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Silvio Denz on Lalique’s 130 Year Legacy

Throughout his illustrious career, René Lalique had always been a pioneer. During his time, his creative flair and his crystal know-how was second to none, earning him the title of ‘inventor of modern jewellery’ . A constant innovator, René Lalique carved out a special place for himself as one of the greatest names in the world of French Decorative Arts. Today, the name Lalique has become synonymous with the French art of living and evokes the brilliance and wonder of both jewellery and crystal.

130 years have passed since René Lalique opened his first boutique on Rue du Quatre-Septembre; and it is exceedingly clear that his modern day counterpart, Silvio Denz, shares in his pioneering spirit. Since acquiring Lalique in 2008, Silvio Denz has extended the world of Lalique into previously uncharted territories. In the last ten years, he has opened more than 30 flagship stores and boutiques, launched Lalique Art and Lalique Maison, opened the Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder, opened the Villa René Lalique, the Château Hochberg, and most recently, the Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey in the Sauternes region of France.

In conversation with Silvio Denz, we discuss his passion for creative excellence, and how this passion seeps through every one of his endeavours. We talk about his admiration for the creative genius of René Lalique, and the special legacy he has left behind. A legacy, that in the hands of Silvio Denz, will live on for generations to come.

In 2008, Art & Fragrance acquired the famed Lalique, which has become synonymous with creative excellence and the French art of Living. In what ways do you think Lalique has changed since then?
René Lalique was an innovator and worked in many areas during his career; gaining recognition as one of the leading designers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work spanned jewellery, perfume bottles, tableware, decorative, and architectural objects. As we celebrate his 130 year legacy, we are really coming back to the true sense of the brand and building a bridge between past and future. Today, Lalique is a diversified brand that epitomises luxury lifestyle in all its forms: from decorative objects, glasses, decanters, jewellery, art, fragrances, interior design, hospitality, and gastronomy.

Lalique’s crystal know-how has been ongoing for the past 130 years and is unlike anything else in the world. How are you marrying Lalique’s heritage with the modern innovations of the future? How are you keeping this heritage alive?
René Lalique’s creative genius is at the centre of our inspiration. With admiration and respect for his artistry, we continue to innovate in all areas of our business. Since the acquisition of Lalique in 2008, well over 20 million euros has been invested in overhauling the factory and optimising processes. We keep our heritage alive by creating new collections as well as reinventing classic models (such as the legendary Bacchantes vase which was designed by René Lalique in 1927) in new colours and finishes.

Over the past ten years, we have opened more than 30 new flagship stores, boutiques, and showrooms worldwide. We also work with partners like Singapore International Airlines – which was just voted the best airline in the world for the 5th time in a row. We also work with different luxury brands, artists, and designers, who share the same values and standards of quality as we do, by using age old techniques and designs in new ways. All of these efforts keep our heritage alive.

2011 was a momentous year for Lalique. After the acquisition you launched the Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder and Lalique Art. What inspired you to expand the world of Lalique and what has the reception been like?
I acquired Lalique on Valentine’s Day, 2008. Prior to that, I was a passionate collector of Lalique and admired René Lalique, who in my opinion, was one of the greatest creative forces in the world of French decorative art. In July 2011, we opened Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder, Alsace; which is the site of Lalique’s only production facility even up to this day.

The Lalique Museum is owned by the French State; and I am proud to say that we worked closely with them to open the museum and enhance the collections. An exceptional architecturally designed building, the museum houses more than 650 objects created by Rene Lalique. It is a testament to his lasting legacy, that it now attracts around 70,000 visitors per year.

Lalique Art places the expertise of Lalique at the disposal of major contemporary artists, designers, and cultural foundations. In recent years, Lalique Art has created outstanding crystal artworks based on sculptures by Yves Klein and Rembrandt Bugatti, crystal architecture collections with Zaha Hadid and Mario Botta, as well as contemporary artists like Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor.

This June you opened the new Lalique hotel and restaurant – Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey. Could you tell us more about the new hotel?
The Hotel Lalique at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a sumptuous hotel and gourmet restaurant in the Sauternes region. This region has the greatest concentration of first-growth terroirs, particularly Premiers Grands Crus Classés. It opened its doors on the 400th anniversary of the estate and is a place where four worlds converge: wine, crystal, gastronomy and hospitality — all combining to serve the senses. Rising to the gastronomic challenge is our brilliant Head Chef Jérôme Schilling, who began his career working with all the great names of French cuisine. The Château’s four cellars are home to a collection of red and white wines and a heritage of 350,000 bottles, that include rare nectars alongside humbler vintages.

Offering three suites and ten rooms, the new Hotel Lalique ensures the highest standards of hospitality and gastronomy. I am delighted to share our unique heritage and evoke the emotions created by a Premier Cru Classé. The Château is Lalique’s third establishment, after Villa René Lalique in 2015 (a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection and five-star hotel) and Château Hochberg by Lalique in 2016, both located in Wingen-sur-Moder in Alsace.

Lady Tina Green and Pietro Mingarelli have been Lalique’s design partners for several different Lalique projects. How did this partnership come about?
Like all our partnerships, this was born out of a shared passion and standards of excellence and quality. In 2011, Green & Mingarelli created Lalique Maison, an interior decoration and furniture collection that was inspired by René Lalique’s passion for the Art Deco style. Back then, Art Deco was used to adorn ocean liners, glamorous trains like the Orient Express, as well as buildings and private homes — just as Green & Mingarelli do today with Lalique Maison.

