FUN | FLOAT AWAY THIS SUMMER WITH PASX

Summer is here and with it comes the long-awaited holiday countdown… And after an extremely busy start to the year it is safe to say I am counting down the days until mine!
For me, holidays are about taking time to relax, have fun and - if I am lucky enough - to return home with a golden glow.

PASX1.png

This summer is all about the inflatables. I don’t think any of us could have missed them floating all over the internet and social media, from Sofia Vergara to Bella Hadid and even our friends’ holiday Insta pics it seems that EVERYONE is on board this latest craze. What’s not to love lazing about a pool on a giant unicorn or flamingo? (And it does make for the greatest insta pics!)

PASX2.jpg

To the delight of inflatable-lovers everywhere, PASX has collaborated with Sunny Life to create its own range of inflatables they are uh-mazing! Spectacular, eye-catching and fun – they definitely tick all the boxes and are guaranteed to bring a little extra sun into our lives. All that’s left to do is choose whether I will be lounging on a Golden Swan, Flamingo, Pineapple, Watermelon or Rainbow and then hop on and float away – bring on the fun!

PASX3.jpg

Check them out at: www.pasx.co.uk

FOLIO | THE FERRYMAN - GIELGUD THEATRE, LONDON

Unless you've done your homework or some pre-show research, it's not until the third act of this gripping drama that it is explained who The Ferryman in Jez Butterworth's play title links back to. It is of course the mythical Cheron, who ferried souls across the River Styx - except the souls of those who had lied to innocents and those whose bones remain unburied.

But no matter, because there is a whole host of 'stuff' going on - including a live goose, a couple of live rabbits and swearing, glug-swigging children as well as gripping plot lines woven into a historical context with the IRA hunger strikes, Margaret Thatcher's reign as British prime minister and a missing body becoming a political pawn merely by the silence around its recent discovery - to keep you occupied. And it's important to note that this 'stuff' makes for a long performance - 180+ minutes to be precise - but that didn't deter me, nor the thousands who are queuing up to see this masterful follow up to ‘Jerusalem’; because between Butterworth and director Sam Mendes, the content is both interesting and awe-inspiring to watch. 

The play, which is superbly directed by Mendes, is set in an Armagh farmhouse in 1981, where the extended Carney family lives and through which various family members come and go like a busy bus stop. And in this respect, Mendes is as much choreographer as director. Characters are quickly established though, despite the sheer numbers (the play features a cast of 21) and one gets a true sense of how a large family operated in the much more austere early 1980s. Had I not grown up in the 1980s in a bustling family home with seven children and almost 40 cousins on my maternal side alone, I might not have believed the comings and goings as possible, but this side of the story rang very true for me. There was a lot of traffic in our living room at times too, although not as much whiskey. I think that part has been exaggerated to fit with a ‘fightin’ Irish’ stereotype a little.

Family patriarch, Quinn Carney (superbly played by Paddy Considine, who makes his stage debut in The Ferryman) has long since denounced violence with the IRA in favour of life as a farmer with his wife and eight children. From the time his brother Seamus went missing 10 years previously, his sister-in-law Caitlin (Laura Donnelly) and her son have lived as an integral part of the household.

The (very cleverly written) dialogue is powerful and poignant and touches upon emotional personal relationships, love and loss and well as pride, identity and nationalism. The overriding theme though, is that of ambiguous loss. When a family or a community experiences an ambiguous loss, i.e. the loss of a loved one whose physical body is missing, those left behind often create their own meanings and endings to the mysterious stories of disappearance. And as we humans are individual, our story endings (and therefore our expectations and how we manage them) in those kinds of situations are also different and, at times, conflicting. It’s no surprise then, that this situation can create conflict and confusion in families, and we see this pan out as the play develops. It was interesting to see how, as well as the physical ambiguous loss surrounding the ‘Disappeared’ Seamus Carney, we also see the psychological ambiguous loss of Aunt Maggie Far Away  (played brilliantly by Brid Brennan) whose dementia (if that’s what it is) leads her to tell her own roguish versions of her childhood loves, and memories and thoughts as a seer are shared in a magical, fairytale and humane way. The kids who play the family’s children are fantastic supporting actors to her in a couple of scenes as this happens.  

Aunt Maggie is wonderfully juxtaposed with militant Aunt Pat, who is a hardened Republican and IRA supporter. And I couldn’t help but feel endeared to Mary Carney, although Laura Donnelly’s Caitlin is the most favourable and formidable character - her tenacity and strength, as well as good values in the face of a suppressed love developed over a decade for her host Quinn Carney. 

Mendes and Butterworth have worked together before on the scripts for Skyfall and Spectre, the director's two Bond films, but this is their first theatrical collaboration and one which will not disappoint, despite its 3 hour duration. This rich, political and personal production kept me hooked and absorbed in every single scene.

FACE | EVERYBODY GET NUDE

I love summer – feel-good tunes blare out from the radio, days are longer and the official countdown to our summer holidays begin.
As we finally begin to bring out our summer dresses, we can now bear to bare a little flesh as, thanks to some much-needed sunshine, our skin is starting to lose its pale winter complexion in favour of a new golden glow (personally I’m faking it ‘til I make it with the help of some fake tan!)

I am spending July in London training at Conde Nast (yes, at 43 I am ticking off one of the first things on my bucket list, channelling the mantra - “if you want something go out and grab it” - and so that’s exactly what I did, although admittedly I am a teeny bit nervous…) and as the weather there tends to be a little warmer, combined with the humidity and non-stop hustle and bustle of London life, I began looking for long-lasting, melt-proof makeup which simultaneously endures the heat, protecting against sweat and shine.

So when my fairy godmother (Debenhams) heard my cries and dropped a delectable beauty package at BFW HQ, I decided it was time to turn up the heat and try the range out against the wear and tear of summer…

The package was loaded with Nude by Nature goodies - Australia’s No. 1 mineral makeup brand which has finally arrived on UK shelves thanks to Debenhams.

I am a big advocate of caring for your skin, believing prevention is better than a cure and I am meticulous about removing my make up before sleeping (a valuable lesson ignored my 20-something self, of course) as well as cleansing, toning and moisturising. Although this means I usually have a pretty good canvas to work off, my skin can become dehydrated and lacklustre at times so I like a makeup with buildable coverage and optimum staying power!

I have also become more aware of the things that I put on my skin as I get older, so when I read that the ingredients in the Nude by Nature products are vegan-friendly and 100% natural, including Kakadu Plum, an Australian fruit that is very high in Vitamin C, I was definitely interested.

As I first unwrapped the package I was greeted with products encased in beautiful rose gold packaging – guaranteed to add a little touch of pretty glamour to your makeup bag!

My job often sees me attending events where dinner and drinks are served in abundance and I find these can take a toll on your skin. Therefore, I always try and give my skin time to breathe and recover – going make-up free when I can.
As well as this, like many women out there, my morning routine is definitely not time-friendly between work, my 5 year old daughter, working out and all the other commitments that we have.  
Therefore, because of this, BB cream is one of my absolute beauty must-haves! Personally, I usually find that they can be a bit of a hit or miss, but the Nude by Nature Sheer Glow BB Cream £22 evened out my skin tone and give me a light, natural finish. After using this for a couple of weeks I noticed my skin felt softer and definitely looked more hydrated (apparently this is because of the moisturising Aloe Vera.) It also has an SPF8 giving you a little added protection everyday – yay.

At work, I am usually rushing from one thing to another and this means I rarely have time to touch up my makeup, so I tend to choose a long lasting makeup and I always prime to even out my skin and keep my makeup lasting longer.

The Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer £22 made my makeup stay put all day without any major touch-ups needed. I do suffer from excess oil on my t-zone and this can often cause my makeup to melt away over the course of the day but I must admit, I definitely noticed I didn’t need to touch it up nearly as often when wearing this primer - leaving my inner self rejoicing each time she looked in the mirror and seen the makeup still in place!

Next up was the Nude by Nature Touch of Glow Highlight Stick £18. During the day I would often apply highlighter under my foundation to give my skin a nice dewy look and this highlighter definitely left my skin glowing. It has a cream to powder texture so it was really easy to blend in and it also comes in 3 different shades so there is a look for everyone. My top tip – apply a little highlighter to your lips to give your lipstick an extra touch of glam!

I am a big fan of loose eyeshadows so I was quite excited to try the Nude by Nature Shimmering Sands Loose Eyeshadow £15 and it definitely did not disappoint! The product has an integrated brush applicator which means it is really easy to use and not as messy as other loose shadows I have used in the past. For dinner with the girls I used the eye shadow to create a bright and luminous look which all the girls complimented me on and it lasted all evening which I loved.

Naturally I have long eye lashes, but I always wear mascara to give them some extra definition. The Allure Defining Mascara £16 was really buildable making it perfect for both day and night, without getting that clumpy look that you can get with mascaras when attempting to build coverage.

It separated and lengthened my lashes beautifully and really opened up my eyes, giving them a gorgeous natural finish. The mascara is also enriched with Pro Vitamin B5 which is great for conditioning your lashes over time – perfect if like me, you wear mascara most days.

On the days that I go makeup free or only apply BB cream, I use concealer to cover any small blemishes that I may have that day. The Nude by Nature Perfecting Concealer £20 was great as it covered everything that I wanted it to whilst also fiving my skin a gorgeous glow – you could even wear this without foundation it is that good and I do not say that lightly!

Next up was the Natural Illusion Pressed Eyeshadow £14 which comes in a range of finishes; matte, satin and sheen, I love the matte shades for everyday looks whilst the satin and sheen shades effortlessly take your look into the evening.

To finish my makeup I would usually add a bit of loose powder to really set my look and keep it lasting longer. The Loose Finishing Powder£22 has a translucent finish so I was able to apply it effortlessly and I noticed that I hardly had to touch up all day, perfect when you’re always on the go.

During summer when I am lucky enough to have a bit of a tan I would often add a bit of bronzer to my face to give my skin a nice ‘summer glow’. The Natural Glow Loose Bronzer £18 definitely left my skin looking naturally radiant, it also naturally adapts to your own skin tone which I loved.

