fredbutlerstyle

Fri 27th Jan: Danny Sangra - Behind the scenes on set of Lianne La Havas "Forget" video shoot

2012-01-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

Whilst I was watching CharliXCX and The Maccabees at Koko, Lianne La Havas was playing to another crowd of musos in central London at The Heavenly Social. Its a luscious voice and sound I have had on my radar from both Radio 6 and Black Cab Sessions so I was very excited to see that Danny Sangra directed her latest beautiful video. I contacted him to find out more and fortunately he made time to compile these shots to share whilst he's busy shooting in Paris this week:

"I met up with Lianne just before christmas as we both happened to be in LA at the same time staying in the same neighbourhood despite the fact we both live in Hackney
I said how I wanted to build a set using shadows as the bulk of the set.
Sarianne Plaisant helped me designing the set. We made a little mock up in a shoe box (you can see my tests at the top) she then went and built it for real.

The video is much softer than most of my other work. Using more pastels (which is tough as I'm colour blind so I had to be really specific) I knew I didn't want any bright white in the video."

I'm equally in love with this graphic promo and her fun dancing around the set as the raw guitar riff and cutting clear vocal of bitter sweet truths - its a catchy one I can't turn off! Lianne has a string of future gigs coming up so there are more opportunities to catch her if you haven't already ......... check her site for dates and venues............... "heed my sound advice" = she's one of the most exciting new faces of British female singer / songwriters ........

Read archive posts on Danny here, here, here and here.

Check out the stylist Beth Buxton here.

Thurs 26th Jan: HARK x Jaguar Shoes Exhibition

2012-01-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

You will have noticed a few posts recently in preparation and build up to Andy Macgregor and Audrey Roger's joint venture and exhibition "Hark". The graphic pattern paper totem poll pieces have finally been transported from nestling in the storage nets at their studio and been installed at The Old Shoreditch Station gallery. The show opens this evening and runs till the 18th March with a stop-frame animation and posters produced in conjunction with the actual artifacts assembled. Its an army of precision cut cardboard cubes arranged in tessellating formations to configure abstract stalactite and stalagmite sculptures hinged to reflective silver surfaces added for a mind bending infinity effect. Drop in for a maccihato and enjoy the experience of sitting amongst a myriad of magical futuristic Mayan inspired interior design.........

HARK at Old Shoreditch Station, 1 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DA

(Top 2 photos: Andy & Audrey studio pics by Hark)

Thurs 26th Jan: Behind The Scenes of 'She is a Rainbow' on Volt Cafe - report by Emily Beard

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

These behind the scenes images give a peek at the work behind editorial 'She Is A Rainbow' just released on Volt Cafe'. The shoot features an array of whimsical colour with a kawaii edge, and a few Fred Butler pieces for good measure.

Photography & Layout Rebecca Hawkes
Styling & Art Direction Emily Beard
Make up Anne Sophie Costa, Hair Haruhide Ishizaki
Model Tessa@Select, Make up assistant Danielle Byrne

Weds 25th Jan: Charlie XCX & The Maccabees

2012-01-25T01:21:00.000-08:00

This season I am working with a new musician Charli XCX on writing an exclusive track that she will perform at my presentation................ so I went to see her perform at KOKO last night as part of the MTV Brand New For 2012 tour.......... with one of my favourite bands The Maccabees .............Watch this space for more info on my musical collaboration with Charli, and see an archive contribution post from Felix of The Maccabees here.

Mon 23rd Jan: Nike+ Fuel Band launch, NYC in film

2012-01-25T01:14:00.001-08:00

Nike + Launch Day from Casey Neistat on Vimeo.

Mon 23rd Jan: Nike+ Fuel Band launch, NYC at Roberta's Pizzeria

2012-01-24T01:47:00.000-08:00

After the work-out and almost reaching our ultimate Nike+ Fuel points goal, it was time to recharge our bodies with fuel ........... in an active culinary class which took the form of an authentic Italian Stone baked pizza workshop at Roberta's. We learnt that flinging the dough around is actually an affection which results in loosing vital air pockets to aid rising so we perfected the knuckle roll and pattacake rotation technique! Never touch the outside rim so that the crust stays light and airy............ use tinned tomatoes for the sauce as they were canned fresh from the tree which is tastier than raw ones which have sat around .............. Mozzarella loses flavour so these guys make their own every morning................ sling on whatever topping you fancy - arugula gives a crispy addition I didn't know about.......... but I actually put EVERYTHING on mine .......... just to see, like ............ artichoke, olives, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, garlic, speck................. spectacular! All washed down with homestyle lemonade and a mug of cwarfee..............

This was the best pizza I have ever sampled in my life. It was prepared and cooked within 10 minutes so I could still taste the essence from inhaling the scents whilst layering the multi-colour topping. The crust was steaming with the stone oven smoke.......... I don't think any pizza will ever live up to this one. The complete fun experience of baking with the Bridgerunners made it taste all the more out of this world!

Props to Nike for introducing us to the art of proper pizza making!

Mon 23rd Jan: Nike+ Fuel Band launch, NYC at Bartendez

2012-01-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

Once we had been synced up with our very own Nike+ Fuel band it was time to put the theory into action and get physical! Still totally in the dark about what the day's activities had in store we looked out of the window of a bus ........... driving out of Manhattan, across the bridge to then deliver us at this Brooklyn destination - Bartendez. Once inside the gymnasium a stopwatch was started and we had to quickly locate our numbered locker and change into a kit awaiting us. My dude's name nominated me with a football kit instead of the ladies svelte spandex, but I didn't mind because I curiously felt more empowered in the boy's attire!

Now to the sporty part .......... it was all about upper body strength and working out the arms with the Bartendez who hyped us up in a frenzy of body slam push ups. This unique practise is built around a combination of military drills, calisthenics and break dancing. After warming up on the floor it was onto the bars and a process of rounds doing chin ups which miraculously I kept up with........ my standard level of fitness did me proud! As our breath got shorter and our heart rate got quicker we could see our Nike+ Fuel points sore up the LED scale on the wrist band. This sense of achievement was echoed with the group motivational chants and hollas following lead from the dexterous dynamic martial arts Bartendez demonstrating how its done. I think we needed to stay in Brooklyn for at least another year on their physical fitness program before getting anywhere near their superior athleticism, but all in all we did well for a bunch of bloggers! Red faced and sweaty we were onto the next installment of the trail and back on the bus to the next surprise pit-stop............

Sun Jan 22nd Jan: Nike+ Fuel Band launch, NYC

2012-01-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

.......... the new NIKE+ FUEL BAND product that launched at this special social-media savvy event, is a devise that will bring your physical performance to the very same interface. I suggest you get up from your seat and start jogging on the spot as you read this ........ which will all make sense by the end and you would have earned some hypothetical NIKE+ FUEL power points......

International "influencers" (geeks such as I) were brought together in NYC on Thursday to be the first to see this secret formula and road test its performance whilst it tracked our own. When the team members came together from far flung destinations to join forces for a group mission, it felt like we were the excitable families taking part in that golden ticket visit to Willy Wonker's Chocolate Factory. The clusters of critics were whisked into the elevator of the High Line Studios until we came to a stage lit by hundreds of LEDs......... which we later realised was a giant replica of the wristband itself. The announcement (drum) rolled out as a fanfare of beats via two percussionists calling and answering each others riffs in a game of high hat tennis, bouncing juicy beats across the stage which caused the set's lights to travel from red thru amber to green............ a further nod to what was to come. The fact the battling musicians in question were Questlove from The Roots and Warpaint's Stella Mozgawa was only the beginning of the highlights to capture my curiosity.........

What can I tell you? Its an accessory. Its made of coloured lights. It keeps you fit. BAM. 3 of my preoccupations in one animal. Perhaps this is the reason I found myself at this incredible event......... and thank goodness I AM fit as we were later challenged to test the technological invention with a group of criminally agile athletes. However, the objective of this state-of-the-art piece of equipment is not aiming exclusively to sportscentrics but diametrically open to absolutely anybody and everybody. We all have a body and its what we do with it on a daily basis that makes our own unique workout and this is the message of "Nike+ Fuel" and making it count. Perfect timing if you are feeling that you haven't quite asserted or maintained your new year's resolution of implementing fitness into your regime. Nike are on a mission to educate us desk dwellers that an unavoidable seditionary existence can actually be easily and realistically altered. By setting yourself an energy goal in the morning, its up to you to burn it off however you wish, which will inspire decisions such as taking the stairs instead of the escalator or getting off the bus a stop earlier to walk to the door. Every decision counts and switching how you regard one simple movement as a way to keep fit is a small but effective way to long term well being.

Nike+ Fuel is a method to measure your activity in a new metric score system which counts steps, calories and time in this wearable neat device (via a system originally based on oxygen uptake). As you make progress in reaching the end goal, the inbuilt lights change colour a little like KITT from Knight Rider - making this piece of kit the nearest thing to your own answerable motivational kit. Nike Rider, if you will.

