The Rights And Responsibilities Of Every Wedding Guest
2014 May 28. | Szerző: shannon
There is a lot of wedding etiquette for a wedding guest to keep track of, and so many wedding guest missteps are the result of guests simply not knowing better. (We cringe when we think of how long it took us to send back RSVPs in our younger years!) To help you survive wedding season, we’ve put together a list of the rights and responsibilities every wedding guest (and engaged couple!) should know.
You have the responsibility to…
Send in your RSVP by the date requested. It’s so simple, but a surprising amount of guests don’t do this, meaning the couple has to track people down for RSVPs. The invitation typically includes a stamped envelope for the RSVP card, so there’s no excuse for not dropping it in the mail as soon as you know whether you’ll be able to make it.
Actually show up if you RSVP “yes.” The couple has to give a head count to the caterer several days before the wedding, and they are charged for your plate whether or not you actually show up. If you’ve already sent in your RSVP and something comes up, give the couple a call or send them an email to let them know; there may be still time for them to change the count.
Arrive at the ceremony on time. A late guest is a distraction for the couple and the other guests — and just might ruin a meaningful moment. If you arrive late, listen at the door for a song or a break in the action, and then sneak in quietly.
Adhere to any dress codes mentioned on the invitation or wedding website. If the dress code says “semi-formal,” don’t wear jeans. And yes, the old rule of not wearing white to a wedding is still in effect.
Not bring anyone to the wedding who wasn’t specifically invited. Unsure if your guest was invited or not? Here’s how you can tell: if the invitation is only addressed to you, and there’s no mention of “and guest,” then your guest is not invited. Similarly, if the invitation’s inner and outer envelopes are both addressed to “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” your children are most likely not invited.
Silence your phone during the ceremony. This should go without saying, but no one should hear a phone vibrating or ringing as he or she says “I do.” If you’re worried about not being able to take a call from your baby-sitter, let him or her know your phone will be off from, say, 3:00-3:30, and to send a text if it’s an emergency. If you notice an urgent text during the ceremony, you can step outside to return the call.
Respect the couple’s wishes with regard to taking photos/sharing photos on social media. If the couple is having an unplugged wedding or has asked that you not put any photos of them on social media, you should respect that.
You have the right to…
Expect a wedding invitation if you receive a save the date. This is pretty standard etiquette, so you can politely ask the couple about it if the wedding date is nearing and you haven’t received an invite yet.
RSVP “no” if you can’t or don’t want to attend. The couple will understand…trust us.
Call or email the couple if you need clarification on any aspect of the wedding. If you’re confused about the plus-one situation or the dress code, feel free to shoot them an email to get answers.
Send a gift after the wedding or not send a gift at all. That’s correct: a gift is not the price of admission at a wedding. And you can send one for up to a year after the wedding; if it’s been several months and now you feel awkward, make it an extra-special holiday gift.
Expect a timely thank you note for any gifts you give. Give them a little time after the wedding to breathe, but if you haven’t received one after a few months, it’s totally fine to ask the couple if they received your gift.
Take advantage of the open bar. As long as you don’t get belligerent or make an embarrassing speech, feel free to let loose.
Bust a move on the dance floor. Couples love when it seems like everyone is having a good time at their wedding, so they’ll appreciate it if you’re the first one on the dance floor and the last one to leave it.
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Varicose veins: Beauty myths exposed
2014 May 23. | Szerző: shannon
Varicose veins can plague of women, especially this time of year when more skin is on show, but do you actually know what they are and how you can treat them?
Veincentre, one of the UK’s leading private health clinics specialising in varicose veins, has seen more than 10,000 patients since opening its doors 10 years ago. Almost all of the clients that visited the clinic had completely misunderstood their condition and were not aware of the options available to them.
The clinic’s lead consultant – Dr David West – has listed the five most common myths surrounding varicose veins and the truth behind these conditions and their treatment.
Myth: Varicose veins is only a problem for women
Truth: 40% of our clients are men. However, they only tend to come to us once the pain has become unbearable. By waiting until this time they are putting themselves at greater risk of developing additional problems. This is not just a ‘female only’ problem and it is definitely nothing to be embarrassed about as it’s so common.
