Creative director and stylist Liz Mendez is one of the queens of the summer festival scene, producing events at Lovebox, Glastonbury, the Secret Garden Party and Eastern Electrics, as well as parties in Ibiza, Croatia and Berlin. She also runs Liz Mendez Vintage, and is accessories buyer for the London boutique Lucy in Disguise. The “net-a-porter.com hippie” says it’s crystals, Gaia healing and good friends that keep her balanced.
WHAT’S ON YOUR VISION BOARD RIGHT NOW?
My vision board is every-evolving, constantly changing, and it’s filled with festival stuff at the moment…especially my new festival fashion line, The Gypset Diary.
WHAT DID YOU DREAM ABOUT LAST NIGHT, AND WHAT DO YOU THINK IT MEANS?
I always dream about water, and I last night I was floating down a soft, flowing river. If the water is clear and you can see your feet, apparently it means good fortune. But if it becomes muddy or if it’s crashing down on you, then that could indicate difficulties and the obstacles you’re facing in life.
WHAT BREAKFAST SLAPS A SMILE ON YOUR FACE?
My thing at the moment is organic rye bread with crushed up avocado, lemon and a teeny bit of barbeque flavored Malden sea salt. It basically tastes of bacon.
AND WHAT MANTRA DO YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE WITH?
I live for now, not dwelling on the past and not worrying about the future. Sticking to that gives me real power. I’ve dealt with a lot of grief in the past. Both my parents have passed away, so I’ve had to be very independent, but living with this philosophy has made me really strong.
With The Gypset Dairy collaborator Sarah Q
DO YOU HAVE A LUCKY CHARM OR TALISMAN?
I have certain crystals that I put close to my body whenever I need a ‘boost’, like a little rose-quartz that I keep in my bra. Or amethyst or citrine, if I feel like I need protection. One of my business partners is a white witch, so she’s educated me.
WHO’S YOUR ‘GO-TO GURU’ IN TIMES OF DOUBT?
I’ve got a really good group of girl friends around me, so I go to the people I’m closest to. I’m also very instinctive, and I feel like tapping into that is like working with the divine self. If you trust your instinct you’ll always do the right thing.
WHAT ABOUT WHEN YOU NEED PHYSICAL HEALING?
In London I see a woman called Lara Waldman in Stoke Newington. She practices Gaia Healing, a very simple but powerful technique, kind of like Reiki. Her mantra is to bring you peace, purpose, and presence. I’m always giving her number out.
In party mode with the Ibiza crew
AT WHAT POINT DO YOUR MYSTICAL LIFE AND YOUR PARTY LIFE OVERLAP?
I think they are eternally entwined, but this becomes most apparent at festivals. Often there is little or no money involved, so you’re doing it for the love and the reward is just to make people happy. Plus you can always check out the healing field, to help balance your yin and your yang.
AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH DOG DAYS AND NEGATIVE THOUGHTS?
They say bad things happen in threes, and I think that’s because you manifest it. So I try to be an optimist. I also believe that every day is a new day, so you can put whatever happened yesterday behind you.
RETAIL THERAPY IS..?
I describe myself as a “net-a-porter” hippie! I love the hippie way of life – I don’t do 9-5, I’ve never had “normal” job. But at the same time, I’m a product of the world we live in and I love fashion. Kaftans by Camilla are definitely at the top of my list, and I love wearing old stuff – colourful vintage pieces, like 1920s Kimonos. That kind of thing is always going to make you feel good. And red lipstick helps.
Sarah Q modelling Liz Mendez Vintage
DO YOU HAVE A POWER OUTFIT?
I really embrace my femininity with my clothes, and usually dress in lots of bright colours. But when I’m actually going into full-focus work-mode, I go black. I don’t know why that is…I guess it’s the most masculine I’m ever gonna go.
HOW DO YOU RECHARGE AT THE END OF FESTIVAL SEASON?
The party season doesn’t stop until new year for me, and every January I take myself to Thailand for a month. I go to either The Sanctuary or to Spa Samui, and do a full 7-day juice detox followed by a 7-day yoga retreat, with all sorts of healing treatments on the side. My job can be stressful on the body and the soul, but I come back feeling invigorated and inspired.
AND WHEN DID YOU LAST WITNESS MAGIC IN ACTION?
I’ve got a friend called Little Joe and she’s basically a walking miracle. She fought her way out of a coma, really quickly, and she’s now focused on making the world a better place for everyone. She’s set up a Facebook group called ‘One For the Road’, which is basically to help people in the music industry find ways holistic ways to balance the hectic lifestyle. She’s walking magic for sure.
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