31st October: Henry's Bat - Brown's Halloween Party

I really like don't like Halloween:

a)  its dark, gothic, sinister..........everything un-Fred

b)  my phobia is prosthetic makeup / rubber masks / fake wounds / fake blood.........anything joke shop makes me want to vom

Therefore I normally boycott the celebrations.

But this year I got a distress call (Batman beam into the night sky, if you will) from Henry Holland needing a helping hand with his installation at this year's Browns Halloween party.  Rosy Nicholas jumped on board to collaborate and the two of us cracked out a grave yard for his mail-order brides in less than 24hrs.  I had great fun creating cute bats (just can't help myself.........try and make something scary, and it just turns out CUTE) whilst Rosy whipped up headstones for Henry's slogans.....

"WHO'S AFRAID OF THE DARK MARC BY MARC"

"I'D GO TO HELL FOR A PIECE OF CHANEL"

"I LOVE THE BONES OF STEPHEN JONES"
"BITE ME WITH YOUR FANG ALEXANDER WANG"

The party was held in an amazing massive semi-derelict auditorium next to the Shepherd's Bush Empire.  Browns had fitted the amphitheatre out with dozens of beautifully carved pumpkins glowing in lines down the stairs.  In the main pitt was a small yurt type tent where bands performed including Wolfgang & Marina And The Diamonds.  Other designers who took over a space for display were LPGP who filled a bath with blood and David Koma who created a Batman chain mask on a mannequin to adorn one of his sexy beaded mini dresses.  Although it was difficult to spot who was who through the costumes and cosmetics, I found shoe designer Atalanta Weller in this very impressive bird fascinator and Kim Howells in a NOKI number.  Henry's "scissor-hands" get-up was good but the prize for best look goes to Dorothee of Cooperative Designs whose immaculate attention detail in her Dorothy Wizard of Oz costume was complete with Toto in a basket and ruby shoes...........although her black eye was perhaps a questionable addition.  

* Top Tip from the night - Atalanta shared her beauty secret with me in the ladies room - for the best black eye, ditch the kohl and instead apply mascara by dabbing the wand all around one's eye 

Fri 30th Oct: Who Could Possible live in a house like thiiiiiiiiiis?

My fave creators of cuteness Lazy Oaf have started a new feature on their blog "Through The Keyhole"............and I am the first subject..............one of the pictures shows some of my novelty tape collection which comprises of a pink cloud tape from Lazy Oaf and my own tape I designed for ASOS.com .............you can still buy for £6 just in time for Christmas folks!

For full interview of ridiculous questions and more snaps from my studio..........http://www.lazyoaf.co.uk/blog/

Weds 28th Oct: So into Matthew Herbert

Weds 28th Oct: Matthew Herbert Resound

Er, Wow.  I have got far too many words to describe this experience and feel so incredibly lucky to have witnessed it as it was a one-off in the UK.  Matthew Herbert (supersonic sound magician musician) accompanied by his Big Band with Eska on vocals and backed by the Goldsmiths Vocal Ensemble at The Barbican on Monday night.  The event was part of the British Council's 75th birthday to celebrate their work promoting UK music internationally and giving musicians opportunities to travel for collaboration.  "the arts create unique opportunities for new ways of seeing each other, new ways of knowing each other and new ways of being with each other".

Well, by the end of this concert I felt like I had been sitting in an open top sports car that had been travelling at high speed for the 2 hour duration............my cheeks where pinned back to my ears from continuous smiling (this is a regular occurrence) and I had a little trickle of tears in that wake from the emotional journey through Herbert's score.  I can't detail it as it will set me off again............BUT it was in the most part equally overwhelmingly joyous as it was political and personal.  Herbert deploys incongruous items as instruments and for this isolated event he experimented with newspapers.........the Daily Mail to be precise.  The entire team on stage ripped pages to create a baseline of tearing twitters and the action was choreographed into a humorous routine by Struan Leslie (Royal Shakespeare Company).  This involved making balls for the orchestra to throw at each other, small confetti to (g)litter the air at intervals and even cheer-leader shape pom-poms for Eska to perform with.  I'm not sure if Struan had a hand in Herbert's dance moves, but Matthew shimmied round the stage with a unique Fred Astaire flair which was humbling and hilarious.  When not twiddling with his deck of looping bleeps, he regularly raced around the brass section, conductors and choir for inclusion and encouragement to his incredible assembly of collaborators................To top off his Busby Berkley style moves, he wore a suit with top'n'tails but with a twist that the top was replaced with this magnificent kryprtonite bow-tie made for him by Rosy Nicholas.  Commissioned by the stylist extraordinaire Rowdy Superstar, the bow-tie was Matthew's element of the overall scheme with Eska decked out in this intergalactic warrior princess dress co-designed with Sarina Mantle.  To accessorize Eska, Russell Barratt created a gold coin glove that accentuated her gestures and doubled-up for perfect percussion when shaken into the mic..................Eska looked every bit the blowsy sexy songstress batting her eyelashes making wide-eyed looks to make even Earha Kitt blush.............not to mention the VOICE..............that's a whole other entry.............

