Paris Fashion Week got off to a racy start back with Etam’s 100TH Anniversary show in one of the French capitals icons, the Pompidou Centre.
With the likes of our current obsession of the moment, Dua Lipa performing the show certainly got the week rolling in some style. The finale itself was so spectacular even the typically poised Natalia Vodianova was on her feet to hear French icon, Jacques Dutronc bring the house down.
Alongside the likes of Natalia was the equally leggy Natasha Poly, Olivier Zahm, celebrity snapper Ellen Von Unwerth. However our attention was very much stolen by Daniel Day Lewis’s son, Gabriel. Talk about bringing the heat to the Parisian FROW.
There was certainly a tonne of desirable underwear on show, from the raciest of body suits to swimwear we can’t wait to take the plunge in come next summer.
Melanie C has always been our favourite Spice Girl #sozNotSoz to the four others but there’s nothing like high kicking around in a retro 3-stripe tracksuit. For this week’s Joshington Hosts Sporty Spice kicked things off with a high-kick tutorial. There are many different kinds (WHO. KNEW.) so make sure you take careful notes because to really nail it you need a side on approach.
Afterwards the singer settled down to talk about the upcoming Spice Girls reunion and her decision not to be involved, ‘there is so much speculation but what hurts me the most is when people have a negative reaction to my decision. I understand it may not be what some people want- I know some of the fans want me to do it and I know some of the girls would like me to do it.’
Melanie C continues, ‘I love the Spice Girls, I am uber proud, I will always be Spice Girl, I am not turning my back on the Spice Girls because without them I wouldn’t have been able to go on and have this career and life I have had. But my decision at this point is that it’s not right for me, I don’t want to go out as a four piece. We went out as a five piece at the Olympics and that was the ultimate.’
Of course we couldn’t have a genuine Spice Girl in our presence without discussing some of the old school looks, in her words, ‘there have been some peaks and troughs… the beauty of the band was that we were just a bit crap!’ But perhaps the Pepsi logo outfits were the largest trough, ‘to be fair I am glad I am in that and not Victoria’s. God bless Victoria she has done some serious PR- she’s turned it around babes! I am so proud of her though, what she has achieved is incredible.’
Shockingly however you will never see the Mel C of 2016 skipping around in a tracksuit, ‘I can’t do it anymore. It’s a bit totes obvs isn’t it? People will just think, “does she want to be recognised?”’
Heard the phrase ‘don’t get mad, get even’? We’re making an exception in the case of New York-based MAAD and her slick pop sounds, tinged with soul and r’n’b. We chatted with the rising star to talk her musical influences, the songs that make her cry and her incredible style.
Hey MAAD! How did you get into music?
I was obsessed with music, my father was a musician so it was always around me. My mother used to play Luther Vandross, Diana Ross and Nancy Wilson every morning before we left the house.
Did you used to sing along?
When I was five, my father was like ‘I think our daughter is singing in her room’. I kept it a secret, I didn’t want everybody to know, but it got to a point where I thought I should, because I love it. It was cool to grow up in that musical household, and then I started songwriting.
Do you remember writing your first song?
I feel like I’ve always written little poems that could be turned into records. It’s a good outlet for me.
What’s the biggest song you’ve written so far?
I’ve written a lot for other artists, but the most popular ones are my own, like Black Ice which I wrote with Trey Campbell who’s based in LA. Then there’s 90s Love which I wrote with a friend of mine.
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Is that collaboration something you enjoy?
I don’t think there’s anything better than being able to share your ideas with someone else, you never know what’s in their heart to get out. I’d love to collaborate with Pharrell and Nile Rodgers.
Who are you inspired by?
Growing up, I loved Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, all the favourites basically. I did a show the other day with a lot of awesome British artists, there was a rapper called Che Lingo and I love Nao.
And who are you loving right now?
I love listening to Kaytranada, he’s a dope DJ, and put out a project recently that I love. I’m really obsessed with Vanity 6, I know they’re not a new group but I love them. Ro James’ album is fantastic, I actually have a song with him on my upcoming project.
Your style is incredible - where do you shop?
I feel like every time I shop online I order the wrong sizes, so I’m the girl that has to go to the store. I shop everywhere, Zara, Topshop, a cool vintage store… When I travel, I don’t feel like I have enough suitcase space for my shopping and I have to ship stuff back, it’s ridiculous. I went to Brick Lane this trip, and Topshop - it was on so many levels, that’s kind of scary.
What’s the first and last gig you went to?
The first was Janet Jackson, my cousin surprised me when we were walking down the street and said ‘Janet Jackson’s playing at Madison Square Garden’. I didn’t think anything of it, then we started walking in… it was a huge surprise. The last gig I went to was Coachella, so I saw Calvin Harris and a few more.
What’s the first and last album you bought?
A Mariah Carey album, I can’t remember which one. It was probably her Number Ones. The most recent album I bought was Frank Ocean.
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What song makes you cry?
I really love Ladyhawke, her song Paris Is Burning, and Michael Jackson She’s Out Of My Life. The emotion in that song is just… you really feel that she’s gone.
What would you be doing if you weren’t making music?
I don’t think I’d be doing anything else! That’s the honest truth. There was a time when I was asked what my Plan B was, and I really don’t have one so I’m banking on this working out.
So what’s next for you?
I’m releasing my EP, Le Funk, which will be out later this year. I definitely think I’ll be in and out of London, the audience out here is great. As an artist, when you’re working on something from scratch, it’s amazing to see it become a song and people start dancing to it. I’m so excited and grateful.
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90s Love is out now. Le Funk is due out later this year
Meghan Markle may have reportedly snagged the world’s most eligible bachelor in Prince Harry, but who is the brunette beauty?
The Sunday Express reports that a romance has sprung up between the 32-year-old royal and the American actress in recent months, making Prince Harry 'happier than he’s been for many years,' according to a source.
'It’s too early to say if the relationship will lead to anything long-term but who knows?' the source continued. 'At the moment they are just taking it a step at a time and seeing how things develop.'
The duo reportedly met while Prince Harry was in Toronto, where the legal drama is filmed, at the beginning of May to promote the 2017 Invictus Games. Since then, Markle has made multiple trips to London. (A rep for Kensington Palace said they wouldn’t comment on “private matters” and Markle’s rep did not respond for a request for comment.)
It may be too early to imagine the next royal wedding, but get to know Markle below.
1. Her biggest acting credit is as Rachel Zane on Suits
The 35-year-old Los Angeles native has been starring on the USA Network legal drama since 2011, but you may also recognize her from some other favorite television series. Markle has appeared in episodes of Castle,The League, Fringe and 90210.
As for movies, Markle has had roles in numerous recognizable titles, including a small part as an attractive Fed Ex worker in 2011’s Horrible Bosses and an appearance in Remember Me with Robert Pattinson.
2. She runs a lifestyle website called The Tig
Covering food, travel, fashion, beauty and more, The Tig has something for everyone. In the site’s 'About' section, Markle explains that the name comes from a mispronunciation of a wine called Tignanello.
'So there I am, with very minimal wine knowledge and I take a sip of this wine,' she wrote. 'It wasn’t just red or white – suddenly I understood what people meant by the body, legs, structure of wine. It was an ah-ha moment at its finest. For me, it became a ‘Tig’ moment – a moment of getting it.'
