The originality of the brand is tied in with its eccentricity – the height of creative hosiery – expect hand embroidery and intricately drawn designs.

My interview with Bebaroque:

1. Both of you designed leg wear separately before you started your label in 2007. Why did you both focus on leg wear?  What gave you the idea to name your label Bebarque?

WE BOTH PLAYED AROUND WITH DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS FOR OUR MASTERS COLLECTIONS AND MOVING ONTO HOSIERY WAS AN APPEALING IDEA FOR US BOTH. THEN WE DECIDED TO JOIN FORCES TO MAKE SOMETHING REALLY SPECIAL AS THEY WERE PROVING SO POPULAR. WE DECIDED ON THE NAME BEBAROQUE BECAUSE THE WORD BAROQUE IS USED FOR ART AND DECORATION THAT IS OVER THE TOP AND OVERLY ORNATE, WHICH IS THE WAY THAT WE TEND TO DESIGN. WE ALSO DONT SEE THE POINT IN BEING BORING WITH WHAT YOU WEAR SO WE WANT EVERYONE TO BEBAROQUE!

2. What made you join forces? How do you work together? How do decide what is next?

WE WORK WELL TOGETHER, WE DESIGN TOGETHER AND DO ALL THE BUSINESS SIDE TOGETHER ALSO.

3. I am a huge fan of your brand. It is fun, yet stylish and gives the wearer a unique look. Though you make use of colour and embellishments your collection has always something for any type of leg shape and size. What inspires you to create the next collection?

AT THE BEGINING OF EACH SEASON WE DECIDE WHAT WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT, AND THEN CONCENTRATE CAREFULLY ON THE SUBJECT DRAWING AND DESIGNING FROM THE INSPIRATION WE FIND. AT THE MOMENT WE ARE DESIGNING FOR AW11, WHERE WE ARE ABOUT TO LAUNCH AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

4. What would you consider is your iconic signature style?Who brings which personality into Bebaroque?

OUR SIGNATURE STYLE ISS DEFINITELY INTRICATE DRAWINGS AND OUR USE OF BOLD EMBROIDERY AND COLOUR. WE OFTEN INVOLVE OUR SIGNATURE STYLE TATTOO PRINTS AND EMBROIDERIES INSPIRED BY VINTAGE LACE.

5. Besides legwear you started to do Bebaroque Body. What gave you the idea to move from leg to body wear?

WE HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DEVELOP THE COLLECTION TO BODY WEAR TO LET US DECORATE THE BODY FURTHER. WE ARE NOT TIGHTS SPECIALISTS , WE ARE TEXTILE DESIGNERS SO WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW WAYS TO EXPRESS OUR DESIGNS

6. How many collections do you create for leg wear and body? Your products are available in stores such as Liberty or online like my tights. Where is your strongest customer base- online or in stores?

WE SELL WELL THROUGH BOTH WEBSITES AND IN STORES BUT MOST OF OUR BUSINESS IS THROUGH STORES. OUR PRODUCTS NEED TO BE SEEN ON THE BODY SO IT IS ALWAYS GREAT FOR THE CUSTOMER TO VIEW THEM ONLINE THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY ALSO

7. What is next?

LONDON FASHION WEEK, THEN PARIS TO LAUNCH AW11 COLLECTION. THEN WE START TO DESIGN AGAIN FOR SS12. WE WANT TO CONCENTRATE ON THE HOSIERY, BODY WEAR AND ACCESSORIES BEFORE GROWING ANY FURTHER.

8. Who is your ideal customer and if you could pick any celebrity you like- who would you like to dress with Bebaroque and why?

WE WOULD LIKE CHLOE SEVIGNEY TO WEAR OUR CLOTHES AS WE LOVE HER UNIQUE AND STRONG LOOK.

9. Which are your favourite products on Joy of Clothes?

10. Bebaroque on Joy of Clothes:

Thank you for your time,

Michaela

The trick for the day is to keep it to a small amount where the purpose is more to lift’s ones complexion. It should be used more as an accent “colour” rather to make a “shining “impression.

