the exhibitions I visited of Ancient Egypt, the history of its people, how they lived, what they wore and discovering their culture. It’s has influenced way I work today and my research.
Working from home or working in a coffee shop?
At home, I am most creative and have my studio to work all day and night to for inspiration and research.
Tell us about a hidden gem where you live!
I have a library of all the books I have read, my parents’ books passed down, from non-fiction to-fiction, it’s not what most expect but it’s my kind of chocolate treat- knowledge is power!
What are your favourite pieces in your current collection
The Madonna dress, look 4 from the Spring Summer 2019 Primavera Collection, that is detailed with star hand embroidered Chantilly-Silk lace and sequin, pearl-beads.
Look 9, the Solstice Yellow Silk-Taffeta rouched dress with its tiered voluminous-ruffle hem and belt wrap bow detail. It’s a celebration to the beloved Princess Diana and Madonna, and My Mama, Soraya.
Their empowered persona, daring sensuality and spirit of fashion is what inspired these dresses, alongside the key details from my Mother’s wedding dress.
How do you balance your busy work life and make sure you get downtime
It’s important to be with the ones who love and support you, along side sticking to the routines that you enjoy and add quality to your life, mine are yoga, family, a good book and drinking feel-good fruit smoothies.
Where do you escape to that’s local?
To my old primary school, Chorlton park, it has the most beautiful cherry blossom trees in the summer, springs up my walks and thinking time.
Music makes the world go round and no one knows that better than Sarah Story who I met on a dancefloor in Leeds many years ago. As girl bosses go – she is leading. From her weekly show at Capital DJ sets at Lovebox and Hideout – I turned down the volume to sit and catch up with Sarah.
Sarah thanks for joining me – you’ve been serving some serious looks on your Instagram – who are your fashion inspirations?
Kendal Jenner is a dream, she is beautiful with amazing style. I also love Alexa Chung, she’s flawless and manages to pull off any look.
Also Annie who runs a shop in Ibiza called ‘Annie’s Ibiza’ she has some amazing pieces. I discovered it last summer and I have bought 2 pieces already. I love that she models some of the pieces herself and always gets customers involved on her insta stories who are trying things on in the shop
What’s your go to key piece of clothing?
High waisted blue jeans from & Other Stories, I love them so much I’ve got 2 pairs. They can be dressed up or down and are really flattering.
How important is it to you that we influence and inspire the youth of today ? And what do you do to achieve that?
I think it’s crucial we influence and inspire the youth of today in all aspects of life from fashion to politics (although we’re not doing a great job at politics right now).
I’ve been working as a Radio Presenter for 5 years now and I have wanted to pass on my experience and knowledge to the younger presenters coming through the ranks.
It’s such a tough industry to crack so I have been hosting panels for BBC Bitesize in schools around Yorkshire to give advice on how to get into the creative industry. I am also a mentor for the Soho House Open House mentoring programme which helps young adults from under privileged backgrounds get help working in the creative world.
What has been your perfect holiday so far?
In 2018 I went away with 3 of my best mates to Ibiza. It’s an island I (and most other people) have been obsessed with for years. We went for 7 days and we went out ALOT ! The first night was spent at Café Mambos, Pikes then Defected. Monday was Flower Power at Pacha and Tuesday was a Katermeran to Formentra. Wednesday was Honey Djon at Pikes and Thursday was drinks in Dalt Villa and shopping at Annie’s Ibiza. Friday was Glitterbox closing party and then Saturday back to Pikes for Artworks residency. Needless to say we loved Pikes so much we’ve booked the whole weekend to stay for my birthday this year. Ibiza has changed so much over the years but the spirit is still there
What are your handbag essentials when abroad?
Chanel Red lips stick, Clarins lip comfort oil, sunglasses, suncream and a charger with converter!
Ideal holiday destination – tell us your hit list of places you want to visit!
