Fashion’s story is beginning to change and a new dawn is breaking. Here’s C&TH’s Ibiza summer shoot, captured at Six Senses Ibiza. It’s packed with cool, eco threads for the best planet-friendly fashion brands around, many of which are stocked at Agora, the resort’s on-site boutique helmed by fashion editors Tiffanie Darke and Daniela Agnelli.

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Team

Fashion Director: Nicole Smallwood; Photographer: Dan Hack; Make-up: Charlotte Reid using ILIA, The Natural Africa and Hair by Sam McKnight; Fashion Assistant: April McCarthy

Brands Used in the Ibiza Summer Shoot

Alberta Ferretti

In January 2023 Alberta Ferretti joined forces with Skyway Monte Bianco to create a sustainable project in support of the Mont Blanc Glaciers. The limited edition capsule sweater collection was made of soft recycled cashmere, with a portion of proceeds from each sale donated to environmental projects dedicated to the conservation of the Mont Blanc glaciers. Organic chiffon and sustainable viscose organzine are used throughout the summer 2023 collection. albertaferretti.com

Caravana

At Caravana, sustainability is defined as the responsible interplay of having a positive environmental, social and human impact. It believes fashion is not an industry but a community of artisans who should be rewarded and honoured for their talent. The brand only use natural fibres, rejecting all types of materials such as nylon, polyester or plastics, and all its pieces and accessories are handmade in its workshop in Valladolid, Mexico, each taking many hours to create. caravana.land

Hunza G

Born in the UK, Hunza G’s signature one-size crinkle swimsuits are made with no wastage. Its one-size stance is not only an effort to remain an inclusive brand, but also reduces the risk of over-purchased sizing on a commercial level. Ethical and comfortable, each piece is intended to see you through a lifetime. hunzag.com

Kymina

The brand uses regenerated nylon made mostly from fishermen’s nets, and aims to provide sustainable yet affordable swimwear for women, produced ethically in the UK. Its collection is handmade in an energy-efficient facility in London’s Chelsea area. kymina.com

Marcel Rodrigues

Marcel Rodrigues’s clothing is either made from end of line, dead stock or rejected cloth from UK mills. All its products are handmade in its Cornwall workshop using 100 percent renewable energy. marcelrodrigues.co.uk

Medina Swimwear

Circularity is a key pillar of the brand. Entirely made in Europe, Medina pieces are crafted from fabrics using Econyl, an innovative nylon yarn, produced completely from recovered fishnets and other nylon waste. Besides being chlorine, sun cream and oil-resistant, it’s infinitely recyclable avoiding the use of new resources. Medina is constantly looking for material innovation to incorporate into its production, such as seaweed-based fabric SeaCell or hardware made in a factory that’s entirely run by photovoltaic energy. medinaswimwear.com

Rejina Pyo

For every product it creates, the team carefully considers the aesthetic, quality, functionality, and sustainability attributes of the materials. The brand has been working hard to build the right network of suppliers that can support its goal to source and develop environmentally preferred materials. rejinapyo.com

Sam Ubhi

 Sam Ubhi is a firm believer in taking a responsible approach to the materials it uses and the impact they have on the environment. Its jewellery is sustainably handcrafted using recycled materials. samubhi.com

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney’s sustainable vision is guided by and accountable to its bold values – ‘making every action count, inspiring trust and celebrating life. We are change agents; we are activists. We stand up and speak up for Mother Earth, our fellow animals and in solidarity with all humans’. It is a vegetarian company, which means that no animals are killed for its products. ‘None of our collections contain leather, feathers, fur or exotic skins, and none of the glues used in our shoes or bags come from animals either’. In 2008, Stella McCartney began to phase out its use of PVC and, since 2010, all Stella McCartney products have been proudly PVC-free. stellamccartney.com

SO-LE Studio

Maria Sole Ferragamo founded SO-LE Studio with the mission to transform leftover materials such as leather and brass into unique sculptural jewellery. She works with the materials she finds and sees strength in scarcity; she transforms these into unique wearable design objects, naturally limited in numbers. so-le-studio.com

Vrai

Vrai’s jewellery features diamonds created in its zero-emission foundry, which utilises renewable energy to create stones that are atomically identical to mined diamonds. This ensures that every created diamond is unique, has guaranteed origin and no human or environmental toll. The packaging is made from recyclable, compostable and reusable materials: all the shipping boxes are created from recycled cardboard while the moulded trays that hold each jewellery box made from compressed sugarcane pulp, an environmentally friendly and renewable resource. uk.vrai.com

Zimmermann

The brand’s design, sourcing, retail and logistics are constantly being evaluated for the best options in this fast-changing space and it is committed to being transparent about its journey. It is actively implementing policies and processes to ensure that it is a responsible fashion business. It’s also a member of the United Nations Global Compact and therefore has declared support for the Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, and has joined the NEST Coalition for Craft and Culture. zimmermann.com

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How To Build The Perfect Summer Skincare Routine

Victor Vazquez, Unsplash

What Steps Should Be Added To Our Routine?