She continued, 'From that point on, any new awareness, any new discovery or ‘ohhhhh, I get it!’ moment was a ‘Tig’ moment.'
Beginning at a young age, Markle says her mother took her traveling to remote places around the world that opened her eyes to poverty.
'My mother raised me to be a global citizen, with eyes open to sometimes harsh realities,' she wrote in a post on The Tig last week.
In 2016, she became the Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada, traveling to Rwanda for the Clean Water Campaign. She also presented at United Nations Headquarters for the HeforShe Gender Equality Campaign in September 2014 and traveled to Afghanistan with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on a USO tour in December 2014.
'I’ve never wanted to be a lady who lunches – I’ve always wanted to be a woman who works,' she wrote. 'And this type of work is what feeds my soul, and fuels my purpose. The degree to which I can do that both on and off camera is a direct perk of my job.'
4. Showbiz is in her genes too
Aside from growing up in Los Angeles, Markle’s father worked behind the scenes of television shows.
'My father was the lighting director on two television shows as I was growing up. And there I was, behind the scenes of a glossy soap opera and a TV sitcom, surrounded by famous actors and their glam teams, multi-million dollar budgets, and crew lunches that always included filet mignon and enough sweets to make you think you were at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory,' Markle wrote in her blog.
'What I didn’t know then was that just twenty years later I would appeal to the executives on my show to ensure that our extra filet mignon and sweets aplenty were no longer thrown away, but rather donated to a soup kitchen I had been volunteering at since my arrival in Toronto. Or that they would say, ‘Yes.'
5. She’s been married before
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Markle married film producer Trevor Engelson in September 2011 in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. However, the duo quietly split two years later for unknown reasons.
Heathers
Everyone’s favourite pre-Mean Girls black comedy is officially slated for a remake, but this time, it’ll be on the small screen. TV Land have picked up the 1988 film for an anthology series, set in the present day where the original outcasts have become the popular girls. The Heathers are a) a black lesbian, b) a gender-queer male and c) has a body like Martha Dumptruck. Very diverse. Are you excited?
Jumanji Jumanji is a 90s cult classic, telling the tale of a 12-year-old boy who gets trapped in a board game. We didn’t think you could get much better than the original, but Sony seemed to disagree, slating a remake for 2017. Karen Gillan is confirmed as the female lead, opposite Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Kevin Hart. Jack Black and Nick Jonas are also slated to appear in the remake that's getting more exciting by the second.
Mary Poppins Mary Poppins without Julie Andrews?! A new nanny might be hard to picture for fans of the original 1964 film, but Emily Blunt is officially confirmed as the new nanny to dole out a spoonful of sugar! Due out on Christmas Day 2018, we're very excited. As for how Julie Andrews feels about her new-gen replacement? Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, ’Rob [Marshall, the film’s director] said he was in the Hamptons, and he saw [Andrews], and he said, 'It's top secret, but Emily Blunt's playing Mary Poppins... And she went, 'Oh, wonderful!' I felt like I wanted to cry. It was lovely to get her stamp of approval. That took the edge off it, for sure’. As for her Mary? ‘She’s a little meaner, yeah. We're delving into the books a lot more, it's a different version of the character’.
The Nutcracker
Keira Knightley just signed on as the Sugar Plum Fairy! Disney are remaking the Christmas classic, with Mackenzie Foy as Clara and Misty Copeland and Morgan Freeman also on board. We cannot wait to see the costumes…
A Star Is Born
As soon as we heard Beyoncé had signed on, we were seriously interested. But before you get excited, Queen Bey is too busy running the world to play the aspiring actor, so is handing over the reigns to none other than Lady Gaga. Directed by Bradley Cooper, the film would also star Bradley as a troubled, alcoholic movie star in the fourth reboot of the film originally released in 1937. Nothing has been confirmed so far, but a possible release date could be 2017.
Beauty and the Beast
Disney fans all over the world were ecstatic when Emma Watson was cast as Belle in Disney’s live action remake, set to fall in love with Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens as the Beast. But after months of painful speculation, we FINALLY have our first look at Emma Watson in the film. We warn you, it's more teaser than trailer... Watch it below
Spider-Man
Will Spider-Man be the same without Tobey Maguire?! We've already had time to deal with the fact there will be a brand new Peter Parker (hello, Wolf Hall's Tom Holland), but we're SO excited about Zendaya's casting in the as-yet untitled film. Zendaya is definitely in a lead role, with rumours saying she'll play a character called Michelle, and probably won't be Peter's lady. She's too badass to just play a love interest, anyway… The film is due out in July 2017, so we'll bring more details as we have them!
Cruel Intentions
The film that saw Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Michelle Gellar battle it out for Ryan Phillippe's affections might be a (not quite) '00s classic, but the dark drama is getting a 2016 reboot, due to show on America's NBC. Set 15 years after the original film, the TV show will follow Bash Casey, the son of Annette and the late Sebastian. There's also a "strong female aunt", who has a close relationship with Bash. With the promise of sex, money, secrets and lies, this looks like a must-watch series, especially now Sarah Michelle Gellar has confirmed her return. Reese Witherspoon is definitely not coming back, but her replacement, Kate Levering, is confirmed.
The Jungle Book
Not one, but TWO Jungle Book remakes are currently in the works (or have just been released), with Warner Bros and Disney going head to head. Disney bagged Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray and Lupita Nyong’o, competing against the Warner cast in Jungle Book: Origins includes Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Benedict Cumberbatch and even Gollum (aka Andy Serkis). Catch the Disney trailer below.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The costumes, the songs, the DRAMA! The Rocky Horror remake just landed its Eddie, and he's perfect. Adam Lambert (American Idol runner up and current Queen frontman) will take on the role in the two hour TV special, while Laverne Cox will play Dr. Frank N Furter. Victoria Justice and Ryan McCartan will take on Janet and Brad in a reboot of the 1975 cult classic.
Dirty Dancing
It's official! Dirty Dancing is getting a reboot - but for the small screen?! US TV channel ABC (that's a lot of initials...) have just confirmed a three-hour remake of the cult dance flick, with a pretty unexpected actress in the lead role. Abigail Breslin has just been confirmed to take over the role of Baby, originally played by Jennifer Grey. We still can't get over her transformation from Little Miss Sunshine's Olive to Chanel #5 in Scream Queens! Now this?! Debra Messing has also signed on to the flick.
Charlie's Angels
First 1970, then 2000, now 2016?! Charlie's Angels is officially getting it's third reboot in the next couple of years, with Pitch Perfect's Elizabeth Banks in talks to direct. We all remember Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu and Drew Barrymore taking on the tough trio, but who will fill their heeled boots next? Time will tell...
"I will never rejoin Busted"...might need to go back on that one, Charlie
Charlie Simpson is back in Busted, people. He announced the internet-breaking news this afternoon, revealing that the original pop-punk trio will be back on the road for an arena tour and are penning a brand new album. ‘00s teens, now is the time to get excited.
It’s a pretty surprising decision from Charlie, considering he said being in Busted was “torture” and that he wanted to make it “unequivocally clear that I have no interest whatsoever in rejoining Busted, and I never will”. Looks like someone better backtrack on that one…
But Charlie’s not the only one to go back on their word when it comes to musical reunions. Here are six others we never thought we’d see.
