Talking to Mr.GQ: Dylan Jones

Happy to do an interview. Dylan.

Before I had even got a chance to sit back and reflect on about how incredibly ambitious I may have been emailing Dylan Jones to ask to be my dissertation interviewee, he had responded! Yes, THE Dylan Jones OBE, Editor in Chief of British GQ and Chair of London Collections: Men. First thoughts: Had I read it wrong, was I dreaming or had I emailed another Dylan Jones out there in the world. Of course naturally, unable to contain my excitement, the first person I contacted was my Mum - who I am sure was pleasantly surprised that the topic of conversation veered off from my usual I can't find this, can you see if it I have left in my bedroom or I cant decide what takeaway to have tonight. And after a few emails back and forth with Dylan's PA, a date was set and I guess you could say I was finally convinced that this was not something that may eventually end up with me staring on an episode of catfish. 

I wouldn't really describe myself as someone who gets particularly flustered in the presence of many people, which to my surprise, I had found out a couple of years ago when I found myself having a casual conversation with Jimmy Choo whilst maintaining composure and no sign of spontaneously combusting - clap on the back, I know. However, there was something I found incredibly nerve racking about actually having to be the interviewer which I guess is as a bit of a step up from a casual conversation. I was now an inexperienced interviewer, interviewing a man who did this on a regular basis. Oh, and to add to that a man who is incredibly accomplished and a key figure within menswear. So no pressure at all... 

As I entered Dylan's office Lottie, Dylan's PA, encouraged me to take a seat while she tried to locate his whereabouts and brought me a drink, which also gave me a little bit of time to take in my surroundings and compile a list of future office inspiration. No.1 an office wardrobe. I sat for a few moments trying to remember how to talk (you know those times when you have to walk past a group of people and suddenly your years of experience walking go out of the window and the idea of putting one foot in front of the other is incomprehensible - well by this point I was now experiencing the verbal version). A short moment after Dylan entered, with a warming smile on his face, which took my nerves down a notch. 

After replying to a couple of emails, we began the interview. Dylan who was sat in a polar neck top, very weather appropriate on such a rainy day (more than can be said about my heeled open toe sandals which in hindsight as a fashion student made my ability to dress look pretty inept) popped on a pair of thick framed glasses. We discussed the menswear industry and various subjects related and some maybe not so related, each answer bouncing from honest to humorous or heartfelt. It is amazing to listen to somebody discuss topics so eloquently considering having no prior knowledge of the questions that were being asked. I sat in awe as the answers flowed without hesitation and before I knew it, 30 minutes had nearly passed and I drew the interview to a close. Whilst packing up my laptop and various other documents, we discussed who I had spoken to so far and with a firm handshake I was wished all the best with my studies. 

As I left Vogue House, I was filled with joy and gratitude. Dylan Jones had taken time out of his incredibly busy schedule. For someone who is not particularly blessed with having tonnes of contacts within the fashion industry this was a pretty big moment for me. My moral of the story... whether you think something is too ambitious or the whole 'they probably wont respond'... always ask regardless. Who knows what might happen and really what have you got to lose.

If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer’s always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place. — Nora Roberts

ps. Just a little note, although it fortunately worked out for me, emailing within fashion weeks is probably something most within the industry would advise against.

Happiness

"Beware of destination addiction: 

The idea that happiness is in the next place, 
the next job or even the next partner. 

Until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, 
it will never be where you are"

I think we are all guilty, or have been guilty (at times) of destination addiction. The feeling that you would be so much happier if you finally bought the car you have been wanting for ages, or the feeling you think you will have by booking a flight to somewhere else. Before you know it you are on a hamster wheel chasing happiness from places you probably wont find it, and if you do its not likely to stay around for too long. What I have finally learnt is happiness is in the way that you think. 

"Not everything in life goes exactly how we plan. 
There are setbacks. Stuff happens. We mess up. 

