At this time of year, we can always rely on the Xfactor’s styling
team for an up to the minute account on what the hottest current trends are; from
them we can learn that this season, as well as ball breaking skinny jeans –worn
by men- being uber cool. It is also, largely acceptable and apparently awesome
for men to roll around in leather skirts, worn with pop socks or leggings! NOT!
Yes -we are briefly talking about the continued fail and more fail ensembles (in
our opinion) that the boys from Rough Copy are forced to endure, each week.
Some of the jumpsuits by Dancing Dolls UK
But as that is a ‘hot’ trend, we would rather not revel in
further. Let’s keeping it moving- to talk about the other hot, Xfactor trend,
which we’ve noticed…..and love! The rise and rise of the jumpsuit! And as we have been championing this key wardrobe
piece, for the looooongest time, you’ll know that this is totally up our street.
It seems like the Xfactor style team cannot get enough of
them either, with each week at least one of the female star of the show, being spotted
wearing this faultless ensemble.
Jumpsuits are increasing becoming wardrobe favourites for their versatility; and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Remember: Jumpsuits are a full body piece, so getting the right type of jumpsuit for your body, is crucial to you, not walking around looking like a sack of fabric. It can not only add inches to your leg length, but will also compliment your frame. A few other STYLE TIPS to consider: Plunging necklines will help elongate the body. But, for more covered up styles a long necklace or belt can help break things up. Ultimately, accessorise, accessorise, ACCESSORISE….and just in case you didn’t quite catch that. ACCESSORISE!
We’ve recently launched our latest edition- the CRYSTAL sequin
jumpsuit, cos it’s party season of snazz and we can’t think of anything that
says snazz, better than sequins! So, if you were one of the those millions who
sent the search engines into ‘sequin jumpsuit’ frenzy followingXfactor contestant, Tamera Fosters recent
appearance on the show on two separate occasionswearing one, then this might be just what the
doctor ordered. Shop the jumpsuits here
CRYSTAL cowl neck sequin jumpsuit pictured right of collage
All our jumpsuits are made to order. Find out about how you can get any of our jumpsuit featured in this blog, made in a colour of your choice
via our made to measure service.
Whether, it’s a Christmas, new year or birthday suit, you’re
after, we got a jumpsuit for that! Until the next time. The DDUK team xx
NO copyright infringements intended, for any images used in relation to Xfactor
It’s beginning to
feel a lot like Christmas… the one time of year, where Pat Butcher style
earrings are a must and its totally acceptable to be-jazzle oneself with as much
sparkle, razzle and dazzle, as they can find, for the party season. Well, if a
tree can do so at this time of year, then why ever not!
In every female fashion outlet from now until the 31st
December, you will no doubt see ample of sparkly numbers to choose from, and here at DDUK HQ, we’ve
made no exception to give you all the glamour, we can manage with our latest limited
collection: Façade AW13 .
GLORY Stiff peplum skirt
Our allure for this winter comes by the way of layered tutu skirting,
under heavily sequinned waterfall dresses- our GLIMMER dress, definitely comes
to mind -and armour like embellishments , queue DDUK’S BLING IT ON Bodysuit-
great teamed with a pair of slacks or our GLORY Peplum skirt!
BLING IT ON bodysuit.
But, if you don’t fancy walking around like a fully dressed Christmas
tree, this party season, we’ll suggest this racy alternative, our sexy GLAMOUR jumpsuit, which is available in this season’s hottest hue, turquoise. Shop GLAMOUR here.
GLAMOUR jumpsuit
Fancy our GLAMOUR jumpsuit, in another colour? Yes- yes, we can (nodding, excitedly) Check out our
Made-to-measure options, to order this or any of our
pieces, in an alternative colour.
Our style tip: We recommend teaming your look with sky high
heels- which does mean, your feet are likely to suffer, as a direct result. But
we all know ‘Fashion has no mercy’ and you’ll be thanking us later, when those
elongated pins are racking you up, hundreds of little hearts on Instagram!
Blood red lipstick is the lip colour of the season, so ensure to pop one of those
into your purse for a sense of after-hours adventure.
