Category

Russia

Category
Arts

Four of the best art exhibitions in London this autumn

Not only did London bring some of the most beautiful weather the UK has seen in a long time over the summer, it also brought some of the best art exhibitions we’ve seen. From Picasso’s Love & Tragedy exhibition at Tate Modern, to the compelling life of Frida Kahlo at the V&A, art lovers were given some real treats. Autumn has a lot to live up to and it looks like it will. We’ve rounded up the four art exhibitions that are on our hit list here at #TeamCoco.

  1. The moving moment when I went to the universe: Yayoi Kusama’s incredible work is hitting London again at the Victoria Miro Gallery. Her last exhibition was probably the most instagrammed art display to date. This exhibition features new paintings, painted bronze pumpkin and flower sculptures and a large scale Infinity Mirrored Room created for this presentation, Yayoi Kusama’s twelfth exhibition at the gallery. Continuing to address the twin themes of cosmic infinity and personal obsession, the new works in this exhibition are testament to an artist at the height of her powers as she approaches her ninetieth birthday. 3 October–21 December 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn-5EgTn0lY/?hl=en&taken-by=victoriamirogallery

  1. Modern Couples: Art, Intimacy and the Avant-Garde: Featuring the biggest names in Modern Art, Modern Couples explores creative relationships, across painting, sculpture, photography, design and literature. Meet the artist couples that forged new ways of making art and of living and loving. The exhibition illuminates these creative and personal relationships, from the obsessional and fleeting to the life-long. If you didn’t quite get your Frida Kahlo and Pablo Picasso fix over the summer, now is your chance! The exhibition is on at The Barbican. 10 Oct 2018–27 January 2019
  2. Christian Marclay: THE CLOCK: Since 2010 it has captivated audiences across the world from New York to Moscow and now it’s made its way to Tate Modern, London.24-hours long, the installation is a montage of thousands of film and television images of clocks, edited together so they show the actual time. It is a thrilling journey through cinematic history as well as a functioning timepiece. Now- 29 January 2019

https://www.instagram.com/p/BntQqdAFHYC/?hl=en&taken-by=tate

  1. 100 Figures: The Unseen Art of Quentin Blake: Often recognised for his wacky illustrations for Roald Dahl’s novels, this exhibition at the House of Illustration portrays a new side of Blake. This display of his work gives gallery-goers an insight into the creative practice of one of the world’s most celebrated illustrators. It is a major exhibition highlighting Quentin Blake’s prolific but unknown work as a figurative artist. The exhibition will feature 100 large-scale oil paintings, drawings and prints created over fifty years between 1950 and 2000, none of which have been exhibited before. 5 October 2018 –27 January 2019
by
Keep Reading
Austria

The Flowering Dolomites – Hiking, Gastronomy and Culture in Northern Italy

The well-documented challenges facing tourism in Venice create exciting opportunities for travellers open to discovering other gems in northern Italy. Only a two-hour drive from Verona, Val Gardena, a valley nestled in the Dolomites, invites visitors to experience hiking, gastronomy and culture, with one of the world’s most iconic mountain ranges providing a spectacular backdrop.

Less than thirty minutes into the drive from Verona airport to the Val Gardena valley in northern Italy, you begin to catch a glimpse of what makes this part of Europe so unique. The landscape becomes slightly more dramatic as you head north on the Autostrada del Brennero, the motorway which follows the winding path of the wild Adige river.

By the time you get to Trento, halfway into the journey and just south of the Dolomites, farmland becomes hills and hills start to become mountains. You are soon surrounded by sweeping panoramas of (with all due respect) ‘lesser mountains’, lush green valleys and picture-perfect towns. Storybook scenes like these are the joy of road trips.

However, nothing prepares you for your first glimpse of the Dolomites as you approach Selva Val Gardena, one of the three municipalities which make up Val Gardena.

In the spring, Mother Nature shows off her naked beauty as the snowcapped peaks shed their white blankets. This is when ‘The Pale Mountains’ as the Dolomites are also known (their distinctive limestone composition gives them a ghostly appearance) emerge from their winter slumber.

Hiking the Flowering Dolomites

Finding a ‘room with a view’ in any of the towns (Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina) in Val Gardena is easy. The Dolomite peaks of the Sella Group and Sassolungo and some of the slopes which form part of the Sellaronda ski circuit are visible from almost every corner of the valley.

Many hotels in the area, including five-star Alpenroyal Grand Hotel where we stayed, offer seasonal prices (i.e., outside ski season) which make visiting the Dolomites in the summer an even more attractive proposition.

While the elegant rooms are filled with warmth and alpine character, there is something about the Dolomites that will make you want to spend most of your time outdoors. Their pinnacles draw the curious and their exceptional beauty invites introspection.

It turned out that we had a lot of time for introspection when we joined Karin Plancker, a local hiking guide and herbalist to explore the colourful meadows of Val Gardena and learn about the flora of the Dolomites. The period between the end of May and the start of July is the best time to do this.

“Whenever I’m among flowers, I always say, ‘thank you’ to the earth,” Karin said, demonstrating a deep appreciation for nature that she traces back to her childhood. Indeed, a feeling of personal connection to nature is a common theme among the Gardenese.

When not working as a local nurse or hiking guide, she’s studying plants and flowers, learning about their uses in gastronomy, aromatherapy and homoeopathy and showing them off to visitors like us.

Autumn is also a perfect time to hike in the region. This is when the ‘Burning Dolomites’ happens. The limestone crystals play tricks with the sun, and the Dolomites exhibit a chameleon-like character, turning into different shades of red, yellow and orange.

Stopping every few meters to name-check flowers, we hiked up Seceda with Karin, through the Puez-Odle Nature Park. A must-see viewpoint commemorates the designation of the Dolomites as a UNESCO World Heritage viewpoint in 2009.

South Tyrol offers an impressive network of ski slopes connected by cable cars and ski lifts. In the summer, those facilities are equally useful for getting up and down the mountains, something we were grateful for after our long but rewarding hike through the flowering Dolomites.

Replace the Hiking Poles with Electric Bikes

If the prospect of hiking up the side of mountains with spectacular views does not sound appealing, try cycling in the Dolomites. Electric bikes have recently become popular and Val Gardena has wholeheartedly embraced them.

The beauty of electric bikes is that they make cycling so accessible. Going uphill no longer requires as much sweat, thanks to a helpful electric power boost.

During our trip, we ditched the hiking poles and joined local cycling guide Andrea Planker for a sunset whizz around the Vallunga valley before dinner. Be warned. You’ll want to stop every few minutes for a photo of this stunning landscape.