You can sync the program to an iPhone app to share with friends on facebook for even more motivation and encouragement e.g training for a marathon together ......... and check in on others targets on the worldwide cloud of users which will include professional athletes such as pro basketball player Kevin Durrant, current world's fastest woman Carmelita Jeter, and cycling legend Lance Armstrong who were at the event. But you don't need to be an Olympic winner to take part, the focus is rewarding your ability the same as any sports star. "If you have a body, you are an athlete", "Life is a sport" and "Just Do It" are a few of Nike's slogans. As any action counts, it could be dancing on a night out or if you are the other side of the turntables - schlepping vinyl and changing records on the decks also counts! Great news for me and another of the Brit crew, Thristian Richards who is the man behind Boiler Room TV who you can see in the photo above being filmed by director Grace La Doja. Grace counts carrying her camera equipment around as a key activity in her career and Cassetteplaya can measure her Nike+ Fuel during her weekly swims as its waterproof. Another of our team players, writer Charlie Dark heads up RunDemCrew which is a running club in East London who meet on Tuesday evenings for en masse training if you fancy joining a free and fun exodus of exercisers. If you've been on a night out in Shoreditch and thought you've been swept up in a scene from Warriors, chances are it was pack of 150 RunDemCrew runners sprinting past you............. something I fancy signing up to after seeing the inspiring bridge runners in NYC. I already cycle to work every day and do a yoga class in a concious attempt to battle stress clamping my body down to a squashed bag of nerves and also to stay supple till I'm in my 80's like the guru that is Vidal Sassoon. I'm hoping and aiming to still be doing sun salutations into my seventies...........

Without wishing to sound like a converted Drum'n'Bass star to Bikram, I do genuinely believe in the unparallelled pay back from natural endorphins produced from exercise that swoosh around my body after activity. Ive recently got into hula hooping which I can highly recommend as a ridiculously funny but effective work out! Whatever you think will get you standing up out of the "laptop hunch" then just get going......... start implementing this train of thought in training your body with easy steps ........ and before you know it, the Nike+ Fuel band will be on the market to record it .......on sale in the US on February 22, in the UK on May 1. Check it.............

Sun Jan 22nd Jan: NYC

2012-01-22T12:50:00.000-08:00

After sending out a Tweet late last year to ask if someone could sub me a flight to NYC ............ my wish weirdly and magically came true ............ when I was called upon to attend a secret launch for the latest NIKE product........ along with 5 other special guests from London ........... for a surprise adventure ..........

(to start a spate of NYC coverage here is a Kenny Scharf graffiti to kick off the occasion...)

Sun 22nd Jan: Craig Lawrence in Hong Kong

2012-01-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

Its been a big week for travel at Ella Dror PR with Craig Lawrence's debut show at Hong Kong fashion week and the team joining him for the experience. Here are Ella Dror's Twit-pics live from the tour which I have collated along with a fun video interview shot inside the hub of Craig Lawrence crochet HQ in London .............

Craig showed his Spring Summer 12 collection complete with the sparkling Swarovski element knits and headwear accessories by Stephen Doherty. Get Feb 19th in your London Fashion Week schedule when he will be unveiling his new AW12 collection...........

Mon 16th Jan: Today's Rainbow - Mind The Step

2012-01-16T01:16:00.000-08:00

YCN Shop and Library at 72 Rivington Street

Sunday 15th Jan: Pringle Of Scotland Mens Show, Milan

2012-01-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

Live and direct from the Pringle Of Scotland menswear show in Milan, Alistair Carr has sent me a snap of the black glittery runway floor............ wish I was there (I would be scooping it up to keep for the glitter collection afterwards!)

Sat 14th Jan: David Bowie and Mick Ronson, UK, 1973 by Mick Rock Q&A on AnOther

2012-01-14T03:18:00.000-08:00

This week I became the top hit on AnOther LOVES for the David Bowie and Mick Ronson portrait by Mick Rock that I posted from Culture Label. Lucia Davies interviewed me about my fascination with the legendary Bowie which you can view in an edited version over at the article with the print.......... or read the full Q&A here............. with some photos of my vinyl collection and the postcards I have pinned up next to turntable..........

1. What made you choose this image of David Bowie and Mick Ronson UK 1973 by Mick Rock?

I like to "LOVE" things that are current and as its Bowie's big birthday week, this was perfect. I was also excited that a gallery were actually selling these prints so it would be a good product to share on AnOther LOVES for other Bowie fiends like me.

2. How do you pronounce Bowie: Bo-ee bow-ee?

I'm of the Bo-ee ilk. But I also occasionally like to warble my voice in a Mick Jagger way .... D-havid Booooweee

3. Are you a big fan of both their music?

I'm only familiar with their combined music ......... and yes I'm a huge fan. I collect vinyl and I have systematically tried to amass as much Bowie as possible. My favourite sleeve is "Pin Ups" with the misty images of him and Twiggy which sits on top of my turntable. I saw Bowie perform at Glastonbury in 1997 and Ive been hooked ever since.

4. What kind of music are you into?

Too many different genres to mention, but the critical crux is that it makes me want to move - I love to dance. I dj occasionally and its a real mish mash of 60's Nothern Soul, 70's disco, ska and hip hop to 80's electronica and 90's r'n'b............... the criteria is being a dance floor filler!

5. Both men are considered style icons of their time – do you have any favourite looks or particular style elements of theirs?

Its all about the collaboration with Kansai Yamamoto - of which this monochrome stripey jacket is one such classic! Incredible! My favourite costume is the black and gold jumpsuit with the ginormous disc shape pantaloons. The alien absurdity of the Ziggy Stardust chapter was perfection to me - I'm a sucker for a man in makeup and that was a definitive avant-garde invention!

6. Like Bowie, you are also renowned for your distinct and vibrant style choices – what is the most garish thing you own?

I think the whole of my wardrobe is garish - I'm not afraid of colour or pattern which usually constitutes as crazy! I wore a gold lurex all-in-one as my bridesmaid "dress" for my sister's wedding with spiky hair which was pretty Bowie! The loudest look I own is probably neon yellow with a tulle pom pom AsFOUR bag which makes me look like a construction worker from Bladerunner!

7. What are your views on the infamous mullet that Bowie sported through much of his career?

Only he can make a mullet sexy. I don't know what the equation of parts is, but no-one else has pulled it off in my opinion. I'm actually partial to his rockabilly quiff with short back and sides from the Absolute Beginners era .............. phwoar!
8. The photographer who shot them, Mick Rock, has photographed some of the finest and most provocative images in rock’n’roll history, what other music photographers do you like?

When I was a teenager I got lost in the hyper-real fantasy world of David Lachapelle executed with those impressive complex and intricate sets. On the flip side however I love gritty, real, spontaneous gems like Maripol's Polaroids of Grace Jones and a very young Madonna etc. .........

For current times, Tara Darby takes a brilliant portrait. She captures the essence of a band or artist in that fleeting moment they have sheduled to shoot. It always reveals a very natural and relaxed side to the subject's character without any inflicted style - she respects and exposes someone's innate charm at the same time.

Last but not least, Jason Evans is a legend - who works outside the box and comes up with a discerning, fresh angle which is occasionally abstract and always beautiful.

9. They are captured on a train whilst enjoying their train meal. What has been your favourite train ride? When and where to?

One Summer I travelled to the Venice Bienalle and then Locarno film festival with my best friend which was unexpectedly beautiful with the yellow fields of corn! But I think my favourite train rides are in Holland or some in France where the graffiti is on another level to the UK - its serious! The colour and craftsmenship is hardcore and honed!
10. What do you where when you are travelling?

I have a massive quilted hexagon garment from my degree collection which doubles up as a cocoon like a sleeping bag. I just pull it over my head and hide inside!

11. What was the last track, CD or record you bought?

I struck gold in Oxfam recently finding a whole bounty of Mark Moore type London dance records from the early 90's. The best for my bedroom dancing antics is " "Breathing is E-Zee" by Ezee Posse / Jeremy Healy with vocals from Tara Newley (daughter of Joan Collins and singer Anthony Newley). The credit to the artwork is a still from a Katherine Hamnett film by Ellen Von Unwerth?! Great track and great cover!
12. What is your favourite online shop?

I don't shop online because I spend too much time looking at a screen as it is. I prefer to come across stuff as I travel around, when I can feel it, smell it, try it out. However Amazon is a weakness as its criminally quick and easy. On recommendation from Tom Ryling, I just bought "City Boy: My Life in New York During the 1960s and 1970s" by Edmund White about life in new york in the 1960's/70's ........ can't wait to read that!

Fri 13th Jan: TEST PRESENTS VERA CHYTILOVA'S ‘DAISIES’

2012-01-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

The latest episode in the TEST Presents series takes part this Thurs (19th Jan) with a screening of Vera Chytilova's 'Daisies', introduced by Fashion in Film Festival curator and director Marketa Uhlirova. The monthly film club asks a different creative from the industry to host a night by selecting a film that has inspired them and which they would like to share. Previous special guests have included Richard Nicoll, Julie Verhoeven, Penny Martin and myself when I talked thru the impact of "The Cockettes" on my life outlook.

Here is a clip of this month's movie to give a taster of what to expect if you aren't already familiar with the 1960's experimental avant-garde Czech classic piece of cinema. I was introduced to it by Letih Clark when she asked me to do the set design for a shoot with Amanda De Cadenet for an early issue of Lula. Back in the days of when I was operating as a props designer this was one of my first official commissions which I was very thankful to Leith for! I gathered together lots of foliage from the flower market, located strange exotic green fruits, made pastel colour cupcakes and borrowed a beautiful antique phone from my uncle. I photocopied my Granddad's 1960's photography books and wallpapered a space in the amazing location of the George Tavern. It was a fun day running ahead of each set up, installing the next one.......... spontaneously thinking on my feet and experimenting with what I had. Above you can see the final spread featuring Nathalie Press dressed in the Miu Miu silk looks of the time. "Daises" was a brilliant reference to spark ideas to re-create for Lula's house style and I really recommend you take this opportunity to see it on a large screen as I don't think the chance will come up again as it is an obscure entity..............

Thursday 19th January, Town Hall Hotel, Bethnal Green, Screening starts at 7.30PM, Tickets and more info here.

