Karma-Style
Wardrobe Stylist | Writer | Consultant | Friend | Londoner |
Who is Karma-Style?- Style Snapshots
- Music Promos
- Notion Magazine
- Luxury London
- Swide by Dolce and Gabbana
- Blog
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- ©Karma-Style 2012
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Who is Karma-Style?
- A little insight..
Camille Adomakoh aka Karma-Style's initial career was in branding, marketing and communications within the exclusive wealth management sector. Working on strategic worldwide marketing campaigns for prestigious clients such as Coutts Private Bank...
Fashion is in her blood. She grew up watching her mother's creativity as a seamstress for some of the UK and Europe’s top designers. This gave her invaluable insight into fashion and design. Her muse and mother Mary is her eternal inspiration...
All of the above placed her in good stead to create style consultancy ‘Karma-Style’ in 2008, which was born out of ex-city colleagues; investment bankers and hedge fund managers who were ‘cash rich and time poor’.
Her natural eye for style and her theory that everybody is a ‘brand to market’ has successfully created her fashion styling, personal shopping, brand consultancy and writing career.
In her own words:
"It's all about the experience and passion."
"I have to practice what I preach. Otherwise how can I be in integrity with my clients?"
"Whether you're a ultra-high net worth individual or an upcoming musician - the care, attention and service is always the same - it's only the budgets that are different."
"I truly love what I do, and get to incorporate my knowledge and expertise from the corporate world into this creative enterprise that is Karma-Style!"
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Vintage into the Future shoot
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Music Promos
- The Kaiser Chiefs - 'Listen to your head'The Saturdays - 30 daysShystie feat. Ghetts & Nolay - TakeoverTheme from Sket movieJME & Adam Deacon - Hype Hype TingAnuvahood movie theme song
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Notion Magazine
- Fave Fives on Planet Notion
Fave Fives: 1st Birthday Edition - Part 1
Celebrate good times come on!! And we’ll be celebrating over the next two editions.
The Fave Fives was the idea of my editor Seb Law. Who brought it to me this time last year, and by end May Fave Fives #1 was published. Nearly one year on, awww our baby is growing up. I’ll save the speech to the end. In the meantime, it’s been a month of more brilliant events and milestones. The Herve Leger International Women’s day party, beauty brand Caudalie’s commitment to the environment. The amazing artists Brady & Clark and Oprah – yes I said Oprah!
My first Fave Fives of the year! Can I say a very happy 2012 to you all. It’s going to be great because we are going to make it so – right? I am choosing to ignore the doom and gloom merchants and the end of the world prophecies. Twenty-twelve has begun with such gusto. This edition features the Smile for London exhibition, Milan menswear fashion week featuring Dolce & Gabbana and their ‘La Bella Estate’ party and most importantly my new Boudoir lashes and more…Fave Fives of the Week #2
When I received this footage from a wonderful source who shall remain nameless (I can’t kill you all can I?). It was a beautiful moment. As I watched I knew I had to share this with you. This behind the scenes footage is superb. The theme was ‘accelerate the pulse’, shot by photographer Terry Richardson, starring Jessica Stam and of course the Mercedes-Benz Concept A-CLASS. Jessica wears Giles Deacon by Emanuel Ungaro, styled by Giles himself. Mercedes-Benz chose them for their ‘future’ appeal and saw them as similes to the car. Yes, you will appreciate how hot Jessica Stam is, but also how hard she worked in those heels!Fave Fives of the Week #3British talent is colossal! These graduates are fearless and fierce with their vivid interpretations. As I walked around, in awe, a woman came up to me and said “Will you be graduating this year, dear?” and handed me a batch of papers. I was obviously blending in neatly with the youth of today!
The Gala catwalk show was out of this world! The stand-outs were Ume Sacraine, Edward Lord, Lucy Perry and Rachel Cogley – Haus of Gaga would so approve of this girl!
I think of their future and know substantial investment and support is needed for these grads to become our future fashion heroes – the kind that will keep our home-grown from going overseas, or giving up on their dreams.
I’m not the festival going type but it was indoors and in aid of Charity. So, I donned my best ‘flower power’ festival look and off I went.When my childhood friend, Billy Reid (DJ, musician and soon to be Sky TV presenter), the Director of Plug and Play stipulated that everyone had to pay/make a minimum donation of £5 to attend. My initial thought was “What no guest list!!!” then I got it.
This two-day music event is the first ever ‘Giving’ festival, where 100% of the proceeds go to charity. Cancer Research UK being the chosen one for this year’s launch – Billy’s mum sadly died of the disease six years ago. His vision is for this to get bigger and more giving each year.
