As part of the London Design Festival I recently went to Covent Garden’s Hospital Club, for a private viewing of Martha Freud’s latest exquisite design exhibition, ‘Light Impressions’. The stunning imprinted porcelain work results from Martha’s continued fascination with nature and the beauty of short-lived organisms. In particular I loved the contrast between the illuminated sprat fish staged amongst the more romantic and ethereal ceramic flowered light fixtures which I have long adored. The beautiful and talented Martha, the Great-Granddaughter to Sigmund and Granddaughter of Clement, who is expecting a baby with partner Adam Smith (below right, and below left with brother Jack) said, “it will be interesting to see how the little one influences my work… I feel I still have a lot to explore in my quest to harness an element of nature’s beauty.”
Anna Dello Russo's 'Fashion Shower'
Self-proclaimed 'guardian of fashion' Anna Dello Russo, the Japanese Vogue fashion director renown for her creative style, has released a bonkers music video to promote her upcoming accessories range for H&M (that I wrote about here.) In this music video, whilst adorned in her H&M accessories and a skin-tight PVC mini dress, Anna Dello Russo advises her more than captive audience to take a ‘Fashion Shower,’ whilst chanting her golden rules of style. Juuuust incase you get mildly distracted by the video itself, Anna's fashion rules (which must obviously be read in an elaborate Italian accent) are as follows;
1: Fashion is a declaration of your own freedom.
2: Between style and fashion? Absolutely fashion.
3: Fashion is always uncomfortable; if you feel comfortable you never get the look.
4: Fabulous at every age.
5: Wearing night clothes in the daytime is unexpected.
6: Somebody wearing your same outfit? Wonderful, you did the right choice.
7: You must wear outfit once.
8: Wear coat as a dress.
9: It doesn't matter the size of your body, fashion flatter everything.
10: Fashion jewels personalise your style.
"Accessories are like vitamins to fashion — as such, you should use them liberally."
The Anna Dello Russo for H&M accessories collection arrives in-store on October 4 2012.
Musical Moment: Sam and the Womp ('Bom Bom')
Fronted by Bloem de Ligny, Sam and the Womp are an 8-piece British group who formed in 2009 who fuse Balkan Music, Jamaican Ska and disco (intrigued?!) ‘Bom Bom’ was released earlier this month and is the perfect, euphoric, happy song to get you in the mood for the The Notting Hill Carnival this Bank Holiday weekend. Enjoy!
"But I'm so cool, and I'm so groovy,
when I go Bom Bom Bom!"
The Chanel 'Little Black Jacket' Exhibition Comes to London
Chanel’s latest photographic exhibition, ‘The Little Black Jacket,’ inspired by a coffee table book created by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld, will soon be hitting our very own shores after huge successes in Tokyo, New York, Taipei and Hong Kong.
The iconic ‘Little Black Jacket’ was first designed in the 1950s by Coco Chanel and has undergone several transformations and reinventions since. Karl Lagerfeld believes firmly that style is not a result of the garment you wear, but how you wear the garment, and this exhibition shows the versatility and timelessness of this iconic jacket. With 113 ‘friends of the House,’ including models, stylists, actors, designers and musicians, all photographed adapting the classic jacket in unique and modern ways their very own individuality and inimitable styles are highlighted.
Photographs include Lily Allen wearing the covetable tweed jacket as a cape, Claudia Schiffer wearing hers with a white apron, Alexa Chung teaming hers with cut off Daisy Duke shorts and SJP creatively wearing her jacket as a crown!
Eek! I'm SO excited!
Running simultaneously with the exhibition, window displays in Chanel's boutiques across London will present a selection of jackets from the latest collections.
The highly anticipated book, ‘The Little Black Jacket: Chanel's Classic Revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld,’ will also be available worldwide in bookstores this autumn.
October 12 - October 28, 2012
The Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York's HQ, King's Road, London, SW3 4RY.
Admission will be free.
Lana Del Rey's Campaign for H&M
I mentioned here that Lana Del Rey was to be the new face of H&M’s A/W’12 campaign and I can now reveal the results.
The 10-page lookbook, photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, show the singer modeling H&M’s latest collection looking like a melancholic, dainty doll from a 1960’s film noir, with back-combed hair, dark winged eyeliner, trademark pouty lips. The collection is made up primarily of pastel colours but they are given a harder edge when mixed with charcoal greys and burgundy staples. I particularly like the abstract, printed pieces Lana wears, the velvet heels, chandelier earrings and adorable little bows in her hair.
Lana has recorded a cover of ‘Blue Velvet’ for H&M that will be released on September 19. While we wait on the release I am still loving the remix of Lana’s ‘Blue Jeans.’