The best way to wear “Glam” and “Flash” now is to wear just one shiny piece-small or big- at a time. Remember that metallics draw attention to whatever body part you wear it on, because the light reflection will grab attention. So, make sure you are highlighting a flattering part of your body otherwise you will just achieve the opposite of “Glam”.

It can be at times quite challenging to keep the choice appropriate for the occasion ,current and right for your body shape.

Here are the top 3 tips how to wear them:

• Keep it current by accessorizing your metallic’s with the right clothing that will neutralise the shine, so nobody will have flash backs from “80ies” when seeing you. Metallic tops or trousers look great with knits, T-shirt and jeans- mix match your look rather going for matchy matchy! Click here for more info
• Know your personal colouring when choosing between silver & gold metallics. It can badly clash when choosing the wrong metallics too close to your face. Click here for more info
• Body shape! Don’t be fooled by the item because it looks so nice, or it is the latest or everyone wears and has it who is hip and in. Highlight body features that can take the lime light. Remember metallics need space to shine and breathe, but they will also add “volume” to the part in question. So, make sure it highlights the best of you where you can take the clutter, volume and glam. Click here for more info

• Women with long legs:

• Women with a shorter body and longer legs:

Click here to shop for more “Glam” outfits

Have a nice day,

Michaela

P.S

Hubert de Givenchy

The festive season is imminent and the big questions we all face are what do I wear? Do I have anything to wear? So many engagements to attend, but not enough outfits and dresses to wear. Can I spend all money just on clothes? So, let’s do some black magic and cast a spell on it ” how to create more outfits out of one”.

Top 3 Black Magic Rules:

• Think first of your body shape and then of your dress! It is all about virtual balance and something out of balance never looks good or flattering.
• Only because you manage to fit into a dress size don’t mistake it for the right fit. Keep the overall look in mind e.g. if you have big thighs and calves don’t even try to go for a mini dress. Choose instead a dress at or above the knee . Only wear it with thick and dark tights only if you don’t opt for a maxi or full length dress.
• A sexy look requires that you are comfortable in what you are wearing and you are accentuating what is the most flattering on you. Create a focus point e.g. bust, legs, back, waist, shoulders, arms or bottom.

Click here to find more black dresses

Once you have got your dress then start to accessorise! Again, choose your accessories carefully!

• Women with great legs:

• Women with a waist:

• Women with a  big bust:

• Women with a small bust:

• Women with big arms

Click here for more style advice

There are so many fantastic styles out there for everyone’s budget. And it is a great way to express your own style by making the dress your own with your own signature look.

Have a nice day,

Michaela

P.S:  Here are some gift ideas

Christian Dior

From slate to cloud to dark charcoal- the new greys can be found in any clothes item.

Many of us are shying away from grey- because it can look quickly aging, boring and will show bad quality in fabric in comparison to black, dark navy or purple. But it is a fantastic basic and neutral colour for any outfit, occasion or personality if you know what to do and what not to do. Grey is not as forgiving as black and has to be handled with care and thought when dressing yourself.

Grey is the colour of teamwork, agreement, and passivity. In a darker charcoal shade, grey is a true power colour. In a lighter shade, it becomes more relaxed. Grey is a good choice for people in sales, banking, or finance and it is ideal in combination with other colours to personalise according to colouring, body shape, scale and proportion. However, grey is not a colour to be worn on its own – it will make you look “robot like” ie lacking any own personality…

Grey is a great alternative for those who should not wear black near the face

Don’ts

• Dressed all in grey in a corporate environment can send the message you are lacking of imagination and personality.

• Same goes for combining grey with white or ivory or black.

• Avoid wearing different shades of greys in different outfits together – it can work, but very rarely and it is so easy to get wrong.

• Don’t combine grey with any soft or mudding colours- it looks aging, your look will be dated and overall it won’t give you a confident boost wearing your grey.

• Never ever wear a washed out grey in any of your garments. Remember grey shows quickly bad quality and together with a washout tone…let’s not go there!