This man and his work are fascinating. He never seeks the ‘perfect’ shot, yet I believe achieves them. The fact that he never uses a flash or lighting equipment adds to his uniqueness and expertise. Also, Reini does not use professional models or make up artists! There’s still hope for me as stylist then; what an honour it would be to work with this man! I can only imagine how much I’d learn from him.
Reini isn’t interested in intellectualizing his work; he just wants us to interact with it. I’ve never had the pleasure to meet this intriguing man face to face, but we converse on a regular basis, and I wonder why I haven’t featured him before?! His work is outstanding, and has recently been featured in Vogue Italia. However, the acclaim doesn’t interest him; it’s all about his passion, doing what he loves.
My anticipation and nerves in the cab dissipated as I walked the length and breadth of Westfield shopping centre trying get to the Village offices! When I arrived, I heard a ‘Ipad g-list’ girl say “I love that dress!” Someone thought I looked ok, that made me feel better. I walked up and into the vast Net-a-Porter space filled with ‘beautiful’ people. The majority had made a real effort to dress up for Mr Dolce and Mr Gabbana. UK was representing and London was going in hard! I felt proud and ignored a disrespectful female in flip-flops to my left.Celebrity Stylist, Rebekah Roy chaired this talk with singer Kate Nash hosted by The Industry, to explore image and its role in the music business. More specifically, Kate’s experiences. The honesty and openness in which she spoke made me listen intently to her answers to questions put forward from Rebekah and the audience. She spoke of her frustation knowing that she would sell more records if she sexualised her image à la Beyonce or Rihanna. But that just wasn’t her, she also does a lot for charity.
I wasn’t that familiar with her music and a friend in attendance Mr Darkwah sang a snippet of one of her tracks during the after talk drinks. I knew it, but always thought it was sung by Lily Allen! I made a pledge to myself: buy Kate’s album. During the drinks I left Kate alone until the end to have a chat. She is lovely and had no airs and graces – which made me want to support her music all the more.
With great anticipation and not knowing quite what to expect, my friend Stephanie and I went along to seeFela! Jay-Z, Will and Jada Smith were instrumental in bringing this production to us all. This musical is one of the most passionate and powerful musicals I have ever seen. I loved it! It thrusts you right out of your comfort zone. I didn’t just hear the music, the band and the message – I felt it. It was the fascinating life story of the late Nigerian Afrobeat musician and legend – Fela Kuti – played by the brilliant Sahr Ngaujah. Fela’s mother, Funmilayo, was his guiding light and inspiration, more so it seems than his 27 wives! During the 70s and 80s, he used music as his weapon of choice against the corrupt government and military.I’m very clear about my style. My wardrobe is filled with many European boutique brands because I love the cut and style and uniqueness of them. I’ve also found however edgy or on trend, a lot of my clothing has remained contemporary. Dutch brand, SuperTrash is one of my new discoveries. It’s a brand that in their own words was “born in LA and raised in Amsterdam”. Olcay Gulsen is the woman who brought this brand to global status from its Los Angeles roots. The clothes are wearable and distinctive. The A/W collection is no exception I truly adore this brand.I had already secured an interview with Mary Portas’ PR, but with these things you never know it’s going to happen until it actually does…It seemed like an age waiting for Miss Portas, there was a mix of eager press and the buying public, you felt the anticipation in the air. After all, she is a game changer and highly respected.
When she arrived, she immediately mingled with no fear or snobbery. Signing boxes of shoes from her collection. A collection that intentionally has no six-inch heels and nothing that would ruin your feet – a classic range with an edge.
Jill English is an extraordinary woman with an extraordinary talent, at five years old Jill painted a seascape at her mother’s home art studio when she discovered that Jill’s work was as good as the rest of the adult class, and the rest is history. She mainly uses a mix of organic materials, coffee grounds, rose petals etc. as she loves texture.
I asked Jill about her inspirations: “I’m inspired by human beauty. Not just traditional beauty. I am inspired by desire, strength and resilience.” She also said “I like painting with a back story. An image that seems to say something.” During the short time I’ve known Jill, I’ve realised she represents all that inspires her.
With so much talk of severe weather warnings you’re better off investing in this footwear. I could go on about meeting the genius of Mr. Christian Louboutin at the InStyle party and his shoes but it’s all about Aigle wellington boots for Autumn Winter. At last there’s a bonafide alternative to Hunters – so glad!
