In our last blog in the run-up to Christmas, we discussed sustainable consumption.
'Christmas' and 'sustainability' can often feel like an oxymoron, that's why I like to support the brands and people I love and that are making a small difference in this world.
This Christmas, I thought I'd share my five favourite brands - these are some old favourites of mind, and three of them are also led by wonderful women who've also inspired me in my own creative journey. Hope you love these as much as I do!
- I often have to take video calls and so I love wearing expressive jewellery that can convey something of my personality. Completedworks is my ultimate favourite jewellery brand. They use recycled metals and materials to create stunning jewellery and ceramics, they also share our ethos of melding form and function in everyday objects. Creative Director Anna Jewsbury incubated Completedworks in London. Her story is an inspiration: she's an Oxford mathematics and philosophy grad who decided to build a creative career. Although she's left maths and philosophy behind, you'll see that theme running through the jewellery naming convention. These earrings are on my Christmas list! (ehum ehum, to any friends and family reading this! 😉)
- I have a small, minimal, open wardrobe and I love versatile items that work seamlessly for any mood and purpose. That's why I keep a beautiful crisp white shirt that works seamlessly for a day-to-night transition from The Shirt Company. The Shirt Company is led by Donna Middleton, a Londoner from New Zealand who built her brand straight out of design school. Donna is also one of the most beautiful, supportive women I know. We met at a pretty dull networking event three years ago, just as I had started Paradisefold. I was still a wide-eyed Bambi with an idea, lots of energy, but no clue. Without her mentorship and support, Paradisefold would not be where it is today. The French Girl is my favourite shirt: I also love wearing it open like a cute oversized white jacket under a more fitted cotton or silk camisole.
- For lingerie and basics, I turn to Nubian Skin. Nubian Skin was the first brand to make melanin-loving lingerie in non-pink nudes for Black and South Asian skin tones. Led by British-Nigerian Ade Hassan, Nubian Skin went stratospheric when Beyonce started wearing their bodysuits. Since their launch eight years ago, many have started copying their range, but their quality and ethos is unrivalled. Nubian Skin makes a wonderful gift for any melanin-kissed friend. Ade is also a great human being and has been been a massive believer in our mission and a huge supporter of Paradisefold. I love natural fabric, so to contrast with my olive / Mediterranean skin tone, I go for beautiful Berry-coloured staples; my favs are these organic cotton undies.
- My beauty routine in the morning takes all of five minutes (my approach is: polish, don't paint!). That's why I love Beauty Edit Mayfair, founded by Sherille Riley. Sherille launched Beauty Edit at her boutique salon, Nails & Brows. Beauty Edit has created its own range of basics, and curate a limited number of effective tested beauty and skin products created by other boutique brands. This has saved me tonnes of time and experimentation. I have thick-ish brows, so this brow-styler has a permanent home in my handbag.
- I travel loads, and sometimes for very long periods of time. To minimise time at airports, I always pack light and only ever travel with carry-on luggage. My bougie gift this year for anyone wanting to splash some cash is this small suitcase from Globe Trotter. I love this piece of luggage - it's romantic - very roomy and it's real eye candy - perfect for what I need!
Hope you love these picks as much as I do! If you have some brands you'd like to spotlight, please comment below! 💚
Have a great Christmas and holiday period!
Hugs,
Andrea xx
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