Baku Magazine Website Launch

Last week I attended the launch of Baku Magazine online at Baku Cellar 164 .  Amidst the flame throwing, magic tricks by Fergus Flanagan and DJ set by Amber Le Bon and Becky Tong, I enjoyed some bubbles alongside half the cast of ‘Made In Chelsea’ (Baku is on Sloane Street after all, darrrrling!)  Awesome art by award winning street artist Rich Simmonswas also exhibited and is available to view at Baku Cellar 164 until May 15th when another contemporary artist will be showcased.   

Above:  Amongst Rich Simmons Art (Clockwise L-R):  Kelly Eastwood with Francis Boulle and Katy Wickremesinghe,  Amber Le Bon and Becky Tong, Me again (wearing a velvet and lace trim top by Sandro, the Heart Mac by Elizabeth Lau, bag by Mulberry). 

'Manet: Portraying Life' at the Royal Academy

I recently went to see the Manet exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts… alongside most of London it seemed!  In what was the most overcrowded of shows I’ve been to in a long time (advance bookings were among the highest in the academy's recent history) I saw more that sixty of Édouard Manet's portraits.  Unfortunately, the quality of the work exhibited, much of which was not shown during the artist’s lifetime, was desperately uneven (several were even unfinished) and I found myself searching for the more well known of Manet’s paintings, omitted from this show.  However, as well as learning a lot about the artist’s life, there were some obviously excellent pieces to admire, especially those of Manet’s sister-in-law Berthe Morisot (above) and that of the Monet family in their tranquil garden at Argenteuil (below).

The show closes this Sunday but there are extended opening hours this weekend until midnight.  Tickets RRP. £15.00 available Here. 

The Black Cat Cabaret

Last week I was invited to the decadent Titanic Ballroom at the Café de Paris to watch The Black Cat Cabaret, the descendent of the infamous Parisien nightspot, ‘Le Chat Noir’, brought to London by the co-founders of the Boom Boom Club and La Rêve.  

Whilst enjoying a delicious three-course dinner, I was treated to an array of vintage-inspired performances from musicians, dancers and acrobats, transporting me back to the bygone era of Montmartre’s daring cabaret world.  It was easy, having been to London hotspot, ‘The Box,’ not to be as impressed with all the performances as I perhaps should have been (some of the acts were simply too underwhelming), but the show’s devilish host and co-creator, Dusty Limits, gave a fantastically mischievous and utterly commanding performance, ably abetted by wonderful can-can dancing, an ethereal burlesque performance, mesmerizing hula hooping from ‘drunken’ showgirl Kalki and, my favourite, Dickie Beau’s brilliantly mimed invocation of Kenneth Williams.  A totally charming and whimsical night out. 

The Black Cat Cabaret has one last performance with this cast on Good Friday.  For £10 off tickets enter the discount code '8livesleft'

General Show Admission:   £15.00
Early Bird Show Admission:  £12.00
2 Course Dinner & Show:  £47.50
3 Course Dinner & Show:  £52.50
VIP 3 Course Dinner & Show: £75.00

Musical Moment: Haim ('Forever')

I Wish We All Could Be Californian Girls... like Haim.

As I’m currently in LA I feel it both right and proper for my next Musical Moment to come from, Haim.  Influenced by 80’s pop and early 90’s R&B, these Californian sisters, Este, Alana and Danielle Haim, are about to be HUGE.  I love this song.  It reminds me of Gloria Estefan's '‘the rhythm is gonna get you,” and makes you want to dance around your bedroom.  A seeerious girl anthem.  

 

"Forever I see you and me, forever I'll try for you and I,
No I never believed in their insight, just another good reason to get it right..."

Super (Bowl) Beyonce

A leather-clad Beyonce brilliantly strutted her stuff last weekend, in what was the most amazing halftime show in Super Bowl history!  In 12 high-octane minutes, Beyonce managed to not only belt out a several of her own songs, including ‘Baby Boy,’ ‘Halo,’ and ‘Crazy In Love,’ but also host a mini Destiny’s Child reunion with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, which was, as expected, A.W.E.S.O.M.E.  

Aware of what an honour this opportunity was, Beyonce said, “I'm trying to learn to live every moment, because these moments are not promised to us," she said. "I've had a 16-year career, and all of the things that I've done have prepared me for this. ... I'm ready."

The London Chatter's Winter Sun Essentials

If you are lucky enough to escape the f..f..f..freezing weather in London right now, and are getting ready to jet off to sunnier climes, then you may be wondering where to find stylish summery goodies whilst the high street is currently brim full of wooly jumpers and mittens. Fear not, as a seasoned Winter-skiver (I have myself just returned from FIVE weeks in Kenya, above) I have put together a selection of Winter Sun must-haves, so whether you are heading to a tropical jungle, a secluded white sandy beach or are just planning to relax pool-side somewhere glamorous, your sunshine needs will be totally catered for...