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Luxury London
- Columnist for Swide by Dolce & Gabbana
Luxury London in the Springtime
The mini-series continues with a Spring edition. Spring is about new beginnings, if you have never been to London now is the perfect time. Here are a few of suggestions to tempt you…
We Brits are known for our prudent and reserved nature in comparison to the rest of Europe, but that is our ‘poker’ face not the reality. As I embarked on my ‘research’ this became more and more apparent.
Here are some of the finest places for lovers to visit, to embrace discretion, freedom and imagination in the bedroom - cue the Barry White music…
Sitting down to write this first edition of my new Luxury London column brought so many thoughts swirling through my mind. How do I begin? Where do I start? Life in London is about experiences and people right? A millionairess I am not, but I can say with much pride that I was born and raised in this city, love life and people – a good premise from which to start. So, whether you’re visiting soon or are here already, wherever you are in the world - please join me here each month.
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Swide by Dolce and Gabbana
- Various articlesOk, so I’m not fluent in five languages, didn’t study Political Science. Nor am I a supermodel humanitarian, deeply in love and life with a rock legend. But one can aspire…This is a sartorial phenomenon unique to men, even when a woman wears a ‘power suit’ well, it doesn’t have the same effect. However much we try, we can’t hijack it with the ‘Boyfriend jacket’ etc.– its rightful place is firmly in a man’s fashion world.Denial is what we women become experts at when it comes to our dress size. Some us just won’t face the facts – especially when we’ve put on weight.
It’s as if to acknowledge an increase in dress size equates to being and feeling less beautiful and attractive. I can relate to that…
What to wear as each decade passes is part and parcel of the evolution of style. It’s essential to be aware so not to become confused or stuck as time goes by.The Beautiful decline...in a relationshipNow, there are some looks whatever your age that just don’t work for instance; an unbuttoned shirt down to the navel à la Simon Cowell is a bare-chested no-no for any man regardless of age, personality or physique - that’s the reality.
There are extremes; to be overly made up like Kim Kardashian or Katie Price 24/7. Or be the woman out there married for over 20 years whose husband has never seen her without makeup, who gets up at the crack of dawn to apply her ‘natural’ look! Like everything in life it’s about balance…What are your standards? Do you let them fall by the wayside once you’re comfortable and settled in a relationship? Isn’t the visual form one of the key factors of attraction?
Is this a classic or a trend?As each season comes upon us, my mission as a stylist is to not only source wearable trends but syphon out the classics from within those trends.I do this so that my clients (and myself) have more of a stable, less throwaway wardrobe as classics stand the test of time, and in these modern days where everyone is tightening their belts and budgets are lower (or non-existent), it makes what I choose all the more crucial.
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Posts
- Feb 14, 12
“I believe that children are our future – teach them well and let them lead their way.” That is exactly what Whitney Houston did for me growing up in the 80s and 90s – she showed me a bright future and taught me so well, a young black girl trying to find herself in a world that confused her and oftentimes isolated her. My first most impactful visual of Whitney was her ‘Greatest love
- Dec 28, 11
New for 2012 Hi, I have spent the last 9 months writing style and beauty features for Dolce and Gabbana's Swide online luxury magazine..I am now happy to announce that I have been given my very own column - Luxury London - An uber cool column focussing on events, hotels, spas and people. London lifestyle in a nutshell. As a born and bred Londoner I couldn't be happier to represent my
- Dec 22, 11
For Spring Summer 2012, Dolce & Gabbana are firmly going back to their roots. Following on from the SS12 womenswear collections, the menswear campaign plays homage to family, tradition and true love. Shot by Mariano Vivanco with an Italian cinematic and comedic vibe in Portofino - Italy. In these times of austerity and uncertainty, Domenico and Stefano intuitively capture real life
- Dec 02, 11
A letter to the great (fashion) loves of my life After attending the British Fashion Awards on Monday and hearing about the Marni/H&M collaboration. I became nostalgic about my past loves and conquests. Not the male kind, but the fashion designer kind... So, dear readers, I hope you don’t mind if I take a trip down memory lane…. I remember the heartache of losing two medusa-head
- Sep 21, 11
