AT JUST 23 YEARS OF AGE, DEJAN DESPOTOVIC HAS MANAGED TO CRAM A BEYOND-IMPRESSIVE AMOUNT OF ACHIEVEMENTS INTO HIS RELATIVELY SHORT LIFE. HAVING HIS OWN ACCLAIMED DESIGNER COLLECTIONS, A SUCCESSFUL STINT WORKING AS A STYLIST ON THE SERBIAN EDITION OF ELLE, WINNING NUMEROUS INDUSTRY AWARDS AND INTERNING AT GARETH PUGH AND BIBA ARE JUST A FEW OF THE THINGS THE SERBIAN DESIGNER CAN ADD TO HIS CV. NOT BAD AT ALL FOR SOMEONE WITH ONLY FOUR YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE BEHIND HIM.

But for a man whose success has been mostly down to his menswear collections, it comes as something of a surprise that Despotovic started out designing womenswear. “Well, I started with designing for women, but with time I started doing men’s clothes. It’s very interesting, and it’s not harder to be more innovative with men’s clothes. It’s very inspiring for me, because you can have your vision within it and it can be very, very avant-garde and progressive, more so than with women’s clothes.”

The fashion industry quickly began to take note of Despotovic’s creative talents. At the Nokia Awards, he scooped first prize for the Young Designers category and this was quickly followed by winning the Black and White competition at the opening of Belgrade Fashion Week in 2007. In 2006 and 2007, he was nominated for Best Young Designer at the Pantene Beauty Awards.

Despotovic’s passion for clothing is evident, and it’s clear he takes his work seriously, speaking enthusiastically about his designs. “In designing menswear, I really like to play with cuttings and forms, and to put some story into the clothes. It can get you into another world and it can look like some kind of movie scene. For me, it’s always about something romantic, but also dark and mystic.”

“Men are more fashion-conscious now than, say, five years ago,” he continues. “They started taking risks in clothing and being more adventurous which is very good, because there are a lot of designers who started doing these incredibly alternative yet wearable clothes, and men are freer to look at it and to take some elements of those designs and combine them with their own style to create something new. In the next few years I think that men will take all of these designs and wear them without saying, “Is someone going to say something bad about my style?”

But does he really think that men would be brave enough to lift looks straight from the catwalk and wear them on the streets? Is this not just a fashion car-crash waiting to happen? “Today nothing is a mistake,” he insists, “but there is a way of dressing for certain occasions. And men do know what rules there are.” Like what? “Like never wear boots that cut off under the knee. I once saw a man wearing a trench coat with sportswear too, which was little bit odd,” he recalls.

His fledgling fashion career began nine years ago, when as a textiles student, he began styling and designing for local shows which culminated in his first award, a Silver Doe at the Belgrade Fashion Fair in 2003. In 2005, he enrolled at the College for Design, Textile and Management in Belgrade to study fashion design, with his debut individual collection presented a year later in both Berlin and Belgrade.

But studying in Serbia hasn’t been without its problems, as Despotovic himself can confirm. Despite the admission that Belgrade’s fashion schools are “quite good,” lack of money and the inability to get scholarships abroad hampered his chances of trying his luck elsewhere. But he has no regrets about the way in which his career has developed: “The fashion scene (in Belgrade) is great, we have a lot of fabulous, pure fashion designers.

“I’m glad that designers from Eastern Europe have started presenting their work outside their own territories, and that they’ve started becoming really respected in the fashion world. It is harder for us, it’s true, but I believe that our talent will be seen and it has to be, because there are a lot of very talented designers and every time we present something in Paris, London or somewhere else, people are really wowed.”

Despotovic’s own designs are a mix of classic elegance and smart tailoring, complete with gothic undertones. Black is a mainstay in his collections for men and women, along with unusual cuts. Despite working with some of the biggest names in fashion- including the London-based, Austrian model-of-the-moment Florian Pessenteiner, who modelled Despotovic’s SS 09 collection- he has remained low on the fashion radar. At the time of writing, he has no official website (though one is on its way, he reassures us) and no press rep. But perhaps his imminent move to London will change things.

“My plan is to base my work in London and start showing at London Fashion Week. It will happen soon, either at the end of this year or the start of the next. I’m working on it. I’m glad I started presenting my collections in other countries though. Every collection I make is a personal success, because it’s very hard for young designers to find financial support for the collections. It’s hard, but with enough work, you can get what you want.”

Conversation turns to the fashion industry, and the recent scandals which have rocked it- starting with Mark Fast’s decision to use size 14 models in his catwalk shows last year. Would he ever send a plus-size, or even an average-size, model down the runway? “No!” is his emphatic response. “I would not. On the catwalk, never, but it’s a very brave and fantastic idea. In my designs you will always see something oversize, a sleeve or a skirt.” Does he think that weight is as much an issue for men as it is for women in the fashion industry? “Of course! That is a problem, but I think that there are a lot of shops and stores which sell XXL or bigger clothes. Fashion for slim people is changing all the time, and I don’t think that now is the right time to start changing plus-sized clothing, but there will be time…”

Just days before Despotovic is interviewed by AGENT2, news breaks of the untimely and tragic death of Alexander Lee McQueen, one of the most influential and creatively gifted designers in history. It seems only fitting to ask how Despotovic has taken the news. “I really loved Lee and he will remain the only designer who could do something which could take people’s breath away every single time…that’s real fashion. I hope that there will be someone who will keep the Alexander McQueen label the way it was before Lee died.”

Is it possible that the pressures of working in the fashion industry got too much? “When you’re such a genius like he was, it is hard to make something spectacular two times in year. It’s a very big pressure, but I think that we must be strong and creativity is something which you live, and another world, and lot of people think that fashion is just beautiful; a very nice job and way of living, but they don’t know how much pressure we have as designers. It isn’t easy to swim in a sea full of sharks, especially when you’re young designer, and today everyone wants to be designer. I think that you’ll agree with me.”

It’s certainly true that everyone wants to be a designer. Fortunately for Dejan Despotovic, he is living the dream.

dejandespotovic.com

myspace.com/dekyd

Words Kay Weston thefashionistahasspoken.blogspot.com

INSPIRED BY THE YOUTH SHE NEVER HAD, THE WAR-TORN HOMELAND FROM WHICH SHE HAD TO FLEE AND THE HANDICRAFT HERITAGE OF HER ANCESTORS, LAMIJA SULJEVIC’S FIRST-EVER INDIVIDUAL COLLECTION IS SUITABLY NOSTALGIC, YET ALSO TOTALLY FORWARD THINKING – BECOMING OF A LADY WHO HERSELF HOPES TO ONE DAY TO FLY THE “SAFE” NEST OF STOCKHOLM FOR MORE PARISIAN CLIMES. AGENT2 MAGAZINE’S ALEX JACKSON DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HANDMADE, CHILDHOOD AND “THE NEXT STEP” WITH THIS SWEDEN-BASED UP-AND-COMER

Looking at your FW/10 pieces there seems to be quite a strong Balkan influence, a sort of Byzantine-gypsy feel – and I can’t help but notice your name and the roots it hints at. Surely not a coincidence, can you elaborate?

Well I was born in Bosnia, but had to flee to Sweden during the war in 1992 when I was five. My inspiration for this collection was very personal, I believe it was my way of dealing with everything that has happened. It almost felt like this was my time to tell my story. Also, when my mother was young she actually had this bohemian, gypsy style. I kind of inhered it from her.

Does the collection have a title?

I don’t have titles; I work with a concept instead: Making sure that my garments are something more then just clothes on a hanger. I work with more than just design and the whole process of making my clothes for example I always want to make sure that my look book gets the right feeling. For this shoot, for instance, I also made shoes in paper and jewellery out of small coins, all by hand. I want to give a feeling to my customers, to give almost a little story-my story- so that they understand my inspirations and my process.

On your website you refer to “childhood” and the “playfulness” of youth – does this refer to the story you wish to tell? Why are these things so important to reflect in your work?

As I mentioned, I didn’t have a ‘normal’ childhood. When we came to Sweden we had to start over, we had nothing – only the clothes on our backs. I became almost a grown-up at five years old; I learned and struggled with things I know most of my friends and people around my age still don’t know anything about. Ironically, this ‘lost’ childhood has followed me and will probably follow me my entire life. Maybe that’s why I focus so much on this when I work, it’s my way of finding my youth and letting myself be that little girl that’s still somewhere inside me.

So when did you realise you could rediscover this lost period through designing?

I think it started when I was around 11 years old. I studied fashion design for three years in a small town called Växjö, later specialising in pattern design and tailoring in Stockholm at the Cutting Academy. When I was 17 I started my own fashion company with a friend. But last year I decided to move on, so this is my first collection under my own name.

You only use handcrafted techniques in your work so how does this process affect/influence your work and does it hint at a personal manifesto?

I feel so much nearer my hometown, a place called Foča, when I work with handicrafts. I have so many memories and traditions that involve such techniques. It maybe sounds weird, but I love the process of making my future by going back to my past. My crocheted pieces actually have a lot to do with my grandmother. She worked with luxurious handmade crafts her entire life and I learned at a very early age to value this, my clothes are the result. My mom taught me to knit when I was 11 and crochet came very naturally to me. I never use any patterns, I love to improvise.

With braiding, embroidery, pleats and laces being so central to your work, is texture almost more important to the overall look than form or colour etc?

Maybe not more important, but it’s just as important. If I can’t find the right fabric I usually change my patterns.

You currently produce one-of-a-kind pieces by appointment, which I imagine is a very personal way of working, is this integral to your philosophy as a clothes designer?

Yes, and I wish I could work like this always but I already feel like I need to move on to the next step. I will never work with mass production but I would like to work with more limited collections in the future. For me it’s important to get to know my customers, it’s almost like I need to know that the story will end well. My garments are almost like children and I need to find their parents.

How do you describe the Lamija Suljevic look?

New thinking. A bit crazy but always elegant. Everything that is beautiful but lost.

You bring up the “lost” again, is this another projection of yourself, of a sense of dislocation?

I’m Bosnian born and I think that power is stronger than anything else. I have been back to Foča only once. I visited my old apartment, it was emotional but I think necessary. My parents have an apartment in Sarajevo so I try to visit when I can. But I don’t know, I don’t think about it so much. Most of my friends are from Sweden and I have been here 17 years now!

I also notice that your website refers to “romantic Parisian visions,” so is Paris somewhere you see like yourself working as a designer in the future?

Yes, Paris feels like home. I feel a bit lost in Stockholm, I can work very well here but people in Sweden are mostly too ‘safe’. In Paris they have a totally different vision on how a women should dress and I really like everything about it and feel my personal style is very close so theirs.

lamija.se

Words Alex Jackson

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/lamija-suljevic-interview/feed/ 0 http://www.agent2magazine.com/culture/india-journey-to-the-land-of-mystery-and-wonder/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/culture/india-journey-to-the-land-of-mystery-and-wonder/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:55:54 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2980

A SEVENTY-FIVE STRONG TROUPE OF MYSTIFYING ARTISTS HAILING FROM MANY REGIONS OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT COME TO FRANKFURT AM MAIN UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HIS HONOURABLE GAJ SINGH II, MAHARAJA OF JODHPUR, TO ENTERTAIN AND INSPIRE US WITH THE SPECTACULAR WORLD PREMIERE OF THE SHOW ‘INDIA’.

With help of superbly innovative stage technology, Prime Time Entertainment AG transforms municipal space in the centres of European cities into a magical tent village. The huge marquee, in the perfect illusion of a palace landscape, is where the bewitching Indian culture presents itself in a whole manner of new and exciting ways.

Upon entering this fabulous marquee world, it is easy to conjure up the great Maharajas of times gone by as ornate pile carpets, colourful Divans and furniture made of precious woods line the walls, floors and ceilings. You may take in different aspects of life at court by visiting themed rooms such as Sky Garden, Bengal Door, Banyan Lodge Himalayan Court, White Elephant, Emerald Room and also a lively bazaar before the big spectacle in the high Chapiteau begins.

The scene is set by a silently meditating Fakir sitting frozen on a bed of nails and the frenzied whirling dance of a glamorous eunuch. The lights dim, the drums begin to beat and out rush dozens of scantily clad, body-beautiful dancers all undulating to the sounds of Keith Levenson’s groundbreaking fusion of Indian and Western music.

The shows takes you on an awe-inspiring journey to the land of mystery and wonder through performances by fire jugglers, magicians, fakirs, contortionist and musicians; from the ape-men of Jogi who can shin up three meter vertical poles and hold spectacular gravity defying shapes to the mesmerising shadow puppeteer who creates a wonderful catalogue of animals with his bare hands.

The show has been designed by the world renowned Pascal Jacob, an expert in circus arts and Brian Burke who staged the legendary Las Vegas shoe ‘Le Reve’. The encounter with Indian myths and rituals, with dances and acrobatics is truly a work of art firmly embedded in the music, which combines traditional character with a modern soundtrack. This fascinating panorama of a world culture, which is marked by an aesthetical brilliance and erotic charm as well as by philosophical depth, is not to be missed.

“India” is at St Pauli Heiligengeistfeld, Hamburg until 3rd March 2010 then touring Germany and Austria throughout 2010-11

pte-ag.com

Words by Almaz Ohene

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/culture/india-journey-to-the-land-of-mystery-and-wonder/feed/ 1 http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/carnaby-street-50-years/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/carnaby-street-50-years/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:14:53 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2962 CARNABY STREET IS ABOUT TO MARK ITS 50^TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS.

Since the Swinging 60s this iconic street has been synonymous with cutting edge fashion, music and youth culture. John Stephen opened his first shop His Clothes in Beak Street just off Carnaby Street in 1957, which became a Mecca for mods and started its travels as the hub for male fashion.

The first event launches on the 26 February until the beginning of April and is an innovative exhibition and limited edition book of the same title; ‘Carnaby Street: 1960 – 2010’.   The event will be held at 38 Carnaby Street and will put into context the history of Carnaby from its earliest origins in the 16^th Century to the present day with a focus on the 1960s.

The central feature of the show is a unique 3D timeline which illustrates key people, events and happenings in the area. The show will start right from the beginning, 500 years ago, when Carnaby Street was a green field site with a well and a scarecrow.

It will cover the iconic characters associated with Carnaby’s music heritage such as The Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols and Jimi Hendrix.  The limited edition book will feature images from 60s photographer Philip Townshend and exclusive interviews with people who have lived and worked in Carnaby including The Who’s Pete Townsend.

The exhibition and book are the work of curators and fashion historians Judith Clark and Amy de la Haye, who have organised exhibitions at major international museums including the V and A and Mode Museum in Antwerp.  They are readers and joint directors of the MA Fashion Curation course at London College of Fashion, one of the foremost centres of fashion education in the world.

There will also be a number of historical exhibits, many revealed for the first time, including items borrowed from The Museum of Soho, and pictures sourced from The Museum of London, Victoria and Albert Museum, Getty archive and private collections.

One of the most famous residents of Carnaby Street was William Blake, whose powerful imagery of the plague and documentation of social injustices will be featured.

The heritage material will be displayed alongside newly commissioned artwork by documentary photographer Syd Shelton and illustrator Alice Smith, and a short film by James Norton, commissioned for the anniversary will present archive film footage.

The show will be an insightful glimpse into the famous shopping street and its continued relevance today.  The area’s 12 streets are known for unique independent boutiques, global fashion brands, award winning restaurants and nightlife.  More than 60 per cent of the 135 stores in the area today are independent, with new design talent and concepts nurtured in Kingly Court and The Newburgh Quarter.

The exhibition will be followed by a series of events throughout 2010 to celebrate Carnaby’s 50^th Anniversary including a live music weekend in June and a unique fashion show in September.

carnaby.co.uk

Words Jennifer Butler

“THE EXCELSIOR CITY ESCAPE”

Take some time to relax and combine your visit in Cologne with a visit to the Claudius Therme!

The Claudius Therme is located in the Cologne Rhine Park and is considered to be one of the most beautiful thermal baths in Europe.

With its appealing architecture based on the Roman bathing culture, the thermal bath harmonically fits into the charming parkland.

Enjoy the exclusive stay at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst together with revitalizing “Sunny Day” treatments in the Claudius Therme.

Program:

2 nights- stay in a superior room

* * *

3 course menu in one of our restaurants including complementing beverages

* * *

Welcome cocktail in our Piano Bar

* * *

“Sunny Day” wellness program in the Claudius Therme including a day ticket for the thermal spa and sauna area, a mixed salad and an orange juice in the restaurant of the Claudius Therme, bathrobe and sauna towel for rent, a relaxing massage with aromatic oils (30 min.), a visit on the solarium (10 min.)

* * *

Limousine transfer between the hotel and the Claudius Therme

Excelsior Hotel Ernst breakfast buffet

Double occupancy: EUR 375 € per person

Single occupancy: EUR 480 € per person

Book one of our deluxe rooms for an additional charge of only EUR 80 per person.

All prices include the minibar, use of the sauna and fitness area, as well as service and VAT.

The package is valid upon request and availability excluding trade fair dates.

We look forward to your reservation:

Tel.: + 49 221 / 270 3220

Fax: + 49 221 / 270 3333

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/editors-desk/reader-offer-february/feed/ 1 http://www.agent2magazine.com/covet/2-covet-march/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/covet/2-covet-march/#comments Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:56:34 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2775

UNIFORM WARES WATCHES

Uniform Wares produces objects and apparel intended for everyday use by individuals with an eye for meticulous design details.

Their products have an intentionally pared down form that is characterised by distinct colour. The colour of each product helps design its purpose, how it is used, what for and by whom.

The Uniform Wares aesthetic has been tailored with longevity in mind, we believe that a product should have a practical permanence. Each product is designed at Uniform Wares’ London headquarters.

uniformwares.com

PAUL SMITH FOR STELTON

Arne Jacobsen’s Cylinda-Line bar accessories have been around since the 1960s and the latest incarnation of the design is courtesy of Paul Smith, who has turned the classic set into “a gorgeous fantasy in black.” Titled simply ‘Statement,’ Smith gave the steel a black titanium finish and accented it with his own personal statements, engraved so the letters shine through the titanium in contrasting steel script, that say inspirational things like “take pleasure seriously” and “start something new.” The Statement bar set is available in limited edition and includes a cocktail mixer and spoon, shaker, ice bucket with tongs, a two-litre jug with strainer, small glass coasters and a serving tray.

stelton.com

THE 7L REMINDER – KARL LAGERFELD

The 7L Reminder is simply one of those really useful books. While traveling the world Karl Lagerfeld has, time and again, unsuccesfully searched for the perfect address/notebook.

So he conceived his own private notebook: with sufficient space for all those numbers one nowadays has to take down in order to communicate.
To satisfy his aesthetic needs he has equipped the book with a photo sequence by Japanese photographer Okada Kuwabara. Thus daily usage of the notebook turns into a perfect pleasure.

Printed on a light elegant paper — perfect for any writing implements — bound in soft dark blue leather, Smyth sewing for longevity, and covered in tissue paper, this is a must have luxury item.

steidlville.com

HAOSHI DESIGN ANIMAL JEWELERY

Haoshi Design studio wants us to acknowledge the small joys in life–that the existence of things such as animals, fruit and everyday objects are important. To honor their ideals they create collections of jewelery that will help us remember what they stand behind. Check out some of our favorite rings and necklaces from the Animal Series below or take a look at the whole collection here.

haoshi.com

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/covet/2-covet-march/feed/ 0 http://www.agent2magazine.com/travel/classic-cologne-the-scent-of-luxury/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/travel/classic-cologne-the-scent-of-luxury/#comments Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:55:37 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2898 ASKING THOSE WHO’VE BEEN TO COLOGNE WHAT THEY REMEMBER FROM IT WILL OFTEN BRING UP AN ASSORTMENT OF REPLIES, FOR IN THIS SMALL CITY BURSTING WITH STORIES, THERE REALLY IS AN AWFUL LOT TO SEE AND DO. AGENT2 DISCOVERS, IN BETWEEN CLIMBING GOTHIC CATHEDRALS AND SHOPPING IN THE NEW QUARTER, THAT COLOGNE ISN’T JUST YOUR AVERAGE GERMAN TOWN. RIDDLED WITH ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE, WARTIME RUINS AND 18^THC BUILDINGS, IT IS THE ONE OF THE FINEST CATALOGUES OF HISTORY GERMANY HAS TO OFFER.

Cologne, or Köln, as it is known in Germany, is nestled in West Germany, only an hour away from Brussels by train. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany, it is home to just one million inhabitants, making it a refreshing break from the hustle of larger European cities.

Cologne's imposing cathedral

However, whether you arrive by train, plane or boat, the first thing that will strike you as you enter the city won’t be its quiet cobbled streets or its famous river Rhine. I guarantee when your first breath is stolen, it’ll be upon seeing its imposing and impressive Cathedral.

A huge black-stone building with a ashy grey steeple stretching high into the foggy sky, the Cathedral holds historical tales that have lasted for centuries.

Now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, six million visitors come every year to see Germany’s largest Cathedral, which, at 45 metres tall, overlooks the rest of the city. Taking over 600 years to build, its foundations were first laid down in 1248 but it wasn’t completed until 1880, when it became the tallest building in the world. Nine years later, it lost this title to the Eiffel Tower, at 300 metres tall.

The gothic architecture of the church is itself outstanding – black stone carved into a variety of biblical figures stand above the entrance door, its high arched ceiling offers an arresting presence and its colourful stain glass windows stretch nearly its entire height. Mosaics are scattered on the floor and original 13^thC features can be found throughout. The tombs that circle the perimeter of the cathedral, as well as the crypt that rests underneath it, lend themselves rather well to the quiet, eerie atmosphere.

However, the reason why Cologne’s Cathedral is so significant isn’t really to do with its design, nor its impressive longevity. Within this heavily Catholic city, lay some of the most precious remains of its biblical heritage, for the Cathedral has housed the golden shrine of the Three Magi (Three Wise Men) since 1164. Pilgrims flock to Cologne every year on 6 January when the shrine is opened, to see their remains.

The only building in Cologne not to be bombed during WW2, the Cathedral has huge significance to its survivors and its people.

Our guide, André Fischer told us: “It’s impossible to describe the connection Cologners have to this church. It is part of us. It is our identity.”

The Cathedral isn’t the oldest thing about Cologne though. And it only took a short walk to realise what sort of history this city holds. A short stroll from the Cathedral we ambled across what looked like some old building debris, surrounded by fence and scaffolding. What we had actually stumbled across were the authentic ruins of Cologne’s Roman rule.  One of the oldest cities in the world (dating as far back as 58BC), Cologne houses some of the best preserved Roman ruins outside of Rome. Built using these ancient foundations, beneath Cologne’s modern and medieval buildings lays an entire Roman city.

One of the best places to experience its Roman history is to visit the Roman-Germanic Museum (5 EUR for adults), which centres round a huge Dionysus mosaic, uncovered during the Second World War. The museum is home to huge ruins such as tombstones and small remnants that have been discovered throughout the years including coins, weapons, tools and the largest collection of Roman glassware in the world. All these remains have helped uncover the vast history of this West German city, and tell of its prominence in the Ancient World.

Cologne by night

The Prätorium (2.50 EUR for adults) is another place not to miss if you’re keen on your Ancient History. Discovered in the World War Two rubble, the prätorium was once home to the city’s Governor and was one of the largest buildings in Cologne during Roman times. The building foundations have remained perfectly in tact aside from a deep gash through one its walls: a scar from a 4^thC earthquake. The walls, its underground heating system, and octagon rooms are all otherwise in perfect condition and give a brilliant insight into the life and history of this Roman province.

In the same visit, you can explore over 100 metres of Ancient canal sewage tunnels from 50AD, which are still in pristine condition.

One of the best ways to examine Cologne’s vast and varied history is to have a stroll through its Old Town (Altstadt). Though most of Cologne was destroyed during WW2, few buildings within this medieval quarter remained. Walk along its cobbled streets and through its sparse empty squares and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this quiet part of the city. The narrow side streets are the best place to experience Cologne’s traditional beer holes and try its authentic cuisine. The Rhine promenade sprawling with colourful houses, picturesque plazas and lonesome benches add a special character to Cologne, giving a taste of what this beautiful city was like pre-1942.

Indeed, the story of the Second World War isn’t forgotten within this once-walled city. Its tight-knit community together with its rich heritage makes Cologners proud to be Cologners. But when the war broke out, their pride and indeed, their city was shattered. Whereas in 1939 there were 750,000 residents in Cologne, by 1945, there were only 42,000.

Cologne's annual carnival

Since then though, Cologne has successfully moved on: uncovering magnificent ancient ruins, restoring medieval streets and constructing a modern city centre around its fragile foundations in the ‘Rheinauhafen’, the new quarter. Home to some of the most popular shopping areas in Europe, the places to visit are Hohe Straß for department stores and Breite Straße for boutique shops. In recent years, the Belgian Quarter has become a thriving area for vintage clothes and trendy accessories.

