Meet our Issue
Masters Of Escapism
Greta Bellamacina
British poet, actress and filmmaker.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels now gently in sight we ask who is your love letter to?
My love letter is to Italy, the place of my heart, the place of my ancestors. Venice in its melancholy and the red sunburnt geraniums alive and strong all year round on the hills of Sicily. I am lucky to be going back in November for a month in Rome to make a new feature film Commedia, directed by Riccardo Vannuccini. I’ve always wanted to make European Cinema and this feels like a dream to make it with such a great Italian director as Riccardo.
What do you hope to celebrate before the end of the year?
I hope to celebrate the small things, a ray of sunshine on an unexpected day, the sea with all of its questions. My children growing like a churches, mystical and full of different light.
Freedom in elegance, the new romantics or striped power pieces. What is 'Escapist clothing' to you?
The clothes you choose to wear on stage. I like clothes that transcend time. That tell a story and let you into their world. Mostly clothes that feel like they hold something hidden inside of them. I like the feeling of worn down pockets.
Emma Harding
CEO of Communications and Brand Building agency, Scott Ideas.
Photo by Josefina A. Theo for Casaraki
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“My love letter is to Switzerland; the setting to my childhood, and who over the last year, I have dreamt of with her endless jagged peaks, multitude of fresh water lakes and bluest skies. She epitomizes freedom and escapism; for me she is belonging, she is stillness, she is nature.”
What do you hope to celebrate in Summer 2021?
“Grounding. Finally home in New York City, my constant need to travel every month has subsided. I feel I now truly understand the comfort and security of home – and making a home. When I travel, it will be with a great openness in my mind and heart to absorb a place, culture and its traditions; to travel with purpose, with integrity and with the greatest respect for people and planet.”
Freedom in elegance, the new romantics or striped power pieces. What is 'Escapist clothing' to you?
“Flowing light linens easily thrown on over a bikini. No make-up. Sea salted hair dried naturally straight out of the water. Barefoot. With just my everyday jewellery – my ByPariah earrings and my Hattie Rickards engagement and wedding ring.”
Laura Bailey
Model, photographer, writer & Contributing Editor at British Vogue. A Chanel muse and Save The Children Ambassador, she is based in London and a mother of two.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“To Italy, & la dolce vita summer dreams.”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“Adventure and optimism. Peace and freedom.
And also, the inspiring community spirit of London ~ my home city ~ and all those who have worked so hard to keep us safe.”
Freedom in elegance, the new romantics or striped power pieces. What is 'Escapist clothing' to you?
“Escapist style to me is minimal but practical with a hint of glamour ~ a Chanel swimsuit, my battered Birkenstocks, a man’s Budd shirt, faded Levi’s, a pair of shades...
My Leica camera, a backpack and a ticket to ride....”
Theresa Marx
German born, London based photographer and The Title’s very own key-contributor; shooting ISSUE 1 SELF Title. Clients include British Vogue, L’Officiel (Paris, Russia, Ukraine), The Week, Roksanda, Emilia Wickstead and Jacquemus.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“I would write a love letter to my grandma - she is the most incredible person I know!”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“I hope to celebrate my friends 30th birthday, which was actually last year.”
Freedom in elegance, the new romantics or striped power pieces. What is 'Escapist clothing' to you?
“Escapist clothing to me is ‘Freedom in Elegance’”
Melanie K. Tong
Digital Styling Editor at Burberry and wife for life to The Title’s very own RM.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“I wouldn’t dare cheat on my original letter by writing another here. The handwritten piece you see featured elsewhere on the website is the love letter written by yours truly.”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“A sense of normality! Be it the freedom to cross borders at a whim, or to be within arm’s reach of friends and closer proximity to loved ones.
I would love to regain that sense of spontaneity which has been lost in so many of us over the past 12 months!
I hope to celebrate ‘real’ life again - I want to remember how it feels to be standing shoulder to shoulder with someone, feeling the heavy vibrations of music and the distinct smell of spilt booze.
Most importantly I hope to celebrate my marriage (again) and be able to throw the big wedding I had originally envisioned. Sun in Siena with 150 of my nearest and dearest!”
Freedom in elegance, the new romantics or striped power pieces. What is 'Escapist clothing' to you?
“For me ‘escapist’ clothing is about being able to embody a different persona that is informed by the destination or event I am going to.
To be free of my standard day-to-day wear and embrace the mood and style of a location - be that loose linens in earth tones for the beach, or heavy brocade for a winter wedding!”
Sabine Le Marchland
The Title’s favourite Frenchie, previously Director of Creative Media, Fashion for Burberry. Now Creative Director at Frosty Pop - clients include Vanity Fair, Calvin Klein, Theory, Stella McCartney and Apple.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“My love letter is to nature as a whole. I feel certainly like many other people, that the past year and its difficult circumstances have made us look and rethink about our environment with a different perspective. Having for long formed habits to travel and escape to places whenever suited, I found the past year extremely challenging when it came to find a place to disconnect and reset. The simple realisation that I could connect to a natural world close to home through simple things such as a walk in the park was a very soothing experience for me. And for this I am so very grateful.”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“In 2021, I guess I hope to celebrate life in its full extent and being more present without too many expectations.”
