IN A NEW YEAR SPECIAL TOPMAN GENERATION TRANSFORM AMY CHILDS INTO A DANDY BOHEMIAN ROCK STAR FROM ANOTHER ERA
Amy Childs has been given a makeover like never before. Topman GENERATION’s unique photoshoot turns Amy into the face of a mysterious and mythical bohemian rock’n'roll band from the mid-70s. With Art Direction from Editor John-Paul Pryor, Fashion photographer Michael Hemy (Tom Ford, Dazed & Confused, Louis Vuitton) turns the instantly recognisable star of TOWIE, and current show It’s All About Amy, into a sophisticated 70s glamour puss, tipping an aesthetic nod to the reportage-style glamour of Bob Richardson.
Adorned head-to-toe in classic vintage sourced by much talked about stylist Melissa Thompson (AnOther Magazine, Dazed & Confused), Essex siren Amy Childs is joined in her fictional rock’n'roll troupe by her vampish male bohemian cohorts. This is Amy Childs as you have never seen her before; this is Amy Childs, Voodoo Child.
See Amy Childs on Channel 5 in her show “It’s All About Amy” on Thursday December 29, 2011, at 10:00pm. “It’s All About Amy” on Channel 5 will be back in the New year from January 12, on from 11:00pm.
Topman GENERATION: www.magazine.topman.com
BRITAIN & IRELAND’S NEXT TOP MODEL LIVE 2011
November 1, 2011 by Editor
Filed under SOCIAL DIARY
FASHIONISTAS AND FANS OF THE TV SHOW BRITAIN & IRELAND’S NEXT TOP MODEL GATHERED AT THE EXCEL HOUSE TO CELEBRATE FASHION, BEAUTY AND GLAMOUR.
The event offered the latest beauty treatments (manicures, pedicures, massage, professional make up, laser teeth whitening, fake tan, hair removal treatments, boob jobs, hair extensions…), fashion trends, workshops and the chance to get spotted by top model agencies.
Joey Bevan, the official fashion designer of BINTM, presented his latest collection, “Land of the Lost Toys”, inspired by Tim Burton fantasy’s world and Lady Gaga.
TOWIE’s star Lauren Goodger presented her hair extension range and also, Amy Childs launched her brand new womenswear collection.
All of the girls from series seven made their catwalk debut at the BINTM live tour, where they modelled different outfits from designers such as Jayne Pierson, Alice Vandy, Elle Mcpherson, Austin Reed and Firetrap. The band Luminites and the Swedish singer Bluey Robinson entertained the audience with their dazzling performances.
Truly girly and fun, the event was the perfect excuse to get pampered, do shopping and taste the BINTM lifestyle!
Words and images Verónica Carpio Martín
HARPER’S BAZAAR: GREATEST HITS
GLENDA BAILEY IS ARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT WOMEN IN FASHION. SINCE BEING MADE EDITOR- IN -CHIEF OF HARPER’S BAZAAR SHE HAS TRANSFORMED THE MAGAZINE. IN CELEBRATION OF HER TEN YEARS AT THE MAGAZINE, SHE HAS TEAMED UP WITH CREATIVE DIRECTOR STEPHEN GAN TO PRODUCE A COLLECTION OF THE MOST STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHS TITLED ‘HARPER’S BAZAAR: GREATEST HITS’. JENNIFER BUTLER SPOKE TO GLENDA BAILEY ABOUT HER NEW BOOK.
Why did you decide to release a collection of photographs featured in Harper’s Bazaar and why did it seem like the right time now?
I wanted to celebrate the work of all the fantastic photographers, stylists and writers that I have been privileged to work with at Bazaar over the last 10 years. When Stephen Gan and I started at Bazaar a decade ago, we wanted to create a joyful tribute to the world’s best fashion, talent and artistry each month.
How did you choose the pictures that went in to this book? Are they personal favourites?
As I edited the book last summer, I was struck by how many remarkable images I had to choose from. I have so many favourites, but in particular; Jean Paul Goude’s fantastical portraits of Naomi Campbell, William Klein’s portfolio of designers and their team (Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz brought a bus full of people), Peter Lindbergh’s cover of Kate Winslet hovering over the Manhattan skyline, Demi Moore and the giraffe, Marc Jacobs and Winona Ryder recreating ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’ and sending the Simpsons to Paris (Marc Jacobs even got a tattoo of his Simpsonized self on his arm)
Why did you decide to realise a book of pictures rather than features of interviews?
