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Female Fashion

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Forget about hot girl summer, because here at House of Coco, we’re foregoing trendy fast fashion finds and instead adopting a ‘Sustainable Wardrobe’ mantra instead.

Here are a few of our top eco-friendly shopping picks so you can maximise your trans-seasonal style while also minimising your carbon footprint.

  1. Black Cat Eye Sunglasses by Larsson & Jennings available at www.larssonjennings.com
  2. Black Serge Mini Dress by Alémais available at alemais.com
  3. Butterfly Bouquet Silk Scarf by Shaku available at https://shaku.co.uk/collections/all-products/products/butterfly-bouquet
  4. Huggie Hoop Earrings by AMYO available at https://amyojewelry.com
  5. Navy Wild Print Breathe Adventure Shorts by ACAI Outdoorwear available at https://acaioutdoorwear.com/
  6. Anais Swimsuit by Ernest Leoty available at ernestleoty.com
  7. Nude Dee Dizzy Logo Mules by Dee Ocleppo available at https://deeocleppo.com/
  8. White Vintage Shoulder Bag by Emotional World available at https://emotionalworldvintage.com/
  9. Monroe Dress by Gaala available at https://gaala.com/
  10. Red Reversible Freya Top by Isabel Manns available at https://isabelmanns.com/
  11. Denim Skirt by Story Wear available at https://www.story-wear.com/products/
  12. Jasmine Gold Necklace by PDPAOLA available at https://www.pdpaola.com/
  13. Julie Denim Jacket by Filippa K available at https://www.filippa-k.com/
  14. Floral Face Mask by Monique Singh available at https://www.moniquesingh.com/shop/
  15. White Casshiash Platform Espadrilles by TOMS available at www.toms.com

“Curiosity means we are open to learning something new,” says founder Jacqueline Mozanowski as she tells us about the unique, introspective ethos that informs OBLIVIOUS? “Curiosity helps us grow and develop and to not get stuck in a routine that we might not even be entirely happy with, but to be an active participant in your own life. We seek to inspire others to ask themselves more questions, to understand themselves better, but also to ask others more questions.

OBLIVIOUS? was founded by mother and daughter duo Romi and Jacquie, who have, through endless phone calls between London and Germany, launched their own conscious fashion brand amid pandemic times. In many ways, OBLIVIOUS? is a brand that is perfect for the times we find ourselves in. One that does away with fast-fashion trends and instead challenges its wearers to look inwards, ask questions and reignite their curiosity for the world.

“We believe that as a brand with purpose, our message sets us apart from other brands,” Jacqueline adds. Our aim is to actually inspire people to ask more questions and be curious and for those who see our pieces to consider what their answer to the question would be… Questions and their power run throughout the whole brand, from our products to our packaging, as this is what we aim to inspire people with.”

Tell us a little bit about yourselves and your backgrounds – what inspired you to start OBLIVIOUS?

OBLIVIOUS? was founded by mother-daughter duo, Romi and Jacquie, from Stuttgart, Germany.

My mom Romi is originally from the Netherlands but has been living in Germany for a long time, working in interior design. Meanwhile, I’ve been living in the UK for several years, where I completed my BA and MsC.

My mom and I have always had a tight-knit relationship and this only grew stronger as I grew up. We also have very similar interests and tastes in fashion and design, which is one of the reasons we knew we’d successfully work together on OBLIVIOUS?

We are both naturally curious people and have always discussed potential ideas for businesses. Even when I was seven years old, we were already talking about ideas and how we could bring them to life. When I finished my studies and we were spending a lot of time together, we considered how powerful questions are in our lives and how they can impact us in a positive way.

Fashion has always been an interest of ours, but it also seemed to be a very potent platform to share the message of inspiring more curiosity and highlighting the positive power of questions. Fashion can also have an impact on our mood and help us express our identities.

We quickly decided that if we were to put anything new into the world, we would do it as responsibly and sustainably as possibly. With a brand ethos that prides itself on asking questions, we felt it was necessary to question the standard fashion cycle and try to do better. So, OBLIVIOUS? Is timely and reflective of what we want to put out into the world.

With mom still living in Germany and me in London, most of our work is done digitally or over the phone and we have divided many of the tasks and areas of work between each other. We do occasionally see each other in person, but this has been more difficult over the past year and a half.

I love the concept of the ‘positive power of questions’ how does this philosophy translate to your collections at OBLIVIOUS?

Questions and their power run throughout the whole brand, from our products to our packaging, as this is what we aim to inspire people with.

We try to incorporate the positive power of questions by using different questions on each of our products, either with a print or embroidery. Our range which currently consists of both men and women’s’ t-shirts, hoodies and long sleeves, everything is unisex.