Above Clockwise (L-R):  Globetrotter Safari Trolley Case in Ivory - £860.00,  Topshop Sundress - £38.00,  Miu Miu Cat Eye Sunglasses - £225.00,  Daisy Jewelry's Solar Plexus Chakra Bracelet - £86.00 £34.40, Kenneth Jay Lane's Gold Coin Necklace - £70.83 £49.17,  Accessorize Flower Fan - £6.00,  Stella McCartney Lizzie Espadrilles - £146.00.

Above Clockwise (L-R):  Meli Melo Bon Bon Bag in Cipria - £320.00 £224.00,  Topshop Hawaiian Print Sundress - £36.00,  Tangle Teezer - £10.00, Nars Monoi Body Glow Ii - £44.00, Benefit CORALista Powder - £23.50, Benefit CORALista Lipgloss - £13.50,  Dara Ettinger Lark Dyed Amethyst Cluster Ring - £69.17,  ASOS Cat Eye Flying Birds Sunglasses - £20.00, DKNY Linda Patent Multi-Strap Cork Wedges - £120.83.

Left and Below:   At The Tamarind in Mombasa, Kenya, wearing The Summer Dress - £150.00 - a British collaboration between designer Chessie Grievson (of the luxury bespoke label Tephi) and artist and conservationist Sophia Rogge.  This silk dress features a sand dollar print, inspired by the sea urchins from the oceans of Fiji. 10% of profits from this purchase will go towards coral conservation. Fashionable and environmentally friendly... No excuse not to really!  

Above Clockwise (L-R):  Beach Tunes!  The Very Best Of Toots & The Maytals - £15.99,  Bruno Mars 'Unorthodox Jukebox,' - £7.99,  Jack Savoretti 'Before The Storm' - £7.99,   Ben Howard 'Every Kingdom,' - £8.99, Lissie 'Catching A Tiger' - £4.99,  The Lumineers - £7.99.

David Beckham's H&M advert directed by Guy Ritchie

H&M are so thoughtful.  Just when you feel unable to cope with being back at work, the dreadful weather and January life in general (yesterday was 'Blue Monday!')  they present us with a fresh new dose of pictures featuring Becks in his undies to cheer us up.  'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' director Guy Ritchie has filmed footage of a scantily clad Becks and his pecks in Beverley Hills for the latest H&M advert due out on February 6th. 

"David makes the perfect leading man," said Ritchie. "For me this felt more than a campaign - it was like directing a short film."   The humorous commercials will debut all the collection's new colours, including red and blue, added to Beckham's Bodywear range just in time for Valentine's Day.  David Beckham commented, “working with Guy has been a fantastic experience. I hope everyone has as much fun watching the film as I had making it…”  Probably a whooooooole lot more David.  That’s an (unw)rap! 

Golden Globes 2013

I have made no secret that I LOVE award shows.  I am thrilled that people from all areas within the film industry are annually rewarded for their often extreme and valiant attempts to entertain us… But mainly, I just freaking love seeing all the pretty frocks on the red carpet.  The fashion at last weekend’s 70th Golden Globes may have seemed a tad disappointing to some in comparison to last year’s more glamorous turn out, but I for one actually really appreciated the more fresh-faced actresses wearing simpler, cleaner silhouettes giving the typically bejeweled and fishtailed crowd a run for their money. 

My two favourite looks of the night were those of Thandie Newton (above, in Giles Deacon teamed with I'd-sell-my-granny-for-this-pair-of bubblegum pink heels) and Marion Cotilard (below, in custom-made Christian Dior by Raf Simons accessorised with a leopard print clutch).   Both actresses wore unconventionally shorter cut dresses than we are used to seeing at these Tinseltown ceremonies , and both looked beautifully modern, unfussy and surprisingly natural in a sea of Veronica Lake hair and embellished tulle.

Several red carpet trends (which in turn, usually indicate what will be 'coming soon to a cinema high street near you’) were very clear for us to see – alongside a bizarrely large amount of black dresses (luckily made more interesting with varying degrees of pretty gold embellishment, as seen below) I noticed the following styles having their moment; 

 1)  Peekaboo Cutaways

As seen in abundance on the SS’13 catwalks, cutaway styles and peekaboo detailing is a mehejour trend for this year, one that was shown in all it’s glory a the Golden Globes.  Below (L-R):  Peepo!  Emily Blunt sparkling in Michael Kors, Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson looking utterly regal in Alexander McQueen and Kristen Wiig in Michael Kors.

