Fashion Fun Avec Ed Sheeran! Galway Girl Look: Alice + Olivia Silk Dress x Louis Vuitton Uniform Blazer x Chanel Sequin Loafers at Ed Sheeran Divide Tour, Helsinki

23 July, 2015 Malmi Airport, Helsinki 

Helsinki Malmi Airport (Helsinki-Malmin lentoasema, HEM) located in the North Eastern of the city centre. After the opening of Helsinki Airport in 1952, Malmi Airport is still actively used in general aviation and flight training nowadays. In July 2019, exceptionally used as a concert venue for Ed Sheeran’s Divide Tour, which became the most attended in music history of Finland with over 100.000 visitors over two days. 

The group of four of us finally arranges to drive to Malmi from Kamppi, Helsinki. We have lunch together at Sushi Bar + Wine, after half an hour of reviewing Ed Sheeran’s hits and exchanging conversation in car, we arrive at the gate of gig around 16:45. 

Outfits of the day at Divide Tour is inspired by Ed Sheeran’s multi-platinum smash Galway Girl from his 2017 album ÷, the Irish folk style of the lyrics and violins bring the touch of campus freedom; therefore, made in Slovakia, Louis Vuitton 100% polyester 2015 uniform black blazer (the lining is 67% acetate and 33% polyester) with soft-shoulder padded and shining copper buttons, is the practical piece to style up with Alice + Olivia 100% Lilla washed-silk black mini slip dress. 

Launched by Stacey Bendet in 2002, Alice + Olivia has become synonymous with NYC glamorous tailoring and flattering cuts. The label’s playful and feminine silhouettes are enhanced by its use of exquisite fabrics and intricate embellishment. Purchased at clearance sale via theoutnet.com, Lilla slip dress provides 100% silk lining for the comfort wear during the high temperature at gig, while at the back of the dress attaches the tiny metallic plate carved with A + O abbreviation of the brand. Owing both carefree and cute elements, the silk dress is perfect together with Chanel patent leather sequin loafers. The low heels are easy to walk around at Malmi Airport, the shining details of the sequin contrast the black blazer and slip dress, and the point-toe shape with CC logo bring out a slight feel of pop-rock while completing Le Look by adding up the black fishnet stockings. 

As for the accessories, Chloé ivory white acetate sunglasses are my all-time essential; Chanel Byzantine crimson stones with dangling dew pearls are matching with the rosy Chanel ROUGE ALLURE liquid powder 958 Volupté, for both cheek blush and lip colour. All the music festival needs are available to restore inside of the pockets of Louis Vuitton uniform jacket, easy to move while the opening artist, James Bay shouts ‘If You Ever Want to Be in Love’, oh indeed, I am around.

On stage (only 20 meters away from Ed!), Ed Sheeran chats, croons, hosts, sings, plays, synthesizes all by himself: “This is so cool! Thank you so much for coming up at the airport!” I first get to familiar with Ed’s folk-pop while traveling in Madrid, 2011. From + ‘The A Team’, 2014 x ‘Give Me Love’, 2017 ÷’Shape Of You’, Mr. Sheeran’s slightly husky voice warms up our memories. During the performance of ‘Thinking Out Loud’, the injection of blue-eyed soul in the song is romantically enjoyable, the lyrics stabs the reality in bold (‘When my hair’s all but gone and my memory fades/And the crowds don’t remember my name’, we audiences are moaning a bit), and ends the notes with key D major in slow tempo than the original 78. The visual background of ‘Thinking Out Loud’ is a couple’s silhouette animation, with the pinkish effects of thousand stars and movement of planets, from the juvenile to eldership. Ed plays guitars in tender way, completes ‘And we found love right where we are’ in firm and sweet smiles. 