For a more leisurely ride, cycle from Selva Val Gardena to Ortisei, the main village and cultural hub of the valley. There you can sample artisanal coffee and pastries or go shopping in its cosy pedestrian zone.

Wood Carving Tells Another Story About the Dolomites

The Dolomites hold many legends of their own. However, in the valleys surrounding them, you will find another equally intriguing story; one with historical, cultural and economic significance for the region.

Wood carving traditions in Val Gardena (Ghërdeina in Ladin, a distinct and ancient language that is spoken in five valleys in the Dolomites) go back to the 1600s. By the 19th century, the valley recorded over 2,000 woodcarvers creating toys, religious artefacts and other cultural pieces. Their work, including the famous jointed puppets, spread across the world bringing great prosperity to the region.

Ivo Piazza is a local wood sculptor and member of a local art collective known as Unika who hold regular exhibitions. Ivo has spent the last forty years honing his craft and preserving woodcarving traditions. We joined him for a walk into the Resciesa forest where he demonstrated an extraordinary ability to ‘read’ tree trunks and ancient roots.

Ivo would pick up a piece of old wood, fiddle with it and suggest the type of art he could create simply by knowing the texture, following the direction of the grain and leveraging the colour of the wood. As he pointed to a tree stump he declared, “No piece of wood is completely dead.”

His interaction with nature was fascinating to watch. Along the way, we were introduced to different types of pines and gained further insight into ancient woodcarving techniques. Our time with Ivo ended much too soon but not before a visit to his workshop to see his creations, some of which have been featured in exhibitions in cities such as Moscow and Colorado.

Eat Your Way Across Val Gardena

Any hiking (or biking) route can turn into a culinary route when you include rifugis (mountain huts) that serve food and drink. These must-try rustic huts are an excellent opportunity to sample the gastronomy of the Dolomites. The altitude of some of these huts adds to the multisensory experience that is South Tyrolean cuisine.

Culinary stops of note on our hiking/biking routes included Val d’Anna, Baita Ciampac, Baita Troier and Rifugio Toni Demetz – the highest one we visited at 2,685m and reachable via the iconic Forcella al Sassolungo gondola.

At these huts, visitors can sample a range of local savoury specialities including polenta and Canederli (dumplings), and sweet desserts such as Kaiserschmarrn.

For fine dining, we enjoyed the excellent hospitality at the Alpenroyal Gourmet Restaurant. Their six-course summer menu is a blend between alpine wholesomeness and Italian sophistication.

At the end of the meal, if you ask nicely, the barman may whip up a glass of Bombardino. Usually reserved for après-ski pleasures in winter, this ‘bomb’ of a cocktail is made up of brandy and egg liqueur and topped with whipped cream.

Feel the Dolomites

As we headed back to Verona to catch our return flight to London, I realised that I had been to this region before…but only in my imagination.

In my imagination, I had seen the pinnacles, spires and towers of the Dolomites and the vast forests and rolling meadows that surround them. I had imagined the crystal clear rivers, the alpine lakes and the rifugis nestled on their banks. In my dreams, I had pictured the wildflowers that come alive in spring and filled my lungs with the fresh mountain air.

As one of the locals told me, “Mother Nature is more beautiful than anything humans can ever create.” No longer in my imagination. No longer in my dreams. Now that I have had the chance to feel the Dolomites, I know this to be true.

Travel information

Getting there: There are multiple daily direct flights from London Gatwick to Verona on EasyJet, British Airways and Alitalia. You can also fly in to Innsbruck. Transfers take approximately two hours by car.

Where to stay: The Alpenroyal Grand Hotel offers summer (June) prices from €134 per person per night or €875 per person for 5 nights (half board).

What to do: E-bike rental from Rental Selva starts from €49 per day and €227 for 6 days.

Guests staying in Val Gardena Active member properties can enjoy many free or discounted events and activities.

Getting around: The Gardena Card offers unlimited use of all lifts in Val Gardena in the summer.

Visit Dolomites Val Gardena [valgardena.it] for more local travel guidance.

by
Keep Reading
Argentina

The Most Underrated Cities in the World

The world has so many beautiful cities with breath-taking sceneries, activities to do, and places to visit. Many of these towns are very famous, and it’s a dream of every intrepid traveller to visit them. Such cities include London, New York, Moscow, Tokyo, Dubai, and even Singapore. However, there are several cities that are so underrated but have very captivating sceneries. Cities like Budapest, Bled, and Moscow are considered to be off the beaten path, but they are the cities that will give you the best experience in the world. So, go ahead, book that Jettly flight, and get exploring them! Listed below are the most underrated yet very scenic cities around the world.

Auckland, New Zealand

It’s among the major cities in New Zealand. The city is a Metropolitan center on the North Island that boasts of two harbors, magnificent and natural landscapes, and volcanoes. It has an intriguing mix of the traditional Maori and little touch of western culture. There are very many activities to do in Auckland. These include visiting the Skytower, the Auckland Domain, the zoo, the aquarium, the war memorial museum, and the Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Banff, Canada

This is one of the cities I must go back to. The city is filled with very many fascinating places and sceneries to visit, for example, the Banff National Park, the magnificent mountains and lakes. Apart from the wildlife and scenic views, Banff has very great restaurants with delicious meals, delightful boutiques, and shops. One can also visit the Fairmont Banff Springs, the bow falls, the cave and basin National Historic site, the tunnel mountains, the Upper Hot Springs, and many more lovely sites.

El Nido, Philippines

With a very gorgeous and clean beach, this resort town on the Filipino island of Palawan is truly an off-the-beaten-path town. The city is known for its beaches with white sands and coral reefs and amazingly clear waters from the lagoons. Near the town is an island known as Shimizu that has water filled with all kinds of fish. The areas also have very many diving sites, such as the Dilumacad island tunnel that leads to a cavern under the water.

Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza is the largest wine region in Argentina. During my visit, I was excited to visit one of the bodegas for a wine tasting and a tour around the wineries. Apart from that, the city streets are evergreen and leafy, and the buildings full of modern art decor on buildings across the city. I also got a chance to visit the Museo Municipal de Arte Mordeno, a city that displays modern and contemporary art.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary that is divided into Buda and Pest by the Danube River. The city is also referred to as ‘the Paris of the East’ because of its magnificent architecture that makes Budapest look and feel awesomely unique. Several places that make Budapest a great destination include the Danube River, the ruin bars, thermal bath, historic churches, and the castle hill. Their traditional Hungarian cuisines are to die for.

