Fave Fives:1st Birthday Edition – Part 1

Celebrate good times come on!! And we’ll be celebrating over the next two editions.

The Fave Fives was the idea of my editor Seb Law. Who brought it to me this time last year, and by end May Fave Fives #1 was published. Nearly one year on, awww our baby is growing up. I’ll save the speech to the end. In the meantime, it’s been a month of more brilliant events and milestones. The Herve Leger International Women’s day party, beauty brand Caudalie’s commitment to the environment. The amazing artists Brady & Clark and Oprah – yes I said Oprah! I have referenced her many times here… this time it’s an actual real-life reference – or should I say conversation! All will be revealed. I am proud and thrilled to present Part 1 of my 1^st birthday edition of Fave Fives. Whoop! Whoop!

1. Brady & Clark ‘Inside out – Outside in’ Reflections exhibition

Oliver Brady and Carmel Clark’s works of art have to be seen! I went along to The Gallery on Cork Street with two friends; Harriet and Katherine who like me are not art connoisseurs or experts. But we were blown away by their vibrant art and were stirred up by what was on display.

They lead such intriguing lives and have had careers in fashion, architecture, and latterly psychotherapy, their art comes in many forms; fabrics to design/architecture. Oliver and Carmel work together on the same piece of canvas – in unison and the result is beautiful. Carmel told me that the psychology and psychotherapy work they are both trained in, mirrors their painting. In that she is led by her clients and also led by the paint. They have a unique ritual before they start work on a piece to shed any preconceived ideas; they meditate and chant before painting. The ‘Inside out’ and ‘Outside in’ exhibition made me think deeply and also made me smile.

www.smithsinfieldfineart.com

2. Hervé Léger Party for International Women’s Day

The Managing Director of Hérve Léger Patrick Couderc is the nicest man you’ll meet. Over the last year I’ve built a great relationship with him and his team. The party was held to honour International Women’s day in March. The Knightbridge store was filled with Crumbs and Doilies cupcakes, Miller Harris scents and La Diosa jewellery showcased their latest designs.

The Champagne flowed all night. I felt uplifted to see successful women in their own right coming together to celebrate, party and buy at special women’s day discounts. I helped a few women choose the best Hérve Léger dress for them while I partied. In that environment as a stylist you never switch off. It was my pleasure, and my model friend Jenis was ‘forced’ to model some of the latest collections too. It was all in the name of fun and International Women’s Day. A reminder of how fabulous we are and what a terrible place this world would be without us.

www.herveleger.com

3. Oprah’s Lifeclass show

Immense pride and joy is what I feel when I talk about my stint on Oprah’s Lifeclass. I kept it pretty secret prior to the event. Now I’ve done it I will keep going on about it forever – don’t care!

The morning of the 16^th April I went down to the New CID cosmetics studios for make-up and hair by Michael Phillips, the only man for the job, I sincerely believe he’s one of the best out there. He transformed me into this red-carpet/TV debut person. Next step was the outfit I decided to ‘shop’ my own wardrobe and not deal with the stress of borrowing or buying. So chose a blue silk chiffon Fendi blouse, black Calvin Klein skirt, Trisori statement earrings and Dana Levy charm bracelets.

I was on the season finale ‘Gratitude’ episode with Oprah and her super-guest life coaches: Deepak Chopra, T.D. Jakes, Tony Robbins and Iyanla Vanzant. I was one of her international Skypers. To cut a long story short, because I could write a book about this. I sat for 5hrs watching and being directed as this mammoth logistical production unfolded. There were 8,500 people in the audience and it was transmitted live online to millions worldwide! It will be broadcast on US television on the 30^th April.

I asked candidly about how to lift my mother’s spirits as she has Parkinson’s and asked the life coaches for techniques. When Oprah spoke to me everything went hazy. I remember Oprah asking the audience to take a moment, and I thought, “Oh no!” “What?” She went on to say how much she loved to see and hear a black woman with an English accent and everyone was laughing and I thought they were laughing at me! But was told they weren’t. What an experience! I’m eager to see it.

This was a dream come true she is a lovely woman. No airs, no graces – just real.

www.oprah.com

4. Caudalie

Great news people, not only is Caudalie one of the best beauty brands out there. They also have great integrity as of last month, Caudalie announced that they will donate 1% of their annual worldwide turnover towards four key environmental pillars: The Amazon rainforest, sustainable palm oil without deforestation and protection of species. Help to build a sustainable, organic fairtrade shea butter industry with the women of Burkina Faso. To also work with small producers who manufacture organic essential oils in the Drôme region of France. How fantastic is that!

I will review two of their new products over the birthday editions. The S.O.S thirst quenching serum (£29) is the first, and perfect for this useless weather we’re having. It’s for dehydrated skin but is best for keeping all skin types supple and hydrated. It goes underneath your moisturiser all year round – apply, then tap it into your face and neck. Also, Caudalie uses no parabens, laurel sulphates etc. etc. I’ve used this brand for over five years and it’s beauty staple in my cabinet.

 www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

www.caudalie.com

5. Notion/Planet Notion

Writing about the best UK print and online fashion and music magazine out there isn’t hard to do. Based in one of the creative hubs of London, Shoreditch. This publication is going from strength to strength in these uncertain times. I never thought I’d find a better Editor in Chief after Matchbox print magazine until I met and worked with Seb. This man has not only given me a platform, he has trusted and supported me in all my work. The creative license I’ve been afforded makes me so grateful.

I want to say a major big up and thank you to Seb and all at Notion. Time has flown by and I’m happy to be part of this rocket of creativity. Planet Notion and Notion set the standards that others follow and that is the truth!

What an emotional issue!! Love it. People keep reading and commenting. I can handle it – most of the time. Thanks for being here and don’t go anywhere ok.

Remember the party isn’t over and that Oprah is still my ‘shero’.

Until next time..

Stay happy, stay karma.

-Camille Adomakoh – Karma-Style

@Karma_Style