style + beauty

acid vibe

With the temperature slowly rising. It’s time to ditch those winter greys and embrace vibrant colour

words by Eva Johansson

Strong colours are in this spring/summer, with big-name international fashion houses such as Versace (www.versace.com), Jil Sander (www.jilsander.com) and Lanvin (www.lanvin.com) sending acid-yellow jackets and electric-blue dresses down the catwalk.

The ’80s revival is a few seasons old, so this year designers are incorporating elements from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s dance scene while giving a nod to nu-rave, the hip music movement of the moment. It’s all about injecting a bit of energy and fun into fashion, while keeping the shapes flattering and elegant.

Christopher Kane, one of the UK’s hottest new stars, is dressing his models in tight micro-minis in shades such as shocking pink and fluorescent green, many embellished with lace detailing in contrasting colours. They look amazing, but it’s not an easy look for the average woman to pull off.

More commercial labels like DKNY (www.dkny.com) are using bright colours on more wearable garments, playing with proportions to add an extra bit of interest. DKNY’s fitted jackets, voluminous skirts and mini-dresses in bright hues will work a treat at most social occasions.

If wearing bright colours from head to toe seems a little intimidating, try adding a colourful accessory. Paul Smith (www.paulsmith.co.uk) has some stunning leather bags and belts in sharp blue and yellow, while Luella (www.luella.com) and Matthew Williamson (www.matthewwilliamson.com) have collaborated with Linda Farrow Vintage (www.lindafarrowvintage.com) on a series of sunglasses in eye-catching colours.

High-street chains including Mango, Zara, H&M and Topshop will be offering everything from fluorescent parkas to acid-yellow heels. For cheaper options, head to the nearest market and stock up on bright plastic jewellery, neon nail varnish or anything with a smiley, and get ready for a bright spring.

beauty to go

Cosmetics in your hand luggage must now be more compact than ever to comply with airport security rules. Try these little wonders for size

words by Sophy Grimshaw
photography by Tim White

Elemis, Dream Journey Traveller €127
This Elemis leather vanity case, with a built-in mirror and make-up purse, is overflowing with goodies. There are four different anti-ageing products, so with any luck you’ll return looking younger than when you left. There’s also cleanser, toner, night cream, hand cream, a papaya enzyme peel and a scented candle to make your hotel room feel like home.www.elemis.com

The Organic Pharmacy, Travel Kit €68
Perfect for people whose skincare ‘essentials’ are actually quite complicated. As well as the usual must-haves such as cleanser (in carrot butter), shower gel (eucalyptus) and shampoo/conditioner (both jasmine), this bag of organic skin-savers includes firming face serum, anti-oxidant gel, rose moisturiser and an organic, unbleached cloth for gentle exfoliation.www.theorganicpharmacy.com

B Cosmetics, Bonne Nuit €23.50
Good things come in small packages, like this overnight kit. The pretty Oriental print purse opens out to reveal a pack of products including cleanser, shocking-pink shower gel, and hand and body cream. The toothpaste even comes with a sparkling gold travel toothbrush. Classy. www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.com

Korres, Little Natural Products Guest Set €30
This smart display case of test-tube-like toiletries standing to attention makes a stylish addition to a guest bathroom – although the bottles travel better when simply slipped into a suitcase pocket. The set includes softening soap bars (milk and calendula), two shower gels (vanilla cinnamon and basil lemon) and a great-smelling shampoo and conditioner made from soapwort and achillea.www.korres.com