Style in the DNA.

Interview: Ètienne

Up and coming Australian street designer Ètienne Crea the founder and creative director of uniquely brilliant Ètienne, explains his genius and hopes for the future.

At first glance, Ètienne is strikingly attractive, and when you discover that the twenty three year old is the very definition of "hands-on", you realize that there's more to this Melbourne native than ironic prints. Despite being a baby in the fashion industry, it's blatant to see that Ètienne has the drive and determination for iconic status.

Ètienne is relatively new to us, how long as the brand been around?

Although I have been working on it for a couple of years, I officially launched in October. 

What was it that first inspired you to design? Or has it always been innate?

It is something that has always come naturally to me; I guess you could say it’s in my DNA.

How would you describe your creative process?

I begin with a single element that I explore all aspects of. From my research I start to build a concept for my collection. Although at times it can evolve into something beyond what I had originally intended.

Your work is exceptionaly unique, who/what are you influenced by?

I’m obsessed with low culture, glitzy counterfeit/bootleg merchandise, and kitsch art. I guess to me, what glitters is always gold. I’m also very influenced by the avant-garde artwork of Andy Warhol. He was a visionary and an artistic genius. When it comes to fashion, I believe Gianni Versace was a trailblazer. I love his designs, specifically his opulent textiles. 

How hands on are you with the brand?

I design the garments and textiles independently. Then digital printing, pattern making and manufacturing are all outsourced locally, where I can collaborate closely with the workers.

What's the best part about what you do?

I thoroughly enjoy anything I get to be creative in, however there’s nothing better then the design process.

And downside?

The logistical side of running a business tends to get a little tedious, but it’s all a part of the operation.

In terms of the future of your brand, what do you hope to achieve?

To one day be globally recognised as an iconic brand. 

What are you currently working on, and what's the next step for the brand?

At the moment I’m in the process of developing my next collection. In the mean time I’m focusing on expanding the buzz on this one. I worked very hard on it, so I want to give it the recognition it deserves.

Do you have any predictions of what will trending next year?

I honestly don’t get too caught up in trends. Don’t get me wrong, they can be great, and they drive the industry, but they do have an expiry date, however someone’s intrinsic style doesn’t. I’m more interested in people focusing on expressing their individuality.

And on a personal level, how do you spend your free time, when you're not busy working?

In my leisure time I enjoy jogging, watching television and drinking with friends.

Want to purchase any of this fabulous gear? Simply head over to etienneclothibg.com and check out entire range.

Alexander Wang + H&M = Sportswear Chic

H&M is without a doubt, one of my top ten stores. You really can't go wrong in there, great price and incredible style, that seems to be orated way quicker than any other high street store, meaning my pockets are left empty, but my wardrobe is bulging.

One of the great things about H&M is their collaborations. Every time I see who they've lined up to collaborate with, I automatically yell "How the hell?!" I even begin to plan how I'm  going to save up to buy the new pieces and how I'm going to best the other crazy bitches who are dying for some Lanvin, Stella McCartney and Versace, to name a few. 

Alexander Wang is the current H&M collaborator. Wang is already a genius in the fashion stakes. His stunningly sexy, midnight blue dress that donned the body of the gorgeous Dakota Johnson, was like a bad girl's fairytale dream. Being not the most sporty woman in the world, I still crave sportswear, for day-to-day life, but left face it, it's hardly ever attractive, until the wonderful Mr Wang met H&M. His collection is simple, yet affective. Greys, blacks, whites and pinches of blue, put together with a cutting edge version of 80's style gym gear, to make you put the hot in to and sweaty.

In a recent interview with Elle (UK) magazine, Wang described his collaboration in five words; Urban, unprecious, technical, accessible and fun. I can't help but think that the height of the Olympics in 2012 has inspired his range. We now see sportsmen and women as icons, and why should we? They're incredible at what they do, they're normal, humble, down to earth people and they're great role models - Thiugh they do make us lazy ones feel, well... lazy. 

It fair to say, the most sport I'll be taking part in, is running to the nearest H&M that stocks this game changing range, or perhaps this collaboration will inspire me to work out?

(images belong to Alexander Wang - they do not belong to me).

Take care of you.

As the mother of an angel, I cannot stress how important it is to have someone to talk to. Whether it be a counsellor, an advisor or another mother who has been/going through the same thing. Many people struggle to open up and talk, but what happens to all the pent up frustration? It gets taken out on your nearest and dearest.

Losing a child is the hardest thing in the world and although it becomes easier to live with, the pain is still an unbearable feeling and the knowing that you have to spend a lifetime feeling that pain, makes you feel emotionally drained. When my besutiful Scarlett passed away, she was two weeks old. A baby with a lot of complications, and none that could be fixed without damaging other organs, which already had problems.