All our products are premium basics designed by us, which often have a little twist so that they are more interesting than a standard hoodie. Each piece shines the light on the question, which is the focal point. We want our pieces to be comfortable but look fashionable enough to be worn from day to night.

OBLIVIOUS? has a strong sustainable ethos too – could you tell us more about the sustainability credentials of your range?

Sustainability has gained traction within the fashion industry in the past few years and has become more and more relevant and for good reason! Fashion is a very polluting industry and as a small brand, we wanted to add as little to that footprint as possible.

While some innovations aren’t available to small businesses just yet, there are many exciting projects out there that we can hopefully scale-up someday.

Our aim is to use as little plastic as possible. We avoid it as much as we can due to its polluting effect on our planet. We are also committed to using materials that don’t contain harmful toxins and are more water-efficient.

So far, we use 100% GOTS certified Organic Cotton for all our products – the GOTS certification not only ensures our fabric’s sustainable origins and production processes, but it also guarantees that workers involved in the supply chain are ethically treated. We also use water-based inks without toxic chemicals for our prints and our labels are printed on the inside of our products to minimise excess fabrics.

We produce everything in Europe. Our new collection being produced in Portugal – not only because Portugal is a great manufacturing country for sustainable fashion, but also because it is in relative proximity to where our company is based, requiring less transport, and ensuring that employees are treated ethically.

We weave our sustainability mission throughout our whole brand, which is why all our packaging, including hangtags, are made from recycled and or recyclable paper and less harmful inks.

What is the best and worst thing about working together as mother and daughter?

Founding a company and going through the whole process together has added another layer to our relationship. We’ve learned many lessons together and shared our successes and worries with each other.

Working together means that we are in even more contact than before, which is lovely, but sometimes we only talk business and not much else. Having such similar tastes helps and when we do have differing opinions, we can discuss them and find a solution quite easily, as we trust each other and have a strong relationship.

The best thing about working together is learning and growing together and strengthening our relationship in a different way, but the worst thing is that sometimes it can be all about work too.

In your view – what sets OBLIVIOUS? apart from other fashion brands today?

We believe that as a brand with purpose, our message sets us apart from other brands. Our aim is to actually inspire people to ask more questions and be curious and for those who see our pieces to consider what their answer to the question would be. I believe that our basic, minimalist but updated designs make us more interesting fashion-wise.

Where do the inspirations for the questions printed on your products come from?

The inspiration is literally everywhere. When we first started, we started document where we keep all the questions we come up with or have come across and we continuously add to it. When it comes to choosing which ones to use, it comes down to what we believe is relevant, what suits the moment and the collection, and what we deem to be great questions. Whether they act as a reminder or truly ask that you think about something thoroughly.

Lockdown has been tough on our collective mental health. In your opinion, how do curiosity and inquisitiveness help people deal with the anxieties of the world in 2021?

A lot has changed in the last year and a half and there are also many other things happening in the world right now that can accelerate feelings of anxiety and more.

Curiosity means we are open to learning something new and openness leads to a more positive mindset and hopefulness. Curiosity helps us grow and develop and to not get stuck in a routine that we might not even be entirely happy with, but to be an active participant in your own life. We seek to inspire others to ask themselves more questions, to understand themselves better, but also to ask others more questions. Research shows that our relationships can be improved by asking more questions and it’s such an easy tool to show interest and create a closer bond with someone.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become GirlBosses like yourselves?

It is always scary whenever you do something you’ve never done before. Starting a business can seem daunting, but if you have an idea you believe in, you’ll want to do the best you can – so trust yourself that you will. You are capable of great things, if you put the work in, believe in yourself and take opportunities. Don’t shy away from asking for advice from others.

WWW.AREWEOBLIVIOUS.COM

You may love the look of the off the shoulder dress and fantasize about pulling off this look one day. However, you look in the mirror and think that you could never pull it off with your broad shoulders.

I’m here to tell you that you could pull off this type of dress, despite having broad shoulders! Read on to find out more.

Does It Look Good On Broader Shoulders?

Of course, it could. Despite your body shape or broad shoulders, this dress can look good on anyone. Just as long as you get the proportions right and create a balanced look, so nothing unwanted stands out more than it should.

If you go for rounded, diagonal, or asymmetrical necklines as opposed to horizontal ones, then you could easily pull off this look.

It could also be good to opt for an off the shoulder dress with an hourglass silhouette to draw more attention to your curves and away from the shoulders. When you highlight your hips, it’ll be not easy to look away from them and notice something they shouldn’t.

Wear A Strappy Top

If you want to add something to your off the shoulder dress look, an easy way to do that would be to wear a strappy top underneath the dress.

