#Women Archives - Voir Fashion https://www.voirfashion.co.uk Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:14:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.6.17 Looking for a new Coat? Hands Down These 5 Coat Styles are Perfect for Curvey women! https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/top-coat-picks-for-curvy-women-elevate-your-style-this-fall/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-coat-picks-for-curvy-women-elevate-your-style-this-fall Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:06:08 +0000 https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/?p=92293 All women. At Voir Magazine, we celebrate all women—no matter their size, shape, or budget. Inclusivity is at the core of what we do. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, we’re excited to see more brands embracing inclusive size ranges! Coats are an essential part of any wardrobe, and this season we’re highlighting the […]

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]]> All women.

At Voir Magazine, we celebrate all women—no matter their size, shape, or budget. Inclusivity is at the core of what we do. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, we’re excited to see more brands embracing inclusive size ranges!

Coats are an essential part of any wardrobe, and this season we’re highlighting the best coat trends for women with curves that blend comfort, elegance, and the perfect fit. It’s not always straightforward to find a coat that compliments your curves!

Because the coat isn’t just about warmth it’s about finding a statement piece that can elevate your entire look; let’s explore the must-have pieces for Autumn/Winter 2024.

1. Le Trench: The Timeless Classic

The trench coat is a staple that transcends seasons and trends. Its structured silhouette highlights the waist, making it a flattering choice for curvy women. Whether you choose classic beige or a deep taupe, this piece is an eternal favourite.

Parris Goebel, the choreographer and fashion icon, has been spotted rocking a KidSuper trench with effortless grace, proving that a well-fitted trench is a go-to for confident, stylish women.

How to style
• Casual chic: Pair a long trench with loose jeans and loafers. Size up for an oversized,

modern vibe that’s perfect for a weekend in the city.

2. The Brownie Jacket: Petite Yet Bold

Everyone needs a versatile jacket that can transition effortlessly from day to night. Inspired (again) by Parris Goebel’s Luar jacket, the structured brown jacket is perfect for curvy women, offering the right balance between casual and chic.

How to style

• Feminine core: A simple yet refined look. Pair a brown jacket with a sheer wrap skirt, gold jewellery, and burgundy heels (the perfect colour combo). Add a crisp white bag to look like a vibrant lift.

3. Peignoir Coat: Cozy, Yet Stylish

For those who crave comfort without compromising style, the peignoir coat—a loungewear-inspired piece—hits the sweet spot.

Seen on Ashley Graham and Rihanna, this robe-inspired coat delivers both cosiness and style, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

How to style

• Cosy Fashionista: A soft peignoir version coat from COS paired with Mango’s tailored plus-size ensemble, gives off work-chic vibes. Add a pop of color with blue ASICS US5-S GEL-QuantumTM Kinetic sneakers and accessorize with layered necklaces for the ultimate fall look.

4. Navy Core Jacket: Oversized and Bold
This season’s Navy core jacket brings structure and an effortlessly cool vibe. It’s oversized

silhouette is perfect for layering, making it a versatile addition to any fall wardrobe.

How to style

– Ganni-Inspired Look: Team a navy core jacket with a denim skirt, a simple white tee, and a pair of high-statement boots. Elevate the look with fun, patterned tights for a touch of playful fall vibes.

5. The Denim Piece: Casual and Cool

The denim-on-denim trend continues to reign, and this fall, it’s perfect for embracing your curves. Yseult, the French singer, slayed the denim game with her Acne Studios ensemble, proving that denim is made for all bodies.

How to style
• Denim Power: Recreate Yseult’s look by pairing denim jeans with a denim jacket.

Add a touch of modern flair by layering with a short boxer under the jeans and finishing the look with a pair of red ballet flats and a burgundy bag.

Statement Pieces from the Best Plus-Size Brands

When shopping for curvy-friendly coats, these brands consistently deliver both style and fit:

– ASOS Curve
– Mango Curve – Karoline Vitto – River Island
– Kid Super
– Jacquemus
– Ganni
– New Look
– Savage x Fenty – Public Desire
– Lazy Oaf

This fall, curvy women no longer have to choose between style and comfort. With the right coat or jacket, you can step into the season feeling confident, chic, and ready to take on the world. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of a trench, the cosiness of a peignoir, or the boldness of a navy jacket, these outerwear pieces are designed to celebrate your curves and embrace the latest trends.

Words By Noa Balou

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]]> International Women’s Month: Female Fashion Photographers Taking The Industry By Storm https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/international-womens-month-female-fashion-photographers-taking-the-industry-by-storm/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=international-womens-month-female-fashion-photographers-taking-the-industry-by-storm Thu, 14 Mar 2024 12:03:14 +0000 https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/?p=89178 Being a publication that’s focused on empowering women, International Women’s Day and Month are held very close to our heart. We thought we would take this piece to highlight some of the most innovative and exciting female photographers setting the tone for the next generation of creatives in the Fashion Photography sector.

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]]> Being a publication that’s focused on empowering women, International Women’s Day and Month are held very close to our heart. We thought we would take this piece to highlight some of the most innovative and exciting female photographers setting the tone for the next generation of creatives in the Fashion Photography sector.

