Galina Atchkassova-Portianoi | A Curious Russian in London | Journalism | Blog Journalism - Galina Atchkassova-Portianoi | A Curious Russian in London | Journalism | Blog

Collagen shots and Q & A with Rejuvenate founder Kathryn Danzey

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 -1:00:00 GMT

In a way our mothers and grandmothers lived a better life than we do-they might have had more hardships and inequality, there was definitely less choice and opportunities for them to express themselves, but theirs was a slower pace and less expectations were placed on them in terms of how they looked. They didn't have a variety of beauty products, tools and supplements that we have, but was it one of the reasons why many of them had more style and flair than women of today?

There is so much choice available to us now-at work, at home, in our personal lives, but with it comes an overwhelming amount of opportunities and hence more responsibility and time restrictions. Let's take the example of beauty supplements-new ones are getting launched all the time, but which ones do we really need to use, which ones will make us feel and look better-even with my interest in all things beauty related, I often find the variety confusing. I am also cautious not to bombard my body with too many supplements and vitamins, which can cumulatively actually cause harm.

So what to do to make the right, informed choice? One tried and tested suggestion is this-look at your girlfriends or women that you truly admire and find out what they do lifestyle wise, learn form the experts and try things out for yourself to see what makes a difference to you, as you are unique.

Recently one of my friends have been positively glowing-no, she isn't a happy newly-wed or a new mother. She is slightly older than I am, is happily married and one of her children has already flown the nest. In addition, she is starting a very exciting business of her own and as many of us know from experience, it requires a lot of time, effort, dedication, hard work and many late nights. Yet with all of the above responsibilities and commitments she glows and her skin feels so soft to the touch, it's as if she turned back the time and got the softness of the skin that only babies have. So I asked her.....-'Collagen shots' was the reply. Shots? No, not the doctor's type of shots, you buy Collagen shots in powder form and one pack contains a 30 day supply. A few days after the initial conversation with my friend, my curiosity got the better of me, I bought a Rejuvenate pack of Collagen shots and started testing the supplement on myself.

My skin is generally quite soft ( thank you genetics ! ) but I tend to get dry skin on my elbows and feet, so unless I apply moisturiser to those parts of my body religiously, they will feel slightly dry to the touch. Within three weeks I have noticed that my skin felt softer everywhere, it really did. I finished the pack of Collagen shots and decided to stop and try another supplement from another brand that is good for skin, hair and nails. Well, I can honestly say that by the time my next pedicure appointment was due, three weeks later, my heels felt really dry-not Sahara dry, but dry to the point that I knew that Collagen shots do make a difference and deliver exactly what they claim on their packaging-improve skin elasticity and softness, as well as reduce fine lines and wrinkles ( 'clinical trials have shown that drinking 10g of collagen per day gives an average 41% reduction in lines and 91% increase in hydration ', source: Rejuvenate Ltd ). No gimmicks, no false hopes, but truly soft skin all over. Have I noticed that my wrinkles have gotten more even ? I honestly can's say just yet, as my frown lines look the same to me when I look in the mirror, but hey, I was born frowning, so can't expect an instantaneous miracle, however I started on my second pack of Collagen shots two days ago. It has an Acai berry flavour ( fruity and pleasant-ok, you might need a day or two to get used to the taste, but I do really like it ), I do drink a large glass of water mixing collagen shot into it before going to bed ( make sure that you follow the instructions on the pack-very easy and straightforward, if you take the time to actually read the instructions and not skim through them, like your truly! The first time I did it, I just put the powder in the glass, pored the water over and was destructed by something-by the time I came back I had a big lump of powder in the glass that refused to dissolve ) and I do like how my skin looks and feels, even if I forget to moisturise when I dash out of the shower and get on with whatever I have in store on the day.

Q & As about Collagen Shots with Rejuvenate founder, Kathryn Danzey:

GAP: Can you tell me a little about your professional background and how did you come up with the idea to develop Collagen shots?

KD: I first trained in beauty 37 years ago at Du Barry College in London, I've seen so many changes in the industry over the years and it is really fascinating to see the advances being made. We supply around a thousand salons throughout the UK with equipment and products and much of my time is spent training in salons and colleges.

GAP: How long did it take to develop Collagen shots and when did you launch the product officially?

KD: I wanted to develop a collagen drink for some time, as I’m a big believer in beauty from the inside out. No matter what you do to the outside, if your skin is dehydrated at the dermal level it will never look its best. The key was to find the best ingredients and the right production team. Our production team formulate products for many of our Olympic athletes and top Formula 1 teams, so we are a true British Brand and proud to be so.

GAP: How quickly can you expect to see the difference after starting to take Collagen shots?

KD: Everybody is so different. I was amazed how quickly I and many others see results. I normally say expect it to be a three months course with maintenance, but after about ten days my elbows were so soft, it was incredible and clients that come to me for monthly treatment were asking what I had done.

GAP: Why do you need to drink it in the evening, half an hour before bedtime?

KD: You can actually take Collagen Shots at any time of day, but if you drink them around half an hour before bed time and at least three hours after a main meal, then the body can process the collagen quickly. Plus the first two hours of sleep are when regeneration of cells actually take place.

GAP: How are collagen shots different from let’s say a cream containing collagen?

KD: A cream is superficial and rarely gets down to the dermal layers. Drinking Collagen Shots ensures that the collagen is absorbed and can be used throughout the whole body. Many people notice that their heels have become soft, there are so many areas that you will notice an improvement.

GAP: Do you need to take collagen shots constantly or can you take it several times a year, at regular intervals?

KD: It is good to take Collagen Shots for at least three months as a course to help to stimulate cell renewal. If you stop after this time, the body will gradually return to its natural levels, however most people continue to take Collagen Shots ongoing or take them three to four times per week as maintenance.

GAP: From what age would you recommend starting to use Collagen shots and why?

KD: Collagen levels diminish by 1.5% per year after the age of 25, I have a friend who is only 22 that takes them, as she has dehydrated skin and finds that the Collagen Shots make her skin feel so soft. Most of our customers are in their early 30’s and go up to their 90’s.

GAP: What makes Collagen shots different from any other collagen supplement currently available on the beauty market?

KD: When we developed our product the brief was to have ten grams of marine extract collagen with a RRP of £30. All the clinical trials that we found had been done with ten grams of collagen of marine extract. We felt that £30 RRP was the right price for customers to be able to afford Collagen Shots long term. Bovine and chicken collagen is much cheaper, but we wanted to make sure that we were using the most synergistic blend possible.

To get the same amount of collagen from tablets you may have to take up to 30 tablets per day and one drink on the market would cost £216 for 30 days to give you the same benefit as 30 days with Collagen Shots.

GAP: Are there any side effects to using Collagen shots?

KD: Collagen Shots are fish extract, so if you are allergic to fish or are a vegetarian, they are not suitable for you. However, the only other side effect that we have noticed is gorgeously soft skin.

http://collagen-shots.com/

Interview with Georgie Cleeve, founder of Oskia skincare

Sat, 7 Apr 2012 -1:00:00 GMT

Oskia is the British skincare brand that has been making positive waves on the beauty market and winning prizes, even though it was only launched at the end of 2009, so when brand's founder Georgie Cleeve agreed to meet with me and answer my questions about Oskia, I felt the surge of excitement. For whatever reason I expected to see a very serious, driven career woman, who would be reserved and to the point. Instead I got a very pleasant surprise when a tall, slim, pretty woman with luminous skin and a shy smile walked into the Botanist in Chelsea. And let me tell you, if you saw Georgie's skin close-up , you would rush to buy Oskia's products straight away, as you don't often see such glowing, blemish free skin.