Lalique Art started with a prominent collaboration with the Yves Klein Archives. How do you go about finding the right artists and foundations to partner with?
We partner with prestigious luxury brands and designers who share the same values and standards of quality as us, in order to create unusual objects which draw on this common savoir-faire and expertise. Collaborations with artists such as Damien Hirst are audacious endeavours, which René Lalique himself, who was both a visionary and trend setter, would no doubt have approved.

This year marks a significant milestone in the story of Lalique with the maison celebrating 130 years. Are there any special events and projects we should look forward to?
Aside from our new Lalique Hotel and gourmet restaurant at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey in Bordeaux, the entirety of Lalique Art’s collaborations will be presented at the temporary exhibition at the Lalique Museum in Alsace until November 4, 2018. We have opened a new flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo and created new limited edition collection for 2018 to celebrate the 130th anniversary. In September this year, we will also be opening a new boutique in Bordeaux.

1. Hirondelles Grand Vase, sapphire blue, Platinum stamped
2. Muguet Bracelet, clear crystal, silver
3. Charmante Ring, clear and black crystal, silver
4. 1928 Between Finger Ring, clear crystal and marble glass, plated in 18k pink gold and silver
5. 1927 Necklace, clear crystal plated in 18k yellow gold
6. Hirondelles Clock, clear crystal
7. 1927 Double Wrap Bracelet, clear crystal, plated in 18k yellow gold
8. 1927 Earrings, clear crystal, plated in 18k yellow gold
9. 1928 Earrings, clear crystal and marble glass, plated in 18k pink gold and silver
10. Hirondelles Vintage Decanter, Vintage 2018, clear crystal and gold stamped
11. 1928 Bracelet, clear crystal and marble glass, plated in 18k pink gold and silver
12. Hirondelles Earrings, clear crystal, onyx, silver
13. Hirondelles Paperweight, gold luster

LALIQUE

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Designer Spotlight: Emilee Troulan on capturing breezy Barbados Style

Waking up to the pristine coastlines and white sandy beaches of Barbados is an absolute dream; and it is from this island paradise that Emilee Troulan has taken inspiration from for her brand – Tru. Team Coco catches up with Emilee right off her latest pop-up at Topshop in Oxford Circus. In conversation with Emilee, we chat about her love for Barbados, the fantastic support she gets from the local community, the inspirations behind her latest collection – and of course, what it takes to kill it as a GirlBoss.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Tru?

Growing up in Barbados has made me always think bigger, because although life here is great, there is so much more out there and so much more room for growth as an individual. I always had a thing for retail, so I started work at age 16 in the UK and thats when I learned that I loved the retail world and I wanted to own my own store one day.

Coming back from the UK after three months, I managed a new boutique here in Barbados and that lead to meeting a Bajan designer, who I then opened a store with in Barbados a year later. After meeting her, I realised that maybe I should take a swing at creating my own brand because I always found myself looking but never finding clothes that really suited my lifestyle here. There was a void in the market that TRU has now filled. The great thing about TRU is that nobody wears the same pieces in the same way.

What is it like living in Barbados? Tell us about what an average day is like for you?

Living in Barbados is like nothing else! I haven’t travelled as much as I’d like to yet, but from the places I’ve been, there is really nothing like Barbados. Life here is the definition of being on ‘island time’ — which can be good and bad.

An average day for me is waking up and having a coffee on my balcony which looks out to the west coast. (yes, I see the sea from my home, yes it’s amazing and yes you can be jealous) I sit and enjoy my coffee and think about what I have to do that day, I say some morning affirmations and have some alone time to just wake myself up, get into the right mindset, and inspire myself to see beyond Barbados. It’s very easy to just settle here, but I’m not like that – I crave more for myself and my brand.

I also meet up with fellow business/brand owners for a coffee and have a brainstorm session on growth, brand identity and everything in-between. I am so grateful to be surrounded by like minded people, it has really helped me grow as a person and a brand. No day is the same for me, because one day I may feel super creative and bang out a new collection, new blogpost, plan my social media for the month, plan an event, plan the next pop up. I’m always on the look out for something new and exciting that can better TRU. I usually end my day with some exercise and at night I like to make my list of things that I need to do the next day. Other nights I binge watch Netflix until my eyes burn, it’s called balance!

In what ways does island life in Barbados inspire your designs?

I would say I get inspired by the way people feel and look when they’re on vacation here. There’s a certain style for a Barbados holiday, it’s effortless and laid back. There is something about dressing minimalistic but making it look so clean and put together, like as if the outfit was thought about the night before. For example; the MARI tank — this tank top is in the colour Coconut Milk – which already makes you feel like you’re on holiday, pair with our denim shorties and a lace bralette, and head to the East coast to explore. It’s just pure island style, no doubt.

Congratulations on your recent pop-up with Topshop! What was it like working with such a big high street giant like Topshop?

Thank you so much! It was such an amazing experience, and I’m still lost for words. It was so interesting to see how people shop in London, because it’s totally different to how people shop in Barbados. In Barbados people want your opinion, they want to learn about the brand — in London however, everyone had their earphones in and were simply just buying things that they liked! It was great to watch people just come and pick up my designs. I was a bit nervous when I was first faced with how people shop, because there is a story behind each piece and so many ways to wear everything. I did however meet many people who were shocked at the fact that I designed everything and it was my own brand. Most people just thought I was hired to work the booth! So this was fun to see their jaws drop as I talk about TRU and how it all started and life in Barbados. I will definitely be back, it was so amazing and really opened my eyes on how TRU can grow internationally.