1. Cleanse

As with all good skincare routines, Dr Paris Acharya recommends kicking things off with a good cleanser. ‘The first step in your skincare regimen should be to cleanse your face with an appropriate cleanser for your skin type,’ she says. ‘I recommend double cleansing to ensure a truly effective clean. For ingredients to properly absorb into your skin as you continue on with your regimen, you need to ensure that your skin is free of oil and dirt. Spending just a couple of minutes cleansing your face will help reduce oily build-up and acne breakouts. This is particularly important at this time of year when people are applying sun lotion and spending more time outside exposed to external factors such as pollution, pollen and dust.’

So what kind of cleanser should we try when it gets warmer? ‘In summer months, I recommend using a light, creamy cleanser as it will allow your skin to feel fresh without stripping it of all its natural oils and moisture,’ suggests Dr Acharya. ‘If you’re someone that struggles with seasonal breakouts as we transition to warmer months, it may mean that your current skincare products are too heavy for summer – summertime generally means lighter beauty.’

2. Exfoliate

Winter isn’t the only season responsible for an influx of dry skin; many of us will experience dry skin (and flaky skin if you’re recovering from sunburn) throughout summer. As Dr Acharya recommends, ‘using a gentle exfoliator regularly is vital when moving into a new season to eliminate dead skin cells allowing new, fresh skin to blossom. If you are experiencing constant dry, dull skin, the answer is to exfoliate. I recommend using a daily exfoliator once a day that is specially formulated for consistent, regular use as this will keep skin smooth, clear in a gentle manner.’

3. Vitamin C

This water-soluble vitamin is typically found in citrus, fruits and vegetables, and is a crucial micronutrient to help our bodies function properly. In skincare, vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant and skin brightener, and can help even out hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage – making it an ideal ingredient to have in your skincare arsenal.

‘No matter your skin type, always apply vitamin C – also known as ascorbic acid – to your skin in the morning,’ recommends Dr Acharya. ‘It is a fantastic addition to a skincare regimen as it is a powerful antioxidant and one of the few skincare ingredients that has been proven to help in the battle against skin ageing.

‘Vitamin C is perfect for summer skincare as it fights against free radicals such as UV rays and can improve pigmentation caused by sun damage and scarring. It also encourages collagen production and helps protect skin against damage from the environment.’

The Best Topical Vitamin C Beauty Products

Apple Bautista, Unsplash

4. Hydrate

You know what they say: stay hydrated, especially during summer. ‘Moisturising is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine, especially during the summer seasons,’ says Dr Acharya. ‘Often, our skin struggles to deal with the air and temperature change in summer, which can cause it to become dry and malnourished. So, I recommend a light yet nourishing moisturiser that will gently hydrate your skin. The Clearskin moisturiser from PCA Skin with Vitamin A and B is perfect for summer days as it lightly hydrates without clogging pores. Remember to always apply your moisturiser to your neck as well as your face to prevent ageing lines and wrinkles in all areas. At night, I recommend a slightly heavier moisturiser to ensure constant hydration throughout the night.’

Luxurious Face Creams For Dry Skin

5. SPF

While we should really be using SPF throughout the year, summer is the time it becomes as essential part of our skincare routine. As Dr Acharya notes: ‘SPF is one of the most important items in your beauty regime; it is vital for healthy summer skin. Apply your SPF to the face and neck in the morning under makeup and if wearing on your barefaced days, it is always recommended to reapply throughout the day. I always recommend using a minimum of SPF 30 to ensure effective protection throughout the day.’

Daily Face SPF Creams To Protect & Hydrate

6. Eye Cream

‘The skin around your eyes is extremely delicate so it is vital that we look after our eyes properly in the summer months where the sun is harsh on our skin,’ explains Dr Acharya. ‘So, it’s worth applying a gentle, brightening eye cream to create fresh-looking eyes for the warmer months ahead.

‘Always apply your eye cream with your fourth finger (ring finger), as this is the most delicate finger, and gently pat the cream in a circular motion around the eye, covering the eyelid and the under eye. This will ensure that the entire area is covered while also encouraging an eye lift with the application motion.’

Hydrating Eye Creams To Try Now

(c) Henry Gillis, Unsplash

7. Lips

And now for the final stage of your summer skincare routine: lips. ‘The last stage when it comes to creating a seamless summer skincare look is to take care of the lips,’ says Dr Acharya. ‘The lips are such an important part of the face and yet they often get forgotten when it comes to skincare. Many people forget to nourish their lips with a hydrating balm or serum and this can lead to dry, flaky lips.’

SPF Lip Balms For Soft Summer Lips

Which Ingredients Should We Look Out For?