Harley Weir

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiTOdUAjzlj/?igsh=MTQ5ZHhnYXNhOXp0bA==

The first incredible talent we want to mention is Harley Weir. Harley Weir is a self-taught fine art graduate that has been involved with huge campaigns with Balenciaga, Celine and Stella Mcartney. Her work is youthful and intimate and subverts conventional perceptions of the feminine gaze. Weir has an eye for the human form; many of her pieces highlight certain bodily parts or characteristics. She’s had work featured in POP, AnOther Magazine, British Vogue, CR Fashion Book, Dazed and Confused, i-D and Arena Homme+ and continues to take the fashion world by storm.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUvD_IpsJr_/?igsh=MzVtM3B4ejI4c2ho

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwQNH1vtVJI/?igsh=MXFxdmRsN2c3anUydg==

Brianna Capozzi

https://www.instagram.com/p/CnDImOOulbH/?igsh=MW1zYjN2Z256aTEwMg==

Another incredible woman setting the tone for others in the industry is Brianna Capozzi. She is an incredibly talented a photographer based in New York and over the recent years she has become known for her unashamed risqué shots and high-profile subjects. She’s worked with Olivia Rodrigo, Selena Gomez, and actress and fashion queen Chloë Sevigny, which resulted in one of her most risqué shots to date, with the photograph controversially depicting a lobster crawling on a naked Sevigny’s crotch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeMjgUEuiVA/?igsh=eXRkNzFtNmcxcHo4

https://www.instagram.com/p/CfT914nOBi9/?igsh=MXFxd2dhbnlrYWF2ag==

Julia Hetta

https://www.instagram.com/p/CuzXZP_B26Y/?igsh=aDJ3cWt0OXB6aGw5

Another talent we are particularly obsessed with is Julia Hetta. Julia Hetta is a Swedish Photographer who graduated from Amsterdam’s Gerrit Rietveldt Academy in 2004. Since then, she’s worked with some of the most renowned named and publications within the fashion industry, To name a few, J. Lindenberg, Another Magazine, Dazed and Elle. She explores dark and gory, as well as sensual and romantic themes in her work.

Petra Collins

https://www.instagram.com/p/ConNFFAPqQh/?igsh=MWd1MWZhb2VxdGRqNA==

Petra Collins has become one of the biggest names in fashion photography over the last 10 years, shooting with some of the biggest names in Cinema and Fashion –  Alexa Demie, Bella Hadid and Kim Kardashian. Her photos have a feminine, dreamlike feel and largely cater to the female gaze. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPBegZjnhrF/?igsh=MTJ2cWR0aXQyeWV5Zw==

https://www.instagram.com/p/CO1tV9enmvT/?igsh=MWFqdmFuZGV4NTNxcw==

Cass Bird

https://www.instagram.com/p/CllXfUgOmTr/?igsh=YTNkcHcyNHN5YzEz

The final incredible talent we want to celebrate is Cass Bird. Born in 1974, she’s an artist, photographer, and director from New York and has been published in Elle, Nylon, Rolling Stone, GQ, Paper and New York Magazine. She’s also done work with Levi’s, Urban outfitters, Wrangler and Keds.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy08n6QrkLB/?igsh=MTMwMmd2OG9odng5cQ%3D%3D&img_index=2

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3u1sRXOhme/?igsh=MXZneWE4c2F3eHBjZg%3D%3D

Written By Lauren Dickson

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]]> 10 Ways to Up Your Jeans Game https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/10-ways-to-up-your-jeans-game/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-ways-to-up-your-jeans-game Sat, 08 Apr 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/?p=78538 A classic pair of jeans is a staple in any wardrobe, and the king of all jeans is a classic pair of Levi’s. The OG 501 style turns 150 years old in 2023, and we are celebrating by sharing some wild and fun ways to style them.

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]]> A classic pair of jeans is a staple in any wardrobe, and the king of all jeans is a classic pair of Levi’s. The OG 501 style turns 150 years old in 2023, and we are celebrating by sharing some wild and fun ways to style them. 

Blue jeans as we know them were invented in 1873 by Levi Strauss. The number 501 came about as part of the manufacturing process, but no one knows why this number was chosen. The style has remained recognisable over the years, with the exception of a few modifications. Changes like adding belt loops, changing denim colours, and removing suspender buttons were made in an effort to keep up with changing fashions and social requirements like limited raw materials during the war. The trousers weren’t advertised as ‘jeans’ until 1960, when teenagers made the term popular, and 501 jeans for women weren’t introduced until 1981. 

Of course, now Levi’s makes jeans in all different shapes and styles, meaning there are infinite ways to style them. Inspired by their rich history, we have found 10 cool and unique ways to wear jeans: 

1. Mira Al-Momani, Stylist  

London-based stylist Mira puts a spin on what would have otherwise been a very neutral and simple outfit with this bright yellow furry jacket. The leather panelling incorporates the brown tones in the bag, shoes, and bodysuit. The baggy mid-rise jeans add a relaxed feel to the outfit,  which feels perfect for running around doing errands. 

2. Amy Shehab, Designer 

For this look, Amy has gone for a monochromatic double denim moment. The baggy jeans and oversized shirt are contrasted by the pointed court shoes and formal coat. The belt draws attention to her statement earrings and the contrast stitching on the denim, making the look more playful. The gloves add a layer of sophistication and are perfect for taking an outfit from day to night. 

3. Sandra Shehab, Founder of Shee Cosmetics

This outfit is giving Carrie Bradshaw, especially as Sandra strolls through the streets of NYC. Despite consisting of just block colours, this outfit feels more sophisticated than simple. The white peplum top and black baguette bag are very 2000s and match with the slingbacks. The frayededge baggy jeans add a modern twist to the outfit, while the claw clip is a nod to the 90s. 

4. Chloe Scantlebury, Model/Influencer  

Chloe plays with colour in this look, using these low-rise straight-leg jeans as a base for her outfit. This Acne Studios asymmetric top is the perfect length to sit above the jeans, and the buttons create movement and flatter her waist. She matches her limited edition Marshall Columbia handbag with electric blue metallic wedges, proving that this is a versatile look that could be worn to go shopping or to the bar. 