Talk us through your latest collection, the inspiration behind it, and if you have a favourite piece?

From a personal level, I designed this collection to have a bit more variety. Yes, TRU is known for luxury tees because that is how the entire brand started, but it was time to grow the portfolio and create a collection that really touched every part of what you will need on your Barbados holiday.

That is how I designed Island Breeze. I wanted to create a collection that included pieces that you could wear so many different ways, to make packing an Island Breeze (see what I did there? Yes, I’m super cheesy) — plus when I travel, I take an absurd amount of shoes, so this creates even more ways to wear everything! I would say from the entire collection that my favourite piece is the TESSA dress — this dress is like, wow, it can be worn so many different ways and it’s not just a holiday essential, but a life essential! When I got the sample, I played with it so much and came up with so many ways to wear this piece.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

1. Set goals. I start with writing down a major goal and then I write a list of things I need to do in order to make that goal/dream become a reality. Also make sure to add a timeline — this keeps you on track.

2. Be careful who you share your goals and plans with because not everyone will be supportive, you’ll be told that it’s not possible, to proceed with caution, or that it’s too risky. But one thing that I’ve learned is that I can reach any goal that I set my mind to, I just need to keep at it and work towards it.

3. Always believe in yourself – I know this all sounds very cliché but it’s the honest truth. Girl, if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

4. Another important tip is to always have a backup plan — if one way doesn’t work, don’t give up, just find another route — there’s always a way and trust me you can do it!

5. Be prepared to work, all day, everyday, work towards your goals. I have been running this brand solo from the start so that I learn about every aspect of the business so that I know what’s going on and what should be done and how it should be done. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had many breakdowns when it all becomes too much and I want to just give up, but persistence is my friend. It’s important that when it all becomes too much, to take a step back, go for a run, a walk on the beach, a swim, anything that can distract you for a bit and come back. Work will always be there and although you set a timeline, it’s okay and sometimes it’s actually best to sometimes have to reschedule, you’ll feel a hell of a lot more productive!

What is next for you and Tru Wear? Any new & exciting projects or collaborations in the pipeline?

I have so many plans and goals for TRU – some things are a little too soon to share details but I will say, you’ll be seeing us doing more pop ups around the world in the coming year! We are also going to be working with a really cool company from the US which actually specialised is working with micro brands to help them stand out and start strong with wholesaling their collections! This will be coming in 2019 and I am so excited about this. We have connections with some brands from Barbados that we are always collaborating with like Something Samarah, The Loft, & Sea Reinas. We always have ‘meetings’ that turn into brainstorm sessions on how we all can grow the ‘Barbados Brand’ name and image. I can’t explain how great it is to be surrounded by like minded people who think bigger than Barbados.

Catch up with Emilee and Tru on trubarbados.com
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GBOGB: Loveness Lee on building a jewellery brand from different timezones

Meet Loveness Lee. A jewellery designer that combines art, science, and nature to create wonderfully unique hand-crafted statement pieces that are truly out of this world. Here at House of Coco, we’re all about that laptop lifestyle, and this is exactly what Loveness Lee built her eponymous brand on. Working with creatives and buyers from all over the world, Loveness Lee has built her business on different languages and timezones making her a GirlBoss that is not only forward thinking and global minded, but is also winning at the jewellery game with her latest eclectic trans-natural collection. Young, dynamic, and absolutely inspirational, Loveness Lee is a GirlBoss that is definitely Team Coco approved.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what made you fall in love with jewellery design?

From an early age, I developed a keen interest for the natural sciences, in particular chemistry. Also, my mother is an architect, and this fostered in me a passion for art and design. For me it made sense to be a jewellery designer, because I can enjoy the best of both disciplines! I am able to research and experiment with different materials like a scientist does, and also craft beautiful objects like an artist.

Tell us about Loveness Lee – what is your aesthetic all about?

Serendipity plays a key role in my design process: I am drawn to natural shapes, colours, and textures; which are impossible to pre-determine yet remain consistently familiar. I see the ‘trans-natural’ concept at the heart of my jewellery as a collaboration between nature, science, and art — three distinct methods working in unison. My fascination with organic materials compels me to investigate the interplay between different substances in my jewellery, to understand their properties and potentials without imposing limits upon them through my designs.

Before starting your eponymous brand, you trained as a jeweller and silversmith for seven years. How have these foundations helped you with your approach to Loveness Lee?

I want to create jewellery that is art. Years of studying and training not only helped me to perfect my skills of hand-making, but also helped me discover my design style and concept. Jewellery is a channel. A way of elevating the quotidian by creating beautiful physical objects. The world through my eyes is formed of stunning shapes, amazing textures and vibrant colours. In a way, my jewellery is a small interpretation of the world as I see it. For me, this is the point of art. My life and experiences are a constant source of inspiration and intrigue. Transforming my imagination into something tangible brings me so much joy. I want to translate my passion for living into jewellery, to communicate it for the whole world to see.

Since launching Loveness Lee in 2016 – what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a businesswoman so far?