Safed, Israel

Also known as Tzfat, this is a city in Northern District, Israel. Tzfat is said to be the birthplace of Kabbalah. It was also regarded as a Holy city shortly after the Jews were expelled from Spain in the early 1940s. It is also the highest city that is elevated over 900 meters high in Galilee. The city has the top most attraction centers frequently visited, including the Bat Ya’ar ranch. Soul and Art fine art gallery, Abuhav synagogue, The Ashkenazi Ha’Ari synagogue, and the Old City of Safed.

Galway, Ireland

Galway is known for its wild ‘stag and hen’ parties. The Irelanders are known to throw the wildest bachelor and bachelorette parties before getting hitched. The city is also known for its Irish character and spirit, starting with the pubs, their Irish folk music, and delicious cuisines. On the last trip I took to Galway, I was privileged enough to visit the breath-taking cliffs of Moher. I also visited very scenic and educational places, including the Spanish Arch, the Galway cathedral, the museum Lynch’s castles, the Atlantaquaria National aquarium, and a ride on the Aran Islands ferries, and even shopping on the streets.

by
Keep Reading
Australia

Women Worldwide : Sustainable Luxury Beauty with Melissa Obeid

LA FERVANCE is an independent Australian-French company who are experts in sustainable luxury beauty. The founder of LA FERVANCE, Melissa Obeid, has directed and overseen every aspect of the product profile, performance, ingredients, packaging and testing.

Melissa’s love affair with France was ignited whist studying at The Paris Fashion Institute in the 90’s. She worked with the biggest names in the fashion world extending these experiences to senior fashion roles back in Australia, followed by a stellar career in high-level arts management. Melissa’s passion for clean beauty lead her to initiate the development and commercialisation of a suite of Australian made, 100% natural beauty products created under proprietary brands sold nationwide. This was an Australian first.

Melissa is a really heavy weight in the beauty world and we spent some time with her to find out more about her plans for the brand, what a day in her life is like and more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching La Fervance…

The LA FERVANCE journey is a truly inspiring one, even to me as the brand founder! It’s one of enormous courage and faith after Jamie and I were inspired to bring our family to France for a sabbatical in 2016 and here we are in 2020 having launched a high-end luxury skincare brand!

Whilst in Senior Management at the world renowned National Gallery of Victoria it is here that I got my inspiration and I discovered the Napoleon directed, Baudin led expedition to Australia (Terre Napoleon). I learned of the fascination which Napoleon and Josephine had with Australia and given my ties with both Australia and France, I found this particularly fascinating.

Then, following the development of natural skincare collections in Australia and my family’s relocation to France for a cultural sabbatical and to better understand the luxury skincare space, I was struck with an inspiration during our initial stay in Paris, to create a skincare brand containing high concentrations of 100% natural, active ingredients from Australia and France within a certified high-end, sustainable framework.

It was upon settling in Provence, that the idea took on a life of its own and very soon we found ourselves aligned with the most reputable laboratories and partners in France – the prestige cosmetics mecca of the world – as we understood that if we wanted the best, it had to be done in France. In many ways, I feel LA FERVANCE continues the journey of fusing these two cultures which are so diverse.

You did a lot of research before launching the brand and perfection was the only way for you. Why was this important?

I’m a firm believer in that if one is to do something, ‘either they do it well or not at all’. One of the motivations for creating LA FERVANCE was to fill a void in the high-end skincare space through the provision of true authenticity around the provenance of active ingredients from 100% natural origins and offering a brand which spoke quality at every touchpoint. The ‘luxury’ is simply a consequence of this.

In order to achieve such ambitious outcomes, there was simply no choice other than to strive for perfection within EVERY aspect of the journey and product offering as our benchmark. We are very familiar with the process and regulations around skincare production in other countries, which is why upon discovering the details around producing skincare in France, particularly within a natural, certified framework, we knew that this was absolutely where we needed to produce LA FERVANCE. The very strict requirements around testing, compliance, regulations are second to none, therefore as time consuming and complex as it was to adhere to a 100% natural and 100% recyclable framework, within the specifications of a globally certified framework, the results are just exemplary and offer a guarantee to the consumer that they are truly buying the best products possible.

The striving for perfection will resonate with those who value the artisan approach which is LA FERVANCE and who appreciate that this comes at a premium. They understand and appreciate that handmaking and hand-filling our European made packaging here in France, compared with doing so abroad will mean they get a premium product and experience. The fact that we insisted on ingredients which are sourced predominantly from France and Australia, rather than choosing more cost effective ingredient options, also contributes to these outstanding results. Those who value our ethos and quality will resonate with the brand and be happy to align themselves with LA FERVANCE.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

I don’t think the word average has ever really had a place in my life ? I start my day at 5am. Whilst this certainly does not come naturally to me, I recognise the importance of the extra two hours waking up early as being sacred and highly productive to me as what I can achieve during these ‘power hours’ far exceeds anything I can accomplish throughout the remainder of the day. I use this time to meditate, focus on my intentions, plan for my day. I’ll then wake the family and after a hearty breakfast I drop the children off at school. They attend an International bi-lingual school in Paris as they’re fluent in French, after being spoken to in French since birth and spending two years in a village primary school in Provence. Depending on the morning meeting schedule, I’ll then try to squeeze in a power walk, whilst admiring the stunning architecture and street scenes which inspire me daily, then it’s back home to prepare for the day. This can consist of meetings with our laboratories, packaging experts, suppliers, attending various industry trade-fairs, meetings with stores, product photo shoots – or planning sessions at our office near Opera Garnier. .

Being an independent brand, Jamie and I manage every aspect of its development in collaboration with experts in these fields to create the intended outcomes, so this means many diverse tasks being juggled simultaneously – and lots of ‘to do’ lists!

The afternoon sees me take on the role of Mum’s taxi, commuting our children to their various horse-riding, golf and tennis activities. We’d love to see some Aussie rules football in there, but it’s yet to catch on in France!

A family dinner follows during which we share about our day. The children are so invested in the LA FERVANCE journey, as they have lived every single moment of it since we arrived for our ‘sabbatical’ in 2016 and then decided to stay in France to develop LA FERVANCE. They have shared in discussions around colours, perfumes, textures etc. It’s been wonderful for them to be privy to the process and witness the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.

The usual night-time routine follows and once the children are in bed, Jamie and I will continue working, before I apply ECLAT EXTRAORDINAIRE as a sleep mask before much needed good nights kip.

Who is your ideal customer?

I see the ideal LA FERVANCE customer being defined by an attitude not an age. It’s the savvy consumer who is astute, outward thinking, who won’t be influenced by smoke and mirrors marketing. They understand the skincare space, are aware of the ingredients they choose to place on their skin and appreciate their place in the market. They understand the motivations behind us using locally produced glass and responsible forestation packaging and both recognise and appreciate the various LA FERVANCE points of difference. In many ways it is a cynical consumer who questions and takes an interest in the story and who is inspired by such. Our ideal consumer takes the time to understand how our various decisions around minimising our carbon footprint and streamlining the product range, were made to support a more sustainable brand offering. They are astute, worldly, aware and can see through marketing hype by turning the package over to read the fine print ingredients – beyond the product name and positioning.

