Artists to Look Out For!

I don’t know about you, but I am so damn sick of hearing s*** music everywhere I turn. Indie is now pop, bad gangsta rap and cheap euro trash dance have taken over the charts, one-hit-wonders are all over the shop and I can’t breathe. Yes there are exceptions who are HUGE artists (e.g. Lady GaGa, Adele, Chase & Status etc) who differentiate the fantastic from the shockingly bad (i.e. The Wanted, Cher Lloyd, JLS etc). You could almost merge a few songs of the chart together and you wouldn’t know the difference. So here’s my big contradiction – we need the crap in a twisted, irritating sort of way to set the absolutely bloody brilliant apart!

Thank the lord, there are some ‘angry’ (yes, I am slightly over-dramatising…) artists uprising and hopefully going to show the chart-hoggers how it’s done. This selection of new artists and bands I have discovered over the past couple of months have given me hope for the future.

Well, hopefully...

First and foremost ANNA CALVI has been the most exciting new artist (apart from James Blake) I have come across this year (she is signed to Domino Records, the same label as Arctic Monkeys). She is a singer-songwriter and plays guitar, VERY well may I be hasten to add (check out her song "I’ll Be Your Man" on a technical level, yes it IS her who is playing and does me proud as a fellow female guitarist!). Her voice is exquisite and intriguing and just everything a great vocal should be. She claims to have had massive vocal inspiration from the Parisian legend Edith Piaf and covered Piaf’s version of the song ‘Jezebel’ and released it as a single. I suggest you all watch Calvi’s performance of the song at Glastonbury this year, you WILL have chills by the end. I cannot cease to rave and ramble about this woman. The fact I know she will be in this industry for the long run or at least wants to be just fills me with happiness. I would give you one song to start you off but just buy the album (her self-titled debut is OUT NOW). You won’t be disappointed. She is the future! 

Okay maybe just to give you a little test run, listen to "Suzanne & I" (my personal favourite) and "Blackout", her most popular single so far.

Look – she’s bloody stylish too.

EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS and FOSTER THE PEOPLE have quite a similar sound but hail Mary, the sound is good! That sort of folky and happy yet edgy sound, with a high tessitura of male vocal – a bit like Peter Bjorn & John who are most known for their song "Young Folks". Foster The People are however, are slightly more electronic sounding. Songs I would suggest hearing are "Pumped Up Kicks" and "Houdini" – Foster The People AND "Janglin" and "40 Day Dream" – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (I love the lead-vocalists Lennon-esque voice!). The music is quite feel-good, I think, but in a subtle and clever way.

The next artist I want to talk about is GHOSTPOET. He is supposedly a rapper but his stage name, I would say, is the perfect description for his collective sound. His articulation sounds almost drunken, in the way speech is slurred. But this is not done pretentiously, but actually very passionately. His voice is full of melancholy and is rather beautiful, a bit like Maxi Jazz of Faithless, it is half way between speaking and singing. His harsh and honest lyrics in collaboration with the Chillout beats and dark chord progressions are delicious. Check out Ghostpoet’s tracks- "Cash And Carry Me Home" and "Run Run Run".

This Irishman’s voice is just bursting with husk and soul – JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW. He just writes good old-fashioned solid songs that sound great on record but even more amazing live, with just acoustic guitar and vocals. Check out McMorrow’s acoustic performance of his song "Follow You Down" at Latitude for an example of this. I love the use of luscious harmonies in his music. He just has such a beautiful voice with the tunes to back it up. Listen to "This Old Dark Machine" and "We Don’t Eat".

Yet another Irishman to have wowed me. You may already be familiar with this artist, who featured on brit rapper Professor Green’s Dubstep smash "Jungle". MAVERICK SABRE has such an unusual voice, very soulful and rich. Almost like a male Amy Winehouse (may she rest in peace). His sound is also quite like Amy’s, in that sort of motown-esque yet simultaneously fresh and urban way. His song "Let Me Go" was the track to really grab my attention…keep your eyes peeled people, I can see a top-ten hit coming our way. The song samples one of my favourite tracks of all time "Glory Box" by the Electronic legends Portishead. It samples the song a lot, which can sometimes be a bad thing but at least Maverick has taste and has made a whole new sound out of it. Also listen to the song "Look What I Done".