Vitamin C

The Lowdown: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from environmental factors and premature ageing

What it does: ‘Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is a hero product that can be used by most skin types in the morning,’ says Dr Acharya. ‘It is a fantastic addition to a skincare regimen due to powerful antioxidant activity and one of the few skincare ingredients that has been proven to help in the battle against skin ageing. Vitamin C is a terrific skin brightener that can help manage discolouration alongside other ingredients.

‘It is perfect for summer skincare as it is a powerful antioxidant that fights against free radicals such as UV rays and can improve pigmentation caused by sun damage and acne scarring. It also encourages collagen production and helps protect skin against environmental stress.’

Hyaluronic Acid

The Lowdown: This skincare ingredient provides instant hydration and moisture to malnourished skin

What it does: ‘Hyaluronic Acid is perfect for treating dehydrated skin as it provides instant hydration, and traps in the skin’s natural moisture and water levels to provide (and retain) deep hydration,’ explains Dr Acharya. ‘It is also a great ingredient for reducing lines and wrinkles as it helps the skin appear more plumped and firmer giving a gorgeous glow.’

Christopher Sardegna, Unsplash

Vitamin B3

The Lowdown: Another ingredient that helps create brighter skin, vitamin B3 is perfect for evening out your complexion

What it does: ‘Vitamin B3 is a powerful ingredient for those with skin discolouration as well as dull skin,’ says Dr Acharya. ‘It helps to reduce trans-epidermal water loss and improve barrier function, which is critical for healthy, bright skin. The vitamin works to prevent water loss and therefore retains your skin’s moisture.’

Retinol

The Lowdown: A powerful vitamin derivative that clears acne by helping cells regenerate

What it does: ‘Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A which plays an important role in helping cells regenerate and refresh,’ explains Dr Acharya. ‘This therefore means that retinol can help create new, younger looking skin. It is also the perfect ingredient for those with acne and breakout prone skin; retinol promotes a clear complexion and an even skin tone due to the cell turnover because as cells are regenerated, and oil production controlled your pores will be less likely to become blocked.

‘Although retinol is highly effective, I recommend using a powerful night time treatment on cleansed skin. If you use a retinol during the day, you will be exposing it to UV light which decreases the positive outcomes of the retinol. It’s very important to apply plenty of SPF when using retinol.’

Featured image: Antony, Unsplash

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The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

What Does A Resale Platform Do?

Resale platforms allow us to buy and sell pre-owned or second-hand items – in our case, clothing, accessories, shoes and jewellery – on an online marketplace. Individuals or brands can list items for sale on these platforms, so that potential buyers can browse, search, bid on and purchase those items.

How Do They Work?

This depends on the platform itself. Most operate by a postal service, where you list your items and then post them directly to the person buying them (postal fees are sometimes covered, but it’s worth checking beforehand), while others work through drop-offs and courier services. Either way, the basic principles of resale platforms enable sellers to list items online, where shoppers can buy from the platform’s website directly.

Resale Platforms To Know In 2023

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Featured image: Vestiaire Collective

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The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

Fast fashion is playing a seminal role in destroying our planet, polluting our oceans and generating a staggering 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases a year (more than all international flights). The sartorial shame is real. While reconciling luxury fashion with sustainability is a tough gig in itself, the dizzying rise of rental and resale sites, paired with a fine vintage renaissance is certainly a step in the right direction.

With social media placing an expiry date on luxury pieces and the likes of Airbnb, Netflix and Uber opening the sharing and subscription economy floodgates, British consumers have never been more open to leasing high end fashion. As long as dry cleaning and delivery impact is scrutinised, rental fashion reduces waste, improves the life-span of clothing and reduces custodians’ fabric footprint with a more circular economy. If a monthly cocktail of Simone Rocha dresses, Fendi ski suits and Carven coats sounds appealing, consider signing on to one of the rental services below. Just steer clear of the red wine…

Brilliant Rental Platforms To Try In 2023

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Featured image: By Rotation

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The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

What Is Tenniscore?

Another fashion trend hailing from the internet, Tenniscore is a fashion trend that draws inspiration from tennis aesthetics and incorporates them into everyday outfits. The word itself blends the terms ‘tennis‘ and ‘core’ fashion, representing a fusion of sporty and everyday fashion for a streetwear-ready look.

EXEAT

‘As tennis’ popularity grows, alongside the super sociable sister sports of Padel and Pickleball, there is definitely going to be more of a focus on dressing up for court,’ said EXEAT founder Laura Ward in a C&TH interview earlier this year. ‘Expect to see the emergence of more polished silhouettes and a hark back to elegant racquet sport dressing. It’s all part of the ethos of tennis.’

