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Boss Babe: Avant-Garde Fashion with Pavlina Jauss

Pavlina Jauss is a German luxury fashion designer that specialises in the field of luxury avant-garde fashion, with a nod towards fair trade and sustainability. Pavlina prides herself in working with some of the best European suppliers around and produces 99% of her designs in Hamburg, Germany, with only her knitwear being produced in Bulgaria by a traditional knitting company.

Pavlina’s latest designs are ethereal, flowing, and contemporary, all are exquisitely crafted with intricate finishing touches that produce head-turning quality clothing.

We wanted to know more about Pavlina, her designs, and why her catwalks are the talk of fashion week.

Q. At what point did you realise that you were destined to be a fashion designer?

A. I can not say exactly. To me it felt like a mix of chances and changes in my life. It was a rather slow process.

Q. Is your background in the fashion industry and clothing design, or did you come across from a different business sector?

A. I came from an economic background. I admired the work of several designers, but discovered my abilities in this area afterwards. At this point I took action and began my second education as a fashion designer.

Q. All the Pavlina Jauss designs are eponymous with ethereal free flowing materials, can you tell us what materials you have used for your Autumn/Winter 2020 collection?

A. I attach great importance to the sustainability, quality and origin of the fabrics I use. The actual selection is only from european suppliers. Alpaca, cashmere, cotton, virgin wool and viscose/cotton mixes are important ingredients for this collection.

Q. You are showing at Paris Fashion Week later this year, do you have a favourite piece from your collection that will be on the catwalk?

A. I am in love with most of my creations. As a designer you will never release something that you do not like. Often, my absolute favorites are the garments that are not bestsellers.

Q. Your designs are known for being flattering, fashionable and luxuriously stylish, yet always with relaxing ease – how do you manage to keep your designs informal with such strong style?

A. This is an interesting question and hard to answer. I would guess, it is a mix of my personal approach on fashion design and the number one criteria for every garment in my collections: I must want to wear it by myself.

Q. Can we ask when you are at your most creative design-wise; are you a morning, afternoon or evening designer? And, where do your design-ideas come from?

A. This varies. I think I am more creative in the evenings, but more productive during the day. I love to find inspiration and recharge myself by enjoying a glass of wine with my friends and family or reading a good book on my own. I find a lot of inspiration through music, history, mythology and nature, but also things in my regular life inspire me from time to time.

Q. If you weren’t a fashion designer, what would you be doing right now?

A. If I was not into fashion, I might have become an interior designer or would love to work in an antique shop. I love antiquities.

Q. What are your immediate plans for Pavlina Jauss in the next few years, do you intend on expanding or bringing in new designers to work alongside you, or will you be focusing on fashion shows?

A. I really want to continue to evolve my brand in a slow and healthy way. Slower growth gives me the possibility to maintain full control over the quality of the garments we produce.

Q. Did anyone offer you any good business advice before you embarked on becoming a fashion designer, and do you still adhere to that advice now that you are running a successful business?

A. We jumped in at the deep end to be honest.

Q. What piece of advice would you give someone looking to get into the fashion industry?

A. The fashion business has changed dramatically in the past. Being brave, passionate and patient are essential skills of the successful people I know in that business. Creativity and diligence help as well.

Thank you for taking the time to answer all our #BossBabe questions for House of Coco Magazine online. #WomenWorldwide #GirlBoss

Visit www.pavlinajauss.com for more information. Instagram @pavlinajauss.

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Boss Babe: Alpaca Fashions and Interiors with Lulu Phipps

Lulu Phipps not only gets to work with beautiful alpaca fibre in which she designs her unique collection of scarves, shawls, and interiors for her business Softly Softly, but she also owns and runs an alpaca farm in Northamptonshire with her husband Simon Phipps.

#TeamCoco couldn’t be more excited to interview Lulu for our #WomenWorldwide and #BossBabe series, to find out how it all started, when she first got into alpacas and how it developed into her own fashion company specialising in alpaca shawls, scarves and interiors.

Q. Have you always worked with or been around alpacas, since being little, or was this a new-found interest from a business perspective?

A. I have been in the alpaca business for 12 years, before that I had a somewhat varied career path. I trained at ballet school from the age of 5, then was a professional dancer for 8 years from the age of 16. I then was involved with Formula One motor racing before my daughters were born. Following on from then I did interior design and soft furnishings. I also trained as a phycotherapist. The alpaca side of my life has grown gradually, with the business venture evolving at the same time.

