From Mexico to the North Sea, award-winning jeweller Monica Vinader is constantly being inspired and creating the unexpected. If you missed her handbag catch up here and read on to discover more about her life and loves, and the surprising hobby of choice for this fabulous designer.

I’ve had quite an adventurous life. I’ve travelled a lot and lived everywhere from the depths of Patagonia to a biosphere in Mexico. But Mexico is still the place that sets off a little bell inside me. It’s the craft, the history, the vibrancy, the food – and the unabashed use of colour. It’s like India in that respect. Where else would you see houses painted in cerise pink? It’s on clothes, walls, chairs, crockery – those pops of colour are very inspirational to me.

From her views of the North Sea to the vibrancy of Mexico, Monica’s inspiration is vast

Norfolk is where I live and work now, it’s a good creative space. When I look out of my office window I see the North Sea on one side and fields on the other. I get my London fix a couple of days a week but I don’t think I’d live there again – and Norfolk has quite a scene, it’s creative and stimulating with a great mix of people from farmers to writers and artists. But I wouldn’t have been a designer if I hadn’t left Spain and moved to London when I was 18. I went to art school there and the freedom and creativity was such an eye opener.

Monica’s studio is filled with inspirational colours and textures from around the world.

Jewellery is incredibly special, people can wear one piece for years without taking it off – that fascinates me. I watch people play with their jewellery and I see how it becomes a part of them and the way they express themselves.

My Fiji friendship bracelets were designed as Talismans. I don’t want to overdo the spirituality but I like the meanings, especially if they’re being given away. Pink for love, navy for courage…. and I’m just selecting colours for a new range of summer limited editions.

Fiji Bracelets

Simplicity can be the hardest thing to achieve but always expresses a huge confidence. My designs are bold but simple, and my clothing is simple too. I love tailoring – a good pattern and a good cut, like a Stella McCartney jacket. My home is a little different – fresh and eclectic. I have 1950’s alongside oriental next to French, all mixed in with things I’ve brought back from my travels. And lots and lots of light, for me that’s really important.

Lace Square Ring 18CT Gold Vermeil Labradorite

I love colour but not on my face. I’ve always been about maintenance and grooming rather than make-up – good skincare, a great haircut and colour. I’m obsessed with Crème De La Mer and Perricone MD, I use Acyl-Glutathione, there’s one for the face and one for eyes, I use both. They’ve transformed my face, there’s no two ways about it.

If I didn’t make my own jewellery I’d wear Pippa Small. I love what Alexis Bittar is doing too, he’s fabulously creative and has that vintage thing going on. And Line Vautrin, who made jewellery in the 1940s – I discovered her work at art school and have loved it ever since. I like 1950s vintage too, Van Cleef and Cartier. I have a lot of my Mother’s but it’s not easy to wear. Layered with other things maybe, every so often.

Playing with my daughter is my stress-control, she’s five and a half. And fly-fishing, that’s what I do to really relax, it’s so meditative.

International makeup artist and go-to brand consultant Wendy Rowe chats to us from her yellow-cab morning commute in New York City. How Wendy manages to find time for anything but work we don’t know but one thing’s for sure – we’re feeling rather jealous of all her jet-setting!

Today I’m… working with Victoria’s Secret doing the face and body makeup for their catalogue shoot. I’m also trying to juggle my work as Burberry Beauty’s Creative Consultant and searching for a flat in London!!

I’ve been up since… the early hours, I wanted to get a workout in before I needed to be at work so I had to get up super early. I’ve had my obligatory protein shake too, they always have breakfast at work but that’s the beginning of the end for me!

My working wardrobe is… fashionably comfortable, if that even exists! I wear heels in the studio and I try to avoid wearing white tops especially when body makeup is on the agenda. I have flats in my bag so I can walk home at the end of the day; I live quite close to the studio, but not close enough to wear heels.

I’m always the one with the… vitamins and protein shakes. I’m also known for carrying skincare in abundance, I’m a little obsessed. I travel so much you never know what the environment is going to be like, windy, cold, you just don’t know so I carry something for all weathers.