Despite its turbulent past, Cologne has managed to salvage some of its major ruins and reinvent itself, creating a city full of stories, memories and character, that’s a true pleasure to visit.

Walking through its promenades as the splendid Cathedral is lit up on a cold wintry night, there’s a buzz that runs through the city; a reminder that every step taken is like a walkway through history.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Cologne is one hour ahead of the UK (GMT) and the currency is the EUR where £1=1.15 EUR. Visit during the six-day holiday of Carnival (Feb 11 - 17) where the streets come alive with parades, events and shows, and Cologners dress in colourful costumes. Visit www.koelntourismus.com for more information.

HOW TO GET THERE

German Wings fly to Cologne/Bonn Airport from London Stansted and have recently launched a new route from Manchester airport, flying five times per week. Flights take 1h 15 minutes. Prices start from £13.99 and can be booked at www.germanwings.com or by calling +44 (0)906 294 1918.

WHERE TO STAY

Excelsior Hotel Ernst +49 (0)221 2701 / www.excelsior-hotel-ernst.de)

Just 200 metres away from the Cologne’s main station and 20 metres from the Cathederal, this 5* hotel has everything you could require. As well as its proximity to the old quarter, Excelsior also boasts excellent modern suites, gym, spa and plenty of places to wine and dine including gourmet restaurant Hanse Stube, Piano Bar and the Riesling Lounge where guests can enjoy wine tasting sessions of Germany’s own wine variety, the Riesling. Double rooms start from 270EUR prpn.

CHECK OUT OUR GREAT EXCELSIOR “CITY ESCAPE” READER OFFER HERE.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT

FARINA Fragrance Museum Find out the interesting story behind the world’s oldest fragrance company, Eau de Cologne. Follow the narrative tour by a ‘Rokoko parfumeur’ telling the tale of its creation in 1709 and its popularity among huge historical figures including Napoleon.

Lindt Chocolate Factory (7.50 EUR) Learn the history of chocolate-making, the branding of Lindt and try some chocolate for yourself.

Carnival Museum Museum of Cologne’s infamous Carnival showcasing masks, costumes and past videos where you can learn all about the city’s much-loved celebration.

WHERE TO EAT

Früh A traditional micro-brewery hosting Cologne’s famous brew, Kölsch and serving some of Germany’s traditional cuisine. Try the Rheinischer Sauerbuten (marinated beef with dumplings and red cabbage) for 13.95 EUR.

Taku Bar and Restaurant at the Excelsior Hotel

Taku, Excelsior Hotel An Asian restaurant in the 5* hotel serving quality meals from Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

THE RECESSION HAS PUT PAID TO THE ASPIRATIONS OF MANY A YOUNG DESIGNER, BUT WITH 2010 SET TO BE A PHENOMENAL YEAR FOR FASHION, IT’S ONLY FITTING THAT NEW LABEL IZMAYLOVA SHOULD CHOOSE TO ANNOUNCE ITS ARRIVAL IN STYLE. WITH SEVERAL DESIGN HOUSES FORCED TO CLOSE THEIR DOORS OR COMPROMISE ON LUXURY, IT’S A RELIEF TO SEE A LABEL BRINGING A HEALTHY DOSE OF GLAMOUR BACK TO THE CAPITAL. AND GLAMOUR IS MOST DEFINITELY IZMAYLOVA’S FORTE.

Founded in 2009 by native muscovite and Creative Director Antonina Izmaylova under the business direction of Parisian-born Nathanael Gam, the label resides at the highest end of the luxury market and combines the grandeur of Russian aristocracy with the decadence of a bygone era, complimented by a fashion-forward London-inspired edge.

With both Antoninia and Nathanael aged just 22, they’ve already firmly established their luxury fashion house in London’s Hanover Square.

Izmaylova launches with its debut womenswear Autumn/Winter 2011 capsule collection titled ‘Edge of Darkness’, a directional, predominantly dress-based collection of modern and dazzling black crystallized eveningwear.

According to the designers, the eight-piece, couture-quality collection is inspired by the vision of a fusion between the opulence and the boldness of Imperial Russia and a futuristic post-apocalyptic world. It consists of luxury handcrafted evening wear, made from materials such as Swarovski crystals, silk and soft leather, combining bold and edgy designs with detailed tailoring.

The collection is made using laser cut leathers, tailored into cuts that give a strong futuristic edge to mini dresses. The unique features are designed to give emphasis on shape and structure. Exquisite finishes compliment the luxurious materials: Swarovski black crystal embellishments, soft body-hugging leather and feathers. The dresses are created with invisible inner support to guarantee perfect body shaping and a flattering fit.

Now you can get a taste of Russian luxury without having to leave the country- or even London. So stay one step ahead of the fash pack and get yourself down to Hanover Square, before the best-dressed descend and claim it for their own.

izmaylova.co.uk

Words Kay Weston  thefashionistahasspoken.blogspot.com

“MY DESIGNS ARE LIKE WATCHING A HOLLYWOOD MUSICAL ON ACID”

This statement is fairly accurate when it comes to trying to describe Ziad Ghanem’s designs. Branded the ‘Cult Couturier’ for his eclectic mix of streetwear and couture, Ziad creates bespoke creations for clients as well as his ready-to-wear collections and his junior line, Maiden Britain. Working almost exclusively with recycled materials, he has quickly gathered a cult following and tremendous respect in the fashion industry. He has also collaborated with Topman and Firetrap and has worked alongside Random Bangle (aka accessories designer Russell Barratt), and can add Editor to his repertoire since taking the helm at Drama, a fashion and performance magazine available on the i-Phone. Here AGENT2’s Kay Weston speaks to the man himself about the fashion industry and why fur is ‘shit’.

How do you feel about your reputation as the ‘cult couturier’?

I feel good (about it), since I am not a fan of the word ‘Couture’. It gets so misused. My label is exclusive to certain markets and followers, and it will remain that way.

What made you decide to go into fashion as a career?

I always wanted it. I was born with it. I never made the choice, I just let it be.

Your designs are really adventurous. How do you come up with ideas and what inspires you?

London inspires me. People play a big part and the simple things in life can be very dramatic if we pay attention. I love Punks and Chavs.

Why did you decide to focus on producing sustainable and eco-friendly fashion?

Because at the start, I didn’t have money to buy new fabrics so I used what was in my flat, a bit like with the Gone with the Wind curtains dress. Then after that, I wanted to use whatever was available and charity shops can offer a lot of inspiration.

Where do you find the materials you recycle in your designs?

I shop at charity shops, friends send me unwanted clothes and I buy eco-friendly fabrics from a Brazilian company.

You were asked to produce some designs for cigarette packets. Why did you turn the offer down?

I hate smoking.

So do you think the fashion industry is, in general, unethical?

No, I think people mix things up. Fashion is a business. Capitalism is sometimes unethical. When gain is involved we make our own morality.  I am anti-fur, fake or real. I wish people in fashion would stop wearing this shit.

You recently said you cast your models for their personalities, not just their looks. In an industry famed for its superficiality, is there room for personality?

I never force my clothes on people. I want to be inspired by the wearer. I like them to be happy, and understand what they are wearing. I like to work close to my models and share their ideas and thoughts. I refuse to put my clothes on some boring dummy.

Your A/W 10/11 collection is called Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Why did you choose that name? And what can we expect from the collection?

Mr Quayle, my friend’s father, came up with the name at Christmas dinner.  He said that watching my designs is like watching a Hollywood musical on
acid. I wanted to express the glitz and the added glitter in my new collection, and I can see Lucy flying in the sky with diamonds.

Why did you choose to work with Immodesty Blaize (a burlesque artist) for the collection?

The collection is inspired by Fellini, circus and the show of burlesque. It is the art of undressing. Immodesty is intellectual and a great performer. I’m so lucky to have her in my show, I wanted a Burlesque performer and I was surprised when I got the best one in the world.

How did the collaboration with Firetrap come about?

Firetrap wanted a breath of fresh air in their label by collaborating with young designers. I wanted to experiment with denim with financial backing. It was a very great experience with a happy ending.

Why did you decide to focus on denim for the collaboration?

Denim does not crease and it has a thick skin. I wanted to use exciting garments to avoid wasting new fabrics.

Are there any designers you’re championing right now?

Everyone is a hero. I love Comme des Garcons and I respect (Azzedine) Alaia.

What’s the worst fashion mistake a person can make?

Fashion is in the eye of the beholder. I never follow fashion. I love clothes.

ziadghanem.co.uk

myspace.com/ziadghanem

Words Kay Weston  Images Ram Shergill

AS WE ARRIVE AT THE SECOND DECADE OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM, AGENT2 ASKS WHETHER WE ARE STILL A NATION OF ROMANTICS, OR IF ROMANCE REALLY DID GO OUT WITH THE RECORD PLAYER.

There was once a time where the term ‘in a relationship’ meant more than just a Facebook status. Love letters were as eagerly anticipated as the text messages of today, and Valentine’s Day was not just about the number of cuddly toys to pass through Clintons’ front door in the run-up to February 14. But today, it seems as though romance might just be exclusive to the chocolate industry and cinema’s rom-coms.

The likes of Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz continue to repeatedly meet their soulmates in the most charmingly imperfect of circumstances on the silver screen – but in real life, even these honey-haired, perfect-pinned goddesses remain happily single. What hope is there for the rest of us if even the Anistons and Diazes of the world are existing on a romance-free diet? Today we are living in a time of technological revolution yet sentimentally, it seems that if romance isn’t dead, then it certainly lies in an intensive care unit somewhere, currently unresponsive to treatment.

Don’t get me wrong, the concept of romance is still alive and if not kicking, still twitching. It’s just that the concept of modern-day romance is all wrong. The Oxford English dictionary offers up, ‘A pleasurable feeling of excitement and wonder associated with love’ as its number one definition for the term. At no point in that definition does it say that romance should mean flowers, massive cards and stuffed toys. But each year, the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day and, ultimately, of love has led us to believe that the concept is really about nothing more than the giving or receiving of this miserable trio of Hallmark-crafted goods. OK, maybe Hallmark don’t make flowers but surely at this rate it’s only a matter of time before they do.

Anyhow I digress. This was not intended to be a rant at the money-making aspect of one day in the year; rather an argument that maybe in these modern times, the main ingredient missing in the love potion is actually a little bit of creativity and… feeling? Romance at its best is spontaneous, fun and reciprocal. Ladies, you can hardly be complaining that your man doesn’t spoil you any more when he is the one having to spend all the moolah and put in all the effort to make you happy.

A while ago, while standing in the queue of a popular lingerie shop, I was eavesdropping on the conversation of two fellow shoppers (as you do). Clearly, the best friend of some misguided girl was instructing said girl’s boyfriend into exactly how he should be treating her, starting with which presents to buy her. “Last Christmas, my boyfriend only spent £700 on me,” she bleated. “I nearly dumped him.” The poor sod went green.

First of all, if true, let me be the first to tell this man to grow a pair: £700 in the midst of a global recession? Either he’s a famous footballer or he thinks that not spending all his money each time an annual celebration rolls round is akin to telling his beloved that he just doesn’t love her any more. And I’m pretty sure that the girl queuing behind me was not Coleen Rooney.

Clearly this young lady was not of the belief that it’s the thought that counts. For our male readers, let me assure you that this girl is in the minority. I truly believe that most of us would rather spend a special day with the boyfriend, doing something away from the regular constraints of courtship, than rummaging through his pockets to find the receipts of his tokens of love.

Moving away from the material, something that has been lost along the years is the old-fashioned ways of expressing blossoming relationships – yet the sentiments remain the same. Royal Mail is no longer inundated with love letters between sweethearts, but a simple Facebook message tends to cause just the same reaction.

A first date might now be a quickie (drink!) down the local as opposed to a candle-lit dinner and dance, but you can bet your bottom dollar that at least one half of the potential couple will have spent just as long getting ready for the hot date as their ancestors did. And while gentlemanly customs such as holding doors open for and kissing the hands of their ladies might now be scoffed at, it’s unlikely that you will find many women who don’t want their boyfriend to get down on one knee when they eventually propose.

The world is getting older, its human inhabitants are still evolving and social concepts like romance are always going to be changing. As cave people, it was probably once considered quite romantic to hold a lump of ice to the head of the woman you’d just clubbed. Perhaps one day we’ll sit in our deckchairs with our trousers rolled up to our knees watching the sea levels rise, reminiscing about the good old days of the social networking site where romance was just a click away. Just remember that no matter what the shop display window might be telling you, you really don’t need a big pink teddy bear and a 5-feet-by-3-feet card proclaiming its love to you, to know that someone cares about you. Really, you don’t.

Words Sian Ranscombe

LONDON’S LANDMARK HOTEL IS FAMOUS FOR ITS FIVE STAR OLD-SCHOOL LUXURY IN THE CAPITAL. ITS NEWEST ADDITION, RESTAURANT AND BAR, TWOTWENTYTWO CERTAINLY DOES LIVES UP TO ITS NAME, KEEPING UP ITS REPUTATION FOR IMPECABLE SERVICE IN LUXURIOUS AND STYLISH SURROUNDINGS.

The basement of the Landmark Hotel is the recently refurbished home of twotwentywo, a short walk from Marylebone tube.  Named after the address the hotel’s situated at – 222 Marylebone Road, you may be surprised at the light, airy space that twotwentytwo delivers.

Upon entering you may be surprised by what you find. Red wooden panelling covers the walls, in keeping with the heritage of the space, highlighted by the ornate white ceiling. At the far left is an ornate heavy-wooden bar with wine bottles attractively set up behind. Casual low tables and chairs line the periphery of the space around a central area of Champagne tables: a central section of booth-like chairs nestled around tables with the middle cut out for keeping Champagne on ice.

The dining area is made up of low-key dark wooden tables,  pushed against a long tan leather sofa. Beside this small space are large armchairs that you can sink into after your meal with a digestif or settle in for the whole evening as you work your way through the cocktail menu. The set-up is more gastro pub than an upmarket bar and restaurant, although therein lies its charm. Opulent twists such as beautiful chandeliers with delicate chains hanging low beneath them remind you where you are.

What stands the decor apart are carefully thought out touches that you’ll notice the longer you stay. Large gilt mirrors surround the space, and attractive Victorian lantern-style lamps can be spied with candles inside, creating a decorative appeal. The real pièce de résistance, however, are two specially-commissioned paintings depicting landmarks of London (think The Eye, Gherkin, Big Ben, St Pauls, Tower Bridge, and a London bus – number 222, of course).

The atmosphere here is surprisingly upbeat and relaxed. Local office workers visit for a post-work drink, relaxing in the attractive surroundings. The din of conversation is pleasantly high as people chill out without a hint of pretension. In the background, the music changes as the night progresses – earlier in the evening relaxed chill out tunes play, changing to jazz with Latin tones, then pop and commercial songs through to house and even RnB as the night wears on. It’s a clever way of reflecting the mood of the crowd as the drinks continue to flow.

That said, this is still an undeniably upmarket spot. The staff ensures you don’t forget where you are, their service is impeccable although it’s lined with a warmth and friendliness.

The menu at twotwentytwo is simple with dishes like fish and chips and steaks to choose from. Starters (£3-£8) include dishes such as a shellfish basque and beef carpaccio with rocket, black truffle oil and freshly shaved parmesan. However, it’s an idea to order the sharing platter instead, which is just £12 for three well-sized dishes, ideal for sharing or as a starter to your meal. Recommended is the delicate calamari with a light batter that offers no hint of greasiness. Also good is the gravadlax – slim strips of delicate salmon with a delightful saltiness underlying each mouthful and a fresh citrus dressing. Finally, try the smoked aubergine puree with mini pitas. Although the fluffy, light pittas could do with being warm, they do provide an ideal accompaniment to the fresh, creamy puree with a pleasant smoky aftertaste.

Mains include a range of dishes from salads to grills. Particularly good is the seafood risotto (£16.50) with generous helpings of softly cooked calamari and plump, rich king prawns although there’s little evidence of the promised crab. There are also large mussels that slip out of their shells with ease. The risotto is a pleasant consistency. Although creamy, it doesn’t taste like rice pudding, instead highlighting the strong flavours of the seafood.

If you want to go all out, then the fillet steak is a house specialty although at £25 it’s not the most credit crunch friendly dish. Nicely presented, although not a hearty portion, it comes with a metal pot filled with chips. The chips are lightly salted and delightfully crisp on the outside with a soft, fluffy middle. It also comes with a delicious homemade béarnaise sauce that offers a creamy, rich undertone to each mouthful. The medium-rare steak was juicy, tender and full of rich flavours that pleasantly filled the mouth and was brilliantly complemented by the creamy béarnaise.

There are a few desserts on offer (£5.50). The apple crumble with homemade custard is a little disappointing. The crumble isn’t as sweet as it could be and the fruit is a little too gloopy. However, the delightful custard is creamy and light with a rich vanilla flavour that lifts the flavours nicely. The chocolate fondant with butterscotch ice cream, however, is a real delight. The chocolate is smooth, soft and rich and is well complemented by the sweetness of the ice cream, which has a strong butterscotch taste that works in tandem with deep chocolate flavours. Delightful.

For an impromptu inexpensive night out, twotwentytwo also offers special food deals such as a burger and chips with a glass of wine for a tenner.

There’s a lengthy drinks list in the bar with a good choice of cocktails (priced at the £11 mark), premium spirits, aperitifs and digestifs. They also offer some well-priced Champagnes, especially nice if enjoyed at the Champagne tables. A glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve (£15) is especially good with a fresh, clean taste that slips down a little too easily.

There’s a decent selection of wine by the bottle, although it’s not the lengthy tome of drinks you may expect from a venue like this. The helpful staff are happy to make recommendations and really know what they’re talking about. A highlight of the menu is the Gavi di Gavi Casetta 2007 (£30), a dry fresh and fruity white wine that has a wonderfully clean flavour. Also excellent is the Petit Chablis Chateau de Maligny 2007 (£34) with a delightful pale straw colour and a clean finish with lemon and apple flavours coming through.

For a bar and restaurant located within a five star hotel, twotwentytwo is surprisingly relaxed and offers a few lower priced deals if you’re watching the pennies but want to go somewhere upmarket.

For more information visit twotwentytwo-london.com or landmarklondon.co.uk. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11:30am – Midnight, Saturday 12pm – Midnight. To make a dining reservation contact dining@thelandmark.co.uk.

twotwentytwo ,The London Landmark Hotel, 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ

Words Graham Gartside

YOU MAY HAVE FAILED THE POST-CHRISTMAS DETOX, YOU MIGHT NEVER FULFIL YOUR RESOLUTIONS AND YOU PROBABLY WON’T BECOME A REGULAR AT THE GYM AFTER ALL, BUT ONE THING YOU MOST DEFINITELY CAN CHANGE FOR 2010 IS YOUR HAIR. IT DOESN’T BLOAT EVERY MONTH, IT DOESN’T PUT ON WEIGHT AND WHEN IT’S STYLED, IT WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. GIRLS. BOYS. IF IT’S AN IMAGE OVERHAUL YOU WANT THEN LOOK NO FURTHER.

The New Year is often a time of reflection. We start the year with great expectations, pinning hideous photos to the fridge as a means to motivate ourselves to avoid the chocolate cake inside and setting idealistic goals of extreme weight loss. But we all really know that by the time Christmas comes round again, you probably won’t look like Kate Moss and that picture will have just been thrown away – after all, who wants to eat chocolate cake feeling guilty?

But one image-defining element that we never think of changing is our hair. Looking back at photos, hair styles hold more significance than you think. It reflects good times in our lives, it reflects the bad. It reminds us of an era (the perm); it reminds us of a celebrity (only Posh can pull off ‘The Pob’) but there’s nothing more demoralising than a year of bad hair days.

Such a defining feature, it deserves precedence in our styling routine. So maybe 2010 should be the year that you use your hair to make a beautiful you?

And there’s no better place to start than Fibre Hairdressing, at Manchester’s Lowry Outlet Mall. The only outlet mall in the city, The Lowry Outlet Mall, set in the trendy Salford Quays, is a great place to start your New Year revamp. Housing famous brands such as Molton Brown and Marks & Spencer at 60 per cent off their high street price, The Lowry Outlet Mall, is a great weekend stop to avoid the crowded shops of The Arndale or Trafford Centre. But it’s its salon upstairs that holds all the cards at image reinvention.

Let me introduce you to Fibre Hairdressing. With a permanent eye on key trends and new celeb ‘dos’, Fibre Hairdressing is the place that’ll have you bouncing into 2010. It’s amazing what a new hair style can do.

My lovely stylist Yvonne explained to me that New Year is a busy time for the salon, with people wanting to refresh their image and rejuvenate their confidence. At this time of change, the way a style frames your face or a colour warms your skin could all have positive effects on a customer’s confidence and personality.

And unsurprisingly the most popular New Year requests from clients are…to look like celebs. Boys choose Beckham. Girls choose Cheryl. And I was no different. With a picture of our favourite Geordie in my hand I was asking Yvonne for the caramel highlights and tousled bob that she’s heard many times before – and Cheryl only changed her image on X Factor’s penultimate show in December. That’s how influential celebrity styles are on us mere mortals and how important it is for stylists like Yvonne to know exactly how to replicate our fave dos before Cheryl’s stylists finish slicing away her brunette locks.

Lucky for me, this is what Fibre Hairdressing is so good at – knowing what celebrity is going to affect hair trends and knowing how to replicate this for their style-hungry customers. Over the years there have been a multitude of famous cuts from Jennifer Anniston’s ‘Rachel Do’ in the 1990s, every one of Victoria Beckhams crops, chops and bobs to Mrs Cole herself. Changes in celeb cuts directly affect popular styles, and sensitive to customers’ demands, Fibre Hairdressing is the first place to find out how to create quiffs Rihanna would be proud of.

Tellingly, when Posh got rid of her extensions after the 2006 World Cup, requests for extensions took a sudden drop. And when Jennifer Aniston wore braids in her hair to the 2009 Oscars, Fibre Hairdressing were the first to realise this was a trend that would dominate our summer hair.

And if it’s a simple style – like JA’s braids – that you want then Fibre Hairdressing has engineered its own innovative Style Bar. This drop-in service allows girls to choose from a menu of suggested dos for a special occasion. No shampooing, blowdrying or cutting involved, this simple service can give you a ‘Chick Flick’, ‘Side Pony’ or ‘Party Curls’ in as little as 15 minutes, perfect for after-work dinners long after the party season comes to an end. Wanting to look like Angelina Jolie has never been easier.

Hair cuts, colours and styles have always had a huge influence on how we look and subsequently how we feel about ourselves. That’s why Fibre Hairdressing doesn’t just cut hair, but also offers pampering hair ‘Treatments’. These half hour sessions involve a shiatsu head massage, hand massage, consultation to choose the right products to revive your hair, conditioning treatment, blowdry and a take-home pack with Paul Mitchell products inside. The packs, with names such as ‘Thirst Quencher’ and ‘Bling on Blonde’, are specific to your hair needs, thickening, conditioning and hydrating your locks wherever necessary.

Whatever you choose to get done, you’re bound to have a great ‘feel-good’ time and come out looking like a million dollars (or like you have a million dollars). Using the best products, continual training, and following celebrity trends makes Fibre Hairdressing one of the best salons in this city – it’s not hard to see why it already has a few real celeb clients of its own.

But for me? I came in looking like The Adams Family’s Cousin Itt and came out like a member of Girls Aloud. Cheryl Cole, I might not be, but for today, and 2010, I, at least, have her hair.

Fibre Hairdressing
Lowry Outlet Mall
Salford Quays
M50 3AH
0161 877 4797

Open seven days a weeek

lowryoutletmall.com

Pampering Treatment At a snip from £12.50, this treatment includes shiatsu massage, hand massage, conditioning, consultation and treatment take-home kit.

Style Bar £10 per 15 minute appointment to create a dry-style of your dreams for that night out or special occasion.

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

STOWERS BESPOKE TAILORS ARE INTRODUCING A LADIES TAILORING AND HAUTE COUTURE SERVICE, AT THEIR ALREADY FAMOUS STORE IN SAVILLE ROW, WITH THE LAUNCH OF THEIR HOLLYWOOD COLLECTION.

There are three expert tailors at Stowers Bespoke who together bring over 120 years experience. Ray Stowers, Brian Jeffrey and Brian Pusey are supported by a number of highly skilled cutters, under-cutters and other experienced individuals. From hemming a handkerchief, to designing for royalty, there aren’t many tailoring situations this team of experts haven’t encountered.

Ray Stowers has dreamed of designing womenswear for some time, but it was the closure of ladies tailoring at Hardy Aimes that was the deciding factor leading to his decision to follow through with his dream.

Together with Alistair Macdonald, who worked with Ray creating intricate bead work for the label at Liberty’s, Stowers Bespoke has created a refined and inspired womenswear collection.

This specialized collection showcases the collaborative talents of Stowers Bespoke designers and will appeal to ladies looking for a tailor who is unique and offers the highest levels of service and the finest hand-tailored garments.

