PHILOSOPHY | 8 - BIT

Philosophy explained using videogames is a genius idea! I love the 8-bit philosophy series because it's entertaining and makes complicated theories accessible. I only wish I'd found them back when I was at university.

MUSIC | NEO-PSYCHE HAZE

Current musical palate...

RANDOM | THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY TODAY

On a sunny Tuesday when you're battling a deadline nice little things are like the golden ticket in a Wonka bar. So here are my golden tickets for today...

Despite the odd crazy heatwave sprinkled here and there like garish coloured sprinkles you can't help enjoy, we cannot deny it folks... Autumns here and it's getting chilly. This is a perfect time to get those needles and yarn out and, if like me, you find that you've forgotten a few trick over summer then these tutorials by Wool And The Gang are just the ticket (gedit?). These guys make knitting cooler than an ice bath in Alaska and they recently collaborated with Giles. I am also silly excited about the prospect of knitting with jersey. (There are more nice things on my tumblr btw)

                        

The release of the film IDA. Too beautiful and intense. Pawel Pawlikowski is a genius. It's showing as part of the BFI London Film Festival too. 

                        

Also new Michael Pitt film!

Now to add some colour to this rather grey mix, check out Hilary Sloane's stunning photography. Look!

     

     

This outfit at Paris fashion week is everything...

from Because I'm Addicted

                                

FASHION | NEW TALENT LFW S/S 2015

It is always so much fun to collaborate with friends. I am really excited to share some of my favourite new designs by the Fashion Scout winning graduate designers that I came across at The Freemason's Hall at London Fashion Week. I am even more excited to share these illustrations the ridiculously talented Emma McMorrow. These pieces are so much fun and Emma has captured this beautifully in her illustrations.

Camilla Grimes 

The Manchester School of art will always be in my hearts as I studied in Manchester and lived with students at the school. The work that comes out of here is always exciting and often tongue in cheek. Camilla Grimes is the epitome of this it seems. This pink parka with sequined poodles on it made my inner 8 year old scream with joy and my actual 28 year old self seriously consider a new winter coat. 

Keiko Nishiyama

Hailing from Tokyo, designer Keiko Nishiyama creates prints that make you gasp (with joy). Her latest collection depicts a stunning underwater seaworld and I was particularly struck by her inclusion of this striking sculptural headpiece. Maybe not one to wear down to Morrison's but boy would it be fun to wear to a party!

Cassandra Verity Green

Just look at this bag by Central Saint Martin's Cassandra Verity Green. It is so simple but has a futuristic element kind of like if Barbarella was to work was to go work for a cool advertising agency in 2016. For her graduate show this London based knitwear designer sent these bags down the catwalk with fish in and this unexpected element paired with the fun pastel furs made this a totally stand out graduate show. You might prefer to keep your keys in it but either way you know you want this bag.

EVENT | ROGUE OPEN STUDIOS 2014

It's great to get to go behind the scenes and see where creatives work. Open studio events are a special opportunity to see creative processes and practices in action and meet the talented people who dedicate their time and energy to their amazing work. This weekend (19th-21st September) a very special studio is opening it's doors. Housed in Manchester, Rogue Studios is home to a gaggle of over 90 of the north's most creative individuals working across a range of disciplines.

My lovely pal, ridiculously talented maker of the most covetable jewels, Jade Mellor, will be there so go say hi. I challenge you not to desire all her precious gems. 



You can tour across three floors of Crusader Mill, a creative hotspot teaming with ideas and inspiration. Tonight is the launch party so go along and chat to the diverse range of artists, enjoy a tipple and make the most of this opportunity to have an insight into this incredible space. Also, there will be a chance to catch some special exhibitions, collaborations and purchase or commission the unique work crafted in the studio spaces. Go, go, GO. 

Opening Party: Friday 19th September (6-9pm)
Open Weekend: Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st (12-5pm)
By appointment: Monday 22nd – Sunday 28th (12-5pm)

More info here. 