Here are a few more tracks by up and coming artists that I feel are very promising and reassuring:

ALEX CLARE – Too Close…he mixes soul/RnB melodies with dubstep beats, which is a touch that I’m really liking.

RIZZLE KICKS are getting quite a lot of commercial attention since their song "Down With The Trumpets" was used as the theme for the iTunes Festival TV programme and is now in the UK top ten. However, I suggest you also listen to their super laid-back tune "Miss Cigarette". I LOVE their sound. It’s so refreshing and original!

I’m sure you’re all very familiar with the rapper Drake? If you’re a fan, you’re gonna love this guy – THE WEEKND. The fellow Canadian artist has worked a lot with Drake, which you will instantly be able to tell when you hear the music. Drake features on the song "The Zone". I love the marriage between the chillout vibe and the modern RnB vocal, I love his constant use of falsetto. The Weeknd's new album ‘Thursday’ is available for OFFICIAL free download, here’s the link:

http://the-weeknd-xo.com/2011/08/18/the-weeknd-thursday-download/

The Production on this record is sublime. ‘The Life Of The Party’ is a good example of this.

Hope you’re as excited as I am about this lot. Enjoy the closing leg of the summer people. Love and Peace…

Ms. B

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"Missouri is not just some mid-western state, it's got a lot to offer!" - Mr. Darkwah

The Missouri State Flag

A lot of people get confused when I say I'm going to Missouri for a holiday. I meet questions such as "What are you going to do there?!" and "Where is that?!" Well let me answer those questions for you. I am going to relax and get away from the busy nature of London and for those who don't know where it is, Missouri is a mid-western state bordered by eight states - Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska.

So now you know where it is, I'm sure you've assumed that I've gone there because it's out in the middle of  nowhere with absolutely nothing to do but sleep, eat and work out. If this reflects your thought pattern on the subject, you are very wrong. As a stylist, I seek out inspiration everywhere I go and the beautiful open fields as I drive from the airport home are just the beginning of it! Springfield, Missouri is home to many thrift stores - any hipster's dream for vintage clothing from letterman jackets to snapbacks that are old enough to be your grandfather! Excited yet?

If not, there are many seamstresses and tailoring businesses that will happily take your vintage buys and customise them for you at very reasonable prices - I've taken my mink to one and am excited to see the final result. So aside from seeing your drawings come to life, vintage stores and open fields, what else does Missouri have to offer? How about a shopping city of discounts and great finds? Is that good enough for you?

Branson City, Missouri is home to Tanger - similar to Bicester of the UK - where you will find Ralph Lauren gilets and coats that originally retailed at hundreds of dollars for a fraction of the price ($50 dollars, people!) You will also find a Nike store that you'd probably have to stay overnight in to see everything and a Bass store for your loafers at a price low enough to make you buy four pairs without thinking! We've covered the fashion end a lot and I'm sure you're ready to leave now for Missouri but there's more.

For the thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, there is everything from Archery in St. Louis to Ziplining in Branson so there will not be a dull moment on your trip. For relaxation after your activities, you can drive down to The Lake Of The Ozarks and picnic whilst the kids jet ski over the lake! I bet you never thought you could do all of this in Missouri...

Next time you're planning a holiday, be sure to think of Missouri (that is, if you havent booked a flight there for next summer already!)

Ciao Belissimi!

Mr. Darkwah
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"It's not what you wear but how you wear it" - Rianna Croxford

It seems that more and more, the high street is being shied away from. This is perfectly understandable as economics teaches that as incomes rise, consumers will move away from the inferior goods that they consumed due to their income to the more superior goods. I feel that although this is one of the fundamental laws in economics that relates to all consumers everywhere, it should not have to be the case in fashion. Of course there will be the move up from New Look to Topshop and from Topshop to AllSaints but when one moves up so high that they feel all they should be wearing is Dolce&Gabbana, Gucci and Prada, it's a little odd - no?

