A distinctively elegant line of couture lingerie, conceived of the finest silks and laces to create a range sublime. Pure Chemistry Lingerie Ltd respects what has now past, embodies what is now present and passionately creates for what is now, the future…a fresh and revitalised approach to lingerie design.
José Hendo – Designer With A Conscience
José Hendo winner of the Radical Designer Award and shortlisted for BEFFTA’s Female Designer, describes herself as ‘a designer with a conscience’.
Her most prolific work to date is “Resonance”, designed out of barkcloth, beautifully sculptured gowns echoing Japanese cutting and tailoring. This collection enjoyed its debut on-schedule February 2012 at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, London Fashion Week as part of the Ubuntu Project.
Recognised by UNESCO the manufacturing process of barkcloth dates back to the 15th century. Historically the fabric of ancient Ugandan kings, it remains a valued wedding gift to brides and in-laws. She says “My dream is to make bark cloth work alongside mainstream fabrics.”
Hendo’s adheres to the mantra of the three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. ‘Resonance’ collection explores a new way of dressing and thinking about clothes. Without metal snap, plastic fastener or buttons the garments are completely biodegradable. Sculpted with architectural precision Hendo’s wearable art may be worn in many ways and change with each wearing – and with each wearer – by ingenious pulley system hidden or aesthetically incorporated into the designs.
Whilst she works within an ethical/ecological context she refuses to be pigeonholed as an eco-designer or ethical. “I am simply a designer with a conscience.”
The label supports Bridging the Gap, a Ugandan charity supporting orphaned children and patronizes thrift shops similarly sustaining children’s charities.
José Hendo facilitates workshops and is currently planning on delivering a project within a secondary High School.
On the 28th of July 2011, the label was invited to UK launch of the Nnabagereka Development Foundation (NDF), the initiative of the Royal Highness Queen of Bugunda Sylvia Nagginda Luswata where Resonance was presented to the queen.
Passionately conscious of the times and inspired by the world around us the label uses eco-friendly fabrics as much as possible, creating unique one-off pieces, from organic barkcloth, cotton, used garments such as suits, denim, wedding dresses etc.
José Hendo promotes the use of organic, untreated raw and recycled materials to support ethical trading, fair working conditions and raising awareness about the environmental issues affected by the fashion industry.
Through sustainable fashion José Hendo wants to make a positive contribution to society. This is clearly demonstrated via José Hendos apprenticeships, work experience and workshops as a way of giving back to the community, whilst also creating awareness of sustainable fashion. Furthermore each sale made also sees a percentage given to charity.
The studio also produces garments for other designers including samples, complete collections shown at London Fashion Week and small production runs sold in boutiques and outlets such as TOPSHOP.
Photograph by Oliver Morris
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Acne, vitiligo, stretch marks, cellulite, thread veins, spider veins, rosacea, melasma, liverspots, birthmarks, hyperpigmentation, surgical scars are just some of the medical skin conditions around that can have a heart breaking confidence crashing effect. TAKE COVER SKIN SYSTEM is an amazingly unique service that does camouflage exactly those conditions with revolutionary make-up without causing irritation. Although not permanent it will last for ca. 5days are smudge, sweat and waterproof making it the safest option to wear and use on the beach and to go swimming under water.
The make up is custom-blend for a perfect match to your skin tone.
The properties of the make-up and way of application lends this service naturally to the fashion and beauty industry to cover up tattoos, blemishes, visual body sculpting [perfect face & body make up saves post production cost].
It is then no surprise to know that TAKE COVER SKIN SYSTEM the official Sponsor of Miss West Afrika 2010.
“I wanted something that would give people with medical skin conditions a chance to show their skin and not ‘take cover’ with their clothing but rather a new skin that could be applied with an airbrush and blended in with their own skin tone or a colour of their choice. It is so rewarding knowing that something so temporary can make such a significant difference to someone’s confidence.” says Gerri Facey, Founder.
Celebrity make-up artist Karen Salandy of K-Bell cosmetics and the former creative Director of YANA cosmetics was the first client of Melanie Jones PR in 2010. She has since re-launched on a full-time freelance basis. Karen Salandy has since been shortlisted twice and won the BEFFTA’s beauty icon award for her contribution to the beauty and fashion industry over the span of her career of over twenty years. She has been nominated for Fashion Finest Best Make-Up Artist Award.
Karen Salandys portfolio include companies such Givenchy, Guerlain, Christian Dior. Karen was instrumental in launching the cosmetics line of pioneering Naomi Simms in the UK and has worked with Isabella Rosillini on Rosillinis manifesto line in Paris. Salandys work has not only graced publications HGH such as Elle, Pride, Black Hair and Beauty but has also widely featured on Catwalks, Stage, Film & Music Videos.
She had the honour to work on the faces of members of the royal family, icons such as Cher and other celebrity clientele. Karen Salandy held the position of head make up artist for Ms Trinidad & Tobago UK pageant for a few years now and is also the make-up consultant for the Ms Jamaica peagant. She has been appointed as the resident make-up artist at the Reggae Showcase UK and the Sporah Show and is delivering classes and workshops for aspiring make-up artists.
Her services are not only reserved for the fashion and entertainment industry. She is available for bookings.
