CLEANSE: the official launch

It was the event I wish I could attend. Alas I had to firmly plant myself in the UK, miles away from The Double Seven in New York where the party took place.

I could have said that life wasn’t fair to me, otherwise I would have been there, but it would be a little lie because life has, in fact, been very kind, although I will cover this part a few paragraphs later.

Lindsay Ellingson, Anne-Marie Van Dijk, Doutzen Kroes

Right now, with happy tears of pride and joy in my eyes I would like to share the news – CLEANSE: one body, one planet – an initiative created by Anne-Marie Van Dijk to provide young models with all the support, inspiration and advice they need, has become official.

The aim of the programme is to help the girls at the beginning of their modelling career by introducing them to a team of trusted lifestyle coaches, doctors, nutritionists and trainers to make the journey as smooth as possible and, most importantly, helping them remain healthy while meeting demands on the fashion industry.

Fiona Hering (Vogue Netherlands), Anne-Marie Van Dijk, Martien Mellema (Vogue Netherlands)

It took a lot of hard work to make things official and I couldn’t have been more proud of Anne-Marie for achieving her dream. She is special and so is her project. I am very excited about the future of CLEANSE and looking forward to seeing it grow from strength to strength.

Peter Knell, Anne-Marie Van Dijk, Ivan Shaw (Vogue)

Where do I fit in? Remember I mentioned that the life was kind to me? Well, first of all I consider myself incredibly lucky to know Anne-Marie and even more lucky to have been invited to the event. And then, of course, comes a little collaboration that makes me smile every time I think of it. A few months ago, while the new CLEANSE website was still in production, Anne-Marie asked me if I would like to write about fashion for CLEANSE blog. Do I even have to say it out loud how happy she made me feel? We chose a few posts from Fashioned by Love to start with, but from now every new article will be created especially for the website to be published once or twice per week.

If you are interested to learn more about CLEANSE, you can visit the website, follow and support it via Facebook and Twitter and read the most recent interview with Anne-Marie for Elle on-line.

Photo source: CLEANSE Facebook (see the rest of the photos here), by Paul Porter / BFAnyc.com

Anne-Marie Van Dijk in Marie Claire

Friday is always a good day for a few beautiful shots that inspire and please forever-starving-for-beauty soul. I love the simplicity of this photoshoot, the sensuality of the first picture, the sun as bright as Sirius on the second, trench coat paired with long gloves as a styling idea for colder months, Chanel cashmere jumper as a DIY project, Le Tanneur leather clutch bag as a potential new “pet bag” craving, a mix of studio and street backgrounds, the black-and-white photos and beautiful graphic poses that, for some reason, remind me of good old classic editorials from the 1990s that I love so much.

Photo source: Marie Claire France September 2012

Anne-Marie Van Dijk in Laundry campaign

Since I’ve come across this Laundry campaign video from 2011 I kept playing it on repeat. Isn’t that Haunt You song by Nicole Simone just wonderful? Already downloaded my fix from itunes.

Weekend sign off

They say, the older you get the quicker the time goes. Well, I must be ancient because my week came and went just like that. We are spoilt with a three-day weekend that will most likely be rainy (surpise, surprise), so no plans have been made apart from watching a few movies and reading. Come to think of it, I must get the latest Vogue issue and a couple of other magazines. If you didn’t make any plans for your weekend either, you may enjoy my latest fashion week, reading an interview with gorgeous Anne-Marie Van Dijk or browsing a secret page full of beautiful and affordable finds. I also wanted to share a link to The New York Times article about Vogue’s new modeling rule, which, in my opinion, is such a huge step in the right direction.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Always yours,

Photo source: Vogue Paris September 2004

5 minutes with Anne-Marie Van Dijk

Meeting Anne-Marie Van Dijk was, indeed, a once in a life time opportunity and the time spent in her company will always be a special memory for me. Admittedly, at first I was nervous because it’s not every day that a girl like me gets to meet a top model who walked for the most influential fashion designers including John Galliano, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Prada, Christopher Kane, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dries van Noten, Donna Karan, Moschino and Dolce&Gabbana, starred in several campaigns, from Alberta Ferretti, Cacharel, Bebe, Swarowski to Louis Vuitton and Giangranco Ferre and was photographed for Vogue, Elle, L’Officiel, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and Glamour.

Dressed in skinny black jeans and black off-shoulder sweater that made her delicate collar bones even more exquisite, blond hair gathered in a low twist bun, flawless absolutely make-up free glowing skin, emerald green eyes, gorgeous full lips resembling rose petals, she looked every inch of a model, a very special kind of a human being.

She was fascinating. Warm, kind, open, intelligent and very, very sweet. When I asked her about a quick interview for my blog, she didn’t hesitate a second. Does it even worth mentioning that I absolutely adore and admire her?!

Your style in 3 words: Casual, comfortable, minimalistic.

Favourite quote: “The universe is a stage on which your mind dances with your body, guided by your heart”
 - Anonymous

Most exciting fashion experience:
 Attending the Harris Center’s 15th Annual Public Forum. Keynote speakers included Doutzen Kroes, Arianna Huffington and Franca Sozzani. I had the pleasure of meeting Franca Sozzani – what an incredible, powerful and intelligent woman! I have deep respect for all three women and applaud them for addressing important issues such as the health and well-being of working models in the fashion industry.

3 beauty or make-up products you cannot be without: Tata Harper Reparative Moisturizer, Bee Yummy Honey Mask, RMS Beauty Luminizer.

Best way to stay in shape: I love working out with a personal trainer. A personal trainer designs a workout plan for you based on your unique needs and desires. In addition, eating a varied diet rich in wholesome foods, preferably organic, is a must.

Shoes or bags? Bags - especially bags by Chloé.

Books or magazines? Books! I’m a true bookworm, preferably non-fiction.

Favourite music: My all time favourite artist is Sigur Rós.

Favourite movie: “What the Bleep Do We Know!?"

Favourite way to relax: Contemplate - I’m a daydreamer.

Favourite colour: Blue

Favourite season: All four but nothing beats the magical aura fall brings to landscapes.

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you find yourself? In the ocean, scuba diving with marine life.

What projects you are currently working on? I am currently working on a health initiative, “CLEANSE: One Body, One Planet”, which dedicates itself to bringing professional health and wellness services into the fashion industry while also helping to preserve the health and beauty of our planet.

Photo source: main photo via vogue.it, second photo courtesy of Anne-Marie Van Dijk.

The lake

Lets dream of summer time and lose ourselves in this beautiful editorial featuring exquisite Anne-Marie van Dijk photographed by David Vasiljevich for the winter issue of 10 magazine.

Photo source: 10 Magazine Winter 2005

Weekend sign off

I can feel the autumn in the air… First glimpse of pale clouds, early morning sunshine that I still dare to greet outside, but only after I wrap myself in a cosy cardigan, warm breakfast followed by coffee that seems more appropriate than a summer-friendly green tea… and… yes, first golden leaves dancing around in a park. I don’t think I’m quite ready to embrace the autumn fully, but in the other hand I can’t help feeling excited about an upcoming change of seasons, beautiful autumn clothes, fragrant candles and delicious desserts made with crisp apples.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Always yours,

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar UK January 2009