As well as Nude by Nature there were also products from Too Faced, including the Brow Quickie Brush-On Brow Fibre Gel £17. I don’t usually do much to my eye brows as part of my daily routine, but this is an area I would like to start working on and so this was my perfect opportunity! This gel mimics real hair, allowing you to place the product exactly where you need it. The product is also buildable making it easy to use. I noticed a big difference in my eyebrows and they definitely looked full and naturally defined – this has definitely become a makeup bag essential for me!

I also tried the Too Faced Born This Way Concealer £20. After a particularly busy night spent working until after 2am and up again at 7am,  I used this creamy little saviour to cover the dark circles under my eyes – attempting to give me the “I’ve just slept 8 hours look”. It has a complete coverage so it is great for hiding any imperfections and it felt luxuriously soft on the skin, making my sleepless night a lot less obvious!

Also in my little bag of goodies was the Too Faced Natural Love Eyeshadow Palette £52.  Eyeliner and eyeshadow are definitely part of my signature look but I have had a bit of a realisation lately with the fact that so many people find eye makeup absolutely terrifying, if you are one of them then this palette is perfect for you.  It is packed with 30 nude and neutral shadows which range from matte to gorgeous shimmery shades that will take your look from day to night. It is a bit on the pricey side but it is definitely worth it (and so are you!). The eyeshadows are amazingly pigmented and are so easy to blend (perfect if you find blending difficult – the trick is to use a soft brush when blending, aiming to blur the lines of each eye shadow colour). It also comes with a small guide which gives you loads of ideas on different looks.

The last product I tried was the Laura Geller Beach Matte Baked Hydrating Bronzer £33, I am a big fan of the Laura Geller products so I did have high expectations of this product and it definitely did not disappoint! I actually wore this on its own when out running some errands and it give my skin a gorgeous subtle glow that looked completely natural. I plan on using this throughout summer to complement my natural tan.

If you’re looking for some summer inspiration then why not give Debenhams a visit – they are killing it with their beauty selection. With my own search finally over and armed with the latest beauty must-haves, I am now definitely ready - London, here I come.

Until next time,

Cathy x

PURE LONDON'S SS18 trends

EXPERIENTIAL TRENDS FOR SS18 AT PURE LONDON

This weekend I ventured to London’s Olympia to soak up the trends for SS18 at PURE. I was educated, enriched and inspired.

Pure London is the UK’s leading trade show for fashion buyers, but even as an observer industry visitor, I learnt so much as the show boasted a global offering championing new feature areas, emerging brands, an unrivalled education programme and seminar content. It combined serious business with creative and inspirational experiential content initiatives including keynote speeches from fashion designers Dr Pam Hogg and Henry Holland as well as the trends shows and buyer briefings from WGSN - which I loved.

Catwalk @ Pure London - Kinship.jpg

WGSN isthe bible of trend forecasting and, during her Buyer’s Briefing, Sara Maggioni, (Director Retail and Buying at WGSN) stated that consumers will be buying less but buying better. Sustainability and versatility is key; with season-less and dual-function items offering value for money and the blurring of genres and categories opening up cross merchandising opportunities. Here are her key predictions for SS18. You heard it here first!  

A new category to watch out for, and an extension of the growing Athleisure trend, is Sloungewear – based on statistics stating that by 2020 45% of Americans will work from home, Sloungewear offers a merging of active, sleep and loungewear. 

Catwalk @ Pure London -Psychotropical .jpg

Dresses, in particular midi styles, continue to be the biggest category but there is an increasing indication that we’re seeing a return to separates, as well as multi-functional items such as the two-piece dress - an item that can be deconstructed into three items. Drawstring tops are a new take on volume and ruffle tops for SS18, and Angel sleeves offer a new alternative to the cold-shoulder styles.

Colourways see the continued influence of prints. Pink now becomes a core shade not just a fashion shade but sees a move away from dusty soft pinks to more daring Magenta and Fuchsia tones with a high octane 1980s feel, while Rose Terracotta offers soft neutral pinks with reddish hues. Pale Sage brings a new alternative to pastel mints and utility greens which are set to be key for swimwear.

Catwalk @ Pure London -Slow Futures.jpg

Other key colourways include Lilac, Bold Red, Summer Wine, and Solid Neons used as detail features to contemporise utility and military looks. Textures and materials for SS18 include sheer and luxe Soft Glitter, modern Contemporary Lace on boxy shapes, Feminine Sheers to give a flowing feminine feel to contemporary shapes, exaggerated Bows, Ruching and Drawstring as an update to the familiar gathering silhouette, and Lace Up details especially coming through on denim. Prints and Patterns in the form of florals, stripes and placement prints are still growing, and Tie-Dye becomes less hippy and moves into more contemporary territory on denim and wovens. Slogans continue but become more inclusive – eyecatching, Instagrammable, and featuring messages of inclusivity, non -gender and against discrimination. And the use of World Fonts indicates the move towards Globalisation over Westernisation.

To help with S/S 18 planning, WGSN’s four overarching Vision themes were mapped across six key retail drops, providing clear insight into which Vision trend will be most relevant for which parts of the season, enabling effective planning for product development across all seasonal ranges. 

The season opens with Slow Futures, focusing on practical and functional product that crosses over from winter into the Spring Transitional drop. 

Slow Futures focuses on the importance of basics, but with a more luxurious approach. As demand grows for long-lasting essentials, fabric assumes a new importance. In this trend, basic no longer means ordinary. Quite the contrary: wardrobe staples are becoming more lavish and desirable. 

Pure London catwalk - Youth Tonic.jpg

Minimalism is a key influence in the Slow Futures trend, but moves away from its purist roots to embrace strong silhouettes, clever cuts and added texture. The trend for raw edges becomes more tactile with all-over finishes, and slubbed fabrics use silks and jerseys, adding interest to simple designs with elevated details. Shapes become more structured, as sharp edges and circular silhouettes become more important in tailored and volume items.

Kinship has two drops: Spring which centres around lighter layers, and Mid-Spring & Festival, which explores new festival essentials

Kinship is a trend focused on adventure and travel, driven by cross-cultural connections in a globalised world, and the pioneering spirit of ancient Silk Road trading. This trend offers pick-and-mix influences that take us on a journey from sea voyage to souk, including swashbuckling nautical looks, Islamic geometrics and updated rodeo styles. 

Kinship offers a layered approach to dressing, both in terms of design details and cultural references, which makes it perfect for Spring and Mid-Spring & Festival retail drops. Craft is fused with clever pattern cutting in this trend, and historical and cross-cultural details are key. Romantic and bohemian styles take on a tougher look, and casual looks are elevated with a focus on refined fabrics, raw-edge layering, intricate embellishment and surface texture.

Psychotropical also has two drops: Summer which targets both casual and resort, and High-Summer, which focuses on beach looks, with an emphasis on print and pattern.

Psychotropical sees lush botanical themes take on a heightened, almost synthetic form, with motifs that have a hallucinogenic quality. Colours are deep and saturated, and the juxtaposition of the natural and the man-made creates an unusual tension that feels new for the season. 

Pure London catwalk -Emerging designers.jpg

Swim and beachwear is a key reference this trend, which plays perfectly into the Summer and High Summer retail drops. Beautiful constructions and patterns traditionally seen on swimwear translate to apparel here, as beach-to-bar items evolve into everyday dressing, much the same way loungewear and pyjama dressing has. Silhouettes are simple and fluid, rather than restrictive, and materials offer a sense of refinement and luxury

Youth Tonic has an expressive urban attitude that works for the Summer Transitional drop, as the season moves towards autumn.

Youth Tonic embodies the exuberance of youth, but also appeals to older consumers in a market where age distinctions are more amorphous. It's a rebellious direction driven by a new wave of young designers, which defies categorisation and moves gender-fluid styling into the mainstream. 

The Youth Tonic trend takes place against a backdrop of bleak news and social upheaval, which is giving rise to a more outspoken, socially aware generation. Accepted norms are being challenged by young creatives, who are channelling their energy through fashion, clubbing, music and politics. The result is an eclectic clash of styles with a dash of neo- nostalgia, where 1990s clubwear and street style assume a new relevance.

PURE is a great show to visit for anyone in retail or fashion, whether you’re buying or not. There was a genuine buzz in the aisles and it looked like the buying experience was most definitely meeting the needs of the ever-changing customer and audience.  I was happy to see NI buyers like Aileen Wilson from Blush, Brenda Part from Diamond Dolls and Clodagh Shortt from Honey, plus the My Sister’s Closet girls who were there selling their own label to what looked like hordes of hungry buyers. We have a strong independent retail sector in NI/Ireland, and I hope for the customer and our towns’ streetscapes’ sakes, that this continues.

ERDEM X H&M

This month, H&M announced its annual exclusive designer collaboration for 2017 would be with London-based label ERDEM. The brand, which was launched in 2005, is a firm favourite with A-List celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton. Renowned designer Erdem Moralioglu is one of the fashion world’s most talented creators. His designs are known to celebrate the power of beauty while exploring historical references and romantic influences. His label is one of London’s most successful, regularly showcasing at London Fashion Week and winning many design awards including Womenswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2014.

ERDEM x H&M is set to feature a full collection of feminine and delicate womenswear, a men’s collection and an accessories line. As with all H&M designer collaborations, there will be something for everyone at a variety of price points. Alongside the beautiful fashion, H&M has also announced that iconic film director Baz Luhrmann will showcase the collection, bringing it to life through his one-of-a-kind ability. A teaser of the collection directed by Lurhmann has been released.

H&M has collaborated with many iconic fashion houses over the years and Moralioglu said “It’s such an honour to join the group of designers who have collaborated with H&M. It made me think there’s something hugely exciting about doing something on such a global scale.” Talking about the collection itself Moralioglu said “It’s inspired by much of my youth, from the English films, ’90s TV shows and music videos I grew up watching to memories of the style that defined members of my family. Taking from these inspirations, I imagined a group of characters and friends off to the English countryside for the weekend. There’s a real play in the collection between something decidedly dressed-up and equally effortless.”

The ERDEM x H&M collection will launch in selected stores and online on 02 November. While we wait patiently for the line to go live, let’s delve back into some H&M collections from years past.