How do you want people to feel when they use your products?

LA FERVANCE feels like another member of our family. We have spent years perfecting the formulas and have approached every element with great integrity, so when people purchase the product we want them to feel special, to feel joy, to see and feel positive outcomes. Since launching on 29 November 2019, we have received nothing but positive and glowing feedback which is an absolute joy – extremely satisfying indeed.

We want people to feel completely indulged within the sensorial experience that is LA FERVANCE. The packaging, the product visual, texture, aroma, feeling and affects of LA FERVANCE are like no other in the market and so when people use LA FERVANCE, we would like them to feel transported to a different world when using the product.

ECLAT EXTRAORDINAIRE is our launch product and is an original ‘conflict free’ Italian gold infused multi-mask formulation, which may be used in several ways. It is a world first and by being an all-round beauty balm, with such a divine texture and perfume, it is proving most popular. As a morning instant glow product, there is nothing more active than this 100% natural, real gold balm which glides over the skin and doubles up as a ‘leave on’ treatment. As a sleep mask, it feels so soothing and indulgent and it may also be used as an innovative treatment mask, as after the treatment time the mask emulsifies with water and massage, leaving the skin plum and glowing upon removal!

What’s your best selling product?

This is a question best asked a year from now, once our first collection is rolled out in its entirety. We decided to launch with one stand out product ECLAT EXTRAORDINAIRE in November 2019, which is our certified, beautifully presented, exquisite multi-mask gold infused product, and the response to this has been exceptional. At the time of launch we ran a parallel sampling exercise, with those who had received a sample going on to order the product as they had become ‘addicted’ to the affects, the perfumes and the affects of placing real gold on their skin first thing in the morning.

Over the past few years we have developed equally exceptional and complimentary products, all within the ‘Fusionistique’ multi-functional framework.

Our philosophy is based on using targeted active ingredients in higher concentrations for more effective results, along with fewer more potent products within the collection. Less is more! This is what luxury is all about.

What has been your most successful moment to date?

There have been so many moments of success since we launched. I think that in terms of the turning point for LA FERVANCE – it was when we got the invitation to participate in the Positive Luxury, Positive Week event in London last October, hosted by the Universal Soul Company at Gazelli House in Knightsbridge. This is where I introduced LA FERVANCE globally for the very first time in view of the official launch in November and was able to talk about the brand journey, it’s inspirations, the ECLAT EXTRAORDINAIRE and answer questions from the guests. To be able to finally share LA FERVANCE within a public forum was deeply satisfying.

For me personally, this visit to London was also hugely rewarding, as it enabled me to reflect on my own personal and professional journey – having lived in London as a young Australian traveller back in 1994. Reminiscing about my time in that shared apartment in West Kensington, and all I had lived since then, only to come full circle, being in London again 25 years later as the founder of a luxury skincare brand, was cathartic experience – the feeling of which I will always remember.

You relocated to France to focus on this brand, why did you feel this was an important move?

Relocating to France from Australia was important for many reasons. For me personally, having lived in Paris in the 90’s where I worked in fashion and established many strong friendships and connections which continue to today, it was important to return to the source of this creative energy, the buzz, the inspiration. As a family, it was invaluable to have the experience of being able to travel throughout Europe and expose the children to such a rich history, different cultures, languages, friendships and memories.

From a brand perspective, to return to the source of the initial inspiration and that of the Napoleon directed, Baudin led expedition to ‘Terre Napoleon’ (Australia) was crucial to the essence of the brand. LA FERVANCE is a ‘Fusionistique’ brand and as such it fuses many elements, namely these two extraordinary cultures.

France is the global mecca of high-end skincare and perfume creation, so to develop and launch LA FERVANCE in France, to my exact brief and under the guidance of the global experts in skincare – with a combined experience of centuries, provides the brand with a clearly advantageous proposition and an energy which could not be achieved had it not been developed in France.

Are you planning on extending the range in future, if so, how?

A complete and complimentary collection has been in development since the LA FERVANCE journey commenced in 2016. Every product complies with the most stringent global certifications for natural cosmetics and fit within our ethos of 100% naturally sourced, active ingredients and have undergone rigorous testing. When skincare is designed to an exact brief by experts in their field, it is not necessary to have an excessive number of products within the daily regimen. The intention of LA FERVANCE is to streamline the routine, with highly concentrated products which fulfil several functions successfully.

Our current customer base is already asking when the next product will be released as they are so satisfied with the ECLAT EXTRAORDINAIRE which is a great sign.

How much does social media play a role in your business?

Being an independent, self-funded brand social media plays a significant role within our business model. We enjoy the instant responses received by those who engage with the brand and the potential we have to reach a wide and diverse audience.

Having said that, I still really enjoy print media and also like seeing the brand represented in this way.

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

Not a single thing.

Given the long gestation involved with the research, development, testing, finessing, production, Jamie and I had a long time to consider our approach and to plan accordingly. We even managed to do a brand ‘refresh’ before the brand was launched! – hence by the time we came around to going ‘live’ with LA FERVANCE, we were content and confident.

Of course there are always some areas which one questions, but I believe this is all part of the journey and should be viewed as opportunities to do things differently in the future.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Oh, I love to travel too! I am yet to visit Central and South America, so this is on the bucket list. I only wish I had visited Cuba 20 years ago! Russia is also a country I am looking forward to visiting. I studied Russian history at senior school which I found fascinating and having also been in Senior Management at the National Gallery of Victoria for many years, I had the pleasure of viewing The Banquet of Cleopatra which was originally housed in the magnificent Hermitage museum, so this is absolutely a building in which I would like to lose myself for a day or two!

What are your plans for the brand in 2020?

To continue to spread the word about LA FERVANCE and what makes the brand a stand out in a crowded skincare space.

To establish key retail partnerships with global retailers aligned with our principals and brand culture.

Tell us your favourite quote to read when you are lacking inspiration…

I have so many favourite quotes. I live by quotes and Khalil Gibran is the author of many of my preferred ones.

Before I set off on my first o/s adventure as a young adult post university, I was considering the pros and cons of doing so and in a magazine I came across ‘Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome’. I cut that out and placed it at the front of my journal. I guess the same thinking applies today.

For any one aspiring to launch a company in the beauty industry, what advice would you offer?