Q. You launched your first alpaca business back in 2007 with your husband Simon, did it start out solely as a breeding farm, or did you know that in future years you would launch clothing and interiors lines too?

A. Our ‘alpaca adventure’ started quite by accident. Simon and I were watching a vet programme on TV one evening where the vets were trying to save the life of a tiny alpaca baby (they succeeded thankfully!) and we were intruiged. We then, by chance, met an alpaca breeder a few weeks later at a country show and started to take a more serious interest. Following more research and talking to a number of breeders we then bought our first pregnant females. We already had land and horses so it seemed a fairly easy progression. Since then we have bred over 50 alpacas here at the farm, and sold to many established and new owners both in the UK and Europe. The initial idea was to build the breeding business, Softly Softly came later!

Q. Are all the Softly Softly designs for men, women, children and the home made from your own alpaca fibres, or do you also work with other small and unique businesses?

A. The Softly Softly collection comes from a number of areas. We have products made from our own alpaca herd fibre, these are created in conjunction with The Border Mill in Scotland. I also select scarves, shawls and throws from two companies in Peru. The Peruvian people have been working with alpaca fibre for thousands of years. It is known as ‘The Fibre of the Gods’ and at times only Inca Royalty were allowed to wear alpaca cloth. Their knowledge and expertise is second to none in the world so twice a year I choose artist designed limited edition items to add to the collection. The fibre from our own alpacas that doesn’t go to the mill is sent to Penrose Products in Nottinghamshire, where they produce for us amazing luxury bedding.

Q. Do you personally design and make your own Softly Softly scarves and shawls, or do you work alongside other designers?

A. Our alpacas are sheared once a year, in the spring. At that time I assess all the fibre and choose the finest quality to go up to The Border Mill. Once I know the quality, quantity and colour range we have to use then Juliet and I work together to design the fabrics. We discuss the fibre blends, the colour ways and the weaving designs. I only have a limited number of each design manufactured so they remain highly exclusive and original.

Q. Would you use the same alpaca fibres that you use for a scarf to also make a cushion for the home, or are there different types of alpaca fibres to work with?

A. I will only use our highest quality fibre for the Softly Softly products made in the UK. I believe that a throw or cushion should be as soft as a scarf. The Peruvians have perfected the art of blending 70% alpaca fibre with 30% silk, this creates the amazing lightweight, soft fabric in the scarves and shawls. In the past year we have been working with The Border Mill in blending alpaca with rose fibre. Rose fibre is a cellulose from the stems of roses and has all the qualities of silk – strength, lustre, softness, but in a more eco friendly and sustainable way. We have called the collection ‘Alpaca Rose’ and we are busy creating beautiful designs for a new range.

Q. Can we ask when you are at your most creative design-wise, and where do your design-ideas come from?

A. I’m probably at my most creative either in the wee small hours of the morning or when sitting on my tractor cutting grass paddocks! Alpaca fibre has many unique atributes, its hypo allergenic (it’s a dry fibre so doesn’t attract dust mites like wool or feather), its individual fibres are hollow so it is temperature controlling and it is the most sustainable fibre on the planet. I am constantly looking at fabrics, clothing and interiors and asking “would that work in alpaca?”

Q. If you weren’t running Softly Softly and had never been lucky enough to run your alpaca farm, what kind of business do you think would you be working in?

A. With my career path it could have been anything! I’ve always liked interior design but I love being a farmer as well!

Q. What are your immediate plans for Softly Softly, do you intend on opening any stores around the UK?

A. World domination of the alpaca product business!!!! Seriously – I have no plans for opening stores at present. That is a huge commitment of resources and time and perhaps not in this current political climate. I am concentrating on growing brand awareness and my customer numbers. One of the hardest parts of building Softly Softly is to show how amazing alpaca fibre can be. When I talk about alpaca many people tell me about their Peruvian jumper that granny bought 50 years ago that is still growing strong! It is such a tactile fabric and that is hard to get across unless you actually can feel and touch it.

Other plans are to develop new ranges of travel accessories and a collection for babies – who wouldn’t love to have their newborn wrapped in a blanket made from ‘Alpaca Rose’. We also have the scented candle, hand wash and lotion. I designed this to compliment the alpaca/silk scarves. We called the range ‘Softly Softly Scented’ and the scent is called ‘Silk’ It is a mix of White Lily and Neroli oil and is gorgeous!!