Myth: Varicose veins are only a cosmetic issue i.e. not serious
Truth: Varicose veins, if ignored and left untreated, can actually progress into serious medical conditions including leg pain, swelling, skin damage and ulcers. They may also be a result of (and therefore masking) another underlying problem. Some of our clients had suffered with their varicose veins for over 40 years, either because they were not offered adequate solutions by their GP or simply because they were unaware of the options available.
Their daily lives were seriously affected due to constant pain and discomfort. A lot of them had self-confidence issues, avoiding holidays and summer clothing and some of the more serious cases had been unable to walk or stand for long periods of time.
Myth: Treating varicose veins is expensive
Truth: People are turning to ‘self-pay’ private surgery in response to lengthening NHS waiting lists, some clinicians refusing to treat them on the NHS and escalating costs of private health insurance. However, there is a huge price variation for the same procedures up and down the country.
We would not dream of unnecessarily overcharging our clients and I believe some of the prices being quoted at other clinics are ridiculous. What may cost up to £8,000 at one clinic, we’ll provide the same varicose vein treatment for £1,995 and I’d argue we’d do it to a higher patient satisfaction because all we do are veins.
Cost should not be a barrier for people seeking treatment for their varicose veins. Treatment options should be tailored to patients’ budgets. At Veincentre, we offer payment options to accommodate even the most modest budgets.
Myth: Varicose vein treatment will involve long painful surgery
Truth : Not so with a pioneering new technique called Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), which is recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) as the default treatment for varicose veins.
EVLA is a non-surgical, minimally-invasive procedure with no need for general anaesthetic. The efficiency of this procedure means that many of our patients have their first consultation and treatment at the same time – often lasting no longer than 90 minutes.
Myth: Varicose veins are a problem for old people
Truth: This is not just a problem for older people, your genetics also play a large part in the development of varicose veins. We have had clients as young as 16 suffering with varicose veins and seen children with the condition.
Latest jewellery trends at the Grove Communication press day
2014 May 21. | Szerző: shannon
The 13th May was a truly sparkling day for all fashion and jewellery lovers, as Grove Communication held their A/W 2014 press day. At the agency’s press day we got to see all the beautiful sparkling accessories of the season. Some of the brands represented were Cred Jewellery, Victoria Tryon, Bouton, Buckley London and Atwood and Sawyer.
Award-winning ethical jewellery label Cred Jewellery has introduced its Festival collection, just in time for the festival season. The pieces feature bohemian feather pendants, which is continuously in trend after Coachella this year, hard rock style skull ‘n’ bone charms and more romantic styles, also. Our favourites are the pastel-coloured friendship bracelets to seal those once in a lifetime moments.
Another stand-out at the press day was London-based jewellery brand Buckley London. The costume and fashion jewellery brand’s latest Acorn collection symbolises prosperity, youthfulness and power, all in the iconic symbol of the acorn. The pieces are a great addition to the season’s ever-growing pastel trend and make sure to bring a hint of playfulness into any outfit. The cheerful motif can be found on trendy leather bracelets, stylish rose gold necklaces and elegant drop earrings. Other pieces to look out for from Buckley London were the eternally elegant “Evie” bracelet and charm.
Lauren Conrad’s Skincare Secret
2014 May 17. | Szerző: shannon
Lauren Conrad knows a thing or two about beauty. The reality-star turned fashion designer is always on point when it comes to the latest hair crazes (remember her pink dip dyed locks?) and new make-up magic (she is, after all, the face of Mark cosmetics).
And we can’t help but notice that she always has the most glowing, healthy looking skin!
While we are sure her blissful engagement to her love of over two years, William Tell, might have something to do with her recent radiance, we just had to know the real secret behind her skincare routine. So we chatted with HydroPeptide National Account Trainer Jayna DiMartino and found out the key products behind Lauren’s lovely complexion.
“Lauren Conrad’s go-to Peel: Anti-Wrinkle Polish & Plump Peel is the perfect date night peel, as it gives you the most amazing ,dramatic results without any downtime,” says Jayna “Peel 1 is two ingredients: 15% vitamin C to lighten, brighten and tighten, and microdermabrasion oxygenating crystals that create a manual exfoliation to lift dead skin cells.”
