3 April 2014

Notebook pages

Here are my latest finds and news from style, fashion, film, photography and beautiful living.

Obakki foundation photography by Treana PeakeCatle Camp South Sudan by Treana Peake

Catle Camp at Sunrise South Sudan by Treana PeakeUntouched-South Sudan by Treana Peake

 

Obakki foundation cinder candle

You may have heard of the Canadian clothing brand Obakki. It was founded in 2005 by Treana Peake, an avid traveller and dedicated humanitarian, who names her trips as big part of the inspiration for her collections: simple, feminine and comfortable to wear. But there is something else I want to talk about today. The Obakki Foundation, the brand’s philanthropic counterpart, which focuses on providing clean water and education in Africa. Peake has provided over 400 water wells and built 12 schools in South Sudan and Cameroon, and her work has positively impacted the lives of over 500,000 people. And the wonderful part is that any of us can be a part of their notable mission, by shopping consciously. Whether it’s their fashion collection pieces, the foundation merchandise (the cinder candle would be my first choice) or their set of striking photographs, knowing that your money will help a good cause will make you feel ten times better about wearing a clothing item or having a photograph on your wall.
 
 
• This week’s New Film recommendation: To The Wonder (2012), directed by Terrence Malick. It’s different, and it’s not for everyone, but I loved it. It’s so powerful visually that it might have very well been silent. In fact, the characters’ lines, which are more like monologues, are always somewhere in the background. Light, colour, and the gestures and expressions of the characters do more than words ever could. Fine performances from Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams and Javier Bardem, but the most pleasant surprise was Olga Kurylenko’s role.
• Diane von Furstenberg is always an inspiration.
• I enjoyed reading this Q&A with Daria Werbowy.
• If you live in or travel to Paris in the following months, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Exhibition at Centre Pompidou is worth seeing. Until June 9th.
• There is a new exhibition in London, as well: The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014, at Victoria & Albert Museum, April 4th-July 27th.
• One of the most ingenious and coolest ideas I’ve heard of lately: a flower shop on the go.

photos: Treana Peake, via  Obakki Foundation

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3 Responses to Notebook pages

  1. Natalia wrote on
    --> 3 April 2014 at 4:41 pm

    Wonderful links, as always. I will need to check the interview with Daria – somehow missed it. And yes, cannot wait to get to V&A – I am going in a couple of weeks and will report back as soon as I see everything. 🙂

  2. LatteLisa wrote on
    --> 3 April 2014 at 5:21 pm

    It’s inspiring to see brands and companies becoming socially responsible and giving part of their profits to the world poorest countries. I think many people in the Western world don’t realise how much difference this makes; it only costs a few pounds per month to e.g. cost education for a child.

    The description of that film sure sounds like a Malick film! I saw an interview on TV with Olga Kurylenko and she surprised me; I loved her humour. I have heard that she’s good in this film.

    I love that flower shop on the go! Want one in my town!!!

  3. christine | The Plumed Nest wrote on
    --> 3 April 2014 at 10:42 pm

    oh, you know i love a company that supports good causes and gives back to the community. so thank you so much for the intro! i had not heard of them before but i am really excited to learn more.

    and that flowers-on-the-go. what a great idea, and the name – the petaler. how perfect is that?!