Celebrity & Style Mag

Thursday, 17 March 2016

Celebrating a brand that is celebrating women: Pandora's new era

In 2014, I had the unique opportunity to witness the beginnings of a brand. I don't mean the exact start of the brand itself, but rather where the product starts its life. In October of that year I was invited to take a look at the Pandora factories in Thailand. I wrote a piece on the experience entitled "Discovering the Heart of Pandora" and I think it is perhaps one of the most important pieces I have ever had the honour of writing. The brand blew me away. From the factory to women's jewellery boxes in 100 countries, across six continents on the globe, this was a brand that had a mission. They were clear with us that they felt great privilege in being a part of so many millions of women's lives. And today, they have launched a new campaign that, for me, solidifies their commitment to a bigger message. Today, I'm pleased to give you a first look at Pandora's new campaign, Unique As We Are.

With this new launch, Pandora looks to unite the women that have loved the brand for years across the globe. And let me just tell you that's a large number of women. Pandora were perhaps the first jewellery brand to give women the opportunity to share a common love of a certain type of jewellery, while also allowing them to break through a uniform look and make it their own entirely. My first introduction to the charm bracelets, and the thousands of unique charms, made this very clear.

Today, however, Pandora are going one step further and showcasing that uniqueness in their customer. In their new campaign, shot by photographer Cass Bird, the brand showcases women from all lifestyles, ethnicities and age groups. For the first time, they are showcasing the great diversity in their clientele, while telling the story of a common thread - the ultimate power of women. This is truly a celebration of both the brand and the customers that have remained loyal for so many years. And I have a feeling this is only the start, so watch this space!

But hey, you're here to see a campaign. So without further ado, I would love to introduce you to the new look of Pandora, Unique as We Are.

Here's what I wish someone had told me when I first started FFG: "Your name selection means everything. It is not to be taken lightly and should be thoroughly examined from every angle before you buy that URL." But, I didn't have anyone telling me anything because way back then no one was blogging... and names certainly weren't important. You were just buying a URL and speaking to the great black hole that was the internet. Why does a name matter? Well, folks... if only I had knew what I was getting myself into.

The first interview I ever did, I got seriously sideswiped and never ever saw it coming. The journalist was being sweet as pie, asking questions about who I got into the industry and where I saw blogging going. We were having a sweet little conversation and then she dropped the bomb. "So, when did you decide you hated animals?" Ummm, excuse me? I looked at her like a true dear in the headlights...and felt like one too. Why on earth would I give the impression that I hated animals? This was my first incident of recognizing the idea of examining your name from every angle.

When I came up with the name Fashion Foie Gras, and I've said this a million times since, it was a moment where I was poking fun at an industry that prided itself on being thin and polished. Fashion Foie Gras was a play on Fashion Faux Pas, it was a touch of luxury and also a name that was supported by the strapline "force feeding fashion news daily." It all just worked, for what it was at the time - again, a blog that never had a drive to be anything other than a daily news source for the few dozen that were interested. It would never get bigger than that, right? So why worry?

Well, if I had a dollar for every time I've been asked if I liked Foie Gras or supported the production of Foie Gras, I'd be a very rich woman indeed. So, before we go any further, let me go ahead and make something clear. I hadn't even had Foie Gras before I named the blog - God's honest truth. I knew what it was, I wasn't into it, but the name worked for me. However, once FFG developed into a bigger brand, it seemed every PR in the land thought they could only take me to dinners where Foie Gras was on the menu. Ridiculous but also quite flattering. So there you have it - I wasn't making a statement. I wasn't going against the grain. I simply gave my blog a name and let the chips fall where they may. Why couldn't I have named my blog "Fashion Doughnuts"? I would have so much rather seen doughnuts at every PR meeting. Well, live and learn, right?

Anyway, back to the whole name progression. Eventually the world got past me naming my blog after a rather controversial food. People had heard enough of me proclaiming that I wasn't in the back office stuffing geese as a side business. Although, it wasn't before I received a few death threats. Yeah, you read that right. So, what's in a name? Well, everything if you ever think said blog will be bigger than something your mom and dad will read daily - Ps. Thanks for reading, mom and dad.

Here's what I always tell people to do now, when dreaming up a blog name. Think of everything you want your blog to be about or to symbolize. Think of everything that describes you and who you are today. Put every thought into a single word and circle it on a piece of paper. Do this until you've filled the entire page and then go back and look at YOU as a whole... in print. What fits together? What stands out? I think you may even be surprised at how this guides you in a direction of a voice for the blog itself. It's funny that I have done this for every other activity in my life, other than naming FFG.

This isn't all to say that I would have done anything differently entirely. I couldn't be happier with how Fashion Foie Gras has grown and has become a brand, rather than just a blog. You know what? I could have made it a lot easier on myself by naming the blog something inoffensive and safe. But, looking back I've found nothing good ever came from being safe. Be bold, be brave and name as you see fit, and what you can deal with. Some names require you to build a backbone made of steel. What's that great quote from Eleanor Roosevelt? Something about a cup of tea. Oh yeah - "A woman is like a tea bag - you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." Amen to that, sister.

Read Mademoiselle Robot's naming story in the series now!

