18 May, 2013

Pinterest for the UK

Last week saw the launch of Pinterest in the UK. Which you might think weird because, um, haven’t we in the UK all been using it for yonks? Well yes, but it seems the site is keen to have some more localised content too, which is why it has decided to flag up a few Brit bloggers and pinners to encourage some more UK-centric pinning.

Not that my pins are necessarily UK-centric (Ok, they’re categorically not), but there might be an underlying Brit style coming through… maybe. Anyway, if you’re a pinner, you can follow all or some of my Pinterest boards here. I’ve just created a new one called ‘gentlewoman style‘ which is my tribute to sophisticated, cultured women with a bit of a boy-girl twist. (more…)

Disneyrollergirl 2 Comments Bloggers, News, Technology design, gentlewoman style, Pinterest, social curation

16 May, 2013

Workshop visit: The Hermes silk scarf workshops in Lyon

Hermes-Festival-Des-Metiers

“It takes two years to make and two minutes to buy!” So says Kamel Hamadou, the affable communications manager of Hermès silk, hosting a rare tour of the company’s silk printing facilities in Lyon. Two weeks ago I was invited on a whirlwind trip to learn the many meticulous stages of making one of those familiar silk ‘carrés’ of which I’m the proud owner of a few, neatly folded and stored in their equally familiar flat orange boxes.

My most astonishing discovery? The utter complexity of printing involved in a silk scarf of many colours. The average scarf has around 30 colours, of which each shade has its own precise mixing process. The printing itself has to be seen to be believed, but next week, you’ll have the chance to see it all when Hermès’ Festival Des Metiers lands on the London leg of its world tour. (more…)

Disneyrollergirl 6 Comments Brands, Design, Events, Technology accessories, behind the scenes, craft, exhibitions, factory visit, heritage, Hermes, how it's made, long read, luxury, scarves

13 May, 2013

What’s the fuss about Google Plus?

I joined Google Plus a long time ago but like a lot of people, I never really got my head around it. And at that stage you couldn’t have brand Pages, only personal profiles so I couldn’t have one for my blog. (It doesn’t like pseudonyms and refused to believe my name was ‘Disney Rollergirl’ for some reason – can’t think why). However a while later, when it launched Pages, I gave it another go and now populate it the way I do Facebook. I also follow a bunch of fashion bloggers and brands so it works like a kind of Google Reader, allowing me to read their blog posts and updates in an easily digested format. (more…)

Disneyrollergirl 0 Comments Bloggers, Brands, Technology Bag Snob, Google Hangouts, Google Plus, Lyst, social media, technology, Topshop, Vanity Fair, Versace, Versus, Youtube

23 March, 2013

Catherine Baba for Nars

Like thousands of other, I love Lisa Eldridge and her excellent how-to ‘beaut-orial’ videos. But here’s something a bit different that I spotted on her Facebook page today. It’s a film for the new NARS Satin Lip Pencils featuring Canadian pop star Sarah Ruba (beauty-wise a cross between Angelina Jolie and Lana Del Rey) and the inimitable Catherine Baba. Quentin Jones directed the vid with Lisa Eldridge wielding the powder brush.

There really does seem to be an effort by brands to feature more diverse examples of style and beauty and it’s great that true originals like Baba are getting featured in beauty campaigns, just because they’re fabulous, not because they ‘look good for their age’ (a ghastly phrase if ever there was one). The video has also caused a bit of buzz due to its interactive technology that allows the viewer to dictate the storytelling. (You can see that version here.) Watch and enjoy Catherine Baba slinking across the screen in kimono-arm-party-gown-fest awesomeness as only she can…