Christmas gift boxes are in development with the Scented range plus pick and mix from the collection, just the thing for under the Christmas Tree.

Q. Did anyone offer you good business advice before you launched Softly Softly?

A. My lovely supportive husband Simon. He has the business brain, I have the inspiration.

Q. Have you had to overcome obstacles while running your businesses, or has anything happened to ever make you step back and think twice about what you’re doing?

A. As I write this I am battling breast cancer for the second time. The first diagnosis was almost 5 years ago, before I started Softly Softly. This time was a bit of a surprise, though it has always lurked quietly in the back of my mind that it may reappear someday. I thought long and hard about the next steps in the days following the news. Do I stop Softly Softly? How am I going to run this business? I looked back at the first time and I remembered that one of the things that kept me going was getting up in the mornings and going out to feed the alpacas. They are such gentle, inquisitive animals that it was often I felt they were asking how I was each day. So I decided to put on my big girl battle pants and kick cancers butt again and keep the business going and growing. I have postponed some events that physically might be a step too far but we are concentrating on the website, social media and customer growth. I’ve learnt that life is unpredicatable and sometimes challenging but for me positivity and humour are the way forward. I have the support of amazing family and friends, and when the going gets tough I can curl up under a beautiful alpaca blanket!

Q. What piece of advice would you give someone looking to set up a business using alpaca fibres to design clothing and interiors?

A. Do lots of research. Learn about alpaca fibre from breeders and manufacturers. Find out what makes the best quality fibre and why.

Thank you for taking the time to answer all our #BossBabe and #WomenWorldwide questions for House of Coco Magazine online. We think you are an inspiration to continue running your wonderful alpaca business, even under the toughest of circumstances.

Visit www.softlysoftly.uk.com for more information about Lulu’s clothing and interior designs. Visit www.lusialpacas.co.uk for more info about breeding and buying alpacas.

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Boss Babe: Glistening Lab Diamonds and Moissanite with Lauren Shanks

We’re joined by Lily Arkwright co founder and company MD, Lauren Shanks.

Lily Arkwright has redefined the standards for beautiful lab grown jewellery with vibrant collections of diamonds, moissanite and precious gemstones, ethically & sustainably produced and crafted in the UK.

Lily Arkwright has received a huge amount of hype and praise in recent years, with this in mind we delve deep into one of the names behind the brand and look into Lauren’s past to find out about her jewellery background, her love of sparkling jewels, and we want to know more about the precious stone moissanite.

Q. Can you tell our readers a little bit about Lily Arkwright, what sets you apart from other jewellery retailers?

A. We like to do things a little differently here at Lily Arkwright, no stuffy sales environment, amazing pricing and quality that really exceeds all expectations. Typically our customers can expect to save 90% on one of our popular moissanite set rings compared to a high street diamond equivalent. We find these savings really help when planning a wedding or honeymoon.

Consumers shouldn’t feel pressured into utilising their savings pot or overspending on a diamond engagement ring, we find couples often place more value on life experiences and purchasing a moissanite or lab grown diamond engagement ring helps achieve this.

Q. Is a moissanite gemstone the same as a diamond, is there any difference visually?

A. Moissanite is in fact rarer than diamonds and was initially mistaken as a diamond when first discovered, for this reason the vast majority of moissanite is now lab grown and engineered to give the illusion of similarity to diamonds.

We’re proud authorised Charles & Colvard retailers and set moissanite stones in all our rings as standard. Charles & Colvard are the original moissanite produces and their stones are really the very premium quality moissanite stones available today.

We’re obviously huge moissanite fans but really do believe in choice and set lab diamonds, Chatham couloured precious gemstones including rubies, emeralds and sapphires in all our collections.

Q. Does your working career stem from within the jewellery industry, or did you come from a different business sector?

A. I actually started out in fashion design and subsequently moved into fine jewellery several years ago. Fine jewellery has always been a passion of mine, when the opportunity arose to combine my passion for fine jewellery and my experience within eCommerce and the digital space It was impossible to refuse.

My professional career for the past 15 years has been tremendously exciting working within the luxury brands sector within digital, eCom Management and operations & retail.

Q. HOC. Your designs start in price from around £300 and rise to around £4,000 – do you have a current favourite piece from your collections?