In terms of the fashion itself, this Tenniscore is most commonly reflected in pleated skirts, polo shirts, tennis dresses, athletic shoes and visors. Think preppy-chic, and then make it slightly athletic. The idea is that you can blend in on the court, the sidelines and in the pub down the road from the venue, if you so wish.

Court Style For Summer ’23

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Featured image: EXEAT

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Which Wellness Trends Will Be Big in 2023?

We’re taking a much more holistic approach to wellness next year, as we tackle our health from all sides and make more inclusive solutions. This is the year of the big digital detox, coffee boycotts and mental health prioritisation. Intrigued? These are the wellness trends to take with you into 2023:

Top Trends At A Glance

1. Sleep syncing
2. Women’s wellness
3. Gut-brain connection
4. Incidental exercise
5. Matcha makeover
6. EMDR therapy
7. Gender inclusive beauty
8. Facial yoga
9. Digital detox
10. Mushroom stacking

1. Sleep Syncing

In need of a good night’s sleep? You’re not the only one. It was revealed in a study by Direct Line Life Insurance that we’re becoming increasingly sleep deprived, with 71 percent of UK adults not getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night (and 7.5 million people getting less than five hours). A lack of sleep is said to make you ‘metabolically groggy‘, making it harder for your body to process insulin and contributing to weight gain.

While we can’t always get the desired amount of shut-eye each night, one of the ways we can save our body the stress of processing a lack of sleep is by adjusting our diets and nighttime routines. This will go mainstream as ‘sleep syncing’, according to health food shop, Holland & Barrett. ‘As the quest for a better night’s sleep continues, we’ll see circadian eating – switching from heavy evening meals to afternoon ‘light’ eating – grow in popularity. Not only will we avoid super heavy food late in the day, we’ll also see new sleep aid ingredients on the block like glycine join our bedtime skincare lineup and a big tech switch-off before bed to avoid nightmares.’

2. Women’s Wellness

We’ve been chipping away at the stigma surrounding women’s health and wellness for a few years now, but in 2023 we’ll be spotlighting conversations across all kinds of media. As Holland & Barrett explain, ‘Women’s wellness becomes big business: beyond the menopause, which was catapulted into the spotlight in 2022, we will become even more focussed on breaking taboos around broader women’s health issues such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility. This shift will be reflected in the products we see in the shops, in particular as nootropics and adaptogens make their way into products to support menstrual health.’

(c) Karolina Grabowska, Pexels

3. Gut-Brain Connection

In 2022, TikTok users set the internet alight with the claim that ‘hot girls have IBS’. This was a movement that allowed us to open up the conversation surrounding tummy trouble, discussing experiences and seeking out advice for the best ways to alleviate discomfort. The trend is set to flourish in 2023, with more of us looking for new ways to nurture our gut health. ‘With the world becoming more toxic and stress levels on the rise over the last two decades, we’ve seen a huge rise in patience with gut problems,’ says Dr Simoné Laubscher, founder of Rejuv Wellness and formulator of WelleCo’s ingestible beauty-through-wellness collection. ‘Over the last five years or so, we’ve also seen a huge spike in patients now experiencing mood disorders, depression and anxiety, and often this is also related to their gut.’

Dr Laubscher suggests a more holistic approach: reconsidering gut-brain connection. ‘There is a network of around 100 million neurones lining our gut. It is so extensive that many scientists refer to our gut as our “second brain”. This multitude of neutrons is called the enteric nervous system and produces more serotonin (our happy hormone) than our actual brain. This is why the gut-brain connection is key in maintaining good health and preventing disease.

‘While awareness of the importance of gut health has been growing in recent years, the gut-brain connection has only recently become a part of this conversation – and this will continue to grow throughout 2023 and beyond. The chemical messages that pass between the gut and the brain are affected by our gut microbiome – the bacteria, viruses and fungi that live in the gut – and the importance of positively influencing this through our way of life and the things we ingest will become of even greater importance.’

4. Incidental Exercise

A wellness trend that lets us fit exercise into work time? Sign us up. ‘Incidental exercise is activity that takes place in small amounts, at various points throughout the day and, in today’s time-poor society, is a trend that continues to grow,’ says Dr Laubscher. ‘It can be just as beneficial for your health as longer, more sustained workout sessions, but the difference is that it can often be included as a part of your daily living, which makes it far easier to fit into your everyday lives.

‘Incidental exercise can be as simple as getting off of the bus a few stops earlier and walking, increasing your speed when you’re walking to the shops, bounding up the stairs instead of walking, or squatting while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil. Investing in a mini-trampoline and doing 100 mini bounces at various points throughout the day to change your state and shake off stress is a great approach to weaving incidental exercise into your life.’