GLIMMER Dress-turquoise/pink, Sash included
We may have delivered our latest instalment, a tad later
than expected, but we sure delivered it, wrapped up like a perfect present,
with its very own bow! We are ready for you! Bring it on….sorry, I mean Bling
it on.
You view out the complete collection via our Facebook page, here and currently, shop items from the new collection in our ASOS boutique.
And because, Christmas is a time for giving, we’re getting
into the spirit, by giving you 10% off any full priced item in our ASOS
boutique. Enter promocode: FESTIVE at the checkout, to claim your discount
Not to talk of all the other huge promotional savings to be had
in there too! Go on take a peak....
Till the next time xoxo
Images by Paul Smith. Post Production: Keddy Davies Model: Jade Eleanor Makeup: Jade Crean Hair :Rosie Billington On set assistant & styling: Simply Beauitfy
So who’s ready for the festive season, then? You’re not?!- O dear!
Well- technically neither are we! Even, if -at the time of
writing this blog entry, there are only like only 41 days left till the main
event. However, we are happy to announce
that, that party inspired limited edition A/W13 collection, ‘Façade’- you may
have seen it, peeking its head above our horizon- is actually almost ready to
go on sale! Eeek! Yep, yep (nodding frantically) We have been working off our derrières!
Just check out what we’ve been up to, at the doll’s house over
the last few months, in a bid to have our gift wrapped dresses ready for you to
gift yourself!Tis the seasoning of
giving- isn’t it and charity does begin at home? So why would you not?!
Model: Jade Eleanor in GLIMMER mini dress. Image by Paul Smith
From cutting and sewing to runway shows and photo shoots. It’s
been helluva crazy!
#TeamDDUK hard at work making the collection
Image by Rebecca Hull at Leeds Fashion Show 2013
Makeup artist: Zaneta hard at working creating the look for our model Ashleigh
With splashes of some of the seasons, key colour trends; the
pinks, the turquoise and enough glitz to rival any tinsel infested Christmas
tree. We think we just about pulled it off! Phew!
We’ll leave you with a few sneaky behind the seam shots and DDUK shenanigans of late. As well as some of the pieces available to purchase shortly in our ASOS boutique and all DDUK outlets.
Behind the scenes, shooting the collection
Remember, our products are made to order and we operate a 3
working day processing time on all purchases.So make sure to order early to avoid disappointment. 18th December is the final day for standard UK
shipping. 23rd December for Express shipping and even earlier still
for International shipping! Please enquire about Festive season shipping dates
for your country.
Don’t forget to follow us on any of our social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter-
where you can pre-order any of the pieces, you have seen so far, from the new
collection…or just to keep up with our views on popular culture, get promo code’sand see what else is popping at the Doll’s
house!
Hold tight, we're on our way! Model: Ashleigh Holder
This year I managed to get on over to Leeds 'Dress Me Beautiful' Fashion Show 2013, in person- to showcase, for the first time a snippet of the latest collection 'Façade' A/W13 for my line Dancing Dolls UK. Having presented my A/W12 collection via a Leeds based stylist, the year prior.
The event took place at Leeds Town hall on Friday 18th October.
Literally cutting and sewing till the last possible point, subsequently followed by a mini nightmare journey to get there, we eventually made it to Leeds from Birmingham, approximately 1 hour before the start of the show, at which point the doors were actually open for the arrival of guests! Talk about stress!
Note to self: always use a sat nav with up to date software, to prevent you from driving around for 45mins, only to find you're still in Birmingham!
The models: Back stage at Leeds Fashion Show 2013
For the first time, I even had a support team, to attend a fashion show with! Go me! Consisting of Monqiue Chanel from Simply Beauitfy: beauty and styling consultancy and Rosie Billington, who is currently interning with Dancing Dolls UK. How marvellous!
It was also, another chance for to catch up with my girl Cassie, who I've known from wayyyy back- owner and creator of Cassandra Amore accessories- who was also showcasing at this years event.