Bali is on my hit list and I’m planning to go in 2020. I’ve heard mixed reviews but I need to go and see it for myself. I also want to visit Santorini, we’ve all seen the beautiful pictures on our Instagram feeds, it looks stunning! Japan is somewhere I’ve always been intrigued by, the fashion the food and the karaoke! And I really want to go see the northern lights.
How do you detox from social media?
The best thing to do if you’re on holiday is keep your phone in the safe in the hotel room then you can’t check it. There’s something really liberating about not having a phone on you… well until you need to book a taxi! At home I try and not look at my social media if I have guests over…if you really want to just de-activate your account!
If you could invite 4 women past or present over for dinner who would they be and why?
Marilyn Monroe – I’ve always thought she was the most beautiful women to walk the planet. She was so sexy and powerful and she would have SO many stories to tell!
Joanna Lumley – I think she is just fabulous and expect her to act like Patsy from Absolutely Fabulous… pass the bolly darling!
Beyoncé – because it’s Beyoncé! She is the ultimate pop star and entrepreneur and of course I would make her sing for her dinner.
Sara Cox – she is someone I’ve grown up listening to on the radio and is the whole reason I got into radio. I absolutely LOVE her! We would definitely drink too much wine and dance on the tables.
When you were a little girl – what did you want to be?
Either a Spice Girl or a Radio Presenter. 1 out of the 2 isn’t bad.
Tell us about a hidden gem where you live!
There is a beautiful cake shop in Hackney called Violet, it makes the most incredible cakes. They actually made the Royal Wedding cake for Megan & Harry. From the outside it looks just like a bog standard cafe but inside it’s lush!
It’s the end of the world – you can do three things before you leave the earth – what are they!?
Go to Maldives & stay in one of those amazing hotel rooms that has a slide that goes from your room to the sea.
DJ at Amnesia
Get on the rocket that is getting us all the hell out of here!
What is the one song that has you go straight to the dance floor ?
From Hollywood to Bollywood – luxury brand campaigns to the red carpet – international makeup artist Rebecca Butterworth took some time out to catch up with us on the House Of Coco couch. Beneath the Beauty, she shared insights into her journey and the intricacies of her craft.
Who and what influenced you to go down the road you are currently on?
The road I’m currently on is Director Of Makeup for special effects company, Millennium FX. It’s been a big shift from my former life as a fashion and beauty make-up artist. I’ve always been a ‘behind-the-scenes’ nerd, the first thing I would watch on a DVD (do you remember those?) was the ‘Making Of’ documentaries.
I loved seeing how creatures, monsters and prosthetic make-up was created and how it came to life. Eventually, in about 2016 I decided to actually do something about my interest and took a few courses with some brilliant SFX artists like Stuart Bray and Neill Gorton.
Who are your inspirations and has anyone told you that you’ve inspired them? and how does that make you feel?
My inspirations are people who create because they have to. Alexander McQueen has been a constant source of inspiration to me since my days as a fashion student. It’s boring to say, because it’s been said so many times but his work seemed to me so much more than just ‘fashion’. It felt really necessary. I love to be inspired by artists who make you go “OH. Of COURSE!”; Terry Barber is one of those artists.
The stories that he tells around make-up, whether it’s describing the perfect shade of blush in relation to Princess Di’s ‘shy Di’ cheek flush, or making a Smokey eye look like a greasy spoon breakfast, his way of relating to make-up feels so relevant and necessary. I aspire to Terry’s levels of greatness, he’s really one of the best fashion make-up artists you could hope to work with.
A few people have told me I inspire them and it’s always surprising (you know I’m making this career up as I go along, right?) and always a delight! I’m not sure I’m doing anything interesting or different, I’m just doing the things and creating the images that feel right to me at that moment. You should only do the things that you find interesting, not the things you think other people are going to like.
What are your handbags essentials?
Jo Malone Red Roses cologne. A red lipstick. Alright FINE, six red lipsticks. Umbrella. 10 biros, only 3 of which will work.
What is the best country you’ve visited ? and what is on your lust list of travel?