Natalie Press 'Spellbound' in Lula Issue 3, Images by Susie Bubble at The Fashion Spot.
Photos: Amanda de Cadenet, Fashion Editor Leith Clark

Thurs 13th Jan: "L'Eclipse" Liza Manili by Elisha Smith Leverock

2012-01-11T12:56:00.001-08:00

Liza Manili - L'éclipse. from Rokkit on Vimeo.

Allow me to introduce you to Liza Manili - a new name in French music having come to fruition from a background working as a model, actor and comedienne. Elisha has tapped these skills for Liza's latest pop promo "L'Eclipse", devising a scenario where she has a split personality acting out both characters. The lyrics describe a feeling of being eclipsed by the sun which Elisha has visually translated as the disorientating state when you awake in first light.......... lapsing in and out of the dream world to reality. Liza switches from her the taunting prankster alter-ego, accessorized in Mawi jewels to her true self in a cute Richard Nicoll baby doll dress styled by Katy Lassen.

You may recognise some of the chorus girl moves from the Heliocentric Electric fashion film I made with Elisha, having teamed up with the same choreographer Chloe Bergeret. The overiding inspiration for the clip's mood is both Busby Berkeley 1940's Ziegfeld Follie dance troops and David Lynch heroines. The surreal moments of Liza disappearing into her bed were executed by art directors Dan Mclagan and Samuel Walters who rigged up crash matts and body double accordingly! I love that this video has given Elisha the chance to show a real narrative side to her cinematography, with scope to write a story-telling focused treatment ........... now I want to see her make a short film, more than I ever have before. Therefore, this was a perfect pairing for Elisha to have an actress and vocalist in one to play out her most ambitious music video to date.........

Check out Elisha's new agency Rokkit who also have Tim Brown on thier books.......

Tues 10th Jan: Hillman Studio for Tim Walker, Mulberry "Brighton Rock"

2012-01-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

"Q: What did the banana say to the other banana? A: I find you a peeling"

Brilliant! Thats the joke on the stick of the out-size lolly from the set design of the latest Mulberry campaign by the Hillman / Walker combined force of fantasy. As you leaf through the new month's periodicals over the next few days you will find different layouts of this shoot, taken in the glistening October sun on Brighton beach. I particulary love the newspaper and chips that are almost hidden behind the models in the final edit, so its fantastic to see the perfect props in these on-set photos. Its always a gamble when organising any outdoor shoots in this country (especially in Autumn) but it seems the forecasting angels were looking down at Tim on this day! The fluffy candy-floss cloud blue sky backdrop couldn't be have been better.............. and the outcome is one of the most striking adverts of the season. You can see more "in action" snaps of Tim at work shooting on the shingle over on the official Mulberry blog......... thanks to Alex for these visual records from the art department!

Tues 10th Jan: "Like A Doll" Hillman Studio for Tim Walker, Vogue Italia

2012-01-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Its coming up to two years since I moved out of sharing space at Hillman Studio and migrated to my own menagerie across town. I now miss out on overseeing *ear-wigging / spying* on their preparations for incredible shoots and witnessing the iconic visuals coming together. But I still have a hot-line tapped into the switchboard mainframe to check in when I get wind of the latest projects popping up. The most recent being this larger than life feat of making a magnified manifestation of an antique doll for Tim Walker. In Alex's behing-the-scenes shots, you can see Andy assembling the doll parts with the help of close collaborators - Andy Knight set builders. Every minute detail was executed with care and consideration from the tightness of the curls in her hair to the eyes which moved .......... incidentally terrifying unsuspecting members of the crew on location. The editorial for the latest Vogue Italia named "Like A Doll" can also be seen in full for a quick reference in a piece "Doll Parts" over on Between Peace & Happiness. Jacob K's styling is a powder hue and pastel shade Shirley Temple meets Riot Grrrl theme with a subtle sinister Myra Hindley slant! Even the doll has a few different looks for each colour-centric shot from her dress, undergarments and muslin pantaloons to the changing bow in her hair.......

(All imagery c/o Alex Cunningham for Hillman Studio)

Mon 9th Jan: Sonic Sinuate Supertemporal Sequestador revisited s/s 2012

2012-01-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

Style Cupid has just published a piece about my collection shot at Ella Dror's press day ........ which is lovely to see after the initial rush of focus that follows fashion week. The photos are a really nice macro quality too, so you can see the the paint effects, textures, PIN London badges and crustacea shoes by Rosy Nicholas. The new collection is currently in construction, so put 20th Feb in your diary to request tickets for my next LFW show and chapter in colour ................

Mon 9th Jan: Slava Snow Show

2012-01-09T00:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Craig Lawrence for taking us to see his friend's circus snow show at The Royal Festival Hall where snow confetti and cobwebs blew out into the audience ........... culminating in a cascade of GIANT multi colour bouncy balls............ ending in a session of "soft play" for everyone to get involved pushing them around the air of the auditorium............ here is Orla Savage also having a go on a clown cut out...................

Sunday 8th Jan: "Collective Life" Sunday Times Style, Jessica Brinton

2012-01-08T04:11:00.001-08:00

Jessica Brinton from the Sunday Times Style contacted me about a piece she was writing called "Liquid Living" and how its possible to ride the wave of the recession by sharing skills. I'm obsessed with bringing all my friends together in a creative hippy commune kind of way so I was an ideal candidate to interview. Here are snaps of the accompanying shoot at my studio to go with the article and the page from today's paper........... featuring my close collaborators Teo Connor, Ella Dror, Alex Cunningham and Rosy Nicholas. Here is an edited version of the article which was put together from a conversation I had with Jessie talking thru my views:

"I've always liked the idea of communal living. When I moved into my studio, I tried to get lots of other people to move in, too. I work all the time, so it doubles up as my social life.

Most of my work ends up being traded. If people want something Ive made, I don't charge by the hour, I ask them to return the favour. For example, one of my friends in this picture, Teo, is a graphic designer and she does my lookbook for free. In return, Ill make her something special, like a headpiece for a wedding. Or I'll help her with the W Project, a charity she cofounded to promote women in the creative industries. I did a film-screening night and I did a workshop for Hackney schoolgirls with another of my friends, CocknBullKid. Also in this picture is Rosy, who came to assist me just to be involved in what I was doing. We became friends and now I get her involved in any jobs I have coming in. I was at college with Alex, and she was my first stylist. And finally there's Ella Dror. She has her own PR agency and only works with the people she believes in. If everything did go very wrong, I doubt that our working life would change much . We'd still all work together.

I prefer collaborating. If you need stuff done, you get it done together. Competitiveness is being insecure, isn't it? You're wasting time looking at everyone else. Im very free with information. I keep a broad network, and people are always contacting me to find out what's good for this or that, and Im happy to help them. That's why I started my blog. I feature people so that others can see thier pieces and get in touch to work together. The surprise is that this is now my main source of income.

Funnily enough, in the village where I grew up, everyone's moved back. My dad now employs my uncle, my brother and his girlfriend. My nan lives with my mum and dadd, and my sister lives next door, so she can just drop off the kids. I like that process of give and take.

(Snaps of photographer Michael Leckie, makeup artist Caroline Sims and my PR Ashley Smith)

Fri 6th Jan 2012: "Bright Young Things" install at Selfridges: Samara Tompsett set design

2012-01-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

In my quest to document the lineage of the fashion industry's Set Design world, here is a new name for my coverage and a contemporary of the most recent featured artist Robert Storey. Above are documentary photos from Samara Tompsett Studio who has collaborated with Alex Mattsson to devise and art direct his window for Selfridges Bright Young Things. Since meeting Samara at the over-night install, she has kindly put together these work-in-progress shots to share ............ and hopefully catch up on some well deserved rest inbetween! The scheme launched this morning with the windows being unveiled and products hitting the shop floor. Alex's trademark rainbow fascination was carried through from the lighting rig of perspex stalactites and laser beams to the spectrum spandex attire and finishing up as a couple of printed pieces available to pick up in the pop-up shop (and online).

Make sure you swing by the Duke Street stretch of windows whilst up West this weekend to see Samara's set and the other 14 designer's interpretations of their collections................

See more of Samara's work including display for Dunhill, prop design for Jimmy Choo and installation area at Latitude Festival............ here.

Thurs 5th Jan 2012: "Bright Young Things" install at Selfridges: Shaun Samson

2012-01-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

Shaun Samson has continued the Mexican theme from his multicolour SS12 collection by spelling out his name in rainbow crepe piñatas............. needless to say I LOVE this vibe ........... wouldn't it be brilliant if they actually contained candy to smash and celebrate at the end of this season after he shows at MAN on menswear day of LFW.......

Thurs 5th Jan 2012: "Bright Young Things" at Selfridges: Alice Lee

2012-01-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

Alice Lee is the title of a husband and wife design duo who initially ran a 3 season stint with New Gen in 2002 after Alice had graduated from the MA fashion course at CSM. Since this first foray into the industry, they have been busy establishing another all consuming concern - a family! Returning to knitting seasonal collections, they showcased SS12 in September and have displayed these intricate pieces with spinning magnifying glasses for closer inspection in the Duke Street window. I was particularly drawn to the array of coloured weaves they brought down to make multi-hued hair-dos!

Thurs 5th Jan 2012: "Bright Young Things" install at Selfridges: Becky Sloan

2012-01-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the best qualified member of the BYThings school of 2012 being equipped for window display and set design is props maker Becky Sloan who is also part of This Is It Collective. A dab hand at constructing larger-than-life fun puppets for exhibitions and short films, Becky has taken the opportunity to invent two new geometric characters. Partial to putting a pair of eyes on her figures, I wonder what indication these rotating logos have to her part in the pop up shop ............... which will be available online for those who can't access the physical spectacle, find out more here......