Whenever I tell people I'm a stylist they seem to think that I only work with the large high-end fashion houses and refuse to touch high street. What they forget is that I am a stylist - not a brand promoter. I will go where I need to go to get the job done and this means that the high street option is never closed to me. It has come to my attention that as one walks down Oxford Street (and swiftly finds their way to New Bond Street - excuse the snobbery) there are too many "Gucci" belts and hats around as well as "Ralph Lauren" polos with the ponies on the wrong side or the wrong colour. Dead giveaways of fake merchandise. I used to like to believe that these people, donning the fakes were duped into thinking that they were real. What I didn't realise, however, was that I thought this because access to the brands that they had purchased fakes for was open to me all my life and still is now. It led me to think that there was a problem with wealth distribution (which undoubtedly there is - but I'll leave that to the politicians to sort out, back to fashion.)

I finally settled at the conclusion that they wanted these brands to impress. By wearing Gucci and Ralph Lauren, they were impressing their contemporaries and elevating themselves, I suppose. This, in my opinion, is the problem with people and fashion. One cannot allow the wearing of a brand to speak for oneself. What I mean is that my wearing Gucci or Prada does not make me look better or worse (well, depending on how the outfit is put together it could make you look worse) it is the way I put my outfit together. I have seen people wear clothes bought in a thrift store, taken home and altered by themselves and look better than me and it caused me to think about where I was going wrong in my style. Note that I asked where I was going wrong in my style and not in the brands I was wearing.

Skakespeare wrote that "the apparel oft proclaimeth the man" and this too, is true but remember, it is how you wear it, not just what you wear.

Ciao Belissimi!

Mr. Darkwah
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"It seems innovation has taken a back seat this year" - Mr. Darkwah

"Style is an individual affair. Nothing to do with trends and what's going on in the fashion world. When a person wakes up and decides to wear something that is completely them - something that comes from their very essence and doesn't care what anyone thinks. THAT is style.

When it is recognised, publicised and capitalised by others - that is when it becomes fashion. Be stylish - NOT fashionable." - Mr. Darkwah

I recall a time when I used to look forward to my birthday and Christmas more than anything in the world, when all the excitement would ball up in my throat and on the day, would fly out of my mouth in what would be a tremendous scream of joy! That excitement ended when I was 17 and my new "Christmas" and "Birthday" London Fashion Weeks S/S and A/W took place of those. This year, though, I seem to be turning 17 again and my excitement is dwindling. 

I understand that fashion is cyclical but style - the thing that precedes fashion, the thing that creates the trend that becomes fashion is everlasting so why do I feel that style and innovation has gone amiss? You all know that I love Gucci's A/W collections what with the sleek lines and perfect fusion of energies both masculine and feminine but as much as I love it, I cannot convince myself that there was any innovation whatsoever in the collection. Look at TV programmes of the 80's such as 'Dynasty', 'Dallas' and even at costumes of Blanche in 'Golden Girls' and you'll see where Gucci got their inspiration for their womenswear. 

Gucci looks to the 80's for inspiration for their A/W collection

I look at Prada's A/W collection for women and I see hints of the 60's in the loud colours and short dresses yet the loose shape of the dress which allows it to fall over the body of the woman harks back to the 20's and the flapper movement in fashion. I cannot say that I am surprised at this. I suppose fashion, like the economy has adopted a boom and bust cycle. With trends flying out of every corner of the industry and the need to make everything over-the-top and (some things, in my opinion) unwearable, it's no wonder that this has happened. 

Prada seems to mix the 20's and 60's for their A/W collection

I can only hope London Fashion Week rekindles my child-like joy and revives me. Until then, I suppose we will flounder in the vacuum between personal style and trend.

Ciao Belissimi!

X

"THIS is wearable art! All others are secondary." - Mr. Darkwah

Colour explosion! I felt "Like a kid in a candy store" seeing his work!