H&M’s first ever designer collaboration was with Karl Lagerfeld, back in 2004. Lagerfeld believed the collaboration was the perfect way to engage younger, less affluent fashion fans while simultaneously giving H&M major fashion points. While this collection was ground-breaking and hugely successful, Lagerfeld stated he would never work with H&M again because of the limited distribution of the collection which went against the whole premise of accessible high fashion. Lagerfeld told Vogue, “They did not make the clothes in sufficient quantities. I find it embarrassing that H&M let down so many people. I don’t think that is very kind, especially for people in small towns and countries in eastern Europe. It is snobbery created by anti-snobbery.”

Stella McCartney partnered with the brand in 2005 (and I still have a fab deconstructed rain mac/trench coat from this collection!), then Roberto Cavalli and Comme des Garcons followed in 2007 and 2008 with massive successes, and Lanvin was the designer of choice in 2010. Alber Ebaz said “I hope now that we have so many more dresses of Lanvin many more women will be falling in love and many more women will be fallen in love with.”

In more recent times, the retailer has teamed up with Versace both in 2011 and again in 2012 because it was so successful. Isabelle Marant, Alexander Wang and Balmain are some more of the major fashion players H&M has worked with. The Balmain x H&M was everywhere on social media as the fashion show featured Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and the Backstreet Boys. Olivier Rousteing saw the opportunity to remake some of his most iconic designs at a lower price point, allowing shoppers a taste of the luxury brand. It is arguably the most successful collaboration to date.

Last year’s Kenzo x H&M collection was something new and original for the brand. "With this collaboration with H&M we want to think big, push the boundaries and bring the new energy of KENZO to everyone around the world," said Lim and Leon, the designers.

I cannot wait for the new collection to hit the stores and online, November can’t come quickly enough. Which H&M collaboration was your favourite?

KATIE LARMOUR DESIGN - A TRULY UNIQUE DESIGN CONCEPT

This week I catch up with my friend and former model Katie Larmour, whose design business Katie Larmour Design has found global success in the luxury interiors market with her statement, one-of-a-kind, artisan-made cushions fashioned from antique and vintage designer silk scarves and backed with Irish Linen.

As of this week, I am now the owner of a beautifully striking oversized cushion intricately made from a rare and exquisite vintage Jean-Louis Scherrer silk scarf backed in pure, undyed Irish Linen.  The cushion is perhaps of one of the prettiest pieces of furnishings I think I have ever owned. It appeals to my love of fashion and design as much to the aesthete in me and will no doubt make my once-cool-now-feeling-dreary grey living room a much brighter place to sit! And as I decided to tell its story here on the blog, I thought I would venture into Katie’s story also, because I’ve known Katie for more than a decade as a model and presenter who I represented and who worked closely with me at FASHIONWEEK - being front of camera for the ad campaign, then hosting the popular BFWTV shows.  I know Katie as an artist also, and so I wanted to find out how her art and love of fashion got woven together to create her wonderfully creative company.

But before we get to the interview, (which also appears on the William Clark Living in Linen blog here: http://www.wmclark.co.uk/living-linen-katie-larmour-design/), let’s take a look at my new cushion - it is a thing of beauty indeed, especially for someone as moved by colour as me.

Jean-Louis Scherrer was a flamboyant French fashion designer, affectionately described by Vogue as 'the Aladdin of Couture’, and was known for his forte in creating opulent evening wear. After apprenticing under Christian Dior alongside Yves Saint Laurent, the former classical ballet dancer launched his own label in 1962, and in 1971 was one of a handful of Parisian designers officially granted the prestigious ‘Haute Couture’ status. With boutiques on both the famous Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and later Avenue Montaigne, his glamorous clients included Jacqueline Kennedy, Sophia Loren, Claudia Cardinale, Bianca Jagger and Raquel Welch. This print is an example of his zesty, fluid work, displaying a striking pattern of block colour in strong, bright primaries and familiar bright ‘pop art’ shades. Stylised floral shapes in vibrant sweeping strokes stand out against an ivory white ground, most notably the hot pink buds. Adding interest to the design is the manner in which it is broken up into sections divided by bold yet blending right angles.

Aside from the wonderful design on the scarf, the attention to detail in creating the cushion is outstanding. Before being carefully unravelled to construct this cushion, the scarf edge would have been delicately hand rolled and hemmed, a distinctive French style finish of all scarves. Now backed in new, 100% pure Irish linen - the aristocrat of textiles and certified by the Irish Linen Guild - the cushion has been filled with plush duck feather insert and a concealed dress zip. The traditional oatmeal colour linen is a combination of the unbleached and undyed raw colour of the natural flax plant on the weft intertwined with pristine white on the warp, resulting in a beautiful mottled effect.

INTERVIEW

Katie, tell me how the scarf cushions came about?

I have been collecting high end designer silk scarves such as Hermes, Chanel and Cartier in an eclectic mix of rare and unusual vintage colour-ways for a long time, and a few years ago I started to fashion them into one-of-a-kind cushions, which are backed in Irish linen.One piece led to another and so my journey began.  I source the scarves from the best markets and antique dealers in Paris. My favourite place to hunt for treasure there is ‘Les Puces de Saint-Ouen’. It’s very fitting that these precious fabrics found in such an elegant city be matched with Irish linen which is often referred to as the aristocrat of textiles. I prefer to use Irish Linen in its natural undyed form which is very fresh, its unique shade seeming to complement every single colour of scarf I use no matter how vibrant. I sell these through a New York based antique dealership called 1stdibs. (Link at the end of the blog).

Have you a favourite piece that you have produced?

There have been a number of them, including a few of my antique silk scarf cushions that I know I will never find again, as they are such gems and one-of-a-kind beauties, but if I kept every one that I fell in love with my house would be coming down in cushions ...in fact it already is! A favourite pattern must be ‘Gloria’, a celestial looking print by Hermes, as I seem to keep buying the same one over and over again, but in different colour-ways. 

You are mostly an artist but you are passionate about fashion too, can you tell us a little about your journey within the fashion and textiles industry?

Fashion has definitely been an influence in my work, directly in the use of precious antique and vintage designer silk scarves which are a fashion item that I transform into one-of-a-kind luxury cushions, and then also with some of my ‘Artisan Linen’ designs, which is another facet to my business - and an entirely separate collection of 100% linen cushions.These are cushions created from linen alone. My two signature pieces, the bow and the rose cushion, have been inspired by the flamboyant bows and elaborate flower-like ruffle detailed on couture dresses, like the 1950s Dior, Valentino or Giambattista Valli ballgowns -whether it’s oversized shapes of sweeping fabric or in tiny intricate details. My cushions are artisan-made, constructed in a similar way to a bespoke garment by skilled seamstresses with precision and care, the cloth sculpted by hand and the finishing touches hand stitched. In a world of throw-away fashions I wanted to create products that felt timeless and more enduring in an era of ever-changing fads and trends. 

How did the vision for Katie Larmour Design come about?

I studied Fine & Applied Art at Ulster University Art College where I specialised in ceramics, but although my end of year show was focused on that medium, I was experimenting with Irish Linen even then. I combined textiles and porcelain with a delicate slip-dipping method which resulted in beautiful patterns being imprinted and fossilised within the clay. With Irish Linen being so imprinted in our city’s history and heritage I was intrigued to incorporate it into my ceramic pieces, and so took the first step into the field I am in today.

Tell us why you love Irish linen?

Firstly for its unique look, colour, feel and texture which is unparalleled. It’s very special as not only does it encapsulate our history and heritage but it’s an excellent eco-friendly choice. There has recently been a widespread and fashionable return to natural fibres, which makes Irish Linen all the more desirable now. Made from the flax plant it’s cultivated using just a little water, and so is an alternative to crops that seem to rely on fertilisers and pesticides. Basically grown as a weed, it is transformed into the most luxurious of fabrics today, and the whole plant is also used, making it a waste-free crop. I’m also fascinated by the old production methods of the past and found some historical photographs documenting the bleaching process whereby rows of long lengths of linen were laid out on the fields to be whitened by the sun’s rays. These archival photographs have been a source of inspiration for my designs. From a high level view the dramatic stripes created by ‘bleaching greens’ was astonishing and made very striking patterns across the landscape, and so I tried to translate this image into my cushion design ‘Erina’. I love visiting all the old linen mills that are scattered across the country, as they contain so much history and character, Clark’s of Upperlands being a picturesque example with its old stone buildings with soaring red clay brick chimney set within a luscious woodland.

Do you feel you are contributing to part of a revival of Irish Linen?

There is a sense of that, which is very gratifying, and it’s nice to think I'm celebrating what our city was known for, our industrial heritage. At one time there were tens of thousands of mill workers in Belfast alone, and now there are only a handful of mills left in the whole country still producing linen, but its niche is the luxury market. It’s a beautiful fabric with so many appealing qualities but it tends to be offered in quite a traditional way, whereas my aim is to create contemporary designs with a fresh approach and I love of the idea ofhelping to keep this wonderful fabric alive and being able to promote it abroad.

When you begin a new collection, where do you look for inspiration? 

I’ve just recently completed a set of contemporary patchwork Irish Linen cushions for Heal’s of London, on sale at their flagship store for Spring/Summer 2017. Because the collection was exclusive to them I looked to their archive of iconic furniture from the past for inspiration, to draw up something special to them, and that’s where I found a range of minimalist shapes. Heal’s has a fascinating design history which spans over 200 years, with a particularly strong background in the Arts & Crafts movement, Modernist designs, traditional craftsmanship and high quality materials, so there was a natural synergy here. I used clean lines with no frills, eliminating unnecessary seam-lines to create bold block geometrics with harmony and proportion. My goal was to make a collection that could be ‘mixed and matched’. I’ve done this by keeping the colour scheme neutral and using the same combination and textures of fabric throughout, so theoretically they should all complement each other. I’m delighted to be collaborating with such an iconic and prestigious company, whose own history was inspiration itself.

Congratulations on winning a place with the British European Design Group, what was it like exhibiting with them in NYC?