Monqiue Chanel of SIMPLY BEAUTIFY sharing a selfie of her LFS 2013 outfit
I have no indication of how the show looked out front, because obviously as usual I was stuck back stage, desperately trying to find and fit the right models with the right garment in my collection, from the models allocated to DDUK- up until this point, we had not yet met. Thank goodness for Monqiue and Rosie, who were an awesome help backstage.
Each stepping up to make sure the usual chaos of backstage fashion shows was not an issue for DDUK, this time.
I think, however, I would be right in guessing, that the show ran super smoothly and looked phenomenal for the audience, as the LFS team never disappoint in hosting a good show each year.
#TeamDDUK- Rosie and Monqiue Chanel, backstage at LFS 2013
I'm yet to see any reviews on the collection, but was very totally delighted by the analysis Worldsno1model gave on DDUK, who complied a brief analysis on each brand , participating. Seeming to completely understand the Dancing Dolls brand, from the portion of the collection shown on the day!
I work, really hard on the brands identity- trying to convey what the brand is about and why its called Dancing Dolls UK. So its, really rewarding when some just gets it!
Image by Mike Distras photography at Wildchildmedia
Worldsno1model had this to say on DDUK: "Dancing Dolls dazzles in sequins. Acknowledging the brand name, we saw dance inspired outfits- leotards were précised with gold hoop beading, skater style dresses were purple blue and black with revealing neckline. Closing the collection was an 80s inspired black sequin jumpsuit"
(They even grasped the 'razzle, dazzle' almost show girl concept, for this collection- amaze!)
I can do no more now, than sit back, agonising over the reviews, that are yet to emerge from various bloggers and writers on this event. It is quite nerve racking waiting to see these reviews, on your work - even more so from an event as established, as Leeds Fashion show.
So whilst, I bite my nails and keep trawling the internet, in hope of a positive review for Dancing Dolls UK. I can be content- for now, in the knowledge, that it made a mark on at least one person. Check out the label love DDUK is getting from this beaut on Facebook. Whoop!
Super happy, about this revie by a LFS 2013 attendee
And here's me, having my moment: doing my walk of fame- that relieved moment, when I actually get to smile.
Image by Mike Distras
Till the next time. Your girl, signing out Paulinah xoxo
Look out for the full collection 'Façade' coming soon to www.dancingdollsuk.com.
Make sure to follow/like us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM & TWITTER, for the first collection previews!
Yes- We're still here!
I know; we have left the dolls house a little....well a lot scarce of the usual dolly dose, we regularly to share with you all.
Alas, this is not that we no longer care about our guys and dolls. O no, no, no! Just sometimes, its just all to much to do; we just can't quite keep up!!
Now breathe...
Right, we've managed to catch our breaths, so can get back to what we do best (a side from creating fabulous creations for our dolls)- which is sharing our journey with all of you- who continually support us through our triumphs and trials.
We'll save the stories of the trials for another day, but we'll deffo share with you, one of our latest little adventures.
The 17th of August marked a trip to London for the Dancing Dolls girlie's. Where did we go? Only to a seminar at ASOS Headquarters!
From the DDUK team: Intern Yasmeen Khalid and DDUK Creative Paulinah-Eboh-Sampson
A very exciting prospect for us to attend the Seller Summer school organised by ASOS marketplace and
attended by ASOS boutiques from all over the U.K.
We felt very privileged to be there.
Approaching the giant building with its landmark two giant black cats, on either side of the steps, leading to the entrance; like sphinx guarding a great palace. Must say, it did have us feeling slightly apprehensive about the day ahead.
However, as soon as we walked in, we were greeted with a warm air and smiling faces; given cute little goody bags- they were so small, like mini shopping totes. It was tooo cute!
The day begun with a talk from Alison Branagan; an author; "The essential guide to business for artists and designers", lecturer and business adviser. She gave some invaluable information for small business's.
This was followed up, by a mini crash course in photography, about getting the best images for your creations- from young student and photographer Chris Cassiel, leading us nicely into lunch .
We can't forget to mention the lunch we had! It was the most delightful little lunch, that we could have been given. Tiny little fish and chips, wraps, cupcakes, sweets and more. The tiny portions had us making multiply trips to the buffet, because as adorable, as there were, you had to eat a fair few to get your fill!