The collection could be worn from red carpet glamour to simple, everyday chic living. Stowers Bespoke do not have a house style. They have an original and individual approach to design and believe in designing clothes around you, not for you.

Alistair and the team at Stowers Bespoke have created a divine range of Hollywood-glamour inspired pieces, including a Greta Garbo inspired two-piece skirt suit in grey hounds tooth tweed with a matching Swarovski crystal clutch bag and a stunning grey hounds tooth headpiece with dark cock feathers and Swarovski crystals.

Other Hollywood fashion pieces include a Pink Harris Tweed trouser suit with Mother of Pearl Buttons inspired by Katherine Hepburn and a matching headpiece with central cream hackle feather spray.

Joan Crawford was the inspiration behind their stunning black beaded cape with Swarovski lead crystals and their black chiffon Marilyn Monroe dress, which has over 8,000 jet black Swarovski crystals covering the gown and over 40 full plumb Ostrich feathers adds even more glamour to an already exquisite catalogue of fashion creations.

Stowers Bespoke pride themselves on fitting around each individual client’s needs. If you need them to visit you they will, and they will even extend their working hours to allow for people who need to visit them late.

Whether you have your own distinct style, or if you haven’t quite found it yet, Stowers Bespoke will work to create a unique garment inspired by you. They will draw on your personality and character and their designs will radiate how you see yourself and how you want to be seen. The creations may be delicate and low key or daring and distinctive, but most importantly, they will be yours.

This Hollywood film-star fashion collection is a mixture of luxury and quality that is sure to appeal to ladies in search of a touch of glamour and class combined.

stowersbespoke.co.uk

Words Sarah Lloyd

A SHORT WAY FROM THE BRITISH COAST LIES ONE OF FRANCE’S MOST INTERESTING REGIONS, DRAWING VISITORS WITH ITS WONDERFUL COASTLINE, ATTRACTIVE TOWNS AND GREAT FOOD. AGENT2 CROSSES THE CHANNEL TO DISCOVER THE CHARM OF BRITTANY, A UNIQUE REGION RICH IN HISTORY AND BEAUTY.

I didn’t know much about this part of France, but I soon found out there’s more to it than just Asterix the Gaul.

As I set foot in Rennes, the city didn’t first strike me as a place of cultural and social ferment that I had expected from its pride and resistance to power, much like Asterix’s adventures. Its quiet streets, timber-framed houses and slow pace convinced me that the renowned local passionate temperament was just a saying.

However, I soon reconsidered. After attending the music festival the city hosts every December, Les Transmusicales, I saw first-hand the passion and life this region has to offer.

Fever Ray performing at Les Transmusicales

Les Transmusicales is an annual showcase of incredible new musical trends and talents. With a beer in hand, I ventured inside the huge hangars of the Parc Expo.

For four days a year, Rennes becomes the European capital of music: artists from all over the globe come to town to perform in front of  30,000 strong crowd.

New trends in music are offered all night long for a marathon that explores many genres. I danced to the songs from Jamaican artist Terry Lynn, I enjoyed the dark and sometimes unsettling beats of Fever Ray, the amazingly talented BLK JKS and the mind-blowing electro-reggae of Major Lazer. After my second night at Les Trans, Rennes already showed much more character than I thought it ever could.

My ears still burning from the concerts, the following morning I set out to discover the city. A big part of the old town was devastated in a fire in 1720, but it’s still easy to imagine what Rennes must have looked like if its timber-framed houses were still there amongst its bright colours and tiny alleys.

But the beating heart of Rennes is in its squares. The elegant Place de la Republique is a perfect starting point to visit the city. Just make sure you don’t spend all of your time shopping: the famous storeGaleries Lafayettes is here, and the streets all around are full of boutiques.

Walking for a few minutes along streets lined with nice houses and funny restaurant signs, I found myself in front of the imposing neoclassical silhouette of the Cathédrale Saint Pierre. Nearby is Place des Lices, which hosts a lively and noisy market every Saturday, the second biggest in France. It is crammed with locals stocking up on oysters, mouth-watering cheese and freshly baked bread.

The busy Place Saint-Anne is dominated by the Palais du Parlament de Bretagne, which was seriously damanged by a fire in 1994, after a violent demonstration by local fishermen. In front of the Parlament there were many stalls selling delicious local food and I challenge you toresist the temptation of  crêpes avec chocolat.

Foodies won’t be disappointed: Rennes is dotted with charming restaurants offering ample opportunity to savour the local cuisine and take in the atmosphere of this peculiar city.

Less than one hour north of the city is the Emerald Coast. Its rugged and windy cliffs overlook gulfs with cobalt blue water, while the waves crash on rocks and lighthouses appear on the horizon. Clouds travel fast, and rainbows colour the sky.

A visit to the village is a must; walking along the harbour you can see the evanescent silhouette of Mont St-Michel. When the sun is not shining, everything seems to romantically seep into black and white.

The real gem of the coastal area is Saint Malo, an elegant walled city.

Its past is one of pirates, sailors and privateers, and walking on the ramparts around the town centre, the wind blowing fiercely, I contemplated the forts and rocks dotting the sea all around. The sun was setting, making the buildings shine like gold.

As I recall my time there, I understand that the warm and welcoming people, jaw-dropping panoramas and rich heritage of Brittany are not only enough to make me want to come back, but also to realize why Asterix was so determined to keep Rome’s hands off it.

WHERE TO STAY

Located a few steps away from Rennes’s train station, Hotel Astrid is a great place to stay. For EUR 55 prpn, it’s only a few minutes away from the city centre. Rooms are simple, quiet and clean. The hall and the breakfast room are very well-decorated, and having a warm baguette with jam in a stylish room is the perfect way to start your day.

WHAT TO DO

VISIT THE LITTLE OYSTER MARKET IN CANCALE

For breath-taking views of Mont Saint-Michel and to snap a picture of a site of oyster harvesting, walk to this tiny market at the end of Cancale’s seafront.

THE MEDIEVAL TOWN OF DINAN

Discover the ancient charm of this little village. Its port, on the river, has great views on the woods and hills around, an old stone bridge and a Roman aqueduct.

HAVE A COFFEE IN SAINT MALO

Le Café du coin d’en bas de la rue du bout de la ville d’en face du port Le Java, 3 Rue Saint Barbe, is an unusual and eccentric place, where stools are swings, the toilet is hidden in a wooden booth and thousands of porcelain dolls, puppets, pictures and stuffed animals make customers’ heads spin. You’ll barely know what you are drinking, too busy looking around. Which is a pity, because the coffee is actually really good.

HOW TO GET THERE

Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Dinard in one hour. Prices vary but good offers can be found at ryanair.com.

Flybe flies to Rennes directly from Southampton, and from Manchester, Edinburgh, Exeter, Belfast and Newcastle connecting in Southampton.

For more information visit brittanytourism.com

Words and images Roberto Priolo

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/travel/brittany-travel-review/feed/ 1 http://www.agent2magazine.com/music/tomorrow-in-a-year-the-knife/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/music/tomorrow-in-a-year-the-knife/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:58:18 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2748

A BIRD SINGING, THE RAIN FALLING ON LEAVES, THE WIND CARESSING BUSHES AND BRANCHES ARE SOUNDS AND MUSIC OF NATURE AND THE KNIFE WITH MT. SIMS AND PLANNINGTOROCK HAVE CHANNELED THESE MELODIES IN THE ELECTRONIC OPERA “TOMORROW, IN A YEAR”.

Through the centuries nature has inspired many poets, painters, writers and musicians, who have tried to express the beauty, strength and complexity of the world around them. But these guys have gone beyond.

The project was proposed by the Danish performance group Hotel Pro Forma who wanted to take on stage Darwin’s “On The Origin Of The Species” and his researches about nature and wildlife.

The Knife were the first to be contacted and they then decided to let Mt. Sims and Planningtorock take part in the realization of this innovative work.

The result is an electronic opera that combines artificial sounds and field recordings. Olof Dreijer (The Knife) went in fact to the Amazon and Iceland to find inspiration and to record real sounds from wild nature.

He says: “At first it was very difficult as we really didn’t know anything about opera. But after some studying, and just getting used to opera’s essence of pretentious and dramatic gestures, I found that there is a lot to learn and play with. In fact, our ignorance gave us a positive respectless approach to making opera. It took me about a year to become emotionally moved by an opera singer and now I really do. I really like the basic theatrical values of opera and the easy way it brings forward a narrative. We’ve approached this before in The Knife but never in such a clear way.”

15 tracks compose the melodic world of Tomorrow, In A Year: a wonderful, dreaming but dangerous world in which the mystery of unknown nature but also the surprise of discovering new animal and plant species are described.

An opera singer, a pop singer and an actor also enrich the performance, all this accompanied by light projections.

The show is a real travel in a new world seen through Darwin’s eyes and it changes as fast as life and nature do. During the first part single elements are introduced, then they gather and merge becoming a whole before changing again in something new and undiscovered.

Ralf Richardt Strøbech is the co-director with Kirsten Dehlholm. He explains, “Time forms our lives, gives our existence meaning and populates the globe. Generations, eons and millions of years create the new and eradicate existences. Nature selects, invites and dares everything without limitation.”

Everything changes. Today, tomorrow, in a year, forever. Things develop, mutate and so do we.

theknife.net

hotelproforma.dk

rabidrecords.com/tomorrowinayear

Words Luca Russo

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/music/tomorrow-in-a-year-the-knife/feed/ 0 http://www.agent2magazine.com/music/the-niro/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/music/the-niro/#comments Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:59:13 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2736

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT INDIE MUSIC WE USUALLY THINK OF WEIRD TUFTS OF HAIR (WHY? AND HOW IS THIS GUY DIFFERENT? PROBABLY BEST TO DESCRIBE THE NORMAL BEATS, SOUNDS OF THE MUSIC WHICH THE NIRO DOESN’T COMPLY WITH).  BUT THERE’S ONE GUY WHO REPRESENTS INDIE MUSIC IN HIS OWN WAY. SHOWING A TENSION AND A STRENGTH, HIS TRACKS ARE WORKS OF ART DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS POPULAR AND POLLUTED GENRE.

Italian-born Davide Combusti grew up surrounded by music before starting up his own band, The Niro, from 2002. Currently considered one of the best young songwriters in Italy, he is beginning to establish a name for himself on British shores.

Son to a famous drummer from some important Italian rock bands during the 1970s (I Ribelli, I Centauri, La somma), he cultivated his interest for music playing the same instrument before taking his hand to the guitar and bass.

He took to the stage as a drummer, when he decided to write music and lyrics for his own band: The Niro. When they split up he kept the name and continued his solo career as songwriter. In 2008 his first EP, An Ordinary Man was released by Universal. Its five songs were also part of the 13 track album: The Niro.

He has played in New York, LA and Paris and last October, he performed a whistle stop tour around the UK with LiveZone and Track1. Having previously opened for the Zephyrs, Isobel Campbell and TKO and contributed to the Belle and Sebastian’s tribute album with his version of I fought in a War, his biggest British performance was his recent London gig last winter.

On 22 October 2009, The Gramaphone in Commercial Street filled with ‘Indie’ types, eager to listen to something new. Guys chatting on black leather sofas sat awaiting the new beats and sounds that will change the genre for the coming year, as drums and guitars are set up on stage.

The Niro – wearing jeans, black t-shirt and a bowler –  jumped on it.

He played songs from his debut with great precision and heart and his performance reflected his discrete and private manner, steering clear of shouting rock bands. Saying only a few polite ‘thanks’ during the set, he’s clearly one of those who prefer communicating through their music and avoid wasting too many words about it.

His style of singing seems to be influenced by Jeff Buckley’s high notes and falsetto reverberations, while his music offers a wide range of emotions: from happiness to melancholy, from rage to serenity. Classic arpeggios suddenly turn into aggressive progressions while tempo and rhythm changes often surprise the audience.

Bass guitar and drums are perfectly synchronized and form a complex carpet on which the artist is completely free to express himself. Years of lessons from his father have paid off and the consensus amongst the now-standing audience was clear: The Niro machine works amazingly well.

The performance quickly left behind something difficult to explain: an uneasiness or sadness that resonated through his lyrics and between each note.

Worlds away from the usual Europop dance tunes of Eiffel 65 that normally filters through from Italy’s music scene, The Niro’s songs are full of content and heart. So much so, that for the first time, the whole world is listening to The Niro to change Indie music to change for the better, and it’s safe to say, we’re eager for more.

www.myspace.com/theniro

Words Luca Russo

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/music/the-niro/feed/ 0 http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/do-judge-a-book-buy-its-cover-the-sartorialist/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/do-judge-a-book-buy-its-cover-the-sartorialist/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:41:29 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2721

IN A WORLD SATURATED WITH FASHION BLOGS SCOTT SCHUMAN’S THE SARTORIALIST HAS BECOME THE ONLY FASHION BLOG TO LOOK TO FOR EVERYONE FROM THE REAL FASHION DICTATORS TO THOSE SIMPLY WITH A LOVE OF TIMELESS STYLE.

The Sartorialist has become a worldwide phenomenon, with over 180, 000 visits a day. It has been named as one of the top six style blogs by the Sunday Times and is rated by Technorati as the Number 1 fashion blog in the world.

Scott Schuman worked in the fashion industry for 15 years before setting up his blog. The aim was and still is to showcase the varied style of real people on our streets, not only those of the fashion elite.

Although in an ironic testament to his talent and status it is often the fashionistas who clamour to get their picture taken by Schuman, as Cathy Horyn, The New York Times, said: “Everybody loves being photographed by Scott Schuman. If he spots you in the crowd whether in New York, Paris or Milan, it’s kind of a validation.”

In this book Scott has compiled his favourite images, adding the odd comment here and there, but mostly letting the images speak for themselves.  From achingly hip Stockholm to the faded grandeur of Milan Schuman captures the essence of style and distils it in his now world-famous images.

It is his clever, appreciation of individual style which has readers of his blog hooked. He does not include just ‘fashionable’ people, but dapper gentleman exuding a quiet arrogance striding around the streets of Milan, a newspaper casually tucked under one arm.  Or a disparate group of rosy-cheeked teens posing against the dramatic backdrop of the Eiffel tower, each competing with each other to make their own individual style statement.

Images of fashion’s big players, such as Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld, appear alongside an awkward 13-year-old Parisian boy photographed in his brand new high-tops. It is this contrast of the recognition of high fashion and the perceptive eye for a great image which makes this book work.

He often focuses in on particular quirky details, such as the frayed, worn cuff of a suit in a photograph entitled, ‘His Dad’s suit, Milan’. This poignant caption is all that is needed to spark off thoughts of a man’s long-held respect for an absent father.

The book differs to the blog of the same name in that it does not allow readers to interact with the images. This dimension is removed and perhaps at first sight Schuman’s brief captions may not seem enough but if you require more, you are missing the point. He wants you, the reader, to develop your own thoughts on an image, to draw your own conclusions. It is a picture book of the greatest kind.

The longer comments he does include, however, are so tantalisingly insightful they leave you longing for more. Beside the image, ‘Conflict of expression, Stockholm’, Schuman’s comment makes you study the image of that shy young girl with a kind of arcane, secret knowledge.  He discusses the misconception that you have to be confident within yourself to express personal style and comes to the conclusion that often this dichotomy between, “wanting to remain anonymous and yet dressing in a noticeable way- can lead to equally great expressions of personal style.”

Often the photographer and the subject do not speak the same language so the resulting image retains a certain mystery and the character created is forever suspended.  As Schuman eloquently puts it, “I am totally open to creating my own version of who I think this person is.” Sometimes when you do delve beyond the surface a romantic image is tarnished a little, therefore these images without dialogue are perhaps some of the most special in the book.

Schuman is constantly relevant, including images of those dressed in head-to-toe designer fashion alongside images such as, the young man dressed in a five-dollar doctor’s coat. He remarks that it is wholly about how you wear something, as this guy testifies by pulling off this look, “with a cool nonchalance.”

There are many street style blogs out there, but none with the unflinchingly honest, appraising eye of Scott Schuman. In this way The Sartorialist is unrivalled.

If you require style inspiration on a particularly bleak day or simply want to spend a pleasurable couple of hours lost in far-flung, imagined lives then look no further.

penguin.co.uk

thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Words Ashley Wallis

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/do-judge-a-book-buy-its-cover-the-sartorialist/feed/ 0 http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/alice-takes-a-trip/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/alice-takes-a-trip/#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:21:09 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2704 FAMED FOR ITS STEEL INDUSTRY, SHEFFIELD IS PERHAPS ONE OF THE LAST PLACES IN THE UK YOU’D ASSOCIATE WITH HIGH FASHION, AN ASSUMPTION BACKED BY FINDINGS OF A NATIONAL SURVEY WHICH RANKED SHEFFIELD AS ONE OF THE WORST-DRESSED CITIES IN BRITAIN. BUT FOR CLAIRE MIDDLETON AND HER SISTER LAUREN, THEIR CLOTHING LINE IS AIMING TO BRING GLAMOUR TO THE CITY AND EVEN FURTHER AFIELD.

Alice Takes A Trip is heavily influenced by Lewis Carroll’s legendary book Alice in Wonderland. This is something evident in their quirky clothing and accessories, drawing design inspiration from vintage and fairytale fantasy. The pair also cite the famous namesake London boutique Granny Takes A Trip as an influence on their designs, which have been rapidly gaining a committed cult following not only in the Steel City but also in fashion capitals such as Paris and Japan.

Claire admits that it can be difficult establishing a fashion brand outside of London. “It can be hard. There seems to be more people wanting to be individual in places like London. Elsewhere people just want to follow the crowd and wear high street.  Alice Takes A Trip label does really well here (Sheffield), we have a good following of regular customers and I think this is because it’s young and fun, and it seems to fit in with the good music scene Sheffield has.”

Each of the pieces from the collection are handmade in their Sheffield workshop to retain an individual look, and Claire and Lauren also produce tailor-made clothing for customers looking for something truly different.  Claire remembers her favourite custom piece:  “We got picked to participate in the Channel 4 programme Frock Me, hosted by Alexa Chung and Henry Holland. We had to design and make one of the competitors an outfit. We made a tartan skinny-fit suit which went on to win him the competition as the best-dressed guy in Sheffield!”

So is it difficult working with your sister as a business partner? “No, not really. Because we’re sisters we can tell each other what we really feel, so there are never any real disagreements, whereas talking about things might be more difficult if it was a just business partner. We both have the same ideas, when we go fabric buying we both pick out the same fabric at the exactly the same time. We both love the designing part but we have individual strengths that pull the business together. For example I’m good at the manufacturing side and transforming the designs from paper to garments and Lauren is good at the website design and designs all the flyers, tags and other marketing products.”

Claire says that her and Lauren have been interested in fashion since a young age. “We got our first sewing machines when we were around 12. When we were younger we weren’t particularly interested in what was in fashion, but more about trying to be individual, and we think this is still reflected in both of our labels today.”

By ‘both’, Claire is referring to their new boutique line, The Tales of Alice Horretta, a slightly more upmarket range launched at an Oxfam fashion show in December. The collection will comprise six dresses a season. “The inspiration behind this label comes from pot dolls, myths and fairy tales and each collection will show this influence,” she explains. “Our current collection has a Victorian twist to it and we used velvet and lace as our main fabrics.”

And what about the cryptic name? “Alice Horretta has a story behind the name! When we were younger, our parents gave me the nickname Alice due to my dippy personality,” Claire laughs. “And they gave Lauren the nickname Horris for Horrible Horris, being the youngest and more spoilt. We put the two together to come up with this name. We plan to do a collection for this boutique label every season.”

There are plans afoot to expand both the Alice Takes A Trip and The Tales Of Alice Horretta labels in 2010. Currently stocked in five stores in the UK after retailers showed an interest in their designs, they are planning to expand their online presence and produce brochures to approach more shops themselves.  The increasing interest in all things vintage has also helped.  “We think it’s because most of the high street shops take inspiration from vintage and a lot of the pieces available on the high street imitate the vintage style. Shopping for original vintage keeps you that one step ahead ensuring that your outfit will not be seen on anyone else.”

But Claire knows that there will always be a demand for their clothes in their hometown, where they regularly sell out entire collections of Alice Takes A Trip at Freshman’s, the city’s biggest vintage store. “People here seem to be less creative with the style than they were a few years ago. But now there are five large vintage shops within a 20-metre radius of each other so hopefully this should change a few things.”

myspace.com/alicetakesatrip

alicetakesatrip.bigcartel.com

Words Kay Weston – thefashionistahasspoken.blogspot.com

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/alice-takes-a-trip/feed/ 0 http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/gabriella-gonzalez-interview/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/gabriella-gonzalez-interview/#comments Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:39:55 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2678

‘AND NOW FOR SOMETHING – AND SOMEONE – COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. MISS GABRIELLA MARINA GONZALEZ. WITHIN THE LAST BATCH OF ART STUDENTS TO GRADUATE FROM CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS COLLEGE, THIS EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG FASHION DESIGNER HAS A LOT TO SHOUT ABOUT, AND SHE’S NOT AFRAID TO MAKE HER VOICE HEARD. BORN IN MANHATTAN, RAISED IN MIAMI, AND EDUCATED IN LONDON FROM THE AGE OF 18, SHE’S NOT AVERSE TO CHANGE. HER BOLD AND DISTINCTIVE STYLE OF DESIGNER HAS EARNED HER MUCH PRAISE OVER THE PAST YEAR, BUT JUST HOW HAS IT COME TO THIS FOR GABRIELLA, AND WHY DOES SHE BELIEVE SHE’S GAINING SUCH SUCCESS? AGENT2 FINDS OUT ALL THE ANSWERS TO THESE BURNING QUESTIONS.

Why all the moving about when you were younger?
I was born in Manhattan but moved to Miami when I was young because my parents, and I quote were living in an A.I.D.S epidemic and were tired of bringing there three year old daughter to their close friends’ funerals.”  By 18 I’d had enough of Miami and decided to move to London to continue my studies. Here I experienced the perfect placement and the worst placement. The perfect placement was at Jean-Pierre Braganza. He was encouraging, realistic and gave me a good understanding of what I was to encounter over the coming year, an all around inspiring individual. The worst placement I will leave unnamed; I left early and never went back without explanation. I’m not one to be treated like a subservient c*nt and well, I was less than grateful about the opportunity in the end. I graduated in July and am planning on staying in London until it’s had enough of me. When it comes to a city as mysterious but predictable as this one, it seems it’s more in charge than I am and will decide when to evict me. Have you noticed I left out my age?

What first interested you in fashion designing?
I have been sewing since I was very young. It must be in the blood because my grandmother was a seamstress and my father was a fashion designer. Art and design was all around me and I was encouraged to be creative while growing up. This is most likely because it was apparent at an early age that I did not care about multiplication as much as I cared about dreaming. I tried a lot of things as a kid, maybe just not to be like my family, but with age I came to realise that maybe the best thing for me was to be like my family and so I allowed my passion, which was of course, clothing design.

You have a clear, bold and recognisable style, which is easy to spot. What gave you this style and how did you develop it over time?

I can honestly say, and call it a cop out, that I have no idea how to explain this question. Some times these images appear, ‘poof’ in my mind, and I if I keep my eyes closed long enough I see the details and then I draw it. It’s like trying to remember a dream. Sometimes the idea does not come and I have to reprimand it for being so cruel. I have no formula; I just make what I draw and draw what I imagined. If anything, the style is a real life materialisation of the drawing.

Those monster platform shoes are quite something! What inspired you to develop such chunky soles?
I drew the shoes on about a million girls in my illustrations while designing the collection without giving them real attention. When it came time to make the clothing I had subliminally convinced myself that it wouldn’t be the complete vision without them. So they crept up on me and weaselled their way into real life.

Is there a type of garment design you find much easier and natural than others?
Yes, the natural kind. Otherwise it looks forced and manipulated to be what you think others want it to be and I think this makes it unsuccessful and stuffy.

So many successful designers have passed through the doors of Central Saint Martins. What makes you different, and how did the place help nurture your talent?
I don’t want to lure people into my brand by subliminally advertising it as something they need to consume because they are told it will make all there dreams come true or help them play the part they want in glamorous circles in society. I want to create clothing that becomes a treasure in the closets of the wearer that they will have for the rest of their lives and makes them feel like it was made just for them. I want it to be a worthwhile keep sake with all the qualities of luxury without the guilt. The place helped to teach me how to survive entirely on my own. Whether that is my doing or theirs I may never know, but I am grateful.

What made you come up with a collection title ‘Clothing for the emotionally dispossessed’? Is it to do with your perception of women?
It’s not to do with my perception of women; it’s to do with my perception of people. They roam daily, trying, but sometimes its just not there and these hollow facades make it impossible to be intimate with others. This causes a lot of grief and makes you feel like the only one on the planet, with only your echo as a companion.