We included a feature or interview from each decade in this book, but we had a lot of brilliant work to choose from, which leaves another opportunity for the next book!
What do you look for in a photograph to make it onto the pages of Harper’s Bazaar?
It must be iconic and epic.
What photographer have you been most proud to work with? Did you have any lifelong dreams?
Richard Avedon – I got to meet him on the first day on the job at Harper’s Bazaar, and it’s been a highlight of my career.
Harper’s Bazaar: Greatest hits is published by Abrams and Chronicle and available now at Amazon.
Words Jennifer Butler Images Harper’s Bazaar
RAUN LAROSE: FOREVER YOUNG S/S 2012
AGENT2 FEATURED THE FANTASTIC DEBUT COLLECTION AND INTERVIEW FROM RAUN LAROSE LAST SEASON AND WE BRING YOU HIS LATEST COLLECTION FOR S/S 2012
This Brooklyn based, young and upcoming designer is destined to be a big name and has been on the AGENT2 ‘One to Watch’ radar for quite some time now. His latest collection sees an exciting progression since we last saw him and Raun states:
“For this collection I was inspired by my childhood. I retraced the steps of my youth in search of things that were the most memorable. Backpacks, comic books, and thoughtful pairing in sport attire. As a menswear designer I strive to expand the concept of contemporary mens fashion through innovation. To challenge myself and explore new techniques, giving fruition to one of my key looks.”
To add to the buzz around Larose, Vogue Italia recently named as ‘fashion’s future’ in their menswear category.
Words Graham Gartside Bernier
LONG X BOY EXHIBITION PHOTOS
AS MANY OF OUR AVID READERS ARE PROBABLY AWARE, WE ARE MASSIVE FANS OF PUNK HERE AT AGENT2 AND THE FANTASTIC COLLABORATION BETWEEN LONG CLOTHING AND BOY LONDON IS NO EXCEPTION!
We just had to bring you these amazing images from a series of shots by London photographer Teddy Fitzhugh that were taken to celebrate the Long x Boy collaboration earlier this year.
The collection focuses around a group of friends whose lives embody a distinct attitude and spirit found in both brands. The photos intend to provide a reflection, not only of their relationships with each other, but also of the distinct connection between the clothing and their lifestyles.
Check out the rest of the series here.
leavetheboyalone.com | longclothing.com
LFW: PAUL COSTELLOE S/S 2012
September 17, 2011 by Editor
Filed under LFW SPRING/SUMMER 2012, STYLE
IRISH DESIGNER PAUL COSTELLOE OPENED LONDON FASHION WEEK WITH A “BABY DOLL” COLLECTION TO EMPHASISE THE FEMININITY AND FLIRTY SIDE OF EVERY WOMAN.
For spring/summer 2012, Paul has been inspired by the movie “What ever happened to Baby Jane”? creating an innocent but, at the same time, dangerous and naughty look which exudes pure glamour and sophistication.
The colour palette started with neutral colours such as light beige and grey, and moved to a brighter side at the end with turquoise blue and purple.
Stripes were also a big part on womenswear, giving a touch of French chic mixed with a playful tone.
1970’s Paris inspired silhouettes, empire waistlines, swing jackets and short dresses were the main highlights.
In menswear, the long coat was the key piece of Costelloe’s collection and grey was the predominant colour in a look made for men who want to feel classy and smart, like the perfect “English gentleman”.
Costelloe’s collection adds a dose of fun and style to daily wear.
After the show, London Mayor Boris Johnson and BFC Chair Harold Tillman CBE announced Fashion 2012, a platform to showcase and celebrate British fashion throughout London’s Olympic year.
See more catwalk reports from LFW here.
Words Veronica Carpio Images Dan Harley
HARVEY NICHOLS BRITISH MENSWEAR PROJECT
CHRISTOPHER RAEBURN KICKS OFF THE FIRST OF THREE BRITISH MENSWEAR DESIGNER INSTALLATIONS WITH HIS LIFE SIZE OFF CUT ANIMALS MADE WITH THE EXACT FABRICS USED IN HIS A/W11 COLLECTION…
AGENT2 loves to champion new and emerging designers and Harvey Nichols can often be found at the forefront of emerging new talent as well as creating platforms to help develop and nurture exciting new brands. From this month to November, Harvey Nichols is hosting a series of in-store installations, created and curated by three British designers that they are currently supporting.
Christopher Raeburn kicks of the initiative this month. The British ethical designer fuses innovative fabric technology with garment re-appropriation and a passion for military heritage. His AW11 collection is inspired by research into the original garments, their fabric technology and development.