Top blogger, writer and company magazine columnist Gem Fatale gave the group a fun little chat about social media- The do's and the don'ts. Like:
DO- tweet/ do your FB update between 8.00-10.00pm. It is when, you are likely get the most engaged users....That's what the stats say! So remember, this when you have important brand information you want to share with your followers.
DON'T over promote your brand to the point of annoyance, make your social media warm and friendly
Fashion & Lifestyle blogger- Gem Fatale
Rounding off the day was the co-founder of House of Jazz who, gave us lots of insight into how they grew their business.
Feeling re-inspired, re-energised and with a new found dedication, we left to put all the useful information to good use and even share some with you all!
We sharn't bore with all the in depth info, that we were gratefully bombarded with, but we have listed a few, for all our fellow budding designers and brands; STEP 1- Research (Sounds obvious, but believe by some of the questions we get asked relating to running a fashion label. We definitely, think it wouldn't do too much harm to do more. Remember: Google is your most helpful friend.
STEP 2- Treat every customer as your brand ambassador
STEP 3- Register your business names STEP 4- Remember, magazine publications work 4-6 months in advance, so you need to think and plan 18 months ahead!
Now go forward and GROW!
Till the next time. Love DDUK ) xo
Dancing Dolls UK makes its International debut at Miami Metropolitan Fashion Week. So I did it!
As the time flies by, I'd gotten more and
more dubious about writing this post regarding my
rendezvous in the big bad US
of A. Almost 2 and a half months after the event, it just seemed like
stale news- not worth sharing.....
Er- really??! I can't believe, I really considered not
documenting the specifics of one of the greatest and most
challenging things, I had embarked on with my one woman brand,
Dancing Dolls UK.
Then I found this bad boy! Its a video interview,
that was shot for 305 TV The Good Life with Lisa Morales; back stage prior to
the opening runway show of Miami Metropolitan International Fashion
week (MMIFW) with DDUK.
So on the 23rd April 2013, I flew out to Miami to
showcase my long awaited S/S13 collection "Finally
Exhaled" at MMIFW. The bain of my life, at that time- that
collection was! Right up until the finale runway walk, were I could actually really and genuinely exhale, smiling and clapping- as loud as possible, whilst walking behind the final model!
I had tweaked and re-did practically everything
regarding to that collection, for it say visually say, what I needed it
to say; from the pieces in the collection, to the fabrics used in the
collection to the styling of the look book and the shooting of the
look book! All had been changed, during the course of the preparation
for MMIFW. Which, of course meant I spent a lot of time, in the run
up to my flight fretting about everything and not sleeping! All still
whilst juggling everything else relating to the brand- customer orders, as well as being a mother to my boy!
I flew, via Newark Liberty International Airport-
New Jersey- an exhausting long 8 hr flight! Which for the best
part, I drifted in and out of sleep- catching up on all those
recommended 8 hrs of sleep, I had been missing for the last month!
Now, I'm not sure, if it was the whole single
black female travelling alone, that was provoking a lot of attention,
or maybe it was the fact I had packed as much Brazilian and Indian
remy hair, my head could manage into my fresh-to-def pony tail,
along with my dark shades, that was making me look rather suspicious .
I'm guessing a combination of all 3, but I had the airport staff
from Birmingham, UK where I boarded to Newark, US where I had to transfer
from, all up in my grill.
I had my hair thoroughly searched, much to the
dismay of the airport security; there were no drugs in there, but I'm
sure as hell the person, conducting my hair search, got a good ol'
poke from all the hair pins, I'd used to secure my wefts. Ha ha!
I also, had my suitcase searched- this I know, as
they was a lovely little printed note from the airport, telling me
so, which I saw when I got to my hotel.
And yet they still felt the need to pull me to one
side, to interrogate me further, even after all the standard boarder
security. I was proper nervous, even though I knew I had nothing to
hide. Eventually I was cleared to go through and hang around, waiting
for my connecting flight.