Thanks to Rosy for the pics

(l-r Sarina, Rowdy, Russell, Eska)

Tues 27th October: Move With Me, With Me Remove

No time to blog right now........but when I do it will be very large words of admiration for Matthew Herbert who I saw at The Barbican last night........

Mon 26th October: New Gen deadline tomorrow

If like this young man, you are a budding new designer looking for sponsorship to show at London Fashion Week, I can highly recommend "New Gen" funded by Top Shop.  Apply online for the initial initiation...........the deadline for next season is tomorrow............

NEWGEN’s mission is to support the growth of original new collections which have the potential to make a mark on the international scene. Judging is undertaken voluntarily by a panel of Britain’s top editors, buyers and opinion formers who compare entrants against the standards of excellence attained by former winners. Those selected will receive sponsorship and mentoring tailored to the scale and positioning of their products and businesses. Only those willing to undertake the full scale of commitment required should apply. We recommend that you research previous winners and the selection process of NEWGEN on our website: http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/content.aspx?CategoryID=519

Sunday 25th October: Studio visit = Van Der Ham

This weekend I went to catch up with Michael's news following on from his immeasurable success showing with Fashion East at Somerset House.  Since just returning from the London sales showroom at Paris Fashion Week he has started production for his orders.  Although it is too previous to announce specific stockists, I can hint that there may well be a few............not just London!  Yipee!  Apparently the best-seller is the camel/navy patchwork dress seen here which feels like heaven in your hands and heaven on earth to wear.  To keep you in check before you can get your hands on these classics, Michael will be single-handledly installing a display in an Italian boutique.  Having won the ITS EIGHT award, Michael will be taking over the windows of Vertice boutique in Turin, launching on the 7th November.  The timing is in conjunction with the Artissima Art Fair which Michael felt a fitting project as his collection's initial inspiration incidentally came from Warhol!  Well after all, Michael you are an artist too, lets not forget!  Watch this space for stockist news..................

Sunday 25th October: Sweeter than a Daisy Kiss

Dazed & Confused Magazine invited me down to Selfridges for the launch of their T-Shirt collaboration with Edun, designed by Jo Ratcliffe for  War Child.  15% of the sales from this limited edition collection will go to their current projects in the Congo ........hence Jo's hand drawn illustrations of a tiger, lion, zebra and snake emblazoned on the front.   A little weird to think that whilst we had the privilege of enjoying music and drinks in London's Westend, children were carrying on coping with their daily realities in the war zone of the democratic republic............but I guess if it means spreading the word to boost sales to get the cash flowing into the funds, it might be worth it.........

War Child are a Kentish Town based charity who chose another Kentish Town concern to perform at the opening..........Kitty, Daisy and Lewis.  There are lots of snaps here as the band that comprise of 5 family members interchange instruments during the set.  I LOVE this gimmick of the group, their energy is just so natural and fluid between bashing drums or tapping a xylophone.  Needless to say, I am a big fan of my local band and it was a hilarious coincidence that they turned up at my next pit-stop in Camden that night.  My fellow friends took me to the album launch for Mr.Hudson (also Kentish Town resident!) at The Enterprise.  We congregated in the pub opposite the Roundhouse to see in the release of "Straight No Chaser" whilst the audience of The Electric Proms spilled out of the venue over the road.  When I got home to KTown, The Doves gig was being televised straight after the show so infact I didn't miss out on that gig..............the perfect end to a weirdly Camden themed night!

I'm currently listening to The Charts (very necessary Sunday activity since my childhood) and the War Child single "I Got Soul" has landed at No.10  To help raise even more money for the fantastic unique charity helping children that didn't chose to grow up in cross-fire........you can buy the record here.

 

Fri 23rd October: Rainbow GaGa, Rainbow GuGu

My first ever commission was from Kathryn Ferguson to make some paper accessories for a shoot for Tank ............when we met through SHOWstudio when Kathryn had finished interning there and I had finished with Shona Heath..............Roll on a (good) few years, and Kathryn is now directing fashion films (eg. Richard Nicoll) and curating the Birds Eye View Film Festival.  Yesterday her short for Lady GaGa was aired on Dazed Digital which she shot in June whilst GaGa was amidst rehersals for Glastonbury.  Styled by Nicola Formichetti (Anna Trevelyan) it features many yummy outfits comprising of David Koma, Charlie Le Mindu, Jaiden rVa James, NOKI.............and my archive headpiece which tops off a Pam Hogg catsuit and Petra Storres Rainbow shoulder piece.........ahh, how I would love to wear that look myself!  Its very close to my dream everyday outfit!  A real Rainbow Brite come to life!  (All behind the scenes photography by Kasia Bobula taken from Dazed Digital and portrait of me by Edmunds and Rodgers for Glamcult Magazine)  

Fri 23rd October: Check Out

Its the final day that my curated wall be live on Supermarket Sarah so if you want something fun  for the weekend .............check it out at the check out...............online..........or down at her stall on Portabello today...........