5. Amira Fystina Azouagh, Designer 

Designer Amira makes a statement in these low-rise washed jeans. She has cuffed up the bottom to show off her indigo strappy heels, and she accessorises her torso with stacked gold belly chains. She is wearing just a black bralette under her reworked cropped Alpine Stars motor jacket and finishes off the look with sunglasses indoors— so cool.  

6. Eva Apio, Model 

Channelling model off-duty, Eva Apio rocks super dark-wash baggy jeans and an orange ensemble on the New York sidewalk. She shows off her insane figure in this skintight metallic orange one-shoulder top and matches the orange theme with a Fendi bucket bag and Rick Owens orange sneakers with statement laces. 

7. Tems, Singer  

Singer and songwriter Terms opted for these baggy, wide-leg jeans to show off her underwear waistband. She wears a matching Tommy Hilfiger set with a yellow Tommy windbreaker jacket. She ties together the red and black with black strappy heels and a dramatic gold belly chain decorated with elaborate charms. 

8. Kenza Boutrif, Model 

The model rocks these distressed light wash jeans, pairing them with a rare Louis Vuitton denim speedy. She adds bling to the outfit with a statement Vivienne Westwood pearl choker and bedazzled Diesel kitten heels. She wears a simple but cute pastel-coloured Loewe graphic tank and has a denim jacket on hand for when it inevitability gets cold. 

9. Yewande Biala, Radio host, TV star 

Former Love Island contestant Yewande brightened up the streets with this hot pink outfit. Not only does this look extremely put together, it also looks very comfy. Her pink fur hat and longline coat match the pink check on her shirt, which is unbuttoned to show off her impressive abs. The ultra-wide leg jeans add a casual element to the outfit, and the western-style belt and chain tie it in with her chunky rings. 

10. Sofia Coelho, Influencer 

With the same vibe as the last look, Sofia paired super baggy light wash jeans with a dramatic cropped pink jacket. Her sweatband and over-ear headphones give the same energy as any paparazzi picture of Princess Diana running errands, although the white lace-up heeled boots probably aren’t the most practical. 

Words by: Lucy Walshe

Header Image: Yewande Biala

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]]> An Interview with Khanum’s Founder: Rokeya Khanum Chats Past, Future and Brand Success with Us https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/an-interview-with-khanums-founder-rokeya-khanum-chats-past-future-and-brand-success-with-us/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=an-interview-with-khanums-founder-rokeya-khanum-chats-past-future-and-brand-success-with-us Thu, 29 Dec 2022 09:17:05 +0000 https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/?p=68311 We were privileged enough to land an interview with the amazing Rokeya Khanum, founder of iconic luxury clothing brand Khanum’s. Focusing on effortless luxury, women empowerment and timeless sustainability, Khanum has been creating garments since 2018.

The post An Interview with Khanum’s Founder: Rokeya Khanum Chats Past, Future and Brand Success with Us appeared first on Voir Fashion.

]]> We were privileged enough to land an interview with the amazing Rokeya Khanum, founder of iconic luxury clothing brand Khanum’s. Focusing on effortless luxury, women empowerment and timeless sustainability, Khanum has been creating garments since 2018. We are so excited to share Khanum’s amazing origin story and how she spotted a gap in the market for her brand of niche evening wear. We also explore the incredible business success she has had within the brand’s -so far- short lifetime and upcoming creations we can look out for.

How did your journey begin with Khanum’s?

Khanum’s started as a side hustle. I had lost my job through redundancy and was left unemployed for 18 months. After interviewing for jobs non stop everyday and being rejected everyday,  I finally found a full-time role. When I eventually landed this role, I told myself that I needed an additional stream of income with hopes of additional financial security. The only option for me was to start a ‘side hustle’. 

The idea to start a niche evening wear, particularly jackets, stemmed from seeing a gap in the market for affordable, luxury statement pieces. There were several established high end designer brands offering what I wanted to create but the price points were never attainable for women like myself. My personal preference and ‘financial lane’ at the time admired luxury fashion with some high street styling. I loved the luxury customer experience from the quality of clothing to the sophisticated packaging detail and wanted to create a brand which offered this. I thought, what can I do to cater to an aspirational customer like myself, and create something quite luxurious yet affordable at the same time? That’s how Khanum’s started.

You’re an entrepreneur and saw a gap in the market! So, you didn’t have a design background at all?

No, I didn’t. I studied Law at University. It’s quite a broad subject and I feel like it’s equipped me with a lot of analytical and research skills. I specialised in Intellectual Property Law which has proven extremely beneficial to Khanum’s with the design law aspect, protecting my designs etc, so I don’t regret it at all.

With you not having a design background, which is not unheard of, how did you actually get into fashion design? What does that process look like?

Well, I feel like I’ve always been a natural creative.  My parents are Bangladeshi immigrants who came to London in the late 70s and worked in the garment-making industry. They would produce bulk orders at home for a London-based manufacturer which was just round the corner from where we lived in Brick Lane. So, I was fully exposed to garment production at home. I witnessed my mum cutting patterns and fabric on our kitchen dinner table, then stitch all those fabrics into clothing in our machine room. My dad would do the same after he’d come back from working in restaurants. My older sister was artistic too, she’d always be sketching designs. Just from observation I’d see what they’d be doing and I’d sneak off to do it myself. Creativity and design has always been with me. It’s just not something that I chose to pursue because of certain circumstantial challenges.

Wow! When did you feel like it went from a side hustle to the full-time business that it is now? 

I never saw Khanum’s as a business that would become something as amazing as it is now.  I never envisioned that at all. I thought, it’s just a side hustle, a bit of money coming in, and I’ll put it towards savings. I’ll continue my 9-5 job, because that’s the main security. However, within the first few months there was an incredible surge of brand credibility and validation through revenue and brand awareness from social media and influencers that wanted to collaborate with us. 