The BEDG promotes British talent to international markets. Once I learnt I was going to showcase at ICFF, North America’s luxury International Contemporary Furniture Fair, I got to work designing a whole new collection, as all my pieces up until then had been one-offs and therefore I could not reproduce them for a wholesale market. The collection I eventually exhibited there was picked up by a beautiful interior design boutique based in the Hamptons. On the journey home I stopped by the Caribbean to add some of my bijou accents to a private villa there. It was an amazing experience to be taking part in New York Design Week, not to mention the opening night party in MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art). Having visited the gallery many times during the day it was really cool to get in to see it after normal opening hours. I’ve since been invited to take part in ‘Maison & Objet’ in Paris later this year so I’m really looking forward to that.

What do you do in your spare time?

I always like visiting art galleries and museums wherever I go, and it has always been a pleasure in my spare time, although it often ends up as a stimulating influence in my work. I’m passionate about my design business so I never really 100% switch off. Experimenting with making quilts is very time consuming but also therapeutic. I construct them with what are essentially the left over pieces of linen from my cushions and so the size and form of these sections often dictate the shapes in the piece. I see them as one big picture and often look to icons of abstract art like the paintings of Rothko, and the graphics of the Russian Suprematists, and the Dutch De Stijl group for inspiration, which brings me back to my favourite hobby in my spare time - going to see these original works in galleries around the world.

Have your travels impacted on how you design?

Absolutely, I love to explore new places and absorb new cultures. I travel a lot and I find a wealth of inspiration everywhere I go. Last year on a trip to Venezuela I was lucky to have a private tour of ‘Villa Planchart’. It is a modernist gem by the celebrated Italian architect Gio Ponti and I was shown round by the nephew of the patron. The interior was magical and I was very impressed by the unique Mid-Century Modern decor full of fantastic geometric furniture and dramatic spaces. My ‘Tara’ cushion would fit in there perfectly. It’s the essence of the clean lines and boxy forms of the Modern Movement in art that I’ve tried to capture through my contemporary patchwork. I ended off that same year with a visit to the architectural masterpiece ‘Casa Luis Barragán’, the house and studio of Luis Barragan in Mexico City which is another development of that same aesthetic. Next on my list to visit is the Irish Modernist Eileen Gray’s villa ‘E-1027’ on the French Riviera; that would be a dream to see how an earlier Irish woman designer worked in the Modernist idiom.

Katie’s Heal’s cushions can be seen gracing the front cover of this month’s House Beautiful magazine, and her silk scarf creations feature in Antiques & Home Magazine. Her silk scarf cushions are sold exclusively through US vintage and antique website 1st Dibs - see her page by clicking here

http://katielarmourdesign.com

BEAUTY BITCH | QOD BLOW OUT AT MONET HAIR

One thing you’ll rarely hear me complain about is summer. It is my favourite season – fruit is ripe and flowers are blooming, everything seems brighter, fresher, happier even. And that’s just nature!

But summer can wreak havoc with hair. In summer we all want our hair to be glossy and lustrous, but the truth is, summer sunshine combined with humidity, salty sea-water and chlorine-filled pool water (if we are lucky enough to get away) can often leave hair dry, frizzy and brittle. Or just fuzzy and unruly in the case of humidity.  I have A LOT of hair. It’s long and there is lots of it. It’s not coarse, but I am toldby hairdressers that it is very porous, so I tend to look like Julia Roberts circa 1980 instead of the coveted super sleek hair of Jennifer Anniston when it’s left untended. (Although we could all look like that if we were surrounded by hair & beauty teams 24/7…maybe?!)

Step forward Monet Hair - a new salon opened on Belfast’s style mile, the Lisburn Road – whose team invited me in to try the celebrity favourite, QOD 16 week blow dry treatment – an organic luxury hair treatment that “eliminates frizz, rejuvenates and straightens all hair types”. This is like manna from heaven for the girl who washes her hair only twice a week because it’s such a chore to wash, condition and dry/style it. (A 45minute chore at least.) And in fact, I rarely wash it at all – one of my big indulgences is to get a blow dry at least once a week, that’s how bad it is, so of course I jumped at the chance to review QOD.  


My once/twice-weekly blow dry allows me to bring my laptop and work away in peace as I attempt to get through my never-ending to-do list. Next week I am off to London for a month and I definitely don’t fancy paying London blow-dry prices, so a treatment that promises to give me smooth and sleek hair with little work is definitely something that every girl dreams of!

Patrick Mone, owner of Monet Hair greeted me as I entered the salon. The dark green and lavish black interiors create a luxurious feeling and expert-favourite brands, including Label M and Kerastase line the walls. Make up guru Paddy McGurgan has also opened his first concession in the salon (my go-to place whenever I need glammed up - the staff always have me looking & feeling a million dollars) and with salon staff including Jade Martin, a Wella graduate and David Jenkins, Toni & Guy trained with over 15 years’ experience in the industry – I knew I was in expert hands.


My stylist for QOD was David, who told me that this is the perfect treatment if your hair is naturally curly or tends to get quite frizzy. It is also great if, like mine, your hair is very long and therefore takes a long time to wash, dry and style. Between prepping for meetings/doing the school run/making lunches/gymming or the 101 other things that suddenly ALL need to be done before 9 am, it is safe to say most of us don’t have the luxury of time to spend styling our hair. David talked me through how the treatment works explaining that it includes keratin and amino acids, this injection of protein can help repair hair, making damaged hair look and feel healthier. The innovative formula also makes hair easier to manage on a daily basis and encourages hair growth; if that is an area you struggle with.
                             
Once David took a closer look at my hair type and length and the treatment was fully explained to me with all my questions answered (yes the treatment really can make your hair more manageable after a home blow-dry, yes, even after a particularly grueling body pump class) I was reassured and the treatment began.

First up, a deep cleansing shampoo was applied to my hair before being blow-dried until about 80% of the water was removed.

My hair was then parted into sections and a thin layer of the QOD Max Silver was applied all over and left for around 20-30 minutes, allowing me to catch up on some work. David explained to me that this time varies depending on hair thickness/condition. My hair was then rinsed, blow-dried and split into sections before each section was straightened over a very specific ten times to ensure the best results possible. The straightening irons ‘lock in’ the products and ensure they get to work for long-lasting results.

Immediately my hair was noticeably softer, glossier and certainly looked healthier.  Even the colour looked brighter and just, well, NICER! The pre-treatment frizz was gone and my hair no longer looked or felt dry and brittle. David waved me goodbye with a strict warning not to get my hair wet for up to 24 hours after the treatment, I also had to wear my hair down during this time – apparently, tight bobbles or clips can create kinks and can stop the treatment from working. It is advised to wash hair between 24-48 hours after treatment, with 48 hours being the limit – and a sulphate-free shampoo is advised.

There is also no need to worry about any nasty chemicals ruining your hair as QOD is focused on minimising any levels of potent chemicals in their products while still maintaining and improving the long-lasting conditioning effect on your hair – yay!

I am over the moon with the results and can’t wait to see how much easier it makes my hair routine over the next few months. I will be following up my treatment with the QOD Silver shampoo and conditioner as I am told that this helps the treatment last longer.

Monet Hair is the exclusive provider of this treatment in Belfast and I will definitely be returning. I can honestly say, two weeks on, that the treatment has made home blow drying much, much easier! Ta-daaaaah!

For reservations

Monet Hair salon 02890682828
www.monethair.co.uk

Price starts at £140 and may vary depending on hair type, length and colour/treatment history. 

Love, Cathy x

LASHING OUT AND TALKING TIPS WITH KISS

On one of the hottest days of the year, we arrived at one of my favourite establishments in Belfast – the rooftop bar at the stunning Merchant Hotel for the ‘KISS - Bring the Salon Home’ Summer Party and was immediately transported to a lash & nail beauty paradise!

Upon entering I was given a gorgeous cocktail and took a seat as Paddy McGurgan - make-up artist  extraordinaire and founder of the Makeup Pro Store in Belfast (my go-to place if I ever need to get glammed up – the artists are magical and always leave me looking uh-mazing!) - gave me a lash-over.

The latest in lash innovation, this product delivers the unrivalled beauty of a mink lash – they are plush, voluminous, soft and lustrous, but do not use mink. Instead they combine human and synthetic hair to create a naturally shiny, feather light strip.

Unfortunately, although my lashes are naturally long-ish, they’re quite fair at the ends and in any case, they would never be long enough to compete with false lashes which give me the definition I desire.  I must admit I was really impressed with these and will definitely be purchasing again. There were piles to choose from; I opted for a natural but oh-so-fabulous strip to give my tired eyes a little wake-up call! When applied they felt weightless, comfortable and looked completely natural (they also got me lots of compliments, which is always a good sign!).  I am also told that they can be reused up to 10 times making it a very inexpensive investment!

Next up, it was mani time! Again the choice was endless and after much deliberation, I chose a matte navy shade. The girl applying the nails told me that these were called ‘imPRESS and go’ and that they require no glue – you literally peel off the adhesive, press them on and go with no glue & no drying time.

This works by a super-hold, dual-layer adhesive. Basically the top layer is designed for optimal adhesion to the hard service of the artificial nail and the bottom layer is designed for optimal adhesive to the natural nail and is made with a softer, flexible gel adhesive that fits into the ridges and imperfections of your natural nail. I must admit I was wary at first and immediately doubted their security and ability, however I was soon proven wrong - realising their staying power after a wardrobe-clean up did not budge them - which definitely says something!  Over-using products and not removing gel nails properly has left my nails on the weak side and so this product is the perfect solution, they cause no damage, are easily applied and have a lovely natural finish. Each set includes 30 nails and comes with a mini file and prep pad! At only £7.99 I will definitely be stocking up before I move to London for July - a salon-worthy manicure in minutes – what’s not to love?

Visit www.KISSeurope.uk for more information

KISS products are available at Superdrug stores nationwide (the imPRESS and go nails will be available from 26th July)

FIFI MANDIRAC DESIGNS FOR YON-KA

Regular readers of my beauty columns and blogs will know that I am a big YON-KA fan, but so, it seems, are millions of others around the world, because I recently learnt that one bottle of the iconic Lotion Yon-ka is sold somewhere in the world every 3 minutes! Maybe it’s because it’s more than just a toner, it is a true phyto-aromatic fountain of beauty, essential for rebalancing and preparing skin for everyday beauty products. This vivifying mist refreshes, tones and purifies the skin and contains the Quintessence Yon-Ka, the DNA of the brand - an exclusive and treasured formula combining 5 essential oils with extraordinary synergetic properties (consisting of lavender, geranium, rosemary, cypress, thyme).