Thurs 5th Jan 2012: "Bright Young Things" install at Selfridges: Oliver Ruuger

2012-01-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Oliver Ruuger is an accessories designer who merges sculpture and form to make wearable pieces that are by his own admission labour intensive articles to create............... hmm............. a man after my own heart!!! From what I saw of the initial parts Oliver was hanging in his window, its beautiful with the fur trim handle umbrellas that will be available in store........... developed in his inimitable style of using natural materials in a mix of exquisite craftsmanship ..........

Thurs 5th Jan 2012: "Bright Young Things" install at Selfridges: Maarten van der Horst

2012-01-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

Maarten van der Horst is regularly taking up extra curricular projects with the last I wrote about in collaboration with Susie Bubble for Peroni, and the first time I fully saw his designs at Arnhem Mode Bienniale. I was too early when I arrived last night to witness what he has up his tulle fluffy sleeve for BYThings, so here is just a hint at the mint mannequins to wear his magnificent print collection............ Maarten will again be showing as part of the Fashion East show on Mon 20th Feb at LFW .......... get your ticket requests in now!

Thurs 5th Jan 2012: "Bright Young Things" install at Selfridges: Nuha Razik

2012-01-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

Nuha Razik is part of the arts segment of Bright Young Things amalgamated talent, being a multi-media artist. Her medium is more often than not photographic for either still or moving image and here she has set up a surreal room with shadows and light play. Nuha also experiments with screen-printing which sometimes takes the form of t-shirts for fashion brands................. so lets see what she has conjured up as her product for one of the three pop-up shops tomorrow............

Thurs 5th Jan 2012: "Bright Young Things" install at Selfridges: Alex Mattsson

2012-01-05T07:14:00.000-08:00

Menswear designer Alex Mattsson has teamed up with set designer Samara Tompsett to execute his futuristic cosmic light beam biker scheme.......... here they are last night fitting perspex gems to the ceiling which will reflect a rainbow glow from his spectrum collection ........... and the initial artworked visualisation of how the concept will look........... walk down Duke Street tomorrow to see the finished article............ #sefridgesbyt

Thurs 5th Jan 2012: "Bright Young Things" install at Selfridges: Astrid Anderson

2012-01-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

To get 1st hand insight into how Selfridges devise and execute the pioneering scheme, I contacted Hannah Emslie, the Styling Manager of the 3D Creative team for some background :

"Deciding on just a few Bright Young Things is really tough with such a breadth of talent in London. We have so many brilliant graduates and young designers, many of whose profiles have risen dramatically in such a short space of time. It was really important to us that the designers and artists we chose all had something unique to offer – at Selfridges we're known for diversity in the brands we carry, and we wanted to represent that in our choices."

"The designers work with our Production team who help them with the installation logistics, from advice on how to achieve a particular visual effect to suggesting suppliers - but the creative direction remains with the designers. The window installation is also the responsibility of the Bright Young Things, executed over a series of night shifts. Our team are on hand to support, but ultimately it's really down to the designers. It's a really consuming project for them, especially having produced all the product to sell in store too - but it's all worth it!"

Here are a couple of images of menswear designer Astrid Anderson sewing lace cases for basketballs as part of her window on the Duke Street side of the building ............... which will completed tonight and unveiled tomorrow morning.......

Thurs 5th Jan 2012: "Bright Young Things" install at Selfridges: Sorcha O’Raghallaigh

2012-01-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

Last year began the scheme of Bright Young Things at Selfridges Department Store in London where the creative team decided to dedicate the windows and area of the shop floor to emerging designers. Alongside allowing the talent to take over installing individual displays they were also commissioned to fill a special pop-up shop in store with a tailored selection of sales items. This visual insight is a perfect platform to promote blossoming brands and secondly offer the public a chance to purchase one of their early pieces. Workshops were organised for the artists to share their unique skills with classes held in the space so customers could meet the new generation of names and try out their disparate disciplines.
A second year has been under construction, researching and recruiting 15 creatives from varying fields including fashion, accessories, photography, illustration and cuisine. Each practitioner has been shown the ropes of how to undertake the task of putting together a set design to encapsulate their aesthetic and given two night shifts to make the concepts a reality. I was allowed access last night to take a tour around each area and document the initial stages of setting up their wares. Its been exactly three years since I was in the windows myself, installing headwear to the January scheme so luckily I know my way around the warren of tight spaces to find the pockets of prop arranging pandemonium.
Congratulations to all the artists involved in unfamiliar territory of preparing a 3D world for their products / ideas to inhabit. Over the next few posts I will be unveiling who is on the agenda and showing a little sneak peak into the work in progress ....... beginning with Womenswear designer Sorcha O’Raghallaigh who is creating a pastel pink cloud sky in a hyper-real dream scene ............centring around a ten-foot-tall mannequin reflecting the models from her CSM graduate show, who walked the runway on stilts................

Get involved in the project that opens tomorrow by searching and using #selfridgesbyt on Twitter.

See my coverage of last year including a studio visit to Simone Rocha prior to her involvement in the scheme here.

Weds 4th Jan 2012: HARK cont.........

2012-01-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

Since writing about the HARK exhibition from Andy Macgregor and Audrey Roger last week, they have sent over some more photos to show the progress with the paper sculptures from their studio. If you look at the ceiling of their fun filled room, you can just see some of the multi-colour totems that are taking shape and being stored for the install later in the month. It looks like they are having a virtual game of techno Tetris inbetween the shelves and desks! I'm looking forward to this show so much ........... I want to have one already, and I havn't even seen it yet!

Find out more about the unveiling at the Old Shoreditch Station, 26th Jan on their blog.

Tues 3rd Jan 2012: Ella Dror PR

2012-01-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

Its about to be the 1st year anniversary of Ella Dror and Ashley Smith setting up London's newest PR company with upcoming talent............ so much has happened in this time with them travelling to Brazil and New York with Craig Lawrence, L.A with Alex Noble, Moscow with Piers Atkinson ............ 2012 is set to be another bumper year, jam packed with action so I recommend following them on Twitter for the news as it unfolds............. with setting up at Selfridges for Bright Young Things tonight........

(Ella's photos of my cards I sent to their office)

Tues 3rd Jan 2012: V&A Reading Rooms - Christmas Craft Lock-In

2012-01-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

For a final festive post, here are images from the Christmas Craft Lock at the V&A Reading Rooms where I gave a workshop with my paper accessories "Cut out and keepsakes" kit. The Reading Rooms is a seperate location to the main museum as a cafe space dedicated to their books with the walls lined in shelves for you to pick up a monograph to enjoy alongside your macciato. Special events take over the space such as the Friday-late I took part in with other creatives including knitter Ingrid Wagner, book binders Shepherds Falkiners and the gift shop's own Alison Acampora.

This is the kind of thing I love about living in London - that there are so many different classes open to the public between all the different museums, galleries and councils. To find out about future events with the V&A, head over to the site and sign up for the newsletter which will notify you of the upcoming bookings.............

(Images c/o V&A)

Mon 2nd Jan: Christmas Party at Andrew Logan's Glasshouse

2012-01-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Andrew Logan Closet Interview With StyleLikeU from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

The last time I went to Andrew Logan's glasshouse for a party was his Alternative Royal Wedding which was the perfect way to celebrate a very British tradition so I knew I would be in for a treat at a Christmas party! The gigantic space might have been a feet to find a fir tree tall enough to fill the high ceiling, but as luck would have it, they were donated one from a friends garden in Wales. The reclaimed tree looked resplendent in its magnitude and hung from the rafters so although it appeared resting on the floor it was loose to spin like a disco ball. The dj played the Gay Gordens and the floor turned into a barn dance with the twist of a limbo session towards the end by Andrew and Kitty Joseph holding a mop as the bar. At midnight fireworks appeared flaring in full view from inside the glass walled building, which was a first for me - watching a display whilst being in the comfort of a house party! The entire event was spectacular ............. as you can only imagine from entering this magic space. Watch this brilliant interview from Stylelikeu which shows the Bermondsey studio in its day time glory with the sunshine streaming in and reflecting off his mirrored sculptures. I love the sentiment where he explains his mantra on life ........... being the real thing ........... there is no dress rehearsal ......... so you've got to embrace it and not be fearful........... live in harmony and enjoy each other! = LUSH!

If you would like to invest in an Andrew Logan accessory, you can visit his shop online or at his new retail premises.

(Thanks to Alun Davies for sharing his photos with me - the final section of iphone images inc. portrait of Piers Atkinson and 2 above of the stairwell and white sculpture)

Jan 2nd 2012: HAPPY 2012

2012-01-02T02:01:00.000-08:00

Photography - Amy Gwatkin and Anna Leader AKA Mishkin
Spectrum tube and props - Fred Butler
Fred's Assistants - Jess Bennett, Emily Beard and Keely Hunter
Special thanks to model Amrit

Sat 31st Dec: Gigs of 2011 in terrible BB Twitpics

2011-12-31T03:53:00.000-08:00

T.E.E.D at The Scala

Snoop Doggy Dog, Kentish Town Forum

Patrick Wolf at The Garage

Janelle Monae at Glastonbury Festival

Bjork's Biophilia at Manchester Festival

Mark Ronson, International Business Ltd (Ghostface Kilah), Camden Roundhouse

Beth Ditto at LOVE magazine party instore at Libertys

Cocknbullkid at XOYO

CREEP at Stag & Dagger Festival, Shoreditch

Azari III at Lovebox festival

Major Lazer at Notting Hill Carnival

Modeselektor at Kentish Town Forum

Spankrock at The Scala

Tom Vek at CSM

Shed Seven at Shepherds Bush Empire

Katy B at CKone party, Village Underground

Azelia Banks at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen

Patti Smith at St Giles-in-the-fields

I have a major bug-bear about mobile phones ............. in the fact that they are totally destroying humanity on many, many levels. From the coltan that is mined in The Democratic Republic of the Congo as the element conductor in the handset and the corrupt industry that surrounds it ................ to the simple fact that a generation of parents are distracted, absorbed in their messages rather than making crucial basic bonding communication and contact with their children ............