A. Gosh, I have so many favourites. The Giselle, Eden and Annora, the list is endless!

I love the Grace classic solitaire, its elegant, classic and timeless, this setting really does show off the centre stone setting in the best possible light.

I wear a customised version of the cushion cut Lavender for my engagement ring, and am I having 3.0mm wide full set band for my wedding ring. We’re actually introducing this design as the Aurelia band as part of our new collection later this summer.

I really enjoy mixing my metals and often wear rose alongside my white gold and platinum rings.

Q. Do you wear your own Lily Arkwright designs along with any other designer jewellery brands, or do you only wear Lily Arkwright?

A. I do, I genuinely love the collections we produce and the team and I are forever personally testing new Lily Arkwright designs. It really helps to fully trial a design and there’s no better way than wearing one.

I’ve recently been trialing a lightweight petite three stone Lorella ring, with a moissanite centre stone and lab grown blue Chatham sapphires on the middle finger of my right hand for the last few weeks, I’ve had so many lovely compliments and the band is actually a really comfortable fit even at 1.75mm.

I frequently wear a select few other designer jewellery brands alongside my Lily Arkwright jewellery, I love to see how designers interpret trends.

I also never take out my Sena moissanite platinum stud earrings, these go with almost any outfit and occasion!

Q. Your Instagram @LilyArkwrightUK showcases some of your designs beautifully; do you find social media helps to promote your brand?

A. Absolutely, social media is great to showcase some of our beautiful collections and is essential for us. Our Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and other profiles helps our customers quickly view some of our favorite designs with photos and videos readily available.

Q. Did you have to take any specialist courses in fine jewellery or art design before you launched Lily Arkwright?

A. I was fortunate to have studied Fashion design whilst at university and my family come from a jewellery background so this provided me with a really strong understanding of the fine jewellery market. This was obviously only the start and it took us a number of years of market testing, pop up shops and market stalls before Lily Arkwright was finally born.

We’ve come a long way since those early days and are now proud Assay Assured jewellers retailers and members of the National Association of jewellers. Our teams are JET trained and our workshop have some of the most skilled and experienced bench workers in the United Kingdom. We offer free UK & European shipping and delivery worldwide.

Q. Did anyone offer you any useful business advice before you launched Lily Arkwright that you still use to this day?

A. I’ve had so many wonderful mentors throughout my professional career and I’ve always tried to remember and more importantly implement useful advice, it almost becomes a habit.

In my experience nothing is more imperative than, honesty, hard work, integrity and smart working. This is something that both myself and fellow directors really impress upon our colleagues on a daily basis.

Q. If you were to offer one piece of advice to someone thinking of getting into the jewellery sector, what would it be?

A. Working within the jewellery sector is both extremely challenging and rewarding, in particular bridal jewellery. You have the honour of helping a happy couple make one of the single most important purchases they’ll ever make, something that will grace a bride’s finger for the rest of time and be passed down through family generations in the future, the thought of it gives me goosebumps!

My advice would be to follow your heart, if you love jewellery and enjoy helping people there’s really no limit to what you can achieve. Doing something that interests you and drives your passion is immensely rewarding and benefits you, your employer and the people you serve, your customers.

Q. What are your plans for the future, do you expect Lily Arkwright to move into the high street?

A. I’m tremendously excited about what the future holds for Lily Arkwright, we’ve only recently moved into a new larger office space and continue to grow the team making strategic hires and new appointments.

We have a number of opportunities available on the high street and have recently opened our very own consultation space in our Didsbury head office. This has been invaluable for our customers who can find it difficult to visualise some of our lab grown diamond alternative engagement rings.

In addition to our recent accomplishments, after a number of years in trials we’ve recently rolled out our very own brand moissanite, Lumoie by Lily Arkwright, this stone which was initially aimed at our value pieces is now available in most of our popular rings.

Thank you for taking the time to answer all our #BossBabe questions for House of Coco Magazine.

Visit Lily Arkwright for more information about lab grown precious stones. Instagram @LilyArkwrightUK.

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Boss Babe: Swimwear Trends with Yasra Jaleel

In May 2017 a brand new swimwear company was launched by Yasra Jaleel called Kandumathi, her designs of both bikini’s and costumes are beautifully made to sit perfectly on the female form.

Yasra’s latest designs are contemporary in style, and all are exquisitely crafted with beautiful finishing touches that offer a quality statement, and some of her bikini’s are uniquely mismatched in design.