5. Matcha Makeover

Some bad news for our caffeine-addict friends: coffee is out, matcha is in. According to Nadia Rawjee, a certified health coach and founder of wellness brand Casa Cura, switching your morning drink from coffee to matcha is a small but impactful change this coming year to help reduce stress, manage anxiety, and give your immune system a boost. This Japanese superfood green tea is set to be the morning energiser of 2023. ‘Matcha will give you your morning caffeinated buzz while boosting your health. In contrast, coffee can be damaging to your hormone health as it causes a spike in cortisol. The energy from coffee is quickly released over a two hour time span, which can cause a crash, as opposed to matcha, which releases energy over a four to six hour timespan, making it less likely to cause a sudden crash.

‘Matcha is also great for focus (helping you crush those new years goals), as it has an amino acid called L-Theanine that gives you calming alpha waves while making you focus – this is one of the reasons why matcha was used by monks before meditation for centuries. Another bonus is that matcha is full of antioxidants, which are great for boosting your immune system and preventing any seasonal colds.’

(c) Payoon Gerinto, Unsplash

6. EMDR Therapy

The mental health movement has become a huge part of our everyday lives and taking up space in mainstream media – from podcasts and news stories to ITV’s Britain Get Talking campaign. The reduced stigma has made more of us seek out mental health treatments in recent years, but 2023 will see Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (aka EMDR) become a huge wellness trend. ‘We expect to see a continuation to the already emerging demand for EMDR therapy,’ say clinical psychologist Dr. Jenna Vyas-Lee and psychotherapist Jordan Vyas-Lee, co-founders of mental health care hub Kove. ‘Many therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) work very well by changing the way people think by use of some excellent strategies of thought and logic. However, for some problems – especially those governed by old patterns emanating from childhood experiences – it can be more useful to work at the felt-sense, emotional level.

‘EMDR is the next wave of treatment to hit the UK. A therapy that works very flexibly with problems that are deep rooted. There is a good evidence base for the methods, and the therapy is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – the body in the UK that gives the green light to medical and health care interventions by evaluating the research base. We recommend this for anybody who may be seeing issues related to ongoing low self-esteem or anxiety, patterns of dysfunction in relationships, persistent low mood, or any issues that are clearly linked to trauma (historical or recent).’

7. Gender Inclusive Beauty

And when it comes to the beauty products lining the shelves in stores, we’re about to see the boundaries separating men’s and women’s products blur. Gendered marketing will no longer be the priority; instead, brands will show off products that target specific concerns that are relevant to all. As highlighted by Dr. Tara Francis, Cosmetic Dentist and Advanced Facial Aesthetician: ‘In 2023, more of us will encourage and welcome gender inclusivity in skincare and beauty. Everyone should feel welcome and included in self-care, and brands are taking notice of the demand for products that can be used by all genders. Skincare should not be gender specific but should indeed be problem targeted, tackling the likes of breakouts, pores and irritation.’

8. Facial Yoga

Another wellness trend we’re excited to see reach new heights in 2023 is facial yoga. You may be familiar with the term courtesy of musician Boy George, who could be seen practicing on multiple occasions during his time on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2022. Facial yoga, or face yoga, is a routine made up of massages and exercises that help to stimulate the muscles, skin, and lymphatic system around your facial area. It’s thought to soften and relax your face muscles, relieving the visual signs of tension, stress and worry. As noted by Carrie Hancox, an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner at the Centre for Surgery: ‘With facial yoga, it can have a nice effect similar to manual lymphatic drainage, reducing that build up lymphatic fluid you get over night. It’s great for those that don’t want to go through with medical procedures, but it should be noted that it’s not going to have the same tightening effect as something like laser or Morpheus8 (a Subdermal Fractional micro-needling Radio Frequency (RF) technology).’

(c) Anastasia Shuraeva, Pexels

9. Digital Detox

A study by Leeds University revealed that, on average, Brits spend about 11 hours looking at screens each day. Our increased dependency on smart phones, tablets and laptops is making many people reconsider their relationship with their electronic devices – and in 2023 this will give rise to the digital detox. ‘We’re all becoming more aware of our screen time and the damage associated with being on our phones for endless hours of the day,’ says Hector Hughes, co-founder of off-grid cabin escape company, Unplugged.’ Screen time increased dramatically over lockdown, but we haven’t seen a drop in this since the end of the pandemic. Everyone is waking up, and now the impacts of it are starting to unravel.

‘More studies are being published about screen time, more celebrities are quitting social media – even iPhones send you notifications now to help you monitor your weekly app usage. At Unplugged, we’re already seeing the change in the last quarter of 2022. We’ve signed 10 companies who now offer digital detoxing to their employees and we’re having to roll out more cabins to meet the demand of those wanting to go totally off-grid.’

10. Mushroom Stacking

Mushrooms will continue to thrive across the wellness sphere in 2023, as we find out more about their uses and benefits. ‘Medicinal mushrooms are continuing to take the wellness world by storm, helping with everything from burnout to boosting libido, and with the Duchess of Sussex giving the trend her seal of approval by investing in a new US based company, the growth of functional mushrooms shows no signs of slowing down,’ says Clarissa Berry, nutritionist for DIRTEA. ‘Mushroom stacking is one of the latest buzzwords, referring to combining medicinal mushrooms with other adaptogens and antioxidants (stacking) to enhance the benefits. This trend explores the stacks which work particularly well together and why.’

