Welcome to La Clique, where the fashionistas and 'nistos go for their fashion fix. We provide you with reviews of fashion events and collections as well as spotting trends and letting you know what's hot and what's not.
Once again, welcome to La Clique!
Essay deadlines, endless lectures, yes, indeed, they're back! We may dread these, but GUYS this should not bring us down. As much as we enjoyed dressing up during summer with our chino shorts, polos and TOM's espadrilles or white Converses, its time to put that period behind us and move on. Especially as the days are shorter and the nights are now longer. Its time to embrace the weekends and make sure we look great - as if we'd settle for anything less. Let's enjoy the crisp breeze and feeling of invincibility that comes with owning the streets, like young heirs to a throne. This season is all about having fun and not coursework. School can wait! This Is The Life Of A Young Socialite. Be a Bad-Boy, be rebellious and bite back at the harsh weather. Many guys only dress for comfort , which is a BIG no no! Despite that, we must now accept the fact we should also be considering getting some warmth when picking out an outfit. It goes without saying we MUST still add our individual style to the attire we choose to wear. Bear in mind, though, we don't want to be looking like George Clooney, prim and extremely dapper just yet, we are still young! This article is to help you with the transition into winter looks, without losing your swagger altogether. Here Goes…..
Its Maritime
This Autumn/Winter is all about being unpredictable in terms of clothing. This can be associated with the sea, and everything marine. Fishermen are in control of big ships, and are fearless when it comes to facing storms and freezing conditions. In order for us to incorporate this fearless image in our style, we have to ignore the sceptics and nay-sayers and get down to business. We have to think creatively by teaming up clothes that would not necessarily be considered to make a bold statement. Look out for loose fits on slim fits, go wild! If we keep this in mind we can attain that rough, oversized and edgy look, without losing all our debonair. The colours black and navy are in, along with heavy knitted sweaters, worn with fitted bottoms…goes very well together! Here goes, get them clean cut skinny fit jeans paired with heavy jumpers and clean cardigans! Its time to bring out the festive cashmere jumpers we got from our grandparents for Christmas and put it to good use. Items we wear now must also be useful or to be frank there just is no point of wearing them. If the jumper doesn't keep you warm, whats its use?
Get The Look:You’re capable of walking on water once you team a navy parka jacket with a sailor striped granddad top , simple chinos and a chunky ribbed scarf. Finish the look off with a canvas double buckled satchel.
Stay Grounded
Cherish our heritage…we are going back to tradition for inspiration. Fall in love with the basics. Create the country look, using quilted and plaid clothing. This creates a sense of freedom and shows we are in tune with mother earth and nature! Layers and patterns must clash to enhance the rebellious look!
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1. Red Cable Knit Sweater
2. Dark Tan Corduroy Quilted Jacket
3. Navy Blue Gilet
4. Suede Boat Chukka Boots
5. Contrast Crew-Neck Sweater
6. Grey Skinny Fit Jeans
7. Check Slim Fit Blazer
8. Cable Knit Turn-Up Beanie
9. White Cable Knit Sweater
10. Fairisle Crew-Neck Sweater
Remember, knowledge is knowing what’s in fashion; wisdom is being able to apply it to your own personal style.
Mr. Darkwah returns with a ModeParties blog post that puts the men in their place! It's all well and good for guys to give a girl a once over and make a judgement but you can't go around thinking you're it when you're committing sins of fashion yourself!
During August 2011 Breast Cancer took the life of the beautiful Lydia but her star continues to shine brightly. Lydia was an incredibly kind, generous and giving person who had a natural gift of bringing people together. She also liked to party too! Therefore, it is Lydia’s family and friends’ wish for you to join them at this very special tribute party in aid of Breast Cancer Care. We believe this is a fantastic way to help raise much needed awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Carewww.breastcancercare.org.uk
Lydia’s friends come from all walks of life, so the the world of TV, music, media, fashion, arts, entertainment, corporate, charity and so much more will join together to pay homage and help raise much needed funds and awareness for this remarkable charity.
As you all know Mode Parties know how to throw a seriously good party and we have lined up an evening that will keep you entertained long in to the following morning.