I made the decision to end her medication and we took her to a childrn's hospice where she and I spent the last fourteen hours of her life, behaving like a normal mummy and daughter, despite the foreboding future. Scarlett passed away in my arms as she lay sleeping. It's been just over two years and there isn't an hour go by that she doesn't come into my mind.

I'm filled with a ton of emotional memories when it comes to my baby girl, but in a bittersweet way, I'm glad to have them, they're proof that she existed and proof that despite her absence, I am a mum. I fortunately had a wonderful counseling service, that just ended last month. Over the last two years, Karen, my counsellor, has been like a rock. Sure, I could vent on my family and partner, but sometimes you need a new face and a new opinion to help you deal with your darkest thoughts.

I tried only once to take my own life, by taking a too many antidepressants, I was fortunate that I didn't take enough to do any harm to myself, and the possibility of looming death made me think of the devastation I would inflict on those I love. Aside from that, I found release it cutting my arms. If things got too unbearable, like being in a crowded elevator of emotion and worry, I would grab my secret scissors and reelardly scratch my arm until it bled and swelled. My arm would hurt for days afterwards but the pain stopped me from thinking about anything else.

This self infliction has become less and less, the act of opening up and talking helped some of the emotion out of that crowded elevator. Sometimes it creeps back in and almost always causes a panic attack, but I am much more able to control my emotions and my behaviour.

I worried that after my sessions with Karen ended, that I would go back to my self-harming ways but I've found that still communication with others, other women who have been through the same, is the best way to clear your mind. Sometimes there's nothing more reassuring than hearing someone say "Me too". Below are a list of links for sites that offer counselling and message boards.

• https://www.uk-sands.org/

• http://www.tcf.org.uk/

• http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

• http://www.samaritans.org/

New kids on the blog...

    Izabela Nair.

Age: 27

Location: London 

Hometown: Warsaw, Poland 

Blog: www.mydailywear.co.uk

How long have you been blogging?

Although I was thinking of venturing into the world of fashion blogging for quite a while, I only plucked up the courage and set up my own blog fairly recently. I know I'm not a fashion expert but I want to use 'My Daily Wear' to showcase my style. 

How long have you been interested in fashion?

I have been interested in fashion ever since I remember. Like every girl, I enjoyed dressing up my dolls. I then started buying teenage magazines to see what my idols were wearing.

Who/what are your influences?

My mum has always been my role model. I admired her style and wanted to dress like her. Even now as a grown up woman, I often rummage through her wardrobe to find something for myself.

How hands on are you with your blog?

I try to update my blog every day. I'm lucky enough that I can count on my mum and sister who take the photos of me in my outfits. Without their support, the blog wouldn't exist. 

How has your style evolved?

I became more confident over the past few years. I don't blindly follow all trends and I'm happy in my own skin.

What's the best part about blogging?

Although I got into blogging recently, I've been overwhelmed with  the positive feedback. It's inspiring o know what someone enjoys I out work. 

What's the hardest part about blogging?

Time is the biggest constraint. I have a regular 9-5 job so I can't devote as much time to my blog as I would want to.

What's your current favourite brand?

I love Next and Marks & Spencer for their tailoring and quality. I'm also not ashamed of shopping in supermarkets like Tesco. You'd be surprised what gems you can find there.

What's the next step for you and your blog?

I hope that I'll be able to grow my blog and continue to showcase my style.

What are your hoped for the future, career wise?

I think that we won't forget about prints.

What trends do you think will be popular next year?

I think that we won't forget about prints. 

Splash of lime!

Autumn is definitely my favourite time of year. Aside from my love of layering, the colours, clothes and accessories are so much more luxe this time of year. Normally we stick to much more toned down colours; maroon, navy, black, grey. But there is a pleasant surprise in the stores this year, lime!

Lime is one of the most wearable colours around, no matter who you are, ther will be a way to wear lime. Here are my favorite like clothes and accessories on the high street, tips on how to help you brighten up autumn in a splash of lime:

The first thing that caught my eye this year is the fluffy knit jumper from Primark, costing only £12, this remake of a £38 Topshop jumper, is an absolute steal. This jumper goes with just about everything, it's very wearable. For me, I wear it with light blue skinny jeans or charcoal grey skinny jeans, red ballet pumps or a pair of brown ankle boots. The jewellery possibilities with this jumper seem limitless. For those daring, you could add a necklace with tons of colour, or play it safe and add something that's big, plain and makes a nice compliment to the lime hue.

