Golden Globes 2014

I look forward to the Golden Globes every year.  Like the more louche and drunk cousin of the Oscars, this ceremony provides us with an early indication of the award season’s winners and, more importantly, our first glimpse at the latest SS’14 show stopping frocks and red carpet trends… #ClothesOverShows!  My favourite three dresses were worn by (*drumroll...) Lupita Nyong'o, Cate Blanchett and Caitlin Fitzgerald.

Above:  Lupita Nyong’o...  I am a BIG fan of cape dresses and ‘12 Years a Slave’ newcomer Lupita Nyong’o looked the bomb in this dramatic Ralph Lauren gown which was reminiscent of Gwyneth Paltrow’s striking Tom Ford cape dress at the 2012 Oscars.

Above:  Cate Blanchett... As always, the graceful ‘Blue Jasmine’ actress gave us a masterclass in red carpet dressing.  Always elegant yet quirky, Cate Blanchett looked both gothic and regal in her black tulle and lace Armani Prive high-necked, backless dress. 
Starlets take note. 

Above:  Caitlin Fitzgerald...  'Masters of Sex' actress Caitlin Fitzgerald looked incredible in her gorgeous powder blue, Emilia Wickstead step hem dress.  I do wish she had styled her hair a little more in keeping with the high neckline of the dress (a slick updo would have been perfect) but I think her accessories and make up were divine.

Three major red carpet trends stood out at the 2014 Golden Globes; Red, Nude and… Bumps! Yes, amidst the crimson silks and blush tulle were several glowingly pregnant lead actresses posing for two.  I also noticed that, unlike last year’s ceremony, there were less glossy limbs and cleavages on show (perhaps a Miley backlash?!) as a welcome return to higher necklines and more demure dress lengths were favoured. 

Above:  Ladies in Red (L-R):  Lupita Nyong'o in her scene stealing Ralph Lauren cape dress and Emma Roberts in the backless scarlet Dior Couture dress she paired with navy trousers. Amy Adams looked sexier than usual in a ‘70’s inspired, two-tone burgundy/red halter-neck Valentino dress and singer Taylor Swift wore cherry-red Carolina Herrera.

Above:  Pale and Interesting (L-R): Naomi Watts wore a metallic, white gold Tom Fordcolumn dress and Margo Robbie flashed emerald green heels from under her cream Guccidress.  Zooey Deschenal looked as kooky cute as always in a glittering ivory Oscar de la Renta skirt and embellished crop top (with a daisy mani naturally!) and similaily, Sally Hawkins wore a beautifully embellished Dior ensemble.  Michelle Dockery looked every inch the lady (Mary) in strapless Oscar de la Renta.

Above:  Battle of the Bumps (L-R):  Olivia Wilde (who is expecting her first baby with Jason Sudeikis) looked bumpalicious in this body-skimming, long sleeved, emerald-green sequined dress by Gucci.  'Scandal' star Kerry Washington bumped beautifully in her, albeit quite mature, Balenciaga silk crepe gown with diamond pin designed by Alexander Wang. Drew Barrymore wore a petal-embellished Monique L’huillier bumptastic gown which I don’t think would have suited anyone else other than her.

As expected there are always a selection of dresses which cause debate and others which outright have us all united in mutual shock and horror...

Above: Marmite ('you either love it or you hate it...') L-R:  Jennifer Lawrence’s white Belle Epoque-inspired Dior (who else?!) gown with black ribbon detailing sparked a series of internet parodies (pugs in rubber tubes, kittens in coffee filters…) I don’t find the dress to be particularly inspiring but I do find her talent, attitude and punk-like hair is able to make any outfit notable.  The more I look at Emma Watson’s Dior Couture outfit the more I love it.  The actress looks modern, fresh and youthful, and even if I am in the minority, I am a big fan of this look.  Zoe Saldana consistently takes high fashion red carpet risks and once again the actress divided opinion in this this Prabal Gurung cocktail dress.

