QUEEN CRUSH | SHARIN FOO

As I fast approach the big 30 I have found myself nostalgically listening to music from my past (way to go to make myself sound ancient) and a particularly pleasant recent rediscovery has been The Raveonettes.

Those stylish danes had my heart in knots from the very first moment I listened to Sune Rose Wagner and Safrin Rose (those names!). I was captivated by their kinda coordinated and deeply harmonised monochrome cool. Their 60's references and Velvet Underground and Blondie inspo was right up my alley.

Safrin Foo was and still is the queen of the fringe, the super straight peroxide bob and wins every cheekbone game. I was crushing on her so hard back then and not much has changed. She's bloody immaculate, just look!..

FASHION | FORWARD AW16

The fashion weeks have just been flying by in a blur and as the temperatures creeps (VERY) slowly up our gaze is on what we will be covering our bodies in after summer has been and gone.

Here are some pretty great collections to get us excited about the next chillier seasons...

New York

NYC  presented a slightly underwhelming fashion week tbh but there were  a few gems. Rebecca  Minkoff proved monochrome is still matter of fact and that floating into autumn will be awesome.

Launched by Central Saint Martin's alumnus Han Chong, Self-Portrait made us re-think hemlines and clashing patterns to keep it interesting during the darker months. All hail the continuation of the cropped trouser over boot combo.

London

I may now live in Paris but London still makes my fashion heart beat the fastest.

Peter Jensen made us shout 'I want' once again with popping primary colours and the perfect accessory - black Converse All Stars.

The pleating and prints at Fyodor Golan felt modern but also offered a dominance reminiscent of great masterpieces.

Mary Benson's attention grabbing late 90's punk-pop gig inspired ensembles were neon bright, baggy and sometimes stripy. All for feeling 15 again minus the acne and anxiety.

Images courtesy of We Are Village. 

BACK

Been absent for a long while over summer but now I have dragged my mosquito bitten ass back over here to share some of the good shit I found whilst sweating it out in the French heatwave. Hope it kinda makes up for shutting up for so long. Enjoy!

 
The comics of Michael DeForge are pure genius and my current favourite is about the potential issues faced when adopting a rescue pet.



This article  by Tara Isabella Burton published in the brilliant American Reader about melancholy and the city is one of the best things I have read all year. 

'The self that wanders through the melancholy city bears the weight of that city’s history: the urban body the point of convergence for the imminent present and the past that no longer exists.'

MUUUUUUSIC

Let's listen to some tunes and get things started again...

STUFF | SUNNY

So on this sunny Sunday morning I thought I'd make a list of things I am liking a lot this week. The weather's been hot hot hot so I'm feeling all summery. Cue the coconut drinks and Raybans...




Cathedrals hail from San Fran and make the kind of swirly wurly dream pop that makes you feel like you are in a dreamy Baz Lurman film montage.

As is the case with every collection, once again I find myself desiring everything from Lazy Oaf's Summer 2015 collection. Especially this minty tropical dress and cap. How could you not enjoy summer wearing these! 

I've just returned from a very lovely few days on the Jade Coast via Nantes (France) and time on the beach has made me start thinking summer footwear. There will always be my trusty birkenstocks (hippy lesbian shoes as the boyf calls them) and Havaianas but I have been craving something more pump like. This is when the espadrille saves the day.

 These light and chic little rope shoes are 100% natural and date back 4000 years so who's to argue with that length of popularity. They seem to be the shoe of the moment with Chanel bringing out a lust worthy pair.

The other bonus is that if your budget doesn't stretch as far as Chanel (welcome to the club) then if you buy from traditional makers they're super cheap so you can get a pair in every colour here. 

We were lucky enough to be given a very special housewarming present. Two gorgeous printed tea towels by my uber talented friend Natalie Laura Ellen. The prints are so fun they cannot fail to put a smile on your face and they've certainly livened up our apartment! 

Right, now it's time to go out and enjoy the sunshine! 

MUSIC | TUNEZZ

It's another sunny arvo here in France so here are a couple of big tunezz to accompany the rays….

MUSIC | SPRINGY

Sorry about the massive hiatus whilst I was moving countries. Anyway, bonjour because I am finally back (hold the applause).

Now spring has sprung - although wouldn't know by the current grey rainy stuff happening outside - let's start with some cracking new music to welcome in a season that brings baby critters, daffs and chocolate. Enjoy!

First up is some melodic psyche rock from Berkeley residentsThe  Art Nikels. His music makes you feel like you are floating on a cloud that you can tap your foot on and their latest EP, Primitive, is set to be released on 30th March on Peach Fuzz Recordings. It's a an album that merges a range of styles such at psyche, indie, trip-hop and ambient to offer something that is fresh and the perfect accompaniment to long train journeys or simply a stroll in the park.



Perhaps it was finally getting to see my heroes Sleater Kinney live in paris on Friday night that has amped up my desire for screamy lady rock. Fortunately I have since come across The Stops. These woman also hail from Portland and also make guitar music that hits you hard (in a good way) but you can't stop listening because it's just so darn catchy.



This is easily one of my favourite tracks at the moment. Atlanta rapper ILoveMakonnen talks about clubbing on a weeknight like it's water into wine kinda shit. He may have Kanye levels of subtlety but he has Drake featuring on this track and, as he states, 'I got the gas and coke' so let's keep listening.
R. Seiliog aka producer Robin Edwards makes music that soothes the brain. His blend of experimental ambience, drone, krautrock, psyche and melodic oddness is currently my first choice for a relaxing evening.

Late Of The Pier's former frontman, Samuel Eastgate, is back on Domino as LA Priest (hurrah) and his first offering is superb. This trippy funky synth laden bit of psyche infused wiazardry will have you dancing into autumn. Sometimes it's better to let someone else take all the drugs and feel the effect second hand. Not sure?..  just listen.

The latest single from British band Early Ghost is a swirly piece of psyche-folk goodness. Influenced by The Doors and old Westerns, this band create music that is both fun and interesting to listen too. Singer Mike O’Malley spoke about thier latest EP Devils Got Me Now (relaesed on 23rd March):

'We have given birth to our very own space epic, an accomplishment that all are due to achieve at some point, lest they spend their final hours on this planet feeling bitter and unfulfilled. This one's about my own, totally unwelcome, obsessive link between sleep and death.'

Crikey! They play at The Shacklewell, London, tomorrow (27th March) and at the Brighton Dome Theatre on saturday (28th march), so definitely check them out if you're about!

 

Mysterious producer LSDXOXO has dropped his latest project Sacanegan and it's a dark x-rated folow up to his Whorecore mixtape that is full of meddling surprises and killer beats.
 

Named after everyone's favourite Pokemon ghost, Gengahr are bringing some pretty riffs and harmonies to ensure that you have something to soundtrack your daisy chain making.

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/