Georgie grew up on the farm in Wales and says that her future was predetermined in a way from early on, because her father had a natural supplements company and she saw doctors, scientist and nutritionists whirring with activity, which made her want to do something entrepreneurial too. On the other end of the scale Georgie's mother was an Olympic skier, so Georgie started skiing from the age of three, but by the time she was in her late teens she started having knee problems to the point that she couldn't get out of her skiing pants after doing just one 'run', as her knees would swell up to the size of a football. Four surgeries later and no solution in sight, as doctors warned her that she wouldn't be able to ski or run-not the words any active teenager wants to hear - her father made the decision to try her on the MSM supplement that was developed by Dr. Stanley Jacob ( initially this supplement was used to treat horses, particularly their legs and hooves, which come under tremendous pressure and incur huge damage during the animal's lifetime).

Our skin and body cycle is gradual, not instant, so in order to see a difference while taking MSM you need to take it for at least three or four months and then continue using it ( as vitamins don't stay in our system forever, hence the importance of nutrition, of which there will be more later ), but in Georgie's case the transformation was incredible, so not only is she a very active mother of a little boy and an entrepreneur, she can also run and ski to her heart's content, time permitting, of course.

Georgie worked as a food journalist for Home & Garden for several years and while writing about food, she became even more curious about the correlation between nutrition and supplements and the subject of what we should actually be eating in order to be healthy on the inside and radiant on the outside ( in her teens Georgie had acne, a very common skin condition nowadays, that is often linked to the gut health. In Georgie's case taking MSM supplement on a regular basis also helped to get read of it completely, hence my fascination with Georgie's beautifully healthy skin ). After doing extensive research and assembling the team of like-minded professionals, including renowned skin chemist Colette Haydon, Georgia, together with her husband George launched Oskia in October of 2009. The range is based around MSM plus various nutrients that help to re-build cell health, solve skin problems aided by bio-active ingredients. Georgie did stress to me that it is important to take MSM, while using Oskia skincare, as the two compliment each other.

The name Oskia is derived from ancient Greek, meaning 'delivering nutrients and beauty' and in the beginning the range comprised seven products that have all been slightly tweaked since the initial launch. Georgie approaches her business with the eye on consistent result and organic growth, and I find such almost nurturing principles quite endearing, especially in our fast paced times and almost fanatical approach to instant profit making. Georgie makes a very convincing argument about combining nutrients in the supplement form with bio-active skincare, being the most effective way to re-balance our bodies & skin. Nano particles don't get absorbed deep inside, so targeting both the inside and outside makes perfect sense, if you pause and think about it.

Georgie has trained as a therapist in the past, to give her the understanding and well-roundness of that profession, but she no longer practises herself, instead hiring an experienced therapist Abigail James to create a well thought-out range of treatments that pamper, relax and renew.

Oskia offers facials from time to time at either Fenwick or Liberty's of London treatment rooms, but if you fancy a more extensive treatment list, then you can try them at Oskia's spa at Covent garden, which came on the scene in September of last year, in collaboration with Glow Yoga. The treatment menu includes treatments like 'eye wonder', 'glow on the go' facial, 'reneissance' & 'revaitalise' luxury face & body treatments or non-invassive derma rolling, which is great for skin cell stimulation.

Creating a skincare range isn't as simple as one might think-you can come up with an idea, but then the hard work will start, from consulting with nutritionists and cosmetic scientists, to testing and trials, creating packaging and doing extensive consumer testing, so you are talking at least a year from the birth of an idea behind the product to the finished result.

Georgie works together with her husband ( who was a corporate lawyer in the past, working on mergers & acquisitions of companies ), who deals with the business side of things, allowing Georgie to concentrate on the creative and scientific parts. She laughs and says that their first business meeting of the day takes place in the bathroom in the morning, but they both have very clearly defined roles with a strong relationship at the core, which allows them to achieve balance in their joint venture.

Oskia takes each customer personally and bears in mind that many women have sensitive skin or problematic skin, not aided by the environmental factors, so while the products are active and you should introduce them into your skincare routine slowly, to allow your skin to adjust ( there are also no essential oils in the formulations, which can make our skin slightly more reactive in general ). I found Oskia's micro-exfoliating balm a bit too active for me, but Georgie suggested that I try adding more water to it, before applying it to my face, thus making its effect milder. She surprises me with saying that she also tests other brands on the market, to make sure that Oskia is very distinct and when answering customers queries ( yes, she still does that, as she considers customer service an essential part of successful skincare DNA ) she might even recommend a product from another brand, that she herself has tried, if Oskia doesn't have a solution to the customer's current skin concern.

At some point during our conversation, easily flowing between the sips of milky morning coffee and a smoothie, Georgie brings out the subject of the water conservation fund that she has started with her husband. The reason behind it, you would ask? Well, how about this fact-to produce an average jar of cream requires 1,500 litres of water? Shocked? I certainly was....One of the things that Georgie & George are doing, is introducing a new range of ingredients, manufacturing of which doesn't produce as much waste and conserves water, making Oskia a sustainable and conscious business in its evolving progression.

I think all the praise that Oskia is getting from its customer base and the press is well deserved, after all, you have to be good at what you are doing, if your 'get up & glow skin serum' wins the top prize for the best skin perfector, awarded by Natural Health Magazine earlier this year, when tested against 500 of other products (Tatler also praised Oskia's 'micro-exfoliating balm in their first beauty awards launched this year ), yet Georgie remains grateful and hard working as ever, even though she is not only the wife and a professional woman, but a mother too and you can see her eyes twinkling when she talks about her son and her desire to possibly move back to the countryside in the future, in order to give her little one the freedom and fresh air that one can't get while living in the City ( for the time being the family tries to go to Wales during their free weekends). When she talks about it, you fall under the charm of her knowledge and easy-going manner, even when you are not a county person yourself, but then she grew up surrounded by the understated beauty of Wales ( it's also where Oskia's factory is based).

We also touch down on the subject of sun protection, as Oskia's products don't contain SPF, unlike many other brands and Georgie explains to me that the main ingredients, titanium or zinc oxide are quite heavy on their own and when you integrate them into the skincare product it becomes even heavier, preventing the cream from quickly sinking into your skin and more likely to be 'sitting' on top of it. A possible solution might lie in the creation of SPF booster, possibly using nano-particles. Georgie stresses that SPF is very important, even if the product that you use is non-organic, but a so-called 'chemical' boost can still be nicely effective for your skin, while helping it to be protected from the harmful sun rays-think about it, every natural ingredient is a chemical of sorts, so it's the way that we look at things and the knowledge that we have to make an educated decision. Georgie gives me an example of perfumes that are over-saturated with chemicals-no wonder that I can't stand perfume halls after ten minute or so, feeling like you are being bombarded with too many molecules of different scents, so in Georgie's case she prefers to use essential oils.

Looking at Georgie's complexion I urge her to share her secrets, apart from eating and drinking sensibly and using Oskia, so Georgie adds regular exercise and facial massage to the list ( both increase blood circulation and help us shift the toxins out of our system ). She also says that lately, together with her husband, they started drinking smoothies daily, using ingredients like beetroot, spinach, avocado and parsley, which boost your body defences and nurture your skin, hair and nails. Why smoothies? Well, unlike juices, smoothies contain fiber, which our bodies need in order to effectively eliminate the waste. As Georgie loves food ( not that you would notice it, looking at her slim, yet healthy body ), she says that as long as you balance what you eat, you will be fine-if you eat cake today, aim for staying away from sugary treats the following day and try to increase your intake of grains or vegetables for example.

Oskia's head office gets several stockist request a week, but as Georgie wants her brand to remain high-end and grow naturally ( in the summer a new sub-range of skincare will be launched, based around Oskia's very popular 'renaissance mask', as well as plans for the launch of additional supplements that are currently in the works ), she approaches each contact individually, not wanting to stretch the resources before they are ready. There are plans to launch in the US and later in China, but all will be done with grace and logic and not just a profit motivation, which feels very refreshing and dare I say it? -right in the current times......

www.oskiaskincare.com

Getting fit (Ripped in 30 dvd) with Jillian Michaels

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 -1:00:00 GMT

Fitness is an interesting thing-we all know that we need to be in good shape-for health and vanity reasons among other things, but many of us will look for any excuse not to exercise-lack of sleep, long working hours, family commitments.... I am no exception and do have a 'lazy' layer, but by the same token I know that when I exercise, even if it's for 20 minutes a day, I feel better, my mood is lighter, I can allow myself to indulge a little without the fear of it going straight to my waist-line but the problem for me, is that being an Aries, I just get bored and need to change pace or workout.