I'm guessing the airport staff, don't consider
that its not just celebrities and drug mules, who wear sunglasses
indoors. Tired, red-eyed fashion designers like myself also wear them
too.!
I landed in Miami at 21.00 US time- which by the
way has the lamest airport, you could imagine- and proceeded via cab
to my shack style hotel! To be far, it wasn't the worst hotel, but it
definitely, weren't no all singing, all dancing shizzle, that you
would expect as a tourist. I had purposefully chosen this hotel, as
it was the nearest, cheapest, cleanest hotel, I could find near the
venue for the 4 day fashion event. It was clean, basic and FREEZING!
The air condition was on full blast, when I arrived- coming from cold
and wet England, means I have no love for air con.
Basic amenities #lameHotel
Before, I could even venture into my cold hotel
room, I did have the problematic debit card, which decided it didn't
want to work on me, when it came to paying my hotel! The drama! I had
to pay with the cash I had, and as I did I prayed that I would be
able to get the cash on the card from an ATM a-sap, otherwise, I
wouldn't be going anywhere for the next 4 days and I'd be starving
whilst doing so!
DAY ONE
At the time, of getting ready for the launch
night of MMIFW, which took place in the evening, I had not yet eaten
properly and still hadn't got any cash. The ATM at the nearest bank,
I had found, despite showing a MasterCard sign, was telling me my
card was not valid! I was in panic mode, but ever determined, I knew,
I had to make it to the launch night and event day 2, where DDUK were
set to show- at least to do my showcase-with the dwindling funds I
had left available.
What made matters worst, was at the last minute,
the whole event was moved from the oh-so-grand venue, that is was
initially due to be held, at Soho studios, due to recent shootings in
the area.
Now MMIFW was to be held in the Miami beach area-
miles away from where, I was staying, which in turn meant I was now,
going to have to fund long ass cab rides to and from the new venue.
So much for my great plan with the crappy hotel to be near the event
venue. Eurgh!
Me in that yellow 'AZALEA' dress. Image by Karel Grimberg
Some how, with my heart pounding in my ears from
the nervousness I felt; going it alone, the anxiety from my new found
money worry and my empty stomach, I put on my look-at-me yellow AZALEA dress which I made specifically in yellow so that
I stood out and really proclaimed, without speaking 'The dolls have
landed...'
However, at that moment, now actually in Miami, the yellow dress,
idea didn't seem like such a good one, until I put it on. I
momentarily forgot all other feelings and just felt super excited
about the journey ahead....until, I got into the cab, of course and
watched it clocking up the dollars for the mission of a journey to my
destination. $40.00 later, I got there!
The yellow dress, turned out to be a God
send, just as much as those free cocktails. With the dress, easily
catching peoples attention, followed shortly by my English accent, I
was soon working the crowd like a pro. I wanted to come across as the
cool reserved English girl, but my enthusiastic chatting, slightly
overwhelmed I-need-to-pinch-myself persona totally dispelled that
one!
I felt like I was someone dead important, working
the carpet and posing to death, for all the cameras, doing a on film
interview and being introduced by the organisers to all, as the
designer “all the way from the UK”.
I stop for a quick chat with Miami TV at the premiere of MMIFW. Image by Karel Grimberg
It was such an awesome night. I met, so many cool
people including an amazing photographer, Asa Garvin III, who I spent
the whole of the latter part of the night talking to, up until till I
left. I forged a great friendship with him and he made my stay in
Miami, even more memorable than it was. For that, I have to say a
massive thank you!
DAY 2
I got cash!! I actually cried, when my card
worked. I had managed to find a convenience store with an ATM machine
that accepted my card. First thing I did was go to the nearest take
away place and was very grateful for the American sized portions!
The plan was to attend event day 1, to watch the
opening nights designers. I wasn't due to showcase, until the
following day, but I was too jet lagged and full. So, I spelt....and
slept- pretty much the whole day!
DAY 3
D- DAY or DOLLS DAY. It took an age to find the venue, which was in the Hilton Metropol hotel- sounds super posh doesn't it. Yes-It was a super posh hotel too, so image my disappointment to find the event for today's show was the retaurant area! Admittedly, I didn't like the venue. Actually, I got a few disappointments on this day.