My personal blog is similar to London buses. You wait ages and ages for one, then, five come at once! Apologies, busy times. There are FIVE new posts for you! All London Fashion Week related... Five days of traipsing around central London trying to look like I’ve just stepped out from my chauffeur driven car with not a hair out of place, or bead of sweat in sight – is no mean feat! As I’m not
- Sep 21, 11
TODD LYNN SS12 - THE BEST OF LONDON FASHION WEEK Pictures: Yohanna Akladious
- Sep 21, 11
BUNMI KOKO SS12 - THE BEST OF LONDON FASHION WEEK Pictures: Yohanna Akladious
- Sep 21, 11
SHOES, GLORIOUS SHOES!! Pictures: Yohanna Akladious
- Sep 21, 11
ZIAD GHANEM - THE BEST OF LONDON FASHION WEEK SS12 Pictures: Yohanna Akladious
- Jul 21, 11
I am not worthy ;) My party preparation was a full-on military operation, and carried out by New CID cosmetics’ experts; Hair: Isha Samms, Make-up: Michael Phillips. For my part: I prepped my skin with Darphin’s Micellar water, an all-in-one cleanser during the day and the Purifying balm at night a week before the ‘Big event’ to create a spot free, even-toned radiant complexion, Isha
- Jun 26, 11
When I viewed this women's collection, my thoughts were how unfussy and flattering the looks were – wearable chic at its best. Many timeless classics that work for so many of us. Here are my favourites... Pure monochrome chic. A look that demonstrates how easy style can be. A masculine tuxedo with a twist that is oh so feminine. Love the cut-out cape jacket with the sheer golden flecked
- May 16, 11
After attending an event for a new Couture line. I was compelled to put pen to paper. The launch party was in Knightsbridge and filled with very wealthy individuals. Nothing unusual you may say, actually it was, as I have never seen so many surgically altered faces in one place in this city - ever. Women of all ages were present; inflated lips, pulled back faces so tight it looked uncomfortable
- May 04, 11
The 2011 Costume Institute Gala, Monday night's extravaganza was to celebrate the 'Savage Beauty' exhibition in honour of the late Alexander McQueen. This event is the about drama and fantasy of fashion, so I looked for outfits that did just that, and were worn well.. My fave of the night was Gisele who indeed looked like a striking gazelle. The drama was the colour and drape of the dress. You
- Apr 30, 11
One of the unfortunate things about this Royal Wedding is out of the 1,900 guests the photographers/paparazzi only focused on a select few. So my Top 10 is not comprehensive. As I watched live I saw so many amazing outfits. I scoured the internet for many more guest pictures but they could not be found come hell or high water.. Anyway, here are my Top 10 looks. No.1 – Wills and Kate (The Duke
- Apr 17, 11
Firstly, let me apologise for the radio silence, March was an 'event-full' month. I've been so busy with work and loving every minute. There has been no calm after the storm of London Fashion Week... In the fabulous world of fashion everybody is somebody and everybody thinks they’re somebody. The fashion event/party is something of an experience, full of darhlings, wannabees, fashionistas and
- Apr 27, 11
On Thursday, I was kindly invited by DKNY to their first London vs. New York Easter egg hunt and my first ever Easter egg hunt… The rules: 15 clues were sent via twitter. Once the members of the New York or London team had found an easter bunny, we were to tweet a picture of the bunny and product found with it to DKNY PR girl. It kicked off from 3pm. The whistle blew and the chosen few (7 of us
- Feb 28, 11
London Fashion Week for me is about the emerging or struggling designers. As they really need promoting and supporting more so than the A-list designers. I saw beautiful creations from them that could easily have taken centre stage spotlight at the BFC tent. Their collections aren't shown on Style.com or Vogue.com. All the more reason to bring them to you. Some key themes were:Lots of layering
- Feb 27, 11
I know, I know enough already on London Fashion Week but I have to spread the word. It was very quiet at Somerset House compared to previous days, as Milan Fashion Week started on the same day and menswear is generally not as supported as womenswear. I saw three shows, James Long and the much hyped KTZ at the BFC tent and D.GNAK at the Freemason's Hall. No pictures for James Long Link to AW11
- Feb 25, 11
Day 5 of London Fashion Week took me far from the madding crowd - to The Russian Club in the East End, a showcase of extremely talented, independent designers who in their own words: Provide a platform for designers and the fashion forward vanguard to showcase their latest innovations. With a view to highlighting bespoke fashion pieces, whilst promoting difference, and an experimental attitude
- Feb 21, 11
A Karma-Style perspective Dressing up is second nature to me, but when London Fashion Week (LFW) comes round my anxiety levels rise. The pressure to look good is immense. I know I'm not trying to find a solution to world peace, just an outfit, but it's not an easy task. I settled on a black Capucci silk blouse and black Nicole Farhi leather midi skirt, Spanx tights (of course!) and Arturo Chang
