ESTILA
empowering through style and colour VOLUME 1.
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Welcome to the first Estila issue
THE STYLE TALES Welcome to the first print edition of ESTILA magazine. Out of frustration and need to fulfil my creativity, ESTILA’s story started in summer 2015 as a “High In Style” monthly digital publication. Never trained in journalism or writing, I wanted to create a publication that would be timeless and would showcase my passion for emerging British design, talent and craftsmanship. Over the past year we experimented, learned and polished the concept and the direction of this magazine. The journey that seemed very foggy at the beginning is now becoming much clearer. This first edition would never come to life without the originality and shared vision of all editors, contributors, interviewees and businesswomen behind the beautiful brands we feature in this issue. Hope you like their Style Tales. Love,
Karolina xx Karolina Barnes editor in chief
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editor's recommended reads interiors italian flair Take a peek inside this Notting Hill residence bursting with personality, sophistication and Italian contemporary style.
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style new opulence Velvets, jacquards, brocades are coming into our wardrobes, here is how to embrace them.
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black book editor's black book Our editor's go to shopping resources featuring British emerging brands, which are mainly run by mumpreneurs and creative women.
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cover LOST AMONG BOWERS Artwork by NICOLA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHER
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OUR MAGAZINE ON APPSTORE
coming soon GET NOTIFIED HERE.
Photo credit: Matthew Williamson 5
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Italian Flair words by Karolina Barnes, photography by Lauren Burns & Michal Podrucki
When the designers at Eligo Studio in Milan were approached by their Italian client, after having purchased a property in London, they knew that they were about to create a truly unusual and inspirational home. This five-storey townhouse in Notting Hill, London, embraces contemporary Italian flair to its maximum.
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Being a Grade II listed property, the designers had a challenge to transform the interior and bring it to 21st century contemporary living, exactly as the client envisaged. They worked together and injected a highly individual luxury feel by using a mix of specialist finishes such as decorative resins, bespoke Fromental wallcovering, Murano glass chandeliers and sculptural features by Barovier & Toso. Each room was given its individual personality, yet the whole home is designed in a cohesive manner, using a restricted colour scheme. Contemporary furnishing is complemented with bespoke furniture pieces and built-in storage and wardrobes. The key feature, which links all rooms together is the statement central staircase finished in Aliva’s Metroresin in highly polished azure blue.
“Each room was given its own individuality, yet the whole house is designed in a cohesive manner.” 16
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shop we love
Mairi Helena words by Karolina Banres photography by Mairi Helena Wilks
While walking through Top Drawer in London, a colourfully abstract pattern on a lampshade caught my eye. I had to go over to find out more. I met an Edinburgh based designer and photographer, Mairi Helena, behind a namesake high-end luxury home and fashion accessories label. We talked about her novel designs, which she creates using influences from her photographic portfolio of Scotland, producing abstract surface pattern designs with a very unique fine art feel that I was initially drawn to.
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1. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR THAT LED YOU TO CREATING YOUR OWN BRAND? I’ve had a bit of an unusual introduction into the world of interiors, having initially ventured down the scientific route at university. I come from a family of artists and designers and so I always remember the quizzical looks I received when I decided at the age of seven that I wanted to be a vet!! I think it’s my stubborn redheaded nature or my grit and determination ... but ultimately it was my passion to help animals that was my driving force down this initial veterinary pathway. Looking back however, it was my photography that has always played a key role in providing me with a creative escape. And although I threw myself into the veterinary profession with every desire to provide a caring and conscientious service to my patients, it was my camera lens that I relied upon to help me switch off from the demands of the job.
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designer spotlight
Matthew Williamson words by Anouska Lancaster, photography by Robin Gautier, Hill and Aubrey, James D Kelly
As I enter the lavishly decorated Osborne and Little showroom, on the uber-trendy King’s Road in Chelsea, I am full of excitement. This particular showroom is like home from home for me; a second office, but today is different.
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Today, I am meeting one of my icons – Matthew Williamson. Dressed down in jeans and a fitted white T-shirt, Matthew is warm andapproachable. I would even go as far as saying that he is somewhat shy and modest. It is clear to see that Matthew Williamson is not corrupted by fame. Nor is he in this high powered and glamorous industry for fame or for egotistical reasons. Matthew seems flattered by my compliments and is interested in my opinions and feedback as we browse his latest collection for Osborne and Little, aptly named “Durbar”. A sweet shop of jewelled colours and exquisite pattern, each design jumps out at you, as if the animals and insects are alive and in touching distance. I have always been a huge fan of Matthew Williamson and after today even more so. As a designer myself, I’m captivated as he explains the concept of each design and the thought process from start to finish for each one. I am intrigued to hear about what Matthew refers to as his DNA. He explains to me that this is own, uncompromising and unapologetic trademark look that has developed and progressed over the last 20 years. Matthew’s strength and courage to make bold decisions about the future of his business has most certainly paid off. Matthew has now seamlessly manoeuvered his iconic fashion label into a full 360 degree lifestyle brand.