Robbie Williams, Take That
Robbie quit Take That (for the first time) before the age of social media, so there’s no soppy statement to resurface – just the sound of a million hearts breaking back in 1995. After a massively successful solo career, Robbie did a U-turn on the whole band thing and rejoined Take That…before quitting again in 2011. Did we mention he might rejoin the trio on tour in 2017? We can’t keep up!
Lily Allen
Lily Allen burst on to the scene in a cloud of prom dresses and trainers, but after three years revealed that she would not be renewing her record contract and had no intention to make anymore music. We all know that didn’t last long, as Lily headed back in to the studio in 2012 to record 'Sheezus'.
Geri Halliwell, The Spice Girls
It's May, 1998. The Spice Girls are embarking on their world tour, but Geri’s ditched them in Europe. Awkward. Geri’s statement was that she left the band due to depression and “differences” between the five girls. Geri did say she would be back though, and rejoned the band for a comeback tour in 2007, plus a special Olympic performance in 2012.
Sugababes
The Sugababes have had more members than we’ve had cups of tea. From Siobhan to Jade Ewen, the current line-up has no original members and a few legal issues, too. The original trio of Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy are fighting for the rights to the Sugababes name, and have re-formed their own group.
Beyonce, Destiny’s Child
Let’s face it, think Destiny’s Child and you think Beyonce. Queen Bey has had a hugely successful solo career (both in music and world domination) after the group disbanded in 2006, and we never thought we’d see the group reunite. Imagine our surprise in 2013 when Kelly and Michelle popped up from underneath the Super Bowl stage for a life-making performance of Bootylicious.
Justin Timberlake, *NSync
Two ‘00s reunions in one year?! We can’t handle the excitement. After the Destiny’s Child reunion of dreams earlier in the year, JT pulled together the other four members of *NSync for a one-off performance of their greatest hits. The band officially split in 2004 after Justin wanted to pursue a solo career, and he’s never looked back…
Project 13’s Ultimate Blogging Sensation pays homage to the internet’s big hitters. Nominated from last year’s Project 13 pool of winners, we’ve selected the influencers who continue to lead the way when it comes to digital media.
Gracie Francesca
After taking home the title of Most Inspiring Role Model in last year’s Project 13 awards, Gracie has been busy taking over the digital world with BBC documentaries, being the face of MTV and inspiring YouTube videos, all with Gracie’s signature realness. Talking about issues that most YouTubers would steer clear of, Gracie really is the internet’s big sister, chatting about fashion finds, beauty tips, clean eating, break-ups and mental health, as well as getting down to what goes on behind the scenes of YouTube. You go, Gracie.
Tanya Burr
As well as her YouTube empire, Tanya Burr has two books, countless awards, a bestselling make-up range and over 9 million followers on her YouTube channel and social media. Last year’s Best Beauty YouTuber winner is one of the biggest names in the game, thanks to her stunning make-up tutorials, baking videos and cute and cosy haul videos. Her Instagram and Snapchat have us addicted, taking us to fancy hotels, white sand beaches and VIP events right from our phone screens. Tanya Burr is unstoppable.
Fleur De Force
From Northampton to now, Fleur De Force’s rise to internet fame has been meteoric. Fleur’s beauty tutorials, style diaries and What’s In My Bag videos with the likes of Lily Aldridge reach an audience in the millions. Fleur’s fame has even come off screen in the form of not one, but two lifestyle books, as well as a make-up line, making her a serious style influencer. Fleur won a double whammy in last year’s Project 13 awards, taking home the prizes for Most Outstanding YouTuber Of The Year and Best Getting Ready Video – will she make it two years in a row? It’s up to you!
Vote for your Ultimate Blogging Sensation here…
Images shot by Rankin
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To see all the Project 13 categories and to vote for your winners, click here
InStyle’s Project 13 awards are all about celebrating the new – who could have imagined that YouTube could be a career a decade ago? Now, the UK’s biggest celebrities are internet personalities, who started off with little more than a Boots make-up haul and 100 subscribers. Trust us when we say our Rising Star is going to be big - she is...
Meg Says
YouTube’s beauty heavyweights have set the standard for the next generation of beauty and lifestyle vloggers. Meg Says started her YouTube channel in 2014, posting favourites, make-up tutorials and blogging advice to 56k subscribers and 31k social media followers. There are also heaps of book recommendations, videos on women’s issues and positivity, as well as the usual beauty and fashion posts, making Meg a popular new YouTuber worth keeping an eye on. Hit follow now – you won’t regret it.
How and why did you start blogging?
I first started a blog when I was 14 but I deleted it when I was 16 because I was too busy with exams. After my first year of university I got back into it because I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and was bedbound for a long time. It was really difficult to go from being a really busy sociable person to being bedbound. I realised that blogging was a hobby I could do from my bed. I’ve just gone from there and I haven’t really looked back.
Do you think that blogging helped with your recovery?
It definitely helped me mentally because it gave me something to do; it gave me a purpose again. Then I started getting invited to events and opportunities started coming along for presenting jobs and gradually over the years I started feeling a little bit better and able to do a bit more. It made a negative situation into something much more positive.
Who did you used to watch on YouTube that inspired you?
One of the first people I found was Zoella. I found her really inspiring because she’s so positive and her vlogs are just her going about her day - she’s unpacking her shopping and having a chat and I liked that. And then I found people like Vivianna Does Make-up and Lily Pebbles and that really got the make-up lover side of me interested.
What is a typical day for you?
It really varies. Some days I’m in my pyjamas with my hair up and no make-up; just editing videos, writing blog posts or getting YouTube content. Other days it’ll be days like today with my make-up and hair done for a photo shoot or presenting. I do spend most of my time working from home.
How does it feel to let so many people into so many parts of your life?
I’m always really careful to not put things out onto the internet that you wouldn’t want people to be negative about. I’m really lucky because my audience is so nice and I don’t deal with hate comments, I don’t really get any nastiness. If I’m having a bad day and I say I’m feeling a bit sad, everyone just comes back with so much love and support that I never really feel too vulnerable. I’m kind of in a nice bubble!
Style has no size, and these Best Curve Influencer nominees are setting the bar very, very high. Sharing edgy lookbooks, body positive Insta-snaps and some serious realness on Twitter, these bloggers are forces to be reckoned with. Vote for your favourite below.
Danielle Vanier
Edgy, sexy and always on point, Danielle Vanier’s curve fashion blog is your go-to for style inspo, non-cheesy gift ideas and Dani’s thoughts on the state of plus-size fashion right now. Letting us into her life on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, Danielle mixes #OOTDs with family outings, Rihanna concerts and shouting out brands that sell cool clothes for the curve customer (as well as calling out those that don’t). In her own words, Danielle wants to ‘inspire you to feel confident about your body’, and for that, we love her.
Style Me Curvy
Dublin-born Louise O’Reilly has taken her cool, curvy style around the world, working as an international curve model, fashion blogger and all-round body positive advocate. Stepping out in the kind of looks that have us online shopping until the early hours, Louise’s colourful Instagram feed is full of her model Polaroid shots, fashion favourites and hilarious memes. And if that wasn’t enough, Louise is always fighting to showcase diversity, promoting beauty, fashion and style for all body types, whether you’re a size 6 or 26.
