John Galliano

I'm finding it somewhat difficult to swallow the number of people that have stood behind Galliano following February's Racism Scandal. Obviously Dior dropped him like a hot potato at the time - but many amongst the fashion pack have given interviews/quotes defending his actions. His lack of presence at the Dior shows has been practically lamented.

The excuses are many, he was drunk, he was joking, he was provoked. Having watched the video myself I do believe he was provoked, but there is absolutely no excuse. There is no doubt that Mr Galliano is an extremely talented and creative individual, I have always loved his work. I would be so intrigued if it has been some gormless talentless Reality TV twerp that had made similar comments - if any of those people would have jumped so readily to defend them...

No, thought not.

Zia Hates - Fucking Rain and Impossible Feet

I dislike to break my own formula and do two HATE posts in a row, but as I trudged home barefoot for the fifth time in two weeks I could only wallow in my footwear despair. All the shopkeepers of Kemp Town must think I have my shoes stolen frequently as yet again I pass them, naked of foot, looking forlorn 'neath an Oliver Twist style cap - "Please Sir, may I have some shoes?" (The cap, incidentally is to protect my make up from the rain, not to invoke sympathy from shopkeepers.)

I looked around me today and noted that I was certainly the only one who seems to be barefoot in the rain, and thus decided I must study their footwear to understand why I was alone in my lack of Hoof-Attire. I realised - these other people were wearing shoes. Upon reaching home I took a peek in my 'shoe' cupboard. I discovered many pairs of boots, lots of ridiculous heels, plenty of strappy sandals, an array of flip flops, lots of cheap fabric ballet pumps, one pair of ancient trainers and.... one pair of shoes. Shoes, I would add that were given to me, and thus I don't actually own a pair of shoes that I have bought myself (in case anyone is interested, black brogues, three inch stacked heel). I flatly refuse to wear boots in summer, the ridiculous heels are no good for walking to and from work, sandals & flip flops are impossible for rain-wear and the cheap fabric ballet pumps soak through immediately and then stink forevermore because they are just glorified socks.

Do I hate shoes? Well, yes a lot of shoes lack the ladylike qualities I believe are necessary in footwear, but not all shoes. It's down to my impossible feet. I have purchased many a pair of lovely shoes thinking I was making a sensible purchase for walking, but this was never the case. There was one sparkly pair from Office that had left both feet bleeding before I even made it to the end of the road. The problem is I have very thin skin on my feet, they are ripped at the drop of a hat. I cut my foot in May, for fucks sake, and in still hasn't healed.

So this is my new mission - to find a pair of shoes that do not eat my feet. It's either that or be a Hobbit forever!

Zia Loves - Into The White

White has never featured prominently in my wardrobe, owing to a fondness for red wine and an unfortunately clumsy nature. But having fallen for Spring/Summers' bright white trend I have decided to reconsider my colour options (and perhaps and new choice of beverage.)
Tailored shirts seem to feature everywhere, silk for the brave - but for Gods Sake - MATT, not shiny, it does not pay to look like you are emulating Agnetha from Abba. You'll probably end up looking like the protagonist from Muriel's Wedding. The silk shirt is a perfect compliment to the high waisted wide leg trousers, perhaps sounding a death knell for skinny jeans (Noooo) and Jeggings (Good Riddance!) I fully intend to hunt down a great pair of the wide-leg trousers, and attempt to find a shirt that doesn't make me look - A. Too Prim, B. Too Scruffy, a challenge when you don't own an iron.
To inspire my new White Wardrobe ambitions I have started with a super high pair of Witchery Wedges in a hazel colour. I'm imagining them with a loose white shirt dress and carefully applied fake tan. Wish me luck!