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1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE DESIGN WORLD? I’ve been in fashion now for 20 years with my namesake company and have focused most of my attention and time on that, but have always loved interiors and been just as passionate about interior design. I knew I wanted to be a designer from childhood when I used to make over my bedroom and make outfits for my schoolmates. I was particularly fascinated with my mother’s fashion sense in the late 70s early 80s and so, I guess, she inspired me to work in the field I do. I studied fashion design and printed textiles at Central St Martin’s in London at the age of 17 and then went on to work for Monsoon before founding my own company in 1997 with my business partner Joseph Velosa. I’m thrilled to have come this far with an established DNA in fashion and now love the expansion into homeware with the lines we are adding to create a 360 degree lifestyle brand.
“I knew I wanted to be a designer from childhood when I used to makeover my bedroom and make outfits for my schoolmates.” 2. HOW HAS YOUR BACKGROUND HELPED YOU LAUNCH YOUR COMPANY? I grew up and was educated in Manchester, which is such a great, energetic and creative city. I remember so vividly, in particular as a teenager, the mods, punks and Goths, the club and music scene with the Stone Roses and Happy Monday’s and the achingly cool Hacienda club at the time. I was exposed to all this in my teens and I’m sure it helped to shape my next steps and gave me confidence to be different. My work ethic comes from my parents. They worked hard and long hours and instilled in me the idea that you should work hard, be proud of what you do, to try and enjoy it and make the most of it, which I still do. I feel lucky to have a job I love and I think that’s in part due to my upbringing and surroundings at the time.
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little treasures discovered
Sophisticated Accessories words by Karolina Barnes, photography by Karolina Barnes, Athina Bluff
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THE COIL STORY The Serpentine Coil necklace is a true statement piece created from polished and matte brass. The twisted forms are soft and feminine, creating a gorgeous and timeless shape. The designer, Ale, has created this stunning collection inspired by Mobius Strip and spiral patterns. This is a perfect jewellery accessory for those wishing to make a bold, and stylish statement. Available at www.layanalondon.com.
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THE SCARF STORY The Paradisaea Caeruleus beautiful hand rolled 100% silk scarf is designed in house by Santorus London. It features imagined azure bird of paradise prettily perched against an ornately decorated parchment with flashes of Venetian red. Size 134 x 134cm. Available at www.santorus.com.
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THE CLUTCH STORY Bell & Fox launched in AW 2015 with a mission to create a modern collection of leather handbags and accessories, combining style, quality and function, as an accessible luxury. This animal blue print “Pony” leather crossbody & wristlet clutch has a removable shoulder / crossbody strap and a removable wristlet strap to take you from day to night. Available at www.bellandfox.com.
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Kim Winser words by Karolina Barnes, photography provided by Winser London
Kim Winser OBE is recognised as one of the UK’s most internationally renowned and inspirational businesswomen in Britain. She was appointed as Marks & Spencer’s first female and youngest ever Divisional Board Director. As Chief Executive Officer, she went on to successfully deliver turnarounds in the iconic British heritage brands Pringle and Aquascutum, and also joined Natalie Massenet as special adviser to Net-a-Porter. After her business experiences, in 2013 Kim launched her own fashion label, Winser London, using a new business model: to directly supply via e-commerce with limited pop-up shops. This results in luxury quality with a styling service, yet at affordable prices.
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Los Angeles words and photography by Karolina Banres
Due to its perfect climate, Los Angeles is one of the cities, which you can visit any time, any season. The Los Angeles County is spread over a wide area, so you will definitely need a car to get from one place to another.
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stay From our own experience, accommodation in LA can be little bit disappointing. Don’t trust glossy brochures and picture-perfect imagery, I recommend that you read reviews or ask friends for advice. Here is a hotel, which we personally stayed at or visited, and which deliver on comfort, quality and service.
THE VICEROY HOTEL Famously designed by Kelly Wearstler, this hotel is not only a great place to stay at but also to visit for a design masterclass in its own right. Its interior merges classic sophistication with contemporary chic creating a truly unique modern luxury.
photo credit: Viceroy Santa Monica, Christian Horan 87
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“open up & inspire”
Grace Bonney words by Karolina Barnes, photography by Christopher Sturman, Sasha Israel
Grace Bonney is the founder of Design*Sponge, a daily website dedicated to the creative community. Originally founded in 2004 as a design blog, Design*Sponge evolved into a creative platform, which currently reaches over 2 million readers per day. Grace has worked as a contributing editor at House & Garden, Domino and Craft magazines. She’s passionate about supporting women in creative businesses. Her latest book, which is published in October 2016, is an inspirational and empowering collection of interviews and portraits of 100 women who are leaders across a diverse range of races, ages, backgrounds and creative industries. I spoke to Grace to find out more about her mission with this stunning book.
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