I have tried going to the gym-never liked it, especially having to look at guys who pump iron and grunt like no self-respecting woman will even during labour. I tried exercising with a personal trainer ( a lovely indulgence if you can afford it because it doesn't come cheap) because I know that when I have someone telling me what to do in the private gym setting, I am more likely to stick with it. I also have a few DVDs at home, be it yoga or aerobics ones but on most occasions I lose interest and either take a break from exercising all together or start looking for something new and the previous DVD just rests on the shelf until I go back to it a few months later-I call it DVD rotation .)

Having done Jillian Michaels's (she is a very well-known fitness trainer & life-coach in the US, in part due to her work on the show 'The biggest loser USA' where she helps seriously overweight people get back to healthy fitness levels) '6 weeks six-pack' workout this year, I have to say that I still use that DVD but hand on my heart, I felt a little intimidated by her. She knows her staff and her fitness jargon but she sounded a little too driven, a little too self-assured for me to fall under her spell, until I got an advanced copy of her latest DVD release called 'Ripped in 30'.

On this DVD you have four workouts (each lasting about 25 minutes), one for each week of the month. The workouts themselves are based on Jillian's 3-2-1 formula: three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardioand one minute of abs-you will do three sets of exercise blocks that are modified, depending whether you are a beginner or a little more advanced. Each workout starts with a stretch and then you just start kicking, moving and sweating-the first week I started trialling this DVD, sweat pore off me, and as soon as I was done, I rushed to the shower and came out feeling...no, not tired, but fresh and revitalised, if a little achy. Consider the fact that I work out in late afternoon, when we all experience the energy slump after a busy day and you will be tempted to try it. Add to that the fact that Jillian can be quite hard core, compared to many British trainers who are more subtle in their approach-that woman can kick ass, but she also motivates you and sets the correct targets. She explains the moves, so you actually understand why you are doing a certain exercise or why a specific move needs to be done precisely the way it is shown.

To be fair, I actually stuck to each of the four routines, but I gave it a go with changing the level, i.e. moving up, not after a week, but after two and it worked for me. While I might not have sweatedas much the second week round, I enjoyed the routine as much and made sure that I did everything with precision, which gave me even more satisfaction.

As you progress from workout to workout, it gets tougher (but when you can do the whole week four routine, you will feel like a bad-ass superwoman who can take on the world, let alone a man in a business discussion) but if you follow Jillian's instructions, I promise you that not only your body will look way better than before you started, you also won't sustain an injury because Jillian almost drums into you that technique is important and she doesn't want you to trip or to pull a muscle, so she explains and toughens you up at the same time.

Some instructors, while having lots of experience, do exercise tapes and you end up being bewildered by pace or they don't stress the importance of positioning when doing each exercise, which might make sense to you, until you actually sustain an injury or end up feeling sore not after the workout but for days after at best and limping or having to stop exercising for a little while-no names would be mentioned, but this workout covers all the bases, it pushes you, but makes sure you do it safely and correctly, thus giving you an overall increase in stamina and your fitness level. It is a fast-paced and fun workout, so you have to give it a 100%. You also might need to make adjustments to you diet ( a 30 days eating plan can be found on Jillian's Internet site) and to me, that's the essence of fitness-a routine that is interesting, challenging, one that can be done anywhere-be it home or a hotel room and you really don't have any excuse not to allocate 25 minutes plus shower time to yourself on a daily basis-some well-known role models can pretend that their amazing bodies are down to genetics and them eating whatever they like and not exercising, but if you listen to the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley or Miranda Kerr, you will hear the actual truth that in order to look as amazing as they do, genetics alone aren't enough and it does take a steely character, discipline and incorporating time for fitness into your life-this beats going under the knife and is way safer and more gratifying long-term.

I also started doing this routine before the festive season-let's be honest, we all have 'come January ambitions' to rev up our exercise routine, yet lots of us fail, as winter months are gloomy, bleak and dark. There is no set time when you will be more successful in sticking to your fitness goals, but the fact that I upped my exercising in late autumn makes it an almost sure bet that I will be sticking to it in the new year.

Jillian looks so fit it's almost intimidating, but as days went by, I realised that I really enjoyed the banter that she has with her two exercise assistants and I have never actually enjoyed the workout and the sweat poring off me as much as I do during those routines-I feel empowered by this workout and still get this great rush of achievement post-workout, the same you get after doing a great run or a lengthy swim.

As Jillian herself says 'boredom sucks', so if you do 'Ripped in 30' for five weeks, then you can move on to doing her 'Killer buns & Thighs', which comprises three 30 minute workouts to help you create firm bum and thighs on which you can make the coin dance. Jillian isn't 'reinventing the wheel' as she says and you will start with an easier version, workout 1, which has two modifications-for beginners and modifiers or 'maniacs' as Jillian calls her assistant Natalie. Again, Jillian stresses the importance of form and explains which muscles you are working in each move. An interesting twist here is that some yoga moves, like 'crescent' are combined with aerobics, so you get a workout and a stretch thus leading to more streamlined not bulky muscles.

Luckily for me, I also had an opportunity to ask Jillian some questions, having done her DVD and she was very generous to give me insightful answers, so enjoy her wisdom and try the DVD-if it doesn't work for you, I will give you a refund myself !

Questions and Answers with fitness expert and life coach Jillian Michaels:

Would you say that approach to fitness in the US is more ‘full on’ than in the UK in terms of training?

I don't think so. An athlete is an athlete. I have met some pretty bad ass Brits. My grandmother was from Manchester - I know how hardcore the UK can get!

How did you get into fitness and why? Why is fitness important to you-is it more health or vanity driven?

I was an overweight kid. At around the age of 13 I got into martial arts and I began to understand that fitness was transcendent. When you feel strong physically you feel stronger in every facet of your life. That is the origin of my passion to utilize fitness in order to help people live a happier healthier life.

For me, fitness is both. When I am fit, strong and healthy it transcends into all facets of my life. I want to lead a long and full life, enjoying my family and friends and being healthy plays a crucial part in that. But let's face it... I also love fitting into a great pair of skinny jeans.

Do you need to take supplements to help your workout be more effective? Why don’t you take water breaks in your ‘Ripped in 30’ DVD?

I am a big believer in supplementation. I take a multivitamin, a pro biotic and a B complex every day. Sometimes I take an antioxidant and sometimes I take Maca powder for my adrenals as well.

Hydration is extremely important in both fitness and for good health in general. The workouts in RIPPED in 30 are designed to get maximum results in a limited amount of time. This means there is a short window to get that heart rate up, really strengthen the body and blast fat. With such a short workout it is key to keep that heart rate going to get results. As I say in my DVDs, it is possible to get results in a short amount of time, but you have to go hard for that short window. If you are healthy, hydrating before the workout and then making sure to replace fluids after, will allow you to reap the maximum results possible with the DVD.

How long did it take you to develop ‘Ripped in 30’? What drives and makes you create new workouts?

I wrote the Ripped in 30 workouts over the course of about two days. It just flowed out of me. I knew I wanted to do a new and improved version of 30 Days Shred. Something that took all the pieces of the original program that worked, but updated and improved upon them. I added a 4th level and a meal plan. Plus the exercises are more current and state of the art.

Why is warming up so important before starting the workout?

It's important to get your muscles warmed up and ready to go prior to any physical training. THAT said, many people make the mistake of doing static stretches prior to a workout. This is wrong and could actually lead to injury. Do a dynamic warm up prior to your workout (like you see me do in the DVD), then follow the work out with your static stretching when the muscles are nice and warm.

