Innholdsfortegnelse for February / March 2024 i HELLO! Fashion Monthly

EDITOR’S LETTER Happy new year and welcome to our spring trends special! As we look forward to 2024 with positivity and energy, we chose a cover star who encompassed both. Patricia Zhou is a dancer, model, teacher, choreographer and movement director who has been performing since the age of six. Her dancing has taken her from her hometown in Michigan via Beijing, Washington DC, Berlin, LA and London, where she has the lead role of Sugar Plum in the Nutcracker. In her back-to-back schedule she still finds time to teach live dance classes on her online platform, which she started during lockdown. ‘SEE A FIRST LOOK AT THE TRENDS FROM THE AUTUMN SHOWS’ “I think being able to see and be inspired by my students has been quite the learning…

COVERSTORY When dancer, model and movement director Patricia Zhou was enrolled in folk dance classes at the age of six, at a Chinese school in Michigan, even though she didn’t put in as much effort as the older girls, her inherent talent was unmistakable. “The other children would be learning routines while I sat under the table playing and refusing to dance,” she recalls. “I have a vivid memory of performing on stage and having no idea what I was doing. I just copied my older sister. People still laugh about it to this day, because I was half a count behind everyone, but still the best.” Now based in London, with a burgeoning career as a freelance dancer, things are a world apart from those unenthusiastic formative lessons in…

There’s absolutely nothing quiet about the luxurious looks French-Congolese model and influencer Didi chooses. All two million of her followers on Instagram are positively chomping at the bit to see which bombastic look she plumps for, whether on a front row or marching down the red carpet at Venice or Cannes. Designer favourites include Rami Kadi, Valdrin Sahiti (a favourite of Beyoncé) and custom Roberto Cavalli. She also often wears bespoke gowns in Ankara prints, a loving nod to her Congolese heritage. This undoubtedly trickled down to her sense of style, which started from an early age when she was spotted by a model agent at just 15, coupled with her childhood in Paris. Her heritage is clearly very important to her and in March 2022, Unicef named her its…

A pivotal moment in Tiffany & Co’s 186-year history unfolded in 1974 when the visionary jewellery designer Elsa Peretti was introduced to the brand through her best friend, the renowned fashion designer Halston. This introduction marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership that continued for four decades, until her death in 2021. When Elsa’s inaugural collection made its debut, it sold out overnight – catapulting sterling silver into the realm of luxury in an instant. The demand was so intense that crowds flocked to witness this jewellery revolution, queues were reportedly ‘five people deep’. Solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the industry, Elsa’s sleek and modern designs are said to have reshaped the landscape of traditional jewellery aesthetics, focusing on fluid, organic forms inspired by nature and everyday objects.…

Loud Luxury ALEXIS COLBY Joan Collins has an impressive seven decade-spanning career, but it’s her 80s jaunt as super-bitch Alexis in Dynasty that surely takes top spot in cultural memory. And Alexis’ paper-cut personality was only enhanced by her flamboyant wardrobe, dripping equally in diamonds and sardonic wit. She would be gasping for joy at Lapointe’s OTT metallic ensembles for SS24, or Pedro del Hierro’s (left) boisterous take on power dressing. Slick Workwear HILARY BANKS So much more than a daddy’s princess, spoilt Hilary from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ended the series as her very own talk show host, headed for New York. This former weather girl was always going places and her penchant for neutral tailoring and bold accessories would have her enraptured with Carven’s oversized blazers, Dries…

PRIME TIME Bobbi Brown’s new Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum, £60, contains a moisturising blend of cactus flower, watermelon and apple extracts, as well as brightening vitamin C and niacinamide to strengthen skin and even out its tone. This softening, milky liquid quickly sinks in, acting as a glowy precursor to moisturiser. COOL BLUES Frosty blue eyeshadow is staging an unlikely comeback and we’re here for it. Spotted at several SS24 shows, the secret to pulling off this 90s throwback is a polished, barely-there base. Oh, and you can skip mascara. COME CLEAN If you’re trying to revive dull or dry hair, try shifting your focus from strands to scalp. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure Oil Control Scalp Serum, £12.99, is a pre-shampoo treatment to blitz product buildup. It contains salicylic…

Midway through a serving of L’Oeuf Dior (that’s a perfectly poached egg in a pool of caviar-studded cream, so-called because the French designer was partial to it), at Prunier restaurant in Paris, perfumer Francis Kurkdjian says he can smell something burning. “It’s a leaf,” he clarifies. The assembled journalists, gathered in the candlelit dining room for the launch of New Look – Francis’ latest fragrance for Christian Dior’s La Collection Privée, start sniffing. So do the waiting staff. Nothing. Almost ten minutes later, a patron on the other side of the room discovers some artfully-draped foliage browning under the glow of a flickering votive. So it seems living with a finely-tuned sense of smell has its advantages. But perhaps it can be a bit of a burden, too? Francis admits…