‘Thinking Out Loud’ is, and will be, one of my favourite songs from Ed Sheeran, in order to indicate a beloved soul of mine, to record several great Karaoke nights we enjoy, and those insightful but funny moments we share in a mysterious way. I almost also shed tears during Ed crooning ‘I See Fire’, which, a soundtrack of the 2013 film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. This surprising choice reminds me those good old academic days doing research on J. R. R. Tolkien masterpieces, running back and forth to the library and professors’ offices. Despite having any cello player on stage, Ed delivers the heroic stories of brotherhood from the Shire to Helsinki the reality, by characterizing with gently strummed acoustic guitar and melancholic sound, the silence is lingering beyond the Middle-Earth. 

TOP TIP 1: Loafers, ballerinas or espadrilles are flat and confortable at gig, the full coverage of the design protects the toes among the crowds 

TOP TIP 2: Shorts or mini dress are effortless to mix and match with denim or uniform jacket for the Irish campus style

Special Thanks: Aimee & Chen, Eva  

ALICE + OLIVIA

MIU MIU SAC  

Fashion Fun Riga! Chanel Sequin Loafers & Wool Cardigan with Armani Exchange Vintage Cruise in Riga Old Town, Latvia

June 30-July 2 in Riga, Latvia 

Silja Line offers the summer special route from Helsinki to Riga; accommodation, four buffet meals and various entertainments are inclusive, departures at 17:00 from Helsinki West Harbour Terminal 1, arrives at Riga 11:30 the next day, we have in total 8 hours on land. Focusing the old town region, along River Daugava, House of Blackheads, St. Peter’s Church, Riga Dome Cathedral, Latvian National Opera and Freedom Monument are definitely not missed, and more of my favourite is to cruise around at the pebble roads, searching the beautiful doors and café, and Three Brothers is the must-visit for the fun of fashion. 

Riga reaches up to 25’c on First of July, combining easy and trendy dressing code in old town is to mix and match with Chanel, Armani Exchange and Zara. Chanel 18P with 54% wool and 46% cotton dark blue cardigan is the courtesy from the House of Chanel, it can be worn as single piece or button-opened as casual blouse; Zara V-neck black t-shirt is the summer bargain, 5 EUR, is always good to tie a knot, mix with either a mini skirt or ripped jeans, to create a more of cool feel. Armani Exchange 100% polyester mini skirt is a rare choice when I was staying in Kaohsiung City (2006-2012), since normally I do not go for non-degradable materials. While Armani Exchange mini skirt has a rather sexier length, matches with fishnet stockings, it’s easy to move and at the same time a bit touch of Rock ‘n’ Roll. 

Choosing sequin than soft calfskin, Chanel 18AW lace-up derby stretch loafers provide both comfort and style. The shining copper, and black lambskin inner sole hot stamped the gold tone of CHANEL font with blue and black sequins hand-sewn on the patent calfskin, lightens up the dark side of the outfits. The only concern is that the bottom sole is made with 100% calfskin, therefore, piling up several layers of 3M tapes is the fast way to protect the delicate craftsmanship. 

Located at Maza Pils Street, the legend of Three Brothers due to the buildings were built by three men from one family in the 15^th, 16^thand 17^thcentury. The building at 17 Maza Pils Street is the oldest, which the exterior is characterised by crow-stepped gables, Gothic decorations and a few early Renaissance details. Originally the building consisted internally of one large room and an attic in use as a storage space. The house was restored in 1955–57 by architect Saulitis.

The neighbouring house, 19, has an exterior dating from 1646, with a stone portal added in 1746. The style of the building shows influences from Dutch Mannerism, and the last house of the three, located at number 21, is a narrow Baroque building. At 21^stcentury, the premises house the Latvian Museum of Architecture and still retain their original charms. 

For the photography, it’s a pure luck to have a fewer tourists getting closer around noon. The darker side of the outfit of day with Chloé ivory white sunglasses, Chanel 17 Cruise collection lambskin dark blue and evergreen flap bag, backing up with the greenery and pale yellow walls of Number 19 and 21 Maza Pils Street, after the pose striking, the adventure of Riga Old Town is to be continued. 

TOP TIP1: Wearing a light weighted cardigan to prevent the UV and the possible changes of weather during the trip

TOP TIP2: Mix the feminine look with a touch of unisex accessories: derby loafers or a pair of aviator sunglasses 
Special Thanks: JMH