Ode to Olenhaus

Oh hot pink a/w 2009 boots from Olenhaus…how I did not realise that I needed you in my life until now. Your so pink, and shiny and edgy and so very vegan, yet so wearable. Your a vintage pair of shoes in the making…a siren of the street, an eco statement of the highest level, ’super- powered’ boots.  And your not available…(yet!).

Peppermint

Calling all crafters, sewers and self-stylists. Peppermint Magazine is a treat for the eyes and hands of the creatively minded. Featuring a real girl in her own clothes on the front cover, recycled pages, interviews from craft-makers and natural beauty. This is the magazine version of a cute craft blog.

My Latest Obsession

Is the glorious Kitty Cooper who reworks recycled pieces to make the most beautiful and intricate handmade shoes. Her designs are inspired by the shapes, styles and craftsmanship of past eras, as well as the vintage ‘make-do-and-mend’ sensibility which is the antithesis of modern throw-away fashion.

La Luminata Partners With Ethical Fashion Forum

La Luminata is proud to announce that it has become a partner of the Ethical Fashion Forum, the number one hub for ethical fashion news, advice and help. With great informative events taking place across the UK and a new ethical fashion network, I hope to be as involved as possible in supporting their valuable work and being a part in the Ethical Fashion Forum’s future.

Miss Eco Glam Interviews La Luminata

The lovely Anna has interviewed me for Miss Eco Glam. To find a little more about what motivates and moves me, click here.

Natasha Bailie & Amy Phipps Launch New Clothing Line

Congratulations to Natasha Bailie & Amy Phipps who have succesfully launched their first collection of vintage reproduction dresses made from vintage and reclaimed material. La Luminata got up close and personal with the new clothing range and can conclude that the shape and fit is authentic to the 40’s and 50’s era in gorgeous and wearable soft colours of blue, yellow, pink and green. The quality and attention to detail, plus the fact that you can order your very own made to measure dress makes this a one-of-a-kind treat, for any girl looking for something a bit special. I predict the Phipps, Bailie collaboration growing much further…

The Uniform Project

The Uniform Project began in May 2009, by Sheena Matheiken, who has pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day she will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of adornments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies.

The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha’s School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for slum children in India.

Sneak Peak…La Luminata Collaborates With Photographer Sean Collymore

Here’s a glimpse into my most recent collaborational project with photographer, Sean Collymore, featuring wares from Ophelia Fancy, Hetty Rose, Rachel Darbourne and Natasha Bailie. The day itself could not have been more perfect, not to mention our gorgeous model Dom who was a total star…dreamy.

Queens of Lingerie Ophelia Fancy Custom Design Own Hotel Room

Congratulations to the gorgeous girls at Ophelia Fancy who have custom-designed their own boutique room at Brighton’s famous hotspot, Hotel Pellirocco. The fantastic launch party featured cupcakes, babycham cocktails and ladies cavorting around in Ophelia Fancy wear. The new room takes inspiration from Ophelia Fancy’s unique designs, complete with framed nipple tassles, reclaimed furniture and decadent finishing touches, planting the great ethical knicker-makers firmly on the Brighton map. Lucky guests received an exclusive handmade Ophelia Fancy eyemask to take away with them, now I just want the matching frilly knickers!

England In The Summertime

I love Natasha Bailie’s vintage clothing line so much that much that I decided to model a little 50’s number with photographer Jofoto on a location shoot. The great thing about Natasha’s dresses is that they really are such good quality, which is often hard to find with vintage clothing. Once you have one of these items, it really will last you for life, read her latest interview here.