Thurs 22 Oct: Cube Press Day

Exactly a month after London Fashion Week, its Cube PR press day today.........here are some snaps from when I finished installing my S/S 10 collection last evening............

Head down today to check it out to add some colour and shine to your day..............also on show are Cooperative Designs, Dean Quinn, Jaiden rVa James, Louise Amstrup, NOKI, Sophie Hulme, The Convenience Store ...............and Dark Room which looks like an interesting new Boutique actually on Lambs Conduit stocking Maria Francesca Pepe and Fleet Ilya..............

Weds 21 Oct: Birds of a feather at Mandi's Basement

Yesterday was the first of 2 press days at Mandi Lennard Publicity.  With her newly trimmed and focused roster, the synergy of her clients stood out between Gareth Pugh and Roksanda Illincic who have both incorporated feathers in their latest S/S collections seen here.  How funny that the saying Birds of a feather came to my mind (not the Chingford duo!) and I looked up the meaning which really fits the subconscious comradely of Mandi's clients:

 "Birds of a feather flock together". (In old poetic English, "birds of a feather" means birds which have the same kind of feathers, so the proverb refers to the fact that birds congregate with birds of their own species.)

They also created their own special muse doll for Mandi's other client Barbie. Mandi's penchant for manicured nails is echoed in the form of an omnipresent statement furnishing in her showroom as a large Barbie doll hand left over from a DSM installation by Hillman Studio.  The enviable position of being one of London's most gifted PR's has been documented in this month's Elle as an interiors article illustrating Mandi in "My Space" surrounded by all of her favourite things (including the giant rainbow magazine tear sheet Chanel bag I gave her).

Thanks to Jessica for attending Mandi's Roller Disco to take these snaps for my blog.  Her previous work placement was at Milliner Noel Stewart where coincidentally she had a hand in making this feather hat for Roksanda.........

Tues 20th Oct: Herb-bow-tie

Here is Matthew Herbert wearing custom made bow-ties for his latest video made by Rosy Nicholas commissioned by Rowdy Superstar who is currently working with Matthew on different projects...................including currently recording his own album.   Thanks to Rowdy, Rosy and I went to see other Herbert protege's Micachu and The Invisible in concert last week...............when I gave my name "Rowdy" at the box office, the lady said "surname?"......to which I replied "Superstar"............never said that before!.............

Watch this space on for more info on this video with an ever increasing size bow tie and doubly the ever increasing fortune of the future for everything in Rowdy's record Wonderland..............

Video credits: 

TRACK NAME- LEIPZIG

PHOTOGRAPHER- LUCY POPE

DIRECTOR- MARGARET SALMON

STYLING- ROWDY SUPERST*R

Mon 19th October: Calling all handsome chaps

Yes, you can be a model for SHOWstudio at Somerset House............either to be shot by Jason Evans or star in Simon Foxton's living installation "Sittings".  All you have to do is head down to the exhibit and find the interactive casting booth to pose for a mugshot.  In addition, you will need to state a few of your stats...........but don't make the same mistake as my friend Naomi: 

"I went into the bit where you are supposed to talk to the machine to apply to be a SHOWstudio model and the machine says “NAME” so I said “Naomi Attwood” the machine says “HIDE” so I ran away from the camera and hid in the corner. Then the machine said “CHEST” then it said “SHOE SIZE” so I realised that it didn’t say “HIDE” at all, it said “HEIGHT” in a Steven Hawking voice and you weren’t supposed to hide at all. So that’s why I’ll probably not become a famous model now. Oh well."

Here are shots from Simon's Sittings on Friday with a fresh face who I rang to speak to purely for research purposes!  I take my journalism very seriously.  Of course it helped that he was easy on the eye (as you can tune into the live feed on the site).  So I found out that his "Omar Kashoura" suit was really quite comfortable and that he was enjoying his orange socks and laces that complimented the backdrop.  His name was Alex and it was his first job from having signed to AMCK the day before!   

Thanks to Rasharn Agyemang for taking these pictures for the post to illustrate a 1st hand account of the project as he is Simon's right hand man.  Of course Rasharn is also known as one half of the menswear design duo Jaiden RVA James who just showed at Somerset House themselves during London Fashion Week.  To see both his collection and incidentally Omar Kashoura's ..........both will be on preview at Cube PR press day this Thurs.............um.........where mine will be too................its a family thing..........

STYLIST SIMON FOXTON 

ASSITANT RASHARN AGYEMANG 

POTOGRAPHER RASHARN AGYEMANG