Wilderness Festival 2012
Last weekend I went to the idyllic Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire to enjoy the funshine at Wilderness. Organised by the team behind the Secret Garden Party and Lovebox, the two-year old festival is distinctly original and unlike any other I have been to.
With an emphasis on ‘feasting, lounging and partying,’ Wilderness attracts a diverse, family-friendly crowd (there were as many beer-hungry ravers as there were milk-hungry babies) as it combines music, food, talks, debates, outdoor pursuits and late-night parties in equal measure.
With a beautiful boating (and for the more brave/buff, skinny dipping) lake, horseriding, fly-fishing, a spa sanctuary with hot tubs, yoga classes, massage tents, screenings by Secret Cinema, theatre, talks, debates, an array of craft stalls and an exceptional array of delicious food, the whole occasion is both creative and relaxing. Tim Harvey, who organises the festival said, “Wilderness is more than just a feast for the eyes and ears… It’s a place to indulge the senses, relax, and eat well.” And Indulge I certainly did....
Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Lianne La Havas, Spiritualized, Crystal Fighters, Temper Trap and Wilco were all playing at the festival, but the real headliners were the celebrated chefs Yotam Ottolenghi, Fergus Henderson and Valentine Warner who all staged decadent banquets across the weekend. There was also a very popular Moro Souk Tent (below) and the Thyme Cookery School were at the festival offering some excellent classes.
The copious, delicious food stalls spread generously around the park were certainly not offering the usual greasy festival fodder… With Fin and Flounder, Poco Loco, Churros Bros, Annie Mae’s, and my favourite chilli wraps from Arancini Brothers ('World Famous in ALL Posh Towns!') I could have been rolled home on Sunday.
Below: Festival Style - I loved these unfussy, simple and chic looks.
This year Wilderness joined forces with The Vintage Festival (previously held at London’s Southbank.) So, admist the more usual festival attire (flower garlands, hotpants, colourful Hunter wellies) there was fantastic retro and sexy pin-up fashion in abundance (left and below).
Adding to the eccentricity of this festival, there was an immense vintage market (which I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to vacate), a 1950’s beauty parlour, a roller disco, and a stunning swing/jazz club offering dance classes.
Below: Not a festival trend I EVER wish to see again... Leave the tails to the children!
Below: I felt like Joan of Arc in this incredible Prangsta Costumiers Head Candy.
Love. Want. Need. Please.
Below: The wonderful Jack Savoretti
Watch my video of Jack singing 'Take Me Home,' one of my favourites, here.
The highlight of my weekend however, was The Old Vic Tunnels Masked Ball. An enormous masked crowd were led by an African percussion troupe in a midnight procession, from the Wilderness Stage into the Wychwood forest, for a magical extravaganza which had three DJs playing throughout the wood into the wee hours.
(Above: With You Magazine's Amy Williams and Old Vic Tunnel Director, Hamish Jenkinson.) Amidst the corsets and stunning venetian masks I found myself, in a leopard print catsuit and cat mask, dancing alongside an array of heroic Batmen, a Skeletor, various furry faced animals, several morph suited revelers, and some bloke in a mankini…
Below: The Old Vic Tunnel's Masked Ball certainly put the 'Wild' into the Wilderness.
Early Bird tickets are already available for Wilderness 2013 here.
Sign. Me. Up.
Super Girl Power at the Closing Ceremony
There was some SERIOUS Girl Power in the Olympic Stadium on Sunday night when we were not only treated to an awesome Spice Girls reunion but also to a strutting swarm of stunning Supermodels.
Ever since Stella McCartney signed up to design the Team GB outfits (unsurprisingly, the most coveted by all other athletes) fashion was always going to play a part in London 2012. Soooo… Who wore who?
The Spice Girls
Victoria Beckham looked very ‘Posh' in a stunning, custom-made Giles Deacon dress with black Christian Louboutin stilettos. Ginger Geri Haliwell paid homage to her infamous Brit Award’s Union Jack dress wearing this Suzanne Neville peplum dress, an Olympic inspired tiara and Isabel Marant gold Dicker boots. ‘Baby’ Emma Bunton wore her signature pink in a dress by Maggie Cook with glittery heels. Melanie C wore a white jumpsuit from JD Sports with some Sporty silver wedged trainers. Melanie B wore a nude cat suit embellished with amazing gold detailing by Lenanese designer Zuhair Murad – definitely more sexy than Scary! A-Zig-A-Zig-Aaah.
The Supers
This army of British Beauties were a glittering mirage of gold medal hues in outfits created by iconic British designers. A totally immaculate vision paying tribute to British fashion and it's Midas Touch.
The Supermodels were styled by Lucinda Chambers, Vogue UK's fashion director, who nervously spoke from backstage on the night, "It's incredible that Britain, such a tiny country, has such a broad range of talent in fashion, and that's what we wanted to show. We're known for bonkers fashion, but what I hope came across is that these designers make beautiful clothes… that people would want to wear."
