brands

THE DRG STYLE INDEX: AESOP, VOGUE, AMERICAN APPAREL, HILLIER BARTLEY



Here’s the latest weekly DRG STYLE INDEX ranking, a round-up of the brands currently buzzing on my radar…

1. AESOP UNCOVERED
Aesop Dennis Paphitis interview
Aesop is one of those brands that keeps popping up, seemingly without too much effort (i.e, it’s not rammed down your throat by advertisers) (more…)



Introducing CristaSeya



CristaSeya Edition 5

Introducing a new way of producing fashion collections. In ‘editions’ rather than ‘collections’. With all editions available all the time. This is the thinking behind CristaSeya, a new-ish name I discovered on Instagram that I’m still getting my head around.

The shapes are generous and utilitarian – wide-legged martial arts pants, giant tee and tunic shapes with huge sleeves you can roll up. Plus drawstring fastenings with fat rope-like draw-cords and extremely expensive-looking but relaxed (and very oversized) felted tailoring. (more…)



On my radar: Decleor aromatherapy face balms



Decleor Aromessence AROMA SUN AND AROMA NIGHT balm

I’m a recent convert to Decleor and its deliciously hydrating face balms.

These various oily balms are made from natural essential oils that target different needs and skin concerns. The Decleor Aromessence Neroli Night Balm (£32.50 HERE) is my current favourite, with neroli the hero ingredient designed to hydrate and revitalise tired-looking skin. You use the plastic applicator to take out a teeny less-than-pea-sized amount to warm between your palms and then press into cleansed skin before bed.

I’m a complete aromatherapy freak so this is great for me. Besides the benefits of neroli (for softening and hydrating), you also have basil (to purify and heal) and camomile (to prevent the appearance of dark spots). This isn’t meant as an everyday balm but more for when you feel your skin needs a pep-up. That said, I’ve been using it every day because I love it so much – oops.

There’s also the Decleor Aroma Sun Expert After-sun Balm (£31.50 HERE) for days when I’ve been frying myself in the sun. I know that’s a no-no, but it doesn’t happen often and I do use sun protection. This ‘high repair after sun balm’ contains geranium and frankincense essential oils and does the job of calming and repairing sun-exposed skin, while also claiming to maintain a long-lasting tan (sadly I haven’t got enough of a tan to tell if this bit it true). Because you use such a small amount, it doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or cloggy.

I’m new to Decleor but have always admired from afar. While these are beauty samples, I don’t think the prices are bad for the quality of this brand and there are deals to be had if you know where to look (psst, HERE!). I’ve also been trialling a Decleor face moisturiser that launches next month but I’ll save that for another post. Watch this space…

WORDS AND IMAGE: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla



THE DRG STYLE INDEX: YVES SAINT LAURENT, M. MARTIN, DEBRETT’S, SONIA RYKIEL



Here’s the latest weekly DRG STYLE INDEX ranking, a round-up of the brands currently buzzing on my radar…

1. YVES SAINT LAURENT’S UBER-EXCLUSIVE COUTURE
Saint Laurent couture made to order

“It will be used only for ‘friends of the house,’ and can be both for men or women, daywear or evening wear. Hedi Slimane decides these orders case by case. Unlike a couture collection, this is an even more exclusive definition.” So quoth an unnamed Saint Laurent exec in the New York Times on the subject of the new Yves Saint Laurent made to order service. When everything is accessible, what could be more desirable than entry to the most exclusive even-money-can’t-buy-entry fashion club of all? (more…)