FASHION | LFW SS14 - QUOI ALEXANDER

Sometimes you stumble across a designer whose craftmanship leaves you stood mouth open eyes gawking in awe. Central St Martin's Quoi Alexander is one of these designers and his London Fashion Week debut was a total triumph.

Influenced by Xu Bin, an artist who in the 80's created scrolls in a language similar to chinese, Alexander's creativity seems to know no bounds and his focus on detail is unrelenting. His debut catwalk show left an electrifying buzz of excitement as it was hard not to be fixated by the woven armour he sent down the runway. For this new designer this is the start of something beautiful for sure.

                       

FASHION | LFW - ONG OAJ-PAIRAM

So London Fashion Week came around and it was time to look at all the beautiful clothes once more. As the leaves start to drop so did the Spring/Summer 2015 collections masking any thoughts of the dark cold nights ahead this winter. I only attended a couple of shows and exhibitions this year but discovered some exciting new designers who I'll share on here over the week. 

The first one I'm going to mention is a young Thai born designer who sent some fantasy pleated dresses, sculptural skirts and highly covetable separates down the runway during his Fashion Scout show at The Freemason's Hall on Saturday. 

Brighton University graduate Pairam developed his skills working for Proenza Schouler in New York and Roland Mouret in London before setting up his own Label in November 2012. He has a real talent when it comes to experimenting with cuts that are flattering, bold but wearable and is definitely a designer to keep an eye on. 

MUSIC | PINGOUIN

MUSIC | TUNES

MOOD | UPDATE

I was in Berlin last week so will share some stuff about that soon. At the moment I am apartment sitting in Paris and getting some other writing stuff done. Lots of stuff to shove on here but in the meantime here's a list of stuff that made me happy this week (I hope it makes you happy too)....

NEW DEPTFORD GOTH (new album out November)
(Also check out the Jim-E Stack remix of Union)

Films that open with tracking shots from cars and 80's soundtracks aka Polanski's Frantic and Lynche's Lost Highway. The Morricone and Bowie soundtracks help.



Nike's Air Trainer 1 Mid

and sad...

Brand's eulogy for Robin William's is the best I've read: 'Robin Williams’ divine madness will no longer disrupt the sadness of the world' http://gu.com/p/4vkqe/tw 

ART | DIVINE VIOLENCE

Mostyn is a great gallery in lovely Llandudno. I spent a lot of time in Llandudno growing up and love visiting the Orm and this gallery in particular. They have recently teamed up with Artes Mundi to host the UK premiere of Broomberg and Chanarin’s latest work, Divine Violence. 



Broomberg and Channarin were inspired whilst visiting the Bertolt Brecht archives in Berlin and came across his personal bible. Having studied and been a long term fan of Brecht's (also love those archives) I can understand this. 

Brecht used his bible as a kind of notebook and in this exhibition Broomberg and Channarin look at the archiving of modern conflicts and the consideration of considers the biblical text as a parable for the growth of modern governance. They first created their own illustrated Holy Bible in book form (published by Mack 2013). 

Totally recommend this and a jaunt to Llandudno. Stroll down the promenade calippo in hand to go see an exhibition on conflict and violence. What a day trip! 

ZINE | CATS HATE COPS

 

Slightly concerned about how excited I am about a zine documenting cats attacking cops over 150 years...

Out soon! 

PHOTOGRAPHY | MORE

                           Jack Le Cluzat - Reading at Saint Germain des Prés

I am pretty crap at taking pictures. Most of the time I forget to take any and then when I do they're usually of my finger or shoes. I was once asked to do my own photography at London fashion week and, fortunately for my editor, I am happy to accept my failings and sought assistance. Better stick to the words. 