Want to try it out yourself? Follow Jayna’s easy steps below.
1.Start off by applying Peel 1, gently rubbing in a circular motion for 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Leave on the skin and then apply one pump of Peel 2, which is the activator that gives you that nice, gentle chemical exfoliation with 5% lactic acid, vitamin C, botox-like peptides, plumping, volumizing and lifting peptides, with Echinacea and chamomile to soothe the skin.
3. Work this into the skin for another 1 to 2 minutes and then rinse.
“It can be used once or twice a week. Skin will be left looking brighter, feeling softer, more even-toned and supple. Perfect before a night on the town,” says Jayna.
5 reasons herbal products may not be really safe after all!
2014 May 15. | Szerző: shannon
Herbal products derived from plants are widely used in several countries, especially India and they continue to gain popularity among consumers. But consumers need to know that there are very few valid medical studies on the herbal products which are actually safe. It is difficult identifying chopped, processed herbs or plant mixtures, variability in the toxic constituents of a plant, nomenclature, adulteration and establishing the chronic toxic potential of a plant.
1. When it comes to herbal medicines, there are a lot of contaminants that can make their way into a product – heavy metals may find their way into the plants through the water used in irrigation or the soil in which the plants grow.
2. Microorganisms grow better in the presence of organic matter obtained from plant and animal sources and they can contaminate the product. There may be pesticide residues that have found their way into the plant material and then, into the product.
3. Sometimes, improper storage may lead to chemical degradation of one of the components in the herbal formulation and toxic substances may be produced.
4. Occasionally, an unscrupulous manufacturer may add in a less expensive substitute for a particular herb. This substitute may have similar physical appearance to the herb prescribed in the recipe, but it will obviously interfere with the product’s ability to elicit the desired therapeutic effects.
5. It is common knowledge that most herbal remedies take longer to act as compared to allopathic medicines; so an unprincipled manufacturer may resort to mixing in allopathic medicines into a herbal product in order to make it appear fast-acting and increase its popularity. Sometimes, inadvertent adulteration can occur because of confusion in the vernacular names of some plant sources.
Over time, drug regulatory authorities have woken up to the need for standardisation of herbal products. Recognising that close to 80% of the world’s population still relies on traditional systems of medicine for their healthcare needs; the World Health Organization has specified guidelines to be followed by manufacturers to ensure they make pure herbal products of good quality. If there is one myth this discussion has cleared up, it is this – ‘herbal’ should not be read as a synonym for ‘safe’. Only when the manufacturer of a herbal product is deeply committed to providing quality medicines will we have the confidence to consume such products without any qualms.
Must-follow skincare tips for travellers
2014 May 12. | Szerző: shannon
Most of us are ready to go for vacations to either cold hill stations or the cool sunny beaches. But both these destinations, offering completely different climates will demand skin care regimes that are typical to the weather there. Here are tips to help you…
With the holiday season already upon us, most of us are planning to go for vacations to either cold hill stations or the cool sunny beaches. But both these destinations, offering completely different climates will demand skin care regimes that are typical to the weather there.
Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist, says, “The travelling, whether by road or by air, can put a lot of stress on the skin. It is hard to imagine anything worse than having your holiday or journey ruined by developing a skin problem.”
Preventing skin problems during travel is relatively easy, as long as you follow a few basic sensible rules.
Cosmetologist Dr Jamuna Pai says, “You should remember to take care of not just your face but your hands and feet too while you are out travelling. And most importantly whether you are going to a beach destination or a hill station you must not ignore sun protection.” Experts say that there are cases when the sun rays reflecting off the snow and ice can also damage your skin.
The key to a successful trip lies in preparation and planning. “If you are unsure about how you will manage aspects of your journey, then you need to seek advice from an experienced traveller and also from your skin specialist prior to the journey,” says Dr Goel.
Here are some tips (see boxes) you need to keep in mind for both hot and cold holiday destinations. The ultra-dry air on airplanes and the colder, drier climate of the place where you travel to makes it essential to keep up your skin care routine. It is a great idea to buy travel-size versions of your skin, cleanser, moisturiser, lotion and exfoliant and pack them in your hand carry bag. Re-applying while on the plane (most flights it is available in the kit provided to you) will allow your skin to stay hydrated.
