Then we have LULA, never has a magazine influenced me so much. The magazine is unashamedly feminine, but it doesn't do it in a sickly, princess way either. The girls featured are beautiful and have a fun, life loving, care free disposition. There is also variety in the photo shoots and the editorials. You can have a gorgeous 4 page spread featuring 70s inspired clothing, on a film camera and then turn the page to find a feature on a small designer with the vibe of Miami Vice, and the art direction to enhance it. The features they run too are something to applaud, like mentioned previously they interview and expose some amazing unknown talent, not just in the fashion apparel area but also in art. The magazine is littered with illustrations from some much underrated artists. Where else can you find the old photos and diary entries from socialites living in the 30s and then in the same issue an in depth interview with independent movie directors who live on farms in Kansas.
My Lula issue 8 was a God send. I went to the Philippines last year for 2 months in the hopes of getting The Bamboo District started, and off the ground. I planned some sewing lessons, time to design, source fabric; organize the manufacturing of my designs and of course soak up some general inspiration. It sounds quite hectic, and at times it was but I did find that I had A LOT of free time. I spent the majority of time in a small town on the tropical Island that my parents are from. Electricity was touch and go, and though I had occasional bursts of internet connection, it was no way how it is like here in England. So out came my trusty magazine and it motivated me to make the most out of the beautiful surroundings, use my eye for hair, make up and styling and hang out with the cute Island girls and play dress up, and shoot them for a photo shoot. I had my laptop with me too so I played around with Photoshop a lot and made little ads using layout designs that were used in Lula. I probably picked up the magazine 20 times and read an article I missed or really concentrated on a photo shoot I didn’t look at properly before, it rarely became boring, it always seemed there was something new to devour.
The magazine comes out bi annually for the two main fashion seasons S/S and A/W. Though I would like to receive this magazine more frequently I think the fact that I do have to wait so long makes me appreciate it even more. Also, for the quality that it brings I know takes time so I personally would rather wait than receive and look at a substandard publication. So I am taking this time to applaud Lula magazine who have managed to make a girl like me super excited at reading a magazine, and makes me want to dress pretty and take photos of other pretty things. So to the people at Lula…two things, 1) Let’s collaborate Lula vs Bamboo…it will totally work and 2) Please send me all the back issues…that would make me smile…immensely.
Hook a sister up.
Enjoys the stills.