Do you wear the pieces you’ve designed? How does it feel?
A garment has the capability of morphing depending on the personality of the wearer. On me I have experienced the clothes to give me a tough but strangely graceful strength of character.

Is there a particular designer or single person who has particularly inspired you?
Most of my inspiration comes from the state of mind I’m put in when people act just how they really are. The truth is a powerful thing and in the people I encounter and the experiences I share with them, be it good or bad, is were I find most of my inspiration.

What are your hopes for the future?
The future is so vast and the abundance of plans and ideas I have seems endless. The most important thing for me in the future is that I never run out of inspiration, never succumb to complacency and that I am recognised and more importantly respected in the industry for my work.’

gabriellamarinagonzales.blogspot.com

Words Emma Zücker  Images Leon Mark Hotel – leonmarkholt.co.uk

CORK OVER DUBLIN? THAT IS WHAT THE LOCALS GLADLY RECKON AND WHAT MANY GLOBETROTTERS THINK AS WELL. AGENT2 WAS SENT TO FIND OUT WHETHER CORK REALLY STOOD A CHANCE AGAINST IRELAND’S OLD TIME FAVORITE.

Cork has much to offer: great and innovative restaurants, a pedestrianised town centre surrounded by lovely waterways and is conveniently located near the splendid western coast. The River Lee streams around the core of the city – an island loaded with grand Georgian parades, narrow 17^thCalleys and modern masterpieces such as the opera house (corkoperahouse.ie)

Cork or Corcaigh in Gaelic, meaning ‘swamping land’ has known a real financial and cultural boom. Made Cultural Capital of Europe in 2005, the city doesn’t need to envy Dublin anymore when it comes to culture, entertainment and of course, Ireland’s legendary misty pubs.

Originally built around a monastery founded in the 7^thC, Cork has had a rich and vibrant history, surviving both the Vikings and the English. During the 18^thC, this historical city became ravaged by the Great Famine, losing a great deal of its population, who died or immigrated to America.

Strongly attached to its Irish identity, it has also had a big part to play in Ireland’s independence from 1919 to 1922. Having connections with the IRA led to a number of bombings in the city and on December 11 1920, the centre was totally burned out.

However, Cork has recently seen a huge comeback with the installation of great American companies in the area. Its economic vitality and peace is now visible and the pride of Cork city is back for good…

THINGS TO SEE

… So much so that it is even host to one of Europe’s biggest and most popular jazz festivals. Every October since 1978, The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is held in Cork. In 2009, the festival exhibited over 1000 musicians from 29 countries, playing in over 60 venues to a hungry crowd or 50,000.  This years festival saw international jazz songstress, Imelda May headlining and performing to a sold-out crowd (guinnessjazzfestival.com).

Imelda May performing to the sold-out crowd at The Savoy

The pretty and picturesque streets of the Shandon neighbourhood on the top of the hill dominating the city, is the best place for long meandering walks with breathtaking views. The neighbourhood surrounds the protestant church of St Ann, whose tower is one of the city’s symbols, famous for its clock that never gives the same time and got the nickname ‘Four Face Liar’ (shandonbells.org).

The city centre streets that cover part of the long island on the Lee River are animated with many businesses and pubs. St Patrick’s Street, the main commercial strip in the city, brings this quiet town to life, finishing on the bank of Lee River, facing Saint Patrick’s Bridge.

Stop to explore Saint Fin Barre Cathedral, the most curious building designed by William Burges in 1863 – the architect behind Cardiff Castle (cathedral.cork.anglican.org).

For a swig of Ireland’s famous liquid, head to the Beamish Brewery. Located in the heart of the city and founded in 1792, it is one of the oldest breweries in Ireland and a superior cousin to Guinness and Murphy’s.   Book ahead of your visit (Beamish.ie).

For those interested in knowing more about Cork’s tumultuous and fraught history, visit the Cork Museum. Situated on the site of the former Beamish brewer’s house, it supplies hungry visitors with history about the city throughout the ages.

OUTSIDE CORK CITY

BALLYCOTTON

With its wild Atlantic escarpments giving the small fishing village a variety of settings and climate, Ballycotton has every characteristic an Irish village would have in my imagination; salty air, breathtaking views of the Ireland’s beautiful coast, and a rocky, steep island in the horizon crowned by an old lighthouse.

Ballycotton is one of Europe’s most notorious bird-watching sites – in fact, the region is host to 300 different species including a diversity of Sandpipers, Tree Pipits and Dowitchers. You have to do the famous cliff walk to Ballytrasna and rejuvenate your soul with this alluring area, a complete contrast with (ballycotton.com).

COBH

Over 6 million Irish left Ireland for the United States and Canada from 1848 to 1950 when the country fell into problematic times –famines and depressions. From these 6 million migrants, over 2.5 million departed from Cobh, making it the most important port of emigration.  You need to visit Cobh Heritage Centre where you can get full coverage of the Irish Exodus as well as stories of liners that famously stopped or sank near Cobh, including the Titanic and Lisutania (cobhheritage.com)

WHERE TO STAY

Newly established resort in the Cork County, the Castlemartyr Resort is a five star hotel renowned for its charming hospitality and sets new world standards on luxury accommodation. The hotel complex is located about a 10 minute drive away from Ballycotton and 20 minutes east of Cork City and Cork Airport. The resort resides on a 220 hectare estate that includes a 17^thC manor and the beautiful and inspiring remains of a castle built 800 years ago under Richard Earl de Clare, aka Strongbow. These premises are witness of the extremely rich Irish cultural heritage and its103 deluxe guest rooms are magnificently restored to provide a unique experience of unspoiled sumptuousness.

The resort offers a range of services including the excellent Knight’s Bar, gourmet cuisine at The Bell Tower restaurant, 16 000 sq ft Spa, indoor and ozone-treated pool, saunas and a golf course designed by Ron Kirby. The hotel pampers to every visitor and offers brilliant outdoor activities such as clay pigeon shooting, archery, crochet, a stroll through the woodland trails or boating.

Castlemartyr Resort offers luxurious accommodation from £175 per room including a full Irish breakfast. For bookings call 00 353 214 219000 or visit www.castlemartyrresort.ie.

HOW TO GET THERE

Regular flights are available to Cork International Airport form London and Manchester with Aerlingus (aerlingus.com).

The best way to see Cork and its beautiful surrounding countryside is by hiring a car. Hertz offer some good deals (hertzflydrive.com).

It’s the spark and warmth of Cork County, a remnant of the region’s enduring rebellious history that captivated me and probably will bewitch you too with its bare but prodigious beauty.

For further information about holidays in Ireland visit www.discoverireland.com.

Words Vincent Bernier – vincent@agent2magazine.com

NOT FOR THE BEAUTY VIRGINS OUT THERE, URBAN DECAY IS THE COSMETICS RANGE THAT PACKS A PUNCH.

LAUNCHED IN 1996 IT IS RENOWNED FOR ITS EDGY SHADES AND EQUALLY INNOVATIVE TITLES- INSPIRED BY THE URBAN LANDSCAPE OF THE US, HOME OF THE BRAND. THE ROLL CALL OF EYE-SHADOW HUES ALONE INCLUDE THE OMINOUSLY NAMED OIL SLICK, WHICH TURNS OUT TO BE A WEARABLE SOOTY BLACK EYE- SHADOW SHOT THROUGH WITH SHIMMER OR POLYESTER BRIDE, A SILVER SHADOW WITH WHITE GLITTER.

Best sellers include the teasingly titled Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss, which allows the user to undress a miniature man at the flick of their wrist, surely all one could want in a lip gloss?

Or try the best-selling 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, which combines a creamy blendable texture with a long-lasting waterproof formula, immediately conjuring up images of tousled- haired rock chicks too cool to give a second thought to their make-up after casually slicking it on.

This in essence sums up the brands ethos. It is the antithesis of mainstream make-up brands who focus on the ‘pretty pretty’ aspect of the market. It simply doesn’t do ‘the no makeup, makeup look’ and makes no apologies for it.  Long before the sold-out jade green Chanel nail polish made its catwalk debut, Urban Decay were producing similar statement hues.

Recently the brand has latched onto the increasing trend for complexion perfectors and enhancers. New products launched for the ‘fall season’ include additions to the primer potion family, the complexion primer potion which comes in two formulas: brightening and pore perfecting and the eyelash and lip primer potions.

The Eyelash Primer in particular is bang-on trend- the beauty world currently awash with the seemingly incessant flutter of fake lashes. No longer the preserve of the footballers wife clan, they have been seen on every runway from London to New York. Forget the statement biker boot they are this season’s must-have accessory. This magic potion applied pre-mascara, is designed to give the appearance of false lashes sans the hassle and fiddly glue. Genius.

The Book of Shadows Vol II launched for the ‘holiday season’ is a palette consisting of 16 shades, a tempting dolly- mixture of their most coveted hues and 8 exclusive to the palette. This book will be perfect for dipping into over the festive season, as the dreaded Xmas parties beckon. It includes 2 handy travel size 24/7 eye pencils and a mini eye shadow Primer Potion.

If you want to indulge your inner wild-child even if the nearest you’ve come to dating rock-star is a guy in a tragic indie band, look no further.

Words Ashley Wallis

URBANDECAY.CO.UK

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/grooming/urban-decay-cosmetics/feed/ 0 http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/womens-fashion/agent2-interviews-belgrade-designer-marko-mitanovski/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/style/womens-fashion/agent2-interviews-belgrade-designer-marko-mitanovski/#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:38:43 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2578 SERBIAN DESIGNER MARKO MITANOVSKI’S DRAMATIC, THEATRICAL DESIGNS GOT HIM NOTICED FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS DURING LONDON FASHION WEEK THIS YEAR, CEMENTING HIS STATUS AS ONE OF THE BEST EMERGING NEW TALENTS IN FASHION. BACK IN 2008 HE WAS AWARDED ‘BEST YOUNG DESIGNER’ AT BELGRADE FASHION WEEK AND HIS REPUTATION AS THE DARK HORSE OF FASHION HAS BEEN STEADILY GROWING EVER SINCE. HERE HE TALKS TO AGENT2 ABOUT HIS DARKLY ENTHRALLING ‘LADY MACBETH’ COLLECTION AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HIS DESIGNS.

You’ve shown at Belgrade Fashion Week and Vauxhall Talent Scout.  What was that like?

Taking part at the London Fashion Week has helped quite a lot in furthering my career, especially since the reactions to my collection in London were extremely good. The whole concept of London Fashion Week is very much different from Belgrade Fashion Week. I like the way the audience in London reacts to shows; spontaneously, without hesitation, sometimes overwhelmingly, whether they like what is presented to them or not, regardless of whether they are viewing the collection of the established or a new designer. In Belgrade, once you establish yourself as a respectable designer, you will receive the same treatment later on regardless of the development or successes. I don’t believe that is stimulating for the designer.

Have reactions to your collection been different in London than in Belgrade?

I think that reactions were very good on both accounts, with the difference that my design sensibility and style are more London that Belgrade inclined. Fashion market in Belgrade dictates more commercial approach where in London you have more relaxed attitude and freedom to express yourself through your work.

Is it difficult for designers in Eastern Europe to make a name for themselves in fashion?

I think that working hard, with having a real talent are attributes that are always recognized regardless of where you are from. You do need a lot of patience for the right things to happen at the right time.

Would you ever consider relocating to Paris or London?

I already have a presence in London. My last collection is based there for promotions and sales. I do plan to take my collection to Paris in the near future as well.

Your designs are very avant-garde, almost like works of art; do you design for a certain kind of woman?

When I design new collection I mainly concentrate on the concept and inspiration while trying to tell the story. Therefore, I am not designing costumes to be worn by particular kind of women but I am trying to stay true to the story that has inspired the particular line.

Do you try to make a statement or tell a story with your designs?  If so, what?

Of course. It all depends on the inspiration and the story I am trying to tell. Every collection I am working on has a very strong subtext that would lose its meaning if I was to start explaining it. It is the same with literature. Finding the meaning and understanding the piece offered is individual and very private. There is no ‘common angle’ for understanding the art, whether we are talking about poetry or fashion collection.

Your designs are very intricate with a lot of attention to detail.  How long does it take to design and create a piece?

I don’t like to work and create under stress or in haste. I need time to seek and understand the material, I play with textures and forms. So, it all takes around three to four months of intensive work.

Your designs were influenced by Renaissance and Elizabethan costume. Why did you choose these as themes for the collection? Are they periods that you have a personal interest in?

I have found tippet form quite inspirational and interesting to play with and style. I transported elements of Renaissance, redesigned and multiplied them. I am impressed by forms unpinned in structure.  For my last collection multiple tippet was used quite effectively in trying to get that effect.  I viewed Lady Macbeth collection through two prisms. In form it is the replica of the Renaissance costume and in the colour and atmosphere my vision of Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth character. That was the inspiration for my last collection. In the future ones I will be dealing with themes that seem most intriguing at the time.

What will the next collection be like?

I hope you will be able to view it and judge it for yourself.

Are there any designers you admire?

I admire young London designers like Iris Van Herpen and Craig Lawrence. They are amazingly talented.

Words by Kay Weston – thefashionistahaspoken.blogspot.com

Images Anne Marie Michel  Hair Nina Butkovich-Budden  Make-up Issidora  Styling Marko Mitanovski & Ronitt Bourmad  Model Angie Ng

MARKOMITANOVSKI.COM

IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO PEARL RESTAURANT IN CENTRAL LONDON BEFORE, I CAN ASSURE YOU YOU’RE MISSING OUT – AND FOR SO MANY DIFFERENT REASONS. NOT ONLY IS THE MENU ONE OF THE MOST ASTOUNDINGLY BRILLIANT THINGS WE’VE SEEN HERE AT AGENT2 MAGAZINE, BUT THE DÉCOR, SURROUNDINGS AND AMBIENCE ARE QUITE BREATHTAKING.

But first, let me explain to you just what Pearl, part of the Chancery Court Hotel in High Holborn, is all about. The kitchen is lead by executive head chef, Jun Tanaka, who has featured in a host of cookery programmes and worked at countless Michelin star restaurants, and in this restaurant concentrates on a modern French-fusion menu.

The building was originally the grand banking hall of Pearl Assurance which was built in 1912. And it really is grand. The tremendously tall ceilings are supported by great big, marble pillars, all originals, as well as ornate cornicing and decadent coving.

What’s beautiful about the building is the original design being left untouched. Creators of Pearl Restaurant have developed a real juxtaposition in the addition of modern, chic and simple lines. It means the grandiose of the original building is softened by slightly more understated fixtures, fittings and furniture.

Although there is a reception area, bar and dining room, on closer inspection it becomes apparent that it’s one big, conjoined space which has been cleverly divided up into welcoming, seemingly separate areas.

My dining partner and I are eager to experience the impressive bar when we arrive, so pull up a stool and select our tipple. In this lounge area, rows of pearls hang from chrome rails which create subtle dividers between tables and booths, keeping the flow and openness unspoilt while adding a touch of privacy.

The long bar, which stretches almost the width of the room is polished and packed with rows of sparkly glasses and liqueur bottles, and the delicate sounds of a Nora Jones-esque live singer-pianist float up and down the room.

Just around the corner is the dining room, which is separated merely by the bar length, and still benefits from the live music, but transcends a whole different atmosphere – a little more intimate and private, even though the room is quite open plan. The carefully positioned waste-height dividers work their magic without diners even noticing.

On the tables, the slightly pearlescent charger plates swirled with sugary pink match the tiny vases and, I’m told, are commissioned by a local artist to ensure these ornaments are owned by no one but Pearl – an almost unnecessary touch, adding to the all-round beauty.

However, we may well be taken by the atmosphere and air of sophistication, but the reason we dine out is for the food. And on first catching sight of Pearl, my wish is that the cuisine will be as tantalising on the tongue as the restaurant is on the eye. I am not disappointed.

The menu gives a set price for one, two or three courses, but a lot more is offered here, including aperitifs and an amuse-bouche – a beetroot jelly with celeriac foam and chestnut shavings. Just the thought of it now makes my mouth water – the textures, colours and flavours are so perfectly balanced, it feels like utter concentration is essential to fully appreciate the tiny dish.

Starter is followed by the main course – a whole crispy duck, which serves two, hand carved at your table and presented with seasonal vegetables, plum sauce and onion fondant which is impossible to avoid being seduced by. An astounding course.

And then for dessert, why not combine lots of flavours – honey, apple, thyme, cheese – make them into ice cream, jelly and foam, and display them in tiny globules all over the plate? When combined in one mouthful, the flavours are nothing short of heaven.

This is a place which impresses in so many different ways which all combine to create a truly memorable dining experience. Vive la Pearl.

PEARL-RESTAURANT.COM

Words Emma Zücker

OPULENCE IS THE KEY WORD AT VERMILION. ROYAL, REGAL AND DIVINE ARE THE OTHERS. MAKING AN ENTRANCE ON THE RED CARPET BETWEEN TWO HUGE STATUESQUE LIONS, A MOAT OF STILL LIT-UP WATER AND A THREE-STOREY RESTAURANT GLOWING WITH REDS AND GOLD, I COULD’VE THOUGHT I’D JUST STEPPED INTO THE SHANGRI-LA. BUT AS WE PASS THROUGH THE MAGNIFICENT ENTRANCE INTO A WORLD OF ASIAN CHARM, I AM GREETED WITH A SENTENCE THAT DRAWS ME STRAIGHT BACK TO MANCHESTER. “GOOD EVENING,” HE SAYS. “WELCOME TO VERMILION AND CINNABAR.”

Set outside of town, in Manchester’s Sport City, Vermilion and Cinnabar have made a name for themselves as the ultimate ‘destination restaurant’. If you come all this way, you most definitely do it for a treat. And at Vermilion, they have a few of those tucked up their sleeves. Ascending our way to the second-floor restaurant, my senses are imploding from the abundance of architectural and design features, the exotic scents that wisp delicately through the perfumed air and the charming ambiance of the low-lit room.

To really appreciate this 200-seater restaurant and 400-standing cocktail bar, Vermilion and Cinnabar first needs explanation. Set in, what can only be described as an industrial site, opposite the Manchester City grounds, this palace most definitely stands out. Fusing ultra-modern chic design with traditional Asian antiquities, Miguel Cancio Martins, famous for designing Paris’ Buddha Bar, definitely left his mark on Manchester with this effort.

The £5.2million project includes a majestic display of huge Buddha heads, a plethora of statues and exquisite screens, a central Buddha tower that runs through each floor, a temperature-controlled wine-cellar, two huge kitchens, one for the Indian cuisines and one for the rest; and of course, the spectacular private top-floor bar complete with footballer-friendly VIP sections.

Painted with a Vermilion red stain, the entire building succumbs to the opulence of its mystical Asian theme. Together with dim lights and candle-lit tables, the restaurant glows with a magenta sheen, adding warmth and fire to this spicy establishment. Flat pewter-hammered plates on circular mosaic tables give Vermilion its Indian authenticity, whilst jet black screens laced with spotlights, hanging lanterns and giant bamboo sticks merge this with a truly Oriental mystery.

Black chairs painted with Chinese water coloured flowers lends itself to Asia’s misty green waters and the plink-plonk music gives Vermilion  a chilled-out ‘Beach’ vibe that Alex Garland would be proud of. Yet, the bright rich colours, amber tiles and wall of floating flowers transports you to praying on the Ganges River in India. These detailed references to Oriental and Indian images makes for quite a difficult combination, but its fusion in the food is where it works best.

Choosing the Christmas Party Menu (£20pp), we were able to taste a wide range of Vermilion’s dishes from its thick, spicy Indian curries to its Chinese starters and famous Thai cuisines created by Chatchai Jamjang – “Thailand’s answer to Gordon Ramsay,” so we were informed.

And we were here to taste the legend. Sweet nutty chicken Satay, sharp fresh salmon sushi and succulent strips of rich chicken tikka cooked in a separate clay oven, succeeded as the first remarkable attempt at combining these incredibly different Asian flavours. The strong spices and smoky chicken contrasted surprisingly well with the fresh and light sushi rolls.

The next selection of dishes proved to be the ultimate in culinary combinations. The thick tomato curry of Deshi Lamb, the sweet chill kick of Phad Thai Prawns, a Vietnamese-tasting selection of Seasonal Vegetables in soy sauce, and Chinese stir fried Turkey Kra-Praow provided a brilliant apprenticeship in the best of Asia’s fine food. Nutty crunchy textures contrasted with crispy dried spinach, slick Chinese sauces, delicious lentil-thick curries, and soft sticky Jasmine Rice; sugary sweet flavours sat next to the chilli kick of the Pad Thai; citrus and basil blended effortlessly with the warm spicy curry; and thick succulent lamb accompanied the juicy prawns deliciously.

Combinations that might be deemed a hotch-potch of flavours seemed, for some peculiar reason, to work. I guess combining the finest in Asia’s shared ingredients was bound to make a perfect blend

For an after-dinner sup, head to Cinnabar. At the top of the spiral staircase that encircles a column of illuminating ‘floating’ Buddha heads, you will find the intimate and stylish cocktail bar.

Contrasting with Vermilion’s rich traditional features, decadent scarlet and burnt oranges, Cinnabar welcomes a more contemporary design with a giant bubble-ball ceiling, bright coloured seats and six steel pods where guests can recline next to each other at a cool £500 minimum-spending bar tab.

Cinnabar most definitely lends itself to a totally different vibe than Vermilion, looking more London 1960s than Indian or Thailand. But then this is probably quite a welcome scenery change, for a visit to Vermilion and Cinnabar, on the very outskirts of town, means that after a drink, you won’t be going anywhere else.

Totally chilled out, complete with a separate open-plan VIP cushioned area, the restaurant and bar together, have created the perfect package for the complete night out. Good because it’s a more than a trek back to the City Centre.

Everything at Vermilion and Cinnabar is carefully crafted and superbly detailed. You welcome the breaks in between courses just so you can go for a bit of a wander through the labyrinthine building. Its huge luxurious furnishings give the building a decadent edge that still emanates distinctive Asian designs, without the garish presence of billowing waterfalls and giant fish tanks.

It has thought of everything – a grand palace to absorb the interest of passersby and send intrigue running through restaurant sites; a huge car park to invite guests, guests and more guests; a wallet-friendly menu; private banqueting suites and function rooms for the all-inclusive parties and staff dos; an expensive and elite bar where premiership footballers squander their money, but most importantly, delicious authentic cuisines that combine the rich spices of India and the fresh flavour of East Asia. To me, by far, its selling point.

But then again, leaving on the red carpet in between two impressive stone lions, symbols of not just royalty, but also of England, Vermilion and Cinnabar proves that it’s its metaphoric fusion of just about everything that makes it a destination restaurant worth making the trip for.

And I guess, at a push, I could get used to hobnobbing with millionaire footballers, if I had to.

VERMILIONCINNABAR.COM

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

Originally opened in 1867 by Auguste Kettner, chef to Napoleon III, the restaurant fast became a favoured hangout for a number of important figures. Close to the stage doors of Soho, it was a popular and somewhat exclusive place to dine. So it’s no wonder that the recent refurbishment was aimed at sprucing Kettner’s back to its original self, celebrating the classic decor of its heyday.

Everything is elaborate and exudes a vintage chic, alluding to its rich and colourful past. The interior is light, luxurious and sparkles with chandeliers, candles and traditional lights which all contribute to a shabby-elegant style. Oversized, Parisian white-framed mirrors are hung decadently on the walls, and diners can huddle around traditional French-design tables and chairs. Through the centre of the main dining room, a slab of marble on ornate iron legs sweeps right through the centre, with comfy looking stools for visitors to perch on, and a smattering of domed, art-deco lamps illuminate the warmly lit space.

It’s warm and inviting, and it’s clear that every customer feels this. Think relaxed Parisian café, combined with gracious elegance of a well-designed and upmarket restaurant. And the downstairs restaurant isn’t all that’s on offer either. There are an endless maze of rooms of different sizes and purposes, to cater for all who passes through Kettner’s doors.

The pudding bar, for example, is French and is open for tea, a light lunch, an informal rendezvous or a late night treat and is always bursting at the seams with home-made cakes, tarts and other seductively naughty treats.

When I visited on a week night, the welcoming glow of Kettner’s entrance hall was quite delicious, and the hubbub of friendly chatter set the scene for a performance-themed evening.

Following a relaxed drink in the cosy champagne bar – which has one of the most extensive champagne lists I’ve ever seem, as well as a shiny brass bar and bookable nooks – we were politely ushered to our table in the main brassiere. I sat in the corner of the room in a high-backed wicker chair, complete with a peculiar but quirky ape-like character, which hung over me. I later found out this was Auguste the Big Handed Ape, Kettner’s mascot, of course! I should have known. As I faced out towards the restaurant, I wondered what more surprises were in store.

Known for its vibrant history of extravagant parties and soirees, the reformed Kettner’s successfully lived up to its bold reputation. Themed evenings, such as ‘Sing for your Supper’ themed evening that took place during our visit, makes the restaurant come alive with the colourful theatrical characters of London’s Theatre District and is reminiscent of a 1940s glamour and drama.