(c) Thanh Soledas, Unsplash

Featured image: Denys Nevozhai, Unsplash

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The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

The Luxury List

Mixing your favourite big name fashion houses with niche up-and-comers that you need to know about, we’ll help you stay one step ahead of the fashion pack for the new season.

We’ll also pop in the occasional kidswear fashion and lifestyle buy for the mini-me in your life, so keep your eyes peeled for when the kids deserve a luxury style treat, too. Need a shopping fix, fast? Bookmark this page and check in every day for your daily dose of retail therapy via The Luxury List.

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Preview: A New London Textiles Fair Comes To Kensington This July

A fabulous mid-summer fix for lovers of antique and decorative textiles will take place on 30 July at St Mary Abbot’s Centre, Vicarage Gate, near Kensington Church Street. Top textiles dealers from the UK and elsewhere will be showing a wondrous array of beautiful textiles from all over the world, covering a span of time from 18th-century French Toiles de Jouy and late Victorian costume to mid-century modernism. 

Among the delights on offer there will be Ghanaian ewe and kente cloth, Nigerian indigo, and Cameroonian ‘ndop’; Japanese ‘boro’, furoshiki wrapping cloths, vibrant silk kimonos, haori and obis, shibori scarves, indigo work jackets; dazzling Afghan and Uzbek ikats and kaftans; and fantastically intricate Chinese robes, wedding skirts and Cantonese shawls. Also on display will be South-East Asian tribal batiks and embroidered textiles; exquisite Ottoman hand-woven and silk-stitched ceremonial ‘towels’; Turkish striped sashes and throws; and gorgeous peasant blouses, boleros, aprons, skirts and embroideries from the Balkans, Russia and Eastern Europe. In addition, you’ll spot rare antique pieces from all over India; early French hand-block-printed cottons, ‘indiennes’  and ‘flamme’ ikats; English country linen smocks; and modernist masterpieces from the likes of Lucienne Day and Marian Mahler. The range and quality of the items on show will be simply stupendous.

As well as textiles of every shape, origin, age and hue, a group of dealers specialising in ethnographic/tribal artefacts and jewellery will also be showing off their stuff, including extraordinary Oceanic sculptures, shell collars and Zulu and Xhosa beadwork.

This event, which replaces the textiles fair formerly held at the Olympia Hilton, is also planned to be biannual, with dates already in the book for 19 November 2023 and 9 June 2024. It is bound to become a not-to-be-missed hunting ground for anyone involved in the textile design, interiors, costume and wardrobe industries as well as passionate collectors, students of art, design and fashion, and those simply interested in feasting their eyes on beautiful things. Of course, there are amazing, rare and expensive pieces here, but also smaller items that are surprisingly affordable. As an experience of uplifting colour and gorgeousness in these gloomy times, it will be hard to beat.

The Tribal, Antique and Decorative Textiles Fair, Sunday 30 July 2023, from 10am-5pm, St Mary Abbot’s Centre, Vicarage Gate, London W8. 

For more information, call 07948 538075

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What Is Cocktail Attire For Men?

When it comes to menswear, cocktail attire typically refers to a dress code worn for semi-formal or formal events, such as cocktail parties, evening weddings or upscale dinners. Straddling the line between casualwear and formal black tie, cocktail attire for men usually entails a good suit. Since this isn’t a business event, however, you need to step up your game a little – no work suits here.

Adeolu Eletu, Unsplash

Picking A Suit

Cocktail attire typically requires male guests to wear a suit jacket and trousers. The suit style is largely up to you (unless there are any specific dress code requirements on your invite), but some styles you might want to try include:

Dark Coloured Suit

If a classic getup is more your bag, opt for a well-fitted suit in a traditional colour palette – namely black, charcoal or navy. This style remains a classic for a reason, and will look elegant at any semi-formal occasion.

Patterned Suit

From Pharrell and Rami Malek to Harry Styles, male celebrities are switching out bland suit-and-tie combos for florals, diamonds, check and pinstripe. A patterned suit allows its wearer to show off their personality more vividly than a classic suit, while incorporating a splash of colour – which you can colour match either with your partner or, if applicable, the event theme.

Velvet Suit

Another look popular amongst celebs (especially former 007 actor Daniel Craig), velvet suits carry an old-school swagger. While it’s popular to see the colour adopted in shades of black, midnight blue, burgundy and forest green, it’s not uncommon to see the material take shape in orange and pink blazers. While you may not want to go full-velvet, a velvet smoking jacket can be paired with black slacks for an elevated cocktail attire look.