.............. to the shame of going to gigs where the audience are watching an act thru the camera on their iphone rather than experiencing the physical vibes infront of them. This is why I consciously hold tight to my blackberry in my pocket instead of sticking it in the air to add to the mass of screens hovering above the crowd ( = the modern equivalent of putting your lighters up). For this reason, the one quick snap I snare when a band come on to stage is usually absolutely terrible and here are some of those twitpics which you will have to read the captions to decipher!!!! It's become an obligatory part of being at a concert to alert your Twitter followers to where you are and what band you are enjoying............. and something I squirm with envy and torture myself by reading when I'm not at a particular event. The worst this year was missing Azelia Banks at Koko earlier this month when I was ill at home under my duvet. BUT I did get to see her earlier in the year thanks to Keely Hunter for tipping me off about 212 when it first ate YouTube before the sudden media bandwagon of replacing the lording of Lana Del Ray to ranking Azelia as coolest act of 2011 in opinion polls ..........

If I had my own top performances of the year in addition to Azelia it would be:

Patti Smith with Patrick Wolf at St Giles-in-the-fields

Bjork's Biophilia at Manchester Festival

Prince at Hop Farm Festival

Janelle Monae (and Wild Beasts) at Glastonbury Festival

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs at Scala

Kwes at Shacklewell Arms

Gwilym Gold at Shacklewell Arms

Thanks so much to all my tenuous connections in the industry who tapped me up with press passes this year - I'm so, so grateful to be living out my teenage dream of working with musicians! Looking forward to more in 2012 and hoping for less views obscured by phones XXXX

Friday 30th Dec: Makeover at Shu Uemura

2011-12-30T04:11:00.000-08:00

If you fancy getting some special sparkly makeup done for New Years eve, I recommend going to a cosmetics counter for a makeover ahead of the big night. Yesterday my best friend wanted to celebrate her birthday in this style and she selected Shu Uemura as her brand of choice which was perfect for me because I needed some new eye-lash curlers, and they are by far the best! We took it in turns on the hot seat discussing our Essex heritage and how this is the done thing for a girl's night out and also the advantages of having naturally gigantic eyebrows which have at last come into fashion thanks to the "scouse-brow". We each opted for different looks from Vicky's smoky eyes to Anna's red lips and my trademark sixtie's eyeliner which I'm always trying to learn to apply myself. This turned out to be a fitting face to have when we ended up at The Donovan Bar which is dedicated to the photographer of London's swinging 60's scene. The walls of the Mayfair salon are hung with his iconic black and white prints including portraits of Mary Quant, Celia Hammond, Terence Stamp and Dudley Moore. It was an accidental discovery but a very happy one, since birthday girl Anna is a photographer herself!

Thurs 29th Dec: Laura Gill's Talking Sticks

2011-12-29T06:17:00.000-08:00

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Thanks to Laura Gill for sending me an original Alistair Carr sample from our time spent with the designer working on his own line..................... into which she slipped a "Talking Stick". She gathers sticks from London's green spaces, paints gouache faces to personalize each one for the purpose of providing people with an object to encourage communication.

"They were originally invented by the American Indians as an aid during group chats to enable each person in the group to be heard........ the person in the group holding the stick would be the only one able to talk until the stick was handed to the next person and then it would be their turn and so on......."

This is a perfect tool for me as I'm used to being ignored, over looked and not heard! Plus its super cute and a lush addition to my pencil pot!

Get your own Talking Stick in a bag at Lik & Neon, Brick Lane and No One, Shoreditch

(Gif and top 2 images "Pre-talking" and "Talking Stick in the making" from Laura)

Tues 27th Dec: Hark by Audrey and Andy

2011-12-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

Hark is a new collaborative venture from Andy Macgregor and Audrey Roger who have joined forces on an exhibition that has been six months in the making. The duo found each other last year through a shared fondness for forms in nature and a predisposition to working with both pattern and paper. To fuse both of their styles for a combined duel aesthetic they have researched Totem Poles, Children’s playing blocks, Central & South American & African art "and of course Mother Nature herself" to invent their own spiritual stacking shapes. Here are documentation images of work in progress developing the 3D paper abstract totems to fill the gallery at Old Shoreditch Station. The early gif is a little indication to the additional stop-frame animation works that will accompany the tessellating tactile sculptures exploring distortion, repetition and symmetry. The large scale installations have been translated into table top size totem ornaments as products for the shop put together with carpentry skills from Michael Marriott and the print wizardry of Jonas Ranson.

This project is entirely self initiated and magically motivated so I can't wait to see the outcome which will be a joyous celebration of having fun in creating colourful graphic artworks from paper.......... right up my street! The show will be at No.1 Kingsland Road from 27th Jan .......... a date to put in your new year's diary!

Mon 26th Dec: Alex Noble's art direction for the EMA afterparty

2011-12-26T04:15:00.000-08:00

All photography behind the scenes c/o Alex.

One of the standout fun things to happen this year was pairing up with Alex Noble to guest edit the Swatch MTV Playground blog. This role took on many different facets with us being followed by a film crew for mini fly-on-the-wall documentaries and individually conducting interviews with musicians. Alex travelled to LA to talk to his muse Juliette Lewis which is a series of clips you have to check out if you missed it first time round on Talk@.

Later in the year he flew to Belfast with the team to take on the challenge of art directing the after party for the EMA's. This final exercise for the project was a neat conclusion to the multi layered task, with Batty Bass hosting the space - the record label he had featured in his earlier diary content. Alex made mannequins to replicate the replicants from his Batty Bass artwork illustrations and painted mural backgrounds like a trippy neon day-glo Moloko bar. The black and white Lewis Carroll checker board floor was an extension from his own studio decoration which made the environment his dream world:

"I didn't want to leave, I wanted to live in the space forever!"

To read more background on the outer space concept and fellow artists that Alex brought on board the Martian mission, head over to his own blog. There you will also find a sketch for his newest venture - Cirque Du Soleil............. and if you want to experience the world of Batty Bass for yourself, book a ticket for the New Year's Day London celebrations with Hannah Holland and Josh Caffe on the decks.

See my first studio visit and interview with Alex from July 2010 here

See my re-visit when we shot our MTV feature from March 2011 here.

Playground 2011 - Guest Editor - Alex Noble - 5 Minutes - ENG from Swatch MTV Playground on Vimeo.

Sun 25th Dec: Keko Hainswheeler Studio Visit

2011-12-24T16:05:00.000-08:00

The Sonic Hedgehog blue haired designer Keko Hainswheeler has recently moved round our way next door to Jiggery Pokery and Ede knitwear........... directly opposite MC Motors where the new Rhianna video was shot .......... I wonder if she sampled Dalston's best kebab at the Mangal on the corner?! Its Simply The Best (don't argue, its what it says on the uniform = a t-shirt which is now merchandise on a needs to know basis)

I found a chance to shimmy up the road to pop my head round the door and see how he is settling in and snap some pieces from his new diffusion range. Until now Keko has operated as a commissioned artist working predominantly on fantastical show pieces for pop starts such as iconic moments for Lady Gaga. I will never forget the incredible weight of the intricate and immense studded harness I picked up in her dressing room at the Jonathon Ross show. He spends hours individually creating tribal patterns and texture landscapes out of spikes and metal hardware. When he's not creating a magnificent mane from ostrich feather plumes, he's running up hoodies or bondage trousers for himself. Ive taken a train with Keko and he's pulled out a pair in process to make use of the situation to thread on buckles and pin the parts in place. Efficient use of time is standard for this creative who literally works for days on end with no sleep to finish his ornamental armour accessories.

Whilst dealing with the day to day deadlines, Keko has been putting together a neat collection of smaller jewellery staples to sit alongside the archive of editorial originals. Inspired by a wide range of sources from Baroque to the lion door knockers on his old house, they are assembled from 18CT Gold Plated and Brass hardware. Its a limited edition run so head over to his site to check out the deats and see more of the one-off costumes they are derived from ............ http://www.kekohainswheeler.com

Also pick up a copy of fashion illustration periodical Decoy to see an exclusive Richard Gray artwork of one of Keko's body harnesses.

Sat 24th Dec: Hello Again!

2011-12-24T15:49:00.001-08:00

Hello Again!
I can breath through my nostrils for the first time in 2 weeks - incredible!
I ignored a cold for a week and subsequently paid the penalty by getting a skull splitting case of sinusitis (self diag-nosed *excuse the pun*) hence my hiatus since last Friday. I have been laying in a dark room listening to Radio 6 and sleeping. Just before the fever struck, I took part in the Circus Christmas Fair and here is a cosmic photo of one of the flying saucer hairclips from my stall............ taken by Poptuckshop who came to visit. I was parked next to Lily Vanilli's cafe deli for guaranteed warmth and hot soup / mulled wine on tap. All of her treats were delicious and I purchased some truffles for my Nan's Christmas present............ so I'm eager to be trying them tomorrow too............ thrilled I can now (kind of) breath, smell and taste again ............ ready for all the festive trimmings....... HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.............. ENJOY!