Although regular diners were welcomed to sample the restaurant’s culinary delights, artists of all sorts were invited to take a seat, eat, and then sing, dance, recite or simply mesmerise others with their chosen short performance.

Gathered around the middle marble bar, a group of young men and women, all dressed in period costume – complete with wigs, white make-up and red lips – began to flounce around, dancing a little, chatting a little, and engaging those who weren’t shy in conversation.

Then two ladies in 1940s’ clothing stood up from their table and began reading old diary excerpts. In the piano bar, the entertainment was a lot more musically themed, with a constant flow of performers taking centre stage to rapturous applause. It was quite a fascinating site to behold.

The food at Kettner’s is simple, fresh French cuisine – you’ll find favourites on there such as mussels, crisp duck confit and beef bourguignon. It’s all very good value with main courses starting at just over £10. But if it’s Paris you’re after, then don’t expect any less entertainment than Moulin Rouge. The delicious food thrown in with good measure, you’ll find it hard to go wrong in here.

KETTNERS.COM

Words Emma Zücker

The established designer offers shoppers unique, one-of-a-kind hats, fascinators and headpieces for all seasons and occasions. She handcrafts individual styles and adds her personal touch with intricate details such as delicate beading, ostrich feathers, antique lace and, most exquisitely, Swarovski crystals.

Katherine’s designs allude to eras of classical elegance. Her hats are inspired by the 1920s and ‘40s Hollywood stars with mute and monotone colours, refined arrangement and chic femininity. She bases her designs on a combination of natural elements and classic architectural buildings. Her use of neutral rose-pinks and creamy tones together with her detail to structure and sophistication exemplify these inspirations. The marriage of these two juxtaposing elements creates hats that convey both sharp lines and precision, with earthiness and fluidity. These contrasting qualities make powerful yet glamorous headpieces that sit perfectly on the heads of Dita von Teese and the SoHo Dolls, two of Katherine’s biggest fans.

Having worked with top designers including Galliano and Dior and featuring in this year’s February/March Paris Fashion Week, Katherine Elizabeth is taking the fashion world by storm, whipping up interest wherever she goes. It is not surprising then, that her hats are soon to be stocked in Fenwick, Browns, Harrods and the UK’s largest independent online fashion retailer, ASOS.com.

Everyone needs an excuse to dress up and as the summer season bids us goodbye with a gust of autumnal wind, this milliner can offer you a chance to spruce up an old outfit, revamp your wardrobe and even get a key item in time for the party season. Katherine’s AW09 collection includes neutral shades, from soft apricots to rich browns on a variety of plush materials including silks, satins and Parisian felt. Embellishments vary from delicate beads, silk ribbon and the seductive, Sinamay netting.

If you can’t wait that long for the pre-Xmas parties then Katherine Elizabeth offers shoppers their very own ‘hat parties’. Sipping champagne, this swish setup invites Katherine into your home where she teaches between five and 20 party guests how to make their own designer hat. Bringing her modish materials with her, her vintage-style hats can be replicated to fit and suit you perfectly, at the reasonable price of £25pp. The host also gets a free Katherine Elizabeth handcrafted fascinator (RRP £80) if guests buy some of her designs.

These nights are a great excuse for a girly get-together; Katherine Elizabeth herself saying, “It’s like an Ann Summers Party without the naughty bits.” There may indeed be no naughty bits but a night learning the tricks with Lily Allen and VV Brown’s favourite hat-designer is no bad thing. For the more enthusiastic student, Katherine is also doing designing lessons in Claridge’s Mayfair beginning in the late autumn.

Your creations may not turn out to be masterpieces but Katherine Elizabeth’s most certainly are. Exuding a decadent and understated glamour, these affordable pieces will most definitely give designer quality to off-the-rack dresses, standing you out from the crowds.

Summer may be over and garden parties, regattas and races done for the season, but fascinators and headpieces continue to make a steady presence on evening wear. As the days shorten and the autumnal wind turns frosty, the party season no longer seems so far away. You may not have your Christmas frock yet, but with a Katherine Elizabeth creation you’re sure to be the belle of the ball.

KATHERINEELIZABETHHATS.COM

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

CALLING ALL TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHERS, STYLISTS, MAKE-UP ARTISTS AND HAIR STYLISTS – NINETEEN74.COM AND SCHÖN! MAGAZINE NEEDS YOU!

This pioneering, widely renowned fashion publication, backed by fashion frontrunner Nineteen74.com, has hooked up with Spectacular Studios to bring bright innovative talent to the forefront of envisioning of the future of the fashion and styling. Using the theme of the future, the competition is looking for unique individuals to create something that will set the fashion world on fire- by discovering the stars of the future in their ‘Compete. Be the future’ campaign.

The successful candidates will win a contract with the international artist representative agency for the leading fashion and media artists – Spectacular Studios in Stockholm and an exclusive four-page spread in Schön! magazine.

The Spectacular Studios head office in Stockholm consists of their own award winning salon, Studio Black which is sponsored by hair care giants TIGI. They also have two spacious photo studios in collaboration with Studio F.

Schön! Magazine’s tagline is ‘Be Intoxicated’ and is packed with previously unknown spreads from around the globe.

The magazine is looking for photographers, stylists and makeup artists. Full details of the competition are available online.

To enter simply sign up for free at www.nineteen74.com/Members.Register or if you’re already a member just log in at www.Nineteen74.com, then set up your creative online portfolio and join the Project Creative Competition 2010.

The submission deadline is 15 December 2009 and the winning entries will be featured in Schön! magazine Volume 4. The successful candidate will have showcased their work on a global scale reaching over 40,000 influential creative people internationally.

Words Almaz Ohene

THE LITHUANIAN- BORN DESIGNER LAURA THEISS HAS BEEN BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL PROFILE AS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING NEW DESIGNERS ON THE SCENE RIGHT NOW, THANKS TO HER CREATIVE KNITWEAR DESIGNS. HAVING LIVED AND STUDIED IN HER HOME COUNTRY AND GERMANY, SHE IS NOW RESIDING IN LONDON FOLLOWING A STINT AT CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS. HERE SHE TALKS TO AGENT2 ABOUT HER UNEXPECTED SUCCESS.

Do you think living in three different countries has affected your approach to fashion?

Yes, very much so. In my work I mix together handcrafts from my home country, German practicality and London´s edginess.

What do you say is the biggest influences on your work?

Travelling, culture, the Far East and women of today. My last collection “The World, The Flesh and The Devil” was inspired by Samurai women from 12^th century in Japan and her similarity to today´s women. I let her travel on an imaginary journey from Tokyo to Shanghai, to Vilnius, Frankfurt, London. From each city I picked up different elements. For example, from Japan it was pleats and structure, from Shanghai it was colours and tassels. Vilnius inspired the crochet and stripes. In Frankfurt it was men’s tie fabric and with London it was tartan. The idea was to pay attention on globalization and post feminist women of today showing her girly side.

Why did you choose to focus on knitwear?

My passion for knitwear started at a very young age. I made my first piece, a crocheted tablecloth, when I was seven. In a way knitwear chose me, as it has always been around me ever since I can remember and our house was all decorated in knitted and crocheted cushions, pictures and toys. For me knitwear is comparable to my first language. It is easy to express myself through it. The best part of being knitwear designer is that I can create my own fabric just with a needle and yarn.

Do you find that concentrating on knitwear limits what you can design? Or does it make more adventurous?

Oh, it’s a big adventure! Imagine if you have 15 kg of yarn, all in different colours, and have to create a collection out of it. Knitwear is challenging as it is a slow process. I am making my own fabric and were no limits to my creativity. I can explore many new techniques and create interesting shapes.

Do you have a personal favorite piece from your collection?

The pleated cotton dress and the colourful tasseled hat. There are 700 handmade tassels in it. The hat is only catwalk accessory of course. Funnily enough it gained most attention in German press after the Createurope Academy Award 2009. There I was one of 29 finalists. It was in main online press as a photo of the day.

Does your own personal style affect what you design?

Not anymore. I learned not to design what I would wear myself. It works only for celebrity-designers. The collection has a long way to go until is ready and shown on the catwalk. From the first idea, research, sketches, garment experiments, to knitting, and finally styling. In all that process there is space for a personal taste, but there is no space for a personal style.

Would you ever consider working for the big houses, or would you prefer your own label?

During my time at St. Martins I saw myself working for a big brand. Following an exhibition after my graduation fashion show, some fashion magazines featured my work. Then I had another fashion show, was chosen for Createurope Designer Award Finals, Art-s-talkers best graduates 2009 book and some boutiques asked me to produce some of the pieces. It feels like I accidentally rolled into the fashion world. And I love it. Thanks to my degree in business, I think I could manage into the big world of fashion.

Would you say that you are obsessed with fashion?

What is obsessed with fashion? Let me think….well….I am crazy about yarn, I do crochet in the plane, and went over to Shanghai just to find the right trimmings. I am a junkie of that moment when the models walk down the catwalk, and I spend 24/7 thinking, searching, creating. Is that obsessed?

What is the best style tip you have ever been given?

Mix what can’t be mixed. In our second year we had sustainability competition at St. Martins. It was a group project. We wanted to raise awareness of child labour, as there are 158 million children engaged in child labour worldwide. Our created garments symbolized children’s need to play, toys and happiness. I have to mention that our group won the competition. During this project I researched about the sustainability issues in fashion and realized that actually even with little steps as a designer, I have the opportunity to try and change the world into a better place.

In which ways did you make your own design sustainable?

I am choosing the yarn very carefully, using most natural fibre. The quality of the production is the highest possible, and it’s made with lots of love.

Do you think the fashion industry pays enough attention to the ethical issues?

I think they do. But it is difficult not to fall into the fast and cheap production fashion cycle. Big brands have huge marketing costs to go with each collection. If there is no media presence, the consumer wouldn’t be interested in buying. It is definitely better than 10 years ago, but still there is a need to educate the consumer.

LAURATHEISS.COM or CONTACT

Words Kay Weston

DEATH BY DRONE. A TERM YOU THOUGHT WAS AN ANALOGY FOR YOUR MOTHER’S INCESSANT NAGGING. BUT FEAR NOT, BECAUSE WE CAN INTRODUCE DEATH BY DRONE TO YOU AS A BODY OF ART WHICH ILLUSTRATES THE KIND OF WHIMSICAL NIGHTMARES THAT YOU MIGHT EXPECT TO BE CAUGHT INSIDE A CHILD’S DREAM CATCHER.

Like the BFG, Tiff and Deb, two Parsons Art school graduates from Brooklyn, New York, have bottled such dark but delightful fantasies to bring us a number of quirky prints, pretty party frocks and accessories, heavily inspired by their own illustrations. A foray into fashion was inevitable, with their artwork now adorning some seriously stylish clothing.

They launched their hand printed clothing line in Spring 09 which saw chic and feminine party dresses along with trendy T’s and other accessories take on ironically named designs such as ‘A Mouldy Brain begets a mouldy tea cup’ and ‘The Mischief of a Bubblegum Blower.

The pair have now launched their Fall 09 line, which doesn’t fail to disappoint. This time with themes called ‘Feast of the Butters’ where face-stuffing tea parties have are an influence along with ‘The Depths of Mastyivus’ and suitably named ‘Enormous Pile of Irrelevance’.

Tiff and Deb met in dorms at art school and while classes failed to stretch the minds in its conventional formats, it set them daydreaming and doodling their way to creating marvellous obscure and dark characters in their artworks which rapidly evolved into a strange and cool twisted world of escapism.

These characters, with names such as ‘Greedy Judy’ and ‘Sneakity and his Loot’ capture a beautiful child-like humour which has the power to amaze, confuse and intrigue all at once. Inspired, they say, by children’s books, illustrators and “people who do weird stuff with a thwarted sense of innocence, like Henry Dargar.” Together with their own lifestyles and things that circle their minds, things they love, hate, fear, fantasise and have a strange obsession about alluding to’ orifices, nature, anatomy, vomit, decay, food and desserts, metamorphosis, folklore and fables, old crooked trees and babies being trampled by unicorns’.

Their  illustrations seem to capture that bizarre inner state of mind we all possess that becomes a sort of bank for storing all our throw away thoughts, the ones that lurk  subconsciously and are often evaporated through our dreams, deja vus, drunkenness and general murkiness of the human mind in order to create more space.

The word drone in this case may well be better off left to your own interpretation as the duo describe it as being a collaboration off sounds and words such as ‘fuzz.’ But it is without doubt that such ideas have been heavily influenced by their tastes in music, phycadellic rock, and is intrinsically linked with what they do.

But their impressive creativity doesn’t stop there. The pair has also expressed that at some point they plan to write a children’s book for adults, which is surely just one of many unconventional marvels they are to pull out from their wondrous box of tricks.

Rather like a Tim Burton remake of Hansel and Gretel, their work is both magical and menacing all at once. Tiff and Deb could certainly never be branded as your average designers. But who wants to be normal anyway?

DEATHBYDRONE.COM

Words Alice Fredenham

FAMOUS FRENCH CAPTAIN JEAN-JACQUES COUSTEAU HAS WRITTEN ONCE: “THE RED SEA IS A PASSAGE OF WONDERS; THE HAPPIEST HOURS OF MY DIVING EXPERIENCE WERE SPENT HERE”.

AGENT2 ventures to Egypt to discover whether Cousteau was right and explores the other wonders that Sharm el-Sheikh has to offer, beyond its pristine beaches and priceless diving.

Indeed, these words would be echoed by anybody who has the chance to spend some time in this astonishing region of the globe. In fact, few places in the world offer divers the chance to discover the unspoiled beauty of the ocean bed as Egypt does.

Located on the east shore at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and with a consistent tropical climate and 60km of sandy beaches, Sharm el-Sheikh has become the leading tourist spot in Sinai and an ultra modern Mecca for divers.

Now developed into a luxury holiday complex, it has become treasured by divers and sun-lovers across the globe. Famous hotels that share its beautiful bays include Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton and the Four Seasons but behind these high-rises, lie Sharm’s endearing secrets: that it still has some of the best diving spots in all the Red Sea.

A great way to start exploring the area is to dive to the amazing reefs of the National Park of Ras Muhammad. Created in 1983 to protect coral reefs and the fragile environment, this marine park boasts corals brighter than anywhere I have ever seen before.

In this ocean of cobalt blue and feeling utterly disconnected, it’s not hard to see why this is one of the world’s most famous dive sites.

For those who haven’t tried it, scuba diving is like visiting another planet. In the majestic Ras Mohammed National Park, the landscape of fluttering reef walls and pinnacles seemed as unfamiliar as the canyons of Mars. The fish are weird in both colour and shape; parrotfish with their beaklike lips, goatfish sporting forked beards, and unicornfish that spar and horn-joust like the mythic beast.

I could have spent hours swimming there, in silence, away from the noisy city. Even though I eventually climb back up to the yacht, I knew that my time spent in that underwater palace would remain cherished memories.

As well as excellent diving, Sharm is close enough to the South Sinai desert that you can enjoy the sumptuous dunes with no problem. Many local and international tour operators include daily excursions including camel rides and jeep safaris.

After enjoying everything about my snorkeling experience, I went to the dryness of the Sinai. Throughout our journey to the deep desert, I was fascinated by the tribes of nomads, called Bedouins, who seemed able to live in the arid inhospitality of the desert.

They have adapted themselves brilliantly over the years to desert life, even though I can imagine how prettier and more romantic the sight of them must have been a couple of generation ago – with no piles of rubbish, no 4-wheel drives and no TV.

One thing that has survived ‘the progress of the western world’ is the beautiful bond between Bedouins and their camels. It is still the Bedouin’s constant companion. He drinks its milk; he feasts on its flesh; he covers himself with its skin; he makes his tent of its hair. Its dung is used as fuel. It is his shelter in the cold winter nights and protector against sandstorms. It is the special gift of Allah: Ata’ Allah.

The camel has now predominantly been exchanged for the 4-wheel-drive, but they still play an important part. Trained racing and carrying tourists on camel treks, they assist the Bedouin in becoming part of Sinai’s growing sources of income.

Its camels aren’t the only tool that attracts tourists though. South Sinai’s landscape is phenomenal. A silhouette of silver mountains, they shadowed the beautifully rich colours that were unforgettably inspiring.

A series of bays with innumerable and extraordinary coral reefs, Egypt has made a goal of turning the Red Sea into the new Riviera.

And the signs of development are everywhere: half-built Moorish domes, fieldstone walls in progress and lonely, unopened hotels. Even the nightlife in this Muslim city is modern and developed, and in fact- quite liberated. In 2005, Little Buddha, a sushi bar, took the title of having the longest continuous bar in the Middle East. Even dance club franchise Pacha has one of its three African clubs in Sharm. These nightclubs and restaurants contribute greatly to the lifestyle led by Sharm el-Sheikh’s tourists each year.

Yet, the signs of development have also had other effects: high-rise hotels stain Sharm’s exquisite coast, and an onslaught of European tourists have turned this once traditional, ethnic port into a hub for tour operators, bars, and all-inclusive resorts.

But don’t be dismayed. Sharm has a stretch of silky sandy beaches you will struggle to find elsewhere and coral as bright as you can imagine that it still shouldn’t be missed. So when you book your ticket, just remember Cousteau’s words.

Sharm el-Sheikh should be remembered for one of the best coral reefs in the world. Don’t let the rest put you off.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

WHERE TO STAY

A few resorts offers luxury on a silver plate like does Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh.

Located only 10 mins from the International Airport and less than an hour’s flight from Cairo, Hyatt Regency resort is embraced by the spectacular land and seascapes of mother nature. The unparalleled resort offers an extraordinary blend of international cuisine restaurants and entertainment including folkloric Egyptian dances and music.

All 471 spacious rooms and suites provide magnificent views of the Red Sea from its immense balconies.

SHARMELSHEIKH.REGENCY.HYATT.COM

WHAT TO DO

DIVING

There are over 20 renowned dive sites around Sinai – including the world-famous Ras Mohammad Marine Nature Reserve.

Cfun Divers are the guys to organize your snorkeling and diving trips with. The staff is fully licensed and insured. You will feel at ease with these professionals.

CFUNDIVERS.COM

CAMEL RIDES, BEDOUIN DINNER AND STARGAZING

You can enjoy a 30 minute camel ride, before tasting the Bedoin’s delicious cuisine and trying Egypt’s shisha, a traditional water pipe.

SHARM-CLUB.COM/ACTIVITIES_SHARM_EL_SHEIKH/BEDOUIN_TOURS_SINAI.HTM

THE MONASTERY OF SAINT-CATHERINE

A formidable, fortified monastery, built in the 6^thC under the Roman Empire on what was regarded as the place of Moses’ Burning Bush.

SINAIMONASTERY.COM

MOUNT SINAI (OR MOUNTAIN OF MOSES)

Sacred to Muslims, Jews and Christians, Mount Sinai overlooks the monastery of Saint Catherine at 2285m. You can expect some great views at sunset and sunrise.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are daily flights from the UK to Sharm El Sheikh. It takes 5h30 from Manchester and 5 hours from London.

MONARCH.CO.UK

Words and images Vincent Bernier  Editor Natasha Al-Atassi

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/travel/sharm-el-sheikh/feed/ 0 http://www.agent2magazine.com/covet/2-covet-novemberdecember-2009/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/covet/2-covet-novemberdecember-2009/#comments Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:24:31 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2373

COMPLEX GEOMETRIES HOODY

Complex Geomotries might not be a name you have heard much of (yet!) on British shores but we can assure you the only complicated thing about this Montreal based label is how to get your hands on more of it! The beautiful monochrome colours coupled with sharp, oversized geometric shapes certainly won’t leaving you looking square. AGENT2’s personal favorite is the oversized square hoody pictured here. Only decision left to make, do you get it in black, black or black?

COMPLEXGEOMETRIES.COM

MASTERPIECE BAGS

We love style and we love functionality here in the AGENT2 office. When these two things come together in perfect harmony it brings a joyful tear to our eyes. When we saw these amazing bags from Japanese label Masterpiece we were truly moved. These urban styled bags are durable, functional and are noted for their interesting use of materials, but, above all they will make heads turn whether you are in the city or on the mountain.

OKI-NI.COM

GARETH PUGH LAPTOP SLEEVE

Finally. The company who brings us the best Apple product carriers and protectors, Incase, has partnered with the bi-annual culture glossy, AnOther Magazine and the uber cool Parisian boutique, colette to release onto the world a collection of cases for people that, like me, love technology and appreciate the finer things in life. The sleeves that compile the collection are all designed by the fashion designer, Gareth Pugh and are detailed with bold graphic artwork.

The highly limited edition includes a 13″ MacBook Pro Sleeve and iPhone 3GS Slider Case. At £55.00 for the iPhone Sleeve and £76.00 for the laptop case, the pieces are available now from the AnOher Magazine shop.

ANOTHERMAG.COM

DSM FRAGRANCE

Exclusive London store Dover Street Market has this month launched its own, self-titled fragrance and the AGENT2 nose loves, loves, loves it.

The fragrance for both men and women is a modern construction of a classic woody perfume while the unique packaging created by Comme des Garcons, Rei Kawakubo includes an inside-out looking design with a bottle that is decorated with the DSM logo, printed sideways.

The fragrance is available now at the London store, while a worldwide release will follow this month at all Comme des Garçons shops and various other outlets.

DOVERSTREETMARKET.COM

LOMO LC-A+ SPECIAL EDITION

It’s been 25 years since the iconic LOMO LC-A graced the analogue world with its colourful, extraordinarily beautiful pictures framed with vignettes! To celebrate this special occasion, LOMO bring you the first ever LOMO LC-A+ special edition – LOMO LC-A+ 25th Anniversary Edition! Get your hands on one before they are gone for snapping your pictures with some retro-chic style.

LOMOGRAPHY.COM

ANTHROPOLOGIE CANDLE

Stylish and quirky home emporium hit London’s Regent Street last month and we can safely say we want everything they have to offer. Reality check though, since we can’t have everything all at once we’ll start with these slightly macabre bust candles that come atop a resin holder. Mr. Rabbit is on our ‘must have’ list but his dog and horse companions Sir Rowf and Noble Steed are going in our bag as well.

ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM

OVERLOOKING MANCHESTER’S CITY CENTRE AS THE RAIN POURS DOWN, THERE’S A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PLEASURE INVOLVED IN BEING WARMLY TUCKED UP HERE. SKYHIGH, I CAN SEE FOR MILES AS PEOPLE SKIP OVER THE PUDDLES DESPERATE TO FIGHT THEIR WAY HOME FOR THE WEEKEND, BUT THE BEST WAY TO SPEND A FRIDAY NIGHT IS HERE: SEDUCTIVELY TOASTY, SUITABLY COMFORTED, WITH A LARGE GLASS OF WINE AND RICH, HONEST BRITISH FOOD. HERE, AT MANCHESTER’S THE MODERN RESTAURANT, THEY KNOW HOW TO DO FRIDAY NIGHTS BEST.

Scrambling in from the horrible wet weather, I didn’t much look like I was ready for a posh night out. Umbrella inside out, hair straggly and wet, high heels soggy, all I wanted was a towel and a cup of cocoa. Situated in the iconic Urbis building, I had preconceptions that this was going to be the Sex And The City venue of Manchester, with unpronounceable cocktails and the trendiest PR-reps this side of the Pennines. But after schwooping in the lift to the top floor, I discovered that The Modern’s focus was more on style and pleasure than the over-crowded, snobby Cristal laden bars you could find anywhere. They might not have had cocoa, but after stepping out into the dark, intimate bar, I was most certainly ready for that cocktail.

The contemporary stylish bar oozed class: dark wood tables, giant lampshades, electric candles, floor to ceiling windows all echoed a chic, minimalist feel. And yet it felt distinctly comfortable. Tables were spaced out and little booths lined its edges offering exquisite panoramic views of the city. A rare perspective, in one sweep you can see the Wheel all lit up, the colourful Printworks and late-night shoppers crawling through the Arndale.

Here in the serene quiet atmosphere of the spacious Urbis building, staring at the cocktail book, I couldn’t help but feel a guilty satisfaction, shaking the last drips of water from my hair, that we managed to escape the crowded storm outside.

The professionally made cocktails seemed effortlessly concocted, laced with a touch of class. The formal waiting service was charming and the drinks, deliciously subtle. The Jayne Mansfield (£9) strawberry, champagne and rum cocktail was a sweet, fresh and authentically fruity, aperitif to the rich food menu, whilst the New York Flip of whisky, port, egg, cream and sugar made a bold, strong statement to begin the evening.

Though the restaurant wasn’t bursting with character, it had an ambiance of peace and comfort that can’t often be found in a top-class restaurant on a Friday night. Rows of private tables and the calming mauve, grey and beige walls created an earthly feel, leaving the diners serenely chilled. The kitchen was kept hidden, opposing the trend of open-plan kitchens that has taken over modern-day restaurants, contributing to the welcomed peace.