Let us delve deeper into the mind of Yasra Jaleel to find out more about Kandumathi for the House of Coco Magazine #WomenWorldwide and #BossBabe interview series.

Q. Where did the name Kandumathi derive from?

A. Kandumathi is a Maldivian brand, specialising in bespoke swimwear. Kandumathi is a Maldivian phrase which invokes the ocean, and embodies the vulnerable, yet enduring nature of island life. We take inspiration from our natural environment and our culture, and work with local artists and designers to produce our unique look.

Q. Kandumathi is a Maldivian swimwear label, can you tell us the history, are you personally from the Maldives?

A. Kandumathi the brand was registered first in the Maldives in 2016 and then in London in 2017. I run the company along with my brother. Yes, I was born in the Maldives and moved to England in 2001. We have been running the company both in the Maldives and England since then. We have now been selling in 28 luxury resorts in the Maldives and across the globe.

Our Kandumathi philosophy is to use Maldivian art and artists, and we collaborate with local artists from the Maldives to create our unique designs. All our collections are water colour paintings by Maldivian artists Nadee Rachey and designed into swimwear by myself and Ahmed Fauzan. All our designs so far reflect the ocean around us, and marine life. Like the name of the brand, Maldivian life is firmly intertwined with the ocean.

Q. All the Kandumathi designs are eponymous with ethereal free flowing materials, can you tell us what materials you have used for your latest collection?

A. We are currently working with a manufacturer in Srilanka who uses recycled Nylon to produce swimwear and we are very excited to be able to work with sustainable material. As a brand from the Maldives, we understand the affects of plastic pollution and the damages it causes to our environment, and the great need for finding sustainable solutions.

Q. You are London-based, do you have a core British market that you sell to or do you mainly sell overseas?

A. Our main market is the tourist resorts in the Maldives and just recently we have started to sell across the globe. Although we are very young brand, we have been lucky to hold our swimwear in different outlets in London and New York.

Q. Your designs are beautiful and bold, do you design everything yourself, and what are this seasons styles?

A. We try not to focus on style seasons. We are influenced by the fact that the Maldives does not have the typical western seasons, and so our clothes don’t change from season to season. We also made a conscious decision not to create too many products too fast, as we understand the effects of manufacturing on the environment. We are also lucky to be in the Maldives as our resort customers change regularly and our first two collections have been doing very well.

Q. Can we ask when you are at your most creative design-wise; are you a morning, afternoon or evening designer? And, where do your design-ideas come from?

A. I am based in London and my work hours are a bit hectic as it is spread out in different time zones. I usually do office work during the day. My typical work day starts around 6am as Maldives is 5 hours ahead and continue to work through 9-5 London time. I believe I’m constantly inspired and I typically have a clear idea of what I want my designs to look like. The most fun part of my job is doing research on our designs, and learning about the marine life and it’s surroundings. For example for our latest collection we used sea shells and I had to learn about the formation of sea shells, it’s characteristics , life cycles as well as the designs on the shells. This work also teaches me more about the Maldives and its atoll formations, coral reefs, mangroves so on and so forth. We try and keep our designs very specific to Maldives.

Q. HOC. If you weren’t designing swimwear, what would you be doing right now?

A. I used to be a filmmaker before I started Kandumathi. I believe running this business is very similar to being a film producer. I would like to think that I am good at bringing together creative people and working with artists. I also have a strong idea of exactly what I want and I believe it is easy for the artists to work with me too.

Q. What are your immediate plans for Kandumathi in the next few years, do you intend on expanding to new markets?

A. Our immediate plans are to expand Kandumathi across the globe as much as we can and also start creating men’s collection.

Q. Did anyone offer you any strong business advice before you embarked on launching your swimwear brand?

A. I’m lucky to be surrounded by strong business minds within my family. I was brought up to believe in hard work, and if you work hard enough, you can do anything and to always dream big. I was very anxious when I started Kandumathi as I do not have any business background and have always been more of a creative person. Of course we’ve made some mistakes along the way but I always think twice before taking big risks; I am a cautious person. It also helps that I have my brother to bounce off ideas, as there is no one who would be more honest with me than my brother. It also helps that I know if I were to make a mistake he will always have my back.

Q. What piece of advice would you give someone looking to get into the swimwear industry?

A. My advice to anyone who wants to start a swimwear business is to pay attention to the female body and try not to focus too much on what other people are doing. Have a concrete idea and stick to it.
And always rely on the people who work with you and trust your gut as well as the people you work with.