You seem to use lots of motivation techniques during ‘Ripped in 30’ workouts-do you find this approach gets better results? If so, why?

Working out is hard. It's work. I talk all the time about the importance of finding your "why". Why do you want to get fit? Is it to be more healthy, so you can live to see your daughter get married? Is it so you have the energy to play with your niece and nephew? Is it so you can fit into those killer skinny jeans? Motivation is key when it comes to doing things that are difficult. My passion is to help others recognize and achieve their ultimate potential - in all aspects of their life. In the DVDs I am there to help guide and get you through what I know is a difficult workout, so you can achieve the goals you have set for yourself. So motivation is definitely key.

How do you keep your clients motivated and prevented boredom from setting in? After doing ‘Ripped in 30’ for four or five weeks, what’s the next step?

As I mentioned before, it is important to find your "why." When you have that "why" in mind you can do anything. As for fitness, I have created numerous DVDs just for that reason. They give you the ability to change things up and keep it interesting. With fitness I am a big believer in trying new things and keeping it fun. Variety is key. Sign up for a Mixed Martial Arts class or try spinning or power yoga. Do things that you find challenging, but have always wanted to try. This is what I do! I'm always looking for new, unique ways to exercise. Right now I'm loving MMA, Kettlebells and Vinyasa Flow Yoga.

What makes you/your working out approach different from other instructors, like David Kirsch for example?

A few factors. The first is that I have been overweight. I have spent 20 years studying fitness and nutrition. I have applied the culmination of my knowledge to myself and the people I have worked with, so I have seen first hand what works and what doesn't. Plus, I don't think there is another trainer who has helped shed hundreds and thousands pounds of weight of millions of people, other than my counterpart Bob Harper. The hands on experience Bob and I have simply can't be matched by another trainer. Plus, the science behind my metabolic training methods takes fitness to the next level. I have taken all of the most cutting edge fitness techniques used by world class athletes and integrated them into a training system that gets people results.

Do you think it’s a good idea to combine your workouts with yoga or Pilates sessions on alternate days?

I believe there is room for any fitness modality you love. Yoga and pilates have value for many reasons, not the least of which are core strength and flexibility. A comprehensive workout regimen has variety, so the body is trained in a well rounded fashion.

How do you make sure that your female clients don’t bulk up-I am an apple shape and it’s an important for me to ‘balance’ my body shape.

It is actually a myththat women bulk up if they strength train. The key is a balanced fitness regime of both strength and cardio. Try incorporating yoga into the mix as well. It's great for creating long, lean muscle and also helping to reduce stress at the same time.

Do you exercise daily as there is pressure in your line of work to look fit? How important is the diet?

I think there is pressure to be fit around the world, no matter who you are. That said, I certainly do feel a responsibility to stay in shape, given the line of work that I am in. It's how I earn my living. But really, it's about so much more than that. Fitness transcends into all aspects of life and when I am strong physically I feel strong in other ways. I want to live a long healthy life to watch my children grow and play with my grandchildren. This motivates me to stay healthy and fit.

Diet is CRUCIAL! Food can act as medicine or it can literally poison us. And I have seen people work extraordinarily hard in a workout only to go and eat that workout away. Diet is as much, if not more, important to fitness than working out is (which isn't to say people should stop hitting the gym). It is a key element in leading a long, fit, healthy lifestyle.

Can you tell me about your tattoos on the shoulder and your ankle?

The tattoo on my shoulder is such an embarrassing story. It means friend. It wasn't supposed to. It was supposed to be my black belt name in kanji, but the tattoo artist didn't know the symbol and since I showed up with a good buddy, he secretly put that on my back. I found out years later and needless to say I was not happy about it. The angel on my ankle is a picture of my grandmother (the one from Manchester). She died when I was 10. I was very close to her and her deathdevastated me, so I like to think she is with me to this day.

Describe yourself, as a fitness instructor, in three words.

Passionate, knowledgable, determined

Can you give me some fitness tips that you ‘swear’ by?

Count calories. Get Your Sleep. Workout HARD. As hard as you can manage without injuring yourself. Go organic and eat whole food whenever you have the access and the funds.

Jillian Michaels Killer Buns & Thighs, 135 mins approximately, Acacia, £15.99

Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30, 135 mins, Acacia, &15.99

http://www.jillianmichaels.com

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jillian-Michaels-Ripped-30-DVD/dp/B005IW0V7W/ref=sr_1_5?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1324946368&sr=1-5

Milli Millu-a cool bag brand in the spotlight

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 -1:00:00 GMT

Of all the things that 'reside' in my wardrobe and closet, I think I have the closest affinity with bags (sorry clothes, scarves, shoes, belts, hats, underwear, jewellery) and when I get on the wrong side of my mum, she actually goes as far, as saying that I have a' bag sickness'.

To be fair, I do have a few bags but ever since I was a young lady, I was always choosy about the ones I actually bought-it wasn't only the price that was a consideration, but the timeless stylishness factor that was always important for me. I never buy the latest IT bag as I want the bag that appeals to me, fits into my lifestyle, says something about my style sense and has the 'staying power'. Hopefully one day my daughter will choose to use them too and love them as part of her 'fashion' heritage.

My first serious, beautiful bag was a gift from my late father when I was 16 and it was bought at Russell & Bromley (not Chanel or Hermes that many Russian parents choose to buy for their young offspring-seriously, if you start with Chanel, what's there to strive for?). It looked like a 'take' on the Christian Dior's and Tod's D bags, named after princess Diana-quilted, a la Chanel, black, with gold keyring hanging on the side of one of the handles and I felt so chic and grown-up, having it on my arm-it still lives in the cupboard and when I take it out, I smile and think of my Father and how important and formative he was and still is in my life.

As years have gone by, my collection slowly expanded, mostly comprising large bags (I do carry a lot of staff with me) but of course I have smaller ones and clutches too, for nights out. Lately though, looking at the prices that the likes of Louis Vuitton or Balenciaga or Gucci charge for their wares, I feel almost stoic in my refusal to succumb to their charms, unless their are in sales-what used to cost you £200 or £300 pounds 15 years ago, costs close to a £1,000 now and it's not the cost of materials or inflation, it's the profit margins of the brands that has grown exponentially due to demand from Russia, China or the Arab countries but mercifully, there are exceptions to the rule and you won't have to compromise on the quality or stylishness factor either.

Just after my summer holiday this year, having returned to London and feeling the urge to get immersed into the fashion feel for the coming season, I made an appointment at Rousiland showroom, to look at their new collections and pieces in stock. When I came in, I noticed the bags that they haven't stocked before and my eyes started racing. The ones that drew my particular attention were a beautiful red one, the beige/pink shoulder bag, that had a Chanel like chain and an unusual buckle, a cute three-coloured clutch and a very lush black bag that reminded me a little of the one in Celine's collection-they all stood out in terms of quality and style and while I couldn't buy all of them, I did succumb to the charms of the one called The Monte Carlo (the beige/pink with a two-way chain).

The bags came from a brand called Milli Millu, which was started in 2010 by a beautiful Spanish woman, based in London, who looks like a model but has a very astute business brain as well, called Mireia Llusia Lindh. The brand's name is a combination of letters from Mireia Llusia's name-she said to me that she wanted to have a brand that would sound like a fashion brand, yet feel a little personal to her too.

Mireia Llusia is a very unusual young woman-she was raised in Barcelona, where she studied at University and worked as a management consultant, then moved to London to work in banking and if the work didn't keep her busy enough, she also managed to do an MBA in Harvard-whoever thinks that a woman can't be beautiful and accomplished is sooo off the mark!

