Current Obsessions...

Top 5 current Illamasqua Head Office obsessions....

1. Kiki De Montparnasse Scented Candles

These all-natural candles are just lovely. We currently have 'Boudoir' burning at HO - I am not sure of the actual ingredients as I have checked the packaging and the website for a list, but I do know that it smells woody, earthy and very addictive. Plus, how gorgeous is the packaging?!


2. The Gossip - Music for Men

The latest album from Beth Ditto and her band, this is a real screamer of an album! Definitely worth checking out.


3. PPQ Laptop bags for Vodafone

Based on the very chic Gabriel bag, this elegant offering from PPQ is exclusive to Vodafone - I love the deep red croc-print and the size that will take you from office to bar. Seriously coveting one of these babies right now! Check here for more info.


4. Collette Dinnigan Autumn/ Winter RTW collection

A dark collection with a nod to the gothic trends that are set to be reignited next season, this was a beautiful collection full of dramatic but very wearable pieces that showcased intricate detailing and a playful mix of textures.


5. Nail Varnish in 'Loella'

I recently discovered how this product got it's name! Loella is the name of Guillaume Vappereau's [the celebrated hairdresser] daughter Loella, who is also Maurice [our HR manager's] Goddaughter! Loella is just such a lovely name for a shimmering bubble gum pink Nail Varnish, don't you think?

** Thanks to Marcio Madeira for the Collette Dinnigan image and to thenailphile for the Loella swatch! **

The Next Episode...

For those of you that follow Illamasqua on Twitter, you will know that we had our Autumn Winter collection photo shoot on Friday. Very exciting times! Organised and co-ordinated by Kate, the team had an early 8am start and was eventually finished well into Friday night...

The shoot was at a studio in London and we had a formidable team including:

Alex Box - no introduction needed! Plus her fab assistant Suzy.

Lee Bennett - Art Director.

Natalie Hargreaves - General organiser of time!

Matthew Shave, photographer - A photographer with a special talent in fashion and beauty photography, Matthew's clients include Jimmy Choo, Vogue, Elle, Harpers and GQ.

Guillaume Vappereau, hairdresser - A regular at the London, Paris and New York fashion weeks, Guillaume has worked with such influential names as Basso and Brooke, Emanuel Ungaro and Issa and now has his own luxury salon in Winchester.

Susie Lloyd, stylist - Having worked with clients such as The Feeling, The Noisettes, Kate Nash and Sadie Frost, Susie Lloyd is an established stylist with a great reputation in the fields of fashion and music.

Sophy Robson, Nail Artist - Nail maestro Sophy is a regular at the London and Paris catwalk shows and has her own Nailcare Clinic at the prestigious London department store Fortnum and Mason that has an elite celebrity clientele. She creates looks for the likes of Tom Ford, Vivienne Westwood and a host of magazines from Vogue to Harpers. If you love nails, make sure you follow her blog!

I also have a sneaky peaky photo from the shoot.... but I can't say anything more just yet other than think Sirens.... then think opposite.... not very helpful am I ;)