NEWGEN sponsor Katie Eary is next to drop in-store in October. The London-based designer needs no introduction – her aggressive but noble menswear is an unstoppable, inevitable hurricane ripping its own way through fashion.
Katie says; “I’m so excited about this project with Harvey Nichols. I’ve been waiting to get my hands on a great space and Harvey Nichols id the perfect place for what I have in mind. I think people will be thrilled and intrigued by my installation… Frankenstein’s Lab in central London!”
Finishing off the trio of designer installations in November is AGENT2 favourite, James Long. Long has fast become one of the most sought after menswear talents in London. With a huge fan base ranging from Alister Mackie: Creative Director of Another Man, Luke Day: Fashion Director of GQ Style, and Lanvin’s Lucas Ossendriver praising James as his ‘favourite young designer’, James has certainly made his mark as a designer to watch.
James says: “I wanted to recreate the unsettled attitude of my Autumn/Winter collection within an installation space at Harvey Nichols. With the use of lighting I will try to form and area where my collection lives in a manic mayhem of colour and texture.”
Find out more details about Harvey Nichols Menswear Project here.
HOLLYOAKS: THE NEW CLASS PART 2
Hollyoaks tends to deal with issues like that in quite a sensitive way. What is it like to be part of a programme like that?
Laurie: It’s really fantastic. You get a sense that you’re helping out because the show does deal with a lot of issues. Sometimes the storylines have to be a bit out there and it’s nice because they set up help lines and support for people going through that kind of thing.
Tosin: Hollyoaks does have a big influence on other kids, they look up to the characters. To be something kids can look up to is really nice.
Lucy: They approach it and they word it in a very sensitive way which is obviously very important. Things like my character being a lesbian and I had that relationship with Esther that was a summer romance. The way they wrote it was really nicely done, it wasn’t too over the top and it really showed a genuine romance that was at its first stage where you’re getting butterflies and you’re really excited when you see each other. It was really nice and really exciting to do that because I have never played a role like this before.
Is that romance going to continue?
Lucy: Oh, no, Esther wants it to but Tilly’s a realist, she thinks things through almost, I think, too sensibly but she always was like it’s not going to happen I need to get my head down and focus and it was what it was. I think Tilly could be a bit of a player. You can tell from her take on relationships that she’s had quite a few and they’ve never been mega serious, they just are what they are. That’s what I like about her.
Is this the sort of thing that you’ve always aspired to do?
Laurie: Acting in general. Just getting out there and working.There are actors out there who aren’t in this position who can’t say that they’re working on a show but it’s a fantastic opportunity.
Steven: We’re very lucky. It’s a great platform I think.
Tosin: I never wanted to be an actor I wanted to be a businessman. Don’t let this fool you I wanted to work in investment banking. I was going to go to university this year but I thought I’m getting work let me see how this goes then I got this and I thought I’m going to stick at it.
Was it intimidating to come into such a popular programme?
Steven: Everyone’s so lovely but it’s a big undertaking in a way. It’s a bit surreal. You walk in and you see Hollyoaks College and then you find yourself walking through the McQueens living room.
Laurie: It’s weird but everyone here is so unbelievably nice. It’s cool, you don’t feel any pressure really.
Tosin: The first day everyone asked which character I was playing, and had a chat. They all made us feel really welcome.
Lucy: It’s really nice because although everyone is really friendly and really welcoming at least we’re all in the same boat and it’s nerve wracking and you’re a bit anxious but it’s really nice we’re working together all the time. We’ve had lots of time to gel and our chemistry is getting really good. All the guys are living together and Scarlett and I are as well so it’s going to improve even more. I feel really lucky that we’ve come in as a group.
Have there been any big arguments?
Tosin: Yeah I had an argument with Dylan about moving the milk, no I’m joking.
Laurie: We had a slight argument because he’s a Manchester United fan.
Tosin: It’s only a bit of football banter.
Laurie: I’m an Arsenal fan so there’s a bit of rivalry and the other guy we’re moving in with is a Liverpool fan.
Steven: I’m any fan just keep me quiet. I just switch to whoever’s the loudest and scariest at the time.
What sort of projects have you worked on before?
Scarlett: Tosin and I did a show called The Switch which was great fun. I used to describe it as a Skins meets Hollyoaks for a younger generation. It was great we filmed all around London as well which was great because we both lived there.
Lucy: I was in Waterloo Road previously to this so I’m trying to get out of my Manchester accent, trying to neutralise it a bit. I’m the black sheep out of them all. I’m the northerner.