Can I tell you a bit of a secret? I travel quite a lot with my job, and every time I do, I feel especially lucky and acknowledge the privilege of seeing the world…but I actually really like being at home! I also think that the UK is deeply underrated, I love seeing new bits of the UK on my travels. I was in Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast recently and it was magical!
I’ve spent rather a lot of time in India this year and it’s quite an exceptional country to travel in. There’s so much about it that feels familiar if you’re from the UK but there are enough contrasts and unfamiliar customs to really make you feel a jolt of strangeness when exploring it.
I’ve never visited Japan or the Far East. I think I’d love to go and experience that bit of the world.
In an industry which is constantly expanding what piece of advice would you give to a young person trying to get into this tough industry
That’s such a tough question because I think whatever I answer will be out of date before this article gets published, the industry is moving so quickly!
Social Media and the amount of ‘MUAs’ saturating the market are changing the face of this industry so quickly.
There are so many degree courses now geared towards make-up artistry, whether it’s fashion, beauty or special effects. Not all of these courses are worth your time or your money. Being a good make-up artist is as much about understanding things like colour theory, form, texture and taste as it is about knowing how to colour-match a foundation. Studying art will give you many more transferable skills than simply doing a three-week make up diploma.
The best make-up artists in any field are the ones who are curious, who seek out answers for themselves, who try stuff out even if it goes wrong. They are not the ones that wait to be told the answers. Do not wait to be spoon-fed the information.
Assisting is one way to get contacts, but it’s difficult and doesn’t pay money. Working on a make-up counter can be a brilliant way to get contacts, clients and most importantly experience in applying make-up to other people.
I know that Instagram and YouTube look easy and appealing but if you want to be an actual make-up artist you have to actually be able to put make-up on someone else better than you can do it yourself (please see the whole first series of Glow Up to witness what happens when your talent for self-application exceeds your talent for makeup artistry)
What would you have been had you not done what you do?
I’m not entirely sure, it is known it would have always been something that involves making things, a fashion designer maybe or a textile artist.
What do you do to switch off? and is a social media detox important to you?
I am a lazy bum and I love doing as little as possible in my downtime. I love a history programme or pottering around a National Trust or English Heritage site, thinking about how ace I would have been as a rich Lady of the manor.
I am however almost always on social media, even if I’m not posting, I’m still lurking.
As a businesswoman what key qualities do you think it’s important to possess to balance a hectic life
Haha! If you ever figure this one out, please tell me!
I can only say that I think I’m very lucky that I have a very patient boyfriend and no children. I have no idea how women manage to cope with careers, children and taking on the majority of the mental load of life.
Perhaps the key is the ability to say no and to value your own worth. Both those things are hard and I’m certainly a work in progress but it seems to me the more I put a value on my skills and my time, the more other people do.
What is your favourite food?
Mashed potato. No, popcorn. No, mash…ARGH I can’t decide! Essentially: carbs.
Can you share one of your go-to beauty hacks that our readers would find useful?
Heat your eyelash curlers up with your hairdryer. It’ll transform your eyelashes!
Also, spend time finding a mascara that really works for your lashes, massive volumising isn’t always the best option.
We caught up with our favourite Leeds boy DJ and producer Tom Zanetti – who has always been a massive House of Coco fan so it was only fitting that we had our team style him in all the sickest summer trends. Tom is the ultimate BOSS BOY killing it in the music industry – he’s a force to be reckoned with – We have his new track Wicked and Bad – on repeat!
Here at HoC we cater for the boys too! Tom wears Gucci Balenciaga Neil Barrett Dsquared Givenchy Acne Balmain Alexander Wang – which are all available in Selfridges Exchange Square Manchesterhttps://www.selfridges.com
Tom also wears Levis Raybans Calvin Klein Nicce Vivienne Westwood all available at https://www.standout.co.uk/
Photographer – Asia Burrill Grooming Hayley Armstrong Styling Taheed Khan – Location Gotham Hotel Manchester