Over-obsessing and basing happiness on specific outcomes leads to misery."

A few weeks ago I woke up with an overwhelming feeling of happiness, for no reason at all, I was just happy. Strangely enough, on that day a friend text me asking about my pretty non existent love life... ending the conversation by asking me "are you happy..?" Almost as though surely if I wasn't in a relationship I must be this sad, lonely single viciously digging into a tub of ice-cream in my PJ's watching Sex in The City wishing that was me. It was at that moment it occurred to me, I was extremely happy. Not because of anything I had, not because of somebody I was with, or a holiday I had booked - I was just me and I was happy, no strings attached.

"Focus on a different positive emotion each day, such as gratitude, forgiveness and kindness."

Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. The first step is to train your mind so you can have more power over your thoughts. We all have bad days or days where it seems like the world is against but instead of getting caught up on what may not appear to be going right, be grateful for the things that are going right and your own learning process. Secondly, forgiveness. Being angry at something or someone only hurts yourself, not only that it is a massive waste of your energy. No amount of anger or any grudge will change a situation so learn to forgive and let go for you. Lastly, "kindness doesn't cost a damn thing, sprinkle that shit everywhere".

I am certainly no life coach but there is one key thing I suggest and thats finding your happiness within, material things, relationships, jobs should be a bonus.

Wishlist

I actually have quite a collection of denim skirts on the go at the moment, but personally I think you have never too many clothes so this little frayed number would be a lovely little addition. The shoes go without saying really, although my Mum did make a good point "heeled sandals, when its pouring with rain" but god loves an optimist. 

With graduation and the real world slowly approaching, home goals have been on the mind recently. For anyone that loves home shopping as much as me houseoutfit.com is definitely worth having a mooch at. 

Finally Anastasia Beverly Hills is a make-up brand I have been shopping with religiously for quite a few years now. However in terms of my highlighter I currently use a Nars highlighting duo set (I am sure it has a proper name) which gives a golden finish to my cheekbones but I am a little bored of it now so when I came across the glow kit in the Miami Sephora store it had my attention from the get go. The palette is a selection of different shimmer shades that you can use either on their own or layered which looks ideal for someone like me who is quite fickle when it comes to makeup. 

Off the Shoulder Sweatshirt | LinebyK

Denim Fray Hem Skirt | Pretty Little Thing

Studded Heeled Sandals | ASOS

Geo Pillow | House Outfit

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit | Anastasia Beverly Hills

24 Hours in Milan

Surprise surprise I didn't exactly stick to my Milan plan outfit. Instead I opted for the 'torture yourself and nearly freeze to death' look which did exactly what it says on the tin. First things first, if there is anything I learnt whilst in Milan it was that Milanese men are by far the best dressed men I have ever come across on my travels so if I suddenly up and disappear, I think you may know where to find me. 

We had not much longer than 24 hours, however that 24 hours in Milan was enough to experience exactly what I expected: good food, good coffee, beautiful buildings and cobbled streets. Our few hours were spent doing the main tourist spots: Duomo (Milan Cathederal), Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Musei Civici Di Milano with a stop off at Piade in Piazza for Lunch. After a little trip back to the hotel, a touch of makeup we headed back to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele for our pre-booked meal at Ristorante Savini. 

Here comes the story of Savini. So often when talking about a meal, people may say they thought they'd died and gone to heaven it was that good. Well believe me when we got the bill a little bit of me had wished I had chocked on the amazing slice of Veal I had been eating 15 minutes ago and gone to heaven to escape the damage it was about to do to my bank balance. Just a little warning to you all, if a waiter doesn't show you the drinks menu and suggests you have and a quote a lovely glass of Rossini a cocktail with fruity strawberry puree and a touch of champagne.. smile and shake your head guys, smile and shake your head. Do not get me wrong, it was actually probably one of the nicest cocktails I have had, however its safe to say it cost us more than our cut of the hotel. 