Tuxedo

Now, this one depends on how formal the occasion is. Tuxedos are usually reserved for black tie and formal cocktail parties, but some wedding celebrations may ask male guests to dress up in tuxes to match a theme. For a classic tux, opt for black blazer with a satin lapel and pair with a white dress shirt and black bow tie.

Three-Piece Suit

Not vibing with your blazer and trousers duo? You can add a third element to your outfit with a waistcoat or vest – which simultaneously gives your suit a more formal touch – to make a three-piece suit. Your vest can match the shade of your suit, or be a complementary colour to add a bit more dimension to your outfit (and avoid making it look too texturally flat).

How do you accessorise for this dress code?

If in doubt, stick to a minimal selection of accessories when picking your outfit. A good watch, a pair of cufflinks and a belt that matches your shoes is a foolproof combo for a polished outfit.

Depending on the type of suit you opt for, you might also want to wear a tie. A tie isn’t always necessary for cocktail dress (although, again, this depends on the invitation requirements), but you can wear a necktie, bow tie or even a cravat, if you fancy.

Do I need to wear a shirt?

Again, not necessarily. You might want to wear a shirt if you decide to wear the aforementioned tie, but alternatively, you could also swap out your shirt for something more relaxed. Think roll-necks, knits, vests and waistcoats or even a polo.

Can you wear jeans with cocktail attire?

It’s probably best to avoid jeans when it comes to cocktail attire, since it veers more towards a formal than casual dress code. You might get away with black jeans, but they might make you stick out amongst other guests for being too casual. If slacks aren’t your thing, you can always wear a pair of chinos.

David Lezcano, Unsplash

What shoes should you wear?

You can get away with wearing most shoe styles when it comes to cocktail dress, as long as they aren’t trainers. Some classic styles include oxfords and brogues, while trendier footwear finds include monk strap shoes, loafers and even slippers. Dress boots like Chelsea or chukka are also popular choices during colder weather.

How do you dress in cocktail attire during summer?

Let’s be honest, you’re not going to want to wear a velvet suit in August. You can keep your cocktail wardrobe in line with the warmer weather by opting for lightweight materials such as linin or thin cottons when it comes to your suit, and try out lighter colours that match the season. Formal dress codes aren’t usually upheld so much in hot weather, so you could also get away with more summery wardrobe pieces like loafers, short-sleeved shirts and sunglasses.

What does cocktail attire mean at a wedding?

The same general guidelines for cocktail attire typically apply to weddings, possibly with more lean towards smart and formal attire. The only differences would come from specific requests in the dress code from the bride and groom. Make sure to pay attention to the venue and location; a beach wedding will require a different wardrobe to a winter wedding in the countryside.

What is cocktail attire for women?

This is a different kettle of fish entirely. If you want to find out what cocktail attire entails for women, you can see our guide here.

Featured image: Jeremy Beadle, Unsplash

The post Cocktail Attire For Men: A Dress Code Guide appeared first on Country and Town House.

Best Hair & Beauty Supplements 2023

Supplements For Skin

Million Dollar Facial’s Medi+ Skin Cocktails

Putting the fun into skin-friendly supplements, these Million Dollar Facial skin cocktails turn skin mixes into a mini shot. Choose from four tasty mixes packed with ingredients that support skin barrier, strengthen hair and nails and improve your radiance from the inside out. They are vegan-friendly, gluten and sugar free, but the daily shots are tasty enough to drink on their own, or mixed into a morning juice or smoothie. There’s a Firm Lift collagen drink, Regenerate daily elixir, Hydrate hyaluronic acid mix and Top to Toe Tonic for overall health. All are £50 and available from 5,000 beauty clinics in the UK. Find out more at milliondollarfacial.com

Samaya’s Ayurvedic Skincare Supplements

Want an inside job? To nourish your skin from the inside? Samaya’s multi-award winning Ayurvedic skincare supplements are personalised by dosha (bodily energy) type, so you select your pill according to your constitution. (In Ayurvedic medicine, the three doshas —vata [wind], pitta [bile] and kapha [phlegm] — need to be in balance for optimum health.) The supplements all contain hyaluronic acid (to keep your face moist), CoQ10 (an antioxidant) together with Gotu Kola (its terpenoids increase collagen production), Triphala (helps inflammation), Acerola-amla (rich in vitamin C) and other powerful Ayurvedic herbs such as (Indian ginseng) Ashwagandha. They’re also chokka with anti-inflammatories and antioxidants —from iodine from seaweed to polyphenols from green tea — naturally boosting your immunity, promoting the formation of collagen, helping repair tissue, and combating tiredness and fatigue. The Kapha supplement packs a punch (you can feel its Triphala and Ashwagandha energising you) and its ginger, cinnamon, rosemary and sage also make it very detoxifying and cleansing. On top of that, wait for it, they have no bulking agents, are 100% natural, vegan, kosher, cruelty-free, non-GM and ‘Made in England’. Pop two a day and you’ll soon see visible results. From £39. samayaayurveda.com