Above:  When Bad Outfits Happen to Good People (Clockwise L-R):  eece Witherspoon looked particul.... zzzzzzzzzzz... I'm sorry, wha... um, she wore a really dull dress by Calvin Klein. I was more than excited to see Julia Roberts back on the red carpet… I was however, less enthused about her outfit especially when imagining how many designers must have been clambloring to dress the supporting actress nominee.  Whhhhy oh whhhhy did she wear this peculiar, drab and unflattering Dolce & Gabbana ensemble?!  White shirts under gowns should only ever be seen on Meryl Streep (mainly because Meryl Streep is Meryl Streep and can do whatever the hell she likes... Fact).  Sandra Bullock started the awards season so well, but this Prabal Gurung colour-block gown makes the actress look a Licorice Allsort, albiet one with immacualte hair and makeup.  As Tom Ford only dresses one star per awards show, Hayden Panettiere bought (yes, actually paid for) her dress by the designer for the night... is it too late for a refund?!  Very 90's... and not in a good way.  Lena Dunham’s canary yellow Zac Posen strapless dress totally wore her and I am yet to see one picture of the actress from the night looking remotely comfortable. 

Culture Vulture: London 2014

London in 2014 looks set to be brim-full of excellent restaurant openings, exhibitions, theatre, and of course, fashion, making this a VERY Happy New Year indeed!  

RESTAURANTS

A big year lies ahead for restaurateurs Russell Norman and Richard Beatty as firstly, they re-open Polpetto after their 2-year residency above the legendary French House ended.  We can now once more enjoy the romantic, characterful restaurant from January when Chef Florence Knight and her team move to their new home at 11 Berwick Street.  The restaurant will seat a hungry 70 (opposed to only 23 like before!) and it will feature an aperitivo bar and open kitchen serving Venetian tapas.  The group will also be opening a second Polpo restaurant in Notting Hill early in the year, with the 100-cover restaurant set to be the largest of their portfolio.  All Norman and Beaty’s restaurants operate a strict no-booking policy but they are certainly worth the wait!  

After her shock departure from Michelin starred Petersham Nursaries Café last year, chef Skye Gyngell is set to open her own London restaurant early in 2014, in partnership withHeckfield Place in Hampshire.   Excitingly for South Londoners, Gordon Ramsey’s London House opens in a former coal warehouse in Battersea Square this February.
 
With Head Chef Anna Kelly promising a modern European menu using local British and artisan ingredients, there will be separate bar serving bespoke cocktails, London brewed beers and a lengthy wine list.  No Kitchen Nightmares expected here!

If this all sounds a little too fancy pants, and you’re looking for more of a quick fix, the first UK branch of the American shrimp chain Bubba Gump opens in Piccadilly Circus this year.  The restaurant is based on the characters in the epic film Forrest Gump and you can expect (in the words of Bubba…) “pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. with garlic… shrimps with mayonnaise… shrimps with…” 

EXHIBITIONS

There are two particular exhibitions I am looking forward to in 2014 and they couldn’t be more different. The history geek in me is so excited to visit the British Museum in March to explore the ‘Vikings: Life and Legend’ exhibition (BOOK HERE), the first of its kind in London for more than 30 years.  Expect artifacts dating between the late 8th Century - early 11th Century, including a life-size replica of a Viking Ship, using some original timbers. Alternatively, the V&A will be hosting ‘The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014’ (BOOK HERE) sponsored by Bulgari.  A beautifully detailed insight into the history of Italian fashion will have every London fashionista rushing to buy tickets, desperate to see the stupendo contributions from Georgio Armani, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Missoni, Prada, Valentino and Versace…. Swoon! 

THEATRE

There will be a series of exciting theatrical offerings in London this year, with Fame and Miss Saigon both returning to the West End.  Simon Callow and Felicity Kendal (LOVE them!) will star in Michael Morpurgo’s ‘The Butterfly Lion’ and the wonderful Stephen Fry is to play Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ (one of my all time favourite plays!)  I hear (stage) whispers that 2014 will also see Will Young starring in 'Cabaret' with musical adaptations of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘Bridget Jones’, and ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ soon to be announced... My jazz hands can barely contain their excitement (*sits on hands).  

The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse will also open in early January at the Shakespeares Globe after much anticipation.  The totally unique, Jacobean theatre will provide both indoor and outdoor playing space and as such will host a wide variety of events throughout the year.  With a handmade oak structure, pit seating and performances lit by hundreds of candles, this venue is going to be magical.

FASHION

Get ready to feel utterly spoilt with some WOW new store openings in the capital in 2014.
Karl Lagerfeld is to open a flagship store on Regent Street this March for his self-titled Karl Lagerfeld label.  The shop will be his largest European to date (2700 sq ft!!) filled with (probably all monochrome) ready-to-wear collections and accessories.  iPads will be integrated into the display racks so you can watch digital footage showcasing the collections, and the fitting rooms will come equipped with photo booths… Just YES.  
Mayfair’s Mount Street will also be welcoming two new shops this January; Scottish designer Christopher Kane, adored by Alexa Chung and her merry band of cool cats, will be opening a flagship store as will dreamy dress creator Roksanda Ilincic.