This is because the straps will break up the wide line of the shoulders and pull attention away from them. This also makes the dress look more casual and fun.

Pair With A Necklace

Another way to get a similar effect would be to wear a big, chunky necklace. This will also draw attention away from the shoulders and have the necklace itself be the center of attention.

This will also be a good way to fill up the space between your shoulders and cancel out any chances of the neckline making the shoulders look even wider.

You could also try wearing multiple long necklaces or a thick choker to get this effect if you don’t like to wear chunky necklaces.

A thin necklace simply won’t do the trick, and shorter necklaces will still draw more attention to the shoulders than to the necklace itself. You want to aim for a more lengthy look.

Choose The Right Colours

Softer colors tend to make the lines of your shoulders less wide, while dark or bright colors can make them look wider.

You could also add a long scarf to the off the shoulder dress and hang it loosely around your neck. That way, it will fill up the space between your shoulders and give an effect similar to a necklace.

Slouchy Neckline

If the neckline hangs loosely around your frame, it will look a lot more flattering than a neckline that hugs your shoulders.

This loose neckline will do wonders for camouflaging your broader shoulders, while a tight one could end up accentuating it more and drawing more attention to it when that may not be what you want.

It would also really help if you pick a dress with a lot of volume under your waist; that way, it will balance out the look and make the dress look flattering on your body.

Just like you, we want our clothes to make us feel as good as how we look. This is why we’re all about shining the light on the sustainable fashion brands that are changing the fashion scene, one consciously-made garment at a time.

Our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies has rounded a few of our top eco-friendly shopping picks so you can maximise your trans-seasonal style and minimise your carbon footprint too.

Lyle & Scott

British knitwear brand Lyle & Scott, who hold a Royal Warrant for knitwear, has done an incredible job of modernising its range for the new age. Founded in Hawick Scotland 150 years ago, this heritage brand has a pretty cool womenswear line, made up of easy-to-wear, casual and contemporary leisurewear is made with 100% organic cotton.

Not only has Lyle & Scott made its way to our sustainable fashion radar, but it has also surely carved out a permanent spot in our pre-fall wardrobes too. Oh — and did we mention that Lyle & Scott has several cool collabs to watch out for too?

Inuikki

Sustainable luxury footwear brand INUIKKI offers a range of contemporary footwear that was designed in Switzerland and made in Europe. All of INUIKKI’s products are made with organic materials and balance form and function with timeless style. Whether you are comfy in a pair of classic sneakers or well-protected in a pair of all-terrain boots – you know that your Inuikki footwear is made to last.

Gaâla

Sustainable French brand Gaâla is a favourite of our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies. This brand has just released a vintage-inspired capsule collection with model/photographer/artist Shirinita Altsohn which exudes that effortless French girl style and takes inspiration from some of the screen sirens of the Golden Age of Cinema. We like the Corinne Dress (inspired by Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Doris Day), the Lauren Skirt, (inspired by Lauren Bacall) and the Shirin dress, inspired by the glamorous gowns of the 1930s and 1940s.

Isabel Manns

Isabel Manns is all about bright, colourful and sustainable seasonless clothing. This contemporary womenswear brand has its home in Marylebone and is underpinned by designer Isabel’s own personal commitment to building a 100% circular fashion label. Most of the prints in Isabel Mann’s beautiful silk creations were painted by Isabel herself, taking inspiration from her parent’s garden and the natural world. We love the beautiful silk dresses, tops, and skirts – made in plenty of different fabrics that can be customised to suit your personal tastes too.

Emotional World Vintage

Emotional World Vintage gives a sustainable twist to your luxury handbag game. Emotional World creates one-of-a-kind luxury handbags made with natural and original Boro patchwork, hand-crafted with traditional ‘Sashiko’ stitching methods. Circular, sustainable and with a wonderfully raw aesthetic, no two bags are alike at Emotional World, ensuring a luxury purchase that even the world’s most prestigious fashion houses can’t provide

“You can say creativity runs through my veins,” says Mirella Czapka as she talks us through the creative inspirations that fuel her truly distinctive eponymous jewellery brand. “My approach isn’t very common,” she adds. “I let myself be guided by my feelings, instincts, or my gut – whatever you want to call it. I listen to what feels right.”

A true original, Mirella designs and handcrafts every single piece in her collections, setting her apart from other mass-produced jewellery brands in the market today.

She says, “Everyone is special and unique in their own way, and that’s why I think the things you buy should be too. Having the opportunity to buy something almost no one else owns is so special and valuable, that’s why I create only one-of-a-kind pieces.”

