The State Of The Nation

An opinion on style in the UK by Danièle Hromek, MD of Busting Diva

If you want to know what I think it's not who you know, it's how you look that gets you places. First impressions count and your style is the first thing that people see. It defines your image and when it's right and feels natural it can transform the way you act and the way people respond to you.

Through experience I know how simple it is to get great results with a little training. This being the case, I am increasingly dismayed by the way people in the public eye, in this country, fail to get it right. Not to put too fine a point on it, I find their lack of style quite horrendous! What makes it verge on criminal is that these people are role models and icons for our aspiring youth - the future of our nation.

There are the Z-listers who make it look as though achieving celebrity is directly linked to looking like a slut (without naming and shaming, you know who they are and many share the initial J). Then we've got the politicians - dull as ditchwater; men and women in ill-fitting uniforms of sludge coloured suits. It's not surprising that politics in this country fails to inspire passion! Last, but not least our ubiquitous band of TV presenters. Be it fronting the news, weather or light entertainment they all share the uncanny knack of presenting themselves in the worst possible light. Daytime TV sees a shortage of style savvy and my advice to these fashion sinners is to get a good stylist or stick to the radio!

Passion For Fashion

As the MD of Busting Diva I am no stranger to style. But my passion for fashion started way back when, as a three year old I demanded that my socks were changed because they didn't match my outfit! This early interest in aesthetics continued to be a driving force for me and I've been designing in one way or another ever since. The concept for Busting Diva was conceived in Vancouver, Canada and began as a favour to friends who admired my personal style and wanted some help in discovering their own. I started the business here in the UK in May 2001 and Busting Diva has been successfully styling men and women and their homes ever since.

It's important to understand that style can be learned and that the techniques are really quite simple. It is not about following the crowd; it is about being real and embracing who you are. Grooming is all-important but there's grooming and there's grooming. Not everyone wants to look like a filmstar, for some it's classic and tailored, while for others it's about looking cool and geeky. Sometimes it's both, at different times. The common bond is being the best you can be for yourself, working with your body, your colouring and your lifestyle. For most people the results of a few styling sessions are a revelation and their comments stand testimony to the psychological benefits that come with looking (and feeling) the best you can. It's well documented that people who look good, feel happier and more confident and that in turn, this affects the way others respond to them.

Top Style Tips

At Busting Diva we personalise our services and study an individual's profile in depth to get the best results. However there are a core of top styling tips that apply across the board - no matter who you are:

• Be Ruthless: Go through your wardrobe at least twice a year and discard any clothes that don't belong in your style or colour palette.
• Fine Lines: Horizontal lines cut the body, vertical lines lengthen, diagonal lines trick the eye into moving up and across the body and are slimming if used correctly.
• Colour Wise: If a colour is too bright for you, it'll 'wear you' and will be the first thing people notice.
• Figure Flattery: Choose skirts that cut across your legs at the slimmest point. Similarly choose jackets that cut your hips at the slimmest point.
• Footwear: To give the illusion of height whilst still being comfortable, choose shoes that give the appearance of having high heels such as pointy-toed or kitten heels.
• Inner Beauty: Colour matching accessories can complete and enhance any outfit.
• Freshen-Up: Wear your best colour when you're feeling tired and it will make you look and feel better.

I often ponder the lack of style here in the UK while a few short miles across the English Channel, in France, it's a different story. Have you noticed how easy it is to spot the Brits abroad? Having a French grandmother I have a little insight into this phenomenon; even though she is in her 80s she wouldn't dream of looking ungroomed, but because it's an intrinsic part of her being, it really doesn't take too much effort. French women have a love of ritual, they love to shop and they love to share. It comes from a culture that values the extended family and the daily custom of gathering together round the dining table to talk and relax together - not in front of the TV. This feel-good, look-good mentality is fundamental to them - they know how to look their best because it's encouraged from an early age and they experience the benefits first hand. I have a theory that we are all born with an innate sense of style - what suits us, what colours work and so on. But depending on where we land on the planet, somewhere down the line, due to peer pressure, parental disapproval or being forced to comply with 'the norm' we lose it!

Resolutions - New Years And Otherwise

In the image-obsessed culture in which we live, we are constantly thinking about how to achieve the newest look - gym membership fees explode and detox diets drain our funds and the size zero debate rages. While I believe in healthy eating and exercise (particularly something fun like bellydancing!) I know that a personal styling session and personal shopping trip with a Busting Diva expert can make you look like you've dropped a dress size even if you haven't. It's more enjoyable than slogging your way through a sweaty exercise programme and you can parade your new look afterwards with a gentle walk through the park.

At Busting Diva we offer an extensive range of personal styling options to suit celebrities, wannabe celebs, drab politicians and fashion-starved presenters as well as busy mums, stressed-out corporates and time-starved executives. Our mission is to help everyone to look their best and feel their best.

Because I feel so passionately about this issue I've made it my mission in life to revolutionise the way people in the UK - starting with the media - dress. If you would like to join my campaign I'd love to hear from you.