Musical Moment: Lorde ('Royals')

From obscurity to stardom in a matter of months, 2013’s break-through artist is without a doubt 17 year old, curly-haired New ZealanderElla Yelich-O’Connor – or Lorde, as she is now known around the world. Lorde’s first single, 'Royals', reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013, making her the first New Zealand solo artist to have a number one song in the United States.  For the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, Lorde is nominated for a total of four Grammys, which include Record of the Year and Song of the Year for 'Royals' and Best Pop Vocal Album for 'Pure Heroine.'

I love this song (yes, it's on repeat... repeat... repeat...) and luckily there is much more where that came from… Lorde’s debut album, ‘Pure Heroine,’ was released in September 2013 to critical acclaim and it’s definitely worth the download (HERE).

Alexander McQueen and Damien Hirst Collaboration

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the iconic skull scarf, Alexander McQueen has collaborated with artist Damien Hirst (not adverse to skulls himself!) and launched a 20-piece limited edition collection. The line is inspired by Hirst’s Entomology series and the designs feature butterflies and spiders in kaleidoscopic shapes, in addition to the signature skull imagery.

The unique designs, available in Chiffon, Pongé, Twill and Cashmere with prices ranging from £315.00 to £715.00, are exclusively available from Alexander McQueen boutiques and online HERE. 

Below:  Photographer Sølve Sundsbø's short video celebrating the collaboration.

Musical Moment: Lily Allen ('It's Hard Out There')

Just when we thought it was safe to relax, sit back, tear in eye, and enjoy a more sereneLily Allen singing Keane’s ‘Somewhere Only We Know’  in the John Lewis Christmas advert(as an aside… are that bear and the hare actually an item?!) the singer goes and releases the track, ‘Hard Out Here,’ knocking us for six.  No, Lily has not become the all sugary sweet, apron wearing, strawberry jam-making, mother of two John Lewis would have us believe!  Still a feminist to her core, this week Lily released a casual evisceration of the pop music industry sexism we have, particularly of late (thanks Miley and Robin) had violently twerked in our faces.  Lily’s song is a sarcastic take on body image and the outlandish expectations projected upon women, the ridiculous phenomenon of twerking and the horrendous double standards women still seem to endure.  I love the subversive swipe atRobin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ balloons and the liberal use of the word ‘bitch’ repetitively sung alongside the catchy tune - another statement against its unimpressive overuse in popular culture.  Yes.  Just Yes.  Welcome back Lily.

" I won’t be braggin’ ’bout my cars, or talkin’ ’bout my chains
Don’t need to shake my ass for you ‘cuz I got a brain..."

Musical Moment: Katy Perry ('Roar')

I was lucky to attend Katy Perry's iTunes Festival performance, the last show in a star-studded month long festival. The excited crowd, myself included, were treated to 45 minutes of all the singer’s best hits as well as two newer tracks from her latest album Prism.

You sometimes forget just how many BRILLIANT and sassy pop gems Katy is responsible for, Wow... California Gurls, Teenage Dream, I Kissed A Girl, Firework (“dedicated to anyone who has ever felt less”) and my latest favourite pop-punch anthem, ‘Roar!’ (below) which even my father mentioned to me the other day was, "a jolly good tune." Praise indeed.  The all singing, all dancing and all rope-skipping (yes, yet another talent displayed during the performance) Katy Perry really is the perfect popstar.  Just awesome. 

Above (L-R):  In Katy's dressing room (I don't know how this happened either...) with Katy Perry, Anna Kendrick, Tamra Natisin, Ellie Goulding and Lauren Glucksman.

"I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar...!"

Katy Perry's album 'Prism' is now available to buy from iTunes Here

Royal Academy: The Young Patrons Annual Drinks Party

Last week I attended the Royal Academy’s Young Patron’s Annual Drinks.  The Young Patrons is a group of like-minded 20-40 year old budding philanthropists who want a light introduction into the vibrant art world of the RA in a relaxed social atmosphere. 

Whilst enjoying specially formulated cocktails by Sipsmith (who make THE prettiest bottles) and delicious wobbly delights by jellymongers Bompas & Parr,  I tottered about on my towering paws (above) catching  up with friends and enjoying octogenarian pioneering architect Richard Rogers’ ‘Inside Out’ exhibition before it closed. 