I've struggled to find a great autumn bag so far, unto I walked into New Loom and found this lime green animal textured shopper bag. It comes in seven different colours from black, to grey, to red and blue. For me, lime was the obvious choice. I predict this bag will be extremely popular, so to make yours more original, add a scarf. Is added a pink, silk scarf, as in the picture below, which is from H&M.

If you're looking to add lime to a fabulous night out, then there's nothing quite like the  like green taffeta mini skirt from Topshop. You can help but to be swarmed with images of the swinging 60's when you see this skirt. I picture it with a black polo neck, some black over the knee suede boots and Brigitte Bardot inspired hair and make up.

Now to add some lime in the bedroom. When we say sexy lingerie, we think black, 

pink, red, thing again. This ultra sexy bra and pants combo from Simply Be is the perfect way to bring like into your lingerie. Teamed with black lace, this two piece is a break from tradition when it comes to sex.

New Kids on the Blog...

  Gemma Carey.

Creator of gemfash.blogspot.co.uk, speaks about her career, style, free time and shares her favourite celebrity looks.

What first inspired you to start blogging?

I started blogging at 16 years old. I was enjoying reading other peoples and loved the idea of writing my own. When I begun gaining followers and positive comments, I realised that people were enjoying reading my work too and that pushed me to continue. 

Your blog is very diverse, why did you decide to create a blog based on more than one topic?

I simply write about what I like and my interests revolve around fashion, beauty and lifestyle inspiration. So I enjoy writing about all of these.

You state that you didn't attend University and have instead worked and taken Internships, how do you feel this has made you evolve?

I had a head start in my career by not attending University. It simply isn't neccessary to work in fashion. I got my dream job at 19! If I'd gone to Uni, I'd still be there now.

Who/what are you influenced by?

Blogs, Instagram, Tumblr, and entrepreneurs for career inspiration. Celebs- Olivia Palermo, Mary-Kate Olsen and Reece Witherspoon. 

Have you always been interested in style?

Since I can remember! It's always been a part of me. I would read teen magazines like Bliss and Sugar. I would do my hair and makeup like my favourites stars at the time! I always tried to look my best. 

What are your style and lifestyle rules?

Be yourself. Be happy. Don't care about others opinions. Treat every day like it's your catwalk. 

Your favourite clothing and beauty stores?

Fashion - River Island, Topshop, Matalan, &OtherStories, Marks & Spencer, Ted Baker, French ConnectionBeauty - Estee Lauder, Max Factor, No7, Elizabeth Arden

What's the best thing about being a blogger?

The great feedback from influencing readers. It's such an amazing feeling when readers tell me they enjoy reading my blog. It makes it all worth while.

And the hardest thing about blogging?

Finding the time! Blogging is very time consuming so it's difficult when you have a normal 9-5 job, but you make time if you love it that much.

What's an average day in the life of Gemma Carey?

I'm a fashion PR 9-5 which I love. After work, I go to the gym for an hour (normally a spinning or freestyle class), head home and cook something healthy. I FaceTime my family every day as I get a bit home sick! (I moved to London a year ago to pursue my dream career!) I'll check Twitter and Instagram before having an early night. 

What do you hope to achieve by blogging?

I would love to make it my full time job one day. But for now as long as I am inspiring others, that's all that matters!

What hopes do you have for the future, personal and career-wise?

I hope I'm still working in fashion - whether it's styling, blogging or PR. Personally, I would like to be fit, healthy and in love. 

What trends do you predict will popular next year? 

I hate to say it but skinny jeans are going out. Next year will be all about the bootcut - something I'm going to have to get used to! 

Aside from blogging, what do you like to get up to in your free time?

Keeping fit in the gym, going for dinner/drinks with friends, seeing a movie at the cinema, shopping and swimming. 

New Kids on the Blog...

     The Fabulous Nobody.

Name: Robbie  

Location: Sicily

Hometown: Palermo

Blog: www.thefabulousnobody.net

How long have you been blogging? 

I started with the "The fabulous Nobody" project about three years ago with the idea of ​​using the blog as a container of my main interests, even if I have to say that lately I have become a more fierce instablogger 

How do you feel about the affects of blogs and social media?

I think that instagram and Tumblr are the most immediate ways to express my point of view and find creative exchanges.

How long have you been interested in fashion? 

When I was eleven, rather than comics and games - and except for some Barbies - I started buying my first fashion magazines. I come from an artistic family, so I was interested in illustration and patining. I went on to study at an art school and then the academy of fine arts.

Who/what are your influences? 