FLUTTER Jumpsuit commanding attention. Image by Asa Garvin III
I found a good percentage of my models
had been changed, so everything I had planned and had been emailing
back and forth to the organisers had been pointless. I understood, why the changes had occurred, as Maxine (co-founder of MMIFW), took time to explain.
Still, I could help being utterly disappointed about it.I had allocated
a design to each model, I had previously selected, to now find I had
to change it all around. I had made sure, that none of the models I
had selected at casting stage were under 5'8”. I'm sure, you all
know how I feel about mini models- as gorgeous as you all are.
Runways are for the tall, waif like girls. Its the only time, being a female 'giant' with larger than average feet, is super cool. Let them have their moment!
For future events, I definitely feel the
organisers of MMIFW- which is currently only in its second year, and
still growing- should consider having a universal hair and make up
look for the models, with the possibility of a quick lipstick change
for each designer.
That way, less models are required, meaning the
runway height code of conduct can be kept in play and resident
designers can't poach your models or models complain, they don't want
to walk for you, as they don't want their hair teased!!
Image by Ass Garvin III- Dancing Dolls UK runway finale
Other problems, I faced included the hair and make
up looks for the DDUK runway show, which had to changed at the last
minute! Eurgh! The challenges I face, as a fashion desiger!
But, a fashion is not a fashion
show without all the backstage madness and despite it all....the show
must go on.
And on it did- I opened the 2nd day of
MMIFW with Dancing Dolls S/S 13 collection “Finally Exhaled” to
amaze-balls reviews! I'm still trying to chase up on some of the
connections, I made whilst over there and most definitely want to go
back and continue on the dialogue that has been started for DDUK.
There is absolutely a market for DDUK over there and realistically, I
need to go back to Miami, as many times as possible to capitalise on
it. Not that, I'm mind in any way, shape or form!
Me and all my models, backstage at MMIFW
DAY 4
I actually got to live up to my SS13 collection
for Dancing Dolls UK and 'Finally exhaled'- I took myself on down to the Miami beach area.
I had gone through the trip so far, in auto pilot- bearly taking in
any of what was really going around- just trying get the job done.
I'm not one of these people, who takes a million
pictures of themselves, as little momentum's of all their doing, But-
gee come on! I totally forgot what my camera looked like, until this
day.
Of course, part of the problem was the fact, I was
alone on the trip made and taking a million selfie pics, would have
just made me look like a major desperado!
Going it alone, also made me less gutsy- coupled
with the not so brave older me- meant moments like passing the 5'0”
lobster tanned man in his yellow micro swim trunks, casually
strolling down the street with great alacrity, whilst wheeling a push
bike where not captured on any type of camera, neither was the girl,
who randomly started twerking in the middle of the street to the, hip
hop blasting out of some oversized 10 mile per hr car. (Sigh) Oh and
how could I forget the 6'7” trans guy dressed in semi drag attire
in midday Miami heat; blond wig, dodgy make-up, evening cocktail
dress all in abundance. And can, the two girls, sucking each others
faces off on the street corner get a mention too.
Yep- didn't capture a drop of it! What happens in
Miami stays in Miami, I guess.
I did however, visit the lack lustre 'DASH'
boutique- owned by the world famous Kardashian sisters. I was
extremely disappointed to find a lack of piz-zazz, a whack set up,
an extreme lack of stock and a bunch of more whack Kardashian
shizzle, that nobody probably cared about- you know, the Kardashian
book, fragrance, poster; type thing.
Me outside the world famous DASH store- Miami
So, if you didn't already about the contrived staging
that encompasses the Kardashian series, well- going to their store
definitely confirmed it; with the staff on hand, bearing absolutely
no resemblance to the glamorous staff they used in 'Kourtney &
Khloe take Miami' series.
….And, no I didn't leave them with a DDUK look
book. Look books are expensive to produce, so I wasn't about to waste
it on this empty boutique with bored-as-hell looking staff and empty
shelves.