In this women worldwide interview, we sit down with Mirella and talk about authenticity, uniqueness and how jewellery can be a visual statement for someone’s confidence. We also chat about the challenges and milestones she has achieved as a female entrepreneur, her advice for those looking to take the leap and start their own business, and why you should never doubt your own ideas and vision.

Tell us about the journey that led you to landing your brand Mirella…

It was kind of unexpected, yet at the same time expected. I grew up in a creative household. Both my parents are in the creative field and my sister as well. So, you can say creativity runs through my veins.

I always wanted to become a designer and to have my own brand. This was a dream I had since childhood. Back then I created various things for myself, like draping my clothes in a different way, but also creating pieces of jewellery.

During my studies I started designing and creating pieces of jewellery that I couldn’t find anywhere else. In the beginning I frequently got asked where I got my jewellery from. And the rest is, as they say, history, because since then I never stopped hand-crafting jewellery.

What’s the process behind launching a new piece?

My approach isn’t very common. I let myself be guided by my feelings, instincts, or my gut – whatever you want to call it. I listen to what feels right.

After design and implementation, I photograph all the new pieces. Afterwards, I start the naming process – another aspect in which my feelings come into play: I look at them and “feel” which name fits the most. That’s a very special part of my work. I take my time to name the pieces, it’s not just giving them random names I might like.

The next steps are writing the description for the pieces i.e., what materials I used, calculating the prices, and putting everything in my online shop. When everything is online, I let my followers and costumers know that new pieces are available.

What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?

Trusting my instincts and gut feeling.

Handmade, unique, and authentic are what you stand for. Why is this important to you?

I love special things and handmade pieces are special. Humans aren’t machines, therefore handmade pieces aren’t as perfect as their mass-produced counterparts, but that’s exactly what makes them special. I like the idea that my customers know that I am the person who created the piece they are wearing. This creates closeness and intimacy. It’s much more unique to really know where the things you buy come from, who invested their time, love, and effort in creating the piece.

People are different. Everyone is special and unique in their own way, and that’s why I think the things you buy should be too. Having the opportunity to buy something almost no one owns is so special and valuable, which is why I create only one-of-a-kind pieces or limit my jewellery to three or a maximum of ten pieces per design worldwide.

I want my customers to know that they have bought a special handmade piece that is designed and created by me and that only a couple of other people have.

As for authenticity – this goes hand in hand with everything I’ve just said. If you buy from me, you know that you buy a piece I crafted by hand, and you can be sure that I’m totally in line with what I’m selling. I genuinely design what I love, and that right there is what makes my brand authentic.

How do you want people to feel when wearing your jewellery?

I want people to feel special. I want them to feel good about themselves. They should love how they look. I want my jewellery to be the final touch. My jewellery should underline what’s already there. Wearing statement jewellery requires a certain level of self-confidence and that’s what I love most about it. Jewellery is like a visual statement of someone’s confidence, which is very powerful.

What makes Mirella stand out amongst other jewellery brands?

First, the designs. All pieces have a special ‘Mirella’ touch. I design my pieces to be a little bit different compared to what’s already out there. I design them to be very big, sparkly, and eye-catching. They are feminine, timeless and with a baroque touch to it.

Secondly, it’s very rare that the designer herself is truly designing and handcrafting every single piece. Not only that, I’m also the one who’s taking all the photos and creating the content for my social media. This alone makes me/my brand stand out. Because everything you see is something I created. I consider every little detail that make my brand very seriously. Not because I have no one to help me, but because it is important to me that I bring my vision to life at all levels. The keyword here is authenticity

If you to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?

Limited, handmade, sparkle

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become a jewellery designer?

Never doubt your ideas and visions. Even if it’s tough to become a success, do it anyways. You have a passion and gift, so please use it. No one else has to offer what you can bring to this world.

The fashion industry is so fast changing, what trends do you expect to see coming through in the next few years?

I think craftmanship is coming back in style. The pandemic and the need for fashion to be more sustainable has increased. People realised that they must take a step back from mass production. Creating pieces by hand ensures that there is no overproduction. It’s a more conscious way of creating. I also think that individuality is becoming more and more important. The urge to express yourself individually apart from fashion trends is growing bigger and bigger.

I think trends will always play a role, but I think this role isn’t going to be as big as it was in the past.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is feminine but comfortable – always paired with some sparkling jewellery. For me the true power of style lies in the ability to make the most basic outfit special with some great accessories.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

This is kind of impossible because it’s always different.

I start to work as soon as possible after I am waking up. This usually means creating a new piece of jewellery or finishing one I already started working on. The only two things that are a given, are: eating my meals and walking my dog. Everything else I take as it comes. As a one-woman-business I need to be flexible, and every day might hold a surprising change of plans.

How much has social media played a role in the success of Mirella?