The biggest challenge is managing the communications between the team members — essentially HR. Since I started my brand, I have been very fortunate to have international employees and work with photographers, models, makeup artists and graphic designers etc from all over the world. The advantage of having such international team members is not only easier communications with international buyers in France, Morocco, and Korea, but also to bring unique ideas from different cultures. The disadvantage is the language barrier and cultural differences.The time differences between everyone can be challenging. Everyone is artist and passionate about their creations, so sometimes communication is really the key.

Talk us through your latest collection, the inspiration behind it, and if you have a favourite piece?

Trans-natural is an eclectic collection which, as its name suggests, goes above and beyond nature, in its pursuit of daring, statement jewellery. The pieces in the collection are inspired by the unpredictable, organic processes that order the world around us. Specifically investigating the role that decay and rebirth play in the circle of life. Science, art, and nature combine once more in the pieces: coiled, undulated shapes are partially gold-plated to represent the unhurried, gradual movement of being and time. Uncompromising but contemplative designs transform the fragility of nature and the limits of traditional jewellery, into strong statement pieces. They are the ultimate accessory for modern women who possess a thoughtful and bold outlook on fashion. I have always included statement hoop earrings in every collection of mine — as they are my favourite.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

The beginning of being a girl boss is hard, but don’t let this stop what you love to do. Once you get used to it, it will get easier. I feel very privileged doing what I love every day.

Loveness Lee

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Girl Bosses of Great Britain: Talking Feminism and Jewellery with Elina Farschou of PHINE

Strangely enough, Elina Farschou’s passion for jewellery began in her father’s dentist’s office. After a few years working as a lawyer, she eventually realised her true calling and started her Scandi-inspired jewellery brand – PHINE.

Team Coco sits down with Elina to talk about her inspiring work with The Girls Network along with her latest Feminist collection — and how this was inspired by empowerment, equality, and lionesses.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start PHINE?
I was born in Stockholm, and up to today it is still the place where I can relax and recharge. Ever since I was about five or six years old, my dad taught me how to make small jewellery pieces in his dentistry office; and since then it has become a huge passion of mine.

After high school however, I studied law and even became a lawyer for a while. In a meeting with my former boss, I didn’t get the promotion that I wanted. I realised, while still in that meeting, that I couldn’t actually see myself working in this company anymore or even being a lawyer at all — so I quit right then and there. Within three weeks, I applied to study jewellery design and moved to London. During my studies, people kept asking me where my own personal jewellery came from, so I thought that there was something there — and so PHINE was born.

PHINE is a London based Swedish jewellery brand. How do your Swedish roots influence
PHINE’s design aesthetic?
The minimal and versatile aspect of the jewellery stems from my Swedish roots and are PHINE´s
DNA.

Talk us through your latest collection. Do you have a favourite piece?
I wanted to create jewellery that symbolise empowerment and equality. Usually, I start a piece by taking inspiration from geometric forms, and then work around it. This time, I took inspiration from symbols of strength.

For example, with the Lioness Necklace and Earrings; Lionesses do must of the hunting while also caring for the pride. Lionesses are a symbol for strength, courage, and royalty — a great symbol for feminism. In fact, I would say my two favourite pieces of this collection are the Lioness and Feminist Necklaces – I actually love wearing them together.

Tell us about PHINE’s Feminist Collection and your work charitable work with The Girls
Network?
The Feminist Collection is all about empowering women through Jewellery. The pieces symbolise
strength and courage — all attributes that we embody as women in 2018. The Girls’ Network is an organisation that inspires and empowers girls from disadvantaged communities, by connecting them with valuable mentors and a network of professional female role models. I believe that opportunities should not be limited by gender or background, so partnering with the Girl´sNetwork and setting out to help them fulfill their amazing vision feels like a perfect match.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?
This is quite a tricky one, as there were actually quite a lot of challenges in the beginning. I think for me personally, the biggest challenge has been starting from scratch. I started the business with just an idea of creating Scandi statement jewellery from fair-trade and sustainable materials; and then evolving to that business by building awareness around it.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?
Be passionate in what you do, and never stop believing in yourself!

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I’ll sleep when I get home: Solo travel in Los Angeles and Ojai, Hippy retreat

LaLaLand was explored Part 1 of this mini series where I walked you through my first mad weekend in Los Angeles at the Girl Boss Rally and exploring the retro Farmers’ Market. Come with me as I fill you in on the new rural escape giving Palm Springs a run for its visitor-friendly money.

Introducing… Ojai.

TUESDAY

7am: Up early with purpose this morning as we were off to spiritual city Ojai, in Ventura County, north of Los Angeles. Despite the looks of utter confusion on Angelenos’ faces, it is very easy to get to on public transport.

11:30am: A $25, 2 hour Amtrak train ride took us from Los Angeles‘ epic and film-famous Union Station, through stations that were almost definitely from WestWorld, past film sets to Ventura where an easy Uber ride dropped us at another accidental hip vegan lunch spot The Farmer and The Cook.

1:00pm: Arrow Heart Yoga in Ojai has a resident masseuse, Lauren who is beyond incredible. We went in feeling like death reheated and came out dancing on rainbows. What was in that tea?

5:00pm: We checked in at great value and super comfy The Hummingbird Inn on the outskirts of downtown Ojai after taking the local old fashioned shuttle from the yoga studio. Changed for dinner we wander the cute main street, checking out thrift stores for the next day and eat the chef’s special tacos at Agave Maria with a local mandarin frozen margarita. This has to be living the dream.

