Fashion Editorial Week

New York Fashion Week may be under way but the most newsworthy events in the industry didn't occur on the catwalk but inside the glossy pages. The close-knitted relationship between retailers and publishers has been gaining momentum for a while, reaching its pinnacle with the publication of the highly anticipated and somewhat controversial Porter magazine.

Lucy Yeomans, editor-in-chief of Porter magazine and Natalie Massenet, Net-a-Porter's Executive Chairwoman 

From Vogue's Fashion Night Out to online shopping inside magazine websites, this is a win-win situation as they feed off one another. Retailers such as Top Shop and My Wardrobe have also hired women who were previously working in the publishing industry. But this is the first time in history that a global luxury retailer - Net-a-Porter.com - publishes a glossy magazine.

The sky is the limit for Massenet who is certainly one of the most powerful voices in the fashion industry at the moment. The new magazine is not overtly focused on shopping (although its iPad version will be) and features are toward the front for a change. 

We can also expect the most talented individuals in the field such as Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, who photographed the cover. But, apart from being global, without the restrictions of being confined to a particular country, what does it offer in terms of content? 

Aimed at "stylish intelligent women", there is not much indication about thought provoking features. Nowadays, magazines are incredibly superficial without much to read at all. It would definitely be worth producing a truly global magazine in terms of content too, featuring different cultures, lifestyles and other creative areas by qualified and conscientious journalists.

Kate Moss magazine covers

But these are not the only news in publishing; Kate Moss, the woman the world loves to watch, decided to venture behind the camera as fashion editor for British Vogue, editing a fabulous shoot photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. "Perhaps not every editor takes her model out partying on the first night of the shoot" writes Alexandra Shulman on her editor's letter.

Daria Werbowy on Vogue UK March 2014 styled by Kate Moss

Kate Moss is known for not giving interviews and remains a mysterious figure despite being one of the most photographed women in the world. After turning 40 this year, her career shows no signs of slowing down and she continues to inspire others such as Dominique Miceli, director of Looking for Kate, an "unauthorised" documentary.

Kate Moss at Bailey's Stardust exhibition

She has also seduced the art world and graced gallery walls; the latest exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery - Bailey's Stardust - features an incredible portrait of her by the renowned photographer David Bailey. If you're in London or planning to visit the city in the near future, don't miss the opportunity to closely observe his amazing work. I leave you with "Kate Moss, Creating a Icon", a film by Nicola Graef.

Bailey's Stardust

6 February - 1 June 2014

National Portrait Gallery

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Park and Barbecue Style

This is the time to embrace the hot weather and go outside! Londoners are particularly fond of the great parks the city has proudly maintained throughout its evolution, despite the difficult challenges associated with population's growth.




Hat: Eugenia Kim, sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs, bag: Givenchy



Different locations across the city provide these cherished green spaces to walk around and sunbathe. It's really cool to see everyone enjoying the sunshine like lizards warming up their bellies in the wild.

Hat: Eugenia Kim, sunglasses: Tom Ford, bag: Marni

From Hyde Park to Pimrose Hill and Hampstead Heath, these are like oasis in the desert, where people can replenish their energy levels and relax in a serene mood induced by the primordial contact with nature.

Hat: Erick Javits, sunglasses: Gucci, bag: Phillip Lim

Another great thing about London's lifestyle is without any doubt the barbecue, whoever has a garden or a roof terrace eagerly waits for the hot weather to come in order gather friends for a healthy meal outdoors.

Hat: Eugenia Kim, sunglasses: Miu Miu, bag: Chloe

Barbecues are a great way to socialise and meet people. Sometimes things can get out of control, from people ending up on the roof to strangers joining in without being invited, but it's all about having a good time.

Hat: Free People, sunglasses: Gucci, bag: Mulberry

They can also be themed gatherings where everyone dresses up as a gangster or wears a wig. The barbecue's most common alcoholic drink is definitely Pimm's, a refreshing mix of fruits and mint.

Hat: Sensi Studio, sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

You can also enjoy this fabulous weather on a roof terrace bar, from Aqua to Shoreditch House, which has a fantastic swimming pool. London offers its magnificent views within stylish surroundings and glamorous people.

Hat: Zadig & Voltaire, sunglasses: Valentino, bag: Longchamp

Whatever you do, you will need a hat, sunglasses and a big bag to carry a magazine, a book and a sarong. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and get as much vitamin D as you can! Smile and be happy!

Hat: Burberry Prorsum, sunglasses: Prada, bag: Givenchy

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Let's Get Physical!

No, I did not grow up in the 80s, but when writing about exercise the song 'Physical' by Australian pop singer Olivia Newton-John, does come to mind. With summer holidays approaching this is definitely your last chance to get fit, so why not do it in style?

Top: Rag & Bone, leggings: Lucas Hugh, trainers: Puma

One of the most popular New Year's eve resolutions is to exercise regularly and in January the gym is always crowded, but unless you apply some effort you won't continue to enjoy its well-known benefits. 

Top: Balmain, leggings: MCQ by Alexander McQueen, trainers: Balenciaga

From supermodels to actresses and music divas, their lifestyle always involves working out. Most of them have a personal trainer and nowadays most gyms offer this service to their members, so there's no excuse to be careless. 

Top: Barbara Bui, leggings: Asos, trainers: Puma

With the weather warming up you can also go for a run in the park and interact with nature, a valuable source of energy. This post is the result of observing  how most people exercise without having fun with what they're wearing; it is possible to be stylish!

Top: Rag & Bone, leggings: Lucas Hugh, trainers: Puma

But the most important is to be healthy and accept whatever body we have. It's all about balance, eating and exercising moderately in order to enjoy life and have enough energy to deal with all its challenges with a positive frame of mind.

Top: Top Shop, leggings: MCQ by Alexander McQueen, trainers: Golden Goose

To keep our body moving is a natural way to unwind instead of the traditional drink down the Pub. My favourite look to exercise is definitely a loose fitting top, leggings and trainers, which can never be completed without colourful leg warmers.

I do enjoy having a drink with my friends from time to time, but to cope with negative emotions and circumstances, there's nothing like a good work out! From yoga to cycling, from Kung Fu to Zumba, from running to swimming, there are many activities to choose from, just pick one you truly enjoy and stick with it!  



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