A big one. I honestly can’t imagine my world without it. It’s amazing, that you can connect with likeminded people and potential customers. I like that I can let them be part of my “Mirella” world. They can get to know me, what I love and gain a firsthand experience of what goes into each single piece I create.

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

I’m totally obsessed with English history. I read a lot of books about it, which is why I would love to visit all the places I haven’t seen yet.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

That’s a tough one, because I love quotes and choosing one, is like only being able to choose one film or book, but if I had to choose it has to be “time to make the magic happen.”

What’s next for you and the brand?

I will continue to work and grow as much as possible. I want the world to be a more sparkling place and I hope that I can inspire many more people to be self-confident and just wear eye-catching jewellery. To achieve this, the next step is for my brand to become even more known internationally.

Where can people find out more?

The best place to start would be my homepage www.mirella.at from there you have links to my online shop www.mirellashop.at and my Instagram Account www.instagram.com/mirellajewellery

I invite everyone to follow my journey on Instagram, because there you can get to know me even better, get a look behind the scenes and immerse yourself in the world of Mirella.

www.mirellashop.at

Performance bag Ogio makes some of the world’s most ingeniously-designed, well-made and technologically advanced adventure backpacks that is perfect for hiking novices, backpacking enthusiasts, frequent travellers and adventure fanatics alike.

Ogio, official supplier to the Formula 1, prides itself in making personal storage products that blend high-octane performance with style. Our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies tried out the Ogio Alpha 20L Backpack, which comes in a selection of bright and vivid colours.

This mid-sized backpack is coined as the ultimate everyday companion and is ideal whether you’re packing for a weekend camping trip or embarking on a more intense climbing expedition.

At 20 litres, the bag has just the right amount of room to fit all the essentials. It has rapid access exterior pockets that can be used to stash keys, phones, wallets safely and easily. The backpack has two rows of MOD Webbing, which complement Ogio’s MOD Hard Case or Soft pouches, so you can easily customise your Ogio storage option to suit your needs.

As a testament to its commitment to developing products that last, this backpack was constructed with premium 600D Recycled polyester fabric and a ballistic bottom that meet high-level fabric performance and durability specifications.

It also features adjustable shoulder straps with an additional sternum strap to assist in weight distribution. The bags have also been equipped with Aquatech waterproof construction and Exo Shield protective exteriors to keep your belongings safe no matter what elements you are braving.

You can also use this versatile backpack for short weekend trips away, as it comes with a luggage pass through and dedicated 15’ laptop pocket with padded tablet sleeve, equipped with a Reactive Suspension system that ensures all your gadgets are protected from impact.

Ogio is so confident in the quality of its products that all backpacks come with its very own lifetime warranty. The brand also has a 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed policy or they will send you your money back. No wonder Ogio has been coined as the ultimate adventure backpack – it’s totally life proof.

www.eu.ogio.com

Searching for the perfect swimsuit can be as stressful as packing for the holiday. Online, there are various styles of swimsuits available to choose from. However, this extensive choice can be tricky. This is especially true as you try to find the perfect swimsuit that will help you to feel confident when you are on the beach.

As people look to book holidays in the upcoming months, the hunt for the perfect swimsuit continues to range on. If you find yourself on the search for a swimsuit for your upcoming holiday, here are a few things that are worth keeping in mind to help you along the way.

It Doesn’t Have To Be Black

Buying a black swimsuit is a habit many of us have fallen into over the years. It is renowned for being a slimming and flattering colour that provides you with a boost of confidence to wear a swimsuit. However, colours such as burgundy, dark green and navy can also provide you with the same level of confidence, whilst injecting colour into your summer wardrobe for your holiday.

For those that feel the most confident in a black swimsuit, perhaps consider one with a pattern on it. It will still provide that boost in confidence when wearing it on the beach, whilst providing you with a pop of colour.

Check The Quality

Swimwear can vary in price, depending on the brand and quality of the materials used to create the swimsuit. Whilst on your search, pick a quality suit that is made from a fabric that will support you. Often with fabrics that feel a thing when being tried on in a store’s changing rooms, will most likely become baggy once they hit the water. Something that you do not want to happen whilst on holiday. By investing in quality materials, means the swimsuit will have higher chances of maintaining its shape and quality over the years.

Sizes Will Vary

Similar to clothes, swimwear will vary in size depending on the store and brand of the item. When you are on the search for a swimsuit, keep in mind that your usual dress size might not always be the best fit. As you go to try items on, be prepared to have to potentially switch your sizing up. Even within the same brand, sizing can still change from swimsuit shape to shape. To ensure that you select the right swimsuit for you, trying on is a must. Alongside this, be prepared to spend a bit of extra time shopping to ensure that you find the right swimsuit that best fits you.