I’m really looking forward to… seeing the pictures that we are creating, it’s so satisfying to see it all come together – chatting and having a laugh with everyone on set makes the day fun. Lunch is definitely a highlight of my day because it’s the one meal I can eat what I want without feeling guilty.

I couldn’t work without… my iPhone – I would be lost without the calendar. I never know what I’m doing because it changes every minute but if I have my phone I’m covered.

My nine-to-five idol is… MUA Dick Page, I worked with him when I first started out in the beauty industry he was really encouraging. He’s also English which I love, I’m drawn to him, he has a great sense of style.

If I wasn’t here I’d be… Playing tennis, researching for my next job, or just relaxing with friends. I love spending time with friends, it’s so important to me. I don’t get much spare time and it can be quite lonely travelling all the time so when I do have a spare evening it’s what I like to do most.

When I clock off I’ll… review any products sent to me today by Burberry – I have to feedback my comments, say what I like and what I don’t etc. Then I’ll plan what I need to pack for my trip to Texas on Wednesday when I’ll be shooting with British Vogue.

]]> http://blog.whatsinmyhandbag.com/2012/04/a-day-in-the-life-wendy-rowe/feed/ 0 http://blog.whatsinmyhandbag.com/2012/04/wimh-loves-exmouth-market/ http://blog.whatsinmyhandbag.com/2012/04/wimh-loves-exmouth-market/#comments Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:35:38 +0000 Sophie http://blog.whatsinmyhandbag.com/?p=411 Illustration by Vic Lee

It’s about time WIMH revealed a little more, and we’re not talking mini skirts or spaghetti straps. Having spilled the secrets of our pre-summer satchel (if you missed it catch up here), hold tight for a tour of our favourite places…

We can often be found roaming the streets of Exmouth Market, in search of the latest quirky home, fashion or food triumph – so it’s safe to say we know our stuff.

For coffee connoisseurs…you won’t find better than Caravan, the restaurant, bar and roastery, spilling out from the corner of Exmouth Market. Whether it’s a flat white (the coffee of choice for our CTO) or a cheeky hot chocolate, the genius baristas at Caravan can whip up almost anything. For those who need a more regular fix they also sell bags of beans to go so you can re-create the Caravan experience from the comfort of your own home (well minus the latte-art that is!).

For something a little different… it has to be G N Furniture, the hidden gem of Exmouth Market, retailing the very best in mid-century modern lifestyle pieces. If we’re not descending on G N Furniture for an impromptu photoshoot, we’re finding any excuse to drop in and play with Ron, the most adorable Daschund around. Well worth a visit if you ask us.

For letting our hair down… we love nothing better than a passionfruit cocktail from Dollar Grills & Martinis, the American style restaurant on the corner of Exmouth Market. We’ve heard the gourmet grill is one of the best in town, but it’s the downstairs Las Vegas/Sex in the City style cocktail bar we can’t get enough of!

For some of the finest food around… our restaurant of choice is the bustling tapas haven, Morito. Grab yourself a window seat for some super-stylish people watching, order 6 or 7 (we’ve been assured this isn’t too many) dishes to share, and enjoy a little bit of authentic Spanish charm. FYI, we’re rather partial to the lamb and prune tagine if you must know.

For that little bit of luxury… We love jewellery shop Mc Caul. All the charm and tradition of a small family jeweller, but with designs, both custom made and off-the-shelf, to rival those of any big name. With their workshop on-site, we highly recommend giving this place a visit, preferably with man+wallet in tow. Our CEO has first hand experience of just how many brownie points a piece of jewellery from Mc Caul can get you!

The final desk to be invaded by WIMH belongs to Lisa Oxenham, Beauty Director of Marie Claire. A burst of sunshine brights and summer essentials, Lisa’s desk has got us hankering for a holiday… If you missed it, take a sneaky peek here, and read on to discover how at the tender age of just 4 years old, this beauty buff was already on the road to success with her first beauty venture…

My big break… I did work experience as fashion assistant at More magazine for 6 weeks – then went into beauty PR as there were no jobs going in fashion. I fell in love with the complexities of the beauty world and a few years later More got back in touch and employed me as beauty writer. I stayed at more for 4 years and loved every second.