Friday 16th Dec: Art Against Knives Auction

2011-12-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the privilege of attending the Art Against Knives Auction held at the Hackney Town Hall Hotel in the Court Room which was the perfect location to house such an event! After a champagne reception to view the works, we sat down for a 3 course feast prepared by the award winning Rebel Dining Society. Dinner was served on paint palette platters & limited edition crockery signed by AAK founder Oliver Hemsley. We then picked up our paint palette voting paddles and got stuck into the sales hosted by Ed Rising of Sotheby's. He jumped up on the bench and conducted the proceedings pointing at us until he got the maximum price to raise the most funds for the charity. Amongst the pieces up for grabs were original paintings by Antony Gormely and Tracey Emin ........ prints by Rob Ryan and Wolfgang Tilmans ......... and dresses from Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou and Hussein Chalayan. I wanted the William Broome paper cut panda bear and Over It & Co screenprints for Dels Gob Shop launch but alas couldn't keep up with the bids from an audience including the likes of Bianca Jagger opposite us. It was a room of lush people all brought together by Katy Dawe who began the enterprise with Oliver and has formed a loyal following of support within London's creative community. The photographs from their own exhibition FYI of young Hackney artists were slotted into the lots so the talents that take part in the project were billed alongside the established name pieces donated. As each one came up, Katy talked us through the story behind each portrait which gave an insight and background into case studies of how the funds are used and how the new sums raised would be carried forwards. To have the opportunity to buy an exclusive art work without paying gallery fees and know that the cost is going directly to help local young people out of disillusioned futures is an idea that is going to run from strength to strength. Congratulations once again Katy and Oliver.

To buy yourself a piece of AAK artwork, head to the new Box Park in Shoreditch where they have just opened their first store................. and buy one of my AAK t-shirts for your Christmas shopping here.

(top to bottom: Will Broom, Over It & Co, Rob Ryan, Suzy P, Dinner, AAK badge on a Christopher Shannon shirt, Patternity & Tom Ryling, Versace Minx nails on Craig Lawrence, Mary Katrantzou's dress, Marios Schwab's dress, Christopher Kane's dress, Ed Rising, Barbara Grispini with Katy and Marios, Katy Dawe)

Thurs 15th Dec: Circus Christmas Market

2011-12-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

Myself, Susie Bubble, Atalanta Weller, Cooperative Designs, Katie Eary, Fannie Schiavoni, Noel Stewart, Yunus & Eliza, Scott Wilson, and Braille will touchdown at Circus for a fashion trunk show extravaganza this Saturday and Sunday with a cafe and deli run by Lily Vanilli............ come to get some one-off designs from the designers themselves and have a rummage thru Susie's closet gold mine........... and a pick up a decorated hula hoop and have a lesson from Marawa The Amazing......... (accessories above by designer whose name I don't know, sorry)

Circus 11
14th-18th Dec 2011 10am - 8pm
The Tramshed, 32 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3LX

Friday 16th Dec: i-D Christmas Tree - Report by Emily Beard

2011-12-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

Matthew Williamson

Craig LawrenceKelly AngoodPiers AtkinsonFred Butler

i-D magazine are decking the halls like no one else! They have invited their favourite creatives to customise a Christmas bauble for their tree. Each will be revealed one by one on their site in the run up to Christmas, with a lucky email subscriber winning the full swag of decorations at the end.

Thurs 15th Dec: Behind the scenes of Fred's New Year Card - report by Emily Beard

2011-12-15T02:19:00.000-08:00

Every year Fred teams up with Mishkin to create a card to bring in the new year. For a blast into the past see the cards from 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Here's a peek into what went on behind the scenes to create this year's piece...

Photography - Amy Gwatkin and Anna Leader AKA Mishkin
Spectrum tube and props - Fred Butler
Fred’s Assistants - Jess Bennett, Emily Beard and Keely Hunter
Special thanks to model Amrit

Thurs Dec 15th: Mandi's Basement Christmas Party with Gwendoline Christie

2011-12-15T00:40:00.000-08:00

If you squint a little and imagine you are in Mandi's Basement lit only by icicle fairy lights you can begin to decipher these dark photos to see Gwendoline Christie, NOKi & James Long, Princess Julia and Bishi with my 2.5 ............. all guests for Mandi Lennard's Christmas Party which ended in a conga line of fashion designers, musicians, photographers and stylists snaking their way round her festive decorated office complete with snow white tree. To get the Argos catalogue number for the acquired artificial tree and see more photos of the revellers in a more revealing light, head over to the following articles: Mandi's Colette Blog, Madeleine Ostlie's blog, i-D Online

This was my first party of the season and a baptism by fire which I'm not sure will be surpassed by anything to follow.......... with refreshments by Bistrotheque including a hot cider cocktail inspired by Patrick Wolf's new favoured MIWADI rum ........ tangy tacos followed by passion fruit and pineapple sorbet ......... and Christmas tunes mixed by a rota of the Ponystep dj rosta. When the conga came to a close the fall-out shimmied up the road to celebrate the 8th birthday of The George & Dragon where the dancing continued to The Lovely Jonjo in residence for the night ......... HAPPY BIRTHDAY G&D!

Weds 14th Dec: Robert Storey Studio

2011-12-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

I first found out about set designer Robert Storey when I took part in a TEST fashion film screening last season at Somerset House when Thomas Giddings showed his film "Lavender" for which Robert had built bright orange frames to plant in a field of purple blossom. Since this time I have been blogging his work by proxy via his collaborations with Quentin Jones on her animated fashion films and installation at Darkroom Store. Now I discover that he is based in a studio round the corner from mine and has emerged from the same set design training stable, having assisted Shona Heath. ...........but originally hailing from a fine art sculpture degree at Central St. Martins.

When writing up the British Fashion Awards, I commented that there could easily be an additional award for art department and here is the proof. The sector of the industry has grown substantially since it first became an actual valid position and career with the likes of Simon Costin and Michael Howells. The initial talent gave way for their assistants to take over surplus jobs when the work rolled in and now a third and fourth generation are rising up and many of the names I have been profiling on here......... Emma Roach, Rhea Therstein, Alun Davies, Helen Macintyre, Andy Macgregor, Gary Card, Jiggery Pokery, Andy Hillman, Alex Cunningham, Rosy Nicholas, Kyle Bean ................. its a close community of fastidious, work-a-holic, kleptomaniac imaginative fantasists living out their childhood dreams.

Robert's latest commission (see above) reminiscent of a vintage wooden toy is for a static display at Nicholas Kirkwood's Mount Street flagship store. Here are the technical drawings and final set up snaps of the three metre high colourful geometric structures. From building at his East End studio full of flats to the windows of a West End boutique, the plinths have been designed to house Kirkwood's trademark feminine playful shoes lit with neon strips............... all featured on his brand new website just launched to house his archive of editorial, advertising, still life, installations and moving image.............. click over to have a look and keep up to date with his upcoming projects on his blog.

(All images c/o Robert)

Tues 13th Dec: Hannah Martin Studio Visit

2011-12-12T11:58:00.001-08:00

Every day my inbox fills up with email alerts from PR's about what celebrity is wearing which designer at whatever award ceremony ......... or messages "Dear Mr. Fred Butler we have an exciting new line in stockings we would love to send you to feature Ho-Ho-Hoisery". GREAT!!!! Fantastic! Exactly what I want to share with my readership - how did they know? Hashtag Irony.

So it was with great pleasure that I took a phone call from Nathan at Hannah Martin HQ inviting me to their studio in Hatton Garden to have the opportunity to show me their new work and get to know each other. Firstly how rare and genuine to have a friendly voice reaching out to you and secondly what an amazing invitation to be able to physically experience this fascinating institution, trade and young designer operating in this world.

On Friday morning I hot-footed it down to the epicentre of London's jewellery district where Hannah has her studio to be at the heart of the homegrown industry she cherishes and consciously supports with commissions. It is integral to her design process to utilise the knowledge and hereditary of the practise still running in the capital, to maintain the demand and help hand over the enterprise to the next generation. Hatton Garden in London was once the hub of the international industry where specialist sculptors had their own unique skill-set for certain facets - literally. I had no idea that stones are cut in particular styles and attributed to different practioners .......... or that it is very much a closed door world which is why Hannah's new documentary is a fascinating insight. With rare access to film inside the smoky sanctuary of smelting and smouldering casting furnaces and foundries , this clip reveals footage of how Hannah's prototypes are moulded and cast before the lengthy process of sanding and polishing. That is only a fraction of the complete life cycle of a finished article..............

The most recent article to break out of the cocoon of such a careful craft is a letter opener designed specially for Wallpaper magazine's second Handmade issue for which a handful of designers are asked to create unique products. This is the perfect example of how Hannah works in that it started life as a piece of brittle resin wax which she laboursly carved and finely shaved down to this streamline angular triangle form. It is a humble classic piece of equipment that she has totally turned on its head to become a product that could be mistaken for an actual accessory. I tried putting it on my wrist before a demonstration of how it functions for its primary purpose.......... as it fits perfectly into the aesthetic of her Shamen series of pyramid jewellery. The collection is now available at the Design Museum shop alongside the letter opener which is great news as her wares are typically high end incredible one of a kind bespoke pieces. Once I slipped on this triangle ring I didn't want to take it off again so I can now fully appreciate how becoming one of Hannah's customers can become an addictive form of retail therapy! The attention to detail, care, consideration and personal touch is all life-affirming in the hope that mass market homogonous production is not going to drown the foundations of the design world. It's great that jewellery is accessible but its also nice to know that a vital skill is being kept alive in our inherited wealth of knowledge in the artform. To champion this further and perhaps cajole Hatton Garden to open up in order to guarantee its future, this clip by Rodney Wooldridge and Pacu Trautvetter peels back the layers exposing this fascinating middle earth.