Sipping from our giant glasses as we waited patiently for our traditional Lancastrian meals, it was a pleasant experience to enjoy each other’s company without shouting over loud chatter or having to share your conversation with your neighbouring diners, so close they might as well be sitting with you. The Modern certainly paid attention to its atmosphere and it, for one, works stylishly well.

Let’s not dismiss the food though. Recently awarded Restaurant of the Year 2009 at Manchester’s Food and Drink Festival, The Modern is known for its classic British meals created with locally quality sourced ingredients. And that’s exactly what we got.

Ingredients combined together to bring out each flavour, texture and taste. The seasonal menu means that the choices remain fresh and the meals suitably craved for. The warm duck salad with orange and croutons (£7.50) to start, is the perfect example. The salty duck cuts through the sharp oranges and is complimented by its rich berry sauce, honing in on the fresh ingredients of the season. The wild and rabbit terrine (£5.50) offered a unique alternative as a starter, that you don’t normally find gracing British menus.

The Roasted Yorkshire Venison (£18.50) was my personal favourite. The juicy succulent meat was presented on creamy potatoes, braised red cabbage and faggot, soaked in a rich blood red juniper sauce. The venison oozed just enough flavour to melt against the sweet berry sauce and pickled cabbage.

If you’re a meatie, then the Cheshire Rib Eye Steak (£22.50) should definitely be sampled. Unlike usual steaks that can often come chewy and unsatisfying, this chunky portion melted instantly in the mouth. Served medium rare, the thick steak was as succulent and juicy as meat can come. Its beef dripping chips offered just enough salty crunch and soft creamy middle to prove their home-made beginnings. Sharpness fell effortlessly against the untouched, delicious flavours of the beef, making this far more than your normal Steak and Chips.

Entirely contented with our rich, homely meals, we shouldn’t have had room for puddings, but seeing the desert menu, we suddenly did. Before we knew it, we were dipping into Dark Chocolate and Malt Whisky Tart (£5) and Apple and Blackberry Crumble (£5). Elegantly presented, the creamy deep dark chocolate tasted pure and luxuriously rich. The Cox, Pippin and Bramley apple and blackberry crumble was a fine example of the quality, unbeatable ingredients. Sweet chunky apples offered both texture and taste, a far cry from the sugary slop you might find in other restaurants.

With tummies full and taste buds pleased, The Modern certainly got our seal of approval. Its matchless city views and chilled-out ambiance are the perfect combination for a restaurant with elegant style, and that’s before the food comes out.

A narrow corridor of tables promises couples a private, cosy evening, but if you’re planning a party, it might not be lively enough for your liking. Shimmering candles, neutral colours and wine decanters clearly proves The Modern to be the place to eat if you’re on a date.

It doesn’t scream colour and it’s not elaborately detailed but then its focus is clearly on its food. And on this subject, there is no detail left untouched. Stylish and delicious as British recipes should be, The Modern well-deserved its award, celebrating our food, our tastes and our heritage.

Watching the rain slowly drip down the window panes circled around us, you can see all that our region has to offer. Except of course, one of the best.

THEMODERNMCR.CO.UK

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

]]> http://www.agent2magazine.com/food/british-with-a-thoroughly-modern-twist/feed/ 1 http://www.agent2magazine.com/grooming/winter-trends-nailed/ http://www.agent2magazine.com/grooming/winter-trends-nailed/#comments Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:40:43 +0000 Editor http://www.agent2magazine.com/?p=2322 WITH EVERY SEASON COMES CHANGE. TREES RECEDE TO LAY A CEREMONIAL CARPET OF CRIMSON AND GOLD, ROOT VEG AND GAME REIGN SUPREME ON OUR MENUS AND WARDROBES SHED THEIR DUSKY CHIFFON AND WHITE LINEN TO COCOON THEMSELVES IN ROBUST TEXTILES; SMUDGING BLACKS, NAVY BLUES, DEEP PURPLES, PARTY SPARKLERS AND, THIS YEAR, METALLICS, LEATHER AND LACE.

And so we must not forget that fashion extends beyond our finger tips, and fingernails are also to be embellished in the latest must have tarry lick. I for one love nothing more than when the nights draw in and nature tells me it’s time to slick on the winter shades like a leather jacket for the nail plates, oh yes!

Well this year is no different and with the seasons vamp fashion trends it’s all about attitude. This winter’s femme fatale won’t be caught dead without statement fingernails to complete the look.

Chanel, as always, is the powerhouse of producing nail polish that, without fail, every season sets beauty editors bare-faced nail beds scratching around to be engulfed by the fashion house’s hottest hue. And said hue is Jade Green.

Inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s winter collection which incorporates the colour in shoes, jewellery and tweeds, these green little bottles have sold out in boutiques and department stores with waiting lists of hundreds and many going for three times the price on Ebay.

But if green isn’t you, then all is not lost. It seems nail colour is no longer the only way to point out a statement. Across the pond the latest craze to emerge is the Louboutin manicure, where the under side of your nail is painted red like the soles of the fashion shoe, or, (dare I say it) stick-on patterns in high-shine metallics.

Other talon trends seen on the catwalks this winter are the reverse French manicure, an avant-garde take on the domestic goddess staple, and matt nail polishes are a few firm favourites for this season. Could it be true? No more high gloss top coats? Appears so!

Words Alice Fredenham

America’s premier modern art gallery, New York’s Museum of Modern Art, is hosting an exhibition of 700 drawings, paintings and sculptures and other paraphernalia – with pieces dating back to early childhood drawings- all by Burton. Following the current of his visual imagination right through to his latest work, the exhibition presents artwork generated during the conception and production of his films, his earliest non-professional films and student art.

In addition Burton’s entire cinematic oeuvre of 14 feature films will screen over the course of the five-month exhibition in the Museum’s Roy and Niuta Titus Theaters: Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Batman Returns (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Ed Wood (1994), Mars Attacks! (1996), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Planet of the Apes (2001), Big Fish (2003), Corpse Bride (2005), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), and Sweeney Todd (2007). His early short films Vincent (1982) and Frankenweenie (1984) will also be screened.

The exhibition will be at MoMA, New York from November 22, 2009 – April 26, 2010.

Burton is an acclaimed filmmaker, attending the California Institute of the Art. He was quickly drafted in to join the Disney animation ranks. But Burton was not suited to animation; they made him a conceptual artist. His concept drawings didn’t go down well as they were far too dark and twisted for the standard Disney fare. However, he soon set tow rok on his own projects. His early films were all mildly successful, but it was 1989’s Batman that made industry insiders sit up and take note.

Edward Scissorhands (1990) was the first time Burton had full creative control over a feature film; having written the story and also produced the movie. The film was a hit with filmgoers and critics alike, and, significantly, marked the beginning of Burton being taken seriously as an artist. His darkly surreal vision had returned audiences back to their own childhood vulnerability and in the process, created a modern fairy tale.

He has continued this tradition with stop-motion films The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Corpse Bride (2005), none of which did anything to dispel the image of Burton as a slightly macabre figure. Having once said, “I’ve always been misrepresented. You know, I could dress in a clown costume and laugh with the happy people but they’d still say I’m a dark personality,” he is further than ever from shaking off his ghoulish image, if the title sequence of 2007’s winter blockbuster, Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is anything to go by.

Burton has also dabbled in poetry. His first ever film, Vincent, was in fact was based on a poem Burton had written himself. The short film tells the sad tale of Vincent Malloy, a suburban child who wants to be just like his idol, Vincent Price. Burton’s illustrated collection of poetry The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories (1997), gave birth to a wide variety of loveably macabre characters, such as ‘Oyster Boy’, a baby born as an oyster because his parents ate one too many of the salty dish and ‘Stain Boy’ whose superpower is to leave behind a filthy stain.

These intriguing characters are sure to be an indication of what to expect from Burton’s artworks, with curators already hailing him ‘the next Warhol.’ Deserved praise? We think so.

Words Almaz Ohene

It’s Vintage Darling! is a new website that tracks down the rarest and most authentic of vintage items. High-quality, pristine pieces are traced from all over the world to bring you the very finest of classic fashion. The site provides shoppers with a range of handbags, dresses, shoes and belts from the 1900s to 1980s, available to buy at a touch of a button.

Fashion always has a way of repeating itself. Even our current trends are amalgamations of former vogue-setting decades – from the 1950s’ waist-cinching belts and prom dresses, 1960s’ micro-minis to the 1970s’ maxi dresses, all of which have been massive staples of our wardrobes for the past year. As London Fashion week comes to a close, we can already see familiar styles creeping back into the high stree, with 1980s’ shoulder pads and jumpsuits making a huge comeback.

It’s Vintage Darling is able to source the original pieces of fashion from those eras with an off-the-rack price making your look as stylish and individual as you can hope. Without wearing the same clobber as everybody else, you will be able to reinvent your wardrobe with genuine accessories pulled directly from our fashion history.

Featuring this season’s hottest looks from glittering metallic’s, structured cuts, clutch purses and cocktail dresses, it’s no wonder that the celebs have jumped on this fashion-wagon too, with Cheryl Cole, Pixie Lott and Alexa Cheung being amongst those sporting its classic pieces.

So if you want to look like you’ve just stepped off the catwalk and not like you’re forming a Spandau Ballet tribute-band it’s best to leave the styling up to the professionals, leaving you to pull-off vintage-chic as well as Jackie O.

ITSVINTAGEDARLING.COM

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

EVERY NICHE OF A FASHION MOVEMENT HAS IT’S OWN DISTINCTIVE HISTORY, AND THE SAPEURS OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO ARE NO DIFFERENT.

Imagine the men of the Belgian Congo in 1965 on the eve of independence, all trussed up in western attire, waiting for Lieutenant General Mobutu to declare the end of Belgian Colonial rule, and finally able to celebrate self-governance. But with the power now in the hands of the fiercely pro-African Mobutu, the three pieces suit was deemed a symbol of western repression. In it’s place, men were advised to wear the ‘abacost’, (an abbreviation for the French ‘à bas le costume’ – literally ‘down with the suit’), a short or long sleeved button up jacket with a high collar, worn without a shirt and incidentally an imitation of the tunic favoured by Chairman Mao. See, the self claimed Father of the Nation was a fan of Maoist ideology as well as his fashion sense.

Embarking on a fiercely nationalistic campaign of pro-African cultural awareness, Mobutu renamed the country ‘Zaire’ and outlawed many aspects of colonial life including Christian names (citizens were to be re-named with African ones), and also the Three Piece Suit. Between 1972 and 1990 Zairians were banned from wearing suits with a shirt and tie to symbolise the break with their colonial past. As with a great deal of political upheavals, the non-violent backlash presented itself in a new fashion movement. Many men deeply revered the dapper three-piece-suits imported from the stylish Fashion houses of France and Belgium and continued to wear them despite Mobutu’s ban.

La Sape — the Society of Ambience and People of Elegance (from the French ‘Societe des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elegantes’) — was launched by Papa Wemba, the world music star, in the 1970s when he thrilled Zairians by flouting the dress code by appearing Zairian television dressed head to toe in European designers. He called his new style Ungaru, and it was a throwback to the sophistication of the 1930s in the West: complete with tapered trousers, brogues, neatly parted hair, and trilby hats worn at a rakish angle. For Zairians all over the world, the look was irresistible. He had given birth to La Sape.

His band, Viva La Musica, took fashion-worship in Zaire to a new level, even writing designer names into song lyrics. Designer brands of suits and accessories are of the utmost importance to Sapeurs – Pierre Cardin, Roberto Cavalli, Dior, Fendi, Gaultier, Gucci, Issey Miyake, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Paul Smith, Versace, Yohji Yamamoto – are their patron saints, indeed La Sape is a religion of sorts, complete with a set of commandments to adhere to.

Sapeurs have perennially become from focus of Western media attention from as early as the late 1980s, but it is only since world-class photographers like Héctor Mediaville began studying and photographing Sapeurs in 2003 that they have become visible on the fashion radar. The Italian photographer Daniele Tamagni has thrown the Sapeurs into the media spotlight once more with the recent publication of Gentlemen of Bakongo: The Importance of Being Elegant, a stunning collection of all his subjects in full dandy regalia. In 2007 he won the best portfolio in the Canon Young Photographer award for Italy with his images of the Congolese dandies.

Often pictured against a backdrop of extreme poverty, Tamagni creates striking juxtapositions in every photograph. Many of his subjects live in shacks bordered by stinking sewers in the southern suburbs of Brazzaville. Those who can work double jobs; those who can’t must beg, borrow and occasionally steal; whatever it takes to strut in designer gear at the pinnacle of sophistication.

Within the Sape movement there are good-natured rivalries and incontestable affiliations: Paris vs Brussels, Brazzaville vs Kinshasa, Bakongo vs Mungali. The Brazzaville Sapeurs tend to follow the three colours only rule; meanwhile in Kinshasa it’s all about going overboard.

The removal of Mobutu in 1997 sparked a civil war in Zaire, now renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo, and La Sape halted its activities. Their motto became “let’s drop the weapons, let us work and dress elegantly” as Sapeurs stand for a unique morality; “there can only be Sape when there is peace” so did not reinitiate its activities until 2002. The exaggerated reality of the Congolese Sape shows us Africa from a different angle. Instead of the usual fare of continual conflicts, famines, despotism and tribalism we have an unknown and extravagant movement that laughs in the face of these troubles.

Indeed, Paul Smith paid homage to La Sape and based his entire Spring 2010 women’s wear collection on the images in Tamagni’s book. The striking image on the front cover features a Sapeur in a bright pink suit with red lining and a red bowler hat. Smith, who made his name in colourful Men’s wear, showcased his eye for flamboyancy with the new Women’s Wear collection. The first model strutted in an androgynous copycat piece of Tamagni’s cover and the following pieces were women’s suits cut with very narrow shoulders and a long, slim style. Colours were uniformly bright and African prints were also used to set off many outfits.

Words Almaz Ohene

YOU KNOW YOU’VE MADE IT BIG AS A DESIGNER WHEN YOU CAN COUNT THE FASHION-OBSESSED LADY GAGA AMONGST YOUR FANS. AND LUCKILY FOR GEORGIAN DESIGNER DAVID KOMA, HE CAN. AND IT’S NOT JUST GAGA WHO LOVES HIS DESIGNS. IN FACT, KOMA HAS BEEN BUILDING UP A SOLID FANBASE OVER THE PAST YEAR OR SO THANKS TO HIS CREATIVE DESIGNS.

Koma first came to the fashion industry’s attention with his A/W 09 collection, which consisted of black, nude and yellow body-con dresses featuring his trademark metal tubes, multicoloured chains and embellishments. The collection was an immediate hit and Browns, ever keen to scout fresh new talent, were quick to snap him up.

His S/S 10 collection was eagerly anticipated, and it didn’t disappoint. The body-con element was still present, but this time the metal tubing made way for 60s swirly shapes and neon blocked colours, though there were still embellishments a-plenty. Whereas A/W 09 had been about black and nudes, S/S was most definitely about colour. The dresses spoke for themselves, but Koma’s glass jewellery was also a treat for the eyes. In the same vein as his statement dresses, the jewellery was big, bold and colourful.

“The collections were different in terms of colour and technique I used, but weren’t in terms of inspiration and silhouette,” Koma explains. “My A/W collection featured body-con sculptural wool dresses, embellished with metal tubes. And also, I used metallic chain knitwear for sculpting hips and shoulders. I found the contrast between metal and femininity utterly fascinating. It is like the water sculptures of William Pye, his usage of water and metal. I was also looking at Pierre Cardin’s way of using fabric in the 1960s. My S/S 10 collection combines dresses using a 60s influenced, body conscious silhouette with exaggerated curved edging, embellished with multi-colored handmade glass fusing.

“For my S/S 10 collection, inspiration comes from the sculptures of Niki de Saint Phalle in The Tarot Garden in Barcelona, with a reference to arts and crafts spearheads such as Sol LeWitt and Kazemir Malevich. I referred to geometric shapes found in organic and architectural structures as well as Minimal Art inspired forms.”

Koma showed his S/S 10 collection during London Fashion Week to rave reviews. “It was fantastic! I had a great team including the stylist of my show Kim Howells and Vauxhall Fashion Scout team members. They all are great and helped me a lot.” But it’s something that he should probably get used to, because he is rapidly becoming a fashion industry darling.

It’s been a stellar year for Koma, with him bagging the prestigious Harrods Design Award for his MA graduate collection at Central Saint Martins earlier this year, followed by the Vauxhall Talent Scout Merit Award in August. All this, despite the fact he only graduated in March. With previous winners of the Harrods Design Award including Christopher Kane, did he feel under immense pressure to succeed? “Yes. I felt the pressure of expectations. There were so many people who I didn’t want to disappoint. But at the same time it was such a powerful spur in the working process.”

Of course, it’s not just the likes of Christopher Kane who are making waves in fashion. This year has seen the emergence of several talented fledgling designers, all of whom have made an impact on the fashion industry with their unique designs, signaling the end of the big fashion houses’ catwalk domination. Michael van der Ham and Oden Wilson are just a few of the names that have emerged as ‘ones to watch’ alongside Koma. Is there enough space for so much new talent? “I would say, yes (there is). That is, in my opinion, what London is about. It’s such a huge competition here and everybody wants to succeed. But I think as long as you have strong ideas and identity of your designs, there always will be space left for you. And that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Koma admits that he has been surprised by the press attention he has received, “but at the same time it’s great to see my work being recognized.” It would be true to say that he has been causing something of a stir in the media. Vogue, Elle and Dazed and Confused are just a few of the fashion bibles who have dedicated column inches to Koma. And that’s without mentioning the hundreds of style blogs which have been singing his praises for some time and spreading the word throughout the fashion underground. Koma admits that he reads what the style blogs have to say about his collections: “I really love it.”

So who does he design for, exactly? “It would be strong, sexual and confident woman. My collection always based on strong and sexual silhouette. I love to work with shapes, trying to unite female spirit with contemporary art. Exaggerating, but I never cross the line.”

Koma spent the first ten years of his life in Georgia, a small country in the Caucasus and a former Soviet state, before moving to Saint Petersburg. “I started drawing at a very early age. When I was 13 I participated in young designer contests, and I loved it and I thought I was so cool. Two years later I had my first show with 45 garments and I thought I was a superstar. But at some point in life I realized that if I don’t learn how to further develop my ideas, I won’t be able to move on, so I’ve decided to apply to move to London at Central Saint Martins and I am glad I did.” What about the inspiration behind him becoming a designer? “I don’t know how to answer this question. As far as I remember I just always knew that I want to be a fashion designer. And now I’m trying my best to succeed.”

Koma should have no fear about success. It’s a safe bet to say that it’s a task already accomplished.

Words Kay Weston (thefashionistahasspoken.blogspot.com)

DAVIDKOMA.COM

IT IS THE DAY BEFORE RAIF ADELBERG’S ANTICIPATED PHOTO SHOOT FOR THE AW09 LOOK BOOK FOR RAIF, THE CLOTHING LINE; MODELS ARE FLYING AROUND GETTING FITTED, MAKE-UP ARTISTS ARE LISTENING TO RAIF’S CONCEPT FOR HIS CLOWN INSPIRED SERIES AND HE IS LAUGHING WITH POTENTIAL COLLABORATORS, PASSING OUT CANS OF PABST BLUE RIBBON AND EXPLAINING HIS ART DIRECTION. THERE ARE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF STRESS ON THIS HIS FACE. AND WHY SHOULD THERE BE? RAIF ADELBERG IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED FASHION DESIGNER BORN TO A FASHION MANUFACTURER AND AN ART COLLECTOR. THIS LIFESTYLE, FULL OF COLOUR, CREATIVITY AND THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH, IS ALL HE KNOWS.

Image - Fiona Garden

Responsible for fashion lines RICHARD KIDD, Naked, RAIF, and Dead Boys Club House, his new body of work follows the pressure and anticipation you’d expect from a highly-acclaimed designer. Yet as he prepares to open ++ALL I HAVE ARE MY DREAMS++, his first photographic exhibition in London, Raif remains as calm and collected as someone you know this lifestyle comes naturally to.

Adelberg lives and breathes creativity. He claims that what he does is not work; it’s just what he does. And for this Canadian born trick-of-all-trades, the Railtown Studio in Vancouver, is where he does. Masterminding with clothes, words, paintings and photos, he is revolutionising the fashion industry. His production refines, fixes, recalls and erases bits of art and fashion history into something the artist /designer decides is a more truthful, personalised representation of popular culture.

Through art, design and photography he transforms a military jacket into a jilted lover’s revenge story called, ”REVENGE FUCK.” He illustrates an agency model with a clown face, draped in an American flag and crying black tears associated with prison time, and in “SEARCH & Destroy in DCBH,” he depicts Adolph Hitler laughing with a clown.

Every action, thought, word and image stems from his analysis on identity. He wants to characterise, through clothes, photos and paintings, what influences our identity and how we live within our own limitations; for each man, father, Jew, German, American, artist, and indeed, clothing designer. His work is giving the audience a depiction of humans and letting them interpret it as they will.

The canvas of tattoos that transform Adelberg’s body into a conceptual entity tells a story of his life and loves. Raif has used his own skin as canvas for his unbridled creativity; exhibiting his philosophy of life through illustration. Tattoos, like the high collars, ruffles and high-waist jodhpurs of Quentin Crisp and Oscar Wild, are a sign of self-worship; a defence against suffering and a celebration of life.

If all of this analysis is too heavy, the considerate artist adds levity to the depth of his emotion by fusing all the images together with pop music references, the greatest social equaliser.  Examples include, “Baby I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney, and, “In Dreams” by Roy Orbison, acting as inspiration for his photographic collection, ++ALL I HAVE ARE MY DREAMS++.

The amount of work produced at the studio from day to day is mind boggling. He allows for no separation between the artist, the designer, the clothes, the artwork; everything, including conversation, is approached with a curiosity and collaboration that characterises Raif’s creative process, saying himself: “Intensity is my normal resting place.”

The need to communicate and to make sense of life spills out of everything about Raif Adelberg. You get the feeling when you are in his studio that he is still looking for the perfect medium, one that

will satisfy his need to uncover life the way it is supposed to be lived.

An interview with Raif is next to impossible; the direct approach will take you in a circle of riddles. For any satisfaction or closure, you must answer the questions yourself, using his designs as inspiration for questioning, theorising and concluding.

He is asking you to be responsible for your own feelings, thoughts and ideas about what you see around you.  And of course, to use his tools to make up your mind for yourself. He’s just making pictures, designing clothes and talking to people.

Words Maeve Doyle Editor Natasha Al-Atassi  Images Raif Adelberg

DOYLE DEVERE presents:

+ALL I HAVE ARE MY DREAMS++ original photographs by Raif Adelberg
30 Ledbury Road, London, W11 2AB

Tel: 07889 182757

SOUTHAMPTON SIX-PIECE RAZOR BLADE KISSES ARE A BAND WITH A DIFFERENCE. YOU COULD EASILY MISTAKE THEM FOR ANOTHER SHOCK-ROCK BAND, ALL NOISE AND NO TROUSERS. BUT NEW ALBUM TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE SCAR IS SURPRISINGLY GOOD; A MUSICAL JOURNEY TOLD THROUGH HAUNTING PERSIAN FAIRYTALES AND ETHEREAL MELODIES. WITH TWO VOCALISTS- LAYLA AND AZADEH- THE BAND IS COMPLETED BY ANDI (BASS), STEVE (DRUMS), JACQUI (GUITAR) AND PHIL (VIOLIN). WITH A LOOK AS QUIRKY AND UNUSUAL AS THEIR MUSIC, THEY TALK TO AGENT2 ABOUT THEIR NEW RECORD.

How did RBK come to form?

Layla: Andi and I formed the band in 1999. I used to play keys for his first band and he heard me singing in one of our rehearsals and decided to start a second band with me on vocals. That’s how it all started. This was before we were married so there is the rock n’ roll element too!

Azadeh: When I came here to study in 2001, RBK was consisted of Andy and Layla. Me and Layla used to take classical music lessons back home and we were always doing musical practices together since we were kids. She asked me if I wanted to join RBK as the second vocalist and since it was just an extension of our childhood dream I couldn’t turn it down.

Jacqui: I joined RBK at the beginning of 07, I think. They needed a guitarist with a metal influence, I liked their style so we decided to work together.

Which bands do you look to for inspiration?

Andi: I have a ton of inspirations for the music I write. I think the biggest ones are Linkin Park, Portishead, Massive Attack, Switchblade Symphony, Queen Adreena, Malice Mizer, the GazettE, Jack Off Jill, Placebo, Depeche Mode. I try to take the best parts of all of these, so the power and pop-structure from Linkin Park,, the soul and trip hop stylings from Portishead and Massive Attack, the haunting feeling from Switchblade Symphony, and the raw punky edge from Jack Off Jill. Even though there is massive crossover in some of these bands, what comes out the other side is initially quite incongruous, but by the time it gets the vocals and our own style stamped over it, it all comes together.