The interesting thing is that Mireia Llusia not only liked fashion ( I told you she looks like a model, so no surprise there) but she was always discussing bags with friends and colleagues, as while you might choose to work in what's considered a male dominated sector, you want to retain your femininity and having the right bag to serve both your professional and personal needs. However, one often struggles to find a stylish and practical bag that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and could also take you to the office and then our for dinner or party or client event in the evening. Mireia Llusia's passion for fashion and design wasn't getting a creative outlet at work, even though she tried to specialise in retail banking, and her thoughts seemed to trail back to an internship that she did at LVMH between her first and second years of doing an MBA. The fact that no-one in her family was entrepreneurial weighted heavily on her mind and her family gently questioned her reasoning about going to fashion and leaving the relative safety of banking and a steady income behind, while stepping into the unknown. But, as often in life, fate intervened and when Mireia Llusia got pregnant with her daughter, she thought to herself that it was 'now or never' and took the plunge, launching Milli Millu with eight bag styles in 2010.

Every season she adds more styles, keeping the best-selling ones (be it style or colour), changing the leather texture and colours and adding more though-out, practical and interesting details. Milli Millu was launched online ( so 'I can reach the customers around the world more effectively' says Mireia Llusia), as it made more sense and was more cost effective than opening a free standing shop, especially as she sells in London, Switzerland and Scandinavian countries particularly well and launching in Holland soon.

When she approached the big stores, likes Harrods or Selfridges,they didn't get her idea (their bag floor layout tends to be quite segmented i.e. luxury, designer bags or functional/travel/laptop type of bag) of a luxurious but niche brand with the price point between £200 and £500 and an added bonus of a well-thought out functionality.

As Mireia Llusia was heavily pregnant when I was interviewing her (her second daughter in due any moment now) and went to Barcelona for a couple of months, I was quite content to use e-mail and phone as a means of communication and have to say that latter stages of pregnancy didn't slow this feminine powerhouse at all, as she speedily replied to my e-mails and talked numbers and precision points without missing a beat, making me smile in the knowledge that with the right approach a woman can manage to be a spouse, a mother and a career woman, if she chooses to.

Mireia Llusia takes her brand very seriously and is meticulous in her attention to detail, the quality of her bags and the fact that each bag that she designs and sells is unique. She tells me that in Spain you really don't have middle ground with bag brands, you either have expensive, luxurious ones, like Loewe or Carolina Herrera or cheap ones. Mireia Llusia did a lot of research prior to her launch and found a wonderful factory in Spain (Spaniards are famous for the quality of the leather goods that they produce-I never hesitate to buy a pair of shoes made in Italy or Spain as I know that they will last a long time and will only look more beautiful as they age) that has a strong and long tradition of leather manufacturing. Mireia Llusia is motivated by her attention to style, rather than the term 'collection' and always has her customers in mind when she works on the actual designs that go in production. When the new collection launches, she examines the sales and tries to get as much feedback as she can form the sales people and her customers, each time trying to answer a question 'what's missing' in terms of the functionality, so she can integrate new ideas in her future designs.

The inspiration behind each bag can come from anywhere, a beautiful view, a piece of fabric or a shoe that catches her eye and Mireia Llusia also goes to the fair in Bologna, in Italy, twice a year to look. She discusses the pre-collection with the buyers, takes on board their feedback and then launches the final, edited collection.

When I looked at the current look book, I couldn't help myself but make a wish for quite a few of those bags, because they do catch your eye, they serve you well and I have been stopped both in London and in Europe with a question 'where did you get that bag' addressed to my 'Monte Carlo' from Milli Millu-and let's be honest, it makes you feel good and on the trend, when other women ask you where the item that you are wearing comes from.

In the process of our telephone conversation, Mireia Llusia also told me that leather is a very important factor and not only that, but its 'finishing', the process when leather 'ends' are getting painted and the layers are needed-if this step gets missed during the manufacturing, she notices it and won't allow a product like that to hit the sales floor.

Mireia Llusia acknowledges the fact that most women do think about how much they spend on their accessories, after all, a bag can make or break the outfit, so that's why it is paramount to her to put the effort in and not compromise on the quality. That's the main reason why she took time to get to know her suppliers-the leather one also supplies Celine for example and the logo supplier has Louis Vuitton on its client books. Saying that, when I ask if she holds 'sales' the reply is a slightly hesitant but firm 'no'-well, she does have certain promotions once in a while on a bag that might not have sold well, but says that she chose her price point fairly and stands by functionality and quality of Milli Millu's bags, so what she says does make sense-after all, have you ever seen an Hermes bag in sale-if you have, please let me know!

I could also very much relate to Mireia Llusia because she combines the motherood with a career, which if you are in the position yourself, isn't easy, particularly if you want to be involved in your kids upbringing and not delegate that responsibility to a nanny or a family member. Mireia Llusia says that she is quite lucky because she does have help form a nanny during the day and she also has her work studio at home, which certainly helps her to balance things out and pay attention to both of her babies-real and professional, as her family says that she had two babies when her daughter was born and her daughter and her brand now go hand in hand, with which Mireia agrees.

She tends to get up with her daughter and spend a couple of hours with her, before getting down to work, working till 5pm three days a week and trying to have dinner with her daughter and husband before doing more work after that. Mireia Llusia says that when it comes to her business, she prefers organic growth and will possibly consider getting some investors on board in a few years, when she feels she will be ready to expand. Mireia Llusia discusses her designs with close girlfriends and works on the principle that if she truly loves a particular design and her gut feeling tells her to go with it, then her customers will fall in love with it too and so far that rule seems to be true.

At the moment Milli Millu's best-sellers are Barcelona, Zurich and Amsterdam bags. When I asked her why she names her bags after cities, she says that she didn't want to use people's names, as many well-known brands already do it, hence naming her bags after the cities made sense, giving the brand a somewhat cosmopolitan feel. Add to that the fact that Mireia Llusia is Spanish, her husband is Swedish and they are currently based in London-it makes perfect sense, doesn't it?

Another thing that really appeals to me on Milli Millu's site, is the 'styling ideas' section, where brand's customers and even Mireia Llusia herself pose with their bags-it reminds me a little of the Sartorialist photos and makes you look at a particular bag in the context of style. The women in the pictures are different nationalities, professions and ages, but all of them look beautiful and add their unique touch, thus making this brand feel personal and real. Mireia Llusia said to me, as we were finishing our conversation, that this brand is a 'labour of love' and she wanted to build something that she feels passionate about. I had a strong hunch, as I put the receiver down, that this passion is only burning brighter with every presented collection.

P.s In my dreams I already long to add to my Monte Carlo the Londoner ( after all, I live and love this city) or the Tokyo-the simple truth is that those bags are going to allow me to be quite unique, in the sea of Celines, Bottegas, Lanvins, Chloes, Fendis etc. When you look inside of Milli Millu's bags you see clever sections and pockets that are embossed with 'papers' or 'laptop', so you can stay stylish and smart and focused and organised, allowing you to be on top of whatever you are doing! I actually had an idea, while writing this piece, thta I would like a sunglasses pocket inside my bags, because carrying them in their case can add bulk, yet if you just throw them in the bag, they might get damaged. So who knows what new collections from Milli Millu would have in store for its customers .)

www.millimillu.com

Violet Lake swimwear or get ready to look good on the beach

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 -1:00:00 GMT

It's summer and whether one is ready or not, holiday season is here and many of us are in the state of panic about what to wear on the beach. Some of us, lucky goddesses, look amazing in anything-have you seen this summer's H&M swimwear campaign?- but what if you don't have a supermodels body, yet want to look beautiful on the beach? After all, we women, come in all shapes and sizes.....

I have professed love for KeyLeaf & Missoni swimwear before, but they are not cheap and somehow many other, less expensive brands don't rock my body, especially as I have a swimmer's body physic-broad shoulders and narrow hips-so often, when I try bikinis or swimsuits in a store, they just don't fit me. So what can a girl do, if she doesn't have the swimwear designer talent? Well, you are in luck my friends, because a helping hand is here and it comes courtesy of Ursula Lake and her swimwear brand called Violet Lake.

Ursula started her brand over year ago and she was driven by frustration to find good quality, well-fitting swimwear that didn't require a girl to take out a mortgage. A great incentive from which we can all benefit now.

