BELLE
for art lovers
INSPIRATION
Where does it come from?
Inspiration comes from all around. It can come from the simplest of things. In a literary talk I attended, the poet Mary Jean Chan said that she gained inspiration when on a walk outside her home. She was struck by the roots of a tree, which to her looked like the arteries of a human being.
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRAVEL
I'm very grateful to be able to go abroad at least once every year with my family, usually every summer. My favourite places have been Lake Como, Milan, Venice, Monte Carlo, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Paris, Greece and Portugal. I gain inspiration from everything there- the experience of travelling, the climate, the culture, the art, food, people and history.
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I look forward to exploring many more places all over the world, especially parts of America and Asia, where I've never been.
MY FAVOURITE FASHION DESIGNERS & SHOWS
I'd say the fashion designer who inspires me the most is Guo Pei, a Chinese designer and actually the first Chinese designer to do Haute Couture! Which is exciting. I first found out about her through watching a BBC documentary called: 'Yellow is Forbidden'. As I'm writing this, there's only 2 days left when it will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer! But I'd definitely recommend getting a hold of it somehow and watching it. What I find so inspirational about her designs is that they are so extravagant, luxurious and over the top. Some have criticised her work, saying that it's ridiculous, but to be honest I love that. It's new, it's exciting, it's different! I'm also stunned by the amount of detail in the pieces, highlighting the immense skill of Guo in designing them, but also the hard work and effort put in by all the people who create these works of art.
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After watching the fashion shows of Thierry Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier, I really enjoyed the fact some of the people modelling the clothes were actually dancers and stage performers. It made the show an experience, a performance, and brought the clothes to life. I prefer this so much more to the models who have a blank expression on their face, looking as though they are frozen, and sometimes actually looking terrified (like Maya Henry in the Georges Hobeika 2020 bridal fashion show). Clothes make someone feel something. I believe that on a catwalk, they should tell a story, and should be accompanied by gesture, actions, expression, emotion, and if I ever get the chance to do a fashion show, I will make sure this will be the case. I do understand that sometimes having an expressionless model means that all the focus is on the clothing, which is what the show is all about, but I feel as though actually, when putting in expression and action, the show is both more enjoyable, and the clothes play a greater role.
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Finally, I would say that a personal favourite is Dolce & Gabbana. I adore their dresses and clothing!! It's incredible,and totally my dream style: feminine, beautiful and floral. My favourite show is the Alta Moda, Valley of the Temples in July 2019. I implore you to check it out! It's incredible, and the location just makes it that much more heavenly and magical. I want to explore them much more, and watch more of their fashion shows, especially the one in Lake Como. I can't wait!
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MAGAZINES & BOOKS
My favourite fashion magazine is probably Vogue. During my childhood, one of my favourite things to do was sit down indoors with my grandma on a rainy day with a pile of magazines (usually fashion and food) and look at all the outfits, ranking them in order of my favourites, and choosing which one I would wear (if only!) This dream still continues, although unfortunately I don't buy any more magazines, and I'm never able to sit down with a friend and enjoy myself in this way. One day, I want to have a splurge and buy around 10 or 15 magazines, stock up, and look through every page in detail.