My beauty icon… Kate Moss is my everything icon – I love her sense of style, her attitude and her beauty. She always looks amazing – from hanging out backstage at Glasto to the interview we did together at Claridges. She looks great and her effortlessness is what makes her so attractive.

My formative beauty moment… My mum was an Avon lady and she used to let me and my cousins play with her sets. I set up shop with them and did make-overs from the age of four. If that’s not formative I don’t know what is…

Eavesdropped from an MUA… There’s one make-up artist that gets her models to do smudgy liner themselves for a not-so-perfect effect.

Balm, lipstick or gloss… Balm all the way, baby! I try to love lipstick and go for it when I’m DJing but in the beauty world balm helps me to look groomed.

My default face… I love a healthy glow – but that’s created with Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF50 – a primer that makes my face dewy as well as protecting against pollution and UV rays and a MAC Bronzing Cream. I only wear Laura Mercier concealer where I need it – around my nostrils and chin and I do without foundation. I like seeing my skin – and I don’t want to cover up my freckles. I’ve used YSL Touche Eclat for over a century around my eyes and to highlight my cheekbones. My brows are very fair so I use YSL Brow Pencil in 3, a slick of Clinique Glossy Mascara in Brown – it isn’t as harsh as black – and finish off with a slick of By Terry Rose Lip balm, which takes down the redness in my lips and nourishes at the same time.

Always in my bathroom… Aromatherapy Associates oils – they make my bathroom smell like a spa. I love any oils with sandalwood and lemon. L’Oreal Professionnel or Kerastase for hair, Neom candles and Darphin shower gels – they smell delicious and wake me up every morning.

My beauty shame… God – loads – I’m the most ungroomed beauty editor in London! I run out of the gym with wet hair, I don’t like manicures – I never wear a colour on my toes and I love the sunshine – although I do wear SPF, the sun just makes me happy…

Today’s desk on our table top tour is fit-to-bursting with beauty booty. Joanna McGarry, Beauty Director of Stylist Magazine has every eventuality covered with her well-stocked workspace. If you missed it catch up here, and read on to discover the products she can’t live without and the bad habits this beauty buff just can’t kick.

My big break… I interned in the fashion team at Sunday Times Style then due to a reshuffle in the department was asked if I could then help out on the beauty desk. After three months, I was stony broke but started to get paid for the odd single page that I put together. I stuck at it and worked harder than I ever thought I was capable of and six months later, I was given the role of Commissioning Editor (Beauty). Two and a half years passed and I then took on the Beauty Director role at Stylist magazine.

My beauty icon… 90’s Madonna

My formative beauty moment… Probably peeking into the drawers of my mother’s dressing table, aged five, to find the fifteen different coral lipsticks that she kept for decades, refusing to ever throw them away no matter how stubby and old. That’s probably where I get my obsession with bold lipstick from.

Eavesdropped from an MUA… Taking time to massage in your serum or moisturiser can completely transform the way your foundation looks. Skincare and make-up go hand in hand. Oh, and to not be afraid to use your fingers to apply make-up.

Balm, lipstick or gloss… Lipstick, always. My Irish heritage means that my skin is a pretty flat white – a swipe of bright lipstick makes me look and feel alive.

My default face… Either Lancôme Photogenic Lumessence (now sadly discontinued in my shade), or Diorskin Nude foundation, stippled on with MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush. A dusting of pressed powder (any really, I go through them so quickly) over my T-zone and a slick of MAC Brow Set in Beguile – a non-negotiable in my make-up bag, to darken, define and groom my brows. Then a touch of Stila Convertible Colour in Lilium on the apples of my cheeks and whichever red lipstick I have to hand. I use Chanel Le Crayon Khôl in Clair on the lower waterline of my eyes to brighten them and finish with Kevyn Aucoin mascara. It’s actually quite a lot when I think about it.

Always in my bathroom… Eve Lom Cleanser, Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil in Deep Relax, Kérastase Bain de Force shampoo.