Razor sharp

MAJE jacket

VINTAGE shirt

COS skirt

LOUIS VUITTON bag

CASADEI ‘Blade’ shoes

And so a month of fashion weeks comes to an end. It took me a week to even state this. A month of travelling, what-to-wear planning and show scheduling is finally over for another season and I feel happily peaceful about it. To fuel my Parisian wardrobe I had Casadei to thank, the infamous Italian ‘blade’ heel, has been on my wish-list forever and last week I finally got to add it to my wardrobe in the shade of lemon sorbet. Cute right? You would think that the heel thinner than a cigarette is impossible to balance on, but it is actually quite sturdy and easy to walk in! I guess we have an answer to why the blade is prized worldwide. A good way to kick start the spring wardrobe, although I admit I need the black version. Nothing to complete my bad-ass, black, warrior-princess wardrobe than the blade heel in the darkest hue, this is what stiletto-fetish dreams are made of. To be continued….

In collaboration with Casadei

Photos by Mikko Puttonen

My first introduction to designer Tabitha Webb was through the internet. In fact, and I hope she'll forgive me for saying this, I was introduced to Tabitha through the Daily Mail. I, along with about 50 million other people on the globe were drooling over The Duchess of Cambridge's 3/4 length sleeve midi dress, designed by Webb, and wondering how I could get my hands on such an elegant number. The obsession began there. Tabitha is famed for dressing both The Duchess of Cambridge and her sister Pippa Middleton, among countless others for everything from sidewalk style to red carpets moments. She is a name that is synonymous with elegant attire, but this week she's introducing a new look that's reinventing everything we know about the brand. It's purely by coincidence that Tabitha became a good girlfriend before this whole reinvention took place. And it's even more of a coincidence that I would find myself in Palm Springs around the same time she was shooting her look book. I think you see where I'm going with this...

For two days, I was a part of what I am now referring to as "the rewriting of Tabitha Webb." Now, let's not all jump into panic mode here. Ms. Webb is continuing on with her perfectly polite dresses, but even these seriously flattering shapes have a new edge to them. Fancy a bit of neon, Duchess of Cambridge? One can only hope that the new look for the brand will mean a bit more fun with fashion for the Middleton sisters.

Now, what's this new look all about? Well, I like to think that it's a Tabitha Webb that's rewritten with a Californian flare. You all know my obsession with all things Southern California, so it's no surprise I'm head over heels in love with this new look. From rainbow prints to friendly flamingos, this is a new casual collection that's all about pieces that make a serious statement. There's no fuss or muss, just great dresses, jeans, cashmere sweaters and button down shirts that say all they need to about keeping casual cool. And truly, the devil is in the detail here with the new casual look for Tabitha Webb. From cheeky hidden life lessons imprinted inside shirts to lovely neon detailing, this is a collection that deserves an up close and personal audience.

Oh, and the good news? Well, this is your behind-the-scenes look... but the collection itself has just dropped this week and is available to buy online. See it. Love it. Buy it....before the Duchess wears it and it sells out forever. You get what I'm laying down here.

Personally speaking, I'm ordering the Flamingo Dress and the Rainbow Tee immediately.

Oh... and of course I shot a video...

Review: Le Grand Bellevue, Gstaad, Switzerland {Video}

This year we've had maybe two flurries of snow in my part of London. There is little to no winter weather happening here, besides a few cold fronts and a whole lot of rain. If you ask me, that doesn't really put one in any sort of festive mood. In fact, it's just down right depressing. So, I decided that I wouldn't wait for the snow any longer... I'd go out and find it. And that's exactly what I did with a weekend at Le Grand Bellevue in Gstaad, Switzerland.

Only this trip's a little different than most for what I usually share on Fashion Foie Gras. You see, the whole experience was so magical and picturesque that I thought I'd let my camera do the talking. A video was born. And ok, the lens doesn't do all the work here. I'm talking you through the experience of being in Gstaad at Le Grand Bellevue, but it's truly the first time I have felt like I have accurately been able to capture how it feels to be in such an incredible location (see video and still imagery below).

Our adventure with Le Grand Bellevue began with a fairytale welcome. We flew Easyjet from London into Geneva and were met by a driver at the airport. As we walked outside we were told that we'd arrived just on time. Gstaad had received two feet of snow in the past 48 hours - ideal for those seeking out a winter wonderland and perfect skiing conditions. We made our way to Gstaad by van and arrived ready to sink into a warm bed with a mug full of hot chocolate. Le Grand Bellevue delivered... and kept delivering for the next 48 hours.

When we weren't eating, we were taking part in any one of a thousand activities to keep guests busy. Various spa treatments with beautiful Bamford products were offered in the Spa (more on these delicious products later). Lunch was had on the top of the ski slopes featuring fondue and meringues and horse drawn carriages were awaiting our arrival at the bottom of the mountain, offering grand tours of the beautiful town of Gstaad. It should also be mentioned that I ate the best burger I've ever had... and I think you know that's a pretty big statement. And the food offerings continued in a Michelin star restaurant, a small sushi restaurant and a magnificent afternoon tea- all in the hotel. One could stay here for days and never get tired of the menus found within this hotel alone.

It must be said, however, that while the interior decoration at Le Grand Bellevue was simply outstanding, it played a close second to a much more natural beauty - the views surrounding the hotel itself. Every window was an opportunity to discover a different landscape, and every hour presented the beauty in a new light. If all you did here was sit on your balcony and marvel at the mountains around you for two days, I'd say the trip was worth it. And don't even get me started on the air. Coming from London, taking a deep breath in Gstaad was a therapy like none other. After just one evening of breathing the fresh mountain air, I felt like a new person. I felt healthy. Imagine that.

Alright, enough talking. It's time to share the whole weekend in a much more visual way... with video! Check this out...