7:00pm: An ice-cream night cap at retro parlour Ojai Ice Cream

WEDNESDAY

9:00am: After a restorative night’s rest we are back on the path again, first thing checking out our hotel’s neighbour the gorgeous 70s style The Capri Hotel with our complimentary morning coffee in hand. In fact, our hotel and The Capri have been purchased by small chain Shelter Social Club who have great plans to bring the hotels back to their former glories with chilled pool parties and super comfortable suites from which to explore the local nature.

12:00pm: Having smashed through the goodies in amazing local thrift stores (2nd Helpings, New 2 You) We fall upon the biggest cinnamon bun we’ve ever seen in Ojai Cafe Emporium with a box salad to enjoy later.

2:00pm: Continuing down the main street we visit gorgeous interior shop DeKor and end up in local outpost of Beacon Coffee for a nitro cold brew (yes, we thought they were making it up too but apparently not, it’s everywhere.)

3:00pm: Now for our real secret and you’ve got to promise that only the truly worthy will hear of this…. To use the stunning spa at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, yes, the 5* one where Audrey Hepburn used to stay and real life silver screen legends like Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts frequent …you don’t need to be a hotel guest, just book a treatment and you can spend all afternoon in the Spa. Mic drop.

We opted for the Kuyam, a treatment inspired by the local Chumash Native American Indians, then read magazines and drank local herbal tea to our hearts’ content.

6:00pm: Sitting on the spa terrace we witness Ojai’s famous ‘Pink Moment’ when the sun sets and turns the mountains pink as it does so. We had no camera on us in the spa to capture it for you, you should probably just go and see for yourselves.

7:00pm: We round off our 5* experience with a local beer at Jimmy’s Pub gazing at the outlines of the mountains and all the stars we never get to see at home.

THURSDAY

9:30am: We check out new bakery on the block, Knead. If you have to check that the coffee and orange peel studded breakfast cake is, indeed for one person, this is our kind of place!

11:00am: A few more shops to hit up on the search for presents for friends back home ; FIG living stands out for their inspirational quote tea towels and make up bags and for the fact that, as it’s International Women’s Day, they are donating 20% of their takings to a local fund that empowers girls to speak up for themselves. Totally #GirlBoss so we naturally buy everything.

12:00pm: A last lunch in Ojai at colourful 50s style diner Bonnie Lu’s before catching the Amtrak back to Los Angeles for our final weekend.

2:00pm: We didn’t bet on the local cab company taking so long to pick us up (too accustomed to Uber, clearly) so we miss the Amtrak. Grr. However, we do learn that our driver used to be a top chef in LA and hangs out at mountain retreats with Woody Harrelson.

2:30pm: No fear, we can get an Uber out here at the Amtrak station back into Los Angeles. We take shelter from the sun in cute Sandbox Coffee House right by the station and are saved by Frank who is happy to take us the 1.15hr drive back to the city.

3:00pm: Driving through the valleys we blast out Social Distortion, stopping at an incredible local fruit stand and spying Magic Mountain.

4:30pm: A spot of Los Angeles traffic later we arrive at our low cost hotel for the last few nights in LA; PodShare is a budget but well prepared shared working / living space which only sets us back $40/night in Los Feliz

6:00pm: Out in town again, this time to sample the Filipino BBQ delights of The Park’s Finest ; check back soon for the full review of this awesome meaty feast. No vegans allowed!

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Girl Bosses of Great Britain: Loquet London and the Story-telling of Jewellery

Laura Bailey and Sheherazade Goldsmith, long time friends and now business partners, have created something truly unique with Loquet London. Each one of their delicate charms tells a story, whether that may be inspired by their children or one of their many adventures. Stories are what drives Loquet London’s design aesthetic, unfazed by passing trends, and the frivolity of flashiness – Loquet creates jewellery that goes beyond being just pretty, but instead immortalises a piece of their customer’s life.

We chat with Girl Boss Sheherazade Goldsmith about Loquet London’s early beginnings, her partnership with Laura Bailey, and finding inspiration in the stories we tell with our everyday lives.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Loquet London?
The most relevant part of my background to Loquet, is my love of books and travel. I love imagining who and what is behind the selection of charms that leave our office. Stories. Each of our charms comes from some kind of adventure. The meanings are all related to temples, myths and places that either I or Laura have experienced. Travel inspires the entire collection.

When I left school I worked for a company called Club 21, a wholesale and franchise group that did the distribution for numerous designer jean brands such as Armani and Guess. I was only there for a couple of years and then moved onto journalism, which was a childhood dream. A sabbatical and an MA led me to Loquet. An idea of something I wanted for myself, but couldn’t find.

How did you and Laura meet? What made you decide to go into business together?
We crisscrossed paths for most of our 20’s and then came together as friends in our 30’s. A combined love of adventures with our kids, writing, and other friends. I came up with an idea and asked Laura for some advice, she loved it so much that we joined forces and turned the idea into a concept. Laura was the perfect partner as her knowledge and experience in the world of fashion was everything that I didn’t have. We work seamlessly together, as our strengths lie in different areas. Through our friendship, we have developed a short hand which allows us to make decisions quickly and effectively. We both have busy lives, which makes our friendship the best part about working together.