1. Art NEW WAYS OF SEEING Reopened last year after redevelopment, the National Portrait Gallery has an impressive upcoming programme, including The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure, featuring work by artists from the African diaspora, such as Kerry James Marshall (right), npg.org.uk 2. Music CANDID LYRICS American actress and singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp, who played the role of Regina George in the Broadway musical version of Mean Girls, embarks on her second headline tour in support of her debut album, Snow Angel. The title track, a break-up song, sets the scene for the album, which is a brutally honest account of growing up, relationships and sexuality. The tour will take her to London, Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester, reneerapp.com 3. Food and Drink TRADITIONAL BOOZER Located at the…

Lust - HAVELOSE YOUR HEART TO THIS MONTH’S MOST COVETED The WISH LIST Luxe, lavish, can’t-live-without... our pick of this month’s most wanted VITAMIN SEA Be the hostess with the mostess and dress your tablescapes with intricate hand-painted ceramics. We can practically smell the sea air – spring is coming! Tray, £56.99, Anna + Nina SAUCY THING A caramel-infused sriracha sauce that is destined for slathering. Sriracha, £8.99, Chimac at Selfridges EAR TO EAR Update your gold hoops with a pop of colour. They’ll make a statement without being OTT. Earrings, £365, Dévé SEASONAL STYLE Dôen’s romantic dresses have won the hearts of the style set. Pair with knee high boots or stilettos. Dress, £571, Dôen HOUSE PROUD If your living room needs a style update,…

TOTAL REFRESH Lucie and Luke Meier have worked wonders at Jil Sander since their arrival in 2018, having invigorated the German label with a fresh and contemporary touch while still managing to maintain the founder’s signature aesthetic. Resort 23 is a celebration of opposites, with elongated silhouettes, contrasting textures and a collection of seriously covetable accessories to boot. Style NOTES This month’s round-up of must-have brands, trends and key pieces… KILTY PLEASURES Arguably one of the biggest trends to hit the runways in seasons’ past, the kilt has now entered its sleek and sophisticated era. Layer with shirts, chunky knits and statement boots. THE IT BAG Accessory label Naru Studios has a 360° approach when it comes to sustainability. You can choose to rent or buy one of the bags,…

Style tip A full hoop huggie style is the best for comfort if you plan to wear them 24/7.…

BAG THERAPY With the new season on the horizon, we’re ready to invest in an everyday bag that will see us through multiple occasions. Marc Cain’s sleek scoop shape and luxe finishing in buttery yellow is the perfect buy for spring. You can’t go wrong with a pastel hue to add a dash of uplifting colour to any outfit. High street TOP 10 Our pick of the most enticing high street buys – your purse will thank you! 1 Luxe leather Timeless pieces are always an investment, and a leather jacket will be your staple for years to come. 2 Furry feeling A mule is a must-have for any capsule wardrobe and what better than a faux-fur lined pair? 3 Ring on it Accessorising is key when it comes to…

Calling all budding designers! The 2024 Shein X Global challenge, in celebration of Shein X’s three year anniversary, has been announced. In this year’s competition, ten entrants will see their collections modelled on a Milan runway with an overall winner awarded €10,000 to kickstart their fashion career. As part of its mission to showcase the talents of tomorrow, the leading etailer is inviting students and aspiring designers across the world to submit digital sketches of an original three-full looks based on the theme of ‘radiance’, and share the inspiration behind their vision. The entries will be judged by the Shein fashion and retail team and shortlisted for a panel of four leading figures from the fashion and media industries, who will be on the lookout for entries which embody this…

As we write, Miranda Kerr has announced her fourth pregnancy via Snapchat. The 40-year-old former model is married to Evan Spiegel, co-founder and CEO of the social media channel. And the couple already share young sons Hart and Myles. Miranda also co-parents teenager Flynn with ex-husband Orlando Bloom. Victoria’s Secret’s first Australian Angel way back in 2007, Miranda went on to walk for Dior, Chanel and Prada. Now she’s a certified health coach and bona fide businesswoman, having invested the money she made modelling into skincare line Kora Organics. “Health is wealth!” she tells us. “I love and have a genuine passion for wellness.” Here, we pinpoint her favourite products and break down her routines. Are you an early riser? My husband and I wake up at around 5.30am and…

Nothing in author Juana Pepa’s homes ever looks too studied. Not here in her latest one, a gorgeous London townhouse, nor in the others she created in previous chapters of her life. Argentine-born Juana, an actress turned food writer, believes in being spontaneous as she follows her dreams. She was living in her native Buenos Aires when she met the man who was to become her husband, entrepreneur Juan Pepa. As he was based in Madrid, she packed her bags straight away to join him. Their 2019 wedding was attended by the likes of Zara heiress Marta Ortega, royal fashionista Sassa de Osma and Atlético Madrid’s charismatic manager, Diego Simeone, with his model wife Carla Pereyra. Juana was an immediate hit in these stylish circles, making a name for herself…