I find it funny that recently people have moved away from wanting things to be completely unique to them. I recall a time in fashion when one would buy something, take it home and start stitching things onto the garment, painting onto it or simply cutting it to make sure no one had the exact same thing. What happened to that? It still goes on, yes but only in certain parts of London - namely, Brick Lane and Camden (the most obvious choices). 

Asian Persuasion - Asian Scroll-inspired sneakers with a matching box!

I remember my visit to Hong Kong and seeing all of the beautifully put together and yet beautifully unique outfits of girls, boys, men and women of the city - irrespective of the region they hailed from. I think about the city of Tokyo and the Harajuku and Ganguro trends and how despite them being a trend, all who go by it are completely unique. Why are we living in a city where uniforms range from Topman suits in the CITY (we'll get to that another day), Hollister on virtually every teenage boy and Uggs on girls everywhere?! Where is that sense of London's individuality?! 


I'll tell you where it is.


Theon Marcel is not just another guy who can customise sneakers or design and print t-shirts. He is an artist and his art is based completely on being unique. Looking at his work, I was like a kid in a candy store (not to mention that his work, with colours exploding everywhere quite resembled a candy store!) Influenced by comic art and, as I joked, "all things fun in life" Theon Marcel's work is truly exceptional! Working on materials from canvas right the way through to suede means that there is nothing that Mr. Marcel cannot work on! More so, being inspired by each person's individuality, Theon works to make sure that nothing is ever the same in his work - sometimes going so far as to paint a continuous comic strip over a few pairs of shoes! (Stand in a line and see what happens to your hero!) 


I recall meeting with Theon and commenting on the spectator shoes he was wearing as you see so few of them now. He smiled at me, shook his head and said "I painted them." I was astounded! The sheer attention to detail down to the point that he painted them to look as though they were old and weatherbeaten like true vintage shoes was amazing! I honestly thought they were leather! There began my love for his work and I must say that since that day, two years ago he has never failed to impress!

Reminded of Kanye, anyone?

If you would like to get your hands on Mr. Marcel's work, you can e-mail him on theonphokeerdoss@gmail.com and for my readers in the states, worry thee not because Theon does shipping at little extra cost. Let's bring back individuality and let's do it in style!


Ciao Belissimi!
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"Patrick's taking London by storm! About time a beautiful person did!" - Mr. Darkwah

The Universal Player, model turned mogul,Patrick Ribbsaeter

Many of you know him as the Universal Player or more commonly "the hot Amazonian guy" when you google Swedish male model but what you don't know is that Patrick Ribbsaeter is making quite the name for himself on the London scene. (Gosh, saying "scene" makes me seem even older than I am!) If you've read my previous posts, you'll recognise his name from the Orgazma launch night. Yes, Orgazma is one of his many business ventures and quite aptly named as, ladies, you're in for a treat meeting him.


You'll remember that the night was successful and I remarked that Patrick was the warmest host! Well, here's another thing you don't know. Patrick's company, Maximize Promotions, will be hosting a birthday party for the feisty third of Diddy Dirty Money - Kalenna. The event will not only be hosted by his company but held in a venue that he has recently acquired - The Queensberry (Q Club), South Kensington. I have no doubt that the night will be a success! Think about it, a gorgeous host, beautiful people (not to mention a star-studded venue), drinks flowing, Orgazmas going and oh yes, an exclusive live performance from Kalenna herself! Who could want more?


I'm not going to go into a 'glossy' magazine-style listing of the guests but I will tell you how you can get a piece of the action (see, I never leave you out). The event will take place on the 13th of August at The Queensberry (11 Queensberry Place, South Kensington, SW7 2DL). Tables and reservations are recommended so call 0207 5818 372 or e-mail audrey@maximizepromotions.com. Quote La Clique when buying and let our friend Patrick know you're one of us!


Have a great time and remember, The Clique is only a click away!

Ciao Belissimi!
X

P.S.