I did however, drop off my look books in a variety
of other boutiques along the strip and as night fell, I got to the
venue of the last MMIFW showcase in time, for the event to start.
Image by Asa Garvin III
The final day of MMIFW- beach wear day! Man- did
it pull in a crowd! Not sure, if the fact that Christie Rice from the
reality show, 'The real housewives of Miami' was launching her
swimwear line on that day, had anything to do with it or whether, it
was the last night fever, but there was a definite buzz in the air.
It was a great venue with a live DJ, a huge
screen made up of a whole load of TVs and as, I sat watching the
shows, I couldn't help but be envious of the fact that:
I wasn't showing on this day also.
Especially, as swimwear is a large part of the Dancing Dolls brand-
swim wear that had really captured the attention of the Miami
audience for its 'unique'-ness. (Their words, not mine)
This was far a better venue for a runway
show, than the location I had showcased at.
DAY 3 @ MMIFW. Image by Asa Garvin III
But hey! What can I say?! Whingeing aside-
Beachwear day, brought up the rears- literally- a whole load of them
for MMIFW neatly.
It was so great to be a part of it and as I said
my fair wells to Maxine Viktor and Phil Stienstra- the founders of
MMIFW- I felt immensely proud of what I had done and grateful to them
for the opportunity to do it.
To top the night off, I got the ride back to my
hotel in a cool sports car, with a loud engine, as I got a ride from
the photographer Asa Garvin, who I had met earlier in the week. Who
was nice enough to drive the long way round, so I could get a min
tour of Miami, how amazing awesome is he!
Iconic Miami Tower at night
Mad love and shout out to all Maxine, Philip,
Herbet and the whole team; models, hair, make-up and the
photographers at MMIFW, thanks for letting me be a part of it. A big
thanks to Asa Garvin- God sure, made you an angel in disguise, the
week I was there. Thanks for the images too! And keep up the great
work
Karel Grimberg- Huge shout out to you too- for all the images
MMIFW Founders, Philip Sienstra and Maxine Viktor
Its only now, that I look back and recognise the enormity of what I undertook and the whole pressure I had put myself under. Its massively stressful, trying to be more than just mediocure at your craft, and the more you improve, the more stressful, it becomes. The expectations of others and the continued desire to up your game weighs heavily on the future steps, you take....
On the whole Miami experience, I am
immensely happy with the results. I went they to make an official
introduction of Dancing Dolls UK to America. I couldn't have asked
for a better response to that introduction. I did learn a lot of the
experience, some of which there is no need to share, but definite lessons worth sharing:
I learn never to try this- alone again!
I learnt, that when in Miami, you must stick to
staying the tourist area or you could end staying in a lame hotel in
the far side of Coral Gables, where only Cubans/Hispanics live and
bearly anyone speaks English. Yep- you wouldn't believe I was in
Miami, based on my hotel location.
I also learnt that for, what ever there is that
is priceless, for everything else there definitely ISN'T MasterCard!
So most certainly, ensure you take fricking cash!
Well- all the niggles and disappointments aside, I
can look at the bigger picture and say “Whoa!- I did that!” Just me.
To think that, I, as one person- my knock on the
doors overseas was heard, even if it may have been a light knock is
a good place to continue.
With the memories of our recent escapade, in Miami slowly fading under our work load, its only right that we have been feeling those holiday withdrawal symptoms. Which we can only describe as 'Miami blues'. We guess then, it seems fitting that we'd use those so-called Miami blues for a more objective- like our latest style file!
And what better to chose for it, than oh-so versatile BLUEBELL jumpsuit. The most versatile piece, you could by this season! With at least 5 different ways to drape and tie the sash, you get good value for your money.
Our, Rosie has created the perfect style file displaying just how you dress up your jumpsuit for a evening of cocktails or dress it down for casual day wear, basking in the slithers of sunshine, we see here and there.
Styled by Rosie Billington for DDUK
For DAY WEAR, keep it casual with flats, sunnies and of course an oversized bag, not just because you can fit everything in it, but actually more because those oversized bags are just to chic and statement making not to! Our Rosie's teamed it with the gorgeous white tote from River lsland. White is always so crisp and refreshing for the summer, but you could swap the white tote for a straw one, if an alternative is what your looking for.
