Faves Fives Birthday edition – Part II
I know, I know it’s been a little while since Part I, this is due to continuous celebrations including my birthday. As always so much as happened since the last edition. Am still absorbing my ‘Oprah’ moment – 63million+ views last time I checked!
This edition features the outstanding Campioni exhibition and party, perfect birthday gifts from British jewellery designers Maria Lau and Jewellery Personalised, and a Sicilian wedding under the stars…
Let’s get this party started….
1. Campioni Exhibition and Party Milan, Italy
This was Domenico Dolce’s first exhibition showcasing his photography. Campioni is his book of character portraits of future stars of football. There are beautiful pictures of beautiful men. It’s definitely one for the coffee table that will be hard to put down.
During the exhibition the England vs. Italy semi-final was screened live, Italian and UK flags were everywhere. I was part of the minority British fashion contingent vehemently cheering our team on among the hundreds of Italians!
Both events culminated in one hell of a crescendo. Everyone I mean everyone in the Metropol threw away their inhibitions; and danced in the midst of exploding silver confetti and sang the night away to the DJ, live band and a trio of singers I called ‘The Italian Supremes’ who thrilled us with their performances of classic party tunes.
Designer clothing, make-up and hairdos melted into a sea of sweat and no one cared. We were all having such a fantastic time – high on life with a little help from Moët et Chandon and Belvedere Vodka.
Watching Anna Dello Russo (ADR) and the Battaglia sisters get on stage when the ‘Supremes’ were on a break, and ADR playing air guitar captured the fun-packed mood of the night. At one point, a Vogue Italia photographer was taking a picture of the insanely stunning and charismatic Enrique Palacios, and without him realising I pretended to kiss him on his cheek from the side. The picture was priceless and Enrique was none the wiser.
It was monumental – one of best parties I’ve ever been to! I am under no illusion next fashion season we’ll all go back to being ‘sensible’. Do you remember when I wrote about the London Net–a-Porter party for D&G last year? Where I refused alcohol and only drank water – wanting to be on my best behaviour!?! Ha! What a difference a year makes eh!
Credits: Dolce & Gabbana
2. Maria Lau – Phosporous AW12 collection
I met Maria around the time when I first started writing Fave Fives. We were at an event that I can’t recall. We hit it off straight away as we discussed our lines of business without any snootiness. From that meeting I knew I’d like her designs. Now I can honestly say I don’t just like but I love her designs. They are futuristic and tactile. This Phosporous collection I believe is one of her best with many stand out pieces; she marries sexiness with chic elegance. I’ve pre-ordered a few pieces from this collection. Maria’s designs will stand the test of time. She’s one of the many British designers we need to keep supporting.
3. Jewellery Personalised
Jewellery Personalised have made custom pieces for Rihanna and other celebs but more importantly made a beautiful piece for me. Commissions start from just £28 and styles range from traditional to on-trend. Being a true hip-hop chic, a 9ct gold name necklace was the perfect choice for me. It’s a great British company that gives you many choices for differing budgets: from sterling silver, gold with diamonds or gold and silver plate. They send a digital mock-up of your design beforehand, so you’ll have a surefire idea of what you’ll receive. This was a fabulous birthday gift and one of my faves. I chose Karma-Style instead of my birth name so not to encourage stalkers.
www.jewellerypersonalised.co.uk
4. A Sicilian wedding Sicily, Italy
I’ve travelled to many parts of Italy over the years but this was my first venture down South. I flew into Catania, as soon as I landed it seemed disaster would loom. British Airways left my luggage in London. Leaving me feeling lost and lonely in Catania and unable to travel down to Rosolini. The kindness shown to me by Sicilians was overwhelming. They eased my unfamiliar territory and lost luggage neurosis. I also learnt a whole new way of crossing the road. I am not religious but at one point I was praying to not be run over – because those crazy drivers do not stop!
Reunited with my luggage, I finally made the trip down to Rosolini 24hrs later. Once I got there all my troubles disappeared and I experienced the raw heat of the sun and the chilled pace of the locals.
Valeria and Manuel’s wedding was traditionally Sicilian with readings in Swedish incorporating the groom’s maternal heritage. The dinner and party under the stars with the brightest full moon was out of this world – as was the venue in Marina de Ragusa. It felt magical and they are true soulmates.
At some point in the wee hours, I took my place reluctantly in the single girl’s huddle for the throwing of the bouquet after being made to by Valeria. With her back to us she threw that bouquet like an NFL Quarterback! The girls went mental for the catch and I just stood there, and lo and behold, it bounced off them and headed towards me at high-speed! I had no choice….and caught the bouquet!
5. Caudalie Moisturizing Matifying Fluid
In Sicily, this was a lifesaver in the 40-degree+ heat. It’s a unique product; it moisturizes and de-shines. Similar products sacrifice hydration for the effect – not this product. I’ve used this continuously over the last few months as I’ve been away a lot. I haven’t got the full benefit of using it here in the UK just yet, as my combination skin hasn’t had much opportunity to get shiny. Am holding out for summer (and not holding my breath). If you have an oily or combination skin this is perfect for you, also if you don’t have a primer use this instead. Don’t forget Caudalie donate 1% of their turnover to environmental projects.
I took a deep breath and I asked myself what has the past year taught me? To never stop living and loving life and be grateful for good friends, family and people I’ve yet to meet as I truly believe only good come regardless of the situation.
I look forward to another year in Karma-Style where I can continue to document and share the coolest events, art, people, beauty products, designers and more with you.
Let’s raise a glass to Fave Fives – Cheers!
Once again, thank you guys for reading and sticking with me. Oh yes and the feedback – please don’t forget the feedback!
Until next time…
Stay happy, stay karma
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