Create a brand which is defined by your own passion, rather than one which complies with market trends. This will stand the test of the many challenges you will face and resonate with a genuine target market.

Find out more…

People can follow us on the usual channels of our website www.lafervance.com or #lafervanceskincare or our Facebook page.

We welcome any queries or questions at info@lafervance.com

by
Keep Reading
Coco Couples

Lanzerac: A wine-lovers dream honeymoon in Stellenbosch, South Africa

If like me, you love a glass of wine almost as much as your husband or wife to be, South Africa’s Cape Winelands are an easy choice when it comes to planning your honeymoon. With its vine-striped valleys and white-walled Cape Dutch architecture, it has enough vineyards and restaurants to keep even the most seasoned wine-loving couple happy.
Just 40 minutes from Cape Town, this is the country’s wine capital and while you could (and absolutely should) spend days dotting between the top-class wineries, nothing feels quite as indulgent as staying on one – which is why we headed to luxury hotel and working vineyard Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch to beat our post-wedding blues.

Dating back to 1692, Lanzerac Wine Estate is of the oldest and most luxurious estates in the area, combining all the pedigree you’d expect of a 326-year-old working winery with the sumptuous surrounds of a five-star hotel and spa. Perhaps most famously, it is also the birthplace of the first bottled Pinotage – a cross between a Pinot Noir and Hermitage and South Africa’s first unique, indigenous wine grape variety.
Tucked away in the foothills of theJonkershoek valley, you’re just a few kilometres outside of leafy Stellenbosch town, yet the estate feels like another world entirely. Driving down the oak-lined dappled driveway is like taking a step back in time.

With its Dutch gabled exterior stark white against a bright blue sky and dramatic mountain backdrop, this is one special corner of the Cape. Having been preserved for decades (and now designated as a Provincial Heritage site) the iconic Manor House and Werf buildings make up the centre of the estate, while a series of white-washed cottages make up the 53 rooms and suites.
Sadly, a fire in 2017 caused extensive damage to the property, causing it to close its doors for a year. While it may have been a tragedy, the new interiors are astounding – fusing the period grandeur of the previous property, with its rough stone walls and exposed beams with contemporary elements like the walls in the grand dining room. You can practically see the history as you step from one type of flooring to the next, across different generations.
The estate is expansive, and we get lost several times, but it’s a joy to uncover all the different corners. The fountains, the courtyard rose gardens shaded by ancient oaks – one of many pools flanked by white loungers and backed by plane trees.

The gardens are immaculate, enveloping you in blooms and different scents as you walk to your room. While the rest of the estate may be beautiful, it’s just a warm-up for the rooms – which are the real show stoppers here. No two are the same, with four different categories ranging from classic to a suite, but all offering huge ceilings, chandeliers and romantic bathtubs.

Our pool suite is really more like a house – with an entrance hall and study leading onto the bedroom and living room. To one side, a marble-clad bathroom with steamy rain shower and rolltop bath stand next to shuttered white french windows that pull back completely to reveal a garden full of pink roses. Even the toiletries are in keeping, with Merlot bath gel and Sauvignon Blanc shampoo which smell so good I stash a couple away to take home.

Sliding doors from the living room opens up onto the prettiest courtyard, with a white gazebo and private pool and loungers for two, with a view right onto the vines and mountains beyond. Breakfast is included in our stay, so naturally, we order it to the Gazebo, where we eat in contented silence as the morning mist burns off the slopes. The mini-bar is also included, which, given that it is stocked with plenty of the estate’s own wines, means we’re a little loathe to leave this haven of a hideaway.

Unless of course, it’s to check out the Lanzerac Estate Winery – of which a cellar tour and wine tasting come included in our stay. The cellar tour is informative – our guide Nyameka giving everyone from the more expert to beginners a chance to learn about both the wines and the historic estate, whose rich winemaking history can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the first Lanzerac wine was bottled from grapes harvested on the farm.

After the tour, we’re given a choice of 5 wines to taste on the terrace upstairs, accompanied by a huge platter of cured meats, cheeses and chutney from Lanzerac’s deli. One of our favourites is the Mrs English Chardonnay – named after one of the property’s most influential owners, Elizabeth ‘Kitty’ English, who bought the estate in 1920, changing its name to Lanzerac, rumoured to be after Charles Lanrezac – a French General, after whom the red blend Le Général is also named. Mrs English passed away in 1929, but not before transforming the estate into one of the most modern wineries in the Cape, laying the foundations for Stellenbosch’s world-renowned wines, which continues today under the leadership of Cellar Master Wynand Lategan and Viticulturist Danie Malherbe.

For dinner, the more formal setting of the Manor Kitchen offers multiple courses of classical, contemporary dishes – from pan-fried scallops to venison loin. But wanting to enjoy the mild weather, we opt for a seat under the stars on a pretty corner table on the terrace at Taphuis, one of the property’s most historic spots whose wood-panelled walls have been housing thirsty guests since the 1960s. The pub-style tapas menu champions home-grown ingredients from local suppliers, with options like Smoked Snoek Mousse with Cape gooseberry compote and the Braai Broodjie (a South African BBQ sandwich) with Huguenot cheese. After dinner, cocktails in the Craven Cigar lounge are the order of the day, reminiscent of an old-boys club with its roaring fireplace, stags horns and selection of whisky and cigars which keeps my husband particularly happy.

The next day, with the use of the spa facilities also included in our stay, we head down to for an afternoon pamper session. The whole spa is bliss – a wellness retreat in its own right, with a glass-ceilinged heated indoor pool which leads right out onto sunbeds facing the vines, where I channel Ab Fab while waiting for my other half, cocooned in a dressing gown and sunglasses. A calming palette of white walls and tropical plants, there is also a bubbling jacuzzi, full gym and therapy rooms where you can choose from a range of treatments from facials to pedicures. We opt for the AromaVine Pinotage Massage – which uses antioxidant blends containing pure grapeseed oil and natural botanicals to help relieve stress and muscle tension.

Despite Lanzerac’s hideaway feel, the restaurants and bars of the lively yet leafy university town of Stellenbosch are just 5 minutes away via complimentary transfer. Yet in truth, we barely leave the estate – with all we could seemingly want for right here on our doorstep.

Hopping over the fence at the bottom of our garden, we take a sunset walk through the vines, with a bottle of our favourite wine from our tasting. It’s a rare feat, but Lanzerac Wine Estate is a place where old meets new, not in a collision but in a complement – contemporary, five-star facilities coupled with an extraordinarily rich Cape heritage that leaves us hoping for another visit.