Felicity Hayward
Felicity Hayward is a cross between the old-school Hollywood glamour of Marilyn Monroe and Rihanna’s badass style, and if her fun-loving Insta-feed isn’t brightening up your day, we don’t know what will. Born in Suffolk, Felicity is an artist and a photographer as well as a curve influencer, inspiring women of all shapes and sizes to embrace their bodies. Clad in leopard-print latex, feather-trimmed fishnet jackets and even denim two-pieces printed with her own face, no fashion is too bold for Felicity Hayward. This is what an influencer looks like.
Vote for your Best Curve Influencer here...
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To see all the Project 13 categories and to vote for your winners, click here
When was the last time you made something with your hands? Most of us have a pile of old clothes we promise we’ll fix one day, a chair that we honestly will re-upholster and a Pinterest board full of crafting hacks that we really, really do want to try out. Our Craft Or Illustration Sensation winner put their passion into practice - get to know her here...
Miss Magpie Spy
Niki Groom fills her feed with painterly fashion and beauty illustrations, turning catwalk shots and street style snaps into works of art. Working with watercolour paints, markers and ink, Niki uses her Instagram page as a curated collage of her illustrations, and often shares videos of her work-in-process. She’s on Snapchat too, as well as being part of part of the LIL live illustration collective.
Being a fashion illustrator is a dream job – did you ever think you could do it full-time?
No! I remember a time where there were no illustrations in fashion magazines, and then it was only digital illustrations. I do use Photoshop, but for me, I have to put pencil to paper.
Why did you start posting your illustrations to Instagram?
I’d had a gap of over 10 years where I was still drawing but nobody had seen my work, and I wanted to start illustrating again. I posted some illustrations of Paris Fashion Week on Instagram, and things snowballed from there. I started using Instagram as a gallery to showcase my work, and then was contacted by brands like Accessorize and Clinique, who I did live illustration for.
Is live illustration as scary as it sounds?
I’ve always found it fine! I’m confident in my drawing style and I’ll happily sit for hours with people watching over my shoulder. There have been times where there have been queues around the block, but I’m just in my own little world.
Do you illustrate straight from the catwalk?
A catwalk show is great, but it lasts for minutes and you can only capture a certain amount. I love being on my own in a room and I see images come through on social media. I feel more creative when I’m in that kind of space, and I can be covered in paint and ink!
Is Instagram encouraging more people to try illustration?
I think it is, but I should say that only having turned 40 have I got enough experience to be doing it full-time. It’s very hard to make a living as a fashion illustrator and there’s not room for many people, you have to do other things on the side.
What would you be doing if you weren’t illustrating?
Until the beginning of this year I was doing fashion design, so I’d still be designing. Maybe I’d find a way of mixing the two and do an illustrated range of clothing.
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you since you started using Instagram?
The projects. I draw quite small, and to see my drawings blown up to the size of a wall is exciting.
What was it like on the InStyle winners’ shoot?
I was nervous because I’m never normally in front of the camera! I didn’t think I’d be lying on a hot roof in a coat with nothing underneath, but I loved it.
Images: LUKE + NIK
To see all the Project 13 categories and to vote for your winners, click here
Male style bloggers might not show us how to contour or the secret to mastering a fishtail braid (well, unless it's on their poor vlogger girlfriends), but 2016’s crop of male style bloggers are setting the tone for menswear today. Your ultimate Male Style Blogger is...
Jim Chapman
Jim Chapman is part of YouTube’s biggest blogging dynasty; married to last year’s Best Beauty YouTuber winner and 2016’s Ultimate Blogging Sensation nominee, Tanya Burr, Jim is also brother to Sam and Nic of Pixiwoo (last year’s Most Established Brand winners) and twin to John of fitness vlog The Lean Machines. With all that digital talent in the family, Jim has risen to be one of the world’s top men's style bloggers, with over 7 million followers across his two YouTube channels and social media. We’ll let that one sink in… From YouTube challenges to baking nutella doughnuts, Jim’s channel is one of the best in the business.
You’re one of the most well-known YouTubers out there…how did it come about?
I graduated with a degree in psychology, but there was nothing I really wanted to do. And I just knew that a nine to five wasn’t for me. My wife Tanya (Burr) was already making videos so on a weekend I would have a go too just because I found it really interesting, really creative and a lot of fun. I had no idea that any of this would happen! I think maybe that’s why it was successful: because it was just for the fun of it. I didn’t have any ulterior motives.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start a YouTube channel or a blog?
Do it because you like it. I think people see what I do now and think it’s really easy. They think that they can make one video and suddenly be the next Jim Chapman or the next Tanya Burr. I’ve been doing it for five years now and there is a lot of hard graft. I mean, there’s a lot of luck involved too but I work constantly. It’s also really enjoyable, really rewarding. I don’t mind staying up all night if I’m working on a project I really want to work.
Has the attitude from the press changed in the past five years?
When we first started making videos a lot of traditional press would write articles about how cute we were. When they realised that we were getting more traffic than them, some of them turned a little bit. And then they realised that it’s better to work with us; if the YouTuber or influencer can give them credibility it can drive traffic to the magazine or the website, so now it’s come full circle and they’re more supportive again. I was lucky enough to be one of the first that happened for with my column for GQ. Working in the fashion industry has been really brilliant for me. It’s quite a tough industry to break into but I think because I come with three and a half million people it’s quite hard to ignore.
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you through YouTube?
On a personal note it’s that my wife does this too. I think if I were with someone who didn’t do what I do it would be much harder because we do odd things! A lot of relationships couldn’t necessarily handle that.
She lives out of a suitcase, visits three continents a season (on average) and 2016’s Top Travel And Lifestyle Blogger winner has the geotags to prove it.
Em Talks
Santorini? Tick. Ibiza? Done. China? Checked off the bucket list. Em Sheldon might live in a ‘teeny weeny village’ in Yorkshire (there’s a move to London in the works), but she’s seen a lot of the world. Starting her blog back in 2012, Em has treated her 67k Insta-followers to sun-soaked bikini pictures, early morning cityscapes and enough #poolporn to keep us going until next summer – and, yes, there were inflatable flamingos involved. Em also offers up a healthy dose of fitness, fashion and food, too.
How did you get into blogging?
I was going to study a science for my degree, then decided I wanted to do something more creative. My brother’s friend had just died, so I looked at the degree he did and wanted to finish his dream. I called Leeds University and asked how I could get on to the course, and they said start a blog.
What sacrifices did you have to make?
The past four years have been difficult because I essentially had a full-time job alongside a degree. I had to miss out on a lot of opportunities, and broke up with my boyfriend because I just didn’t have time. I’d rather work hard on my blog and make myself proud than go out.
What’s the biggest myth about what you do?
People think bloggers go on holiday all the time and get free things, but it is difficult to be the journalist, the photographer, the videographer and the face of your brand. I’m on social media 24/7, and if you are on a date night, you do have that awkward moment of having to post an Instagram at 9pm and looking unsociable.
What don’t you show on camera?
I’ve done a few blog posts where I’ve touched on abuse, bullying and being cheated on - I cried writing that one - so I never hide things from my readers. But there are a few things I don’t feel ready to talk about yet.
What’s a typical day for you?
If I’m not in London for meetings, I go to the gym for a 9.30am spin class, that’s my hour of the day where I don’t look at my phone. Then I do e-mails and start planning my next trip, shoot some fashion content or write posts.
How often are you actually in the country?