Do you have any say in what your characters wear?
Dylan: Yeah a bit, if you’re comfortable in it then yeah but if you’re not and they think its right for the character then they change it until it fits.
Scarlett: I think Maddie and myself are one and the same I have both these items in my wardrobe and they’re mine too. Our stylist is really great because he said if you don’t like it there’s no point buying it because if you’re not comfortable then you don’t feel comfortable on set. He was great he took us to all the great shops like American Apparel, Topshop, Office and Kurt Geiger, it was great.
Lucy: My characters really quirky and really funky and really edgy so he came up with things, we’d start off in Topshop because it has so many different styles all under the same roof so it’s easy to start off there and kind of stamp a trend on what your character’s going to be and then go further afield and go to different stores. He’d pick up things and say try that on that were really clashy prints that I personally would never be brave enough to wear but actually you see how it really works.
Check out the new crew from this week on Channel 4 at 6.30pm. AGENT2 brings you part 1 of this interview here.
Interview Elizabeth Horsfall Video and stills Lucy Sharratt
HOLLYOAKS: THE NEW CLASS
THIS YEAR’S INTAKE OF NEW SIXTH FORMERS ARE ABOUT TO HIT HOLLYOAKS AND THE GROUP OF SIX ARE SET TO BRING SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
THERE’S THE BITCH, THE QUIRKY GEEK, THE LONER, THE OUTSIDER, THE JOKER AND THE GAY BEST FRIEND.
Scarlett Bowman, Lucy Dixon and Dylan Llewelyn who play Maddie, Tilly and Jono made an appearance earlier this year when some of the cast took a trip to Abersoch.
New to the show this week are Tosin Cole, Steven Roberts and Laurie Duncan who play Neil, George and Callum.
AGENT2 caught up with the stylish new additions to the cast as they explained how their characters are going to inject some new grit and fashionable flare into the soap.
In your first scene in Abersoch you were all wiped out after a party, is this sort of behaviour going to continue?
Lucy: Well we’ve just started back at school so we’re behaving ourselves a little bit more and focussing on work but the first time my character is seen is at a warehouse party and I’m not meant to be there because I’m meant to be in London with my family and then I end up turning up at the party with my friends and then Esther who I had a little fling with in Abersoch turns up but Maddie’s in before that at college.
Scarlett: Yeah there’s a house party scene before we start back at school in the week leading up to that. Then we need to study.
Lucy: My character is very studious, she’s always reading and learning. I love reading the books when I’m on set. I read a biology text book the other day about whales and it was really interesting. My character rubs off on me a bit.
Scarlett: I’m like the absolute tart because I’m there flicking through Now and Hello.
Maddie’s quite territorial, she knows who her friends are. There’s a drama with Bart which you saw in Abersoch and she’s out to get him back, but she’s got her wingmen so it’s alright.
Dylan: My character’s a bit desperate and he’s very different to me he’s more cocky and confident whereas I’m a bit more shy and awkward. He’s cool, I like playing him I want to be more like him. But he’s a bit too cocky, he gets wacked a bit.
How do these different characters fit in with the present Hollyoaks dynamic?
Scarlett: They don’t.
Lucy: Yeah, it’s a little group on our own. If someone were to be watching our group I don’t think they would think it was the stereotypical generic Hollyoaks, which is, I think what they’re going for with this new look and what I find really exciting because we are a new look for Hollyoaks.
Scarlett: I think it’s really interesting to see how it forms from the old version of Hollyoaks how we slot in as a group. Everyone’s wardrobe’s really cool, hair and make up’s wicked.
Lucy: We’re all really different. My character’s punky, arty, yours is kind of along the lines of 90210 but I would say Kate Moss as well.
Scarlett: My character references are Regina George (Mean Girls) because I’m a bit of a bitch and the girl from Mad Men.
Lucy: So that’s what’s great about it, especially because us two are best friends, we’ve known each other for years and we’re so different we’re like chalk and cheese so that’s what I really like as well.
Are you anything like your characters in real life?
Tosin: We have similarities. Sometimes you do tend to big yourself up when you’re with your friends, you edge it up a little just because you’re around the lads. So in that sense I would say I’m quite similar. In terms of playing football, being a lad, all that stuff. Trying to enjoy your young life while you can.
Steven: George is a good friend and so am I. Although George knows a lot about fashion and I don’t really. I’ve taken a more active interest in it now, I notice it more. My characters outfits are very out there and very colourful, I think they look quite cool. I bought a belt that he wears but that’s it, everything’s a bit too colourful.