If you decide to take your search online, there are a few things to consider before your buy a swimsuit from an online brand. For instance, if you find a style that you like, order it in a couple of sizes. Since sizes can vary, you want to try the swimsuit in different sizes to see which one fits the best.

Look For Extra Support

For those who have a larger bust or who would prefer to have a little more support, look for retailers who offer swimsuits in specific bra sizes, rather than dress sizes. It is becoming increasingly common for brands to offer underwired swimwear in bra sizes to help provide more comfort and support.

If you shop online, check to see the product details on a swimsuit that catches your attention. Here you will find if there is any lining or support that has been listed. In addition to looking online, you will find numerous brands that offer swimsuits with cup sizes that can go up to bigger sizes such as DD. Brands, such as Moontide, provide an incredible selection of swimsuits. Not only do they come in a vast range of sizes, but they also have a diverse variety of styles, colours and prints.

It is a common trend for larger sizes and bigger cups will not always have a vast selection of products, compared to smaller sizes. This is why Moontide and other companies ensure that their unique collections can be enjoyed by those of different shapes and sizes.

Feel Comfortable

Wearing a swimsuit can cause some of us to feel nervous. As such, it is important to make the experience as stress-free as possible. One of the most important things to remember when looking for a swimsuit is that it has to be comfortable. Whether that means more coverage or less coverage, feeling comfortable will help to ensure that you feel confident when wearing your chosen swimsuit.

The search for the perfect swimsuit will vary, as it depends on where you look and the style you are looking for. These factors, changes in size, extra support or different colour, will make the process of searching for the right swimsuit a little bit easier. In doing so, you might find the right swimsuit for you that marks all of the right boxes. Most of all, it will have you feeling confident as you enjoy the warm weather on the beach.

What goes into a name? For Syl( Yanling Sha) the story behind the name of her fashion brand ‘Rue Agthonis’ started with a revolutionary moment in her life. What started as an unfortunate incident, wherein Syl lost her first collection in Paris, became the inspiration for her to kickstart her fashion dreams. That very street ‘Rue Agathonis’ became the first chapter of the Rue Agthonis brand – a testament to Syl’s distinctive vision and sheer commitment to view even the most tragic moments as opportunities for creation.

“The story behind my brand name comes from a personal and revolutionary moment in my life,” she says. “Although it was terrible at the time, I viewed it as a new opportunity for me to start my own brand, and I wanted to take something from the experience for the rebirth of my collections.”

While only a three-year-old brand, Rue Agthonis has already made significant waves in the fashion industry. Rue Agthonis debuted its classical oil-painting-inspired fall line at Shanghai Fashion Week, with an intimate showing planned on the official London Fashion Week schedule this September. Despite the challenges of the last year, Syl is determined to inspire women to make every moment special with fashion. To her, dressing up is the equivalent of ‘loving yourself well,’ and we certainly agree.

In this interview, our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies sits down with Syl and talks about the fateful moment that inspired her fashion brand, the ethereal inspirations for her latest collection and fashion’s power to transform a woman and make every moment feel precious.

Rue Agthonis is such a unique name – can you tell us more about the inspiration behind it?

There is a cunning meaning behind the creation of the name ‘Rue Agthonis,’ which stems from a street in the South of France. The story behind my brand name comes from a personal and revolutionary moment in my life.

I was in France in the train station on Rue Agathonis, where I lost my suitcase which had my first collection in it. Although it was terrible at the time, I viewed it as a new opportunity for me to start my own brand, and I wanted to take something from the experience for the rebirth of my collections. I found the name Rue Agathonis so enticing whereas in French, ‘rue’ means ‘street’ and I removed the second ‘a’ from the road Agathonis which turned into ‘Agthonis.’ This was the beginning of my fashion dream and I wanted to include this part of my experience in the creation of my brand.

Rue Agthonis is only a three-year-old brand, but you have already been asked to participate in some of the fashion world’s most prestigious shows. What has been the biggest milestone?

Thank you for the kind words! Although we try not to set ourselves milestones — as we don’t want to limit our creativity or potential as a young brand — we’re very proud of the work we’ve done this year. On the 10th of April, we debuted our AW21 Collection at Shanghai Fashion Week and worked hard to produce an incredible collection and show. From the products, styling, and the entire show’s production, we spent lots of time and effort to create a cohesive show. I feel the proudest and satisfied about this achievement, especially with the warm reception it received on social media.

If you could describe the Rue Agthonis aesthetic in three words, what would they be?

Love, quality, and positive beauty

Tell us more about your latest collection – what are the inspirations behind it and what is your favourite piece?