Freedom in elegance, the new romantics or striped power pieces. What is 'Escapist clothing' to you?
“Escapist clothing for me would be about an emotion or a feeling. A piece that carries a story from either where it originated, how it was made or whom it was given from. I found myself recently reusing some pieces bought or previously worn on travel and adventures that meant something special to me, like this little handmade net bag based on root strings I got on a travel in Ecuador I can’t seem to spend a day without since I have arrived in Costa Rica last month.”
Sophie Karg
Founder of By Pariah, timeless jewellery and homeware as seen in British Vogue, Forbes, Telegraph and Sunday Times Style.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“As much as I am longing to explore places, I haven’t been to, yet, it would have to be to Bavaria. Whilst I now firmly call London and England my home, I really miss the mountains and lakes I grew up with, there’s really nothing quite like it!”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“The New Old. I’m longing to sit around a table with friends, some good food and wine, not worrying about rules or social distancing. Throw in some sun and the ocean and my heaven is complete. A new beginning of the good old days basically.”
Freedom in elegance, the new romantics or striped power pieces. What is 'Escapist clothing' to you?
“Forever Freedom in elegance. I always gravitate to the simple, throw on, don’t have to think twice about a piece that I feel comfortable in day to night. Natural materials are key! Think no bra, silk slip dress or linen boyfriend shirt / shorts with classic flats. And of course, always paired with my By Pariah stacked gold rings to add a little sparkle (and as they’re made from solid gold, I don’t have to worry about them tarnishing).”
Emma Woolley
Emma has worked in Fashion and Luxury Communications for over 20 years. Currently VP, Global Communications at Jimmy Choo she lives in West Berkshire with her husband, 5-year-old son, Finn and wire-haired dachshund, Basil.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“My love letter is to London. I now live in the countryside but have always worked in London. I vividly remember driving out of London in March just before lockdown was formally announced, and our offices closed. It was at night, the city was lit up and I felt overcome with a wave of sadness, like I was saying goodbye to a good friend and not knowing when I would see them properly again. London was my home for 12 years where I started my career, made my best friends and I met my husband. London will always have a piece of my heart.”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“I hope to celebrate a new level of appreciation for the freedom to travel, to fully immerse in the experience whether it’s travelling for business or pleasure. This past year made me realise it’s something I had begun to take for granted. I will also continue to celebrate simple moments that spark joy whilst hopefully sharing with friends that have been missed. Like so many of us, the wisdom of nature and her constant ability to renew with the changing of the seasons has been a hugely positive source of escape for me, now more than ever I am looking forward to the new life that Spring heralds.”
Freedom in elegance, the new romantics or striped power pieces. What is 'Escapist clothing' to you?
“Simplicity, elegance and romance in one. Romance takes the lead in the Summer with simplicity and elegance dominating the rest of the seasons.”
Caroline Leaper
Fashion writer and the senior fashion editor at The Daily Telegraph.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“My travel love letter goes to Norfolk. The British coastline seemed like the only escape route possible in 2020 and it made me appreciate the beauty and tranquillity I had not paid enough attention to before.”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“Love! So many dear friends had their wedding plans altered or postponed in 2020, so I now have dozens of weddings to hopefully go to this year.”
Freedom in elegance, the new romantics or striped power pieces. What is 'Escapist clothing' to you?
“Escapist clothing is anything which can instantly evoke that mood of relaxation. For me, that's usually a fluid, long silk dress in an exotic colour.”
Miguel Arquero
Co-Founder and Director of PR and Communications agency MGC London. MGC has grown into one of London’s leading agencies working with some of the world’s most exciting, creative talent. Born and raised in Madrid, he has lived in London for the last 13 years.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“Ever since I went to Mexico for the first time, I have been drawn to its colours, food, people. There is something simply magical about the country and its surroundings. In lots of ways, it has been great to spend more time at home and travel locally, but nothing compares to the salty swims, sandy feet and carefree days reading on the beach. Mexico, I love you!”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“Although 2020 was hard in many ways, it has taught us new and creative ways of working. As a result, a few of my friends have embarked on amazing new ventures, and I’m so excited to celebrate their success. Some of them have launched incredible digital platforms, others have reinvented their services, and others have even changed careers. It is inspiring to see how people adapt to a ‘new normal’ and how great things can come out of a difficult situation. I’m honoured to be surrounded by such smart, creative, hard-working people.
On a personal level, I am excited to celebrate my best friend’s wedding! She had to postpone it last summer, and even though we had a chance to celebrate their civil ceremony in London, I know the real celebration will be even more spectacular, and I can’t wait to celebrate their love… you might know who I’m referring to! The Title’s very own RM.”
Freedom in elegance, the new romantics or striped power pieces. What is 'Escapist clothing' to you?
“To me, ‘escapist clothing’ is anything that transports you to a destination, clothing pieces with a story. I love discovering unknown labels when travelling– from independent boutiques to artisanal markets, the fashion that stays with you forever, is the one that you discover on an adventure.”