What makes Loquet London different from other jewellery brands in the market?
Loquet is different because it offers our customers the opportunity to create at truly bespoke piece of fine jewellery. An heirloom that tells their story. It’s a collectable that can be worn day or night; and just as easily with jeans and trainers or lipstick and heels. It’s jewellery with an immersive experience. A combination of sentiment and playfulness; the pieces are fun and classical in equal measure. Our customers are not categorised into generations, as our jewellery accompanies its wearer throughout their lives.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as businesswomen so far?
The biggest challenge has been to innovate technologically, at a rate that a small business can afford. You’re constantly competing with huge companies whose budgets for marketing are you entire annual turnover. The whole retail experience is evolving so fast. Consumers no longer just want to make a purchase, they’re looking for an experience, which Loquet provides. Our customers are people who don’t follow fashion trends or aren’t particularly influenced by celebrity. They’re looking for something more honest; and we want to keep giving people an authentic journey.

You’ve had a number of noteworthy collaborations, including a collaboration with Dimes and with the Wild at Heart Fund. How do you go about finding the right people to partner with?
This is a completely organic process that involves businesses that I admire. I have been a long term customer of Wild at Heart; and have had several dogs from Battersea dogs home. With Dimes, it was a case of my being in New York, stumbling across their restaurant on Canal Street, and falling in love with their concept. I’m a huge food snob as I use to write about food and environmental issues. I have a deep admiration for businesses who are trying to change the system of vast monocultures. Dimes has a conscience behind their menu, and every detail of what they make is so beautifully thought out and utterly delicious. They were the perfect inspiration for making a fruit and veg charm collection.

Finally, what advice do you have for women who would like to become GirlBosses like yourself?
Believe in your idea and be passionate about originality. Don’t be afraid to experiment or innovate, sometimes things need to change to move forward. Do one thing and do it REALLY, REALLY well. Make it better then anyone else. Build a team around you that inspires you, that you can laugh, debate, and cry with. But most of all enjoy the journey, as you’re enjoyment will reflect in everything you do.

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Designer Spotlight: Martha Rodriguez of Vesti Fashion

Martha Rodrigues is a designer with roots grounded resolutely in her home country. Her stylish luxury bag brand, Vesti, features the traditional woven fabrics of indigenous Mindanao tribes. Not only does she create stunning and colourful minauderies, but each one also holds a unique story – filled with the tribal heritage of some of the Philippine’s most under-represented communities.

In recent years, floods and landslides and the recent civil rebellions have painted the Philippines’ southern region in a negative light. Brands like Vesti however, are dedicated to showing the true spirit of Mindanao – through the bold and beautiful colours of the Yakan weaves that define her collections. We catch up with Martha and chat about her beginnings, her inspiration, and how she is bringing Filipino culture onto the world stage.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Vesti?

As a designer, I never really had a formal design course. In college, my mother imposed that I take up fashion so it was decided early on. This led me to be workin with prestigious luxury fashion brands such as Natori in New York, Gucci in London, and Adora and Rustan’s in the Philippines. I guess to be in fashion was my destiny, but I did not know I would be building a brand, designing pieces that eventually showed who I am, both my weaknesses as my strengths. I began traveling back and forth in Mindanao and stumbled upon an abandoned weaving house where I saw these beautiful fabrics. I bought them and started making bags out of these fabrics. People started noticing my designs and that really was the start of Vesti.

Vesti is really about who I am. It’s about where I come from, my insecurities, to the things that me proud. It’s embracing what is thriving and turning that into something beautiful. Our aspirations from the weavers to the skilled artisans, our love for design and fashion from sketches to final products, our obsession in making sure every detail is as carefully thought of, and of course, all the hard work we put into our bags — these are all Vesti.

How does your Filipino heritage inspire your pieces?

Definitely through all these bold, colourful, interesting handwoven fabrics woven which are passed on by our Mindanao ancestors. These beautiful pieces all have stories to share. My aspirations and dreams, marry with the patterns and colours; and it t feels that the these dreams are also shared by the weavers, the artisans, and also the customers.

How did you go about building a relationship with the indigenous tribes of Mindanao?

It is always important to get to know them. I traveled to different far-flung areas, going up mountains, and learning about them. When I heard their stories, it resonated with me because I spoke the same dialect. I grew up in the same island so it was easier to communicate. After buying fabrics directly from them, I make sure to go back to them and sharing the feature or articles that show the bags with their fabrics. They seek validation to their craft especially to an international stage.

Could you tell us a little bit more about the symbolic nature of the fabrics in your collections?

Most of the patterns are inspired by Mother Nature. What you see from our Vesti Men collection is the diamond dragon pattern that the Filipino Yakan tribes believe to bring good fortune. We love to showcase the tribes and their unique cultures through our pieces.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?

Implementing the right strategies and business model for the brand. Wearing different hats and adjusting to the trends in the digital age. It is also a great challenge to get the right people for the team. I’ve been a one-woman team for four years, and expanding the brand and letting the right people handle it can sometimes be overwhelming.

What has it been like working with the Philippine Embassy here in London to launch Vesti in the UK?

It’s been a dream come true. I’ve always thought of showcasing our collections here after finishing my Master’s so I’m very blessed and happy to be able to be given this opportunity.

What’s next for you and Vesti? Any exciting new projects down the pipeline?

Definitely expanding to having a Kids Collection very soon!

vestifashion.com

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The Contiki Clothes Swap inspires us to choose Love not Landfill

There was a time when the conversation around sustainable fashion was relegated to the sidelines.For what seems like forever, it was simply easier to turn a blind eye to the ethics of fashion in favour of style. Let’s face it, we’ve all been guilty of going on a panic shopping spree — in search for that perfect holiday selfie.