LIFE & STYLE When we speak with Layton Williams, he’s grabbed a quick lunch break from his Strictly Come Dancing training. The actor, who has also reprised his lead role as Stephen in the BBC’s Bad Education, airing early this year, was partnered with Nikita Kuzmin and is the only same-sex couple in the most recent series. “It’s obvious to me, I didn’t even consider dancing with a woman. I’m enjoying being led by Nikita and he explained it really beautifully, he said, ‘The ‘woman’ is the painting and the man is the frame who facilitates her’. So one person in bam-bam, shaky-shaky and the other is together. And I want to be that girrrl and do some high-kicks.” Here he tells us about his dream day… I would wake…

FIRST LOOK SPRING 2024 THE REVEAL VISIBLE UNDERWEAR Underwear as outwear, peek-a-boo lingerie and sheer fabrics have cemented their place in the fashion world. THE FROWSTER CAMILLE RAZAT French actress and model Camille Razat was spotted attending some of the biggest shows this season, from Miu Miu to Givenchy. Watch this space and the screen – we expect to see a lot more of her! THE MOOD SILHOUETTES Forget skin tight, this season is about all kinds of shapes and sizes. From round to XXL, nothing is off limits. THE DEBUT TOM FORD Having worked alongside Tom Ford for 25 years, Peter Hawkings had his debut show as creative director for the brand. Glamorous, sexy and consistent, it did not disappoint. THE BAG OVERSIZE CLUTCH The plush clutch is a…

FASHIONINSIDER How does an iconic brand like Jimmy Choo, with a rich history of crafting a wealth of signature styles, choose a select few designs to attain iconic status? “They have to be well loved,” laughs creative director Sandra Choi. “Something can’t just be an icon, it has to become one.” Established in 2023, the brand’s esteemed The Icons collection features pieces that have garnered the prestigious accolade of being iconic: the classic Love pump with a pointed toe, the Azia strappy sandal, the crystal-encrusted Bing mule and Saeda pump, which has a crystal-embellished ankle strap. And completing this stellar ensemble is the Bon Bon evening bag. “When internally we really love a design and feel it is special, we just kind of know it,” Sandra explains. “We have collected…

INTERVIEW Actress and model Annabelle Belmondo, granddaughter of iconic film star Jean-Paul, has an aura that the camera loves – a captivating mix of French allure and California cool. “I’m a constant contradiction, because of the two cultures I grew up in,” she says modestly. With a flourishing career and her first child on the way, the Dawn Chorus star is enjoying a golden moment not only professionally, but personally too. Here, on a sunny stroll through Paris, she shows off trends that will bring light to the dreariest winter day. ‘MY DAY-TODAY LIFE IS A TOTAL MIX OF A PARISIAN AND CALIFORNIAN LIFESTYLE’ How would you describe this stage of your life? As I continue to enjoy everything about the various creative projects I participate in, I’m prioritising my…

MEET YOUR MATCHA Television presenter Rochelle Humes and pilates instructor Bryony Deery have teamed up to co-found lifestyle brand Cloudcha. Sourced from Kyoto in Japan, its delicious matcha tea powder, £28 (below), undergoes a traditional artisanal roasting, drawing out the perfect sweet-savoury flavour and providing a special kind of pick-me-up – without the unwanted symptoms that can arise from other caffeine products. MATCHA HAS MORE ANTIOXIDANTS THAN BLUEBERRIES AND ITS ENERGY BOOST LASTS LONGER THAN CAFFEINE “It’s full of amino acids like L-theanine, which bring a sense of calm to the body,” explains wellness influencer Bryony. Amino acids bring down the body’s inflammatory response, helping to soothe some reactive skin issues, like acne, rosacea and eczema. “Another benefit of matcha is how high in antioxidants it is,” says Rochelle. Like…

WINTER BLUES Not only is Vuori’s Dream Knit collection made from 89% recycled materials, it’s also super soft and comfortable. Cut from four-way stretch fabric, this is the perfect set for your first foray back into the gym or studio after all the festivities. GOOD VIBRATIONS Activate your muscles and increase blood flow before exercising, or relieve post-workout soreness, with some percussive therapy and this powerful (yet compact) massage gun. It comes with four different heads and has four massage speeds, so you can target your back, shoulders, legs and feet, all with one nifty device. You can select from a range of mood-boosting colourways, too. Massage Gun in Mint Green, £79, Lola THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE NEW BEGINNINGS Turn over a new leaf with Neom founder Nicola Elliott’s…