YK5 Brume et étui PNG.jpg

This summer, Yon-Ka has collaborated with Fifi Mandirac, a French designer full of life, for the limited edition of its LOTION-YON-KA, €33.00|£28.00. Trained graphic designer, she is renowned for her joyful and delicate illustrations for books, materials, posters and stationary. Her retro creations are bold, and their light ,colourful touches perfectly reflect a contemporary aesthetic. Fifi is a master at identifying trends and making them reflect her personal sense of style.

YK3A Brume PS détouré.jpg

Yon-Ka’s commitment

And whilst we’re enjoying the pretty aesthetic on the exterior of the packaging, it’s important to nod to the brand for its environmental activity too. Yon-Ka owes everything to nature, and the plant world in particular, so, in 2014, the brand chose to celebrate its 60th anniversary and 60 years of shared complicity with the plant world in its own way by reasserting its environmental commitment via the safeguarding of bees through its support of the association «Un toit pour les abeilles» (A roof for our bees). Beehives were set up across Provence, creating a home for over 400,000 bees! And not only that, for every bottle of Yon-Ka purchased, the company also donates €1 to the association. I think somewhere in the distance I hear the gentle buzz ofhappy bees and the aroma of a very sweet nectar.

YK4B étui PS.jpg

BEAUTY BITCH SHINES A BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT!

HOUSE OF FRASER THROWS A SPOTLIGHT ON BEAUTY

House of Fraser is a one-stop-shop for everything for so many people, so when I heard that they were launching Beauty Spotlight – a revolutionary in-store beauty concept that aims to shine a light on the latest innovations in beauty products - I was more than a little excited.

This concept, a first for the group, aims to bring together an expertly curated selection of products chosen by bloggers and industry insiders which will constantly evolve to keep up with the hottest new launches. Commercially, it allows small brands access to the House of Fraser customer base without the massive expense of a concession – and I like that element of giving the small guys a chance.

As a self-confessed beauty addict who loves trying out the latest pioneering brands, this concept of bringing all of the freshest and most innovative products on the market together in one designated counter definitely has all the ingredients for a winning recipe!

With glossy marble-effect countertops and fun floral prints The Beauty Spotlight counter is aesthetically very pleasing. All the products are easily accessible and trying is compulsory! At the launch, I met with experts from each of the brands who were able to talk me through the different products, before giving me a tailored prescription suited to my own beauty needs. All of the consultants were very friendly and welcoming and immediately put me at ease. Their indepth product knowledge was invaluable and I would definitely recommend speaking to the different specialists from each brand in order to get products tailored to your own skin needs.

I tested the celebrity-favourite Glow Tonic (£18) from London brand Pixi skincare which leaves skin looking radiant (great if, like me, getting a full night’s sleep is practically unheard of as it gives you that “I’ve just had 8 hours sleep” look!). Also, all of the Pixie skincare products have beneficial plant-based ingredients meaning you can apply them guilt-free knowing you are adding nothing but gooey goodness to your skin!

I also tried the Hyaluronic Acid (£6) from The Ordinary – a Deciem brand. In summer my skin can often become dehydrated, so Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is the perfect anecdote, giving skin multi-depth hydration with visible plumping.  The Ordinary also do a 100% organic cold-pressed rose hip seed oil (£9) which smells absolutely divine and is definitely on my wish-list!

Zach from Colour Wow (a hair care line created specifically for coloured hair by beauty innovator Gail Federici, acclaimed hairdresser John Frieda and their team of professional experts) was on hand to style hair and showed me three innovative bionic leave-in tonics (£22) that treat problems associated with colour-treated hair; dryness, breakage and thinning. I was already a fan of WOW having used their powder root touch up products, but the new tonics were fantastic!

There were also award-winning face masks from Nugg (from £3.50) that come in a handy portion-sized pod with each mask targeting different skin care needs (They also do a 100% natural and vegan lip mask leaving lips soft and kissable!) I bought a fab new amazeballs NARS glitter eye shadow/liner and the best metallic shimmer product ever in the form ofthe ICONIC metallic illuminator - both of which I used in Ibiza that night (yes, I flew out right after the launch afternoon). Actually I use the ICONIC almost every time I put on make up and drop a droplet of it into my foundation every time. I have just found out that it is limited edition too, so I have made a note to stock up while I can!

Besides the brands I’ve mentioned, Beauty Spotlight counter customers will also be able to stock up on must-haves from Stila, all the Deciem family brands as well as beauty-staples such as Tangle Teezers, Spectrum brushes, Invisibobbles and Eyelure false eyelashes. In short, Beauty Spotlight is the ultimate destination for shoppers who are looking for the latest in make-up, hair and beauty, I left feeling that that this is exactly what beauty lovers have been waiting for.

And of course, after browsing the various items on offer I left with my bag a little heavier and my purse a little lighter. Standard.

Love Cathy x

*As well as the fab in store counter in Belfast, all of the Beauty Spotlight items are also available at www.houseoffraser.co.uk  meaning you can easily order your favourite items online if you cant get to the store.

FOLIO | GISELLE - ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET AT GRAND OPERA HOUSE

As a congratulatory mummy-daughter day out for my five year old Valentina doing her Grade One ballet exams, I took her to see Mary Skeaping's Giselle by the English National Ballet at the Grand Opera House. I always thought the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, or even Hansel & Gretel would be her first show with me - as Giselle can be quite sinister, haunting and very definitely grown up in parts - but it sure didn’t disappoint with some of ballet’s most dramatic scenes played out in beautiful costumes and en pointe footwork by the super talented baleros and ballerinas. In short, it was perfectly poised and aesthetically - truly outstanding.

On curtain up, we were immediately impressed by the set, which opens onto the happy and idyllic village scenes at the beginning of the story. The music, by Adolphe Adam, was performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, and Act I’s harvest dance introduces the troupe as well as the love interests of the beautiful and innocent Giselle (Jurgita Dronina) and her new love Loys - who is really Albrecht, the Duke of Silesia, disguised as a peasant, (played by Isaac Hernandez) as well as her suitors including manly hunter Hilarion (who suspects the true identity of his rival, and soon finds out that Albrecht is not the peasant he claims to be).

The following scenes, in which the villagers return from the fields to celebrate the grape harvest and join in a dance with Giselle and Albrecht, are full of energy and optimism, peppered only by Giselle’s Mother, Berthe, who is concerned that Giselle’s passion for dancing may be the death of her delicate daughter, and she warns Giselle of the spell of the Wilis, vengeful spirits of virgin-brides who have been abandoned before their wedding night.

Giselle is amused at her mother’s concern, and continues dancing with her friends, until she is finally crowned Queen of the Vine in a fantastic crescendo of dance.

Admittedly, I had to give a bit of a running commentary at times (sotto voce of course), to Miss Valentina, who asked questions like ‘Mummy, why is there no speaking?’ while I explained that love, lies, jealousy and even motherly concern can be expressed through body language and dance, which fascinated her. And she really got it as we moved towards the final scenes in Act I, when the Prince of Courland and his hunting party stop at the village to taste the wine. One of this party, the Prince’s daughter, Bathilde, is engaged to Duke Albrecht. Hilarion takes this opportunity to reveal the truth about Albrecht’s identity. Giselle, destroyed by grief at Albrecht’s duplicity, loses her mind and/or stabs herself with Albrecht’s sword - then dies.

As we moved into Act II, I fell in love once again with the set - much more simple this time in the woods, but it was the lighting in particular which was exquisite - with romantic and sinister shadows cast across the stage to create a wonderfully atmospheric backdrop to the iconic dances of the Wilis. I explained that this moonlit world of mystery and menace was Giselle’s new home after she died, but then got asked questions like “Mummy is that heaven, then?” and had I dared to go into the realms of the supernatural world in my explanations, i could have conjured up ghosts and ghouls in her sleep that night, so it took some tricky and hurried whispering about this being a special story about things which weren’t so real like the lives we lead to get through that. The questions soon dissipated  as the Wilis, (18 of them), came en scène, each reminding me of Dickens’ Miss Havisham in their beautiful blue-white, inky moonlight wedding dresses, and danced a wonderfully hypnotic and really breath-taking dance with perfect footwork and brilliantly precise timing. The corps de ballet floated en masse and en pointe across the stage as they twirled and swirled around unfortunate huntsmen who came to close to their cursed nightly practise. This scene in particular was mesmerising to watch - Valentina was enthralled.

Separately, Hilarion and Albrecht visit Giselle’s grave, mourning her tragic death. Hilarion is caught by the vengeful spirits and Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, condemns him to dance until he falls dead of exhaustion. Albrecht faces a similar fate, but Giselle’s love and forgiveness protect him through the night.

The Queen of the Wilis tries to get Albrecht away from the cross on Giselle’s grave which is helping to protect him, but her magic Myrtle branch breaks. She makes a desperate effort to maintain her control by commanding the Wilis to attack the cross, but its power is too great.

She commands Giselle to come away from the cross, knowing Albrecht will follow her. However, as dawn breaks over the forest Queen Myrtha loses her power and the Wilis are forced back into their graves.

Giselle and Albrecht are reunited in graceful and sad dance before he falls exhausted as Giselle and the Wilis return to their graves.

This is a classic production of one of the greatest romantic ballets - and one which allowed me to explain that, just like in some fairytales, the path of true love doesn’t always run smoothly - but it was wonderfully expressive and, choreographically, it was a really joyful ballet to watch. Bravo!  

Giselle - Grand Opera House Belfast - until Saturday 24th June 2017

https://www.goh.co.uk/giselle-enb

THE FESTIVAL EDIT

Festival season is officially here! As I get ready to hit Belsonic I have picked my festival must-haves. From vivid prints with metallic trainers, straw bags with maxi-dresses and accessories to die for (think mirrored sunglasses, body art, tassel earings and floppy fedoras!) I have it covered…

ANORAKS

A cool lightweight anorak is an absolute must-have – here is my pick of the best…

Bring metallic designs into your everyday wardrobe this season with this anorak. Finish the look with a bodysuit and denim shorts.