The post punk culture and all the creative wave that emerged in the 80's. I can say that the monster that still influences me is a frankenstein made up from: Picasso, Vesace , Westwood, Grace Jones, Memphis design group, Rei Kawakubo, Leight Bowery, etc...

How hands on are you with your blog?  

I personally take care of the blog with the support of my partner. From the beginning of 2015, I plan to redesign the site, and my London based editor, will join the team.

How has your style evolved over the years?

Style is a reflection of who we are and the direction we've taken in life.  

For me I always choose what I'm going to wear in a very instinctive way,  always with the intention of having fun. As a stylist I learned to play with all kinds of things, I particularly like strong contrasts.

What's the best part about blogging? 

The human relationships that I have established, thanks to my project I  come in contact everyday with people from all over the world and so many new friendship have been created - I very much appreciate the encouragement of my followers .

What's the hardest part about blogging? 

It is always a race against time, I would need a day of 48 hours and a private jet to reach the right place at the right time.

What's your current favorite brand? 

Although I am bound to some brands, mostly British, I always look more at  collections rather then labels .

What's the next step for you and your blog? 

The fabulous nobody project is not only about the blog but it involves a lot of ideas that are developing slowly. In the last year, many important things have happened, collaborations with brands and stores and new important contacts have taken the light.

What are your hoped for the future?

My aim is to grow as a human being in all the aspects of my life .

What trends do you think will be popular next year? 

After returning from fashion week, I have noticed that there is a strong reference to the 70's, with a few exceptions. The great achievement of our time is to be able to direct our preferences to a wide range of varied proposals.

New Kids on the Blog...

Her Visual Diary.

Name: Payzee Mahmod 

Age: 27

Location: Surrey

Hometown: Iran. Iraq & Saudi Arabia 

Blog: fetishforfinefabrics.tumblr.com

How long have you been blogging?

I have just started blogging this week due to the number of requests I had. I have had a tumblr and Instagram account for a few years which I used as my blogs up until this week. 

How long have you been interested in fashion? 

I have always been interested in fashion for as long as I remember, I always asked my parents for a specific item of clothing on special occasions and birthdays. As a child I watched my mother make some of out clothes and other things around the house such as quickly pillow covers and bed covers. 

I really started playing with my clothes at school because I hated how I looked like everyone else in my uniform, I started taking in my school trousers and making them skinny, and adding slits to my skirts. All this was done on my mothers sewing machine which I wasn't allowed to use, I now have my own, which is identical to my mothers. During my teens I continued to experiment and found in my early twenties I really found who I was in terms of fashion. Now at 27 I look forward to putting my outfits together everyday and sharing it with others. 

Who/what are your influences?

My mother is my biggest influence, she is a woman who has never given up and that drives me in all I do. I adore women like Cher and Elizabeth blow. 

I would also say my heritage has a strong influence in the way I dress and the person I am, I am very proud of my heritage and always try to incorporate into my designs. 

How hands on are you with your blog?

I have been updating it every day and will hopefully remain a frequent blogger as I want to inspire daily, I thought about doing a weekly or fortnightly post but the reason I wanted to blog everyday or as often as possible is to show how to style things in different ways.  

How has your style evolved?

I feel my style is eve loving everyday, I have never been to look at trends and use them as inspiration when I dress at that particular time when the trend is big, I mix what I wear so some days it could be classy but 90s with a hint of street wear. 

What's the best part about blogging?

I like sharing my ways of styling garments and allowing others to be able take inspiration from that, the feedback I get is always a big motivator. 

What's the hardest part about blogging?

So far I think the only thing is I have not gotten a camera man to do all of my pictures everyday, but I am working on that, as I want very clear pictures to show as much detail as possible. 

What's your current favorite brand?

My favourite brand at the moment is my own, even when I don't produce everyday or as often as I want to I love wearing my own clothes made by me. 

What's the next step for you and your blog?

I would like to continue to inspire and build my blog a great reputation for inspiration and ideas.

What are your hoped for the future, career wise?

I hope to be a successful designer and fashion icon, I want to be able to share my passion with others and be successful at it. 

What trends do you think will be popular next year?

I think sheer is going to stick around for a while, as well neoprene and oversize.

Liz Taylor - on a budget

I am obsessed with jewellery, it's a well known fact between my nearest and dearest. You an be assured, during every shopping trip, I will make a bee-line for the accessories - they're my addiction, and my bank accounts kryptonite!

For me, the more unique the better, the price isn't important, I'm Liz Taylor on a budget. You can find the most stunning pieces in the places you'd least expect. 