Last year my favourite bikini top fell apart after a few happy beach years so when I came across Ursula's site I was very happy to see so much choice-to start with I have ordered myself two bikini tops in styles called Domino and Plenty. I simply loved Domino style but unfortunately the fit wasn't perfect on me, so I replaced it with another Plenty-now have them in Damson and Navy and am currently eyeing a Bibi swimsuit and one of bikini combinations (Gallore top & Blush bottom) in geranium, which accentuates tanned skin beautifully-no wonder it often sells out .

In addition to great colours and eye-watering amount of combinations, the fabric looks and feels luxurious and I like the fact that I can place an order, which arrives very promptly & nicely packaged in tissue paper, and if something doesn't fit, you can return the item and another choice gets sent to to you. Another distinct detail is that you tie your bikini tops at the back, so the fit can get adjusted easily and really accentuate your good points & offer support in all the right places. There is also an element of luxury in the fact that you can try swimwear in your own home, in daylight and in front of a good mirror, instead of getting depressed in the crammed and badly lit changing room, be it in Topshop or Harrods. As an additional incentive, just read a Q & A with Ursula below .)

Questions and Answers with Ursula Lake of Violet Lake swimwear brand

GAP: What's your professional background?

Ursula Lake: I have been a Fashion Editor for twelve years, I was the Fashion Editor for the Sunday Telegraph 'Stella Magazine' for seven years and continue to work as a Contributing Editor to Several International Publications. I also style celebrities and working on advertising campaigns for numerous brands.

GAP: How did you get into fashion and why swimwear in particular-a saturated, tricky market...?

Ursula Lake: My own swim-wear line seemed like a good next step! It is a saturated market, but I felt I had a unique idea that catered to real women of all sizes, ages and skin colours. There is lots of competition but no one else is as flexible with such a huge range of colour, styles and sizes!

GAP: How involved are you in design, fabric selection etc.? How big is your support team at the moment?

Ursula Lake: We are still a very small company, we are only just over a year old. I would rather do things slowly and surely and accurately than make huge mistakes, so with this in mind, I have a very small team of myself, my assistant and my husband (who does all the number crunching!). I remain very, very close to the brand and am very hands on, answering all of the questions customers have about sizes and styles personally. I design the different shapes, working with a small team in my factory who bring my ideas to life. We use a very luxurious and expensive fabric from Italy which we feel is the best fabric out there, and each season I add some new colours and shapes to the collection.

GAP: What makes Violet Lake different from other swimwear brands?

Ursula Lake: As a brand, we are all about flexibility and choice. We have four styles of tops and four styles of bottoms, they are available in ten colours and fives sizes, we sell items individually. This way you have complete control over how you wear your bikini. You can buy different sized tops and bottoms, or different coloured tops and bottoms, there is no set top to go with any given bottom which allows you to have the ultimate control and choice in what you wear.

GAP: How did you come up with styles and which is the most popular?

Ursula Lake: I actually came up with all the original styles while on holiday in India! So far we haven't had one style that particularly out-performed another, as women come in all shapes and sizes, so there is something out there for everyone, but we did get a surge in sales when Gwyneth Paltrow was photographed in our Plenty top and Blush bottoms!

GAP: What inspires you professionally?

Ursula Lake: I am very much inspired by fine art and photography and try to visit as many exhibitions as I can, wherever I am. I had a great time in MOMA recently looking at the Matisse, Picasso and Rothko paintings, as the use of colour is really relevant to my brand and the strong colours that we use in the collection. I also LOVE to travel and that is very inspiring too.

GAP: Any tips in looking good in Violet Lake swimwear?

Ursula Lake: I do feel strongly that women give themselves too hard of a time on the beach, I do feel its important that you have fun and relax on a holiday, so I hope that my bikinis and swimsuits give women that confidence. For me personally, I always start to do a lot of body brushing the month before I reveal myself on the beach, as I find that helps with skin tone. I have also been known to do a 'Raw Fairies' 5 day detox before a holiday, just to have a cleanse and maybe drop a few pounds before I go!

GAP: What's the best way to look about your swimsuits/bikinis and make sure they last ?

Ursula Lake: Always rinse your swimwear out in fresh water, particularly after being in the swimming pool! Be extra vigilant of that after a jacuzzi or spa, as the chemicals in the water there can be particularly damaging. Also try, when possible, to not get too much suncream on your swimsuit too, as that can affect the fibres!

Q & As with Mandy Ingber (Yogalosophy UK release)

Thu, 5 May 2011 -1:00:00 GMT

A lot of yoga teachers tend to be quietly serious during their classes and that's why I soooo enjoyed Mandy Ingber's Yogalosophy workout DVD when I got my hands on it last year (ordering from the US was the only option at the time). Not only is Mandy's combination of yoga and strengthening exercises is quite effective if you stick to it, but her genuine enthusiasm inspires you along and her humour, often directed at herself, makes tricky poses somewhat easier to master.

Often in life good things come to those who wait and Mandy's labour of love is finally landing on the UK soil on May 9th, so after you read my Q & A with Mandy below (yes, I do feel very lucky if you have to ask!), get your body and sense of adventure tuned in with Yogalosophy, it will revitalise you and lighten your spirit. It might even gradually change your inner being for the better too....

Questions and Answers with Mandy Ingber, yoga & fitness instructor and creator of Yogalosophy (and yes, Jennifer Aniston's is her big fan too !)

GAP: How did you get into practising yoga and why does it continue to inspire you?

Mandy Ingber:I started yoga when I was a child, of 7 or so. My father got into Iyengar yoga and what inspired me was being able to relate with my father and having something that we could both do. I continued throughout my life, but my father was my original inspiration.

GAP: What makes a good yoga instructor?

Mandy Ingber: Knowing the balance between giving direction, and allowing the student to find their way. It's holding a space and witnessing someone else's exploration. I think being human and having the experience of moving through difficulties is very helpful. Being authentic, and generally self aware. I like to have a lightness. Try not to take anything too seriously.

GAP: How did you come to develop your method and how long it took to refine?

Mandy Ingber: I love to workout, along with practicing yoga, I have always been a bit of a gym rat. I teach spinning (indoor cycling as well), so I like to have that feeling of a 'workout' at the same time, there is mindfulness, and a meaning that yoga has brought to me, as well as a patience with the process, so i really wanted to combine yoga with the toners to give that workout feel, with the power of yoga. I have been instructing for 16 yrs, but I have 35 yrs experience as a student. Which is where I learn the most. A teacher is simply the ultimate student!

GAP: What makes you different to other well-known yoga instructors? And what’s your secret for being so vibrant and optimistic-it is pulpable in your DVD!

Mandy Ingber: Oh thanks! Well, I am very willing to share myself. I am a bit of a joker, and I like to have a laugh and be funny....so that's probably a little off the beaten path. I am also a spinning instructor, so that may give me a little more energy? I don't know... it's hard to compare myself. There are so many great teachers out there...but i do have a fun, girlfriendy...almost childlike approach. And my intention in general is to play and give (I also used to be an actress...so maybe the performer in me starts to emerge).

GAP: In your experience, what can a woman do, in addition to practising Yogalosophy, to be healthy and fit?

Mandy Ingber: Hydrate, drink water!. Eliminate processed foods from your diet. Eat at least two sit down meals a day. Avoid sugars. Meditate, Smile and think about someone you have a crush on.

GAP: How often would you recommend to do your routines in order to see results?

Mandy Ingber: 3-4 times per week, in addition to 30 min cardio 4 times per week. Along with a sensible diet.

GAP: Who or what inspires your yoga practises?

Mandy Ingber: I am inspired by people feeling connected to themselves. In fact, i am inspired by connecting within myself, and with how amazing the body is as far as being a tool. We have this incredible gift, and most of us dont even realize what a gold mine yoga and exercise are...If you are nervous, it calms you. Sluggish...it energizes you. Lifts your mood from depression. Clears the mind and makes you more productive and at peace.

GAP: What has been the biggest lesson learnt from teaching so many people yoga?