Here are snaps from Hannah's studio walls of the inspiration imagery and sketches that she compiles to start shaping each collection. Every time she finds a new muse and myriad of disparate but related sources to fuse together as an imaginary character to embody the range of pieces. Some elements are drawn by hand and transformed in CAD whilst others are sculpted straight out of plasticine by hand and finely tuned with the necessary number of finer stages in execution. The result is a classic selection of samples including cuff links and earrings which Hannah adamantly only sells in one unit as an idiosyncratic feature as much as the fluid lines in the actual article itself. Her entire archive has been photographed and documented on her website so you can trace back every element and explore each story and piece................ get lost here......... and keep on your radaar for more exciting projects in the new year ...........

Mon 12th Dec: Simon Costin Dickensian Christmas window at The Museum of London

2011-12-12T02:30:00.000-08:00

When I was little, I remember my dad putting my cousins and I in the car to drive us "up west" to see the Christmas lights in all the windows across London's department stores. Its something I still like to check out and look forward to seeing all the different interpretations and now also with smaller independent retailers who collaborate with artists. My favourite display of this year is Simon Costin's cardboard 19th Century London city scape for the current Charles Dickens exhibition at The Museum of London.

You can see the fine detail of the doorways and brick work by going to have a look by day light or visit at night when its illuminated by LED lights with flickering wood fire glows from the slatted windows.

‘My intention is to create a fantasy vision of London as it would have been glimpsed by Dickens on his nocturnal wanderings through the city. His essays are extremely evocative and I am using the text as my starting point and things will grow and develop from there. He has said that he felt like a child in a dream, ‘staring at the marvellousness of everything’. It is that marvellousness that I want to recreate’.

This really is a marvel, for its own magic quality and also for the wonder of how long it must have taken to make when I know the reality of how labour intensive this craft is!!! Andy Hillman and I always used to joke about suffering from "scalpel finger" after a few days of creating any cardboard sculptures and I think its probably safe to bet this particular installation would have required a few weeks of scalpel endurance!! Its absolutely brilliant and a destination for your festive outings........... or New Year walks as it will still be up until February.

Read more about the project and see photos of Simon making the diorama in his studio at http://spitalfieldslife.com.

Sun 11th Dec: Little Dragon with Hannah Marshall

2011-12-11T05:24:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday night I was tucked up in bed and got a last minute invite by Hannah Marshall to see Little Dragon play at the Shepherd's Bush Empire. I ran across town and was so happy to be there to see their brilliant live performance. I first discovered Little Dragon in 2008 when I used to dj with Teo Connor and she span "Constant Surprises" during our set at the Architecture Association graduation party. Its funny that the sentiment of that tune comes true in life so many times ........ fate and coincidences that occur ..... ironically especially on this evening when I wasn't expecting to be able to catch them until just before the show! Thanks Hannah! Ive also now got the album on vinyl which features artwork of all of the band's parents and grand parents in their wedding photos which is something I personally treasure, having my own one up on my studio wall. This is one of my favourite albums of the year ........ go get Ritual Union if you haven't already!!

(Left to Right: Hannah, Yukimi, Romy Fredrik)

Sun 11th Dec: Whose that illustration in the window?

2011-12-10T05:54:00.000-08:00

Since these faces popped up in the window of Afrique Fabrics in Dalston a few a days ago I have been trying to work out who its by......... I LOVE it so much! Thanks to the power of communication that is Twitter and a response from Niki Livingston I discovered that it is Damien Poulain.................. of course!!! Take a look back at some familiar faces from a previous post here and here.

Sat 10th Dec: Flog It Darlings! Judy Blame Sample Sale

2011-12-10T04:14:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of a 2 day sample sale of Judy Blame special pieces........... all one of a kind and all made with love and care............. invest in an iconic classic that will bring you or your loved one good energy and fun.............. there are necklaces, brooches, badges, t-shirts, parcel tapes and framed artworks.......... and a cup of tea and slice of Stollen cake if the kettle is on!

Fri 9th Dec: Gareth Pugh vs. M.A.C

2011-12-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

Last night M.A.C held a party to launch Gareth Pugh's new range for the cosmetic's company complete with angular edge eyelashes worn to perfect effect by Princess Julia who span the decks for PonyStep. The campaign film shot by Ruth Hogben was projected on a huge screen and can now be viewed over on SHOWstudio. A photobooth was decorated in Pugh's optical pattern and the monochrome photos printed out with his logo on the paper - brilliant!........

(Dave Baby, Judy Blame and Kim Howells, Nova Dando and friend, Aaron Frew)

Fri 9th Dec: Elisha Smith Leverock's "I Want Muscle"

2011-12-09T08:48:00.000-08:00

'I want Muscle' a film by Elisha Smith-Leverock Winner of the 2011 ASVOFF MK2 Grand Prix from Elisha Smith-Leverock on Vimeo.

Last evening Elisha Smith Leverock celebrated her ASVOFF win with a UK premiere of her film "I Want Muscle" by hosting a screening and Q&A with the body-builder star Kizzie Vaines. This personal project put together with a team of loyal collaborators surpassed its original intention by becoming a success in its own right down to the infectious fascination of the refreshing subject matter. Kizzie was an absolute delight to interview infront of an audience of fashion film enthusiasts who attended the event at the NIKE1948 space with special protein shake inspired cocktails by Bompass & Parr. I think this is a great example to testify that if you are passionate about something and want to share it with the world - go ahead and put it into action and others will follow............... read all about the background to the piece at my previous post .......

Fri 9th Dec: Noel Stewart for Hussein Chalayan in Muse Les Arts Decoratifs

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I was asked my favourite accessory of SS12 and my top pick was the iridescent visor by Noel Stewart for Hussein Chalayan. Back in September whilst we were all in London admiring his hats for Erdem, Roksanda and Jaeger ........ Noel was already straight onto the next collaboration travelling to Paris Fashion Week for the Hussein Chalayan show in Muse Les Arts Decoratifs. Here are some fantastic snaps from setting up the spectacle and a good detail shot of the prismatic sensational headwear!

Thanks to Noel for the photographs from his personal records.

Here is the fashion film for his own SS12 collection by Morgan O'Donovan:

Noel Stewart SS12 from Morgan O'Donovan on Vimeo.

Weds 7th Dec: Phillips de Pury & Co. Pop Up Shop at Claridge's

2011-12-07T02:31:00.000-08:00

The Philips de Pury Pop-Up Shop at Claridge's opened its doors last evening, set up for Christmas shoppers looking for a unique limited edition piece of art or design from the city's newest names in the field. My two faves Bethan Wood and David David are included in the showcase alongside Max Lamb, Martino Gamper, Michael Anastasiades, Tauba Auerbach, Faye Toogood, Snarkitecture, Brunno Jahara, Victoria Wilmotte, Jonathan Muecke, Oeuffice, and Ben Adams. Above is a "Collection of Light" by Humans Since 1982 which is a collection of LEDs arranged in a hamormonic order to simply become a lamp in its own right whilst looking like a zooilogical collection case of fireflys. Martino Gamper has curated a special Martino and Friends section displayed on a bespoke shelving unit built to house the wares of Francis Upritchard, Gemma Holt, Rob Upritchard and Martino Gamper.
Ive been desperate to get my hands on Bethan's Pivot rings since she first showed me the samples so this is a very exciting opportunity to finally purchase the genius jewellery .......... and this gorgeous hand printed poster by David David. Pop in to the Pop-Up shop whilst you are up west but make sure you go before the holidays as it will be closed from 24 December – 3 January.

Open 2 December 2011 - 31 January 2012 at 45-47 Brook Street at Claridge's, London
10am – 7pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm – 5pm Sunday

Weds 7th Dec: Alun Davies cont........

2011-12-07T00:46:00.000-08:00

I have pulled together some of Alun's Facebook profile pictures here to give a personal insight into the artist ............ as he regularly has a brilliant image capturing whatever he is working on at that particular time ......... he is a cross section of time and jobs to illustrate the previous post on his practise.........

Sun 4th Dec: Alun Davies Profile and Studio Visit

2011-12-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

This season I had the pleasure of working with Alun Davies on the art direction of my LFW presentation, exhibition space and fashion film. As the most softly spoken man in set design, it's a wonder how the rest of the team heard us at meetings ...... a trait we both share in our shy personas.......... just one similarity in both of our stories ........... another being that we both assisted Shona Heath. When I flew the nest to the freelance realm, I handed over the baton to Alun who had joined the team to intern. Now we both have our own enterprises and studios just a short stroll from Shona's which was one of the very first artist's blocks to emerge on Shacklewell Lane.

In a breather inbetween season's I took a saunter up the road to Alun's new workshop to find out more of his history and what to look out for in his future plans. Alun has recently taken residency near Rectory Road with Piers Atkinson and a handful of other creatives including Emma Roach. It was with both of these friends that Alun started producing projects under his own name. Originally from a graphic design education at Kingston University, Alun was always keen on exploring 3D disciplines to execute his ideas. This lead to a tutor pointing him in the direction of the pioneering SHOWstudio platform and a period of shadowing Penny Martin and Paul Hetherington. Alun has fond memories of this chapter taking on responsibilities for visualizing and constructing maquttes to be filmed for various features going live on the site. It was an exciting interim of witnessing Nick Kninight establish the "Home Of Fashion Film " and the perfect place to plant the seed of possible career options to pursue. Until this time Alun was still making the transition from creating photographic imagery to a new understanding of a role in creating the physical props and sets within pictures. Alun was in heaven helping out on set with the likes of Juergen Teller, Michael Howells, and Simon Foxton whilst forming his own connections with other assistants at the time including photographer Jez Tozer.