Well I travelled for 30 hours to get to this shoot, and I’m flying for another 20 hours afterwards! I try to travel once a month but I’ve had to start turning things down, last year I was only in the country for a month.
What’s the key to living out of a suitcase?
Take everything with you! You’ll always feel at home if you have your pamper products with you. I always have a hair, eye and face masks and an undereye cream. I’m not a light packer – I took 40 bikinis to the Maldives for 10 days.
How do you keep an eye on your diet when you’re travelling 24/7?
I’m very much 80/20. Life is for living and food is a huge part of that. I don’t drink my calories and I always choose hotels with gyms. I would always say yes to pizza and work out more.
From burnt toast cocktails to an unexpected twist on the G&T, we can't stop scrolling through the mouth-watering feed of our Best Social And Drinks Influencer winner (in association with Cointreau). He is...
The Cocktail Guy
Rich Woods’ Twitter bio reads ‘Game changer, rule breaker, cocktail maker’, and we couldn’t have summed him up better ourselves. This award-winning bartender knocks up the coolest cocktails we’re ever seen - burnt toast infusion, anyone? While Rich’s Pine Needle Highballs and Padron Pepper Caipirinhas sound insanely tasty, it’s all about the experience when it comes to these pimped up cocktails; foraged birch bark and frozen avocado stones are as important as the drink. You’ll never look at cocktails in the same way again.
How did @thecocktailguy come about?
I can genuinely say that I know where I was when I set up my Instagram and Twitter accounts. I was the UK and Ireland representative in the global final of a cocktail competition and we were given some seminars; one was the importance of social media. As they were telling us ‘it’s important to recognise yourself as a brand’, I thought I needed to think of something that tells a story of who I am. It doesn’t have to be Rich Woods, but surely I’ve got to be a wine guy or a drinks guy or a cocktail guy. And that was it.
What is the weirdest cocktail you’ve ever made?
I don’t think they’re weird! I adopt a method called flavour bouncing where I start off with an ingredient on a blank page and then I think of ingredients that play off that flavour. The weirdest would probably be a blue cheese and chocolate Martini - completely clarified, completely clear. Try putting some blue cheese and some chocolate digestives in the fridge for a bit, then put a knob of blue cheese on the top of a digestive biscuit. That is how that drink was created. But however crazy the drinks are you’ve got to present them in a way that people appreciate what you’re trying to do. Shock and awe but not shock and gore.
What ingredients should we always have in our cupboards to make last minute cocktails?
A base spirit like gin or vodka is a good start - keep it in the fridge. A liqueur to mix, so Cointreau or a fruit liqueur. Citrus is incredibly important – lemon, lime, grapefruit. I would always keep sugar to hand and ice. Nothing can be without ice.
What time is it acceptable to start drinking?
It’s always beer o’clock somewhere in the world but be responsible about it. When I’m out drinking I always start with a gin and tonic and I always mentally check out on a Martini.
And your top hangover cure?
Eat before you go to bed; not straight before bedtime, but always eat because the alcohol is absorbed somewhere, either into your stomach into the food or into your bloodstream. Saying that, I don’t do hangovers.
From frugal fashion tips to rock’n’roll style, 2016’s Best Fashion Blogger (in association with Next) is all about personality. She is...
Pages By Megan
Mancunian Megan Ellaby doesn’t do normcore. Looking like she’s stepped straight out of Almost Famous in patchwork suede, silver space boots and shaggy shearling gilets, her blog, Pages By Megan, is a style guide for every music-loving rock chick with a penchant for leopard print. Oh, and can we talk about her enviable stash of band tees?! Megan’s slick blog also features beauty reviews, dreamy interiors inspiration and Megan’s picks of Manchester’s coolest hangouts. You can also catch Megan on YouTube. We’re taking pictures of that fringe to our hairdresser…
What is your earliest fashion memory?
My mum used to design and make her own wedding dresses for friends and family. She had a market stall and I remember her knocking them up in the spare bedroom. I also remember being in primary school on non-uniform day once and there was an Australian supply teacher who was the coolest teacher ever. I was wearing Tammy Girl everything; a stripy rugby shirt and flared trousers and burgundy trainers. She said ‘totally groovy outfit babe!’ as I walked past and I was like ‘Oh my God! I’m fashion!’
Your style is very rock n roll. Who are your style icons?
David Bowie. Mick Jagger. I love Morrissey. But then if you want some girlies it’s definitely more of a now thing, so I love Alexa Chung and Chloe Sevingny.
How did you get started as a fashion blogger?
I was on placement year from university where I was studying fashion communication and promotion and six months in I remembered that I was supposed to be keeping a diary to give to my tutor when I got back. I didn’t want to handwrite it so I set up a blog. I was working at places like House of Holland, Alexander McQueen and ASOS and being honest because I thought I was just giving it to my tutor but it took off. I turned it into a personal style blog and then 6 months ago decided to get into YouTube.
You live in Manchester - is one of the attractions of blogging that you can live where you want?
Yes definitely. When I went freelance I was living in London, pining to get back to home, but I could work from wherever. A lot of events are in London but that’s just not my kind of thing. Unless it’s a brand I really love I don’t want to go out every single night. I’m very much a homebody.
You boyfriend is George from the band One Night Only – what’s it like being an Insta-famous couple?
It’s great. He understands if I want to stop and take about 17 outfit pictures against different backdrops. He is the epitome of an Instagram husband. He’s very supportive but we just have to make sure that both of us have a digital detox every now and again.
Do you have any boundaries?
Not really because I think people love our relationship and the story behind it all. But there’s never anything sexy on my channels!
Ok. So we’re definitely not making the most of our gym membership, but at least with our Best Fitness And Wellbeing Blogger, we can keep up at home. Your winner is...
AJ Odudu
How do you get noticed at home when you’ve got seven brothers and sisters? Get sporty, in AJ Odudu’s case. The TV presenter and fitness blogger started her active lifestyle back in the ‘90s, and now posts her health hacks, workout routines and favourite cookbooks on her YouTube channel, blog and Instagram account. The best thing about AJ? She’s totally real. Yes, she sweats, but she has a glass of wine with friends and a sweet treat when she wants to. Everything in moderation!
Why did you start a fitness blog?
I’ve always been into fitness – in a family of eight, you have to be sporty to stand out! My blog was born out of being rejected for a TV job. I was gutted, but turned the negative to positive and qualified in personal training, documenting everything online.
How do you stay motivated?
My body is the one thing I have full control of, and I find that thought empowering. I also look at other influencers online, especially mums, and think ‘I’m knackered, how are you doing this with a bunch of kids’?
What inspirational tips do you have for other people?
Get your head in the game. A lot of people sign up to a gym, get new trainers and download some diet plan, but I would recommend listening to podcasts, talking to people with positive energy, then get into a routine.
How strict should our workout routine be?
It’s baby steps. Instead of thinking you’ll go to the gym every day, stick to one hour a week. It’s the same with food; work on breakfast, then when you’ve nailed that, focus on lunch and dinner. It’s too much all at once.
Is it hard to stick to a routine with a hectic lifestyle like yours?
I try and see everything as fun. If your head is positive, everything you do stays positive. Never beat yourself up for eating a Snickers. Enjoy it, then make sure your next meal is really nice.
What’s the best thing to eat before a workout?