My favourite low price jewellery finds are; Primark, Accessories, H&M, Topshop and Peacocks. Though the online jewellery stores are becoming more and more impressive.

Jewellery is the best accessories, it's a multi-tasker; along with making you feel like great, even the simplest piece of jewellery can add more glamour to your outfit, or it can make quite a formal outfit look more low key. Jewellery can recycle a daytime outfit and take it to night. 

It's my favourite part of getting dressed and I am always searching for new and upcoming jewellery makers that will make me succumb to the beauty and purchase even more and try my hardest to squash the into my jewellery drawer - yes drawer, I said drawer. No jewellery box will do for this accessorie addict, I need some serious space, or help...

This morning my jewellery was inspired by the gorgeous blue, pink and white hues that pained the sky I woke up to. The moment I saw the sky, I immediately digger into my drawer and picked out the jewellery I felt best portrayed the stunning sky this morning. 

 

Afternoon of feeling inspired...

Let's talk about Deichmann.

I'm usually very skeptical about low price shoes, you can guarantee a sacrifice of appeal, appearance and comfort... Or so I thought.

On a recent shopping trip, I found the most beautiful pair of shoes I've ever seen, well, ones that I could afford anyway.

I was in Deichmann, a low priced shoe store, which has a large variety of shoes in stock. I've never really found shoes in there that have suited my style and I hate to confess this, but I found the shoes cheap looking. Until I found these gold, sparkling, embellished point ballerinas. They truly are a shoe masterpiece, and I was pleasantly surprised by the shoe, the design and the effort really opened my eyes to the talent of the store. 

The shoes look great with almost everything, they add glamour to a pair of skinny jeans and they are the perfect finishing touch for any outfit. 

When I purchased them they were reduced at £24.99 and now I have found they're £19.99. How can such a beautiful shoe be so affordable? They do them in three colours; gold, red and black.

Want my advice, run out and buy them, then feel pretty in these gorgeous glamour shoes!

Death of a Genius.

As a lover of all things beautiful, it isn't hard to be left in awe at the work of Oscar De La Rena, let's be honest, the man could do no wrong, it's almost as though he peered into our deepest desires and saw that we all want a collection of princess dresses.

When I woke this morning and heard that he had passed, I was genuinely devastated. No, I didn't know him personally, not many of us did, but you only need eyes to appreciate the luxe of his work. Each dress that would come cascading down the runway would be perfection. Colours, styles, fabrics, what perhaps wouldn't normally work, would be fashioned into these beautiful pieces of artwork.

Let's face it, we'd all love to be thrown around a dancefloor in a stunning Oscar De La Renta gown, but unfortunately we have to keep dreaming. Luckiy we get to appreciate the beautiful women of Hollywood look like visions on the red carpet.

My personal favorite Oscar looks have been:
1. Cameron Diaz [at the 2010 Academy Awards] - the dress was a shimmering crystal glass of
    champagne. You can imagine the way it swished as she strutted down the carpet. It's the kind of
    dress you'd never want to take off, or one that you'd secretly wear while doing the hoovering.

2. Lea Michele [at the 2011 SAG Awards] - Lea slipped on that dress and transformed from preppy,
    obnoxious school girl, to sex siren. Her body looked incredible, a body we'd never noticed before,
    until she appeared like a steaming hot vision in that low cut, slim fitting, shining silver gown.

3. Amy Adams [at the 2013 Academy Awards] - Amy fulfilled every girls Cinderella fantasy that
    night by becoming an absolute piece in the palest violet, bustier top half and feathery dream of a
    skirt.

There is no one who can create a skirt  like Oscar. Large and expansive, slim and revealing. I somtimes wonder if designers ever run out of ideas, but I think it's patently clear that they have minds that are constantly inventing and reinventing. Unfortunately we have lost one of our great minds, one of our great artists.

But out of the sadness comes hope and I truly believe that Peter Copping will maintain our fairytale love with Oscar De la Renta. As one chapter ends, another begins.

About.

There are many blogs around nowadays, but rarely are there blogs that showcase a artery of different individuals; bloggers, designers, stylists.

I created this blog to flaunt all of the hidden talent. Yes, I have my own style and my own views on fashion, but that great thing about style is that it can be adapted to suit every individual person, no two people are the same, even if we follow the crowd, the chances of the same outfit making two people feel the same is slim.

The great thing about the Internet is the power to reach almost everyone, from almost everywhere. I want a catalogue of new faces, new style from all over the globe. There are no rules on my blog, some fashion may be mainstream, some may be completely cutting edge, either way I think it deserves to be praised rather than criticized.

So welcome to my blog, I am here simple to appreciate and admire your style.

Danielle x