Does

• When wearing grey from top to toe e.g. coat, dress, suit remember it needs a sharp or /and tailored look.

• Grey needs colour- a strong dynamic bright colour. You can choose a dramatic look, but you can also be subtle in your choice. Important is that you have focus point and your look looks energetic, fresh and modern.

• Studs and Sequins are fantastic ways of adding an edge, glamour and sparkle to your outfit. They are especially great when wearing them in or with grey knitwear. It will transform your look instantly.

• Grey can look nice with beige, but remember keeping it sharp e.g. with a white blouse. Add personality with a statement accessories, so you look will look sleek and elegant rather dull and dowdy.

• Mix match your grey with different fabrics or fashion.

• A little advice here- grey looks best when you are groomed. Too much make up & big hair and it will remind everyone quickly of the 80ies and  will just drain you. Even if you wear a strong colour in your grey look- the colour needs to be balanced with a groomed understated look.

• Grey and lipstick- you can say the more grey or neutral your outfit & look is the stronger and bolder you can be in your lipstick choice.

• Keep our body shape, height and proportion in mind when choosing your grey and when combining it with a dynamic colour. Darker greys are more slimming and will make you look more taller. When accessorising grey with a dynamic bright colour keep in mind to choose a  ” positive “body feature that will make you feel comfortable and confident to show off by creating a focus point.

Last not least Grey makes a fantastic investment buy!

Here are some ideas what to buy in Grey and how to mix match them:

• Coats

• Dresses

• Knitwear

• Trousers

• Boots/Shoes

Shop here for more “Grey” investment buys.

Have a nice day,

Michaela

Get some inspirations from Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrell in Sex in the City 2: (Please note clicking on the celebrity pricture will take you to our picture partner , all product pictures will lead you to our shop)

Dressing your calves requires a strategy, because you need to have an understanding of your build, you need to put the size of your calves in context with your bust, body shape, height and proportion .By modifying the lines of your clothing you can create visual balance whether you have small or large calves.

Here are some general tips and advice how to wear them:

• In general the longer and leaner your leg the more attention it can take in colours, patterns and theme. Firstly because they need space to look good and also they add volume to your leg line and calf size. So, if you don’t have a long lean leg and calf, it will look unflattering and your leg and body shape will look out of balance.
• If you have the proportion shorter body and longer legs, then dressing your legs and calves with leg warmers, leggings or coloured &patterned tights are your answers to get your visual balance in proportion. They will visually shorten the length of your legs due to the volume they add to your leg line.
• Keep in mind also if you have small calves or a short leg you don’t want to go overboard with too big patterns. Keep them small to medium, so they don’t overpower them.
• If you have a big calf stay away from any patterns and leggings, because they will just highlight the size of your calf. Opt instead for full length tights in dark uni colours- ideally in medium to high denier. This is not a style trend you can get right no matter how you try. This includes as well any form and shape of fishnets or seams on the back of your calf.

Read the Joy of clothes  style guide on how to dress your calf.

http://www.joyofclothes.com/style-advice/clothing-guides/calves/overview.php

You will find information on how to dress to different calf sizes, how to create/keep visual balance

http://www.joyofclothes.com/style-advice/clothing-guides/calves/create-visual-balance-between-proportions-and-calf-size.php

and to dress to your body shape depending on your calf size.

http://www.joyofclothes.com/style-advice/clothing-guides/calves/guidelines-for-your-body-shape-depending-on-calf-size.php

or click here to find more hosiery on Joy of Clothes

Have a nice day,

Michaela

Here are some ideas how to wear hot pink for the different bodyshapes- a lot of the suggested ones are suited more than for one bodyshape:

• Neat Hourglass

• Full Hourglass

• Apple

• Pear

• Inverted Triangle

• Rectangle

• Lean Column

Click here for more clothes in hot pink and how to wear them

Also watch Kate Moss opening new Topshop in New York- and all the hot pink clothes. (especially her hot pink hat!), which we have for you as well:

Have a nice day,

Michaela