My beauty shame… Tonnes. Taking virtually no care of my nails and cutting them way to short. Leaving too much time between hair colour appointments which means I’m usually sporting the rooty look. Not taking off my mascara at night. Applying my make-up on the 38 bus.

My fantasy trolley dash… Celine for clothes and accessories. Colette in Paris for clothes, accessories and a really brilliant beauty edit.

It’s almost the end of our desk-top tour, but don’t panic, there are still a few awaiting our invasion. Today’s subject is the ever-so-stylish Alice Ripman, Beauty Director of InStyle Magazine. Jam-packed with beauty goodness, we’re beginning to think beauty products are what desk drawers were made for – who needs stationary anyway? If you missed out, take a look here and read on for our exclusive Q&A.

My big break… I guess it was leaving B to start at InStyle as I’m still here! No day is the same, which I love. I could be in NYC, LA, Paris or London and get to interview amazing celebrities regularly. The first star I ever interviewed was Liv Tyler and she was very sweet to me. We chatted in Paris over macaroons and I was in total awe.

My beauty icon… I think Nicole Richie always looks great, as does Miranda Kerr. It’s the worst kept secret that I am obsessed with Whitney Port too. And I’d like to age like Cindy Crawford please. Being face-to-face with Jessica Alba was quite breathtaking, she’s a true beauty.

My formative beauty moment… I remember my mum taking me to The Body Shop to buy some clear mascara as a treat. I obviously wasn’t ready for black! We used to go there to get bath bombs, fruit-shaped soap and bubble bath. We were obsessed with Rimmel‘s Heather Shimmer at school and we all smelt of Impulse. Oh the glamour!

Eavesdropped from an MUA… Bobbi Brown taught me to lightly pat face serum over my foundation for an instant dewy glow and it really works.

Balm, lipstick or gloss… Balm – chapped lips drive me crackers and no lip colour will look nice if your lips are flaky.

My default face… I use Clinique Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator as a primer, then Stila Illuminating Foundation and Convertible Color. Benefit’s new Sun Beam is amazing too – a summer glow in a bottle. I also use Benefit They’re Real Mascara. Then Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eye Shadow in Permanent Taupe, Mac Impeccable Brow Pencil in Fling and Clarins lip and eye balm on my lips.

Always in my bathroom… L’Oréal Professionel Mythic Oil, Skinceuticals Skin Care (especially the Hydrating B5 Gel and Equalizing Toner) and Sisley Soapless Foaming Cleanser.

My beauty shame… Maybe being too bossy with my sister-in-laws about regular manicures and pedicures! I’m also terrible at getting my hair cut. I hate it, more than a trip to the dentist. I probably go twice a year, which should probably be increased.

My fantasy trolley dash… I’d have to say Sephora in NYC. It’s exciting as there isn’t one in the UK and they house some great brands as well as their own. They do a multi-tasking cream which can be used on your face, body, hands, nails and hair and I swear by it.

Today’s desk rummage revealed the well-stocked workspace of Grazia‘s Beauty Director, Liz Hambleton. If you missed it, take a tour around her enviable desktop here and read on to discover her balmy beauty tip and must-have bathroom essentials.

My big break… I got a placement at InStyle magazine after sending out a trillion letters and emails! I found beauty before fashion and loved it immediately.

My beauty icon… I will always love Kate Moss. Growing up with her as a style icon definitely influenced the way I like to look and my references aesthetically now.

My formative beauty moment… My mum’s amazing Leichner foundation – a creamy, thick theatrical base used by actresses. I also loved using her Giorgio Armani Beverly Hills fragrance. My very first item of make-up was a fabulous mauve lipstick from Rimmel called Heather. I can still remember the way it smelt to this day.

Eavesdropped from an MUA… Make-up artist Wendy Rowe told me to use a high factor sunscreen ( La Roche Posay is her favourite) under my make-up to fake a glowy sheen. I always listen to anything Gucci Westman has to say about skincare; at the moment I’m rotating my cleansing regime between an oil ( Bobbi Brown), a creamy wash-off cleanser ( Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish) and nourishing cream ( Eminence Coconut Milk Cleanser) on her advice.