The first collaboration that we did was with an influencer named Charlotte Emily Sanders, who was incredibly nice. She was happy to borrow a jacket, take a mirror selfie, and from that we had so many influencers requesting to collaborate with us. It was like a domino effect. It was so natural and organic and that’s what really helped increase revenue and generate sales beyond expectation. 

In the first seven months of running the business, as a side hustle from my bedroom, I managed to solely generate six figures. I then thought, maybe I should quit my job? I had a lot of customers, and I couldn’t continue my job as well as running my business outside of that. I was picking and packing orders, responding to customer service emails and DMs, marketing and putting Instagram/email posts together before work, during lunch breaks and after work. It just got to a point where it was a lot to keep up with the demand. I sat on the idea of quitting the day job, because I was scared. The fear of losing financial security lingered from my past experience of being unemployed for 18 months. 

In my mind, I was scarred by the fact that it was hard to finally get a job and here I am now thinking about quitting? What if my business fails? What if I quit my job and I don’t get as many sales as I do right now? It was a really difficult decision. It was only 18 months after I started Khanum’s where I semi took the leap of faith. I had a conversation with my manager and I asked her if I could work part time, and that my business wouldn’t conflict with that job.  She asked if she could have a look at my business, so she looked at my website and social media. Plot twist! She knew my brand, but didn’t know it was mine. It was quite crazy. She was the one to tell me to quit my job and focus on the business. It was the push I needed.

It sounds like it was scary for you, but it’s really paid off, hasn’t it? Were there any other creative influences that you had when you were growing up?

In terms of role models in business and entrepreneurship, when I was unemployed, I read the book ‘Girl Boss’ by Sophia Amoruso. Then, the Netflix adaptation came out, and I watched that five times. If you’ve watched that, or if you’ve read the book, you can see her journey when she’s struggling with her day job, wanting to make a quick buck which then unintentionally exploded. That planted a seed in my mind and thought maybe that’s what I could do as well? 

I also read ‘How to Become an Overnight Success’ by Maria Hatzistefanis, the founder of Rodial Beauty. She detailed her entrepreneurship journey over 10 years which finally led to success. Those two were key inspirations for me in terms of starting up a business. 

In terms of key role models, without sounding cliché, I saw my mum as a great role model. I saw her raising seven kids at home, an amazing full-time mum, she was a housewife, but was also working to make ends meet. She was making clothes for all of these brands and was doing so whilst raising all of us. I just thought; she’s a woman that’s so efficient, so militant, and gets everything done. I admired that, and recognised her determination with zero excuses at all. If this woman can do all that? Why can’t I, as a woman working 9-5, with a side hustle, and also being a mother to only one child? So, in terms of resilience, efficiency and dedication, my key role model has always been my mum.

What advice would you give to aspiring creatives or people that want to go into the fashion business? 

Many say that the fashion industry is extremely saturated, but I feel like there’s a space for everyone. I think the key is to really research the market that you want to go into and find a niche. You have to stand out from the crowd and you need to have a unique selling point. Master your niche/USP, then the next key is finding methods of communicating why your brand is IT. You also need to consider your niche as finding a solution to a lot of people’s problems. For me, I thought, I’m young and I want to buy statement pieces. I love jackets, but the only other brands I saw that did those kinds of jackets are very high fashion, established brands, selling them for thousands of pounds which wasnt attainable for me. I wanted to create an affordable, luxury brand and provide the customer service and experience of a luxury brand. That way it’s honed in on both experiences, but you’re not paying the price. My advice would be to find a unique selling point and figure out the experience that you’re going to be providing for that customer.

You’ve had some exciting influencers and cool people wear your clothes. Who would you say has been your favourite person to work with so far?

Seeing Nicole Scherzinger wear a Khanum’s blazer. She was always a woman crush for me. So that was amazing.  

Is there anything exciting that you’re allowed to share with us that you’ve got coming up? 

We are launching our bridal collection next March, which is going to be incredible.. We’ve been working through the embellishment swatches and designs, we’re getting there! Khanum’s Bridal is not your traditional bridal gowns, it’s not going to be anything like that. It bridges the gap for the non-conventional bride and provides a 360 wardrobe for the brides entire wedding journey abnd experience and journey from engagement party to honeymoon fits.  That’s the niche I’ve discovered for bridal, and that’s what I want to push into. 

Interview by Jyoti Matoo

Graphics Header Image By Mia Washbrook

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]]> The Fierce Change-Makers Of This Years GLAMOUR Women Awards https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/the-fierce-change-makers-of-this-years-glamour-women-awards/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-fierce-change-makers-of-this-years-glamour-women-awards Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:46:34 +0000 https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/?p=65960 The annual GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday saw some incredible and inspiring women grace the red carpet yet again. Celebrating the fiercely independent, game-changing, and empowering women in music, fashion, tv and film, the awards held host to women such as Anne Marie, Nicola Coughlan and Charithra Chandran. Let’s take a look at some of the well-deserved winners and what they wore on their big night.

The post The Fierce Change-Makers Of This Years GLAMOUR Women Awards appeared first on Voir Fashion.

]]> The annual GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday saw some incredible and inspiring women grace the red carpet yet again. Celebrating the fiercely independent, game-changing, and empowering women in music, fashion, tv and film, the awards held host to women such as Anne Marie, Nicola Coughlan and Charithra Chandran. Let’s take a look at some of the well-deserved winners and what they wore on their big night.

Charitha Chandran

The Bridgerton star was awarded the Samsung Rising Star Award for utilising her voice to challenge racism and represent her South Asian community. We praise Chandra for what she has achieved and are excited for her future in the film industry as well as her continuation to challenge the status quo.