Our final morning was breakfast at Princi Bakery and a little walk around the streets of Brera. My one and only goal for Milan was to have authentic Italian tiramisu, even if it means having it for breakfast - believe me it was worth it! (If my aunty is reading this, I would just like to say her Tiramisu still holds first place to the best I have ever had). If you are planning on a city break to Milan, I don't mean to blow my own trumpet but the below is a pretty good guide for you to get a little taste of everything. Savini however does come with a price warning.

Bars

The Aperol Terrace

Riccis

Restaurants

Princi Bakery - Breakfast

Piade in Piazza - LunchSavini - Dinner

Day-time fun

Duomo (Milan Cathederal)

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Musei Civici Di Milano

Streets of Milano Brera

The Milan Plan

So as it would seem, it takes approximately two full weeks back at uni and dissertation work to push a couple of students in distress into booking a little get away. As much as we all probably would have loved a few days in the sun, our level-heads and shallow pockets soon bought us back to reality. So a small £50 later (yes mum, I was not lying) we booked a flight and hotel for us to get a tiny taste of Milan.

With my priorities in line, I got straight to planning my outfits... So to add to my many sensible decisions this year, my daytime footwear choice is by far the best. It had crossed my mind that strutting around Milan in a pair of heeled boots would look amazing, but after assessing my walking speed in heels and with an hour-by-hour itinerary the boots were off the cards. Instead, I chose my kind of (on rare occasions they rub) trusty Vans. I can already hear my mums screams of joy when she sees that as a serial 'no jacket' wearer, I have also very sensibly opted for an outfit that will actually keep me warm. Being mixed race my biggest makeup problem lies with lipsticks, my friends will be wearing a lip colour that looks amazing but when I come to try it, it looks like a completely different colour. So was thrilled when I finally came across MAC 'Styled in Sepia' (A greyish brown) until I was told it was only limited addition, I have now substituted it for MAC 'Stone' which is not as good but does the job.

Moving on to the evening, I thought I can not do a night in Italy without a touch of D&G Baroque, a bright red lip and a slick low pony. My only problem with this outfit I have planned is, I have searched deep and wide and the earrings are proving to be a problem to get my hands on... hopefully my luck soon changes.

Wishlist

My posts recently have been a bit full on with text, so I will keep my wish lists short and sweet. The only thing I want to touch on is this HMBD Black Fluffy jacket which I am completely obsessed with. If you haven't seen or heard of HMBD Clothing, they are definitely worth checking out. 

Deep Times T-shirt | Mimm

Grey Corset Croptop | Topshop

Puffa Oversized Collarless Jacket (Cream) | ASOS

Oversized Sneaker | Alexander McQueen

Stripe Leg Trousers | Missguided

HMBD Black Fluffy Jacket | HMBD Clothing **OBSESSED WITH**

Black Perspex Heels | Ego Shoes

The Drunken Monkey

Cosmopolitans '15 Things You Should Do When You're Single in Your Twenties' 

No.1: Go out for a delicious, fancy meal by yourself ... Check! Dim Sum for one.

I have always been pretty independent and have little worries doing things alone. I actually enjoy like my own company from time to time - it keeps me refreshed, but the whole dining alone has never been something I have had the courage to do. I had not long ago been talking to my friend about this topic when she mentioned she often went for dinner alone when she is working away, not something I thought she could ever talk me into. Cosmopolitan suggests "Take a book, read magazines, drink all the wine if you want to, because you are an independent woman picking up the bill after herself". My only advice, whatever you chose to do is to turn your phone off for what probably will be the best of an hour - if you don't feel a little more at peace after that, I guess I better buck up my ideas.

I highly recommend The Drunken Monkey for anyone in London or just passing through, it is a Dim Sum eatery and cocktail bar (£5 in happy hour) based on Shoreditch highstreet! Maybe not quite the Nobu-on-your-own-boo but it is still a start.