With slogans taking over the fashion world, this distressed oversized denim jacket is a must have! Turn your casual vibes up a notch with this statement piece or wear in the evening with a slip dress and diamante choker, love! 

This suede jacket with the tassel detail and soft pink colour is definitely on my festival wish list!

Score a wardrobe win this need-right-now metallic jacket! Wear with your favourite outfit to finish off your look.

Stand out in this colourful, embellished denim jacket that will add the edge to any outfit.

With the unpredictable GB weather you’ll be hoping rain does fall with this gorgeous gold rain jacket.

SHOES/BOOTS

You’ll be doing a whole lotta walking and those masses can leave the ground pretty muddy. One of my ultimate festival rules is good footwear (that still looks great obvs)

You can dance all night long in these cool, yet comfortable silver glitter trainers.

We love the RIRI Puma x Fenty collaboration – slip into this comfy pink bow slippers when the sun comes out.

Because you never know what the NI weather will decide to do- be functional and fashionable in these glitter lace-up wellies.

Hunter wellies are THE must-have festival item. If one thing to be sure of at a festival its to expect a sea of Hunter wellies. Comfy, practical and fashionable – what’s not to love?

JUMPSUITS

I love this long jumpsuit with the halter-style neck and gorgeous leaf print, wear with trainers during the day and add a pair of wedges to take your look into the evening.

PLAYSUITS

Cute, chic and requiring little effort – playsuits are great for festival styling…

This playsuit is bang on trend with the paisley print, kimono style and plunging neckline. Add a choker and some necklaces to complete your look.

SHORTS/TROUSERS

High-waisted, denim, printed, short, long – shorts are IN and with so many styles to choose from we have picked our faves…

How cute are these high-waisted shorts with the frill bottom?! And  check out that print – these will definitely have you ticking all the style boxes.

We can’t get enough of these fancy cropped trousers with a fun frill finish. Team with a crop top for some laid-back festival attitude!

PrettyLittleThing Neon Tassel Romper£35.00

PrettyLittleThing Neon Tassel Romper£35.00

This neon tassle dress just screams festival! Stand out from the crowd in this gorgeous piexe from Pretty Little Thing @ Asos.

Keep it cool & casual with this t-shirt style dress covered in graffiti.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or, more importantly, when life offers you a lemon dress, make sure you bag it. This lemon print maxi dress is perfect for easy breezy festival evenings. The low V neck is flattering for a larger bust too, whilst the splits ensure you have some movement. Throw on some sandals (or trainers in our case) and the only accessory you’ll need is a cocktail

We’re totally crushin' on crochet right now and this open stitch mini dress is wardrobe win. featuring a supported bardot style, short sleeves and fresh white hue.

TOPS

From tassels to crochet and everything in between create style envy with these top picks…

Totally lovin’ this loose-fit blouse with the long full sleeves, finished perfectly with some tassels and cute embroidery!

Crop crochet top – do I even need to say anymore?!

SUNGLASSES

We adore these fun heart-shaped tinted glasses! Perfect for adding a little ‘pop’ to your festival look…

Round sunglasses with colourful frame and super stylish mirror lenses oh and just when we thought they couldn’t get better they have 100% UV protection. #winning

ACCESSORIES

Channel your inner hippy goddess with this girly floral headband

This bohemian style feather crown headband with embellished detailing and pompoms is definitely on our festival wishlist!

A fun, new take on the typical headbands often spotted at festivals.

This gorgeous silver bohemian style layered necklace will finish any outfit (we will be wearing ours with the paisley kimono playsuit in this article)

We are totally diggin’ these art deco earrings.

Thank you Topshop – this feather collar is the ultimate festival accessory!

Steal the show with this incredible floral crown from Rock’N’Rose available on Not on the High Street

Luxurious cotton tassels hanging from gold plated filigree earrings – we love.

This year it’s all about the boho and this necklace has been inspired by the magic of Mexico! This stunning Aztec Necklace will look amazing worn on its own or layered up with other necklaces for a totally on trend look.

Sleep in style with this printed tent by Not on the High Street.
The tent comes with a 5w solar panel, lithium solar storage bank and mobile phone/usb charging adaptors!

Don’t miss a shot with this instant Fuji camera in light pink.

This small portable phone charger is the perfect size to fit in your bag and bring along with you this festival season so you don’t miss any photo opportunities.

Stay hydrated in the sun with this funky watermelon water bottle.

Toasting marshmallows just got boozy! This marshmallow toasting kit includes two bags of alcoholic gourmet marshmallow, one non-toxic gel burner and eight bamboo skewers.

Wading through mud, partying in the rain sleeping in wet clothes are a rite of passage for any festival goer. This will help them out!

Music festivals are great fun but even the tiniest of luxuries go a long wan when you haven't changed your clothes, had a wash, eaten warm food or managed to find your tent for three days.

This kit has exacly what any festival goer needs to make their weekend unfortgettable for all the right reasons.

A poncho to keep them warm, a toothbrush and toothpaste to keep them fresh, ear plugs to help them sleep and a multitool so they can open their cold can of beans.

BAGS

To carry all those festival necessities in style…

Hassel-free, stylish and room for all those beauty must-haves – it gets our vote!

This picnic blanket is round and features a quirky and fun parrot design. It has a buckle to ensure it can always be stored compactly.

This cosmetic bag is the perfect accessory for your glamping or festival experience.

We can’t get enough of the tropical print of this backpack.

Love love love! Packed with everything you need - this little survival kit is essential for anyone attending a festival this year. 

Finish your look with this straw bag with brown leather strap

Dance the night away without worrying about where your bag is with this super cute bumbag!

We know you love a pretty print as much as we do, and we think you'll love this camera bag too. Big enough to fit your essential edit of things, it's perfect for adding a pop of print to your outfit.  And with an adjustable strap, it looks great as a shoulder bag or worn cross body to stay hands-free on the go.

BEAUTY

Get festival ready with these must-have beauty items…

You never know what the weather will be like – keep your mascara at bay with this Dior waterproof mascara. Go for blue to give your look an electric edge

When you’re our all day you want lasting power and here it is – apply this to your face before applying foundation to make it stay put all day long.

Apply to the cheekbones or all over the face to give an enviable glow.

All that glitters…These glitter eye liners are perfect for creating the ultimate festival look.

This lipstick in firey orange will add a welcome splash of colour to your lips this festival season. It has fantastic staying power too!

Take your festival makeup to the next level with these 3D floral face decorations.

Make your eyes dazzle with these sequin lashes available from Not on the High Street.

NicLove's cosmetic glitters are an essential product for all makeup bags. These glitters can be worn any day of the week, as an eye shadow, highlighter or perfect for a night out.

These metallic tattoos are inspired by henna and include; bracelets, nail/finger tip and mid finger tattoos.

STYLIST

Check out this ultimate style guide showing you how to wear this festival season’s latest trends.

Grey lyocell dress, £24.99, H&M (hm.com); MAC lipstick in Velvet Teddy, £15.50 (maccosmetics.co.uk); suede biker jacket, £185, Topshop (topshop.com); oversized crystal hoop earrings, Claire’s (claires.co.uk)

Lace top, £29.99, Zara (zara.com); faux leather A-line skirt, £15, Boohoo (boohoo.com); silver bum bag, £11.99, Spiral (spiraluk.com); Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish eye shadow in Comex Platinum, £33.50 (stila.co.uk) 

Embroidered bralet, £32, Topshop (topshop.com); gold leaf hoop earrings, £6, Asos (asos.com); check trousers, £35.99, Mango (mango.com); Daniel Sandler Luxury Matte Lipstick in Marilyn, £13.25 (escentual.com).

Bomber jacket, £48, River Island (riverisland.com); Rock’n’khol liquid eye pencil in Bedroom Black, £19, Charlotte Tilbury (selfridges.com); blue off-the-shoulder dress, £65, & Other Stories (stories.com); green cat-eye sunglasses, £19.99, Mango (mango.com); Glam Lipgloss in High Society, £7, Nyx (boots.com). 

FOLIO | The Ladykillers at the Lyric Theatre

The Ladykillers is the tale of a chaotic gang with a mastermind plan to perform a robbery at King’s Cross Station. However things soon go south when they are outsmarted by a little old lady - Mrs Wilberforce.

The story was originally created by Canadian writer William Rose when, during breakfast, as he stared incredulously at his wife, egg dripping from his fork, she relayed to him the dream he had told her the night before about an old lady who unwittingly becomes involved in an inventive heist plot when she opens her home to a ‘Professor Marcus’ and his gang of ‘musicians’.

The stage version of the 1955 hit comedy created by Graham Linehan (Father Ted, Black Books, Big Train and The It Crowd,) requires a complex and clever set – making it an excellent choice for The Lyric Theatre and producer Jimmy Fay soon got to work giving the story a brand new twist by introducing an all-female cast – the first time this has been done.

As the audience settled into their seats you could hear the faint noise of an approaching train, before the curtain went up to reveal Stuart Marshall’s superb set – a rickety Victorian house with groaning interiors and behind it, a hazardous King’s Cross railway station - immediately setting the scene of a post-war shattered England, brilliantly lit by Zia Bergin-Holly.

Sitting in the living room of the unstable Victorian house is Mrs Wilberforce (Stella McCusker) who is telling Constable MacDonald (Nuala McKeever) of her concern about the local newsagent who she believes to be a Nazi seeking revenge. As the conversation comes to an acquitted end, it soon becomes clear that the bemused policeman is a regular visitor to the home of the ‘silly old bird’ as she calls to relay her latest suspicions of the towns (mostly) innocent folk. Despite the constable’s reservations, it is Mrs Wilberforce’s prying nature that ensures nothing in this plot concerning the unhinged robbers passes by the landlady.

Jimmy Fay’s cast excelled – bringing to life the wicked hilarity that this play needs but so often lacks and leaving the audience erupting in laughter. At one point as the gang spot Mrs Wilberforce and a policeman arriving at the house, they scramble into a tiny cupboard, fearing that their masterplan has been infiltrated only to be located by a shocked and confused Mrs Wilberforce. As the door opens to reveal the many heads inside, almost giving a Medusa-like appearance, Professor Marcus easily explains their whereabouts by stating “Mrs Wilberforce we are artists” - an excuse that is lapped up without question.

