Evolution of the Gypsy Boho Skirt

Long, floaty and sometimes tiered, the gypsy boho skirt is flattering and easy to wear whilst adding an elegant style to outfits. Originating from the Roma Gypsies, the gypsy boho skirt began to vary in length, colour and pattern once the Roma migrated over the years into Europe and started mixing with other communities. Gradually the loose flowing and less restrictive skirt started captivating women outside of the Roma community and began its debut into fashion history. In the 1960's it became particularly popular during the bohemian hippie movement, an era that changed the face of fashion. People wanted fashion that was unique and they saw the large amount of fabric used to make the gypsy skirt as a big canvas to express themselves on, something we also welcome here at -bl^nk-. After seeing a revival in 2005, and again in the last year or so, the skirt has now become a staple item in women's wardrobes. It looks like the gypsy skirt is here to stay and -bl^nk- are happy to introduce you to our take on this graceful skirt, with fresh prints and shapes for the new ss17 season.

      

FEBRUARY Muse of the Month: Amal Clooney

The beautiful Lebanese-British lawyer, activist and philanthropist has built quite the notable career. Having represented numerous high-profile clients, and been part of several United Nations commissions and tribunals. She contributes to the Global Summit - to End Sexual Violence in Conflict initiative, which works to defend the rights of women in war zones. In 2015 she also announced that she would represent Armenia in the European Court of Human Rights during its case against Turkey for the denial of the Armenian genocide. Amal is the President of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, which she co-founded with her husband George Clooney in late 2016 to advance justice in courtrooms, communities, and classrooms around the world. Stetting the bar high and doing it in Gucci heals, Amal certainly deserves praise for all her good works and gives us here at -bl^nk- great inspiration.

French Riviera

A recent trip to the French Riviera left -bl^nk- inspired by its eye-catching architecture. The tall, narrow, pastel coloured buildings have carried through style and glamour from la belle epoque era and we were left in awe of the striking buildings found along the Riviera. Even traces from the baroque architecture that came before la belle epoque are still distinguishable in the streets today, particularly in the detailed railing of balconies that are iconic to French architecture. We have taken inspiration from the intricate detailing of the baroque railings into our ss17 collection, creating dramatic prints and complex embellishment that compliment the classic floaty, laid back -bl^nk- silhouettes.

JANUARY Muse of the Month: Leila Janah

From being the founder and CEO of two non-profit companies, Sama and LXMI, that aim to end global poverty, to being co-author of book America's Moment: Creating Opportunity in the Connected Age, to being a founding director of Incentives for Global Health, Leila Janah inspires us here at -bl^nk- in so many ways. She shows us that you can wear what you want no matter who you are and what you do in life; "you don't have to adopt a Mother Teresa aesthetic to do meaningful work in this world" she once said when speaking about her bold and bright dress choice. -bl^nk- are enchanted by her gleeful yet classy style and will be closely following her inspiring work projects into the new year.