We would like to see pictures of you from the event and feature them on 'Les Images'. Details of this are on the facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/bienvenuealaclique) so go there, like the page and keep in the loop!

"It's nice to be at an event that isn't too pretentiously 'fashiony'" - Mr. Darkwah

There are a lot of events that you go to and feel that you must be "fashion in human form" but the launch event at the Melia Hotel, Regent's Park was not one of those. Picture a relaxed event, food abounding and the warmest staff and guests you can find - THAT was the launch event at the Melia. I was told that as soon as I walked into the doors of the hotel, I was instantly recognised and that air of familiarity ran throughout the night!

The night was beautifully organised and definitely bore the aura of Spanish hospitality. I recall speaking to many beautiful people and thoroughly enjoying myself whilst being served sangria, paella and being tempted by the waitresses to try the Cava as well! Indulgence central is what it was but I loved it! Speaking to Nick Oltolina, Corporate Sales Manager at the hotel, I learned that the Melia would be spreading across London, the UK and into greater Europe and to me, that was a pleasure to hear as I can only imagine the immense customer satisfaction they would gain from visiting the hotel! 

It was an pleasure attending the event as it gave me the opportunity to meet so many interesting people. If I were to name them all, this post would be more like a fashion world census than an account of a successful hotel launch event! 

Congratulations to The Melia Hotel on a successful launch event! A large thank you to the Katch PR Team for hosting me and to all of the beautiful people I met yesterday, I hope to stay in touch!

Have a great weekend and remember, The Clique is only a click away!

Ciao Belissimi!

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"Gucci knows what they're doing!" - Mr. Darkwah

A lot of my friends in fashion are unimpressed by the lack of what we like to call the "wow" factor in next season's collections. There seem to be a lot of blatant decade references and very little innovation showing through in many collections. I have to say, though, that there is one fashion house that almost had me in tears when I saw their shows - both men and women!


Gucci takes men's dress from the 60's and strips it of its haphazard colouring and garish patterns. Instead, they are replaced with handsome earthy tones and sleek finishing on every garment. "It's as if the clothes were poured onto the models!" I find myself musing as I watch the runway and see the turtle-neck sweaters and flared trousers float down the runway.


The mens' collection merges metrosexuality with strong and simple masculine lines. I was pleased to see large bags and "the man purse" as I like to call it on the runway as I feel that accessories such as these help a man maintain the clean lines of his outfit and make him (in my opinion) look more pristine. regardless of what 'type' of man you are, you cannot refute the fact that at one time or another, you thought of getting yourself a bag (and no, not a rucksack) to hold your things so you're not scattered throughout four or more pockets! The mixture of feminine and masculine energies in the mens collection definitely makes it an accessible one and though there are some pieces that only the Fashion Brave could pull off, this collection is one that any man could wear and more so, feel like a supermodel when wearing the clothes!

Sleek lines that remind us of the 60s and a man-purse to kill!

Beautiful fusion of masculine and feminine energies

The mixture of energies continues into the womens' collection. Following on from a very strong spring/summer collection, the womens' collection has definitely found its footing and has taken to casting beautiful and strong silhouettes on the women who wear them. I understand that this may be a contentious issue for many but I am truly happy to see fur on the runway!


The jackets - cinched at the waist and accentuating shoulders in a less dramatic and more femme fatale of the 1930's manner. The hats in the collection, teamed with sports-car-red lips only make the seductresses skulking sexily down the runway so much more appealing! There is not a thing I could say against these collections as they flow perfectly from the S/S collections and stamp the Gucci image clearly in the minds of all!

A true femme fatale! - Gucci successfully marries strength and femininity

Iconic, is the word. I can just imagine the studio in which the initial illustrations of the collections were planned out. The strong lines, assertive poses and the radiance of a grandeur that could only be emanated by a fashion house that knows what they are doing and where they are going.


Thank you Gucci for making my season already!


Be sure to take a look at the runway on youtube or shop the looks on www.gucci.com, and remember, The Clique is only a click away!


Ciao Belissimi!

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