On March 12, millennial travel company Contiki held London’s First ever Holiday Wardrobe Clothes Swap, bringing together some of the leading voices in sustainable fashion in a wonderfully insightful panel discussion — and also saving 1700 garments from landfill. #LoveNotLandfill brought together 150 Londoners and invited them to forego the high street and rediscover our love for conscious consumerism, swapping clothes with each other and igniting the fire on the conversation around sustainability.

The Contiki Clothes Swap panel is composed of Carry Somers from Fashion Revolution, Agatha Lintott of Antibad, sustainability activist Venetia Falconer, and fashion journalist, Anna Hart. The discourse began with some shocking statistics from Contiki’s own sustainability survey, which revealed that 132 million holiday clothes go unworn every year; with 27% or survey participants saying that they purchase cheaper clothing to suit fleeting seasonal trends ahead of their holiday. Through genuine conversation and discourse, this panel of inspiring women talked about how we can consume fashion more consciously. According to Carry Somers, “What we buy really has an impact, it’s not just about the plastics we see, but als the plastics we don’t. Microfibres from synthetic fabrics contribute to 35% of all the ocean micro plastics” When asked about the perception that sustainable fashion comes at a higher price point, Agatha Lintott urges us to rediscover our emotional investment to our clothes. “Yes – sustainable brands are more expensive, but they also last longer. Dressing consciously isn’t just about buying better — it’s about looking after what you’ve got,” while Venetia Falconer invites us to celebrate our old clothes through her #oootd campaign, which invites people to share old ootds on Instagram. She says, “Look after what you’ve already got, and don’t get caught up in the hysteria of the high street.” Getting on board with sustainability isn’t actually as hard as it seems. Rather than making hard ultimatums, the secret to conscious consumerism is exactly that — making mindful connections of what we consume.

With fashion being the second largest pollutant in the world — it’s clear that our fast fashion consumption has to change, and hopefully with campaigns like #LoveNotLandfill and companies like Contiki leading the charge — we can still turn things around. Because let’s face it — is that #ootd really worth our planet’s future?

Words by Hannah Tan-Gillies

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The Realities of Life as a Working Actor

Hollywood’s glitz and glamor have always enticed many. Bright lights, red carpets, and the allure of becoming a household name draw countless aspirants to the city of angels. Yet, behind the high-profile names and their blockbuster movies, there exists an expansive world of working actors. These unsung heroes of the screen, who don’t make the headlines, are the backbone of the industry, taking on roles that may not always be in the limelight but are nonetheless essential. Let’s dive into the real, day-to-day life of these working actors.

The Grind

The life of a working actor isn’t always as glamorous as it might seem. Their days often start with a rush to auditions, where they present their craft in the hopes of landing a role – any role. With countless aspirants vying for the same parts, it’s a competitive and demanding field. Most actors attend multiple auditions a week, and despite the effort, only a few hear back. But it’s not about discouragement; it’s about resilience. While we might not know their names or recognize their faces in a crowd, these actors are under continuous pressure to present themselves as reliable, versatile, and desirable choices for casting directors. Every audition is an opportunity to prove themselves, to refine their craft, and to inch closer to that dream role.

The Motivation

Many of today’s revered A-listers began their careers as working actors. Think about those early roles of now-iconic actors and how they were once considered minor, perhaps even forgettable. But each role, no matter how small, was a stepping stone leading them to the red carpet. These stories serve as an inspiration for working actors. The belief that their next supporting role or minor part might just be the stepping stone to a lead role or even stardom keeps the fire of hope alive. It’s a testament that in Hollywood, sometimes all you need is patience, persistence, and a touch of luck.

The Business

At its core, acting, like any other profession, revolves around the fundamentals of employment. While the nature of their job might be different, working actors are ultimately just employees listed on an entertainment payroll for the time being. Contracts, negotiations, agents, and the occasional need to chase checks to make rent are all part and parcel of the industry. Just as a marketing professional pitches an idea to a client, an actor pitches their talent to casting directors. Their talent is their product, and their performances, their deliverables. It’s essential to understand that beneath the veneer of glamor and art, show business operates with the same mechanics as any other industry. It’s about dedication, consistency, and delivering results.

The Challenges

While life as a working actor offers moments of exhilaration and growth, it also comes packed with its fair share of challenges. Firstly, there’s the instability of income. Unlike a regular 9-to-5 job, acting gigs can be inconsistent. There may be months of continuous work followed by a period of lull. This can lead to financial stress, especially for those just starting out or without substantial savings.

Furthermore, the emotional toll can’t be ignored. Facing rejection is an inherent part of the profession. Every missed opportunity, every role that slips away, can be a blow to one’s confidence. Actors are often judged based on appearance, age, or other factors beyond their control, making the industry especially taxing on one’s self-esteem.

The Rewards

However, amidst the challenges, there are undeniable rewards that make the journey worthwhile for many. For every door that closes, another one opens. That rush when you finally land a role, the exhilaration of performing in front of an audience or camera, and the joy of engaging in a profession driven by passion all make the struggles seem minuscule in hindsight.

Acting allows individuals to live countless lives, understand diverse perspectives, and express a range of emotions. Every role, no matter how small, is an opportunity to touch the hearts of the audience. Moreover, the community in the world of acting is tight-knit. The bonds formed on sets, the camaraderie among fellow actors, and the shared experiences all contribute to an enriching professional life.