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Henry Emson and artist Bella Malim, RA Patron's Manager Emily Koch and husband David Koch, Jamie Lauder with David Koch and David Grievson. 

Gap's Rock Royalty #BacktoBlue Campaign

Amy Winehouse advised us to go ‘Back to Black,’ but in their first television advert in four years GAP are urging us to go ‘Back to Blue.'  This autumn campaign celebrates the brand’s heritage by redesigning and updating its 1969 denim collection and featuring sons and daughters of rock’n’roll royalty covering their parent’s well loved hits. 

Musician Dhani Harrison (above), a great buddy of mine,  sings a stripped down version of his guitar legend father George Harrison’s ‘For You Blue,’ from The Beatles album, 'Let It Be,’ whilst wearing a GAP trucker jacket.  LA-based Dhani is the frontman for band Thenewno2, and is also a member of band Fistful of Mercy alongside Ben Harper and Joseph Arthur.  I am a BIG (super)fan of both groups. #Groupie. 

All the proceeds for the entire  ‘For You Blue’ track (already available to download from iTunes here) by Dhani Harrison will go to the George Harrison Material World Foundation, in support of their current goal of raising funds for the amazing  Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, dedicated to curing spinal cord injuries. 

27 year old classically trained musician Alexa Ray Joel (above), wearing a GAP chambray shirt, wistfully sings her father Billy Joel’s multiple-Grammy-winning 1977 song ‘Just The Way You Are’ seated at her keyboard in the new campaign.  

Apples do not, it seems, fall far from their trees.  The campaign will include new digital content every day across its social media platforms (#backtoblue) and the adverts will be accompanied by in-depth films, interviews, quotes, images and facts about Dhani and Alexa that will be available across the brands digital platforms.  Very cool Gap.

Daytona Press Night at the Park Theatre

I was recently attended the press night of Oliver Cotton's ‘Daytona’ at the Park Theatre, London’s newest, and coolest, theatrical venue. 

Artistic Director Jez Bond took three years to transform the formerly disused office building near Finsbury Park tube, into the sparkling creative space I visited which now houses a 200-seat auditorium, a 90-seat space, rehearsal studio, café and bar.  The impressive project cost £2.5 million, raised from private donations (generous support from Sir Ian McKellenand Celia Imrie amongst them) and the sale of 3 flats on the building’s upper floors, and is staffed mainly by local volunteers.  With all the passion and hard work that has gone into accomplishing this dream, you can honestly feel the whole building and all it’s inhabitants buzzing with excitement – no more so than Hazel, the ever present and utterly adorable theatre dog (below left with Jez). 

‘Daytona’ is the third production to have shown at Park Theatre since its opening and it is fantastic!  Set in 1980’s New York the play tells the story of a pair of married Jewish immigrants who receive an alarming visit one quiet evening from an old friend.  StarringHarry Shearer (of ‘The Simpsons’ fame) John Bowe and the ever FABULOUS Maureen Lipman (her performance floored me), this extraordinary story, especially in its second half, totally consumed me.  I highly recommend going to see it. 

Above Left:  With John Bowe after his brilliant perfomance.
Above Right:  With Artistic Director Jez Bond and actor Jonathan Pryce.

'Daytona' runs until August 18th (£22.50/£19.00 conc.) Buy tickets Here. 

Burton and Taylor

I cannot wait to watch tonight's  ‘Burton and Taylor,’ the 90-minute BBC4 TV biopic documenting the final reunion between the glamorous Cleopatra co-stars Richard Burtonand Elizabeth Taylor, depicted by Dominic West and TLC’s favourite luvvvie Helena Bonham-Carter.

Known for their particularly turbulent relationship, this drama focuses on when the couple, who were married and divorced to each other twice, performed together, disastrously and for the final time, in the 1983 critically-slated Broadway revival of Nöel Coward’s ‘Private Lives.’  Despite being in different relationships at this time, Liz and Dick’s on-going, mutually obsessive, alcohol-fuelled love you/loathe you, can’t live with you/can’t live without you lovelife saw an exhausted Liz check in to the Betty Ford clinic straight after the show closed. Writer William Ivory understood the his two star protaganists well, "Burton and Taylor were addicted to more than alcohol… they were addicted to each other.” 

 Elizabeth received Richard’s final love letter to her later that year, three days before he died.  The letter was buried with the iconic actress when she passed away in 2011. 

'Burton and Taylor' is on tonight at 9PM, BBC4.