Thank you for taking the time to answer all our #WomenWorldwide questions for the #Bossbabe series at House of Coco Magazine online.

Visit www.kandumathi.com for more information. Instagram @kandumathi.
#BossBabe #WomenWorldwide #GirlBoss

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Destination Inspiration: Brisbane Festival

As the Edinburgh Fringe Festival winds to close, you might be wondering where on Earth you can get your arts and culture festival fix next. Thankfully, as well travelled girls and guys here at House of Coco, we’ve got your back. Because just as the Edinburgh Fringe closes its doors, their cousins down south (way south) open theirs. I’m talking the Brisbane Festival, and its the answer to all your festival quandaries, and the current answer to the age old question, ‘what is there to do in Brisbane?’

The Brisbane Festival kicks off on the 5th of September and turns the streets, theatres, music venues and large bodies of water in Brisbane into a playground of light, sound and colour until it closes on the 28th. The live theatre and comedy shows dare I say rival that of the Edinburgh Fringe, but if you’re visiting the festival from abroad, you definitely need to check out the live Aussie music that pops up all over our great country town. From Cub Sport, Last Dinosaurs and Confidence Man to Tia Gostelow, Holy Holy and Emma Louise, the festival is a great showcase of local Aussie acts, and who knows, perched in the upper deck of the infamous Brisbane Tivoli, you might just find your next favourite band. At the very least you’ll definitely meet some impassioned hipsters who will do their best to convince you that you’ve stumbled onto musical greatness.

The festival is also a great opportunity to learn a little more about the local Indigenous population. As the oldest continuous culture in the world the knowledge held by Australia’s Indigenous people is enlightening, beautiful and not found anywhere else in the world. Connecting with Local Stories is a storytelling event that allows local Aboriginal groups to share stories from the Dreamtime to the modern day and from their personal connection to country. You can also witness the festival’s offical Welcome to Country ceremony on the 6th of September, conducted by the local Indigenous people, before the night kicks on to The River of Light, a light-and-laser show on the Brisbane river, telling an untold story of Brisbane from the perspective of the First Peoples.

With so much going on you’d be forgiven for not knowing where to start. Fortunately, your friends here at House of Coco and at the Brisbane Festival have thought this through. Enter the Brisbane Treasury Arcadia. The swirling hub at the centre of the festival, the Treasury Arcadia is a dizzying marketplace of food, drink, good times and crazy costumes. Think Edinburgh Fringe meets Carnivale. It’s a place of revels, revelations and romance, and the perfect point to join the fun and see where the night takes you. It also plays host to the hauntingly beautiful installation 1000 Doors; a maze of doors, screens, portals and gateways that lead you further into the spaces humanity has created to fill the void, and into the mind of the past, and perhaps future, inhabitants of these spaces.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1f76kMAbs8/?igshid=xvkpowa7o8wg

Doorway themed labyrinths are certainly not the only impressive art installation on display at this year’s festival, we’ve also engineered a means to set fire to the botanic gardens and conjured a series of invisible cities told through the character of Marco Polo to Kublai Kahn.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByhSp_Zh7b5/?igshid=1q2j56tzevwrl

The festival ends on the 28th of September with the iconic Riverfire; a one night pyrotechnic light show across the Brisbane cityscape. This year the show is celebrating Brisbane Festival’s 30th birthday, inspired by all things, but mostly the music, of 1989.

This year’s festival is set to be bigger and better than ever, so if you’re going to be kicking around the land down under this month drop in and get your festival fix.

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Coco Crush: What’s New at ICON Outlet at The O2

Back in June #TeamCoco visited ICON Outlet at The O2 to enjoy a day at the relatively newly opened outlet, and we are excited to hear on the fashion-grapevine that, Nike, adidas, Regatta, Craghoppers and Beauty Outlet became the newest brands to open at ICON Outlet at The O2, joining more than 60 superstar brands at London’s most exciting outlet shopping destination.

Also launching on the same day at The O2 was New York’s hip plant-based vegan brand by CHLOE., and street food retailers Hook and Scarlet.

The opening of Nike and adidas at ICON Outlet, two of the worlds biggest sportswear brands, will attract over 9 million people who visit The O2 each year to their stores. adidas have introduced their new concept store (selling both full price stock and outlet) while Nike’s is one of their largest outlet offerings in the UK.