The Unsung Heroes of the Silver Screen

In the grand tapestry of Hollywood, working actors are the intricate threads that bring stories to life. They may not always bask in the limelight, but their contributions are undeniable. From daily struggles to moments of triumph, their journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and an undying love for the craft. So, the next time you watch a film or a show, take a moment to appreciate those familiar faces that might not make the headlines but certainly make the story whole.

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Santa Barbara: Why Hollywood is Flocking to The American Riviera

You might be wondering why Hollywood heavyweights like Kevin Costner and Oprah Winfrey choose to live in Santa Barbara County rather than Los Angeles. And even the likes of Harry and Meghan have chosen to call Montecito home. Much like the French Riviera, the small-city, Mayberry coastal setting is an irresistible attraction. It is popular with surfing aficionados, culture vultures and wine enthusiasts. However, paparazzi are rarely spotted in the region. In this article, we examine why Santa Barbara is ready to blossom, not just for celebrities but for the international tourism scene.

World-class hotels

Hollywood royalty adores discreet five-star hotels and it is no surprise you’ll see the likes of Jane Lynch and Michael Keaton falling in love with Hotel Californian. The ornate Spanish colonial revival architecture along with the Moorish interior from celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard is a magnet for celebrities. The Mirador Rooftop Deck, which offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean is a crowning jewel of the hotel. All of the surrounding buildings are three storeys or lower due to changed building laws post-1925. The stunning Majorelle spa is equally popular with Majorelle blue tiles that are often found in Moroccan designs

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is the place for celebrity weddings. Hollywood couples who have celebrated their wedding there include Nick Carter and Lauren Kitt, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, and Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler. The hotel is just slightly outside of downtown Santa Barbara and tucked away on 78 acres of land overlooking the Pacific to offer that seclusion and privacy celebrities require. You can appreciate the beauty of the surroundings by going on a nature hike along the Chumash Nature Trail. They have one of the finest steakhouses in the region with Angel Oak and their newest opening, Bacara Wine Tasting Room is attracting countless plaudits.

Funk Zone

The area by the waterfront has risen like a phoenix from the ashes in recent years. Evolving from decrepit warehouses to the trendiest district of Santa Barbara, it is now home to countless wine-tasting rooms, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. Wine appreciation rather than mere wine consumption is the name of the game here. You are very likely to encounter one of the Baldwin brothers at The Society: State & Mason, the newest wine-tasting room in the zone. Exquisite wines are either paired with tapas-style dishes or innovative truffles from Jessica Foster. Madras curry-flavoured milk chocolate anyone?

The trendy restaurants are equally in demand in this part of town. Blackbird Restaurant pays homage to one of Hollywood’s greatest directors, Alfred Hitchcock, with subtle nods including a photo with Alfred Hitchcock and a seagull on one shoulder and a blackbird on the other. The menu passionately supports local produce from Santa Barbara spiny lobster to Hope Ranch mussels. The cocktails from renowned mixologist Devon Espinosa are not to be missed. On the border of the Funk Zone, you’ll find upscale Mexican cuisine at Santo Mezcal and a meat lover’s paradise at the retro-decorated, Rare Society.

Ganna Walska Lotusland

If Willy Wonka was in the botanical industry instead of confectionery, this is precisely what he might have created. 37 acres of the most fantastical gardens and stunning architecture. Ganna Walska, who used to own the estate until she died in 1984 (aged 96), used to call herself the ‘head gardener’ and ‘enemy of the average’. It is one of the top five gardens in the world in terms of comprehensiveness. The attractions range from the immaculately pruned Japanese Garden to the imposing cactus garden to the priceless cycad garden with plants that date back to the Jurassic period. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are known to be regular visitors and live close by.

Eclectic Museums and attractions

For a city of under 89,000 inhabitants, the museum-to-local population ratio is extremely high. One of their finest is the Santa Barbara Museum of Art . With around 25,000 pieces of distinguished artwork that span over 5,000 years of human creativity, it is no surprise over 150,000 visitors flock to the museum every year. They often have special pop-up exhibitions that highlight lesser-known, yet deserving artists such as Joan Tanner. Her outlandish sculptures made of plastic corrugated roofing sheets, re-bar, cast concrete etc. were displayed earlier in the year. The museum even has Oscar links, thanks to Christopher Plummer who famously won a well-deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in “Beginners”. In the film, he played Paul Chadbourne Mills who was the director of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and came out as gay later in life at the age of 75.

For family-orientated experiences, there is MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. The ultra-immersive installations will get your scientific brain motivated whether you are 8 or 80 and is popular with celebrities like Julie Bowen. A visit to historic Stearns Wharf is a must where you’ll find the equally interactive Sea Center. There you can touch an exotic array of marine life from sharks to rays to sea stars. To explore the rich history of the city, there is the Old Mission dating back to 1786, when the Church was building its presence in the area through these settlements. The graceful charm of the Mission has earned it the nickname “Queen of the Missions”. There is also a historic cemetery and mausoleum, a nine-room museum of classical artwork and artefacts, and numerous lush gardens.

Quirky experiences

With the philanthropic nature of the locals, you will be unsurprised to find a cat therapy cafe in the city centre. You can visit for an hour and play with 15-20 free-roaming rescue cats. They also sell apparel as well as help their resident cats find a forever, loving home. Not far away, you’ll find Salt cave Santa Barbara, the largest in North America. There are numerous therapeutic benefits to resting in their crystal cave rooms lined with pink Himalayan salt.

https://santabarbaraca.com/

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