i-Files: Alizé Demange
"[I'm just] taking every day at a time."
Photographer: Bardha Krasniqi
In the days since COVID-19 has dominated our screens, and mandatory self-isolation is being enforced globally, things can seem pretty bleak. With the recent announcement from Prime Minister, Boris Johnson effectively placing the UK into a lockdown, all non-essential travel has been restricted, and only urgent outings (including to buy essential food, medicine and exercise once a day). This change – which is set to last for a further 3 weeks and then will be reviewed - has been imposed as a way of ensuring social distancing measures used to quell the spread of the outbreak. EQUATE took this time to catch up with our favourite artists and creatives for our ‘Isolation Files’ to see what they are doing to keep their spirits up in this time, and bring some positivity to our readers.
In our latest series of i-FIles, we’ve caught up with creators, from stylists, photographers to illustrators as we wanted to get an idea of what the creative community is doing during lockdown. We caught up with Alizé Demange - celebrity stylist and founder of the female-led creative career platform The Note To Self.
EQ: Hey Alizé - what have you been doing to stay busy right now?
AD: Although I’m not able to do my main job, styling, I’m still keeping busy maintaining my other platform @the.notetoself,so creating content that keeps us in touch with our community and making sure we can be a supportive presence during this time has been really important to me and also quite therapeutic.
I’ve been creating content for my own channels which I find really fun and is maintaining a small income during lockdown which not going to lie is helpful. The best thing though I think is that I have been rigorously getting through a long list of admin/domestic/financial/personal things that I had constantly put on a back burner because of my schedule pre-pandemic, so honestly grateful I’ve had some personal time even if it’s forced.
EQ: With so much content out there right now across socials, is there anything that has stood out to you that you can share?
AD: I really like Patricia Bright’s THE BREAK PLATFORM channel on YouTube, it’s really digestible and insightful content from finance and business to property. Also, a shameless plug check out our podcasts by @the.notetoself we’ve had Conna Walker, Sharmadean Reid, Grace Beverly, Tolly T, Oloni, Simran Randhawa and Joss Meek as guests all talking career journeys + business development. All of them are available on all Spotify, Apple and our latest however is also available on YouTube.
Take a look below…
YouTube/The Note To Self
EQ: What are the top three tracks on your playlist at the moment? Anything in particular you can’t take of repeat?
AD: DVSN, Ty Dollar Sign & Buju Banton - Dangerous City,
Dexta Daps - Shabba Madda Pot
Lil Mo Ft Fabolous - 4ever
Cleo Sol - Rose in The Dark; this album is incredible start to finish!
EQ: What would you recommend we all tune into on Netflix/Amazon Prime?
AD: I have prime but never use it 🙁 Netflix if you haven’t watched already binge the following: The Haunting Of Hill House, Next In Fashion, Big Mouth, Rick & Morty, Peaky Blinders, Don’t Fuck With Cats, Love Is Blind, Tiger King, Sex Explained, Unorthodox Then Watch One Of Us After, Fresh Meat, Peep Show - mate the list never ends on Netflix tho! [laughs]
EQ: What does your lock-down self-care routine look like?
AD: [laughs] It’s long! I have a white board on my wall with a whole section dedicated to it, work out daily whether it’s a super fast walk for 40min or a 40min home work out (but trus i’ve fallen off this loads of times because sometimes my mood ain’t there which is ok!) BUT I’m on a weight loss journey which is working so I am trying! What I have been strict on everyday regarding self care is: taking my vitamins, daily green smoothie with the rest of my supplements, watching my calorie intake and maintaining a healthy diet. Skincare wise, a new natural skincare routine I’ve been trialling during quarantine which is really working for me and includes daily facial massage for lymphatic drainage / weekly hair and face masks. Making sure my space is always clean and serene so my mind feels at peace + burning sage daily with a set intention which I change weekly so I remember my purpose.
Instagram/@the.notetoself
“This reality is uncertain and everyday changes with new information literally, but we can only maintain our present right now and we can’t forget that still needs to be nurtured and not on pause.”
- ALIZÉ
EQ: Whats a positive mantra that’s getting you through this time?
AD: Taking every day at a time! This reality is uncertain and everyday changes with new information literally, but we can only maintain our present right now and we can’t forget that still needs to be nurtured and not on pause.
EQ: With all the spare time, how are you tapping into your creativity?
AD: I’m still creating so the extra time is allowing me to put a little more effort into what I’m doing and learn new skills like for example video editing, which I never had time to do before but now I’ve been forced to do myself as I’m not in a position to outsource at this time - so small blessings in disguise that take A LOT of time [laughs]
EQ: First place you’ll head to when everyone comes out of isolation?
AD: Running to see my boyfriend and my friends and have a house party :'(
EQ: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the later in the year? Any exciting projects we should be looking out for?
AD: All my plans have definitely had to pivot greatly because of this but I’m welcoming the change - I had a sold out fashion styling masterclass planned which I had to cancel because of COVID-19 but i still want to be able to share the knowledge so I’m currently developing an online format of it which will be more affordable to users and in turn means so many more people across the world will have access to it so it’s a positive! All our lives are going to be drastically different after this and it’s making me really think carefully about what is most important to me and what I would like to continue doing and what can fuck off tbh.
Instagram/@alizedemange
Keep up with Alizé on socials:
Instagram: @alizedemange
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For advice or information on the Covid-19 Virus, we recommend that you thoroughly read the NHS’s Corona Virus Advice page.
If you or anyone you know are feeling unwell, and suspect you may have been in contact with an infected individual, then please (as instructed) self-isolate immediately, stay away from vulnerable persons, and call your local 111 service for further advice.
Please remember to wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, think about others, and stay safe in this period! ❤️
Love, Team EQUATE.