Above: Kate Moss in a mermaid-like, gold and silver Alexander McQueen dress.
Above (L-R): Karen Elson glamourously glistening in Burberry and Naomi Cambell looking beyond radiant in Alexander McQueen.
Above (L-R): Stella Tennant glitters in a Christopher Kane tuxedo while Lily Cole is effortlessly ethereal in Erdem.
Above: Lily Donaldson shimmering in Vivienne Westwood
Above (L-R): Georgia May Jagger shines in Victoria Beckham, David Eye-Candy Gandy wears a suit by Paul Smith and Jourdan Dunn models a Christopher Kane dress and a feathered headpiece by Stephen Jones.
18 carat Fashion Fabulous.
These images appear in Vogue's September Issue - Out Now.
Julian Ovenden: Live at the Hippodrome
Last night I went to London’s Hippodrome to watch chiseled stage and screen actor Julian Ovenden showcase music from his debut album, ‘If You Stay.’ Julian sang an eclectic mix of romantic and intimate classics, with fantastic range and depth, my favourites being ‘The Windmills Of Your Mind’ and 'Up, Up and Away.' Between songs, Julian entertained his audience with sweet stories about his family… In fact, this hour-long performance could be described an hour-long serenade to his opera singer wife, Kate Royal. Lucky Lady.
Known by many for his acting role in the long-running series Foyle’s War, Julian Ovenden has always sung and played piano (winning musical scholarships to both Eton and Oxford) and it was only a matter of time before his two talents merged together on stage. This Autumn Julian will star in the much-anticipated musical theatre version of the 2004’s Oscar-nominated film, ‘Finding Neverland.’ Produced by the Oscar-winning Harvey Weinstein and directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford, Julian will play the Peter Pan author James M. Barrie. With a five week Leicester run opening in September, there are high hopes for a West-End transfer early next year. Fingers all crossed.
Fact: Julian Ovenden played the role of the Diet Coke Man and his father is the Queen’s chaplain. Yes. That officially makes Julian a real life sweet talking son of a preacher man (or in this case, a sweet singing son of a Queen’s chaplain) who can also make an entire nation of women collectively swoon during their morning work breaks.
Julian Ovenden: Live At the Hippodrome tickets available here and to buy 'If You Stay' click here.
Lana Del Rey - New Face of H&M
The rumours were true, Lana Del Rey IS the new face of H&M.
The H&M Autumn/Winter’12 campaign, photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, will feature the sultry songstress in her signature retro style, with her trademark black eyeliner and pale pout, wearing key pieces from the collection.
Donald Schneider, H&M's Creative Director revealed, "the mood is very LA noir… It’s inspired by our fall collection." An advert has also been filmed where Lana Del Rey sings
‘Blue Velvet,’ a 1950’s Bobby Vinton classic.
Also confirmed this week by H&M is its latest designer collaboration for autumn/winter 2012: French fashion house Maison Martin Margiela.
The statement released promised to “bring together the contrasting universes of the two houses in ways that will surprise all.”
Available from November 15th 2012.
Jack Savoretti, 'Before The Storm' UK Tour
“London-born Jack Savoretti is the type of guy you can imagine flinging his guitar on his shoulder and hitching a ride to explore pastures new: a free spirit, with a sensitive soul worn on his sleeve." Jameela Oberman.
With the release of his album, ‘Before The Storm,’ husky singer/songwriter Jack Savoretti has been touring the country, showcasing his new material with his band, The Dirty Romantics. This album’s music is more confident and diverse – darker almost – than his previous releases, although Jack’s romantic, poetic lyrics are still ever present, ever wooing his audience.
I personally love the Gypsy inspired song ‘Knock Knock’ and the beautiful, emotional duet Jack sings with the actress Sienna Miller, ‘Hate & Love.’
Throughout Jack’s UK tour he has been holding an amazing competition in support of unsigned, upcoming musicians, to find the best cover of his new single ‘Take Me Home.’ Jack chose his favourite YouTube submitted entry and invited the winner to open his show and perform alongside him at his Bush Hall gig in London last week, which I attended.
Right: Backstage with Jack Savoretti after his gig.
Below: I filmed the nervous and talented winner, Rebecca Clements, on stage performing 'Take Me Home' with Jack.
Below: Jack Savoretti and The Dirty Romantics perform ‘Black Rain’ at the Bush Hall.
Also, see Jack joined onstage at the Bush Hall here by enthusiastic superfan Adam, after he pleaded from the crowd for Jack to sing his favourite song ‘One Man Band.’
See Jack Savoretti playing live with The Dirty Romanticsat The Hard Rock Calling Festival in London (July 14th) and at The Wilderness Festival in Oxfordshire (August 11th)