Charitha Chandran certainly kept up her ‘diamond of the season’ status as she dazzled in a long black Rokh dress. The corseted gown featured bejewelled panelling and a sparkling halter neck.

Amelia Dimoldenberg

Known for her unconventional comedy style on her YouTube series –Chicken Shop Dates– we are not shocked to announce that Amelia Dimoldenberg received GLAMOUR’s Creator of the Year Award 2022.

As she proudly accepted her well-earned award, Dimoldenberg slayed in a stunning black Miu Miu suit. We think the androgynous, boxy silhouette partnered with the mini bandeau style top captured the comedian’s style perfectly.

Nicola Coughlan

We are lucky to not just have one, but two Bridgerton stars in our fashion midst. Nicola Coughlan is known for her roles as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton, as well as Clare Devlin in Derry Girls. However, on Tuesday evening she was receiving recognition for her involvement in protests on women’s rights to abortion, as well as campaigning for equal marriage.

The Actress/ Activist wore a gorgeous custom piece by Emilia Wickstead as she received her TV Actor Award. Differing from her Bridgerton work wardrobe of yellows and oranges, the Wickstead two-piece showed Coughlan in a much more glamorous style. The black embroidered two-piece -taken from Wickstead’s A/W 22 collection- was inspired by the films of Michelangelo Antonioni, and we must say Coughlan looked inspiring in it.

Rita Ora

Rita Ora is no stranger to standing up and speaking out on important issues. Being an Ambassador for UNICEF as well as supporting campaigns for refugees, Ora rightfully earned her Entertainer Award. The singer also continues to create female-empowering anthems which empower women daily- thank you, Rita Ora.

All eyes were on Ora as she stunned in a full-length, sheer black, figure-hugging gown. The partially off-shoulder strappy dress showed off Ora’s black underwear as well as her gorgeous figure.

Munroe Bergdorf

Making great strides for inclusivity in the beauty industry, Munroe Bergdorf uses her platform to create positive change by encouraging higher levels of diversity. As one of the UK’s first mainstream transgender models, she knows the industry first-hand and believes there is still a lot of work to be done. February 2023 will welcome the release of her debut book, which we are sure will be a success. Therefore, a big congratulations to Munroe Bergford for winning GLAMOUR’s Beauty-Changemaker Award.

Wearing a hyper-feminine, lilac gown from Sophie Couture’s S/S 23 collection, Bergdorf looked simply stunning. The dress featured delicate feathers and chiffon appliques, which were complemented by a matching set of heels.

Dina Asher-Smith

Now although Dina Asher-Smith presented an award as opposed to winning one, we couldn’t help but feature her in our mix. As she wore a custom Nensi Dojaka, she awarded the very designer the winner of GLAMOUR’s Fashion Designer of the Year. The sprinter’s red-carpet moment will be remembered for years to come as she elegantly sported the sheer brown, floor-length gown. True to a Nensi Dojaka, the dress featured delicate cut-outs and a breathtaking slit down the skirt’s left side.

Words By Erin Wilson

Header Image: Glamour

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]]> The Women Behind London Fashion https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/the-women-behind-london-fashion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-women-behind-london-fashion Thu, 16 Sep 2021 09:44:17 +0000 https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/?p=37595 London Fashion Week is around the corner, showcasing British talent from Friday 17th to Tuesday 21st September. To prepare for the return of LFW, we thought it’s the perfect time to highlight the women creating the current London fashion scene. You do not want to miss these powerful women during fashion week!

The post The Women Behind London Fashion appeared first on Voir Fashion.

]]> London Fashion Week is around the corner, showcasing British talent from Friday 17th to Tuesday 21st September. To prepare for the return of LFW, we thought it’s the perfect time to highlight the women creating the current London fashion scene. You do not want to miss these powerful women during fashion week!

Charlotte Knowles

Charlotte Knowles London graduated from CSM in 2017 and has been steadily growing her brand since. The south London based brand is designed by Charlotte and her partner, Alexandre Arsenault. She chooses to highlight the female form, in making lingerie-esque clothing wearable as everyday garments. From Emma Corrin to Nicki Minaj, Dua Lipa, and even Beyonce have all been seen sporting her signature pieces. Knowles’ garments flatter femininity whilst adding interesting details like cut-outs, contrasting textures and peek-a-boo layers. 

Ashley Williams

Ashley Williams entered the fashion scene in 2013, with her first collection at London Fashion Week instantly receiving critical acclaim. Her clothes are an amalgamation of bold prints, Y2K graphics, and feminine silhouettes. Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, and Anwar Hadid have been seen in the bright clothing of Ashley Williams. The combination of ultra-feminine hearts and bows with vulgarity and deconstructed garments makes each her style loud and beautiful.  

Mowalola Ogunlesi

Mowalola Ogunlesi is a Nigerian-born designer, working and living in London. Mowalola attended Central Saint Martins and created a ’70s Nigerian rock scene-inspired menswear collection entitled ‘Psychedelic’. Her provocative style and rock influences have gained the designer commercial and critical success, impressing at London Fashion Week 2019. Definitely a name to follow, Mowalola is the creative director of Kanye West’s YZY X GAP collaboration. Her vibrant graphics, psychedelic visuals and bold colour palettes are instantly recognisable – the perfect garments to add to your wardrobe to ensure a statement.

Priya Ahluwalia

Ahluwalia was launched in 2018 by Priya Ahluwalia, the brand represents the intersection between near and far, past and present. The label has a creative approach that combines Priya’s Indian-Nigerian heritage and London roots, whilst exploring the limits of vintage and surplus fabrics to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Recently collaborating with Ganni and Mulberry, Ahluwalia is making waves in the fashion industry, introducing a more sustainable approach to garment making.