The cast, nattily dressed by Erin Charteris, including; Abigail McGibbon as the unhinged mastermind professor Marcus; Julie Maxwell as Harry, a young drug addict;, Jo Donnelly as Major Courtney – who squeals with delight at the sight of Mrs Wilberforce’s empty pink dress; Cheryl Ferison as One Round - a punch-drunk ex-boxer and Maria Connelly as Louis, a cutthroat word-babbling immigrant, delivered their lines with perfect precision, leaving me along with the rest of the audience with fat tears rolling down our newly pinked cheeks.

As the story evolves and Mrs Wilberforce threatens to call the police, it becomes clear that if they gang want to successfully pull off the robbery, they must kill the old lady – however, as each try and fail to do so, Mrs Wilberforce’s words run true that even bad men have a little good in them and instead, one by one, each member of the gang end up on an unplanned train journey north.

Although done many times before Jimmy Fay gives this play a whole new lease of life and the all-female cast was an ingenious concept that worked beautifully. With its hilarious quips and startling plot, The Ladykillers has all the ingredients for an exuberantly entertaining evening.

The play continues until 8TH July 2017. To book:  https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/event/the-ladykillers/

My verdict 10/10

FARAWAY PLACES | OD TALAMANCA - A PERFECT IBIZAN GETAWAY

Talamanca, Ibiza, Spain
 

Telling people that you’re off to Ibiza for the weekend seems to conjure up lots of presumptions and pre-conceived ideas as to what you might be up to, in my experience. But although the Isla Blanca may be the land of the all-night nightclub with a hedonistic history, I personally prefer the hippie history of the island and the chilled vibe which exists in many parts (thankfully) as yet undiscovered by the disco divas.

On this trip, shared with four forty-somethings, we checked into the super smart OD Talamanca Hotel, which is located six miles/10km from the airport on a quiet bay close to Ibiza Town. It is an elegant refuge from the non-stop party atmosphere elsewhere and the impressive first impressions included a tight attention to detail in everything - from the design (interior and exterior) to the wonderfully accommodating and friendly staff as well as a modern menu and creative cocktails.

Designed by Rahola Vidal architects and the interior designer Mayte Matutes, I totally loved the mix of mid-century and modern.  Dry stone walls and sauna-like wood feature heavily outdoors around the pool area, with white walls and large windows throughout the bedroom spaces in the main buildings. Fans of designer chairs will be in heaven with repro Eames, Jacobson and Wegner styles, to name just a few. For me, the walk-in wardrobes of the suites were an incentive to actually unpack – which I don’t always get round to on weekend trips – and the wide, comfortable beds made for easy, relaxing slumbers, way beyond what I’d get on a busy weeknight at home (which is a terribly un-Ibiza thing to say I imagine).

Location, Location: In terms of location, the hotel is at the eastern end of Talamanca Bay, which is about a 5-10min taxi ride or a 30-minute walk east of Ibiza Town. You can walk down to the sea in a couple of minutes. It’s not the prettiest beach in the world, but it is nice for a swim with shallow waters underfoot and soft sand. We loved the Bodega tapas bar down by the beach – I had been there before back in 2014 and it hadn’t changed, with its hipster vibe plus really tasty tapas at very reasonable prices; perfect for a late night flight arrival.  The the ‘secret find’ of the amazing local Fish Shack restaurant is only about 10 minutes up the beach path also. If you’re partying at Pacha or Ushuaia it takes about 20mins/25 euro to get there by taxi. Likewise, it cost us £25 euro to get to our fave beach club El Chiringuito by private car.

Rooms: All bedrooms and suites, across both main buildings, have at least a partial sea view of Talamanca bay and the Dalt Vila (old part) of Ibiza Town beyond.  I loved our room’s pool view and balcony as well as the walk in wardrobe and open bathroom with its dual basins and a rain shower, plus some zingy citrus fragranced products.

Extra, Extra!: Book a loft room and a Smart Cabrio car is included as a nice bonus. [My partner and I hired one of these babies a few years back in Formentera (Ibiza’s little sister island) and we adored whizzing around the beautiful white sandy beaches of the playboy’s playground.] The first fill of the minibar is free, which is an extra welcoming touch [THAT I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT UNTIL I RESEARCHED THIS BLOG BACK HOME!]…

Super Staff: The staff from the door to floor reminded me of those trained by the Starwood Group. They were all super polished like the beauties and babes of the Hudson in NYC or the W Barcelona, but with extra (genuine) Mediterranean charm and an eagerness to please. Even the gorgeously Nordic looking blonde female DJ spinning tunes in the lobby on Sunday afternoon was smiley and welcoming in a warm and friendly way.

A Tavola: The kitchen is open all day which helps in Ibiza when you might well be keeping odd hours. Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes include tuna tataki and wagyu burgers. Room service includes tempting options such as a toasted aubergine sandwich with burrata and rocket. Breakfast – my favourite meal of the day - is available from 8am until midday with an excellent buffet and a menu with lots of healthy options including eggs pretty much any way you like, plus smoothies and bowls with every on-trend ingredient imaginable.  

La Cuenta Por Favor: Our double rooms cost £1200 for 2 people for 3 nights, although we also had an upgrade to a suite as one of the party had stayed before…

Who stays there? Well, when we stayed there were groups of cool baristas from Italy, sponsored by Red Bull. We also met some Norwegian bankers and a DJ/talent agent plus one or two musicians & DJs playing sets at HI! & Ushuaia that weekend.   It doesn’t seem overly family-orientated, but there were a few cool Euro families with beautiful kids lounging by the pool and eating quietly at breakfast. No screaming tantrums on my watch anyway.

My only disappointment? No gym or spa, but I am told these are en route. And that’s good, because I’ll be back.

FASHION | CANNES DO ATTITUDE

It’s Cannes Film Festival Week and, to celebrate, I’ve taken a step back in time to some of the best dresses from the red carpets of La Croisette and beyond over the years. Do these match with your faves? For the record, I think my all-time favourite is Lupita N’yongo’s green pleated Gucci number from Cannes 2015. Gloriously gorgeous!

Do these match with your faves?

Bridget Bargot - 1953 & 1956

1955 - Iconic Sophia Lauren

Elizabeth Taylor - 1957

Princess Diana - 1987

Kate Moss - 1998

Movie Stars

Models, Musicians & Socialites

FOLIO | ‘SINNERS’ AT THE LYRIC THEATRE

A religious comedy seems a befitting choice for a country renowned for its own religious segregations, but although this version of Marie Jones’ brand new comedy is set in Northern Ireland, with strong local accents and some fab acting (as well as a few panto-like characters thrown in), the story could really have taken place anywhere. In this very funny play, Jones - who wrote Stones in His Pockets and A Night in November, among others - tells the story of a small town that comes under the spell of a charismatic con man guised as an American preacher.

The play reminds me of (and was apparently also inspired by) Moliere’s satirical play, Tartuffe, which ridiculed religious hypocrisy. When this was originally premiered at the Palace of Versailles, it was quickly banned as viewers shuddered behind the startling, dark humour of the play. But here, although the humour is at times close to the bone, it is not ban-worthy, even for the local zealots.  

The play begins with Pastor O’Hare (played brilliantly by Michael Condron) entering the stage, illuminated by the brightly lit curtain behind him. Immediately he captivates the audience with his flamboyant American façade, tailored suit and mesmerising smile; [and on that note, Michael he told me his gleaming teeth are naturally that shiny, I asked him in the bar afterwards!] It is not long before Pastor O’Hare unleashes these weapons on the vulnerable small town which immediately falls under his spell, moulding the congregation (bar the cynics in one family) like putty in his hands.

One of his captives is the unassuming Stanley Simpson (Charlie Bonner), a local farmer who eagerly agrees for O’Hare’s mission tent to be unveiled on his land – complete with gospel choir. As O’Hare’s unorthodox and electric sermons see the gullible town empty their pockets, Stanley's increasing obsession with the pastor sees him pitted against his family, who view the Pastor’s invasion (and their father/brother/husband’s obsession) as a threat to their inheritance.  

The super-talented Seáinín Brennan plays Sidney’s wife Tania, who is not convinced of the eccentric pastor’s righteous intentions and, in a hilarious show of strength, leads the Simpson family as they fight to take back what is rightfully theirs.

Alyson Cummins’ simple yet striking set hypnotises the audience with its effective lighting and clever design, including pretty modern projection techniques, as the intrusive mission tent takes centre stage. Behind the tent, the engrossed audience catches a glimpse of the domestic life that is under threat by the Pastor’s impromptu arrival.

Director Mick Gordan and producer Jimmy Fay successfully anchor the play to what it is – an entertaining satire that gives viewers a deep belly laugh whilst simultaneously raising a few eyebrows.

The superbly cast cast portray their characters flawlessly and their perfectly timed one-liners, actions and expressions exude the relevant response from  charmed audience. Christina Nelson is at first completely unrecognisable in her gullible male role, and hats off to Roma Tomelty, Alan McKee and Louise Matthews for delivering some of the best lines.

The play is ultimately about materialism and blind faith with an underlying warning to viewers. Full of unexpected twists and turns, ‘Sinners’ is a guaranteed evening of easy-viewing, great theatre.

The play continues until 3rd June 2017. To book: https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/event/sinners/

My Verdict 8.5/10

SNEAK PEEK: WHY I'M EXCITED FOR THE ULSTER UNIVERSITY GRADUATE FASHION SHOW!

There is nothing I love more than celebrating creative fashion design! For some bloggers their passion is High Street fashion, for others it’s all about designer labels, but my passion lies with the creative process and craftsmanship involved in fashion design. From the initial concept right through to the final product, I have always ardently admired the creative flair, talent and dedication needed to be a successful fashion designer. Here in Northern Ireland we have a such a strong creative heritage and I am always so excited to see what our up and coming design students are producing as part of their final projects.

One of the highlights of my fashion calendar is always the Ulster University Graduate Fashion Show and this year the future faces of fashion design will be descending upon the city’s cathedral for their highly-anticipated annual Graduate Fashion Show!

The event, which will take place at St Anne’s Cathedral on Friday 19 May, will showcase the creative and innovative flair of Ulster University’s fashion and textile design students, giving them an invaluable platform to showcase their collections as they take their first steps towards their fashion careers.