SHOWstudio's unique collision of art, music, fashion and performance that took place on a daily basis instilled a passion for Alun to follow. His very first commission came from Lara Ferros for Plastique magazine, to build a set in reference to a junk theme. Having just become friends with the ethical designer Lu Flux, he had an automatic resource of recycled goods to raid. Amongst the range of retro wares were some rugby helmets which Alun decorated with other smaller components in the loot. This one article was such a success that a second job came in to cover helmets in Swarovski crystals and then a third to travel on location to Wales with Kim Howells. For this story Alun glued nuts and bolts to breast plates and shin pads - covering cyber armour and cementing a firm collaborative partnership to flourish further (eg. with her designer clients). Probably his most notorious embellished armour was for Lady Gaga's Monseter Ball. His current flatmate Anna Trevelyan worked with him to develop motorbike helmets with fins and shoulder pads covered in mirror tiles for the troop of dancers on tour. In the family tree of London cross-pollination, Anna introduced Alun to Charlie Le Mindu and the three combined forces on an installation for his stockist Machine A. The basement of the boutique became a habitat of Le Mindu signature sinister surroundings and Alun was on board the Belgian's burgeoning scene. He was soon made acquainted with Charlie's Berlin connection - Peaches (a former client when he was a hair dresser in the city). Whilst visiting London for the festival circuit she broke her ankle and Alun stepped in to "Pimp" her wheelchair ride. In under 24hrs Alun had decorated the device with pink weave and delivered her backstage at Lovebox, literally pushing her to curtain call. This was the very beginning of partnering with Peaches and a journey which took him back to her home town and art directing the production of her first opera. The spontaneous over-night transformation of some crutches ended up in taking on the task of designing the set for an entire pop musical in a completely new country!

From this European experience, Alun extended his network and has since helped the two capitals creative undergrounds collide when Layall Hakaria asked him to oversee the concept for his arena of the NYC Downlow at this year's Glastonbury Festival. Alun brought over performance Danni Daniels to host the extravaganza "Bedlam vs. Benidorm". The success of teaming up with Hakaria has seen exhibitions for the House of Organza and now the latest and most current collaboration on a Christmas concept for Vogue Fabrics. For the first day of December, Alun dressed Dalston's premiere drag destination with a giant red ribbon to draw attention to World Aids Day. This installation was then upgraded with the addition of a grotto graveyard and performance of Princess Julia appearing from a coffin casket.This has kick started a month of events and a daily morphing window display as an alternative advent calendar with a new door for each day - literally! Alun has also been responsible for the festive identity of Aqua stores fitting out their facades with neon sculptures.

This is just the cherry on the top of the current work-load for Alun who makes his props alongside the fruit and feather milliner Piers Atkinson who he shares his studio with. To recap on the magnificent work Alun did for Piers last season check out this documentary of the presentation at the Sanderson with Paloma Faith and fashion film with Zaiba Jabbar at Zandra Rhodes penthouse. ......... and be sure to revisit the cosmic underwater worlds he magic-ed up for my film and show with musical score by Patrick Wolf....

PIERS ATKINSON SS12 'HOT VOODOO" by Sarah Keeling and Elva Rodrigruez from Kim Howells on Vimeo.

Keep track of what is coming up for his live advent calendar over at his twitter, Blog and Newsletter............... and click on all the links above to see my archive posts on the projects.

Sat 3rd Dec: SHOWstudio "In Your Face"

2011-12-03T06:57:00.000-08:00

SHOWstudio In Your Face has taken over from the Cafe concept in the shop with an incredible list of 39 artists included in the exhibition, crossing many disciplines connected to fashion. Here are images from the private view where models were live in the space to demonstrate the accessories including this iconic Shaun Leane spiky mouth guard from Alexander McQueen's Autumn/Winter 2000 collection 'Eshu' . Alongside famous works such as this and Nick Knight's Devon print and Mapplethorpe nudes are totally new talents commissioned for this term. The portrait watercolours above are a couple of new works by Stephen Doherty who the team discovered when he illustrated live on the walls during Craig Lawrence's recent residency. They are so beautiful, I think this is a brilliant addition to the other classics such as Franko B's embroidered canvas works. Visit the actual premises to see the pieces and make sure to check the brand new re-vamped site bursting with content and information on future projects to unfold in the New Year..................... here. Tune in on Tuesday when Hywel Davies will be interviewing Louise Wilson and Alexander Fury talks to David Koma.

(Top to bottom: Stephen Doherty Water colours, Douglas Gordon "Self Portrait of You + Me", Gareth Pugh, Peter Philips Mickey Mouse, Shaune Leane mouth guard, Debra Baxter Crystal Brass Knuckles, Franko B "I STILL LOVE", Void Of Course - Triple head mask, Hank Willis Thomas "Black Power")

Sat Dec 3rd: The Museum of British Folklore Christmas Shop

2011-12-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

Im sure many readers of this blog will be fans of Simon Costin, and keen to keep up to date with news from his Museum of British Folklore project, so we visited the latest installment - the 'Paper Hare' pop up shop. Hidden in a cave of enchanted glittering branches are hares weeping glass tears, felt firework hair-slides, stained glass love potions, Punch and Judy prints, delicate golden sculptures and miniature Christmas trees. The Museum aims to promote, celebrate and revitalise the folk heritage of Britain with exhibitions, workshops, lectures, digital platforms and pop-up shops like this. If you head over to his site there are some great behind the scenes snaps on set of the Tim Walker folk story shot for a British Vogue feature on the mission (see portrait here). With this latest venture they hope to raise funds for their upcoming exhibit at the Museum of Anglian Life which will highlight the importance of the Doc Rowe Archive......................... which makes this the perfect place to spend your Christmas shopping budget!

Nov 28th-Dec 21st 2011, 10-12 Exhibition Road SW7 2HF, Thurs-Sat 11am-6pm

Sat Dec 3rd: Craig Lawrence & I at the British Fashion Awards

2011-12-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at our outfits for the night ......... at the moment we were in total shock at having just arrived - hence we are both a little lost for words............ I suffered a total memory blank............ smoooooooothe.

Interviewed by Naomi Attwood for Grazia. See all the other designers here.

Thursday 1st Dec: David David new premises

2011-12-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

David David's new location at 36 Earlham St is about to open with a bang...........

just in time for Christmas there are items ranging from as little as £1, perfect for stocking fillers......... and for those searching for something special and totally unique, individual pieces can be created by the David David team. Enquire within...........

36 Earlham st, London WC2H 9LH, 5:00pm until 10:30pm

Weds 30th Nov: Shucks One "Foundation Rocks"

2011-11-30T07:22:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the unveiling of the new show at Dalston Superstore by Shucks One so I popped in earlier today to have a little sneak peek whilst curator Saskia Wickens was adding the finishing touches. The first thing that hit me was the new wallpaper that has gone up to replace Anna Bruder's previous white and black cartoon interior........ see here in the last photo - the spectrum print by Jonas Ranson. This is the perfect patterned back-drop for the new pieces to take over the walls which comprise of brightly painted panels of reclaimed wood, skateboards and denim jackets. Shucks One Is an artist, Radio DJ, youth worker and journalist specialising in hip-hop music and culture. With this exhibition "Foundation Rocks" he is investigating important figures in classic UK and US Hip-hop culture by exploring its wider implications on modern culture. The accumulation of works are a visual interpretation of interviews Shucks One conducted with hip hop pioneers of the 1980s, whose music influenced a whole generation of young men and women in the UK. Themes addresses issues of history, identity, religion and cultural heritage................

“The term ‘old school’ is often banded around without any real understanding of the underlying themes. With this series of works I intend to explore messages and concepts, not just from hip-hop, but human history as well. It is part history lesson, part hip hop project.”

Through this fun fine art version of graffiti, Shucks One has developed a way of expressing and contextualising the history of modern day street music and art. Using found objects for canvasses, Shucks One creates a sketchbook and almost mix tape way of exhibiting work layering bold colours and pattern reminiscent of tribal fabric prints and ancient symbols. "Foundation Rocks" plays on the original hip hop mantras of ‘peace, love, and unity; knowledge, wisdom and understanding’, to oppose the dominant lyrics of violence, negativity and corporatism in hip-hop today. The project is the artists’ search to rediscover the foundation principles by retracing the history of UK hip hop music and the individuals responsible.

You can check out all of these works from tomorrow and treat yourself to some of the fine food from the kitchen........... or just trip-out staring at the wallpaper like its a MAC spinning spectrum wheel of doom as I did .............

Tues 29th Nov: Rosy Nicholas for HEROES EXHIBITION BY LEISURE at Jaguar Shoes

2011-11-29T04:40:00.000-08:00

Rosy Nicholas from LEISURE on Vimeo.

For my profile on Rosy Nicholas for Fashion 156 I I discussed her inspirations and heroes from art history which included a heavy admiration for David Hockney. Her most recent commission is on the subject of "Heroes" for an exhibition at Jaguar Shoes curated by Leisure. Five different illustrators were asked to create new work of moving image including Daniel David Freeman, Christopher Wright, Will Rigby and Oliver Jennings. Rosy decided to "worship" her own personal heroes with a stop frame animation of a day dreaming about going on holiday to Egypt with David Hockney and Grace Jones - excellent! Here is a snap of the lightbox at Rosy's studio on which she moved her hand-cut silhouettes around to shoot her clip. Without bias, I have to say that hers was my absolute favourite and I really want to see more moving image work from her dexterous hands .............. in addition to the out of the world cosmic shoes that she made for my SS12 collection.
To see these works on the screens of the exhibition, walk down the stairs of Jaguar Shoes for the video basement bar.