Photography is such a precious skill; a single image can capture and shout what a 1000 words can't quite grasp or whisper and the documentation of life shapes history and how (and if) we remember things. As with writing I admire all types of photographer from the photojournalist risking life and limb to capture the truth or fashion editorials that shaped an era. I have drawers full of notebooks but not enough pictures so I am making it my mission to take photographs when I spend August in Berlin and Paris . I am certainly no Brassai but heh ho I'll have a go...

Matthias Heiderich

Oh and this place reopened http://www.co-berlin.org/en/

MUSIC | NEW

PHOTOGRAPHY | DEREK RIDGERS

Derek Ridgers is a great photographer. He has a knack for capturing the aesthetic and context of a time and scene. Over thirty years he's photographed musicians and street culture and his latest book (78-87 London Youth) portrays youths in the 80's offers an insight into the subversion and pushing boundaries, pre normcore, that would be challenging today. 

FASHION | BAND OF OUTSIDERS A/W 14

A simple aesthetic and vintage school vibe make this collection wearable but with a glamorous and boldly pulled together feel. It's slouchy wearable glamour I suppose. Each item's both a statement piece and a go to item for any savvy wardrobe. Pravo!

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UP ON THE ROOF

It's been pointed out to me on more than one occasion that I love a good rooftop. This cannot be denied and I have sampled a fair few. When the sun finally shows up there's nothing better than getting your Dick Van Dyke on and defying gravity. The purpose of this sampling is for my work of course, it's been totally selfless research and the cocktails were just because I needed to get my five a day in somehow...

South 

Going to start locally with two of Peckham's finest...

Bussey Building
There's a rooftop cinema with some amazing views of London. I <3 Bussey, especially in Summer. 

Frank's
Do I really need to tell you how great this bar on top od a multi storey carpark in Peckham is? Really? Ok, it's bloody lovely and opens next Friday. I will be face down in some vegan kimchee (the menu's great!)so come say hi.

Roof Garden - Southbank
It's guaranteed you'll find yourself on the Southbank at some point in the summer, so do check out the roof garden on top of Queen Elizabeth Hall. It's no smoking but has BYOB potential. Oh and it's been designed by the folks behind the Eden Project too so it's very pretty indeed and, of course, the views are outstanding.

East

Netil House 360
The roof of this abandoned college transformed into a thriving creative community is pretty special. They have some cracking BBQ's and you can also make use of the wifi and work from there. Tip: cocktails whilst working are always a good idea.

Around Hoxton and Haggerston you'll find a cluster of pubs with good roof terraces. My favourite's are The Fox  and The Red Lion. If you venture a bit further into De Beauvoir town then The Talbot has a nice expansive terrace/balcony bit.

Coppa
A slightly lesser known spot than other East End sky grazers but an absolute joy once you've found it. If good Italian food in the sun's your bag (whose isn't it?) then Lardo's London Fields based Italian "Rosticceria" will be your summer oasis. Tip: it's on the roof of the hothouse and by be reached from Martello Street.

The Queen of Hoxton
Not my favourite bar to be honest but once the wigwam comes of it's rooftop then the trek up all the stairs for those views and a summery vibe is often worth it despite the sorry drinks selection. The decor is a treat to behold. They also have some screenings and good events, just avoid the oompah loompah coloured crowds on a Saturday night.

Dalston Roof Park
More astro turf and kitschness can be found a little further north. I've talked about this spot before and will continue to because it's a multi-pack of fun. Tucked away on a Dalston roof top above the sirens and irony below you can enjoy a brunch, cocktail or film - that's if you don't mind queuing mind. 

Even though I used to live in North London it isn't really my stomping ground. The Beach at The Roundhouse in Camden is quite nice and The Driver in Kings Cross has a nice, if not slightly bizarre roof terrace. 

West
I rarely go out in West London but The Kensington Roof Gardens are kinda special as long as the sun doesn't reflect off the coloured chinos and blind you.



As per I can't be everwhere so have probs missed some. Please let me know and I will drag myself over there and force down another cocktail. Roof terrace suggestions outside of London are very welcome!