I have had the privilege of attending this show now for many years and I am always blown away by the creative talent of the graduating students, who continue year after year to both amaze and inspire me. I love the funky venues and the atmosphere of the show, which is organized by the students themselves. For anyone who is interested in diverse design it truly is a night to remember!

Every year we are treated to an array of design diversity across a multitude of textile disciplines, and this year I am so happy to share a sneak peek at some of my favourite looks from this year’s show!

Knitwear makes a strong statement this year from sexy see through fine gauge knit dresses to appliqué jumpers and knitted tailoring, there is a welcome mix of textures and colours on display adding interest to modern silhouettes!

Design by Abbie Walsh.

Design by Abbie Walsh.

Design by Emma Benson.

Design by Emma Benson.

Design by Glenda Hawkes.

Design by Glenda Hawkes.

An exploration of texture is always a welcome trend, from faux fur to mesh and sheer paneling, and this year it is popping up in everything from sports luxe to eveningwear! A welcome reinterpretation of styles and shapes, these designs create interest through the interplay of colour, texture and tailoring. I especially loved Anna McNeill’s collection, mixing raw hems with cut outs, mesh detailing and sheer fabrics creating interest through texture.

Design by Anna McNeill.

Design by Anna McNeill.

Design by Ellen Hawthorn.

Design by Ellen Hawthorn.

Design by Annemarie McLoughlin

Design by Annemarie McLoughlin

This Spring/Summer saw an explosion of ruffles hit the catwalk and this too can be said of the graduate collections, with Jamie Kerr’s breathtaking pink ruffle dress! Everything about this design is lush, with some seriously fabulous bodice detailing, it is the stuff that girly fashion dreams are made off!

While Lusia Murray has taken a very different approach to the trend creating an almost Asian inspired take on ruffles, creating a beautiful balance of both volume and clean minimal lines.

Design by Jamie Kerr

Design by Jamie Kerr

Design by Lusia Murray.

Design by Lusia Murray.

Last but by no means least we have Anna Thompson and Rhys Harris, who both have interesting takes on pattern. I love the backless detailing in Anna’s look and I for one cannot wait to discover the mystery behind the QR codes of Rhys Harris’ tunic top!

Design by Anna Thompson

Design by Anna Thompson

Design by Rhys Harris

Design by Rhys Harris

It’s been so inspiring to see some of the upcoming collections from this year’s graduates, and I for one cannot wait to see the rest of the student’s collections. The spectacle of seeing their designs in a show setting will make for a wonderful evening and is the accumulation of many months of hard work and dedication on the part of the students.

Hair will be styled by multi-award-winning stylist Andrew Mulvenna Hair while Paddy McGurgan’s Make Up Pro team will create the make-up looks. The addition of Northern Ireland’s leading creatives in these fields as sponsors really adds to the world-class level of show that the students will create!

Tickets are on sale now at just £15 per ticket via: https://getinvited.to/festivalartdes/ulster-university-graduate-fashion-show-2017

The ticket price includes a fab Gin Fusions cocktail along with Skinny Prosecco.

This blog is guest submitted by Louise Vance and first appeared on the Real Elle Woods blog http://the-real-elle-woods.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/catwalk-preview-ulster-university.html

FACE | CANT GET ENOUGH… OF BEAUTY BY CLAIRE DUFF!

Environ Hydroboost Facial at Claire Duff Beauty, Dunmurry

At this time of the year, the changing weather can often leave skin dehydrated with the lacklustre reflection of winter seemingly impaled onto our skin. The current weather, combined with pollution, daily stress and everyday activitiesmeans everyone’s skin could do with a little TLC right about now!

Admittedly, I am very lucky to have been blessed with great genes, however as I grow older I have noticed quite a few wrinkles creeping up and, between juggling daily life, full-time work and an energetic 5 year old I was delighted to try the much-reputed Environ Hydroboost facial at Claire Duff Beauty in Dunmurry.

Formulated by Dr Des Fernandes, the world-renowned plastic surgeon, this intensive treatment already has an army of fans including Elle McPherson and Sadie Frost, and is said to be the perfect antidote to dehydrated skin – so it’s exactly what I need. It is a deeply intensive facial that hydrates the skin whilst plumping and firming – and I was more than a little excited for some much-needed ‘Me-Time’. 

Here is my step-by-step

The facial begins with a luxurious pre-cleanse oil before a clay masque is gently massaged into skin. On my visit, Claire then applied a lavishly smooth cleansing formula (giving me two cleanses for the ultimate skin rejuvenation!), before toning using the mild alpha toner, which is available in salon only.


Next, a hydrating serum is applied all over the face. Then, a ceramic wand is glided over the skin, using ultrasound waves to help the hydrating serum penetrate 4000 times deeper into the skin, than by application by hand.

The treatment contains a high percentage of Vitamin A which promotes the production of healthy collagen and elastin – helping to improve the appearance of fine lines as well as lightening pigmentation and improving skin tone. The whole range of Environ Skin Care is packed with powerful antioxidants that protect and nourish skin and after a skin consultation, Claire tailored the products to my own skin type.

FullSizeRender (13).jpg

Next Claire applied the nutrient-rich alginate mask onto my skin, – including covering eyes and mouth – which is a very strange sensation and one that doesn’t seem to suit everyone apparently as only small holes for the nostrils are left for breathing. Ultrasound probes are then attached to the edges which gently pulsed electrical currents through the mask. These gentle currents are impalpable and really help to restore skin by penetrating the layers of skin much more effectively than a topical cream.

Ten minutes later when Claire peeled off the mask I couldn’t believe it when I saw my reflection, the mask had certainly worked its magic and the fine lines around my eyes and mouth were massively reduced. My skin was glowing, plumped and soft and I felt like I was looking at myself 5 years ago – and I do not say that lightly! Claire then applied some eye gel and moisturiser before finished with Environ Sun Care RAD - a revolutionary SPF15 antioxidant sunscreen which protects from both UVA and UVB irradiation.

Claire Duff has worked in a variety of popular spa and salon environments before launching her own small salon in 2015 after 10 years in the business. It is easy to see why her clients continue to come back time and time again – I know this will not be my last visit.

I cannot recommend the Environ Hydro Boost treatment enough, 3 weeks later and my skin still has a youthful glow and is officially ready to step into summer!

Love Cathy x

For Reservations:

Claire Duff Beauty 028 9543 7171

FACE | GLOW UP!

I am sure many of you will agree that trying to be a healthy, happy, full-time working mummy quite often means something’s gotta give. In my case, sleeping is often virtually non-existent as I juggle deadlines, meetings, email mountains, homework, exercise and good eating along with everything else that life throws my way; and this combination means that often, in the midst of everything else, my skin can get neglected too. Therefore as summer approaches I decided to step up my skin routine and paid four weekly visits to Zest Beauty Clinic for some much needed skin therapy over the last month.

The team at Zest recommended that I try the Dermisonic facial which combines LED light therapy, ION treatment and ultrasonic waves for ultimate skin rejuvenation. It is unique to Zest and I think they may be he only ones in Ireland to have this technology - plus Sarah, my therapist, was great too!

The main element in this treatment is the Dermisonic device which has 5 unique functions and is amazing for increasing collagen production, reducing redness, promoting cell renewal as well as increasing circulation. After a skin consultation, Sarah tailored my treatment to my own skin’s needs using fan-favourite Dermalogica products. She explained that when used in conjunction with products, the Dermisonic device works to penetrate the products deeper into the skin. 

This treatment literally transformed my skin and left me with an amazing lustrous glow that lasted for days! I had several comments on how great my skin looked, and believe me, it really was lustrous!

Here is my step by step guide to the Dermisonic Facial,

Dermalogica Precleanse (£34.35)

 

The treatment started with an oil based pre-cleanser (Dermalogica Precleanse (£34.35) which is used to remove any traces of make-up before an age smart skin resurfacing cleanser was applied. This contains alpha hydroxy acid which helps hydrate and brighten skin.  The dermisonic device was applied firmly against the skin and moved upwards with a relaxing, slow movement as the anti-bacterial LED blue light got to work loosening up any excess oil and impurities for a deeper clean.

Exfoliation came next - my miracle product as it covers everything in one bottle and the multivitamin power exfoliant (Multivitamin power exfoliant (£34.00) used here definitely give my skin an instant boost! The exfoliant was applied to my face and neck and the device gently glided over my skin for 6-8 minutes, drawing out any impurities.

Sarah then applied the Age Smart Complex (£55) which is highly concentrated and rich in vitamin enzymes and proteins stimulating new collagen product and encouraging firmness and elasticity.

A luxurious multivitamin power recovery mask (Multivitamin power recovery mask (35.70) was applied onto the face and neck and the dermisonic device used the anti-aging LED red light to penetrate the nutrient-rich, skincare goodness deeper into the skin.  I lay back and relaxed as the device worked its magic over my face and neck for 16-18 minutes helping to repair and restore any damage.

Using hot mittens, Sarah removed the mask for a lavishly relaxing finish before applying Antioxidant Hyramist, which created an instant firmness as the skin was noticeably lifted and tightened. An eye gel, rich in vitamins A, C & E was applied and as the silicon’s within the gel quickly melted into the skin to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, Sarah applied the Dynamic skin recovery SPF 50 moisturiser. Straight away my skin felt super soft, supple and hydrated. The team at Zest recommend a 6 week course for optimum results, but even after 1 treatment I noticed a big difference with my skin feeling tighter, toned and my fine lines noticeably reduced!

Zest Beauty Clinic has been established for 14 years and, like I said, is the only salon in Ireland who offers the Dermisonic facials. This was my first time trying this treatment and I cannot wait to try it again. For all the ladies (and men!) working long days with tired nights and early mornings – this one is for you! 

The team’s expert knowledge and calm demeanour left me feeling ultimately relaxed and as I confidently walked out with my skin glowing I was already eagerly anticipating my next visit.

To book, call the team at Zest on 028 9062 6555

Cathy xo

Zest Beauty & Tanning Clinic

114 Andersonstown Road, Belfast BT11 9BX

028 9062 6555

www.zestbeautyclinic.com