Also, new to ICON Outlet is Beauty Outlet which will bring a host of beauty and skincare ranges to ICON Outlet. Brands include Elizabeth Arden, Fenty Beauty, Stila and more offering everything from fragrances, to nail varnishes, to hair products, to a wide range of beauty supplies.

ICON Outlet has also expanded the outdoor apparel offering with the opening of British retailers Regatta and Craghoppers. Family-owned outdoor and leisure company, Regatta, is offering affordable outerwear with Craghoppers selling comfortable and practical clothing ranges.

Sitting alongside adidas and Nike is The O2’s first vegan restaurant by CHLOE. The fan-favourite and always insta-ready brand serves up delicious, wholesome, plant-based foods that taste great and make you feel great too. The by CHLOE. menu includes a range of hot and cold drinks and treats, as well as classic meals with a plant-based twist. Whether you’re desperate to try the famous mac n’ cheese or enjoy a slice of banana walnut bread as an afternoon treat, this newest addition is a must visit and also offers seating in an exclusive open air garden.

Joining the Street Food Quarter, Dublin based brand Hook have opened their second site in London. Renowned for a ‘new-school’ take on the classic fish and chips the brand only works with 100% sustainable small fisheries, day-boats and local suppliers. Completing the street food offering is Scarlet, the authentic traditional Indian street food with the best quality fresh halal food and ingredients cooked in authentic Tandoori grills.

For more information on the stores at ICON Outlet at The O2 head to https://iconattheo2.co.uk/

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Dine Out: Patisserie Valerie York

York is such a beautiful city, so when #TeamCoco’s Rachel McAlley was invited for brunch it was a great opportunity to experience a few treats in the city.

Patisserie Valerie has recently undergone some major changes, with the company going into administration, it was a welcome surprise to hear the good news that a number of the cafes had been bought by an investor and were remaining open.

We arrived at one of York’s premier shopping destinations, the Coppergate Centre where patisserie Valerie is located, on a bustling street, opposite one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions, the Jorvik Viking Centre. A perfect place to people watch as York has the second-most visiting tourists outside London in England.

The first thing we noticed when walking through the door is that this café is a busy one, with customers filling most tables, and others buying takeout cakes, which of course Patisserie Valerie is well-known for.

The café being so busy meant that we had to wait quite a while before our order was taken, but the staff were lovely and accommodating.

It was a sweltering hot day in York, so we opted for soft drinks rather than the famed coffees and teas that donned the menu. We chose a couple of brunch items, one a child’s cheese toastie (£5.95 with dessert) and the other was smashed avocado, served on thick sliced bloomer toast, with a grilled tomato, dash of smoked paprika and watercress on the side (£6.75).

The avocado toast lacked any avocado, it was a simple spread of what seemed to be guacamole rather than any pieces of avocado, however the grilled tomato on top was beautifully cooked, exceptionally fresh and was very tasty. The watercress could have done with some form of dressing, to enhance the flavour, but all in all it was presented neatly and it filled a little hunger gap.

All was not lost though as the selection of cakes was indeed excellent, we opted for a take-home box of 4 cakes (£12 for 4) which included strawberry gateau, blackforest sponge, baked cheesecake, a fresh raspberry tart, and we ordered 4 dainty macarons (£1 each) too.

The stand-out cake was almost certainly the blackforest sponge, a chocolate sponge layered with whipped cream and cherries, finished with amarena cherries and chocolate fans. This was truly delicious and exactly what we expected from Patisserie Valerie. Plus, the macarons were melt-in-the-mouth divine, and the raspberry tart was quite excellent.

Would we revisit, yes I think we would. Maybe not for avocado toast but 100% for the outstanding cakes and very good service.

Patisserie Valerie is located at Unit 16 Coppergate, York, YO1 9NT.
www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk

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Accessories

Boss Babe: Beautiful Fun Jewellery with Clémence Devaux

Our latest #BossBabe interview is with jewellery designer Clémence Devaux of the brand NYF Jewellery, she says, “Jewellery should be fun, easy to wear, beautiful and personal”. And, we at #TeamCoco fully agree.

Luxury online demi-fine jewellery retailer NYF Jewellery is an easy-to-wear urban chic minimalistic brand, with a stunning selection of delicate rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings made with love and care.