Layla: I’m mainly my own inspiration but people I am involved with at the time also are a big inspiration on lyrics I write or the way I sing. My music is from within my heart. As far as other bands go, I like listening to Muse, Placebo, Depeche Mode and lots of songs by other bands. So I guess as far as inspiration goes, if their music or lyrics touch my heart maybe subconsciously they get reflected on the song that I’m working on at the time or spark new ideas in my head.

Azadeh: Anathema and Malice Mizer.

Jacqui: Bands which love and who are dedicated to their work!

How easy is it for you to put a song together and how long does it take?

Andi: A simple concept can take minutes, but making it into something coherent can take forever. Sometimes the writing is the hard part, but sometimes it can be harder to “sell” an idea to others. “Teddy” was written in about 20 mins, but it took nearly a year to convince the band that it was worth doing, conversely, “Choke”- currently a live fave- took about a week from writing to playing fully as a band.

Layla: I mainly write the lyrics. Sometimes if I hear a song lyrics come to me instantly for it and sometimes it takes days or months and something gets triggered in my head when I hear the same song again and lyrics will be there.

Azadeh: I don’t write the music, me and Layla usually sort out between ourselves which bits to sing and it usually takes one or two sessions to master it.

Jacqui: It varies. Most of the time it’s pretty easy, we just jam things out and the songs develop from there. Other times I just work out guitar parts for ideas already written, and sometimes an idea is formed around riff ideas.

You’ve said that your lyrics are influenced by Persian fairytales- which ones do you reference on the album?

Layla: Many Persian fairytales are quite similar to brother Grimm’s ones. So where this album’s image is influenced by Little Red Riding Hood, we have similar ones in Persian where innocence gets abused in the path of growing up; In the Path of Pins and Needles, when a choice needs to be made. Only direct one I can mention is a nursery rhyme of ‘Aroosak-e-ghashang-e-man’ translating to ‘My pretty doll’. The translation of this forms part of the lyrics for Ballerina. My style is also very William Blake inspired. Simplistic nursery rhyme style lyrics but with deeper meanings. Very much like Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake. The other Persian influence is in Butterfly. The song is about Forough Farrokhzad, feminist poet who met with a suspicious death. The last poem she wrote was called ‘Parandeh Mordanist’ translating to ‘This Bird is going to Die’. The spoken words in this song sung by Azadeh are lines of this poem. The butterfly is her ghost. In Persian mythology Butterfly is the ghost of people who haven’t parted from this world yet, normally the ones who commit suicide or get killed. Similar to in Christianity, I suppose.

Azadeh: Ballerina is based on an old Persian nursery rhyme called My Pretty Doll. We used to sing it as kids. Ballerina is just a dark take of the same lyrics.

Your sound is difficult to classify. How would you describe it?

Layla: Many different influences, very mood driven. None of us like a set style of music and this changes depends on our moods. We are all very different people yet can bond musically hence the result is un-classifiable. Can only be a good thing. Something there for everyone. Music for the masses!

Azadeh: If Tim Burton had a band it would have sounded a bit like us I would think.

Jacqui: Umm… an enchanting mixture of Alice In Wonderland meets Marilyn Manson down a dark, Victorian alleyway in late 1900’s Whitechapel.

Do you have personal favourite songs from the album?

Layla: Mine are Ballerina, Butterfly and Deadly Yours.

Azadeh: Toy Soldier since it’s based on one of my favourite childhood fairy tales

Andi: “Teddy”, by a mile.

Jaqcui: Two actually, “Teddy” and “Butterfly”.

Your album is available to download from 26th Oct. Why did you decide to choose to go down that route instead of a commercial release with a record company?

Layla: The album was supposed to be released much earlier by the label, but delays in mixing, followed by a delay due to marketing and ultimately the economic situation hitting the label hard so that they would have had to delay the album due to a lack of funds led us to part company.

How much input did you have as a band in making the record?

Layla: The album was 100% us. Even when we were with the label they were very hands off on that front, which is one of the reasons we were happy to sign with them in the first place. Of course, if the band ever did sell out to a major label and got ruled over by their internal marketing departments, we’d simply take their money, walk the walk, then use the cash to fund a side project true to our creativity. But right here and now the band is 100% owned and ruled by us, everything you hear from us is us entirely, unmodified, not watered down. We do it cos it’s what we love, and even if RBK ended most of us would still continue with other similar projects. True music never dies.

Which do you prefer- recording or playing live? And why?

Layla: I love both, Recording is good cause you know it’s being put down somewhere where it’ll stay and it won’t be lost so you’re making a record of your art. Live is good, because I relate to most of my lyrics and singing is a way of releasing my emotions. However, sometimes where lyrics have brought up some things I like to forget back in my mind, I’d rather not be performing them. Catch a show soon you might catch a few sneaky tears running my make up down my face!

Azadeh: They are both good in their own ways. Live is good since you have the audience participation and it’s nice to see some feedback but you don’t always get a good sound and that could be frustrating. Recording is good in a way that everything is set up to get a perfect sound.

Jacqui: There isn’t one I prefer over the other. I love the recording and mixing process and hearing the songs come together. Playing live is definitely fun, it’s a different kinda performance vibe.

Are you planning to tour soon?

Layla: Hopefully, yes. Need to find a big enough suitcase for my dolls though first!

What has been the biggest highlight for RBK as a band so far?

Layla: Whitby shows. Always great audience and decent stage to play on. It makes us feel like real rock stars we are!

Azadeh: Playing in Whitby Gothic weekend three times, twice on the main stage.

Jacqui: Finally getting the RBK album done and dusted.

What would you be doing if you weren’t in RBK?

Layla: Things that I currently do, plus trying to form a band who sound like RBK. Maybe even in a dollhouse trying to lose weight so I fit.

Azadeh: I would concentrate more on my modelling.

Andi: I’d just be doing other musical projects, chances are they’d have something in common with RBK, tho I do have a big love of electronic and dance music, so possibly some mad, anime influenced, breakbeat, industrial dance project….with tentacles.

Jacqui: I’m very busy with my own music projects, writing with Martin Walkyier (frontman of Sabbat) for The Clan destined, session work and also writing my own instrumental albums. So I guess I’d be doing that.

How do you feel about comparisons to other female fronted rock acts like Jack Off Jill?

Layla: Its good. We don’t sound exactly like them but I can see why people see us similar. Troubled teenage angst, spooky dollhouse lyrics, play-on fairytales. Where is Tim Burton when we need him to form a band?!

Azadeh: it’s always a compliment to be compared to someone talented, but at the same time we are not copying anyone, therefore it’s nice to be recognized for our individuality.

Jacqui: People are always gonna make comparisons, it’s fine by me.

Image is obviously important for the band- was it a conscious decision to dress in that way or is it similar to your everyday style?

Layla: I love dolls, I love Victorians, I’m nostalgic. All of this inspire me to dress the way I dress. I do it in my everyday style too but not to the extreme cos i’m lazy sometimes. Lyrics and the music lend themselves very well to this image. A child’s nightmare. Don’t trust the dolls. Bizarre once quoted me saying ‘you can even get away with murder if you dress like a doll’. I’m innocent, honest!

Azadeh: As you say, image is a big part of RBK and that’s partially because as individuals we all are quite conscious of our image and we always try to create an impression through what we wear.

Andi: Bands are a package, especially in the MTV and internet age. Kids want posters in their rooms, they want people to idolize and get inspiration from. I find it difficult to get that inspiration from a bunch of people in jeans and t-shirts. You always hear that same old song though, the “They should concentrate on their music more than their image” idea. That’s bull. I’m a musician, my music will not get any better or worse just because I also spend time on my image. I don’t stop halfway through writing and go, “Oh that’ll do, I’ve not got time to finish it properly ‘cos I need to go get some new shoes”. That’s ridiculous. People who think that is the case for ANY band are stupid and should be killed, to death, in the face.

Jacqui: It was an unconscious decision! The way I dress on-stage is pretty similar to what I wear everyday.

Where do you get ideas for outfits? Do you ever get clothes specially made?

Azadeh: Films and paintings, I tend to get an idea from the past and mix it with something of myself and create something that is truly mine. Inspiration is good but I tend to stay away from copying as much as possible. Unfortunately I’m not good at making clothes from scratch but I’m qutie good at modifying things. You’ll be surprised by the amount of stuff that could be bought from high street shops and be transformed to something unique and original.

Layla: Read above. But new influences might come in future which might change the image slightly. I won’t reveal much yet! One of my other biggest hobbies apart from the band is clothing designer. I run a brand called Mort Couture. Azadeh has also got a big part in influencing what we wear. We normally decide on a design, etc, and I make them. In the past we used to buy them or get sponsored by clothing companies. But the album outfits are by me.

Andi: Visual Kei is a huge influence for me, Mana (Malice Mizer), Hizaki (Versailles) and Uruha (the GazettE) in equal doses. Layla makes a lot of my stuff too.

Jacqui: My image is something that I’ve been working on since I became a guitarist. I see things in clothes shops and if I like them, then I buy them. Layla and Azadeh are very good at making clothes, so they come up with all the ideas for their outfits.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Scar is released on 26^th October, available from iTunes and all all major download sites.

RAZORBLADEKISSES.COM

Words Kay Weston

THE FASHIONISTAHASSPOKEN.BLOGSPOT.COM

For Emma Hill, Creative Director of Mulberry this collaboration is a dream come true as she is a self-confessed fanatic of all things Mac stating, “Apple products are too beautiful to reside in drab bags! Apple and Mulberry share a legacy of craftsmanship and I’m thrilled that we were asked to be Apple’s first luxury collaboration”.

So what can fans of Mulberry and Apple expect?

As far as 13″ Macbook sleeves are concerned, these leather ones are firm favorites here at AGENT2. The Mulberry Bayswater Sleeve in Blue and the Mulberry Daria Sleeve in Black; both are priced at GBP350 each are to be equally as coveted. And no, these are not the only colours available; check out the Daria Sleeve in Neon Pink or the Bayswater Sleeve in Coral below.

MULBERRY.COM

WHEN THE SUBJECT OF PORTUGESE TRAVEL WAS BROACHED, THE FIRST THINGS THAT SPRANG TO MIND WERE OVERCROWDED ALGARVE BEACHES, PORTO WINE AND CRISTIANO RONALDO. NOT OVERJOYED BY THE PROSPECT OF SPENDING A HOLIDAY NEXT TO 18-30 YEAR-OLD PASTY BRITS AND COMING TO THE CONCLUSION THAT RONALDO PROBABLY WON’T BE PASSING ME IN THE STREET, I WAS STARTING TO BECOME VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE WINE. THANKFULLY THOUGH, THE PORTUGUESE OFFERING I WAS EMBARKING ON WAS TO THE SMALL ISLAND OF MADEIRA. DESPITE MY EXCITEMENT OF COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF MADEIRA CAKE BEING QUASHED WHEN I FOUND OUT IT DOESN’T ACTUALLY EXIST ON THE ISLAND, I MADE FINDINGS ABOUT THIS REMOTE ISLE AND WHAT ENCHANTED BEAUTIES IT HAS TO OFFER, THAT I HAD NEVER IMAGINED. SURPRISING MYSELF AND MY BRIEF KNOWLEDGE OF ITS FEW EXPORTS, I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WERE MANY REASONS TO VISIT MADEIRA, BEYOND AND ABOVE ITS NAME-SAKE CAKE.

Situated to the south of Portugal and resting directly west of Morocco, Madeira is a phenomenal discovery. Isolated, over 1000km from the Algarve, visiting Madeira brings the thrill and mystery of uncovering a remote and lonely island far from any cultural distinctions.

This little hotspot was founded by chance in 1419, when Portuguese travelers detoured after their ship wrecked. Since then, this once sleepy, Atlantic outpost has attracted its fair share of grey-haired holiday-makers thanks to its year-round warm and pleasant micro-climate and its countless golf courses.

But don’t let this put you off, the island has attracted tourists since the 19^th Century and now the words ‘cool’ and ‘hip’ can be banded around freely as in more recent years as the island has attempted to give its silver-haired image a makeover.

AGENT2 has set out to find what now attracts younger globetrotters like us to Madeira

Funchal, Madeira’s capital, is an ideal place to start. With the airport nearby, and a city bursting with things to do, it is a great location to ‘set up camp’.

The largest cosmopolitan city offers the visitor both a fantastic urban life and a view of the natural beauties of this small island. Cocooned in a wide valley, the city spreads itself over the gentle harbour slopes to the high mountain tops, reaching over 1200m to the cushioned area in between.

The best way to get a panoramic view of the populous city is by cable car, which will also allow you an excellent, birds-eye-view of Funchal Bay.

The 11 minute journey to the summit at Monte are well worth it. As well as a fantastic vista of Funchal’s lively city, you can also treat yourself to a view of 35,000 m² of flowerbeds and 2,000 exotic plants visible at the city’s Botanical Gardens (montepalace.com) For an exhilarating ride back down the hill, opt for traveling by a basketwork sledge. Breakneck speeds are achieved so beware; this method of transport is not suggested for the faint hearted. We can safely say that this option distances Funchal easily from the “O.A.P. massive” that the island had become synonymous with.

Funchal’s Farmer’s Market (pbase.com/alpiner/) is the perfect antidote to life-threatening outdoor activities. At the centre point of the town, the market is set in a huge space typifying the region’s Art-Deco-like, New State architecture (Estado Novo.)Vibrant and bustling fresh fish, vegetables and other local delicacies are poured over by locals and tourists alike.

Funchal is also Madeira’s focal point for bars and clubs. Sip cocktails by the pool of any of its newest, hip hotels. Head to the harbour for clubs and bars; seek out Vespas (myspace.com/vespasclub.com), the island’s largest club, for late nights and outdoor summer parties.  Chic new eateries are aplenty in the city if great food, conversation and people watching are your thing.

Madeira’s all-year-found temperate climate has produced a landscape that is carpeted in lush vegetation. To get a glimpse of the island’s many vineyards, sugar cane groves and sparkling green hills, take part in a trek. Indeed, walking is the perfect way to view Madeira’s splendid scenery – without breaking the bank. The Levada Walks are walking trails that allow you to trek alongside Madeira’s Levadas (mini-canals), that date back to the 15^th Century. You can opt for a guide or journey beside Madeira’s unique water-supply system alone. Although the Levadas were constructed primarily for agricultural use they are just as important for tourists and local people alike who want to enjoy outdoor adventure activities inaccessible by cars.

One of the most popular – and manageable – treks has to be the Levada do Rabacal. (madeira-levada-walks.com/blog/) Surrounded by a vibrant, sub-tropical forest of laurels, myrtle and other plants that retain their intense green colour all year-round, it’s not hard to guess why the aristocrats from the old continent loved the island enough to move here many moons ago.

Being an island, it goes without saying that Madeira is as much about the sea as it is about land. Madeira lies far into the Atlantic Ocean, 310 miles from Morocco and twice as far from mainland Portugal. Located along the migratory path of many different species of marine animal. Madeira offers the opportunity to spend a day whale and dolphin watching. This is a must for any traveler wishing to take in the truly unique aspects of Madeira’s geographical position.

As the sun beats down on the ocean, there is nothing more beautiful than the variety of dolphins you can spot (Common, Oceanic and Stipped). If you’re very fortunate, watch whales as they dart across the boat’s hull, and skim the waves with simultaneous speed and grace.

After exerting all of your energies, what better way to kick back than to relax with a light lunch and generous amount of that famous Madeira wine – well, it would be rude not to, wouldn’t it?

The beautiful 19^th Century hotel, Estalagen do Vale (estalagemdovale.com) is the perfect place to sample some of Madeira’s gastronomic delights. Having taken on many guises in its life – from school to hospital – Estalagen do Vale is a unique insight into Madeira’s architecture and history, as well as a brilliant place to work your way through Madeira’s vast collection of wines.

Drinking to excess aside, Madeira has long been famed for the curative qualities of its climate.  Yet another reason to enjoy Madeira’s ever-warm climate, as if you’d need one. For another welcome reason to leave the weight of the world behind you, visit the newly opened Spa de Quintinha, where rest, relaxation and reinvigoration are available in abundance (quintinhasaojoao.com) AGENT2 recommends the invigorating hydration treatment. Exfoliating the body with red fruits followed by a full body massage, this therapy should be on the top of any ‘R and R’ seekers wish list. The spa also offers a range of other services from anti-cellulite treatments to body-firming mud wraps that will ensure their newly acquired younger globetrotters will stay looking younger for longer.

Madeira has also become a hub for youthful activity with its growing popularity amongst surfers. Dubbed the Hawaii of Europe, Madeira’s wold-famous Jardim do Mar beach  (surfline.com/surf-report/jardim-do-mar-madeira_6953/) is only a 20 minute drive Ponta do Sol, on the southern coast. Free shuttles also run from the Estalagem do Ponte that brings you to the levada walks and Funchal Airport.

After my stay, I definitely approve Madeira’s effort to rejuvenate the island’s reputation. Madeira has become a delicious attraction for the younger crowd, offering everything from clear blue skies, warm air and piercing sunlight, to mouth-watering wine, delightful fish and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Together with its welcoming Moorish and Mediterranean atmosphere, this transformation has seemed to come effortlessly, for I can see no reason not to come back to Madeira, again and again and again.

Madeira definitely takes pride of place on my destination much-loved list. You might not find Ronaldo or even Madeira cake here on the island, but it is a place of magical discoveries sure to enchant and entice every single type of traveler, from young to old.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Madeira is located South of Portugal and West of Morocco and has an all-year-round warm climate.

Currency is the Euro (£1 = €1.14).

easyJet flies from London Stansted to Madeira from £30.99 one way (£54.98 return) including tax. To book visit www.easyJet.com or call 0905 821 0905

easyJet flies from Bristol to Madeira from £24.99 one way (£45.98 return) including tax. To book visit www.easyJet.com or call 0905 821 0905

easyJet flies from London Gatwick to Madeira from £33.99 one way (£57.98 return) including tax. To book visit www.easyJet.com or call 0905 821 0905

WHERE TO STAY

Nestled atop the highest cliff of the unspoiled village of Ponta do Sol, the Estalagem da Ponta do Sol is definitely worth a stay.

The fruit of the union between nature and clever design, the Estalagem do Ponta do Sol (pontadosol.com) is now member of the prestigious Design Hotels Club (designhotels.com). A renovated farm, the architects successfully achieved perfection in integrating modern concept into the breathtaking natural surroundings. The the simplicity of the decor and the innovative design pieces create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere will definitely please guests. Only 25 minutes from Funchal and 40 minutes from the airport, Ponta do Sol offers you the opportunity to explore a 500 year old traditional village as well as enjoy its beautiful surfing beaches. Prices start from €93 prpn and include breakfast.

For a complete and in-depth guide on your next Madeira visit madeira-web.com or quintas-madeira.com

Words and images Vincent Bernier

Edited Natasha Al-Atassi

RAD HOURANI IS A NEW PIONEER IN GENDER-BENDING FASHION. THE STYLIST TURNED FASHION DESIGNER HAS JUST RELEASED HIS NEW 2010-SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION, WHICH IS SURREAL AND GOTHIC, USING ABSTRACT SHAPES WITH A FLOURISH OF DARK, SOMBER COLOURS. DRESSING IN A NON-CONFORMIST, ANDROGYNOUS FACADE IS A FASHION STATEMENT TO SAY THE LEAST, BUT ALSO A TREND THAT HAS BEEN SEEN IN MANY PREVIOUS HIGH FASHION CATWALK SHOWS OVER THE YEARS. HOURANI’S EXPRESSIVE USE OF AN ANDROGYNOUS BLEND, WITH OUTLANDISH SILHOUETTES, MINIMAL COLOUR AND DYNAMIC SHAPES, OFFERS A FRESH NEW APPROACH IN THE WORLD OF FASHION DESIGN.

A mass of black, skinny, shiny, geometric shapes and reflective, futuristic layered fabrics, he sends a volcanic wave down the clean, white catwalk. Heels send a potent message, as the male and female models featured in Hourani’s catwalk show are wearing the squared, chunky heel with style and grace. Skinny slashed trousers, with a mixture of PVC/ leather style fabrics, scream new wave emo/goth, very much informed by the indie rock scene. With sharp, intricately cut shoulder lines, the clothing is built heavy on top, and as you work your way down, the silhouette felt lighter and skinnier in shape and fit.

Since his first collection in 2007, Hourani has shown his flair for the minimalist, the abstract and the surreal. His look, as well as his collections, are inspired by a new generation of designers who see fashion as mix and match of identity and gender role playing, from Gaultier and Galliano, who have toiled with sexuality, creating new masculine and feminine guises through their high fashion catwalk shows.

The collection is very much a futuristic blend of new age warrior meets indie kid. The catwalk marches of models were very difficult to distinguish, who was male or female? A deliberate approach to setting alight an array of dominate looks that can be worn by either a man or a woman, maybe. From gender bending to the clothing consisting of rich blacks and greys with hints of white. His previous autumn/winter 2008 collection used an electric red, mixed with blacks and greys also. The layering adds to the look of an armored, shield-like affect, with a hint of strong shoulder pads, 80’s style; think Prince and Grace Jones.

I got to put some questions to Rad Hourani to see what inspired this boundary breaking designer. This is what he had to say:

What inspired you for this new collection?

It’s just a transformation from the season before. I don’t really make a ’statement’ with each collection. Therefore I do not start every new season with a specific theme or concept, but rather try to establish continuity from one to the next. I always wanted to work with metallic fabric & texture and I found these 100% silver chains and some metallic zippers, but I never really liked zippers, and I thought it would be great to do something different with zippers that can be useful and can give a metallic effect. You can make jackets sleeves shorter or transform the jacket into a vest, trousers into shorts and even on the sides you can make things tighter with the zippers so there’s a transformation element. I also wanted to focus on my signature look and pieces that I started since my debut; my main colours are black and white, my straps pants, my open elbow sleeve, my vest/top/dress, my skirt/pants and my half leg leather pants.

Black is featured throughout in this collection and many of your previous collections. How would you convince Anna Wintour of U.S Vogue magazine to include it in her run though for the magazine? As you know she hates black…

I am more attached to the notion of purity and by choosing black simple, stark lines. I strive to blur gender boundaries; apparent simplicity, but refinement in details and if I end up using all black for a collection, why not? Black is mysterious, chic, unisex, slick and timeless. Fashion for me is about clothes transcending simple functionality and gaining symbolic, evocative power by engaging in a dialogue with their environment and their time. It’s a tool for self-expression and self-invention. Anna Wintour need to set up trends for her magazine each season like all other editors to keep the fashion machine going, which I respect, but I’m not into trends or fashion, I’m into style in which I focus on my signature look. I don’t need to be the one who makes the boldest statement every season, I’d much rather commit to my personal aesthetics and that of the people who like to wear my clothes. There’s nothing scarier than making fashion, or anything else, for that matter, that everybody agrees on.

You have said your designs are ’sophisticated modern classics for anti-conformist individuals’. Can you explain further?

Circumstances have brought me to move around from an early point in my life, and I’ve felt compelled to continue on doing so; for this experience has made me consider things in a wider perspective, with no restrictions. I want to convey this notion into my line, and design clothes that can be worn anywhere, anytime. I hope to reach people who do not define themselves primarily as men or women, who go beyond the classical demographical criteria, with no limit of age or national identity. I also try to find the right balance of something that’s not too gothic, funky or rock ‘n’ roll, something that has no reference of one limited style. You can mix my pieces with any style without looking contrived or overdone.

Androgyny, and this asexual feel to your collection, as well as previous ones, is very much a statement within your work. Why is that?

It doesn’t make sense to me why a woman will wear a dress or high heels and not a man. When I say unisex, it’s really in looking at the lines. They are straight, there are no curves: they don’t have a feminine or masculine. It is completely genderless. I believe that using what I would like to wear, as a starting point to the design process is the most truthful and straightforward approach, for it allows me to stay focused on my aesthetic statement and also assess my commitment to wearability, functionality, and comfort. I design from a virgin point of view, trying to elude classical ready-to-wear rules that made us believe that women and men deserve different approaches. My pieces are timeless and freed from any gender differentiations.

Your work borders on cutting edge, yet timeless in some ways. Is that a deliberate approach, and why?

Yes, my clothes have erupted from this world of mine. They are asexual, aseasonal. I’m into unisex, timeless, long, straight, sharp, black, slick, geometric shapes and layered silhouettes that, by the use of noble, fluid materials, come alive through the movement of the wearer. They come from no place, no time, no tradition, yet they can be home anywhere, anytime. They exude a sense of discreet chic, the essence of timeless style, drawn on a monochromatic and graphical canvas. I never went to any school after high school for that matter and I guess my influences are the gathering of my own personal experiences and observations over the years; not something somebody told me to do or think. To that end, my collection might be more personal.