Poster Girl

POSTER GIRL founders, Francesca Capper and Natasha Somerville met while studying womenswear design at Central Saint Martins in London. The garments are created to empower women, whilst proving ultra femininity is not something to reject. The founders’ vast background in designer houses comes across in their knowledge of fabrics, textures, and clothing construction. If you are looking for interesting silhouettes, cut-outs and unique garments, then POSTER GIRL is where you need to shop.

Words by Caitlin Sahin , Graphics by Emily Chapillon

Photo Credit: @mowalola @charlotteknowleslondon @ashleywilliamslondon

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]]> What Is Happening To Women In Afghanistan? https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/what-is-happening-to-women-in-afghanistan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-happening-to-women-in-afghanistan Thu, 19 Aug 2021 10:22:28 +0000 https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/?p=35199 Until the US-led invasion in 2001, the Taliban previously ruled Afghanistan. Under Taliban rule, little liberty was provided for its people, particularly women. The historically oppressive rule has understandably sparked widespread fear as the Taliban moved across Afghanistan after US troops began withdrawing from the country. The withdrawal of US troops created an unstable power vacuum, explaining the Taliban’s rapid return to power.

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]]> Until the US-led invasion in 2001, the Taliban previously ruled Afghanistan. Under Taliban rule, little liberty was provided for its people, particularly women. The historically oppressive rule has understandably sparked widespread fear as the Taliban moved across Afghanistan after US troops began withdrawing from the country. The withdrawal of US troops created an unstable power vacuum, explaining the Taliban’s rapid return to power.

Since taking the capital, Kabul, reports have emerged from the Wall Street Journal explaining that ‘Taliban commanders have demanded that communities turn over unmarried women to become “wives” for their fighters’. The New York Times highlighted further human rights violations as girls education is banned and women are becoming excluded from public life.

It is important in this crisis which is often shared by countries, to recognise the role of the invading forces. Hasan Sari from the Byline Times points out that the US, rather than provide their promise of building a stable democracy, ‘instead built a rootless, corrupt and dysfunctional Afghan government that remained completely dependent on the White House and the US military power for its survival.’ The Afghan people have historically had little say in the rule of their country, with Western forces primarily invading, then leaving unstable power systems behind.

Now is the time to educate yourself, amplify the voices of the Afghan people, and follow the actions which can be done now. Remember you can act outside of the polls for political change by contacting your local MP and government. Do not glorify or idolise your politicians and government’s mentalities that cause such tragedy, as Western powers cause devastation and leave countries in precarious states. This is not a time to adopt a saviour mindset because your government is opening its borders – that is the very least it can do after perpetuating a country’s collapse.

What you can do is listen. Raise awareness of what is happening in Afghanistan to your friends and family, and educate yourself about the ongoing situation. The history of Afghanistan and its invasions which included powers of the US, Russia, and Britain is a complex issue, but that does not simply mean you cannot learn something. The nuanced history cannot be covered in one Instagram infographic or social media post, but online resources are available as starting points for educating.

Find your local protest to show support in numbers for Afghanistan:

These Instagram accounts share resources and updates on both Afghanistan and wider issues in the Middle East: @middleeastmatters , @theafghan , @hazara.gram share infographics and understandable information on current situations which can easily be shared to your story to reach a wider audience.

@khyberkhaan is a photographer and filmmaker, born in Afghanistan and now based in the UK.

@omar.haidari is a student and human rights activist, currently between Afghanistan and Germany

@nee1o is shares resources and holds discussions on the current situation of Afghanistan.

@rustamwahab is providing daily updates and is the owner & admin of @ukfactcheckpolitics

@emilieadelinamonies and others have compiled a spreadsheet with ways to support Afghanistan and links for further details on each organisation.

This short video describes the story of Anisa Shaheed, an Afghan journalist whose gender means she risks her life every day for her job.

This opinion piece was written recently by an anonymous 20-year-old woman in Kabul and shines a light on her experience – click here to read.

Written by award-winning social affairs journalist, Maryam Nabavi offers another first-person perspective on the experience of women in Kabul – click here to read.

Inside the Taliban’s Takeover of Afghanistan by Vice News

How the US failed to rebuild Afghanistan by Vox

Fatimah Hossaini is a fashion photographer in Afghanistan, her pictures push the boundaries of what is seen as acceptable behaviour for women.

Words by Caitlin Sahin

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]]> Why Miley Cyrus Is Our 2021 Spirit Animal https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/why-miley-cyrus-is-our-2021-spirit-animal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-miley-cyrus-is-our-2021-spirit-animal Sat, 09 Jan 2021 11:27:16 +0000 https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/?p=12297 From her first appearance on our screens as Disney’s Hannah Montana to swinging from a wrecking ball and twerking at the VMA’s, Miley Cyrus has never been one to shy away from controversy. Now that 2020 is behind us, we think that everyone should be channelling their inner Miley for 2021, and here’s why…

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Midnight Sky GIF By Miley Cyrus
Midnight Sky GIF By Miley Cyrus

From her first appearance on our screens as Disney’s Hannah Montana to swinging from a wrecking ball and twerking at the VMA’s, Miley Cyrus has never been one to shy away from controversy. Now that 2020 is behind us, we think that everyone should be channelling their inner Miley for 2021, and here’s why… 

First of all, if there is anyone to look to for their unashamed individuality, it’s Miss Cyrus. Her incredible cool-girl androgynous style and history of speaking publicly about identifying as pansexual and gender fluid epitomizes how Miley proudly does not give a damn what others think of her.  