Laurie: Since I started playing Callum I’ve started reading a lot of poetry. He reads a lot of Bukowski and I haven’t put the book down for about three days. He’s very dark and very abstract.
Steven: He was reading some to us on set the other day, he’s quite weird, quite cool.
Your introduction to Hollyoaks seems to have a Skins type vibe and they dealt with some really gritty issues. Will your characters be involved in anything like that?
Scarlett: I have wind of a storyline but I’m not sure. I know it will focus on the ups and downs of a standard student between 16 and 18. The stuff people go through like first boyfriends, losing your virginity, exam stress. I don’t think there’s anything really hardcore like Skins.
Lucy: I remember watching Skins and was absolutely hooked for the first two series and then I went back for the third or fourth and I kind of though they were glamourising the wrong things and making things out to be super super cool and you should do which are things that are naughty really which you shouldn’t be doing. I like that that we’re not doing that, we’re not showing that we’re getting wasted every night and turning up to school and not concentrating. We have our fun but at the same time we’ve got our heads on our shoulders, getting our heads down and working which is what I like and I hope that we’re going to be good role models for people of that age. That they can relate to that character and think if she’s going through it and she’s coping then so can I.
Check out the new crew from this week on Channel 4 at 6.30pm. AGENT2 brings you part 2 of the interview from the cool new kids on Hollyoak’s block here.
Interview Elizabeth Horsfall Video and stills Lucy Sharratt
NICOLA FORMICHETTI STYLES HIMSELF AND TEAM AT MUGLER FOR VARÓN SPECIAL
AGENT2 IS NOT TOO EMBARRASSED TO LET OUR READERS KNOW THAT SOMETIMES WE GET A LITTLE TWINGE OF JEALOUSY WHEN WE SEE WHAT OTHER PUBLICATIONS ARE DOING. WHEN THESE IMAGES FROM THE LATEST ISSUE OF VARÓN CAME ACROSS OUR DESK, IT WAS MOST DEFINITELY ONE OF THOSE TIMES WE WERE LEFT GREEN WITH ENVY.
For the 4th issue of Varón – on stands worldwide September 8th – Nicola Formichetti styles himself and his menswear team at Mugler in the Mugler autumn/winter 2011 collection. Shot by Kacper Kasprzyk, the story features menswear designer Romain Kremer, communications director Alban Adam, and Formichetti’s assistant Matthieu Bredon-Huger.
The feature marks the first magazine portrayal of the Mugler team since Nicola Formichetti was appointed creative director at the house last year. It is accompanied by an in-depth interview with Formichetti and his team by Anders Christian Madsen. Likewise, the cover of the issue features Nicola Formichetti by Kacper Kasprzyk.
AGENT2 brings you a small extract of that interview:
Nicola Formichetti in response to copycat accusations in regards to his work with Lady Gaga:
“In short, no, we don’t have other people’s looks on the wall and we don’t try to copy anyone. That would be a stupid thing to do, no? Do people really think Gaga would go and look at a music video and say, ‘That’s a cool video, let’s redo that’? People only think that because that’s the only reference they have.”
Nicola Formichetti on public criticism:
“I get really sad when people judge me and think I’m snobby because of stuff they read on the internet, like stuff about old people or fat people that’s taken completely out of context. It gets blown out of proportion. It’s sad but I have to keep moving, and keep believing in what I’m doing.”
Nicola Formichetti on Thierry Mugler:
“For me he’s like God, you know? So I don’t really wanna… I don’t really want to know what he thinks. Of course I’d like for him to love it, but I don’t really want to… For me he’s someone so high, but I’m not here to please him. If he doesn’t like it, it would make me sad but he’s not why I decided to take the job. The reason I changed the name to Mugler instead of Thierry Mugler was to make it less personal and more of a brand as opposed to a French couturier. I want it to become a global brand.”
Nicola Formichetti on Romain Kremer:
“He’s like an extension of my hand. Our tastes are so similar. I’m not very good at making things so he does it for me.”
Nicola Formichetti on Alban Adam:
“He’s my brain. Everything I think about the brand, he articulates into reality. And he’s not a boring PR person, which is nice.”
Nicola Formichetti on Matthieu Bredon-Huger:
“He’s my little brother. The stylish little French brother I never had.”
Photographer Kacper Kasprzyk
Fashion Editor Nicola Formichetti
Interview Anders Christian Madsen
All clothes Mugler autumn/winter 2011