To book, visit Lanzerac www.lanzerac.co.za

by
Keep Reading
Adventures

12 Best Fishing Spots and Destinations Around the World

Contrary to popular opinion, fishing can be an extremely thrilling activity that almost anyone can participate in. Many people just enjoy fishing at their local spots but for the rest of us who know and understand the thrills in fishing, there are a lot more adventurous destinations out there. Apart from this, you can also contact a fishing charter company such as https://povertysucksfishing.com that helps you in choosing the best fishing spots and destinations for your trip.

In this article, we team up with the guys from flyfisherpro.com to take you to 12 of the finest adventure fishing destinations around the globe.

1. Halong Bay, Vietnam

This is a world-famous spot for squid fishing. Why not give it a shot? You most likely won’t be the only one angling on the greenish water in the night trying to catch the slippery fellow. The climax of your fishing adventure under the moonlight would be enjoying the squid sausages. The best time to head over to Halong Bay is in April to January and the peak numbers are between October and November.

2. Malindi, Kenya

The country boasts of some amazing coasts and Malindi is one of them. The waters of this central Kenyan coast are home to some incredible fish species just waiting for you to fish them out. You would be surprised that you are possibly going to get the Billfish Royal Slam here as compared to any other location. You cannot afford to count yourself done adventuring before you hunt for blue marlin, striped marlin, swordfish, sailfish, and a shirt-bill spearfish. These are some of the fish species that should make you want to visit these parts of the world for some fishing adventures.

3. Montauk, New York

The Big Apple never sleeps, and so shouldn’t your chances of catching some light-tackle species of fish. Even though the fishing season in this region is relatively short, you can go in for the jackpot around September and October. The bay anchovies are going to lure you in at the shorelines. You can enjoy some incredible scenery while fishing for the fluke, weakfish, or bluefish little tunny.

4. Venice, Louisiana

For those who have an angle for the redfish, then this is a fantastic destination to discover. It is flooded with great opportunities for fishing redfish. Apart from the redfish anglers, you could also try your luck and fish some flounders, black drum, and spotted seatrout, which are mostly found in the marches that are found in abundance in the area.

5. Iztapa, Guatemala

The best time to visit this location on the Pacific Coast is between November and May. It is considered to be one of the fertile fishing waters in the region that will give you a fishing experience that you remember for a good time. The weather is fantastic and the temperatures are moderate, just right for you to go out and catch some Pacific sailfish, yellowfin fish, and Mahi Mahi. Make the most out of your adventure by fishing the traditional way by trolling with the rigged ballyhoo.

6. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

This is one of those destinations that will have you experience surf fishing along the shores. While visiting this destination, challenge yourself to find the Red Drum because it is the best place to find it, it is not going to be an easy one, but that is what makes the experience more thrilling. Just like the local fishermen, find yourself a 12ft surf rod first. Not to worry, there are plenty of shops onshore that will offer you everything you need for your adventure.

Many inshore anglers avoid the salt out of habit, but it’s an awesome way to pick up some new skills and test your metal against some monsters. If you’re not a regular saltwater angler then check out this post to get the skinny on everything you’ll need to know.

7. Kona, Hawaii

I know you are planning to head over to Hawaii for the summer, do not forget to visit Kona for some fishing expeditions. This is the capital for sports fishing and deep-sea fishing as well. You can expect to catch yourself a variety of fish species like the wahoo, tuna, marlin, and many other species. The options are endless in Kona. The climax is probably going to be pulling out a Pacific bluefish that weighed approximately 136 kg.

8. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Just a single casual view over the Galapagos Islands and you will not miss spotting a striped marlin. If you leave Ecuador without spotting a striped marlin, then you probably have nothing to say about your trip to Ecuador. The waters are a haven for breeding many species including dolphins, wahoo, and of course the marlin. There are no specific seasons suitable for fishing adventurous, just grab your net and fishing rod any time of the year and head down to Ecuador, but be sure to catch some of the best action from February to mid-June.

9. Eg-Uur River basin, Mongolia

From just enjoying the locals dance their passion away, why not tag your rod and net along to the spectacular stream, a home for the Taimen? The locals refer to the Taimen as the river wolf because they are fierce and cannibalistic and can potentially grow up to 2 meters in length and weigh up to 90kg, fascinating stuff right there, right? This adventure is not for the faint-hearted.

10. Chalks Stream, England

If you enjoy elite fishing, this is the destination you have been looking for. Be ready to catch such fish species as the trout. The best time to head over to Chalks Stream is around Spring for some beautiful classy fishing experience like no other.

11. Cairns, Australia

This is the big fish destination. If you are looking to challenge yourself to get the catch of a lifetime, then Cairns is the location for you. Remember that time Captain George Bransford caught that record-breaking 450kg Black Marlin in 1966? Well, that could be you again. The cold weather around September to December is the best for fishing in these parts of the world.

12. Umba River, Russia

The famous fish in these parts is the salmon and it remains the best spot for fishing in the region. This river holds the record as one of the first rivers in the region to be officially open to foreign tourist fishing. Enjoy fishing with great views of the surrounding mountains.

Wrap Up

These are but a few of the many wonderful best fishing spots and destinations in the world that you should consider visiting soon. Enjoyed reading? Then don’t forget to leave a comment down below and share with friends and family. Remember, sharing is caring.

by
Keep Reading
Lifestyle

Bringing out the Adventurous Spirit in the Young

When you look back at your life, can you pinpoint what made you the adventure lover you are today? Did your parents take you on overseas trips, instilling in you a love of travel and exploring other cultures? Did your brothers treat their little sister as one of them, including you in their tree-climbing and camping expeditions? Your experiences when growing up probably played a big part in influencing the ways you see the world and the things you like to do as an adult, and having a childhood full of a variety of experiences and challenges is both exciting and character-building. Andre Chapman encourages healthy adventures for children in his organization. With that in mind, what are the best ways to foster a spirit of adventure in children?

Defining adventure

What does the word adventure mean to you? It could be hiking through the Himalayas, or it could be visiting a Michelin starred restaurant for the first time. Both will be unforgettable, full of the wonder of the new, and experiences that will educate the mind and enrich the soul. So hiking and dining would both qualify according to that definition. The essence of adventure is to experience something different and unknown, to do things you have never tried before, and may not even be sure you’ll like. There can be an element of danger to some adventures, but danger is not a prerequisite of adventure. The idea of a psychological comfort zone that we build around ourselves to protect us from real or imagined harm has taken hold over recent years and is a concept often referred to when talking about challenging ourselves and achieving our goals in spite of our fears. Going on an adventure requires you to push through your comfort zone into a place where you may be putting yourself at risk, in the hope that you will instead find exhilaration and enjoyment. The risk could be that you will end up on a Nepalese Yeti’s supper plate, or you’ll waste a week’s wages eating tiny amounts of over-rated weeds and sous vide goat’s liver. Very different kinds of risk, but the adventurous know that there’s also a probability that you will feel exhilarated by the awe-inspiring majesty of Everest and the thrill of achievement when you complete the hike, or that your taste buds will explode with pleasure at the extraordinary taste sensations of a fine dining experience.