As a proud feminist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Miley founded The Happy Hippie Foundation in 2014, an organisation that works to help those affected by youth homelessness and by supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

In 2019, Miley released the music video for Mother’s Daughter, one of the singles on her She Is Coming EP. In the video we saw Cyrus clad in a red vinyl catsuit with vaginal teeth, joined by several prominent feminists and LGBTQ+ activists with opening statements flashing up in red including ‘every woman is a riot’ and ‘virginity is a social construct’. The video was raved about by critics as a feminist masterpiece, a stark contrast to the headlines which followed her Bangerz tour in 2013 which speculated whether Cyrus was having a mental breakdown, coming out as a lesbian, or on drugs.

 

This begs the question of whether Miley has always been one step ahead and that in fact society just hadn’t caught up back then, in a time before gay marriage was legalized in the UK. In a Rolling Stones interview the singer did at that time, she stated ‘I know what I’m doing. I know I’m shocking you’, then went on to say that ‘there’s no one thing that defines what beauty is’. Touché Miley, touché. 

In a society learning to move forward from trapping beauty standards and gender norms, isn’t this the attitude we all need?

As a multi-award winning artist, Miley has collaborated in the past with a plethora of incredible musicians such as Mark Ronson, Dua Lipa, and most recently, Elton John, who she announced would be featured on her soon to be released Metallica covers album. In the past, she has produced pop, country, hip-hop, rap and recently rock music, a diverse range that aligns itself with her refusal to be labelled as one thing. Starring in an episode of Netflix’s Black Mirror in 2019, Cyrus played popstar ‘Ashley O’ who struggles under all the pressures from society and the people around her to fit one identity until she eventually can break free. This was a direct critique of her own experience as a child-star for Disney, but also one against society in general that you can be more than one thing at the same time. 

In the single Slide Away which was Cyrus’s debut performance after her divorce from ex-husband Liam Hemsworth she sang the lyric ‘move on, we’re not 17/ I’m not who I used to be’. It appears that Miley isn’t afraid of change: changing her look, changing her music, changing her personal life. Change is something we are taught to fear, but as the infamous saying goes adventure starts at the edge of your comfort zone.

So in 2021, we’ll be channelling our inner Miley to try new things and set new goals. Do you have a haircut you’ve always wanted to try but have never dared to do? Have you always wanted to learn an instrument or start a new sport? Then this is your sign – be a little Miley and push the limits of who you think you are. It’s 2021, and you can be exactly whoever you want to be.

Maybe think before you go for the full mullet though…

Words by Becca Seib

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]]> Five Females Re-Writing the Rules https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/five-females-re-writing-the-rules/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-females-re-writing-the-rules Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/five-females-re-writing-the-rules/ “There is too much value placed on stability greatness can only be found through rebellion.” These women have achieved greatness in their prospective industries by rebelling against the norm and rewriting the rules. Lizzo Lizzo an American pop artist who gained mainstream success when she released her number one single ‘truth hurts’ the singer-songwriter made […]

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Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Marine Serre and Phoebe Philo
Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Marine Serre and Phoebe Philo

“There is too much value placed on stability greatness can only be found through rebellion.”

These women have achieved greatness in their prospective industries by rebelling against the norm and rewriting the rules.

Lizzo

Lizzo
Lizzo

Lizzo an American pop artist who gained mainstream success when she released her number one single ‘truth hurts’ the singer-songwriter made waves with her unapologetic. Confidence in her body despite societal views. She continues to push the envelope with her fashion, music, live shows and recently as she twerked at a basketball game in a thong peeping through the hole cut at the back of her shirt. Time and time again Lizzo has proved she is 100% that bitch.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish an American singer and songwriter first broke out on the scene in 2016 with her single “Ocean Eyes”. The teenager’s dark and unsettling tonal songs seem to relate to all the experience of the gen Z proven as she swept the board recently with five Grammys. Billie Eilish seems to have re-written what it means to be a pop star from her music to a neon oversized and animated sense of fashion, she continues to contradict and pave her own path.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Screenwriter and actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge is known for writing tv hits like Fleabag and Killing Eve continues to entertain us with unique female characters. In the tv comedy Fleabag, she presents a female character with mental issues, a failing business and a difficult family navigating life and still made us laugh. In Killing Eve, she presents two opposite females: one an erratic female assassin and the other an obsessive ambitious investigator who chase each other around the world. Her works Present wholesome female characters with realistic three-dimensional personalities

Marine Serre

Marine Serre
Marine Serre

Futuristic Upcycled and hybrid are just a few words that describe the French brand Marine Serre. Marine Serre is a French designer founded the brand after working under fashion biggest names like Demna Gvasalia. She has gained an occult following for her blurring the lines between ready-to-wear, couture, tailoring and sportswear. Her garments are easily identifiable by her iconic crescent moon shape and also the by use of upcycled materials to create hybrid garments. Her creations are a view of a sustainable future of fashion.

Phoebe Philo

Phoebe Philo
Phoebe Philo

Philophile a term coined for the fan base of the former creative director of Céline (accent on the e) British designer Phoebe Philo. The former creative director amassed great support from fans during her time in Céline. For the first-time women felt that the designer wasn’t guessing what women would like she just knew it. Philo a mother of three presented clothes that featured realistic femininity. Her designs featured aspects of functionality and wearability that seemed to relate with many. Her less is more strategy in early 2010 gave birth to today’s minimalism in women’s fashion. In summary, her work presented women femininity from a female perspective.

Words by Precious Njoki

Graphics by Séverine Denis-Lessard

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]]> Dial M for Murder – Why Are Women So Obessessed with True Crime? https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/dial-m-for-murder-why-are-women-so-obessessed-with-true-crime/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dial-m-for-murder-why-are-women-so-obessessed-with-true-crime Thu, 04 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/dial-m-for-murder-why-are-women-so-obessessed-with-true-crime/ Perhaps it is because as young girls, we were always told to watch out for strange men. Don’t get into any cars with people you don’t know. Don’t walk out too late at night, or in the dark. Don’t wear skirts too short, and don’t wear too much makeup. Make sure you keep an eye […]

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Perhaps it is because as young girls, we were always told to watch out for strange men. Don’t get into any cars with people you don’t know. Don’t walk out too late at night, or in the dark.