Tips for beach destinations
Exfoliate and moisturise your feet every night while on vacation. Sightseeing and walking barefoot on the beach will wreak havoc on your pedicure — not to mention your feet will be tired. Bring a foot file and use it on soles and heels while showering. Follow that with a moisturising massage cream.
Keep a medical emergency kit with you where you have apart from other first aid stuff, an antiallergic tablet, a smoothening calamine and aloe vera lotion, a topical steroid cream like mometasone or clobetasone, which can be used in case of any rash or skin allergy. You could ask your dermatologist to guide you assemble one and also guide you to use it. In case you get a jellyfish sting on the beach, you are not likely to get a doctor nearby. Hence a medical kit for first aid comes handy.
You should always wear shoes and socks when you travel in a car. In some cars, the floor may heat up, causing burns to the feet.
Be wary of your vehicles that have been sitting in the sun. Seats, belt buckles and other surfaces can hold a considerable amount of heat. If these surfaces come into contact with your skin, burns can occur.
If travelling long distances in the heat, make sure that you drink plenty of fluids. Application of various products only on the outer surface does not lead to an ultimate healthy skin. What one needs is a healthy diet and a peaceful mind. The meals should have ample amount of juicy fruits and vegetables along with at least 12-14 glasses of water a day. Intake of liquids help your skin to retain the essential oils automatically and acts as a natural protection against dryness.
You can also start taking oral supplements containing vitamin C, beta carotene, glutathione and other antioxidants one week prior to your travel to a dry place.
Tips for hill stations
If you have been exposed to extreme cold or snow, take care not to have your feet directly under heater vents — hot air can also cause skin burns.
Again, there are certain parts of the body that require special care when you are travelling to hill stations, like feet and hands. Specially the feet tend to crack and they are the most neglected areas, constantly exposed to dirt and dryness on holidays. Apply thick petroleum based cream and wear soft cotton socks.
Whether the travel is to a warm place or cold, please don’t miss on your sun protection. Apart from wearing hats, umbrella etc, remember to use a high SPF subscreen (at least 35) and keep reapplying every 2-4 hrs. Sun damage can cause pigmentation and also cause premature wrinkles.
Your scalp too needs special mention as many of us suffer from the dandruff that can have long term effect on the like hair fall. Use ketoconazole containing shampoo once a week.
This Woman Quit Her Corporate Job To Fulfill Her Lifelong Passion For Cakes
2014 May 8. | Szerző: shannon
Late last year, baker Nikki Lee of the Sydney, Australia cake shop Unbirthday took a leap of faith and left her corporate sales job in order to pursue her passion for sweets full-time.
It wasn’t that she was unhappy at her previous job. In fact, Lee worked for a great company, respected her managers and valued the integrity of the work. But she wasn’t wholly satisfied.
“Although I was happy in my job and doing all the things that ticked ‘success’ boxes, I knew I would always be settling for the easy path if I didn’t choose to bake,” she told The Huffington Post in an email. “I would have these beautiful, styled pictures of cakes and desserts cut out from magazines and pinned to my cubicle walls at work, reminding me that what I was ultimately working towards was having the time and space to be able to get into my baking.”
In April, Lee’s fiancé Thomas posted a photo of one of her confections to Reddit, writing, “Fiancé who quit her job to follow her dream just completed her first wedding cake commission.” The photo of the wedding cake (see right) garnered more than 2,500 upvotes on the site, and one commenter called it “the prettiest cake I’ve seen.”
How’s that for validation? Lee opened up to HuffPost Weddings recently about her life-changing decision.
What was the moment that you finally decided to quit your job and start Unbirthday? Was there one specific event that pushed you over the edge?
I have always been a big believer in pursuing personal passions, whether it be in your career or as a hobby. You could say “The Moment” came when I did my yearly evaluation of my life, something that I do in September around my birthday every year. I give themes to each year — for example, my 30th year was the “Year of Full Engagement”. Thirty-one was the “Year of Learning and Practice”.