The inspiration for the Rue Agthonis 2021 line was born from classical oil paintings. We integrated oil painting techniques with clothing production, and injected gorgeous contrasting colours, changing winding lines, and complex romantic decorative elements into the collection.

Costume design and classical oil painting are both artistic forms of expression, and when paired together they construct a unique aesthetic space full of colour, light and shade, lines, and texture. We hope that through the incitement of sensations, the aesthetics of clothing will be closer to the pursuit of sensory joy in the world: a desire for sweetness, the pursuit of happiness, whilst rejecting frugality.

The fringed ankle-length coat is my favourite garment from this season. This style uses sophisticated tweed fabrics, where traditional tweed is woven with a fringed texture, like hand-woven raffia, finished with layers of fringed embellishments.

The large tassels caress the ankles, creating movement and soft rustles with each step, transforming every woman who wears it into the centre of attention at all walks of life.

During the last year, everyone swapped high-heels for sweatpants because of COVID. Do you think now is the right time to reintroduce glamour into our wardrobes?

I believe that they’re comparable. In such a special time, the emotions and encounters between people have become more precious and unique. Taking this into consideration, we want to remind women that every moment is precious, whether it be a family gathering or cocktail evening, and every moment can be embellished by dressing up. It’s never a bad thing to make yourself feel special, when you please yourself, you deliver the message of “love yourself well.”

What’s next for you? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline?

In the second half of this year, we plan to host a small event in the official schedule of London Fashion Week. At the same time, we will continue to run our fashion show at Shanghai Fashion Week. We look forward to seeing the two projects in parallel.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become GirlBosses like yourselves?

In addition to professionalism at work, you can also fun into your work environment when setting work goals, so that in moments of success you can relax and revel in the process of completing your goals.

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Whether you’re picking out a necklace for a night on the town or you’re digging out the family pearls for an important business function, the right jewelry can make or break your outfit. Do you pick a shorter necklace to go with a crew neck tee? Or, do you pick a simple gold necklace that draws attention to your collar?

Luckily, once you’ve mastered some of the basics, it’s easy to pair your favorite silver bar necklace with any outfit. Here’s what you need to know about using jewelry to complete any outfit.

Pair a mid-length silver necklace with a turtleneck for a classic look.

The oft-maligned turtleneck deserves a public apology. After all, what did turtlenecks do to any of us besides elongate our necks and highlight our shoulders? Well, unless you’re talking about certain vintage styles that haven’t aged quite as well.

Those exclusions aside, it’s easy to pair necklaces and turtlenecks together, especially if you combine a whimsical necklace with your ensemble. Choose a silver necklace with plenty of gemstones (like emeralds or rubies) to pair with a classic black turtleneck sheath dress to make a major fashion statement.

When your neck is covered, whether it’s with a scarf or turtleneck, you can use your jewelry to give your body some extra length. It’s a fun fashion hack that can draw attention to your collar, elongate your body, and give you some fashion credibility.

Chokers and sweetheart necklines go hand-in-hand.

Whether you’re getting ready to go dancing or you’re prepping for a special date night, chokers with pendants work incredibly well with sweetheart necklines for a fun, flirty look. When you’re picking out any accessories that have pendants, you want to make sure it’s nothing too flashy, especially if it’s on a choker. Plus, while pendant necklaces are great, you shouldn’t have any oversize pendants covering up your neck.

Chokers often seem like an intimidating necklace option, but they’re straightforward to pull off if you know what you’re doing. However, if you have a shorter neck, be patient. It may take some time to find a choker that elongates your neckline rather than making it look smaller. It doesn’t help look for some style inspiration while you wait—it can help you find some other ideas to try.

Choose a shorter necklace for a scoop-neck blouse.

The scoop-neck blouse is always a popular choice for a warm, summery day. Plus, this wardrobe staple is easy to spruce up with your favorite jewels, accessories, and add-ons. If you want the perfect match for a scoop-neck blouse, you may want to consider something with a shorter length.

A shorter necklace complements the wider neckline and works to accentuate your collarbones. Plus, since this combo is great for warmer weather, don’t be afraid to experiment with fun colors, textures, and patterns. It’ll help create an outfit pairing that really works.

Stay true to your style.

Contrary to what the fashion elite might have you believe, there’s no right or wrong way to express your style. Whether you’re breaking out the heirloom pearls or you’re about to click the checkout button on a new designer accessory, your style should make you happy. It’s when it doesn’t that you might be doing something wrong.

So with that in mind, if you want to wear pearls to brunch, go for it. If you think a chunky statement necklace helps draw focus to your favorite features, wear it as much as you can. Got a special necklace as a gift from your significant other? Pair that piece of jewelry with every single outfit you can find. Fashion is meant to be fun, so have fun with it.