For EVENING WEAR; its a amazing what a pair of heels can do for any outfit. That coupled with the Bluebell jumpsuits versatility- of course! Rosie's chose these cute wedges, which are a little more forgiving on your feet, if you're going to be out for a while. For a style variation you can opt for nude pumps with a concealed platform or sandals. A gorgeous little clutch and a neck piece, completes the look. And depending how you decide to tie the neck line on your jumpsuit, you may decide to go for chunky bangles, if your neck isn't too visible. DDUK recommend gold and white bangles.
So there you have it, one jumpsuit- so many ways to wear it and with a click of some heels, a slight adjust to the sash and ta-ta! How many more styles, do you think are achievable? We'd love to what other styles, all the dolls can manage with this ensemble..
Wow! It definitely feels dead weird writing a blog again! Its been soooo long since our last entry- its almost as if, we forgot how!
Promise, we haven't been sitting idol- maybe a tad bit of procrastination, but seriously, its been go, go and more go!
Its hard to believe its like only the first week of the 6th month into this year! We have literally done almost a years work at DDUK HQ in like 5months:
An International debut with our Spring/Summer 2013 Collection "Finally Exhaled" at Miami Metropolitan Fashion week! (More information, coming up about that soon)
Two collections completed- FINALLY EXHALED S/S13, as mentioned and our first cruise collection NO GREY AREA.
A new viral campaign too! Dancing Dolls UK: If you don't know, you better get to know! Check it below.
An almost regular collaboration for Dancing Dolls with MISTASMIFF Films, aka Mister Paul Smith, who filmed and edited the video on our behalf.
We also enlisted the help of models: Nehanda Ferguson, Kristiana Truhomenko and Vicki Nwsou-Hope. Hedrock on the hair with make up by Shantania Beckford and the fabulous photography skills by yours true, Keddy Davis.
Nehanda Ferguson in our AZALEA dress. Image by by Keddy Davis
So what's this latest viral instalment about, I hear you cry? Ok, we'll fill you in.
In the essence of getting to know, if you haven't already figured it out. We wanted to scream and shout about how UBAN. SEXY, CHIC we are!- all without actually speaking. Yep- that's how we do!
And, if a bit of grime style backing track- #Giggs - doesn't say urban or wearing stylishly fashionable on trend dresses, doesn't say chic. How about, publicly parading around in our FORGET-ME-NOT swimsuit? Does that say sexy? Maybe getting seductive with a cupcake does??! If not then, (sigh)- we're not sure what does!
Images by Keddy Davis. Model: Kristiana Truhomenkoin VIOLET babydoll dress.
The video presents the final part of our #ReflectionOfDirection campaign; where we have been looking at back at how and what we have been up to for the last few years. We felt and we hope we have completed part 1a) in our branding mission!
Vicki wear FORGET-ME-NOT Swimsuitr.
In a recent interview, Dancing Dolls designer/creative director Paulinah explains about the direction of her most recent collection 'Finally Exhaled', which sees a slightly different approach to the usual silhouette and palette for the DDUK.
"... It felt like the right time- I no longer needed to have my armour up, to be tough or defend myself and my line. I've always felt like, I knew what I wanted to say about what the brand was about, but just didn't feel like it was being heard. With each collection prior, I was telling Dancing Dolls story- this collection almost felt, like I was closing the first chapter of Dancing Dolls"
This lastest viral is there, to you know- just back this all up:
We are done with the defending of what we do and who we are....
As our cruise collection perfectly puts it: This is what we do, this how we do it....There is 'NO GREY AREA'
Don't depict us by our title, don't catergorize, judge, prod or preen us; to make understanding what we do, easier for you.
If you don't know by now- ah well (shrugs shoulders) "You better get to know"
We're coming- Doll World Domination...the Saga continues. Join the revolution here
Image by Keddy Davis. Models: (L-R) Kristiana Truhomenko, Vicki Nwsou-Hope and Nehanda Ferguson