I decided my 32nd year would be the “Year of Wholeheartedness.” I took the time to question what this meant for me, and what it would look like if I was living my life “wholeheartedly”. I decided it was important to immerse myself in doing things that I truly loved. Cake-creating was one of those things that I knew I had to do if I was really honest with myself. I also felt strongly that I was at a crossroads in my life — that I could stick to corporate work and climb the ladder, or I could let that idea of myself go and explore my creative side. I also saw this year as a small window of time where I had no major financial obligations in the form of a mortgage or any children that were relying on me, so I could afford to focus my energies on this process.
How long had you been dreaming of pursuing baking full-time?
Since I was a kid! Unbirthday is me as an adult fulfilling what I wanted to do as a child. I remember not wanting dolls or dresses for Christmas, but would dream of the day I would own my own cake mixer.
What role did your fiancé play in your decision? Was he supportive?
Thomas just proposed last week! He was a true supporter of me and still is to this day. He posted my photos on Reddit as a surprise. He keeps me grounded every day, but still pushes me to fly. He continually checks in with me to see how everything is going, always encouraging me forward. He’s happy to be my taste tester for new creations, and actually volunteers to clean up the kitchen while I work. A girl couldn’t ask for more in a partner!
How did other people in your life (friends, family) react when you told them that you quit your job?
They were supportive and are also used to me making these kinds of life-changing decisions. I dropped out of university when I was 19 to start my own graphic design business. My parents freaked out, and in hindsight, I understand why! I was young and overly confident, thinking I was invincible in my twenties. But that was the time in my life to do some invaluable learning and pick up some fantastic life skills that I wouldn’t have learned if I went down a more conventional path.
What was your biggest fear about going out on your own?
The most difficult thing was sharing something that was quite personal to me with others. This surprised me a lot, as my last role required me to make cold calls to prospective clients and sell them things. I know a lot of people would rather die than do that, but I loved it and found it easy. With Unbirthday, yes, I am selling cakes, but it is also a form of personal and creative expression which I initially felt quite self-conscious about showing others.
The other hard part was letting go of how I identified myself professionally. I went from being a corporate business development manager to a baker. It made me realize how much we identify and judge people based on what is written on their business cards. Shedding my old identity was hard, but it kept me true to my intentions.
I believe everyone has got their own version of “Unbirthday” somewhere, bubbling away under the surface. I just wanted to make sure that I was able to tell myself that I had given my dreams a real chance, regardless of what the outcome would be. One of my favorite sayings is, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” This is my mantra for life and Unbirthday.
What does your typical day look like since you started Unbirthday?
I wake up early when I can, and do a round of tai chi training with my father (both my parents are tai chi instructors). Then, I’ll either be fulfilling orders or experimenting with new ideas for cakes. I work from my kitchen at home, so it’s quite relaxing with very little pressure.
Was leaving your other job worth the risk?
Yes, without a doubt. It’s one of those things that I can check off my life’s to-do list — nothing more satisfying than that!
What Happened to Kendall Jenner’s Hair at the Met Gala? We Have Some Theories
2014 May 6. | Szerző: shannon
A funny thing happened on the way to the Met Gala… in Kendall Jenner’s case, a hair catastrophe. Jenner has had quite an absurd few months in terms of her fashionable endeavors, from her couture modeling debut at Marc Jacobs to a once-in-a-lifetime walk at the Chanel supermarket. In addition, her questionable choices at Coachella landed her firmly on the fashion infamy list. The young member of the Kardashian clan posted a gorgeous Instagram selfie earlier this evening, depicting the model wearing a streamlined strapless gown and a lightly waved coif. It appeared the the world was in for a shockingly chic Kendall Jenner fashion moment. But somewhere between her hotel suite and the Met Gala red carpet, her hair went from fabulous to frightening. Though the hairstyle looked voluminous in Jenner’s selfie, by her Met Ball entrance, it looked windblown and messy in the worst possible way. What possibly could have created such a disastrous change? Here are our theories.