Before a morning workout I have a handful of almond or brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, loads of water and maybe a yogurt. Afterwards, I discovered for the equivalent of a big bowl of cereal, I can have a slice of toast, two poached eggs, cucumber, tomatoes and spinach.
What are your tips for working out at home?
Dynamic but small exercises are best if you’ve got thin walls. I recommend picking five of your favourite exercises, doing 20 of each five times. I love Russian twists, burpees, mountain climbers, push ups and massive star jumps.
Do you ever have slob days?
Yeah, I’ll eat chocolate, pizza, burgers and I drink… My hangover cure is ramen. I don’t put as much alcohol on social media as I actually drink so my young audience don’t think it’s cool to get wasted.
Consider this my second installment in my self-love journey to better skin. During my monthly moon cycle, I always notice that my complexion gets weirdly good, and is super-clear. I'm talking so clear that my usual foundation or tinted moisturizer isn't even needed, realistically speaking, but I usually ended up using it anyway for the sake of familiarity. After those 5 to 7 days, my skin would return to its normal, acne-prone state—or anyway, I'd find a clogged pore or ten to jab at and get my complexion all irritated—but since kicking that habit to the curb, breakouts have been far fewer, and the ones that do pop up tend to heal a little faster. I started wearing a more sheer concealer-powder combo in lieu of foundation altogether this time around, and wondered, would my skin react any differently if I kept the momentum going?
I realize this isn't a ground-breaking revelation for other people. After all, this is the routine my friend Erin has been practicing as long as she's been wearing makeup. Facebook commenters who are fiercely of the minimal to no makeup mindset will cry out that they've been doing this for years and that I'm reporting on a non-trend, but when you've been coating your skin in some variation of an all-over base, ranging from foundation to BB cream, on the daily for over a decade, shedding that extra layer can feel like a massive change.
Each day, following my moisturiser and sunscreen, I'd apply concealer under my eyes, a little on my nose, and anywhere else an unsightly dot would pop up. A thin layer of powder helped to even everything out, and if I was feeling it, I'd add a swipe of highlighter on my cheekbones. Not long into the new routine, those aforementioned dots started to become less and less, as I expected. Foundation can clog your pores, and although I have a pretty strict nighttime skincare routine, it can still get trapped in there. I was still wearing makeup, but my skin at least had some breathing room Even better, the timeframe of my morning sessions in front of the mirror were vastly reduced. Next to the clearer skin, I was just happy I could sleep in an extra ten minutes.
I'm pretty far from having my Alicia Keys moment, and honestly, I'm totally fine with that—I adore makeup and am a firm believer that it is an art form, but for a while there, I was lost in the heavy foundations and multi-tonal cream contouring palettes. I'm sticking with the new lineup, though I'm not exposed enough to claim I feel totally liberated as those abiding to the #nomakeupmovement would, and I'm not knocking foundation forever. After all, some special occasions still call for the full Kardashian, especially if photobooths are involved.
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Article courtesy of Marianne Mychaskiw at InStyle.com
Interiors expert Anna Jacobsen (aka @weareherenow) on how to set the spooky theme – no fake cobwebs allowed...
1. Get the colour right. Swap bright-orange hues for moody shades of teal, black, dark grey, forest green or autumnal plum.
2. Create an eerie atmosphere with candles. Use antique wooden candlesticks or, for a cheaper option, wine bottles will do the trick. Start burning those candles now, as layers of wax add an extra-spooky look. Swap black candles for white ones, too.
3. For a rustic autumnal feel, collect colourful leaves outside and scatter across the dining table – a simple grey tablecloth is the ideal backdrop. Snip some branches and pop in a vase for a chic centrepiece.
4. Replace traditional pumpkin carving styles for edgy graphic shapes, such as circles and zigzags.
5. Greet your guests with a moody door wreath. The most impactful ones are made with naked branches.
Former pâtissière turned marshmallowist Ooonagh Simms (aka @themarshmallowist) says it’s all about the DIY mallows...
1. Make a spiced rum by mixing apple juice, fiery ginger beer and a dash of citrus. Then toast a marshmallow until caramelised. Use as a playful garnish for welcome drinks.
2. Melt marshmallows in a hot pan. Add a shot of your favourite tipple – gin or rum work really well. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag, cut off the tip, then holding the bag firmly, squeeze into soft swirls with a peak. You’ll soon have a tray of marshmallow ‘ghosts’. Use black food colouring to dot in two spooky eyes!
3. Sprinkle your mallows with spicy chilli flakes, serve with a shot of tequila and a squeeze of lime. Very Mexican Día de Muertos!
4. For my mallow take on a pumpkin pie, I roast the pumpkin, then scoop out the flesh to make a rich purée filling. Mix with ginger and cinnamon, and smooth into a shortcrust pastry case. Save the seeds to caramelise and sprinkle on top, along with some toasted marshmallows.
Food artist Sam Bompas of Bompas & Parr (@bompasandparr) gives us five steps to being a party pro...
1. Make it seem like the room is full of people. The best feasts have a bustling tavern atmosphere. If you’re worried about not having enough guests, move all your furniture into your feasting room. It’ll feel packed and can double as a fun assault course for everyone.
2. Use a smoke machine. Why shouldn’t your party feel like a film set or rock tour?
3. Hollow out miniature pumpkins, then freeze them and use as kooky drinking glasses.
4. Cook a pig’s head and trotters. It’s a wow centrepiece and you get a lot of bang for your buck. In the past, we’ve used the cooked trotters as table props. The possibilities are endless.
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5. Get the games going. Do alcohol-based apple bobbing or play ‘Edward Forty Hands’ – pair up partygoers with their hands taped together holding
a can of cheap brew. The first to finish the beer wins.
When kids aren’t being cute, they’ve usually got food all over their face, or are sulking about not being able to wear their princess dress for the fifth day running. Our Aspirational Mum winner keeps it real, sharing the sweet moments along with the slightly stroppy. Your winner is...
Giovanna’s World
Blogger, author, actress, wife to McFly’s Tom (yes, you’ve definitely seen those viral wedding speech videos), mother to Buzz and Buddy and sister to TOWIE’s Mario – there really is a lot going on in Giovanna’s World. And still, Gi finds time to vlog about her daily life as a mum of two young boys, post video letters to her sister-in-law and be a bestselling fiction writer. Impressive. When her 746k Instagram followers aren’t checking out the boys’ toys, they’re on holiday with Giovanna and Tom or hearing her relatable chats about motherhood over on YouTube.
How do you juggle being an author, an actress, a YouTuber and having a family?
Get rid of your social life! My husband (McFly’s Tom Fletcher) and I work a lot in the evenings, and knowing we have a limited time makes us work harder. We also have one night midweek which is family night. I hope when my kids grow up they see their mum chased her dreams and was the best mum to them that she could be.
Tell us why you started a blog.
I was acting and feeling negative after being rejected for jobs, so I posted positive things in my life on a blog. That turned into vlogging, then I had the boys and they became a part of that.
Will there come a point when your kids don’t want to be in videos?
I don’t know, but if they do I have to be respectful. Even now if Buzz doesn’t want to take a photo, I’m not going to force him. I don’t feel like I need to plaster them over the internet everyday, and I don’t show tantrums - the last thing I’d think of doing would be getting my camera out!
Your wedding and pregnancy announcement videos went viral – is the simple sonogram announcement over?