“Since the beginning I’ve always strived to achieve the impossible,” says Yoanny Garcia when looking back on the early days of launching her eponymous bag brand.

Yoanny Garcia, the brand, is classic, elegant and unique — much like its founder, who has made it her mission to showcase the bold style and vibrant hues of the Dominican Republic on the global fashion stage.

“It is my pride as a Dominican and my mission to represent my country in the fashion world on the global stage,” Yoanny says. “It’s always been integral for me to empower the “Made in D.R” label. It is my vision to develop high-quality handmade products in partnership with local artisans, who have worked in my studio since my day one.

In conversation with Yoanny Garcia, we talk about the inspirations behind her colourful bags, the importance of supporting of local artisans and how her ‘works of art’ can help women feel their most authentic selves wherever they go.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What inspired you to start your own accessories brand?

I studied Business Administration in the Dominican Republic and then years later I did my master’s degree in International Management in Madrid. Ever since I was a little girl, fashion has always been my biggest passion. I made the decision to start my very own fashion brand when I lived in Madrid. All my friends told me that they admired my style and the bags that I made for myself and that I should start selling them, and so that’s what I did. In 2014 I officially launched my dream project, my Yoanny Garcia brand. My first collection was ‘Let’s Play’ and they were only clutches. It was undoubtedly one of the proudest moments of my life.

If you could describe the Yoanny Garcia aesthetic in three words, what would they be and why?

Classic, elegant and unique.

In what ways does your Dominican culture and heritage influence your designs?

The influence goes beyond my culture. It is my pride as a Dominican and my mission to represent my country in the fashion world on the global stage. It’s always been integral for me to empower the “Made in D.R” label. It is my vision to develop high-quality handmade products in partnership with local artisans, who have worked in my studio since my day one.

For me it goes both ways, I have helped the Dominican artisan community and they have helped make my brand come to life by producing truly amazing products. My country has strong colours, culture, and vibrations that the world needs to see it!

Transparency and sustainability are core to your ethics as a brand. How do you as a brand owner/designer balance profit and purpose?

Yoanny Garcia is a regulated brand, and we strictly follow Dominican regulations by showing everything that happens behind the scenes in the most transparent way.

On the sustainability side, I’m very proud to say that all my pieces are 90% handmade (sometimes even higher) and we are committed to preserving the environment that brings us such amazing raw materials.

Here at Yoanny Garcia, we thrive everyday learning about new materials and techniques so the process of making a bag becomes more and more environmentally-friendly. One of our latest innovations is incorporating natural cork in our bags, and it really looks amazing! We also make donations to different foundations and give back once to our tight-knit Dominican community.

Last year, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic chaos, we started selling dominoes made with our bag acrylic and all the profit went to Save the Children Foundation directly helping pregnant women and mothers affected by the crisis.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as an entrepreneur so far?

The biggest challenge I’ve overcome is becoming an entrepreneur. It’s a lot of work and sacrifice and it’s been especially hard with the COVID-19 crisis. Because of the pandemic, everything went south with the fashion industry, sales slowed down, and it became very difficult to maintain my business and protect my partners.

As a businesswoman, I’ve made a lot of sacrifices to stay afloat during this difficult period. It’s been a long and challenging road and it still is to this day. I know it will keep being that way forever, but this business is where I found true happiness, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Tell us about your latest collection. What are the inspirations behind it, and do you have a favourite piece?

My two latest collections are called ‘Regina’ and ‘Abby’ with new modifications and colourways. The launch of ‘Colette’ was also a total hit! I get inspired by everything, a texture, a colour, or a feeling. It could be something I see or a combination of everything and for me that’s the beauty of art.

Seeing the final product with my team after countless trials is the best feeling in the world. For me, it’s impossible to choose a favourite piece, they are like my daughters! But I can say that the YG Ladies favourites are Teresa, Camellia, Abby, and Colette these days. I can’t wait for the launch of our next collection! There are many exciting things coming for the brand.

In your opinion, what sets Yoanny Garcia from other fashion brands in the market today?

Since the beginning I’ve always strived to achieve the impossible. I like to create different and unique pieces that I know my YG Ladies will love. I envision that when they enter any room, they will turn heads just so people can see the piece of art they are wearing. My pieces perfectly complementing their whole outfit and presence. For me, I don’t sell just a fashion piece, I create and sell feelings, exclusivity, and the magic of being your true, authentic self wherever you go, with a piece that represents you and your personality.

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

Start and don’t ever stop. If it is your dream, go for it because if you don’t do it, no one will do it for you. Be your own boss and stand up for yourself and for what you believe in. Organise yourself and don’t get distracted or discouraged by others. You got this babe.

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