1. Dad Bruce decided that Kendall’s ‘do wasn’t quite right and attacked her hair with a brush as she ran out the door.
2. Kendall got into a tussle with Kim over her gown, as everyone knows Mrs. Kanye West must be the fairest of them all.
3. Anna Wintour discovered that Kendall had somehow procured an invitation to the event and ordered security to prevent her from entering.
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4. As the little Kardashian clan member was exiting the limo, paparazzi clambering for a photo somehow tripped the bewildered reality star.
5. A wayward bird noticed Kendall’s gravity-defying ‘do and mistook it for a nest.
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7. A fervent fashionista who was offended by Kendall’s Coachella style flub attempted to ruffle Jenner’s feathers…so to speak.
We may never know what happened to Kendall or why her hair looks so mussed, but we certainly hope she has a serious chat with her hairstylist after the Ball.
Fashion: The world wakes up to globetrotter glam
2014 May 2. | Szerző: shannon
It’s always worth paying attention to Chanel shows. Nobody has their antenna attuned to the moment quite like creative designer Karl Lagerfeld.
Take the brand’s spring 2014 show: recognising the prominence of art fairs such as Frieze and Basel, Lagerfeld transformed Paris’s Grand Palais into an art installation, displaying fashion as an art form in its own right.
The brand’s AW14 show was just as suggestive. A giant globe was erected in the middle of the venue, covered with flags showing where Chanel has stores. But rather than simply demonstrating the label’s reach, the set also reflected a wider movement in fashion.
With emerging economies in South America and Africa, combined with the continued rise of Asia, designers are looking to all corners of the world for inspiration. And, thankfully, the global traveller aesthetic has come a long way since the days of simple khaki jackets, stereotypical African prints and the styles you’ll only dig out on holiday.
Dior set the new mood with its AW13 couture show. The world of couture is inextricably linked with Paris but designer Raf Simons made it his mission to show just how global it is.
The line-up ran like the parade at an Olympics opening ceremony. We had Russian-style embroidered dresses, striking Masai jewellery, sari-type dresses, bold colours and draping that spoke of Africa and a hint of American sportswear thrown in for good measure.
Even proudly Italian label Missoni got swept up in the new mood for spring, with an Africa-by-way-of-Mexico feel. Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci departed from the fun Disney characters and fantastical motifs of seasons past in favour of a more ethnic aesthetic with dusty desert tones on über-wearable African draping and Kimono-style tuxedos.
But jumping on board doesn’t mean going OTT. Donna Karan’s spring show demonstrated how easy the trend can look. Since the 2010 earthquake, Haiti has been a firm fixture in her collections and her spring line is brimming with nomadic pieces such as languid scarf dresses, chunky low-slung leather belts and woodwork accessories, all in earthy tones.
Ottoman Hands is the perfect way to go, jewellery-wise. The brand, which is now available in Topshop, ranges from rustic arm cuffs to bold rings, all in a similar colour palette. Contemporary label Baukjen offers a more subtle take on the trend. The transformed label has draped dresses and separates that are also classic enough to last into next season.
California-based designer Raquel Allegra has long mastered the global traveller look. Her spring collection manages to make tie-dye sophisticated rather than gap-year chic.
For more of a statement, take styling cues from Valentino, which, unsurprisingly, is a decorative affair full of long black lace gowns embellished with brightly coloured details and dramatic heavily embroidered fringed capes.
Even Peter Dundas went to town with exotic bold-coloured embroidery, giving Pucci’s signature minis a new lease of life with intricate, bold-coloured embroidery.
On the high street, Zara’s beaded crop top is a good bet and Asos Africa’s Nigeria-inspired collection is full of statement prints that are ideal for dressing up basics. The charm of embracing this end of the spectrum is that you’re not faced with the ‘what do I wear with this?’ question because the trick is to keep everything else simple.
Matthew Williamson and Azza Fahmy get bejewelled
2014 May 30. | Szerző: shannon
You wouldn’t normally associate Egyptian jewellery designer Azza Fahmy with British designer Matthew Williamson. But in the world of fashion, where strange bedfellows can sometimes make great business and creative sense, theirs is a match-up that’s already creating quite the buzz.
The pair recently launched their second jewellery collaboration in Dubai, coming off a successful first line launched in September last year.