The dangers of adventurousness

There are countless news reports and feature articles discussing the over-zealous approach to health and safety in modern society. Many’s the cry of “It was better in our day!” when kids were allowed to play near abandoned mines, be out after sunset without an adult and cycle on busy roads with no helmet. There might have been more freedom in some respects, but there was also more danger. Parents are naturally protective of their offspring and want to keep them safe, but need to be careful not to over-protect them to the extent that they are unable to cope with adversity and are unprepared for the challenges life will inevitably throw at them. The best approach is to follow a median path between the two extremes – take good care of your child and don’t expose them to unnecessary or avoidable dangers, but encourage them to get stuck into life and all the wonderful experiences there are to be had.

Good adventures

Thinking back to your childhood, try and emulate your parents’ approach to raising you that enabled you to foster a sense of wonder and interest in the world. Take your child traveling as much as you can, to as many different places as you are able. If you can’t travel overseas very often, visit museums and exhibitions that will give your child a taste of what it’s like to live in sub-Saharan Africa or the Steppes of Russia. Get your child involved in after-school clubs, especially Guides and Scouts, where they will get involved in a variety of exciting and educational activities. Summer camps are a rite of passage for American children, and there are many excellent camps where kids can engage in outdoor activities in beautiful rural surroundings. They can go climbing, camping, orienteering, swimming, learn to build shelters and make campfires, and live in a totally different environment away from their familiar home and family. Camp is not just for the summer either, for example, your child could attend TAC Sports March Break programs.

Adventures at home

You can’t always be taking your child to special events and exotic locations, so think about what you can do at home on a regular basis to nurture their curiosity. There are online resources and TV shows that can open up whole new worlds to children, and no shortage of channels and services devoted to exploring the rich variety of life on the planet. Projects that can be done together in the evenings and weekends can cover all sorts of new and exciting topics, from fashion shows to building robots, and are a great opportunity to spend time with your child as well. Walks and cycle rides exploring new territories and landscapes, nature trails and wildlife watching; all encourage children to look at the world in new ways and be aware that there is more to life than screen time.

Your role as a parent is to love, care for, protect and educate your children, preparing them for life in the adult world. It’s easy for this role to go a bit too far and for parents to want to control their children and direct them on certain career paths or into lives they see as being most fitting. If you want your child to be themselves and be happy more than you want to be able to boast about how successful they are to your social circle, you need to let them express themselves and find their own voice as they grow up. Show them as much as you can and talk to them about anything and everything, but let them find their own path and start to look for their own adventures.

by
Keep Reading
Australia

London Valentine’s Day Date Ideas That Won’t Make You Cringe

Whether you’re coupled-up or out with your girls for #Galentines, nothing kills a vibe quite like spending Valentines Day staring into a sub-par set menu alongside half of London. It might be last minute, but fear not – there are still plenty of things to do in the city if you’re looking to celebrate with something a little out-of-the-box. Here are our favourite alternative date ideas for a cute, not cringe, Valentines.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnzD9VLBTKs/

Greenwich Peninsula Golf Range

You don’t need to be a pro to book a bay at Greenwich Peninsula Golf Range – but with sparkling views of Canary Wharf and drinks delivered while you play, this is one seriously dreamy date idea for couples who can appreciate a good golf innuendo. If you don’t fancy braving the elements, try Swingers – underground indoor golf in the City, with market food stalls from Pizza Pilgrims, DF Mexico and Patty and Bun.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUh3RAfho37/

East London Wine School

Forget pouring over the wine list in a posh restaurant, trying in vain to convince your date know something about wine. Instead, head to East London Wine School, located in a private room in the Chamberlain hotel and run by ace sommelier Sam – whose easy-going attitude and passion for wine make these courses both informative yet accessible, and seriously good fun. This February 14th, choose from a 4-week wine tour of the new world, or try an evening tasting wines from Australia and New Zealand. If you can’t make the 14th, they also do gift vouchers, because nothing says I love you like wine in our book.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsoMBRPB5o3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

Banya No. 1

Whether it’s just for two or the whole girl gang, this traditional Russian spa club offers something a little different to your traditional spa day. An authentic Russian Banya, water is thrown onto hot stones providing a revitalising balance of heat and humidity, followed by a thermal massage where you’re whipped with birch and oak branches. There are cold pools to cool off in, as well as massages, honey and salt body scrubs and luxuriating foam baths. Leather booths in the post-treatment area serve Russian specialities (go for the dumplings), coupled with a few shots of Russian Vodka. Booking essential, gift vouchers also available.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtdTUQ8lZFO/

Gin House Burlesque

If you’re looking for something to spice things up this Valentines, look no further. Following a year of sold-out roaring gin-house parties, London’s premium vintage showgirls welcome you back to East London’s best-kept speakeasy, The King’s Head Members Club. On 15th February, Miss Betsy Rose, Jolie Papillon and Missy Fatale will transport you back to the golden age of Jazz, with an oh-so seductive evening of burlesque, vaudeville, circus and snake-charming.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Btx6pwRn22J/

Wellington Masterclass, Holborn Dining Rooms

When the way to your other half’s heart really is through their stomach, look no further than THE PIE ROOM at Holborn Dining Room. Spearheaded by Executive Head Chef and pastry expert, Calum Franklin, in this Aladdin’s cave of pastry treats you can also learn to make your own Beef Wellington, with a 2 and a half hour masterclass. All that cooking is thirsty work, so we’d recommend a drink at the ridiculously magical Glenlivet Glade – an immersive winter terrace, where you can enjoy Glenlivet cocktails under twinkling fairy lights.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq0gHgKAmog/

Natural History Museum, Lates

If you want to avoid the cringe-fest that is Valentine’s day, why not postpone till next week? The 22nd of February is Lates at The Natural History Museum, where you can see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Life in the Dark exhibitions. Plus, it’s over 18’s only, and there’s a bar, food and a band to enjoy while you geek-out together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs1SJVrhRNB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art and Natural History

There’s out of the box, and then there’s this. It might not be for everyone, but this curious corner of Hackney is weirdness at its most wonderful. With top hat-wearing taxidermy, shrunken heads and endless oddities and erotica – it’ll give you something to talk about. While it might not be for the faint-hearted, the adjoining Last Tuesday Society bar upstairs offers cocktails, that are worth the visit either way.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj0HJ5tHt3V/

Moonshine Saloon

Part BYOB, part immersive theatre, Moonshine Saloon transports guests from Chelsea to the real Wild West, with the promise of making a fortune in illicit moonshine smuggling. There may be lots of hats and you’ll have to debut your best American accent (sorry y’all) but with house bartenders turning your moonshine into creative cocktails quicker than a fast draw, you’d be hard-pressed not to get in the spirit of things.

by
Keep Reading
Argentina

Discover Michelin star dining in Marbella

If you don’t know Marbella then you might think the dining scene doesn’t get much better than celeb hangouts, La Sala and Olivia’s, however you couldn’t be more wrong. Just a stone’s throw away from the Old Town of Marbella is a jewel in the Costa del Sol culinary crown, Michelin star restaurant Messina.