Let’s find out more…

Q. Does your working career stem from within the jewellery industry, or did you come from a different business sector?

A. Not born in a family of jewellers, I started out on my own in the jewellery industry a little over 10 years ago. I started at Christie’s Auction House in Paris, in the Jewellery department. Since Christie’s, I worked as the Head of Jewellery for William&Son, a british luxury brand. And I have recently launched 2 companies, NYF Jewellery and Clémence Devaux Consulting. As well as being the Creative Director of NYF, I offer to help Jewellery brands with gemology services and product development. NYF is a passion project and something I have been wanting to do for ages, arguably something I was always meant to be doing.

Q. We aware that you are a family run business, how many of your family are currently part of NYF Jewellery?

A. Three members of my family are part of NYF. But as with every big family, everyone is part of it. Even if its only to give an opinion over sunday lunch. My mother, Caroline, is our COO and handles all the day to day. My brother, Edouard, is our CFO and is in charge of the website and IT matters. He designed our website. And as the Creative Director, I develop everything to do with the products (design and manufacturing) and marketing. These roles were attributed completely organically as it best suits each of our skills.

Q. You are a gemologist that specialises in real diamonds set in gold, can you tell us why you decided to only work with diamonds and not with any other gem, such as a ruby or emerald?

A. We haven’t yet said “no” to the rest of the coloured stone world. We have a (long-term) plan to include them. But for now, we want to stick with diamonds and pearls as they are the most wearable gems and can be worn with anything. I like to say that diamonds are like punctuation and complete a look as punctuation would a sentence.

Q. Did you have to undertake any specialist courses to become a gemologist, and can you tell us what a gemologist is and does?

A. I have studied gemology at the GIA, the international authority when it comes to grading diamonds and gems. I am a Graduate Gemologist, which means that I am an expert in Diamonds and Gemstones and I am able to assist in the grading and purchasing of both. I am also able to identify the fake from the real, which is key considering lab-made “diamonds” are a hot topic right now.

Q. Your jewellery designs are all reasonably priced, starting at around £125 and rise to under £1,000 – do you have a current favourite piece from your collection at a mid-range price of around £500?

A. Being a demi-fine jewellery brand, our aim is to make natural diamond jewellery accessible. We try really hard to keep our prices as low as we can, all the while making sure the quality is of the high jewellery level. My absolute favourite piece in our collection is our Logo Ring, inspired by the 1920’s plaque rings. I wear it all the time. The demi-pave version comes at £470.

Visit here to buy this beautiful ring.

Q. Do you wear your own NYF Jewellery designs along with any other designer jewellery brands, or do you only wear NYF?

A. I absolutely do mix NYF with other pieces. Our jewels are meant to blend in with your everyday look. I stack our rings with my engagement ring. I wear family heirlooms with them. Times have changed in terms of jewellery wearing. We don’t wear it so formally anymore, and I love that. You can find some inspiration on how I style my different pieces on my own Instagram account @clemencelovesdiamonds. It is a sort of behind the scenes of my job.

Q. HOC. Do you find that social media helps to promote your brand, if so which social media channels are you using, and does a specific platform work better for your business?

A. Social medias are essential for an e-commerce brand and it has helped us greatly. We are on Facebook and Instagram. Instagram particularly helps as it is a visual platform and suits perfectly the ambiance we want to share. However, it has become really hard to stand out in such busy platforms. And I am not an expert at it either, but we all work hard at trying to share our passion on our @nyfjewellery profile.

Q. Did anyone offer you any useful business advice before you and your family launched NYF Jewellery?

A. “Trust your instincts” is the best advice I was given while studying gemology and I have actually been doing this all my life.

Q. Did anyone offer you any bad business advice that you followed, and later wished you hadn’t?

A. “Trust your instincts” ? indeed, sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.

Q. If you were to offer one piece of advice to someone thinking of getting into the industry of jewellery design, what would it be?

A. I would advise anyone who wants to enter the jewellery industry to be patient and to work hard. I didn’t come from a Jewellery background and have worked my way in. The Jewellery industry is a very small world and reputation is key. We exchange diamonds on hand shakes and know we can trust each other as our reputation precedes us. It’s a small family and I have loved being part of it so far. If you are passionate about it, you will feel right at home.

Thank you for taking the time to answer all our #BossBabe questions for House of Coco Magazine.

Visit NYF Jewellery for more information.

#GirlBoss #BossBabe #WomenWorldwide

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Fashion

Last night a DJ saved my life

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 ?

Donna Summer – I feel love

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Business

Shine bright like a diamond

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!

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