“I guess the stars just aligned,” smiles Williamson, pointing to a necklace featuring a strand of stars, one of the items in the 21-piece fine jewellery collection. “We were approached by Azza’s team about a year and half ago and it was an easy decision because of what she does. I loved her skill and her expertise in a field I know little about. So it was nice to move out of my comfort zone and advise and bring my spirit to the collection.”
Created to complement Williamson’s fall-winter 2014 collection, the Azza Fahmy x Matthew Williamson range is sold exclusively at Bloomingdale’s Dubai.
The second collection, says the Manchester-born designer, is “much more thought through from start to finish.”
“This collection was about making something specific that would work with our collaboration,” he says. “So I looked at 70s interiors. I came across these beautiful black and white pictures, which looked like it could still be cool today, and in the middle of the lounge there was this tapestry rug with stars and I decided to make the clothes imagining who the woman was that lived in that home and curating the wardrobe for her. The next stage was the jewellery.”
Fahmy, a Hollywood red-carpet favourite, is no stranger to designer collaborations, having worked with Welsh designer Julien Macdonald and London label Preen. Williamson’s aesthetic of bright colours, electric prints and laid-back hippy chic was the perfect starting point for a new collection, she says.
“They showed me his work and how he designs his clothes and prints and I thought ‘this man who takes care of all this and all this research must be good,” she says. “For me it’s all about mixing the past and the future. I am very connected to culture but I’ve always tried to make things contemporary… take from the past and make it alive and wearable.
“For instance, inside some of the stars, you will find filigree work,” she explains, referring to the delicate metalwork popular in Asian jewellery-making. “It’s about successfully bridging those two worlds.”
Fahmy, who opened her first boutique in Cairo in 1981, credits her daughter Amina, who’s now the creative director, for helping keep her namesake fine jewellery brand in relevance.
“She completely changed my perspective about jewellery. How, for instance, to put these contemporary pieces and mix them with culture and art,” she says. But it was Fahmy’s rich catalogue of heritage-inspired work that caught Williamson’s attention.
“With this collection, what we were keen to do was take all that history and the craftsmanship and the skill that Azza knows so well and infuse it with something that she might not usually do,” he says.
Both designers have a strong following in the Middle East, a direct result of their creative inspirations: Williamson is known for his strong Asian references while Fahmy, who trained in the Egyptian way of making jewels, has found her fame spread beyond the Arab world.
Dubai is the perfect setting for their collaboration to blossom, they say.
“It is now the centre of fashion in the Arab world. A lot of people coming from everywhere and it makes sense for us,” says Fahmy.
“It’s a logical place for both of us. It’s the middle of the world isn’t it?” echoes Williamson.
Though non-committal on a third collection, the pair say designer collaborations need to be always properly thought through.
“You make a calculated decision, and you take each one as it comes,” says Williamson. “Sometimes it’s for purely creative reasons, sometimes it’s creative and financial and sometimes it’s the media buzz. Or it could be a mix of all three. You want there to be a sense of every perspective.
“We got something two days ago but it didn’t make sense to me. It’s was a fantastic deal but it makes no sense to collaborate with somebody that we have no synergy with.”
Known for his famous friends, the British designer says that while celebrity endorsements help, it’s not something he or his label actively pursues.
“I don’t work with [celebrities] in a way that it’s a controlled thing. And I don’t pay,” he says. “For me it’s more of a friendship thing with a girl. If it’s the right girl, the right dress, at the right place and the right time, it will work. And when it does, it’s a great brand endorsement.
“But for me it’s always been about personal interaction. I can’t compete with those big brands that have divisions and go ‘who we dressing next?’. We are a cottage industry. So we have to rely on our personal connections. Like Sienna Miller, she’s my best friend so it’s a very organic and personal process.”
Designers have had to become good business people, says Williamson, whose eponymous label has a number of flagship stores including one in Dubai.
“I had to have some understanding [of business]. I like to know,” he says. “But my favourite thing is when someone wears my pieces. I love the beginning of what I do and I love the end. To see it on someone.”
“I’m a really bad business woman,” Fahmy chimes in, laughing. “We have people to take care of that. I’d like to stick to the artistic things.”
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