RADHOURANI.COM

Words Joe Tehrani

Words Colin French

GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN YOU CAN POP TO THE CAPITAL WITH THE INTENTION TO VISIT IT ALL: LONDON IS SPILLING OVER WITH SO MUCH ACTIVITY, THAT EVEN THE SPEEDIEST WALKER WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO TRAVERSE EVEN THE FAMOUS STOPS IN TWO DAYS. TODAY, A WEEKEND BREAK TO LONDON HAS TO BE ORGANISED, THOUGHT OUT AND STRATEGICALLY PLANNED. MOST IMPORTANTLY, TO GET TO THE HEART OF REAL LONDON, BEYOND HAMLEYS, HARRODS AND HARVEY NICKS, YOU HAVE TO DEVOTE YOUR WEEKEND TO ONE AREA. WHAT BETTER PLACE TO START THEN AT THE LOCATION OF ITS INFAMOUS SKYLINE, DOWN AT THE SAFF BANK.

The sun is shining, cyclists meander through pedestrians walking hand-in-hand and the light is bouncing off the water, like a river of sparkling jewels. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you I was in the heart of the country’s biggest city, but I am.

Here, in this musty-busy-crowded capital, there really can be quiet sections and this is my favourite.

The long stretch between Lambeth Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge is one of the most rewarding places to visit. Serenely calm, this area has pockets bursting with street activity that you’d never expect. Even on an average day you’ll find artists crafting the most beautiful pieces on their concrete canvases, or musicians putting their heart and soul playing the jazz saxophone oblivious to anyone listening, or sculptures making masterpieces out of the sparse Thames sand.

Walking past some of London’s most iconic attractions from the Tate to the London Eye, it’s easy to see that this is the epicentre for cultural and creative activity in the capital, from the established professionals all the way to the street artist. And it’s exquisite to see both.

The South Bank might not be the first place people think of when spending a weekend in London but this eclectic area, full of free events and outdoor exhibitions, is fast becoming Covent Garden without the tourists. It’d be a shame to miss out.

If you really want to get to grips with life in this soulful district, watch as the sun sets over the Thames or wake up to the sound of the water commute from outside your window, I’d definitely recommend staying right here, in the heart of the South Bank.

The Park Plaza Riverbank sits boldly opposite the Tate Britain art gallery on the south side of the River. Nestled between London’s most popular tourist attractions from the London Eye, London Aquarium, Tate Modern and Houses of Parliament, it is the perfect spot to unload your bags before setting off on the tourist trail. Within walking distance to Vauxhall underground and mainline station and close to Waterloo International Station, The Park Plaza is one of the nearest hotels if you’re visiting by train or Eurostar.

If that isn’t something then it’s just a stone’s throw from Her Majesty’s residence, Buckingham Palace.

This stylish hotel offers sophisticated rooms, state of the art amenities as well as plasma screen TVs. The service is dutiful and the gym facilities fabulous, if you have time for a spin on the treadmill that is. The high-spec hotel’s best feature though has to be its views. You can stay in luxury hotels all over the world, but only this one can offer views of the sun setting over the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament lit up at night and the rest of London’s infamous skyline from your own suite.

If the skyline really is too tempting to miss out on then the Park Plaza houses its own restaurants, legendary on their own for their innovative, modern cuisine. Its Chino Latino Modern Pan-Asian Cuisine & Cocktail Bar oozes contemporary sophistication, offering flash-pan Asian food within a vibrant Latin atmosphere. Its Eastern menu of sushi, tempura and dim sum fits effortlessly well with its chic Western design.

This award-winning restaurant is an excellent way to immerse yourself with London’s high-flying crowd. Its low-lit ambiance, selection of Latino cocktails, minimalist furnishings and quick food are extremely popular with the city’s glamorous professionals.

With a menu price-tag that won’t break the bank, this fusion restaurant is an excellent way to introduce yourself to this bustling city. Serving you delicious authentic food with change to spare, it’d be a waste not to indulge and splash out on a cocktail whilst you’re here and enjoy dining out London-style.

If it’s views that you’re looking for then none compare to the OXO Towers Restaurant, Brassiere and Bar’s. Its position high above the River Thames and wall to wall windows allow visitors to dine with panoramic views of the historic city. One of Britain’s finest restaurants, its exquisite location, harmonious ambiance and delicious meals make OXO Towers one of London’s most romantic dining spots.

Or if you’re travelling solo, its bar offers the tourist the perfect ending to a busy day sightseeing wit ha huge variety of fine wines together with insurmountable views of London’s most famous landmarks.

Weekend brunch at the Brassiere is not to be missed: accompanied by live music, start with a pseudo-American-Eastern take on the most important meal of the day. From sweet-corn fritters, fried free range eggs, gorgonzola pannacotta to pomegranate and almond couscous, OXO’s prestigious chefs show they can make even the simplest dishes taste delightfully scrumptious.

It’s not just the food that you come to London for though. The capital’s electric reputation isn’t just a myth; bursting with culture, colour and character, London is smarter than New York, grittier than Paris and more real than Sydney. And the best thing about this city is that everything can be found on the ground-level; its streets offer the best in free entertainment the globe round.

An example of this has to be the annual Mayor’s Thames Festival (September 12-13). Set along the city’s meandering river, the festival stretches along the bank from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge and beyond. Visitors can try their hand at grape-treading, interactive cooking lessons, listen to music, watch movies and even, swing dancing in Potters Field Park.

For the food lovers out there, don’t despair. Each year, the Festival has a huge variety of food stalls, villages, festivals and bars. This year’s Feast on the Bridge exhibited over 30 farmers and producers and their quality food. You can even try oyster sampling whilst watching the Classic Rally over the Thames; revealing a fresh country vibe within the city’s tall sky scrapers.

Walkways, bridges, docks and open spaces are consumed with people, exhibitions, artists, carnivals, choirs and circuses.

But then that’s not unusual for the South Bank. The life and soul of London, this stimulating area is not just a must see; it’s the place to see, be and be seen.

This cultural heart of the city not only provides home to London’s biggest and best attractions, but also its discreet, quiet, off-beat private ones. The ones that Londoners enjoy best. And the ones that Londoner’s do best.

If you want to experience a London for Londoners then begin your journey at the South Bank. I challenge you to see it all and still make your last train back.

Words Natasha Al-Atassi  Images Park Plaza Hotels

TRAVEL INFORMATION FACT BOX

The Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel is situated on Albert Embankment. Prices start from £99 prpn for a superior guest room, excluding VAT. For more information visit: www.parkplazariverbank.com.

Chino Latino Modern Pan-Asian Cuisine & Cocktail Bar is the Park Plaza’s in-house restaurant. Visit www.chinolatino.co.uk to make reservations or take a sneak peak at the menu. Prices start from £25 per person.

OXO Tower Restaurant, Brassiere & Bar can be found on Barge House Street, South Bank. These legendary eateries offer delicious food in a incomparable atmosphere. For the best views in town, head here. The average cost for a main course at the Restaurant will set you back between £20 and £28.50 pp. For a cheaper alternative, with the same atmosphere, try the Brassiere: prices average at £16 and £24pp. Visit: www.harveynichols.co.uk for more information and to make a reservation.

Mayor’s Thames Festival runs every year during September. It includes live acts, food stalls, circuses and exhibitions from around the city, and the globe. Visit www.thamesfestival.org for more information and next year’s dates.

The legendary British designer (and firm favorite here at AGENT2) has teamed up with Cole & Son to create some of the most elaborate and decadent wallpaper designs that have featured in semi-detacheds for a while. Taking inspiration from her eccentric fashion collections, expect to see wallpapers bursting with pattern, colour and texture.

Launched on 27 September at Focus, this collection won’t be seen on the catwalk or mimicked in high street stores. A truly unique collaboration, purchasing some Vivienne paper is almost as exclusive as getting your hands on her latest fashion pieces. It’s no surprise then that someone with so much talent and eye for design would spread their talents unto something new.

The lady herself has said: “It is good when my ideas get carried over into other artistic media. This collection is a perfect opportunity…to see my ideas from fashion translated into the world of interiors and wallpaper.”

And translate her ideas she has. Some of wallpaper designs are replicas of her most famous and iconic fashion collections from the Squiggle print from the Autumn Winter 81/82 Pirate Collection to Cut-Out Lace print from the Spring Summer 07 I am Expensive Collection, hand-drawn by Vivienne herself.

Most notorious for her forward-thinking designs of British symbolisms, Vivienne’s wallpapers are every bit as patriotic as her clothes. The Union Jack wallpaper is inspired by an antique bleached ship flag; the Striped print is her take on traditional pinstripes of businessmen suits, whilst the Tartan designs have been used many a time in her previous pieces as the quintessential English motif.

Known for taking the simplest of patterns and transforming them into iconic images, over the last 30 years this designer has created fashion movements with her unconventional ideas that have swept the nation and the globe.

Now it seems she’s rather a dab hand at interior design too, creating the most distinctive wallpapers to make your home every bit as bold and alive as her fiery personality and famous flame-red hair.

COLE-AND-SON.COM

Words Natasha Al-Atassi Images Cole & Son

Made from high-grade neoprene and free of zippers or any other unnecessary bulk, Côte et Ciel’s laptop sleeves are our new favorites here at AGENT2  for toting computers, phones and MP3’s. Engineered to fit Macs, Iphones and Ipods, the ingeniously simple construction uses the stretchiness of neoprene for a snug fit that, with the aid of a small pull, allows the laptop to slide in and out of a narrow opening at one end. It’s a design that prevents computers and phones from accidentally slipping out (yes, we’ve had this happen) and makes for a impressively slim profile allowing for easy stowage.

COTEetCIEL Showcase AW09 from Florian Ertelt on Vimeo.

COTEETCIEL.COM

HAMPUS BERGGREN IS A MENSWEAR DESIGNER WITH A DIFFERENCE. HAVING ALREADY FEATURED HEAVILY IN THE INDIE FASHION MAGAZINES AND BLOGS, THE SWEDE HAS ESTABLISHED A FIRM REPUTATION AS ONE TO WATCH IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY, PLAYING HEAVILY WITH SHAPES AND TEXTURES. AGENT2 FINDS OUT MORE.

You’re originally from Sweden but moved to the UK to study at Central Saint Martins. Why did you decide to leave Sweden for London to study fashion?

I feed off London’s creative vibe. I didn’t actually move to London to study fashion, it’s something I fell into whilst living here. Sweden is a wonderful country in many ways, but I decided very young that I wanted to explore something else.

Is there a difference between Swedish style and British style?

Definitely. I look at Swedish style and think functional, minimal and well thought through. British design makes me think of beautiful, well-kept tradition, which later ends up in a charity shop, cut up and full of safety pins. It’s the mix that keeps it interesting.

You also have a passion for writing. Why did you choose to pursue fashion instead of that?

I always wanted to become a journalist, but something changed four years ago. I still like to write, but I think I’ll keep it on a personal level.

What do you like most about fashion?

The commitment and energy designers put in to create something truly beautiful.

What influences you when designing?

Everything from people I meet, places I go, and books I read. It’s really a never-ending research trip.

How do you decide on a theme for a collection?

I have themes and concepts that lay very close to my heart, but I always try to challenge them. I like when the wearer understands where the ideas are coming from, a collection should always be telling a story.

One of your most unusual pieces is one made from plastic bags. How do you decide on materials and fabrics?

This is actually a coated Nylon fabric, but I’m aware it looks like a bin bag! I like playing around with textile and it’s something I want to explore more in the future.

How hard is it for young designers to make a name for themselves in fashion today?

I strongly believe that hard work and commitment one day will pay off.

HAMPUSBERGGREN.COM

Words Kay Weston

THE FASHIONISTAHASSPOKEN.BLOGSPOT.COM

FAY ALICE IS A LABEL THAT HAS BEEN GRACING THE ‘ONE TO WATCH’ PAGES OF INDIE FASHION MAGAZINES FOR SOME TIME NOW THOUGH A SUCCESSFUL CULT LABEL, YOU CAN TELL IT IS DESTINED FOR BIGGER AND INDEED MUCH BETTER THINGS. THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE BRAND IS FAYE SMITH, THE BERLIN NATIVE WHO FOUNDED THE LABEL. HERE SHE TALKS TO AGENT2 ABOUT HER A/W 09 ‘LOBSTER BALLET’ COLLECTION, HER THOUGHTS ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY AND ALICE IN WONDERLAND…

Fay Alice is the kind of label that people wear, but don’t want to talk about. When some aspiring style thief sidles up and asks, “Where did you get that?”, the wearer will always give an evasive response. Not because they are embarrassed, but because Fay Alice is their little secret. When clothes are as fabulous as this, you don’t want to be tipping off the enemy. You want to keep the excitement of discovering an amazing new label all to yourself. It’s human nature; you don’t want anyone else to look as good as you do. And label owner and designer Faye Smith makes it her business- literally- to make women look fantastic in her designs.

Faye’s flair for fashion started early. “I always knew exactly what I wanted to wear, and it was almost always different from what I could have. So very early I started trying to make my own clothes. It looked pretty awful in the beginning,” she admits. “I even tried to glue things together, because I didn’t know how to sew yet. My grandmother, who used to be a seamstress, eventually taught me how to sew.”

But she confesses that fashion didn’t always appeal. “For a long time, I wasn’t very interested in fashion at all. I thought I would maybe study art. For me, it was about making and creating new things, not about trends or big designer names.”

Faye began her fashion career after completing an apprenticeship as a dressmaker and moving on to study Fashion Design at the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin and the University of Westminster in London. Following her graduation, she worked for designers such as Robert Cary Williams and La Petite Salope. “It’s interesting to see how other designers work. Everyone has their very own way of doing things. I guess the most important thing I learned is that there’s no right way to design a collection.  It’s just about whatever works for you personally.”

In 2007 she struck out on her own and set up the label Fay Alice, focussing on small collections and one-off pieces sold at exclusive London boutique Koh Samui. On explaining the etymology behind the name, she says, “My first name is Faye. I decided to use Fay instead of Faye, because this is the original name which derives from old English and means fairy. I added the Alice part to the label name because I think that it adds a bit of a magical component to the sound of it.”

But there is also a deeper meaning to the label name, one which has a lot to do with Faye’s own love of fairytales. “I’m a big fan of  Lewis Carroll’s  ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, and I like the idea of looking at everything in this world without limiting what is possible by thinking you already know what things are like.

“I actually think that our world is a wonderland, where we can find new and beautiful things hidden everywhere if we are only curious and open enough to look. I also love how Alice changes her perspective on things by changing her size. I mean, the world around her does not change, but for her everything looks very different, because she changes.”

Is that not quite a deep analogy? “I guess the whole thing could sound extremely romantic, but my approach to the whole wonderland theme is a very modern one, where I look at the city as a wonderland.”

Faye’s designs are in a similar vein. Romantic, feminine and ethereal, yet modern with a quirky twist. She makes clothes for real women, but they are strongly shaped by her own personal visions and influences. Does she design for herself, in that sense? “Probably.  I really love beautiful things, but just plain elegance seems a bit too boring to me. It needs to be personal, and yes, a bit edgy I guess.”

The label was originally founded in London, but Faye chose to move it back to her hometown the following year. All the garments are produced in Berlin. “I loved living in London. It is just an amazing city and it has a great style. The problem for me was that while I lived there, I never found enough time to work on my own projects, I was just always too busy to earn enough money to pay my rent and so on. Berlin is also much quieter and less hectic. Here I find the space and time to really focus on my work.”

The latest work is ‘Lobster Ballet’, the first ready-to-wear collection from Fay Alice. It was named, rather unusually, after a box collage constructed by the artist Joseph Cornell between 1945 and 1949. It features a cut out figure of the ballerina Zizi Jeanmarie and red plastic lobsters clad in tutus. “I think it is a beautiful piece, yet it has a lot of humour,” Faye explains. “Much attention has been paid to all the little details, like in all of Cornell’s work. This is what I wanted my collection to be like. It should be very beautiful with many little delicate details, but it should also fun and easy to wear.”

It’s clear that Cornell’s work is something that has a profound impact of the designer. “Joseph Cornell’s work and life was a big influence for this collection. I also looked at his time – the work of the Surrealists here in Europe, New York, where he lived. He loved the ballet; he was absolutely obsessed with certain women of his time, like ballerinas, divas and movie stars. Trying to find a counterpart for Cornell’s female ideal seems bit too voyeuristic and naïve. I decided to research modern dance in Europe- dancers like Valeska Gert, who was a controversial artist and who liked to use the grotesque to express herself,” she explains.

“I love his appreciation for the inconspicuous little things. He creates artworks of beauty with objects found in everyday life. His work reflects his love for all these little objects, and the magical world that they belong to. By looking at his art, we’re allowed to share this world for a little while,” she says. “My work for me is about trying to reflect the beauty which I find in the world around me- not unlike Cornell. I love the small things which are beautiful, because they’re not perfect; things that have a story to tell, like a piece of vintage lace with little holes in it, or the façade of an old building.”

Given all the creativity that goes into the design process, does she ever find it hard to come up with ideas? “The fashion business does not always make it easy for you to really find time to be creative, I must admit. I find working within the seasonal frame very challenging, because as a designer you don’t need to just come up with new ideas, but you have to take care of all the business and logistics as well. It is a bit of a split between being sensitive to, and open for, inspiration and being a hard working label founder who has to fulfil tight deadlines.”

But on the plus side, she insists, “I am never short of new ideas though, and I enjoy my work immensely, especially if it’s about trying out new ideas. I always keep a sketchbook and I make a lot of time to research new material for each collection. Later, whenever I feel a bit unsure about what a certain detail should look like, I only need to go back to my research to find the answer. There are so many inspiring and fun things to be experienced and explored in our lives. The process of designing to me is like trying to give a little bit of all I’m given back to the world.”

I ask Faye about her memories of growing up in Berlin-Kreuzberg on the west side of the Berlin wall in the 80s. It was a time not generally renowned for its fashion-forward style, and particularly not in East Germany. Aged 12 when the wall came down, she remembers, “I had a pink bat sleeved jacket and turquoise pointed boots, which I loved, when I was around 10. In general, I think people just mixed and matched everything and anything. Boys who didn’t want to do their one year service with the military came to Berlin from other parts of the country, because there you didn’t have to do it. Many students lived in Berlin. It was a very raw place, there was a lot of empty space, many un-renovated buildings, cheap rents… it used to, and still is, leaving people a lot of space to experiment. Now Berlin is becoming more and more of a metropolis, with many different people from cities all over the world coming to stay for a year or two. Berlin is developing and changing extremely fast. We’re more connected to trends around the world now.”

Maybe this has something to do with the fact she has chosen to primarily focus on three main markets for her designs; Germany, the UK and Denmark, where her designs are all retailing. “I chose the markets that I already have a connection to. Germany, because I am German and because the label is based in Germany. London, because I lived and studied there and I think that the style of Fay Alice makes sense for the British market. Denmark, because the concept for Fay Alice is somewhat shaped after a Scandinavian model and I think it fits in the Danish market.”

The beauty of Faye’s designs is that they are so immensely wearable and versatile that each piece could become a wardrobe staple, taking the wearer from season to season with ease. If Fay Alice is a name whispered in hushed tones amongst the in-the-know fash pack right now, by this time next year it should, quite deservedly, be the worst-kept secret in fashion.

FAYALICE.COM

Words Kay Weston

THE FASHIONISTAHASSPOKEN.BLOGSPOT.COM

The iconic AnOther Magazine has launched its luxury limited editions items on its online store. The AnOther Limited Edition series features everything from flash iPhone accessories to haute Macbook sleeves and dazzling print bags that match the experimental high-fashion aesthetic pioneered by the title.

One of AnOther Magazine’s original values was to unite people and ideas from different worlds. Leading designers have contributed to the online store, with Gareth Pugh’s 13” monochrome Macbook/ Macbook Pro sleeve for Incase and a matching iPhone shell, a blue and red printed shopper designed by Peter Pilotto for Mismo, a candle by Colette and a distinctive blue and black CD/ DVD case by Raf Simons.

Each issue of AnOther Magazine seeks to find new ways to present art in the context of a fashion title. As well as the items produced by designers, AnOther Art Editions are a series of exclusive limited-edition art works co-produced by AnOther Magazine’s senior editor Mark Sanders and some of his artist friends who have been featured in the magazine across its nine year history.

The store features Jake and Dinos Chapman’s ‘Darkness in the Soul’, an exclusive signed etching featuring a scene from the famous teddybear’s picnic, where one bear is in for more of a surprise than he bargained for. There’s also Tom Friedman’s Silver Guitarist. The American artist was asked by the magazine to create one of his trademark silver foil artworks to be cast into solid English Hallmarked silver. Vera Lehndorff (perhaps better known as the model Veruschka) teamed up with German artist Holger Trülzsch in the 1970s to create a series of body painting works, and the signed print of 1975’s ‘Green Window Frame’ is now also available to buy from the store.

The October 2009 issue of AnOther Magazine (out now) also showcased twenty-eight designers who defined the decade, from Burberry to Vivienne Westwood, and twenty-eight women who define style, from Natasha Khan to Santigold, to mark the end of a decade in a special collectors’ edition of the magazine.

AnOther’s creative directors David James Associates focused on the avant-garde imagery commissioned solely for its pages. The hazy boundary between art, portraiture and fashion often becomes blurred and these images make up a unique record of the photographic experimentation that has been a distinct trait of the beginning of this millennium.

Three collectable volumes of books showcasing the photographic archives of AnOther Magazine are also available: Another Fashion Book, Another Portrait Book and Another Art Book. All three volumes will be available in a box set following the publication of the final volume.

The AnOther Limited Edition Series are available now from the online shop and at Liberty, London.  AnOther Art Editions are only available at the online store.

ANOTHERMAG.COM

Words Almaz Ohene

Paloma Faith has just released her debut album, Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful, and the real truth is that it is without a doubt the most essential pop album to be released for quite some time. Think smoky-Winehouse-esque vocals coupled with huge cinematic backdrops and you would be half way there – Faith’s album is one to be digested and enjoyed over a number of listens. If you don’t believe me, I besiege you, discover it for yourself. It is a genre fest of sizeable proportion that will reward you ten-fold in these dark and worrisome times.

AGENT2 tracked Paloma down and managed to catch a word with the lady of the hour before her ship sails for the land of superstars.

Your new single New York is released next week; it’s a big sweeping giantess of a song – ballad and theatrical like in places. What is the song about?

It’s about how the city took my lovers heart. He fell in love with New York and chose it over me. He went to work there and decided to live there and end it with me!

The video for New York is extremely cinematic and well produced. How much input did you have into the creative process of it?

I am very lucky in the way that I have been incredibly involved in the creative process. We wanted to make the New York video more about my performance as an actress in a story as opposed to an overly visual one like Stone Cold Sober. Vaughan Arnell came up with the bowling lanes setting. I think he was inspired by the Big Lebowski.

What can AGENT2 readers expect from your album if they’ve yet to hear it?

I would like my album to transport the listeners to a fantasy world. I feel that everyone needs an escape from the world we live in today and I hope that my album has created something fresh and hopeful that they can escape to.

The album title, Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful, is very evocative of the acting world: the idea of escapism and the ability to pretend. What does it mean to you?

It’s an introduction to me and what I do. I am proposing that I offer you something beautiful as I don’t believe the truth is ever really that important. The title is all about perception and I think it’s beautifully vulnerable.  In contemporary culture we spend alot of time trying to unveil the truth and I prefer to enjoy the fantasy and let it wash over me.

What, so far, have been the most enjoyable places to perform live?

Latitude festival…  It was the first time I had performed to a big audience who knew some of the lyrics of my songs.  I love people singing along! When you buy the album you get all the lyrics in the booklet, I hope people will read them!

Is your live show as flamboyant as the music on your album? We imagine plenty of costume changes and a sense of ‘event’ rather than just another gig.

I try to create a performance that will entertain visually as much as on an audio level. No two shows are the same although I might include homages to past shows.  I like to entertain and make an event out of a performance.  I come from a theatre background and that influences what I do.

You boast an impressive CV including working as an actress, singer, dancer and magician’s assistant. What’s the worst job that you’ve ever had?

I would have to say it was when I worked in a cafe on a Saturday, boiling chicken.

You have a part in the new Terry Gilliam film, The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus, what was he like to work with?

Amazing! It’s been an ambition of mine to meet and work with him. I love his films and feel that he is one of our generations’ greatest talents. He’s very funny too.

Now you’re set to become a musical force, will you continue acting?

Definitely, although at present I’m focused on my music I hope that at the end of this year I can start doing some auditions…time dependent!!

What do find more personally rewarding, music or acting?

I love doing both and don’t think they’re exclusive.

During your hectic schedule of chart and world domination, you are unexpectedly given a whole day off. What would you do with yourself?

I LOVE THE CINEMA!  I would like to go to Gelato Mio for an Italian ice cream and then go to see a film in the cinema.

Paloma Faith Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful is available now.

PALOMAFAITH.COM

Words Colin French Images Alice Hawkins