If you are a keen foodie looking for sophisticated dining and a gourmet treat, then this place is a must. This contemporary restaurant, with minimalist décor offers an upscale dining experience without feeling snobby. Open plan, bright and airy, Messina is chic and unpretentious with friendly and welcoming waiting staff.

The menu is a collection of eclectic unique tastes combining flavours from Spain, South America and Asia, all created by Argentinian chef, Mauricio Giovanini. Messina is named after the Italian city his grandparents come from and has held a Michelin star since 2016, when he became the third Argentine to win the highest accolade in the world of gastronomy.

Giovanini is passionate about using fresh, local produce and his menu experiments with exciting flavours and textures offering a creative menu paired with some of the best wine. It really is a feasting experience and his adventure for flavour seeps through his tasting menu which Team Coco was lucky enough to sample.

The menu regularly changes depending on what’s in season but when I visited there was 10 bite sized dishes to try, all packing punchy flavours. There’s a great balance of vegetarian, seafood and meat plates to keep most palates happy. My menu at Messina included the following:

Yucca, creamy pickled aubergine and marinated red peppers
Creamy chimichurri, tomato, and lemon
Typical Argentinean manioc flour bread
Sea urchin mi-cuit and celery root water
Garganelli cooked in mirepoix stock served with aubergine and goat cheese
Grilled white sea bass with grilled vegetables
Cow sweet bread served with creamy lemon stew and spinach
Iberian pork with creamy lentils and roasted onion
Caramelized pineapple sorbet, red pepper and pisco sour
Creamy black and milky chocolate, dulce de leche and peanut

My favourite was the Iberian pork, it was delicious, and tender served with creamy lentils and roasted onion. I literally savoured every morsel. I loved the whole menu, the tasting experience is a great way to try out Michelin star dining and at 69 Euros per head it’s good value.
If you don’t fancy the Michelin star treatment at Messina then Giovanini is sprinkling his culinary magic at Amare Beach Hotel Marbella with the creation of Hayaca, the hotel’s new pop up restaurant, featuring a fusion of different Latin American dishes.

Team Coco travelled to Marbella courtesy of Amare Beach Hotel Marbella. For more information visit www.amarehotels.com/marbella

To book a table at Messina visit www.restaurantemessina.com

by
Keep Reading
Fashion

#WomenWorldwide : From Fast Fashion to Finding Your Niche with Niza Huang

Niza Huang is the brainchild behind the jewellery brand of the same name. Finding beauty in contrast, Niza fuses organic forms with clean lines to create raw-sophisticated pieces that exude elegance with an edge. Her timeless yet contemporary collections range in style from organic abstract to minimalist geometric, conveying Niza’s rich imagination and creative passion. Inspired by our connection with nature, she incorporates a selection of raw and refined diamonds and gemstones into her designs.

Niza specialises in fine jewellery as well as alternative bridal and engagement pieces for those looking for something a little less conventional. She loves adding her own twist to create unique designs for special occasions. Niza also offers a bespoke service to create highly-customised designs for people looking for one-of-a-kind pieces that they will treasure forever.

Currently waiting for her first child to arrive any day now, Niza tells us more about what the future holds…

Tell us about the journey that lead to you launching your jewellery brandBefore launching my jewellery brand, I worked for a high street fashion jewellery company.I was bored with the very fast-paced high street fashion jewellery industry. I felt it was killing my creativities.
I had a very strong urge to create and make jewellery with a soul that people will treasure forever. That’s why I quit the job and started my own brand.You bridge the gap between fashion and craft, where do you get your creative flair from?Somehow it comes naturally. I am a very crafted person, most of the time I start making a piece without having any sketches.I like to experiment and take challenges. The developing and creating process is normally what I enjoy the most.My inspiration often comes from connecting with nature. Finding beauty in contrast, I fuse organic forms with clean lines to create raw-sophisticated pieces that exude elegance with an edge.Who is the ideal client for your jewellery?A lot of my clients are from creative backgrounds such as architects, weavers, journalists, artists, music producers … and so on. They appreciate the aesthetic research of our products, and they can tell how much work and love I put into creating the pieces. My clients also love nature and natural focus, so they are attracted to my designs. They love that the brand offers them something different from other labels.

Since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?I will be more careful about investing in doing shows. Be more business-focused and only do what really can be beneficial to the business. Managing my time better and only do the very necessary things myself. Being less stubborn and not to think I am a superwoman that can do everything myself.I’m a Yorkshire girl and you went to Sheffield Hallam University, tell us more about your background…I am Taiwan-born and London based Jewellery designer-maker. My first degree was in Industrial design.I had 3 years of experiences as head of design at Arinza International in Taipei, Taiwan; working on gold and platinum with diamonds creating an innovative but classic style. In 2006, I moved to Sheffield to study my MA degree in Metalwork & Jewellery design as I wanted to improve my jewellery making skills and develop my creativity and jewellery design knowledge.For anyone aspiring to have their own jewellery brand, what advice would you offer?Find your own niche market and not follow the mainstream.Tell us about a recent BossBabe moment that you’ve had…I am always grateful that I am able to do what I love. I really enjoy working, and I don’t feel work is work but it’s part of my life.Especially I am pregnant now, it’s so good to be my own boss, I can have the freedom to set my own schedule and take time off to relax and refuel when I need to.

What does 2020 look like for the business?

2020 will definitely be a challenging year for me. I am 8 months pregnant now, and it’s my first baby. I will need to run my business and handle the newborn at the same time.

My plans are to be much more organised and focused to get things done faster than I used to be. Learn to give more responsibility to my staffs, so I can balance my time better for the business and family.

Currently, I can see my business is expanding. I am adding new stockists in Taiwan, Russia and potentially in Ireland. It’s going to be a busy and exciting year!Find out more www.nizahuang.com

by
Keep Reading