This week’s #CuvesdayThursday at SPICE kicks off with our first ever Curvy Chat, where we caught up with award-winning celebrity hair and makeup artist, Edee Beau – a seriously gorgeous girl with a banging body and fierce way with style.
Having been featured in Black Beauty, Pride and Tatler Magazine, and having worked with our favourite Nigerian celebrities, we at SPICE know Edee could give us a tip or two when it comes to looking fab, which you’ll find in our interview with her, below…
SPICE: Hi Edee! Please tell us, what would be your go-to outfit for… A Meeting?
Edee Beau: Definitely a fitted pencil skirt and a loose, floaty camisole which can be tucked into the skirt and layered with a blazer. I’d accessorise with simple diamond earrings and a wristwatch; after all, time is money!
…A Normal working day in the studio?
Always a pair of plain black leggings teamed with a simple tee and comfortable shoes. My line of work requires a lot of movement back and forth, as well and numerous hours standing, so for a usual working day it’s key to be to be comfortable.
… And dinner or drinks?
A little black dress; what else!? When I’m off to dinner or out for drinks, I like a look that can go from simple and classy to a night out on the town – so voila; the LBD, which can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. I always pair mine with a pair of killer heels and my favourite lipstick, and I’m good to go!
Which designer or highstreet brands do you love?
My designer pick for the curvier woman would definitely be Chanel – I adore their timeless vintage designs. Unfortunately, the world of high fashion are yet to embrace the curvier woman, with most designers only going up to a size 14/16. However, size does not limit the way you accessorise. You can buy amazing designer shoes and handbags!
My high street pick would definitely have to be New Look – they are fresh, youthful and very on-trend. Their plus size range is great for curvier ladies!
Do you have any top tips for aspiring business women?
My top tip would be to simply ‘believe.’ If you believe in yourself and are confident in everything you do, the people around you will see it.
You’re talking tonight at Selfridges’ debate event – ‘Untangling the Politics of Black Hair.’ What will be your main message?
Be who you are you! If wearing a hair weave makes you feel beautiful and confident, then do it. Do not conform to anyone’s views if they are not the same as yours. If wearing 1kg of butt-length blue hair is your thing, then rock it to your heart’s content!
Good talking to you Edee!
If you want a new, exciting look for summer visit Edee’s East London studio for a one-to-one consultation, which you can find more about, here. In the meantime, we’ll be excited to hear the rest of Edee’s thoughts tonight at Selfridges‘ Black Hair debate, and if you can’t make it, be sure to follow us on Twitter via @SPICETVAFRICA for live updates from the discussion.
The Best Big Brand: Piol
For our brilliant big brand this week, we’ve decided on something that’s unique to each of our readers. How, you may ask? Well, because with this brand, you design your items yourself.
Founded by Anne Drayton, Piol takes all aspects of its customers – from the colour of their hair to the shape of the hips – to create the perfect silhouette and to produce the perfect dress. And, from fabric swatches to tweaking necklines, sleeves and skirt lengths, Piol makes your dress-making fantasies come to life.
The custom dresses start from about $500 (£350), so it’s not inexpensive but fabrics are sourced from Italy and Japan, and the dresses are all handmade in New York over the course of about three weeks. You simply provide your measurements for a precise fit (sizes ranging from 0 to 22) and if you don’t like your dress (which is highly unlikely) – they’ll give you a full refund within 14 days, and your dress will be donated to a woman in need.
We love this concept – especially when not everything you buy ready-made tends to fit exactly the way you want them to. And, having looked through the swatches on the store’s site, which range from tribal-trendiness to neutral cool, there is a look to be made for everyone.
Take a look at the choices for yourself, here, although we reckon it’s probably best to recreate something statement-making, like the dresses from Piol’s lookbook, some of which you can see below. #Wow!
Curvy Pick of the Week: Chichia’s ‘Pepea’ Shirt Dress
When we saw this dress amidst the gems from London-Tanzanian label, Chichia, we immediately bookmarked the site under ’Sites to visit on Payday’.
With Beyonce recently spotted in one of their pieces, designer Christine Mhando channelled afro-chic to a tee for this design – which is seen especially in the retro wing-sleeves and contrast colour cutout. Definitely one to wear for a roof-terrace dinner or any glamorous outdoor events you may have coming up.
Shop it (£125), here.
Written by Sarah Bamidele
Gushgossipblog.co.uk, @GushGossipBlog
Image source: Edeebeau.com, Pioldress.com, Chichia.com