Mandy Ingber: Everyone has areas of strength and weakness, there is no such thing as an ideal body or a typical body. We are all works in progress. Everyone has a body that needs taking care of, so we truly are an equal ground when it comes to this. No one can do it for you...no matter how rich and famous or in love...So we all have struggles, and in a way, we are all vulnerable in our bodies and that is beautiful. I feel very honored to be a part of people's process of working through difficulties and victories.

GAP: What book/books made a difference to your life, or inspired your method?

Mandy Ingber: Wow. that's a great question. I love Mastery Of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz, Astrology for the Soul by Jan Spiller...Way of the Peaceful Warrior- Dan Millman. all the Carlos Castaneda books. Of course, Light on Yoga, and Richard Hittleman's Yoga book from the 70s. I love books. I could go on and on...in a way, Henry Miller... I am actually working on my own book right now!

GAP: Tell me a little abut your Vision mat? How important is it to your individual practise?

Mandy Ingber: Vision Mat is basically a mat idea I created, and a company called Yogamatic actually produces it. I make a collage of all the area of my life: work, how i look, health, money, love, play, creativity, communication, relationships, friends, service, community, travel, spirituality... etc and I make a collage as well as my goals that I have for myself for the year. Glue it to a 1X3 poster board and send it to Yogamatic to get it made into a yoga mat. It's truly amazing to have all of your goals and dreams right there, inspiring you while you are practicing. The things you think and see really go into your cellular memory when you a re being physical...and it seems that all of these things manifest almost magically...by themselves.

GAP: What kind of music do you like?

Mandy Ingber: I have very eclectic taste in music, everything from Led Zeppelin and Bob Marley to Jay Z and Spiritualized, the Verve...Rhianna, Elton John. Music evokes emotions and we are all motivated by our emotions....

GAP: What has been the most amazing place or location where you taught yoga and why?

Mandy Ingber: One time I taught in Abu Dhabi...and that was amazing because I had really never seen Sand Dunes in the desert like that before, and it's just so vast....Also in Mexico, I have been in several locations with an outrageous view. But the greatest thing for me right now is that I can SKYPE with my clients (I just started this), and I can practice in my own living room...which is really the best part about yoga. All you really need is you.

GAP: What has yoga brought into your life?

Mandy Ingber: Oh WOW. I mean, lets go stream of consciousness- connection to my father, carrying out his legacy, intimacy with myself, intimacy with virtual strangers, how to love, how to respect my own limitations, boundaries, pushing when I dont think I can, a sense of strength, the ability to be in a process, a flexible and strong body, connection to my breath, the ability to observe my actions, the desire to learn more, humility, connection to a vast sea of people, being able to talk to you...and a great ass.

Yogalosophy with Mandy Ingber DVD is released by Acacia on May 9, 2011 and is available from www.amazon.co.uk

Scarf Visionary-Interview with Jane Carr

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 -1:00:00 GMT

I fell in love with scarves aged three, on the beach in Jurmala in Latvia where my parents took me for summer holidays from the age of two. I can still picture in my mind quite vividly my beautiful mum standing on the beach, dressed in skinny flares, a jacket that wouldn't look out of place in the current Cavalli collection and a beautiful scarf wrapped around her slightly wavy hair making her look even prettier in the flesh, waving at me from the top of the sand dune.

My paternal grandmother Galina wore scarves around her neck-she held a high position in the top tourist agency Intourist at the time and they made her austere suits look more feminine. And then, when I was 16 or 17, my parents gifted me that magical and elusive at the time in Russia Hermes scarf, that I still have to this day.

Scarves are timeless, they can save an outfit or make a demure dress look chic and the woman wearing it elegant. You can wear them around your neck in the winter for warmth or tied around your hair, making you look slightly bohemian-I wear mine as belts sometimes too-the possibilities, as they say, are endless!

A lot of women I know don't accept anything other than an Hermes scarf in their wardrobe but I am always on the look out for something new and interesting. A couple of years ago I saw a scarf that was so pretty, so striking that I instantly knew I had to have it and my mum, my fairy godmother, obliged and I received it in the black box, tied with white ribbon bearing the lettering Jane Carr on my birthday.

Since then I have become curious about Jane, expanding my collection of Jane Carr scarves and literally living in some of them, like her rope khaki modal one that has been making me warm, cosy and pretty through this miserable winter. While so far I failed in my quest to interview Jane in person, as she is busy designing new collections, previewing a men's line and collaborating on interesting projects, I did manage to get a few answers to my questions which you can read below. But before you continue reading, think of a perfect scarf that you want-and you will definitely find it (Jane makes her scarves in silk, modal, wool or various combinations and they come in different shapes and sizes)-on Jane's internet site. Her sales staff is sweet but knowledgeable and the scarves always arrive beautifully packaged in the black box tied with ribbon-the ones I already owe always feel like they are enveloping me in a big, secure hug!

Question and Answers with Jane Carr:

GAP:Please tell me a little about your background. Were your parents very creative? When did you realise that you want to be a designer?

JC: Having come from a creative family ( my father is an artist), I have always been interested in design, especially print and colour. After studying at Central St Martin's and working for Versace and Balenciaga it was a natural progression for me to create my own accessories label.

GAP: Why did you choose to design scarves and not clothes for example?

JC: To me a scarf is the ultimate canvas and is something you can cherish. It’s a very simple accessory that can change your mood and infuse a look with attitude. Each piece in the collection has its own time of day and character, whether it’s a daytime casual wrap or an evening formal chiffon stole. It remains our signature accessory.

GAP: Did you enjoy studying at Central St. Martins? Was it a very creative process, looking back? Did you learn a lot there and did it equip you for becoming a designer and going out into the ‘fashion’ universe?

JC: St Martins gives you nothing on a plate. I loved it. It encouraged you to be pro-active, to learn who you were in the world and how to make a difference.

GAP: After your graduation from Central St. Martin’s, what was your next move? Where did you work? And how did you decide to start your own brand?

JC: Immediately after St Martins I designed prints for Jil Sander and Balenciaga before being approached by Donatella to join the Versace team as the Head of Printed Textiles working on all the major lines.

GAP: Please tell me a little about your experience at Versace. How long were you there? Did you spend time with Donatella in the studio? If so, was she inspiring?

JC: I was fortunate to work for such an international brand. Versace is influential and global, yet the in-house design team was very close and like a family including Donatella. It allowed me to discover who I am and gave me the confidence to start out on my own.

GAP: Who among well known brands/accessories designers, past or present, influences you? Where do you look for inspiration before you start designing a new collection?

JC: Each collection is a process and collation of ideas and imagery that often starts with a phrase or an album title. I look at films, music and photography and initially develop a mood and spirit. From there, I build an image bank of ideas that I feel are relevant to now.

GAP: How do you come up with the names for your collections?

JC: The title of each collection comes naturally from the source material, our A/W 11/12 collection is inspired by the tours of the Ballets Russes across Europe in the 1920s and the grandeur of the Theatre. The collection is titled “Tzarina”.

GAP: Looking into the future, how do you want your brand to grow? Where do you see yourself in let's say five years time? Do you have any plans to expand into other areas of fashion?

JC: The label is constantly expanding and we are always looking at new product ranges inspired by artisan craftsmen, we are showcasing the new women's A/W 11-12 collection and our JANE CARR GLOVE range at London Fashion Week and then at Paris Fashion Week. We're collaborating on several special projects including an exclusive with Harrods for the up-coming season, and the next JANE CARR HOMME collection for Spring/Summer 2012 will be showcased in June.

GAP: If you could choose any celebrity to wear your pieces, who would be your ideal match to your pieces and why?

JC: We are very lucky as many celebrity devotees are spotted in the collection such as Olivia Palermo who was recently photographed wearing our best seller from last season the Bijou at a premiere in New York. With the launch of the new JANE CARR HOMME range, it’s now time for the men to enjoy the collection!!

GAP: So far, which of your collections is more ‘you’ and why? Do you have any plans to open your own shop?

