THE INDUSTRY INTERVIEW

Many thanks to Harriet Bowe, Features Editor of The Industry London, for doing this Q&A with me. It was fun to reflect on past work experiences...

MEMBER INTERVIEW WITH LOTTIE JOHANSSON

Freelance editor, consultant and blogger, Lottie Johansson has worked for every fashion publication worth knowing, including a considerable number of the fashion industry’s most prestigious titles. Honing her skills at the likes of Vogue, Marie Claire and Drapers, Lottie has carved out an illustrious career – putting her in touch with many Industry members along the way. She’s also just joined the British Society of Magazine Editors. Here the brand new Industry member tells us more.

With over 15 years experience, what’s been your biggest highlight so far?

There have been so many highlights over the years, but I really enjoyed working at Condé Nast. Firstly, as fashion and beauty editor at Brides and then as executive fashion and beauty editor at Vogue, where editor-in-chief Liz Tilberis and publishing director Dick Shortway appointed me. I worked closely with both the editorial and commercial teams at Vogue, which I found really interesting. I also styled a lovely shoot with photographer, Arthur Elgort in New York and inadvertently sold a page of advertising at the fashion trade show Igedo in Dusseldorf – my one and only experience of selling space.

LONDON FASHION WEEK: AZZA FAHMY FOR MATTHEW WILLIAMSON AW14 JEWELLERY COLLABORATION

British fashion supremo, Matthew Williamson, showcased his second fine jewellery collaboration with the Egyptian luxury jewellery designer, Azza Fahmy, at his 70’s-inspired AW14 London Fashion Week show. The high-energy collection was presented in front of a star-studded audience, including Poppy Delevingne, Olivia Palermo, Cat Deeley and Elisa Sednaoui.

Here's my review of the collection for July issue of Harper's Bazaar Arabia, which includes quotes from Matthew Williamson and Azza Fahmy on gifting for Eid and Ramadan. I've also included my full interview with the collaboration team.

ISABELLA BLOW: FASHION GALORE!

I loved the Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! exhibition at Somerset House so much that I saw the show three times - twice when it opened last autumn and again during last month's London Fashion Week held at the same opulent venue.

Sadly the exhibition closed its doors today and I'm sure if the show had been granted an extended run I would have found my way back to Somerset House again for a final peek...

The reason the show resonated so well with me wasn't just because Isabella Blow (1958 - 2007) was such a colourful and flamboyant figure at fashion shows and associated fashion events for so many years, it was because of her collection of much loved and often well-worn clothes and hats, many complete with cigarette burns, that told such a powerful story of a life lived through clothes.

Isabella Blow, 1997 

© Mario Testino 

PREVIEW OF THE AZZA FAHMY FOR MATTHEW WILLIAMSON AW14 JEWELLERY COLLECTION

As London Fashion Week fast approaches, Matthew Williamson and the luxury Egyptian jewellery house, Azza Fahmy, are putting the finishing touches to their second jewellery collaboration. The contemporary jewellery collection will be unveiled at Matthew Williamson's AW14 catwalk show on Sunday evening at the magnificent One Great George Street.

You can read all about the collaboration in my exclusive post for Harper's Bazaar, plus read additional quotes from the designers and see more image below.

The Azza Fahmy for Matthew Williamson AW14
Jewellery Collection mood board

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TREE BROOCHES

It’s Christmas Eve and I’ve just unearthed my vintage diamante Christmas tree brooch, that I reach for every year when I start preparing the feast of all feasts.

Wearing something so beautiful and extravagant always gets me in a Christmas mood and adds a bit of glamour to stuffing the turkey and peeling endless spuds. I forgot to put the brooch on one year and my daughter quickly reminded me, so wearing it has become as much of a festive tradition in our house as assembling my late parents’ 1950’s Christmas lantern and decorating the tree with vintage decs.

Happy Vintage Christmas!
Photo credit

STRATTON AUDLEY CHRISTMAS BARN

If you're still looking for some last minute gifts, head to the Stratton Audley Christmas Barn for a unique line-up of Christmas presents and a lovely day out in rural Oxfordshire. For today only, there's the added bonus of a festive Beer & Sausage Festival, in aid of Save the Children. Santa will also be there in his Grotto and a traditional Punch & Judy, plus friendly farm animals from Ark Farm.

Festive gifts and homeware

AZZA FAHMY FOR MATTHEW WILLIAMSON JEWELLERY COLLECTION SS14

Take a look at my post for Harper's Bazaar on the launch of the 10-piece jewellery collection by Azza Fahmy for Matthew Williamson: Harper's Bazaar/Latest

Showcasing at the Matthew Williamson SS14 catwalk show at London Fashion Week on Sunday, The Azza Fahmy for Matthew Williamson Jewellery Collection will be available from Spring 2014 exclusively at the Matthew Williamson flagship store in London and Azza Fahmy boutiques.

The collaboration between the Egyptian luxury jewellery house Azza Fahmy and leading British fashion designer Matthew Williamson highlights the synergy between both brands and their love of global cultural- and travel references.  

The Azza Fahmy for Matthew Williamson SS14 Jewellery Collection moodboard,
highlighting the organcic stack rings and nature-inspired collars