People do tend to get creative about it now, but you don’t have to! If and when I have baby number three, we’ve shot ourselves in the foot… We had no idea these videos would get so big – Tom is now known as the wedding speech guy, not the McFly guy.
What’s the biggest myth about being on social media?
The thought that everything’s perfect. If you take someone’s phone, you’ll see that nobody takes pictures of the bad times. Instagram Stories are painting a much more real picture of people you follow, who can be completely different to how you thought they were.
Did you enjoy the InStyle shoot?
I was really worried about it beforehand, but I loved it. It’s amazing how powerful the images are. It’s cool to wear something I’m not used to, and it’s sweet that people bothered to vote.
What is the best thing that’s happened to you since you started vlogging?
My YouTube Play button! I only figured out how to get it when I was on 150k subscribers, I’ve got a long way to wait for the million one.
Pippa Middleton‘s wedding planning is kicking into high gear.
A friend of the bride-to-be (and world’s most famous bridesmaid!) tells PEOPLE that the big day is scheduled for May 2017.
'Of course she is super excited and already planning everything,' says the friend. Middleton, 33, and her financier fiancé James Matthews, 41, 'have a lot in common – he’s charming and old-fashioned,' says the pal. 'Everyone thinks he’s quite the catch.'
Getting down on one knee during a romantic getaway to England’s scenic Lake District — where the Middleton family own a house — Matthews popped the question on July 17 with a ring of his own design. The stunning ring is believed to be from Robinson Pelham, the boutique jeweler who designed the earrings worn by Pippa’s sister Princess Kate on her wedding day (commissioned by her parents, Carole and Michael).
'He would never have bought something off-the-peg for her, it had to be very special,' adds the friend. The classic design, with its octagonal halo of sparking channel-set diamonds, is thought to be close to flawless and worth more than $250,000. While the Chelsea-based jeweler won’t comment on private commissions, Middleton was seen at their boutique just days after her engagement announcement.
When the sporty couple aren’t busy planning their next thrill-seeking adventure or their upcoming wedding, they can be seen coming and going from Matthews’s London home, cycling around London or walking Middleton’s dog. Earlier this fall they were spotted enjoying a low-key brunch at Little House, a members-only restaurant in London’s Mayfair.
'They looked very happy and sweet, enjoying some breakfast together, just like any other couple,' says a fellow diner. 'The ring is enormous! Perhaps even more so because she is so petite.'
Multi-masking? Galaxy hair? Marble manicures? This beauty icon has it covered. Your Best Beauty Blogger winner is...
Lily Pebbles
When Lily Pebbles talks beauty, people listen. 955k people to be exact, across her hugely successful YouTube channel and beauty-filled social media feeds. From the latest Jo Malone fragrance to Oskia cleansing gels and your-lips-but-better lipsticks, there’s not a product that Lily hasn’t put to the test. Her relatable beauty chats definitely have an impact on our bank balance, but Lily’s YouTube channel also features wedding Q&As, VIP vlogs and the kind of food diaries that make us very, very hungry. We’re going to need a bigger make-up bag…
Here's what happened when the YouTube legend sat down to chat wedding make-up, her handbag essentials and how modern women make friends.
Do you remember the first make-up look you tried? Maybe for a school disco?!
I was definitely into blue sparkly eye shadow for a while at primary school. I remember being really into bronzer, like REALLY. I just used to pile it on with this big brush and I was orange all the time. I also had a phase when I used to wear blue lipstick phase with my Arsenal football shirt. Awful. I used to play football at school. I think that people think I’m a beauty blogger so I must be quite girly but I’m quite a tomboy at heart.
When was the last time you slept in your make-up?
I never have. Even before I was a beauty blogger I was never that person. I think my mum has trained me well although my sister does and I always tell her off. Even when I’m really drunk I always manage to get it off somehow.
Was your wedding make-up massively different from your everyday look?
No, I wasn’t bride-y bride, I didn’t even want to get a wedding dress. So for me, make-up, hair - everything was just about making me look like me. Sam Chapman from Pixiwoo did my make-up and we just kept it very much to an enhanced version of what I normally look like: brown smoky eye, highlighted dewy skin, nude lip.
What products do you always have in your handbag?
I used to be one of those girls that took loads of make-up out with her but I never used it. I’m not one of those people who are always reapplying. If you can it’s nice to take the time applying your make-up in the morning and use a setting spray rather than just slapping it on as it tends to last. I’ve always got a lip balm on me and I like a good hand cream.
You have made friends through social media and blogging – do you think that’s how modern women make friends?
My friend Anna is one of my best friends now. We crossed the line a long time ago from blogger friends to real friends. She’s like my colleague. My viewers feel like I’m their friend; they are quite similar to me so if I’m somewhere like Topshop or Space NK that’s normally where I bump into them, and it’s always really nice because we have so much in common. We end up looking through each other’s baskets in Boots and enabling each other to buy things.
Celebrity charity campaigns show a generous side to our favourite superstars, urging us to dig deep or spread the word on worthy causes across the globe. We might be used to seeing Angelina Jolie working for the UN, or supermodel Natalia Vodianova running a funfair for her Naked Heart Foundation, but these latest celebrity charity campaigns might surprise you...
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner's lip kits have become something of a social media phenomenon, selling out in seconds and fast becoming one of the most coveted beauty buys of all time. However, Miss Jenner isn't about to keep all that kit cash for herself. Back in October, Kylie launched a new lip kit colour called 'Smile', the proceeds of which she would donate to to the non-profit organisation Smile Train, which funds cleft surgeries for children around the world. Kylie presented the cheque for $159,500 to the charity's CEO, Susannah Schaefer in person, stating:
'Through my company Kylie Cosmetics, I was able to create a beautiful pink lip kit shade called 'Smile' specifically for Smile Train. I couldn’t be happier that 100% of the net proceeds are going straight to Smile Train to help kids around the world get the surgery they need to help them have beautiful smiles and the opportunity to live healthy, happy lives.'
The money will fund cleft lip and palate surgeries for 638 deserving children. Fair play to you KyJen.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift made a signifiant contribution to Cedars-Sinai hospital, where her godson, Leo (son of close friend Jaime King) was treated for a heart defect. Posting a thanks on her Instagram page, Jaime wrote ‘@taylorswift does so many selfless acts that go unnoticed because she does them silently, from such a great place of unconditional giving’.
This isn’t the first time Tay has dug deep; after the Louisiana floods, Taylor Swift is donating $1 million of her own money to the disaster relief, releasing a statement saying ‘We began the 1989 tour in Louisiana, and the wonderful fans there made us feel completely at home. The fact that so many people in Louisiana have been forced out of their own homes this week is heartbreaking. I encourage those who can to help out and send your love and prayers their way during this devastating time’. Taylor also donated $250,000 to Kesha during her lawsuit with Dr Luke, and donating money in aid of endangered elephants - to name a few!
Miley Cyrus
Working alongside designer Marc Jacobs and artist Marilyn Winter, Miley Cyrus announced a charitable t-shirt collaboration at the annual Planned Parenthood NYC luncheon at the Pierre Hotel. She of the twerk was photographed by Winter in an exclusive shoot, with the resulting image being sold in a limited run, with 100% of the proceeds going to charity Planned Parenthood. Marc Jacobs sold t-shirts to accompany the collaboration featuring additional images from the shoot, together with slogans supporting the cause.