2)  Fifty Shades of Red

From scarlet to ruby, from ox-blood to tomato, all the colours of the red rainbow were well represented on the matching carpet.  Below (L-R, Clockwise):  Ben Affleck's Argo-rgeous wife Jennifer Garner in Vivienne Westwood, Clare Danes in vibrant Versace, Zooey Deschanel was fairy-tale cute in Oscar de la Renta, girl-of-the-moment Jennifer Lawrence dramatic in Dior, Naomi Watts in Zac Posen and Marion Cotillard looking aDiorable.

3)  It's Just, A Little Blush 

The Red Carpet made many an actress blush last night, with a bevy of beauties choosing nude tones.  Below (L-R):  Kerry Washington Wow Wow’s in Miu Miu, Meghan Fox in Dolce & Gabbana, Anne Hathaway elegant in Chanel, Amada Seyfried ethereal in Givenchy.

4)  Backless

Rather than strapless, this year's red carpet was all about backless... Just perfect for that 'looking over my left shoulder' pose.  Below (L-R):  Naomi Watts posing in Zac Posen, Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein and Julianna Margulies being Pucci Perfect. 

5)  Fishtailed Fancies

There was lots of swishing and wiggling with beautiful mermaid tails a'plenty at this year's Golden Globes.  Below (L-R):  Taylor Swift looked amazing in Donna Karan Atelier, Amy Adams in Marchesa and the always perfect Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta.

6)  Brits Abroad

Say what you want about their outfits, and a couple of these choices have indeed had some critics on the fence, but the Brits are all about non-traditional, fashion-forward style.  Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the… Carpet.  I salute you ladies.  (Below L-R):  Dotty for Rachel Weisz in Louis Vuitton, cream of the crop(tops) Sienna Miller in Erdem, Thandie Newton in Giles Deacon and a lady(Mary)like Michelle Dockery in Alexandre Vauthier.

7)  Jolie-ing

An odd trend but a trend nonetheless!   Angelina’s awkward right leg thrust at last year’s Oscars obviously had a resounding effect in Hollywood with several actresses at the Golden Globes also putting their best foot (far too) forward for the cameras.  Below (L-R):  Eva Longoria in Pucci, Lea Michele in Elie Saab , Halle Berry in Atelier Versace, Rosie Huntington-Whitely statuesque in Saint Laurent and Heidi Klum in Alexandre Vauthier.

When Bad Dresses Happen To Good People...

Unfortunately there are always some ladies who just… get it wrong.   This year, I think the worst dress was worn by Jessica Chastain (below).  Usually on all the 'Best Dressed' lists, the Golden Globe Award winning actress wore this saggy light blue dress by Calvin Klein. 

Jessica's style travesty was closely followed by Halle Berry (in Atelier Versace - very nineties J-Lo),  Lucy Lu (this Carolina Herrera dress is too big with too complicated a print for the red carpet) and Eva Longoria (just too chesty and too leggy in Pucci – pick just one). 

First Official Portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge Unveiled

If the camera adds ten pounds, does the paintbrush add ten years?!   The first official, highly anticipated, painting of the Duchess of Cambridge was unveiled today and no, you would not be alone in thinking you just woke up in the year 2023.   The portrait, called HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery and painted by the artist Paul Emsley. Despite the portrait clearly not doing the pretty thirty-one year old Duchess any justice, ageing her quite dramatically, when affronted with the painting and it’s artist Catherine graciouslyand politely praised the work as, "just amazing. Absolutely brilliant."   Someone get that canvas some eye serum pronto...! 

All I Want For Christmas Is....

All I want for Christmas is you... And this... And maybe a few of these... Oh, and this too...

Above Clockwise (L-R): Brilliant Books from Amazon...  'Kate: The Kate Moss Book' - £50.00 £42.50, Tim Walker's 'Story Teller' - £45.00 £24.30, Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld's 'The Little Black Jacket' - £65.00 £55.25, Mel S.Elliot's 'Colour Me Good Ryan Gosling' - £7.50 £6.00, Camilla Morton's 'Diane Von Furstenberg and the Tale of the Empress's New Clothes' - £12.99 £8.83, 'Grace' by Grace Coddington - £25.00 £21.25.

Above Clockwise (L-R):  Sophia Rogge Silk Scarfs - £190.00 or £270 for personalised, Plates from Anthropologie - £16.00 - £26.00, Anya Hindmarch Studded Leather Cosmetic Case - £225.00. 

Above Clockwise (L-R):  Movies and Music from Amazon... 'Moonrise Kingdom' (DVD) - £11.99, 'Homeland' Season 1 (DVD) - £24.97, 'The Hunger Games' (DVD) - £10.00, Rihanna's 'Unapologetic' (CD) - £8.99, Jake Bugg (CD) - £7.99.

Oh... And World Peace.