Revive Active Beauty Complex

Step one for more gorgeous, glowing skin: drink more water. Step two: replenish collagen, ceramides and hyaluronic acid supplies. Step three: combine steps one and two with Revive Active’s daily Beauty Complex regime. Specially formulated to compensate for declining Collagen, ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the body, this powder, when taken daily mixed with water, helps to enhance skin elasticity, tone and hydration. It also promotes thicker, more lustrous hair, stronger nails and healthier teeth and gums. The formula is enriched with Vitamin C which aids the absorption of Collagen, and Vitamin E, selenium and 150ug of Biotin (300% NRV) and 150ug of Copper. From £39.96, reviveactive.com

Kallistia Hyper Pigmentation Cleanse

Australian company Kallistia has launched a new range of supplements designed to address pigmentation, working to lighten and fade the appearance of dark spots. Kallistia Hyper Pigmentation Cleanse is brimming with Vitamins C, E and A, all of which have antioxidative properties. The supplements also contain Q10 to help protect cells against oxidative stress, and Dragon’s Blood extract which has ageing benefits. ‘We created this formula as pigmentation is often not spoken about, especially from the inside out,’ says founder Kallistia Vass. kallistia.com

Vital Proteins Collagen

Collagen supplementation is one of the fastest-growing beauty trends when it comes to skin health. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides contain one simple ingredient, bovine hide collagen peptides, sourced from grass-fed pasture raised bovine. As well as supporting healthy muscles, joints and bones, it also helps enhance skin condition and healthy hair and nails. Jennifer Aniston is the face of the brand and adds two scoops to her morning coffee, as it’s flavour-free and soluble in hot and cold liquids. Our favourite is the Collagen Creamer, which contains organic coconut milk powder to add a tasty kick to your morning caffeine hit. From £24.99, vitalproteins.co.uk

Reparative Beauty Dose, 111SKIN

111SKIN is a clinically-inspired skincare brand founded by leading Harley Street cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides. All products are designed to replicate in-clinic treatments, the core ingredient being Glutathione, a powerful intracellular antioxidant which boosts the immune system, detoxifies the skin and delays the ageing process. It’s found in their famed Reparative Beauty Dose supplement (£85), along with Vitamins A, C and E – all known to help maintain skin health and vitality. 111skin.co.uk

Virtual Wellness Events

Ingenious Beauty Ultimate Collagen

Ingenious  Beauty’s Ultimate Collagen takes about six weeks for results properly to show. After just three, though, you’ll find your nails stronger, your skin plumper and your face glowing. All from popping marine collagen petptide, hyauluronic acid and astaxanthin supplements —in a product that boasts as many beauty awards as ingredients. Whizzy technology’s used to protect the collagen, making it 15 times more effective; there’s science behind the product’s enteric collagen delivery system; and its astaxanthin (an antioxidant found in salmon) is 6000 times more powerful than Vitamin C for boosting your immune system. You’ll find yourself counting the seconds till six weeks is up, whilst repeating the mantra: wrinkle reduction coming soon. 90 capsules, £54.99, feelingenious.com – Review by Caroline Phillips

Best For Hair

Dr Ophelia Hair Vitamins Maintenance

Prescribed in her specialist hair clinic, Dr Ophelia’s blend of nutrients are designed to keep hair looking and feeling in optimum health. The morning dose contains iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12, folic acid and selenium. The evening dose contains vitamin D3 and zinc. Both should be taken with food. £42, drophelia.com

Vitamin Injections London Hair & Nail Patches

Vitamin gummies and tablets have been popular over the last few years but Vitamin Injections London’s patches promise maximum efficacy, with nutrients being absorbed via the skin. You can wear them almost anywhere on the body for 12-24 hours with nutrients delivered including B1, B2, B3, B5, B7, B12 and B9; a one-month pack is £54.99 but you’ll see results within a week or so. vilwellness.com

Viviscal

A naturally derived hair growth supplement, Viviscal has attracted the attention of salon experts around the world since its creation, as well as a whole host of A-listers – Karlie Kloss, Reese Witherspoon and Hailey Bieber, to name a few. It also has strong scientific backing: in one study, 75.3 per cent of participants reported a significant decrease in hair loss. The company created its signature growth-boosting formula back in the 80s, following a Scandinavian study which discovered the beautiful hair of the Inuits was a result of their marine protein-rich diet. Viviscal’s star ingredient is its trademarked AminoMar marine complex, which is a blend of sustainably sourced shark cartilage, fish oil, mollusk powder and silica – all of which have hair strengthening properties. viviscal.co.uk

Featured image by Park Street 

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Supplements For Better Health

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