Kim Kardashian West
Turns out Kim tunes into American TV show The Dish when she's breastfeeding, and this morning it made a big impact on the new Mum. A little girl appeared on the show trying to riase 1,000 shoes for the charity Soles For Souls, and Kimye wanted to help her reach her target by donating the entire amount of shoes. He is the Shoe Designer Of The Year, after all...
This isn't the first Mrs West has revealed her charitable streak. Kim and the rest of the clan regularly clear out their closets and put the profits towards charitable causes, while Kim and Khloe brought attention to the Armenian genocide during their recent trip. Kim also produced a documentary about mental health and social media.
Can u help me find the girl who is trying 2 get 1000 pairs of shoes by Christmas @DishNation@Soles4Souls Kanye & I would love to donate!
George Clooney
What do George Clooney, Edinburgh and sandwiches have to do with helping the homeless? The Hollywood A-lister recently headed to Social Bite in Scotland, where he pre-payed for sandwiches for the homeless - before tucking into one himself. What a nice guy! The shop is staffed by people who have struggled with homelessness previously, with 100% of profits going to charity.
Rebel Wilson
Rebel might have her own fashion line, but she's got one big problem - she can't walk in high heels. On the Ellen show, Rebel was hit with a high-heel obstacle course, which she took on (with as much grace as possible while holding a full martini glass) to raise $10,000 for Tanzania charity The School of St. Judes, which provides free education for poorer children in Arusha, Tanzania.
Miranda Kerr
The supermodel kindly donated a very generous $100,000 to help two injured elephants walk again. The money was used by Thailand-based Friends Of The Asian Elephant to source custom-made limbs for the mammals who had sadly stepped on land-mines. 'When I thanked her, Miss Kerr said she appreciated what my foundation was doing and she was happy to know about FAE and happy to help our good cause,' the charity's founder Soraida Salwala.
Ed Sheeran Ed was once rumoured to be taking an extended break from touring and recording to volunteer in his local charity shop in Suffolk. Manager of the Sue Ryder store, Jacqui Bell, said that there was a good chance our Ed would be lending a hand alongside the other volunteers, aged between 61 and 91. Ed previously donated his entire wardrobe to charity, is said to be turning an old police station into a youth club and even granted the last wish of a terminally ill superfan by marrying her. Could we love Ed anymore?!
Akon
Akon (yes, Akon, the man behind Smack That and Locked Up) is set to bring solar energy to 60 million rural Africa with his project Akon Lighting Africa. The Senegalese singer, whose real name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Bongo Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam (we’ll stick with Akon…), wants to create jobs and train African engineers to make the most of the 320 days of sunshine the continent experiences a year.
Leonardo DioCaprio
When Leonardo DiCaprio isn’t living it up on yachts with Rihanna or taking pics with his new selfie stick, he's committed to solving climate change and saving endangered species with The Leonardo Dicaprio Foundation. He calls this a most urgent message in a most urgent time, and we’re inclined to agree. Who knew?! Maybe Titanic served as inspiration.
Emma Watson
From Hermione Granger to UN ambassador, Emma Watson has come a long way since her showbiz debut aged 11. Now speaking for the UN about female rights with her campaign He For She, Emma also promotes international issues and attends dinners at Buckingham Palace. Did anyone see that coming?
Avocados on toast, freakshakes, one-pan eggs with chorizo and slow-roast tomatoes… Aside from street style sensations, #foodporn is the one thing that has us double-tapping quicker than you can say ‘would you like sweet potato fries with that’. 2016’s Baking And Food Influencer is...
Cupcake Jemma
If you already follow @CupcakeJemma, you’ll know that her cupcake recipes are mouth-watering, original and so Instagrammable – hibiscus and vanilla cupcakes, anyone? Sharing recipe tutorials and decoration ideas on her blog and YouTube channel, Jemma Wilson also pens cupcake recipes for Jamie Oliver’s The Cake Book and runs Crumbs & Doilies, the London cake shop selling chocolate chip cookie cream pies, salted caramel pretzel cakes and piñata cupcakes. We’ll take one… of everything.
We sat down with our Baking And Food Influencer to talk all things sweet and life online...
Tell me how Crumbs & Doilies and Cupcake Jemma came about.
I started Crumbs and Doilies in 2006 just baking at my mum’s house and selling my cakes on a little market stall. Slowly but surely I have grown that from a one-woman operation to a company now which employs 17 people. I’ve got a shop in Soho, a YouTube channel and four Instagram accounts but it happened very organically. When people put me in that entrepreneur bracket I just can’t help but smirk because I’m so far from being a businesswoman it’s hilarious. All I know how to do is bake cakes and sell cakes with a smile on my face. I suppose that’s why I’m good at YouTube. My biggest demographic is mostly girls between 13 and 24 and they like seeing an attractive-ish girl with tattoos baking stuff.
How did you get into YouTube?
We launched Cupcake Jemma three years ago on the suggestion of Jamie Oliver because he was launching FoodTube and he wanted to use that to launch new talent. I met him at an event that he put on where I was selling my cakes and he remembered me.
Do you think that Instagram has changed the food industry?
Yes, beyond question. It’s opened up that barrier between chef and regular person. I love food visually and Instagram’s been the most amazing tool for that, way better than Twitter and Facebook. Food is a sensual thing; it’s not just about eating it, it’s about how it looks. If it looks like a bit of grey dog turd then no-one’s going to be going ‘oh my god I’ve got to go to that restaurant to eat that dog turd dish that that chef’s just done!’ I think it’s really tickled people’s interest generally in food, like people who maybe wouldn’t have cooked normally. Loads of city boys. City boys love food! Some of the best food intagrammers are bankers.
Have you ever bought something just because you knew it would look good on Instagram?
As a business owner and an innovator I do think it’s important that I try as much dessert as possible, because you know, that’s research! But there’s definitely been things - like ice cream with candyfloss around it, it’s ridiculous - that looked amazing in my Instagram feed.
InStyle’s Project 13 awards are back for 2016, celebrating the web’s coolest and most creative influencers from the worlds of fashion, beauty, craft, travel, food, fitness… and so much more.
We scoured YouTube, Instagram and pretty much the entire UK blog scene to narrow down 2016’s Project 13 nominees, taking account of their slick make-up tutorials, bucket list-worthy travel vlogs, inspirational Instagram campaigns, body positive blog posts and #foodporn that made our mouths water. These bloggers, vloggers and social media stars have amassed millions of followers over their time online, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down now.
From the household names (we’re looking at you, Ultimate Blogging Sensation) to the faces you’ll be seeing a lot more of over the next year, Project 13 is all about recognising the internet’s incredible creators and championing the next generation of influencers. They already teach us how to do a smokey eye from our bedroom, whip up gluten-free cupcakes in the comfort of our own kitchen and take us on holiday with their sun-soaked posts, so these awards are the least we can do.
Who won? YOU decided, and you voted in your thousands (over 50,000 of you, to be exact). You Tweeted, Instagrammed and Snapchatted your support for your favourite digital influencers, and trust us when we say they're grateful for it. So after two months of waiting, we can finally reveal who took the title in InStyle's Project 13 awards for 2016 - we're revealing one winner every half an hour, so keep checking back to see their incredible photoshoot and interviews here. Are you ready?
See your Best Fashion Blogger here (in association with Next)
