I have had the loveliest of birthday weeks filled with so much joy, love and laughter. I started the week with a night seeing The Vamps with my sister and one of my oldest friends; the night was great craic as we sang, danced and relived our teenage years. Then, on the Tuesday, Sophie and I went to watch Hairspray at The Hippodrome, another fabulous night, with even more singing and dancing; the show was phenomenal, I would 1000% recommend!
I spent the next couple of days with Ben, then, on Friday, the birthday celebrations began. I spent the morning of my birthday journalling and reflecting on the year just gone, then headed to the NEC in the afternoon to attend The Good Clothes Show – a sustainable fashion exhibition. Whilst at the show I ended up chatting to Clare Press, Sustainability Editor at Vogue, who was an absolute angel – what a birthday treat! The evening of my birthday was spent at home eating yummy Chinese food with my family, a truly lovely day.
There were even more birthday celebrations on Sunday as my friends and I descended on Digbeth! We played lots of fun arcade games at NQ64, an arcade bar in the Custard Factory, followed by delicious pizza at Baked in Brick and drinks at The Old Crown. A perfect afternoon to celebrate turning 25!
WHAT’S INSPIRED ME THIS WEEK
As a fashion designer, and general creative type, I am constantly seeking inspiration wherever I am, and these posts are a way to document what has ignited something within me this past week. Whether its artwork I’ve seen online, photography that moved me, or a collection of colour in nature that kick-started a creative idea in my head, I’ll be sharing four ideas that have brought me joy in the past seven days.
R. READING
I’m currently reading The Comeback by Ella Berman, a story of a Hollywood starlet who is groomed by her director.
I’m about a third of the way through and, although it’s a rather harrowing read, I am enjoying it so far.
I’ll share more thoughts once I’m done!
E. EDUCATING
Attending sustainable fashion events, such as The Good Clothes Show, never fails to leave me with a new fact or nugget of information.
I attended a talk at the show, hosted by Clare Press, and learnt so much about the importance of highlighting the customer’s connection with the people who make their clothes. This humane connection, that has existed for millennia, has slowly been lost in a world of fast fashion and, as someone who designs in the world of sustainable fashion, I’ve learnt the importance of demonstrating that to the customer and educating them on the supply chain, as it is proven to have great impact.
P. PLAYING
Ben and I have been watching Netflix’s new murder mystery drama The Perfect Couple and we are hooked.
With an all-star cast, an intriguing story-line, and fabulous outfits (I’m looking at you Nicole Kidman) it was always set to be fabulous.
We are four episodes in, with only a couple to go, and I can’t wait to see what the conclusion is – at this point everyone looks guilty!
O. OBSESSING OVER
I’m honestly still obsessing over our trip to New York – I don’t think I’ll ever stop!
I documented the entire trip on Polar Steps, allowing me to read about our days and flick through photos whenever I want to, and it fills my heart with joy.
I’ve been in love with Polar Steps ever since I used it to document my three-month backpacking trip round South East Asia last year and I’d recommend it to anyone. Such a precious app.
R. RECOMMENDING
I’ve recommended this place countless times, but if you live in Birmingham and still haven’t been, do yourself a favour and try Baked in Brick.
I got the Truffle Pancetta pizza and it was delicious; all of their pizzas are baked in a clay oven right before your eyes, and you can definitely tell!
Another firm favourite of our group was the Pork & Fennel, but with such an amazing menu it’s honestly hard to choose just one!
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
I treated myself to a copy of Clare Press’ book, Wear Next: Fashioning the Future, whilst at The Good Clothes Show, and I can’t wait to get into it.
The book delves into what wondrous possibilities there are in the future of fashion, from bio-based materials to innovators who are set to change the fashion landscape.
As someone who is obsessed with how the fashion industry is set to transform into something joyful rather than destructive, I can’t wait to get reading.
Love Chloe x