Don’t wear skirts too short, and don’t wear too much makeup. Make sure you keep an eye on your drink, and always make sure your friends get home.

I remember specifically in 2007 when the UK received the horrible news about Madeline McCann’s disappearance, and as a result, as a nine-year-old, I also remember my mother buying me my first mobile phone, so I could now tell her I had walked to and from school every day safely. It was my first insight into the precautions we are told to take as women, that as we get older become a habit without a second thought.

From the offset, we are told to always be suspicious and aware of the darker side of this world. So, it is no wonder that this has led women to be the dominating demographic of true crime medium today. Women make up 70% of serial killer/murder victims, as it’s usually sexually motivated, and similar statistics are mirrored in the number of women who take an interest into these crimes, as on average 75% of true crime podcast listeners are women.

In fact, whenever I’ve had conversations about true crime, it is commonly women who respond with equal passion and obsession. It’s something that becomes a major discussion in any office with women “Have you seen When They See Us yet?”, “Did you ever see the Ted Bundy film with Zac Efron?”, “How have you never seen The Staircase?”, “Do you think McCann’s did it?”, and “What do you think happened to JonBenét?”

Netflix statistics revealed that in 2018, 57% of its overall viewers were female compared to 43% men and that further research shows that women are far more likely to binge-watch a Netflix series weekly than men. As if by nature, we’re designed to become consumed by such TV shows.

However, these conversations of fascination aren’t had in lack of respect for the victims, or for lack of disgust to the perpetrators who commit these crimes, but from a place of genuine intrigue and questioning. How many women do you know that would change their career to criminology, or investigative journalism if they got the chance to start all over again? I could name at least ten.

True crime sparks a morbid curiosity in us.

Big Little Lies
Gone Girl

Who can blame us though, when most crime, movies, books, podcasts, and TV shows have all been targeted towards women. Big Little Lies, Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, The Sinner, The Killing, and Riviera (to name only a few) not only have female protagonists in their tales of suspicion and murder, but also major elements of the narrative, and side-plots, revolve around and sympathise with specifically female issues – marriage, children, adultery, ambitionlessness, sexual identity, and the expectations of women.

Crime often, more than any other genre, tackles the banality of life as a woman, it doesn’t shy away from the gruesome horror of the world we consume – as true crime writer Megan Abbot told The Cut, “often we are reading about ourselves”.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace by American Crime Story
The Assassination of Gianni Versace by American Crime Story

And true crime follows similar appeals, American Crime Story, for example, created by Ryan Murphy, writer of Glee, American Horror Story, and Scream Queens, has naturally attracted a predominantly female audience due to the nature of his programmes. The creation of American Crime Story, the first series which followed a dramatisation of the OJ Simpson trial for the murder of his wife Nicole Brown-Simpson, was a cleverly decisive move from the producer to tap into his already female audience, who were more than likely to be true crime-obsessed fans. The series also obtains a certain level of glamour and chic, much like its sister programme American Horror Story, yet it is the second season, which told the story of the assassination of Gianni Versace, that particularly epitomises the kind of audience Ryan Murphy is aiming to engage with.

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark from My Favorite Murder
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark from My Favorite Murder

True crime comedy (yes, such a thing exists) is also a genre of podcasting which has taken the platform by storm within the last 5 years. My Favorite Murder, for example, a podcast by two comediennes who discuss a true crime murder story each a week, use their comedic skills in a way to address the dark and often horrific topics, not to laugh at the victims, but as a way to tackle what fears women most, head-on. And it seems to be working, with 19 million listens, selling-out live shows to 7,000 (the largest podcast live-show ever), creating their own podcast network, and writing a best-selling dual auto-biographical novel, My Favorite Murder, is one of the most popular podcasts on the medium; and expectedly MFM listeners are 90% female.

The anxiety of being attacked or killed, which is what motivates Karen and Georgia from My Favorite Murder to be so captivated by crime stories is the key motivation to why women have developed such preoccupation with it.

As previously mentioned, women think and are made to think, about the harm and abuse they could succumb to more than men. In a 2010 study, researchers found the primary motivation for women to consume crime (true or fictional) was to learn to recognise signs of a potentially murderous situation: signals of potential violence in a jealous boyfriend or spouse, and so that they could learn ways to escape – in case they ever found themselves gagged and bound in the back of a van Silence of the Lambs style.

The other key factor is that women, statistically, have a greater sense of empathy by the time they reach adulthood compared to men. We have become at some level numbed to hearing and seeing the death of men. Whether that be from learning about massacres of war at school, or in general, men being the more aggressive of the sexes, violence between them is somewhat expected; whereas violence against women has only become taken as seriously and reported on within such recent years. Likewise, we’re also often presented with a victim of a terrible crime, or a victim of the law – there is usually a singular person we as women engage our empathy and anger in because they have been so unbearably wronged.

Since the circumstances are usually completely unfathomable, it’s difficult to not be perplexed by how such an event can happen – how to avoid it, or how seemingly good-natured people can snap to commit such atrocities. After all, Jack the Ripper only became infamous as it is today because of the level of gruesomeness the killer committed, not because the victims were women.

Ultimately, what true crime presents to women is the candidness of the ever-present threat of sexual assault, and the reduced agency we have over our own bodies. How we have to continually safeguard ourselves to the ever-pressing worry of constant danger. It shouts out to us that the world that we live in still is a danger, highlighting an unspoken wrong in society.

It gives us our agency back – we know what can happen.

Animation by Luke Walwyn

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