Industry Experts
Naoko Scintu
Naoko is a London-based makeup artist. Her celebrity clientele includes Charlize Theron, Sophie Turner, Karlie Kloss, Lily James, Sasha Lane, Florence Pugh, Jodie Comer, Carey Mulligan, Caitriona Balfe, and FKA Twigs. She has contributed to top publications including Vogue, Interview, V Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and Porter. Naoko is currently the UK Armani Beauty Artistry Collaborator Ambassador.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“To Firenze, the birthplace of my father, a place of picturesque views and the finest food on earth.
I miss the tartness of the lemons and sorbetto and the sweetness of Tuscan prosciutto crudo and the way the sunlight hits the terracotta roof in the evenings.
The smell of pizza in the air around Piazza Santo Spirito, where my father used to chill on the steps of the church in full hippy attire back in the 70's.
I miss the heat of the summer’s and the vineyards surrounding my town, and the incredible rich taste of Brunello Di Montalcino, probably the most gorgeous thing I have ever tasted. You are a place close to my heart and I long to be reunited with you. ”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“A deep appreciation of life sounds cheesy, but I went through the worst grief of my life in 2020, the love of a mother cannot be replaced. I want to celebrate gratitude and live each day as a happy person.”
What beauty advice would you give to someone the day before a big event?
“A great hydrating facial as Pferrsal and an LED session get the skin looking its best, 10 hours of sleep and pre preparation, so there is the least amount of stress before the big event.”
Stefan Bertin
is a London-based hairstylist working in all areas across the industry. His celebrity clientele includes Letitia Wright, Katy Perry, Cara Delevingne, Ella Eyre and Alessandro Ambrosio. His work has appeared in publications such as Vogue Italia, Harper’s Bazaar, Sunday Times Style, Notion, 7th Man, Wonderland Magazine, and many more.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“My love letter would be to the whole of the UK! It would be full of apologies! Haha! I always say that my global geography knowledge is really good but when it comes to the UK it’s shamefully bad. There are so many (I’m told) beautiful places that I haven’t been to in the UK even though they’re practically on my doorstep.”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“I hope to celebrate the end of this pandemic and the rise of a new way of living. Maybe a slower, more careful and considerate lifestyle.”
What beauty advice would you give to someone the day before a big event?
“Wash your hair the day before rather than the day of. However, you decide to style your hair, it’ll last longer with a little bit of grit to it.”
James Harknett
The ‘Tom Ford’ of tanning; celebrity and fashion firm favourite in a bespoke service including Vogue Paris, Vanity fair, The Times and The Telegraph.
Winner GQ awards Best Wellness Experience, Harper’s Bazaar ‘best spray tan in the business’ and much more!
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“My travel love letter has to be to my capital city. The past 12 months has made me feel so nostalgic and affectionate towards the vibrant beautiful city that’s been my home for over 25 years. I’ve spent the last 12 years driving around the capital Tanning my beloved clients and I know the place inside out. Being in lockdown has made me appreciate the place that embraced me as a young boy. A city that allowed me to be the person I was meant to be and helped me become top of my game in my tanning world, which I could not have achieved anywhere but here in London.”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“In 2021 I want to celebrate being free, safe and to celebrate my passion for my work and the people it leads me too. I want to celebrate my mum turning 80 and her continuing good health. I want to celebrate the fact I feel excited at the thought of dining with my husband at the Delaunay in Aldwych. I want to fly into my 2nd favourite place in the world NYC and stay at the Soho Grand. But most importantly I want to celebrate the fact we have all made it out of such tough, sad times. Here’s to good health and being well.”
What beauty advice would you give to someone the day before a big event?
“When you have just received a bespoke spray tan from myself for an event such as a wedding or photo shoot, ensure you have rinsed the first layer of tanning bronzer off the skin thoroughly. Then press dry your skin or give it a blast with your Dyson hairdryer. After applying deodorant and fragrance, lock in the scent and Tan with a generous amount of oil free moisturiser. Why not try a moisturiser in a spray can that dries super-fast and helps keep the skin hydrated and supple, plus leaves a gleam on your golden tan.”
Karen Donnelly
Karen – the Scottish born; London based hair stylist known as a super specialist in healthy, long hair who travels frequently for her celebrity and royalty client list. She’s always on hand with valuable tips and tricks to get the best out of your hair.
The Title recently wrote a love letter to her home city. With weekend exploring and travels in near future sight we ask who is your love letter to?
“My travel love letter is to Doha where I travel frequently for work. With its many hidden treasures like Banana Island, a beautiful beach to escape the city and Souq Waqif where one can find all things traditional. Qatari people are so proud of their country not to mention extremely welcoming and fun. That’s why I fell in love with my beloved Doha.”
What do you hope to celebrate in 2021?
“I hope to celebrate being able to travel freely again, bringing new opportunities along the way. More importantly for people to show a new kindness and patience to each other in the world.”
What beauty advice would you give to someone the day before a big event?