Balm, lipstick or gloss… As much as I’d love to be a polished lipstick I’m so not. A balm is my best friend and I use it on my eyelids and cheekbones as well. Lanolips is my current crush.

My default face… Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Sand to hide dark circles, Lancôme Hydra Zen Tinted Moisturising Cream to add a glow and Stila Convertible Colour in Peony on my cheeks. If I wear mascara it’s always Blinc which goes on like a normal mascara but only comes off with warm water.

Always in my bathroom… Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, Clarins Treatment Oil and Weleda Skin Food.

My beauty shame… Well, I hardly ever get my very long hair cut – twice a year at the most.

My fantasy trolley dash… Fashion-wise it would be Selfridges or Bergdorf Goodman in NY – both stock all my favourites; Zadig & Voltaire, Isabel Marant etc and beauty counter-wise it would be a toss up between Sisley for their luxe anti-aging goodies and Chanel or Bobbi Brown for make-up.

The next desk WIMH has descended upon is that of Company Magazine’s Beauty Director, Sophie Qureshi. A floral affair filled with pint-sized essentials, you can take a peek here if you missed it. Using all restraint possible, we managed to ask this beauty maven some exclusive questions before we ran to the florist in the hope of sprucing up our own desks! Read on and discover just how Sophie started her career and some of her top tips for applying makeup…

My big break… I entered Emap’s New Writers Talent Scholarship through the Guardian. The prize was a 9 month contract working four days a week on one of their titles and one day a week doing a journalism post-grad course. After that, I managed to persuade them to keep me on!

My beauty icon… Olivia Palermo – would kill to look as groomed as she does.

My formative beauty moment… Stealing some of my mum’s Guerlain Météorites (one ball in each colour) and hiding them in my own little pot.

Eavesdropped from an MUA… Applying foundation only where you really need it, rather than all over your face – it stops you getting that mask-like look.

Balm, lipstick or gloss… Tinted balm – all the colour without the goop.

My default face… By Terry Sheer Expert Foundation or Lancôme Ageless Minérale, Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara, Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil, Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, Bobbi Brown Blush, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm.

Always in my bathroom… Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, Skinceuticals PhloretinCF, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.

My beauty shame… Messing with tiny imperfections and making them a million times worse – I should really know better.

My fantasy trolley dash… Selfridges – it’s got it all!

Today’s stop on our directors desk tour was Alice du Parcq from Easy Living. Her light and bright workspace was filled with daytime essentials (if you missed it, take a peek here). We caught up with the motorcycle-loving beauty queen to bring you an exclusive Q&A you don’t want to miss – it’s safe to say we’ll never dismiss our armpits as a beauty tool again…

My big break… It happened last Monday! I started as Beauty & Health Director at Easy Living, which is a dream role. I have a fantastic editor who I’ve worked for before at my previous magazine, Condé Nast Brides, where she pushed me to become a confident writer, delegator and copy editor, and how to open my mind and think laterally to produce original ideas. I’ll be joining the magazine after its relaunch so the pressure’s on to maintain its new kudos (but it’s a good kind of pressure!) I’ll miss Brides though: working on a niche title forces you to be as creative as possible and raise your standards, plus the current editor is inspiring and exciting.

My beauty icon… I’m drawn to ‘chameleon’ models that can work within any brief and Natalia Vodianova embodies that. She can look 14 one minute, then 30 the next. Severe and cold, then fresh and sunny. Without wearing a shred of make-up she can still be utterly captivating and beautiful. That’s pretty iconic.

My formative beauty moment… My grandmother played a major part in my interest in beauty products. She was all Lauder lipsticks, Giorgio Beverly Hills perfume and Arden compacts, but the product I remember most vividly is her pot of Guerlain Météorites. At the age of eight I was obsessed with those little pastel balls scented with Parma Violets – I even tried eating one to check if they tasted as good as they smelt.

Eavesdropped from an MUA… It was from Frederic Letailleur, now the International make-up artist for YSL and before that Giorgio Armani. I was moaning about my favourite mascara becoming stiff and dry, and he said: ‘Mascara performs better when it’s warm so give it a 15 second blast with your hairdryer or put it under your armpit while you’re doing the rest of your make-up.’ It really works – it gives the formula more silky ‘playtime’ so you can layer it up in smooth coats.