- Feb 21, 11
On Saturday I was running late and missed my first show of the day - Bernand Chandran, so went straight to Belle Sauvage instead. It was staged in an old sorting office in Holborn... 13.30pm: Belle Sauvage Whilst we waited, the paps went mad for Diana Vickers (X factor) and others I did not recognise. Alesha from BNTM was also there, I did wonder why she was sitting in the front row and not
- Feb 21, 11
My boiler had broken down in the middle of night, so I awoke to no heating and hot water! As you can imagine getting a plumber in on a Sunday was fun!? After the plumber came and everything was in working order at home, I headed to London Fashion Week to make the 4.30pm Fashion Mode show at Freemason's Hall. Fashion Mode is a collective of three designers Florian Jayet, James Hillman and
- Feb 17, 11
Below are a few of the designers whose catwalk shows I'll be attending this AW11/12 season. I'm very excited that they are showing in London and wanted to give you all a heads-up on some of the shows I'll be blogging about, I have my outfit sorted for Friday (but not for the other 5 days I might add - feeling slightly stressed!) Anyway.... the designers... Jena Theo Design duo, Jena Holmes
- Feb 04, 11
Last night was a preview of their High Summer collection for May, June and July 2011. This innovative evening was an eye-opener, a mix of a host event, photo shoot (with gorgeous and healthy models) and live streaming! The live photo shoot was for the production of their most recent lookbook, which was live streamed to their App - very cutting edge. Some of these press events can usually be
- Feb 01, 11
This is the start of my Best of British series showcasing great authentic brands... New CID Cosmetics is the brainchild of husband and wife team Kelly and Clive Colman, who met on a long-haul flight, Clive subsequently proposed two weeks later, that was 10 years ago! An inspirational business and love story too! These creative business minds came together and with in-depth global research
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Posts
I saw this amaze piece of art in a window. I think it was Selfridges hotel. Fantastic!!! I don’t know what it’s called but I’m calling it ‘Saucepan shoe’
I love this picture myself @karma_style @jaimelondonboy front row at LFW not sure what show as I did lots - but what am smiling about? What is camille looking at and what is jaime taking a picture of? I’m clueless. Lol (Taken with instagram)
Backstage at Dolce & Gabbana FW12/13 Menswear show at Milan Fashion Week
Dress: Isabel de Pedro
Necklace: Vintage unsigned
Bag: Emmanuel Katsaros
Man: David Gandy
- Art imitating Life - Dolce & Gabbana SS12 Menswear campaign
For Spring Summer 2012, Dolce & Gabbana are firmly going back to their roots. Following on from the SS12 womenswear collections, the menswear campaign plays homage to family, tradition and true love. Shot by Mariano Vivanco with an Italian cinematic and comedic vibe in Portofino - Italy.
In these times of austerity and uncertainty, Domenico and Stefano intuitively capture real life scenarios - and what we the public want - no more fantasy, we want the real deal, and they are given us just that so beautifully and eloquently.
Real actors were also used, so those of you familiar with Italian TV and cinema I’m sure some of your faves are here. Chiara Francini is breathtakingly beautiful.
Sicilian/Southern Italian spirituality through the art of fashion and cinema.
A brilliant campaign - I love it.
SKET movie soundtrack video
Artists: Shystie, Ghetts and Nolay
Wardrobe/Styling: Karma-Style
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Tweets
- @mo_lishomwa ThanX Mo. Can't wait :)
- @mo_lishomwa @IanHanreck @mmrldn @msflic @kizzabella Yes if you mean ministry 2mro I'm in big bday stylee ;)
- @STYLISA Thank you sis! :) X
- @FionaFletcher1 Thanx :)
- @ShamelessPv Looks amaze!! :D x
- @TweetStephaneA :) I know 'lightbulb' moment in the words of Queen Oprah. Call me X
- @TweetStephaneA How do fancy being a lead girl? :) x
- *HELP!* Need a Janelle Monae, Lauryn Hill type for promo on 21st. Round-the-way girl natural beauty regular height..Fab project...Holla!!!
- @subMISSION_Mag Thank you! :)
- @MakeupbyMikey @LGStyling Yes it is a small world! Yes let's find the time to meet up soon :) xx
- Back from my fabulous italian roadtrip! Back to reality now watching #sexliesandrinsingguys.... *sigh* http://t.co/Kl6LVbiJ
- We are so not looking cute on this Italy roadtrip! After all this trip is about fun & destressing the mind not a beauty parade ;) #excuses
- Driving through #Tuscany the landscapes are breathtaking and it's been scorchio!! #Italianroadtrip
- #emelisande getting all whitney on us. Go gir;! #TheVoiceUK
- Ahhh bless Ruth-Ann...now go and finetune that voice #TheVoiceUK
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©Karma-Style 2012
- Content - All rights reservedPictures: Yohanna Akladious