JC: Every collection I design has some element of myself within it. This often depends on my mood. I love designing for myself, but at times it's equally nice to pull away and design for someone else, the new men’s line taught me the joy of designing for others.

Naturally we are considering opening our own store, however as the e-commerce market continues to grow so quickly our online boutique is selling out quicker each season. (online boutique at www.jane-carr.com)

GAP: How do you choose your stockists?

JC: Since our launch in 2005 we have always had such a great response to the collection from a variety of stockists, which in turn has lead to us being carried exclusively by influential boutiques and major department stores internationally such as Tsum, Colette, and Harrods.

GAP: Is it difficult to be an accessories designer? Has the financial crisis affected your attitude to business?

JC: Designing accessories is very rewarding, be it creating a new range such as our new Nepalese cashmere line for men and women, or receiving a personal note from a fashion editor praising the collection and the work we are doing….. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

We have been very lucky, as during the financial crisis when the consumer decided to cut back and save on perhaps a new winter coat, the scarf became a central accessory to change a look from Autumn to Winter and right through to Spring. If anything I would say the financial crisis has helped us!! Our brand ethos remains the same, to enjoy a new sense of luxury.

GAP: What skills, apart from an obvious one-talent- make a successful accessories designer?

JC: A keen eye for detail, and the ability to understand what the JANE CARR woman or man will be wearing next season. To live life in the moment and feel unlimited…

www.jane-carr.com

Yoga goodness with Maya Fiennes

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 -1:00:00 GMT

You don't necessarily have to meet someone in person to instantly like them but Kundalini yoga teacher Maya Fiennes is one of those people, I think .)

As I like yoga and have been practising it on and off for 10 years I keep an eye on new classes, certain teachers and new yoga books and DVDs. So last year, as I was browsing the shelves at Waterstone's something made me take a second look at the book called 'Yoga for real life' and as you can see from Maya's book cover, she is very hard not to smile back at. Since that day the book 'lives' on my bedside table and I dip into its pages on a regular basis.

Why do I like it so much? It's very colourful for one- the pictures are so vibrant, they instantly cheer you up on a gloomy day, Maya's advice is very down to earth and she covers a lot of issues important to women like you and I, like detoxing, love & relationships, children and finding joy (those are just some of the chapter examples).

There are chakra explanations, related poses and yummy smoothie recipes-my personal favourite is 'Visionizer'. This book calms me at some times and offers insights into myself at other times. I also sometimes do her DVD practise, even though if I am honest, chanting has never been my thing, and God knows, I tried. 'Om shanti' is the only mantra I am really good at but that is just me .)

I was supposed to see Maya at her recent appearance at the Body in Balance workshop at Olympia, but something else took precedent and my opportunity was lost or was it? I did manage to send Maya my questions and she very graciously replied, so read for yourself below and I sincerely hope that you will join her yoga fan club.

Questions and Answers with Maya Fiennes:

Please tell me a little bit about your background & childhood. Who, among your family, influenced you the most as a person?

As a child in Yugoslavia I wanted to play the piano as far back as I can remember and at the age of six I was enrolled at the Skopje Music School. From then I sensed the purpose in life. I was very shy as a child and would not talk much; all my emotional expression came through music. My father died when I was twelve and my mother sadly passed away just after I got married more than 15 years’ ago. I have a brother who is a doctor and still lives in Croatia. My mother was my greatest influence in so many ways, but especially in teaching me how to be a Woman.

You lived in London for a long time, did you initially find it difficult to ‘adapt’ to a different mentality, being Slavic?

Yes, it was different. The Brits are not as temperamental as us the Slavs, but soon people learned how I am and actually often found it very refreshing so I didn't change. I was considered “exotic”. I am who I am and then I realized I was influencing them and we complemented each other. With the years and family I calmed my temper whilst my British friends have become more alive.

How did you come across yoga and its practises? Why, in the end, you chose Kundalini?

I was looking for something to help my concentration and focus in my classical piano concerts, when I stumbled upon Kundalini Yoga, having previously tried all forms of yoga. My connection was immediate; the re-balancing of my energies so strong that I have not left it since.

How did regular yoga practise change you as a person and as a woman?

The practice makes me appreciate myself as a woman. It also helps me to accept my power and makes me happier and at peace with myself. The internal fight is now much less influencing my life – I have learnt to let go, and by so doing making much stronger advances in life.

You book ‘Yoga for real life’ is unlike the majority of yoga books that I have come across-it’s truly beautiful visually and gives wise and insightful advice-how long did it take you to put it together and do you plan any more books in the foreseeable future?

A few years’ ago I felt very strongly that I wanted to communicate to my students not only in practice and via a TV screen, but also through the written word. I thought that if I used my life story as the basis my readers would be able to relate better as to how Yoga can make your life infinitely better, more complete and more worthy. I had a great team around me, including a publisher, a co-writer and photographer, so together we made Yoga for REAL Life happen. Given the response to my first book I am hoping to write a few more books in the not too distant future.

What inspires you as a yoga teacher and how to you continue to evolve, as many yoga instructors choose to stick to a specific ‘format’ with classes becoming monotone.

The beauty about KY is that there are so many sets (more than 1000) so I always learn more and am therefore able to teach more. It never gets boring. These sets keep me enthusiastic about each workshop and the constant change is very exciting. Routine is stagnation; I don't like rules so Kundalini Yoga is perfect for me as it is free and flowing.

What are your thoughts on practising yoga during pregnancy and when do you think it’s a good idea to introduce children to yoga?

Yoga can be practised during pregnancy, although the more physical kriyas and the breath of fire should be avoided. Warm ups, mantras and meditation are excellent ways of keeping the flexibility and connecting with the child within.
Children should not be introduced to Kundalini Yoga before the age of 6/7 as up until then their breathing is not fully developed and thus they will not be able to appreciate the benefits of the yoga. However at that age Kundalini Yoga can be an excellent tool to help children learn how to focus and concentrate.

The proverb in your book ‘Don’t follow the guru-you are the guru’ really resonated with me and made me pause and think. However, in life many people take this ‘literally’ and end up treating others with contempt or disrespect-do you have any advice on how one can learn to be in tune with himself/herself, be truly grounded and compassionate?

I am a great believer in Mantras for meditation and I would recommend everyone to chant ONG SO HUNG (available for download on my website, www.mayaspace.com, for 11 minutes for 40 days – that is when you will feel truly grounded and compassionate.

You use chanting in your DVDs and talk a lot about it in the book. Why do you teach it as part of your discipline? Why is it such an important element for you? Does it have anything to do with your musical background?

As mentioned above I really believe in the power of Mantras. It is an essential part of Kundalini Yoga and yes my musical background helps as I am able to use the power of my voice. Mantra is a most powerful tool as it opens the door to meditation. Mantra is a sound vibration, which helps to bring your whole body in a higher frequency that resonates with the frequency of the Universe. It clears your mind from negative thoughts and promotes the natural healing properties that the body has. That’s why specific mantras can act as our healer. The practice of mantras can change your experience of life, filling each day with enthusiasm and creative energy. A mantra can make the impossible possible.

At the end of the day what makes you feel fulfilled as a woman and as a mother?

To use yoga as a tool to be more patient with my kids and as a mother. Equally important, teaching my yoga to help my students help themselves. I am constantly rewarded by amazing feedback from my students as to the effects yoga is having on them. That is extremely fulfilling. At the end of the day, like all mothers, I love spending quality time with my kids.

How often and for how long should you practise yoga to achieve noticeable benefits for mind and body?

A minimum of 3 times a week on an ongoing basis. The yoga needs to become part of the lifestyle to have a proper effect.

What makes a good yoga teacher, in your opinion?

One who connects properly with students, cares about them and shares everything she knows.

Are you different in daily life to yourself as a yoga teacher? What are your best qualities?

We are all human, even yoga teachers, we are not saints, but I try my best to stay connected with myself in my real life and not just when I teach.

For more information on Maya visit http://www.mayaspace.com/