Balm, lipstick or gloss… Balm. I don’t think I suit colour on my lips and often rub a little foundation onto them to knock out their natural redness. The stickiness of gloss actually makes me feel quite claustrophobic. I’m partial to a tinted balm with a pale nude/pink tone – Revlon’s new Lip Butter and L’Oreal’s Caresse give a freshly moisturised look. On other people though, I LOVE a hot punchy lipstick.

My default face… I ride to work on a motorcycle so I put on my make-up at my desk between eating breakfast and typing emails. It’s become a bit of a ritual! The first step is a small amount of Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturiser. Next is a light dose of Guerlain Terracotta Light bronzing powder in Sun Blondes, and a dot or two of MAC Cream Colour Base in Shell on the tops of the cheekbones, down the nose and in the inner corners of the eyes. I’ve got dozens of eyeshadow palettes on the go, all the same shimmery fudgy caramels and bronzes. Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Golden Mink is flavour of the month right now. Depending on my mood, I might ramp up the eyes with a black eyeliner in the inner rims, and recently I’ve been really impressed with Bobbi Brown’s new Longwear Eye Pencil in Jet. Finally, mascara: I’m a blinker when I get tired so I curl my lashes and use a long-lasting mascara like Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof.

Always in my bathroom… I’m obsessed with flossing and I’ve just received a Philips Sonicare Airfloss so I reckon that’s going to be one of them! It’s hair masks galore in the bathroom cupboard (Kérastase, Ojon, Matrix and Aveda on weekly rotation). Apart from the obvious washy things like cleansers, exfoliators and shampoos, there’s my Miller Harris L’Air de Rien candle (I often wear the perfume). It’s soft and skin-like and not overly floral, which is why it works well in a bathroom. My husband always pesters me to light ‘that candle that smells of you’.

My beauty shame… Loads! I fiddle with my cuticles, I forget to use body lotion, I pick at anything semi-permanent (like eyelash extensions or gel nail polish), I squeeze my blackheads and (shock horror!) I love the feeling of sunshine on my face.

My fantasy trolley dash… Probably MAC or Illamasqua for all their crazy colours, textures, risks and originality. In my back-up “money no object” fantasy I’d be working in an Art shop so I guess there are strong similarities there. Or B&Q: I’m a classic Gemini with a tomboy alter-ego!

Beauty Director of Glamour Magazine, Alessandra Steinherr has caused quite the stir with her sunshine-bright desk – we’re reaching for the travel brochures as we speak! If her stash of luxurious products wasn’t enough, we also reveal just whose fuchsia-lacquered nails got Alessandra hooked on make-up and the bad habit she just can’t seem to kick in our exclusive Q&A…

My big break… I don’t think I had one, it was gradual. I started as an intern on Marie Claire and then worked my way up in different publications – I learnt from every experience, good or bad.

My beauty icon… The Editor of French Vogue, Emmanuelle Alt. I like everything about her – the way she dresses and her low-maintenance approach to beauty. Sun-kissed skin, a bit of eyeliner and mascara plus blushed cheeks and un-blowdried hair. She just exudes cool confidence and youthfulness.

My formative beauty moment… My grandmother was very elegant, she had these amazing almond-shaped fuchsia-lacquered nails. I was instantly hooked on make-up.

Eavesdropped from an MUA… Not to mess with my brows too much, no over-plucking, under-plucking or bleaching allowed. Good brows really make a difference.

Balm, lipstick or gloss… Tinted balm hands down. Lipstick is too high maintenance and gloss is too sticky.

My default face… I wear tinted moisturiser, pink blush, bronzer, a brown smudged eyeliner, black mascara and tinted lipbalm.

Always in my bathroom… A scale (ugh!), Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair and Crème de La Mer.

My beauty shame… I chew my nails…. always have and probably always will. The only thing that stops me from doing it is having a Shellac Mani.

My fantasy trolley dash… For fashion Isabel Marant and for beauty I would say the entire Beauty Hall at Selfridges….there are too many products I love for me to choose just one brand.