The event kicks off at 6pm with a fabulous Canapé reception laid on by the fabulous team at Beautiful Events and 24 London, you will also receive a complimentary drink, be entertained by our ridiculously talented DJs and be entered into our raffle where you can win the likes of a Sony Bravia TV, a Playstation 3 + games, Rihanna Tickets, Wicked tickets and more!
Entry to the event is £15 on the door and proceeds will be going to Breast Cancer Care.
One raffle ticket per guest will be given on entry at the party. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased at the party at a cost of £10. The raffle will be drawn on the evening of 4 November 2011
We do hope that you can join us. This will be a terrific event, which we know you will have a spectacular time at and will be all in aid of a good cause.
You may RSVP by using the form below or send an email to guestlist@modeparties.com, please arrive early as we are anticipating a busy night.
Times: 6pm – 10:00pm – After Party will go on till 3am!! Entry: £15. On which you will receive a raffle ticket, complimentary drink and all proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Care. Music: The very best in R&B, Funkyhouse and Party Beats Dress: Something sexy, crazy or cool with a hint of pink! Address: Bond, 24 Kingly Street, London, W1B 5QP
We all know Mr. Darkwah to be a stylist and writer - what we didn't know is that he also HOSTS events! October 19th saw the first Gil Scott-Heron tribute held at The Tabernacle (near Notting Hill Gate) and hosted by Mr. Darkwah! The show brought to light great new artistes who performed Scott-Heron's work with their own twists and takes on it. It was truly a night to remember! A night of soul!
So that's another thing to add to his trades - Master of Ceremonies! Images will be posted soon in Les Images!
Keep your eyes on La Clique for information on more of such events!
Ciao Belissimi!
X
P.S.
Mr. Darkwah's account of the event will be posted soon! Keep reading La Clique!
It's been a while since I last wrote and I apologise for that. I've been battling a serious bout of writer's block and finding new things out about myself and the way I perceive things. Recently, I've been thinking a lot about image and style. GaGa, Lagerfeld, Donatella, Madonna, Andre 3000 all have an image and a definitive style (in the case of GaGa, the style being "expect the unexpected"). Working as a stylist, I have to dress others and find out about them, what their style is and I have to put that forward every time they step out. Whether they are looking to brand themselves and become a 'staple image' or simply to find out about themselves and create a more consistent look - I must know what makes them up.
What I admire most about GaGa and Lagerfeld as well as the other famous names above is that they LIVE their style and are unafraid to become whatever character they create! It's who they are!
This brought me round to thinking about my own style. What is it that sets me apart and makes me who I am style-wise? I cannot deny that I am influenced greatly by a lot of people who dress in many different ways that could be described from "hippie" to "high-power fashionisto" but influences aside, what makes me up? I then began to realise that style was much more than what I wore - it was my whole being.
I look back at some of the outfits I've worn over the years - as a student when I thought it was 'cool' to wear my jeans low and trainers the size of baby elephants in the style of 'hipsters' and 'gangsta rappers' to the time I thought that the skinnier the jeans, the better the look (right until the point that simply walking was challenging the Titans because my jeans were so tight!) In this busy city, it's hard for us to take time out and think of these things, to think of the image you wish to portray of yourself outside of work when you're relaxing and being yourself; the image that you want that guy or girl who sits on the bus who you've been trying to talk to to see; the image you want to signify you. What is it?
I bet you never thought we would get this deep...
Well, my friend, that image you want to portray comes through in your style so be careful the image you're sending out. Too many times we fall victim to following a trend - what's in this season and how to wear it. That's all well and good but if you're blindly copying mannequins from Armani to Zara, you're never really going to understand what is and isn't you. I took a long, hard look at myself today and asked myself what my style was. Upon deciding, I started to live it. It's all about creating a solid image and making sure that you are one hundred percent comfortable with it.
It is fair to say that ‘Chill-out’ music
isn’t for everyone. However, most people just haven’t given it a chance. Yes,
the use of slow tempos and a lack of vocals can be ‘off-putting’, but when
you’re in the mood nothing can beat it! The genre has somehow adopted this
reputation of being boring or depressing. Yes, the latter can be true but this
does not mean you should dismiss a whole style of music! I would describe
Chill-out as something more passive; the emotion is open to interpretation.
This is an aspect that sets it apart from other musical styles, in my opinion.
Chill-out music
emerged in the early and mid-1990s in nightclubs (mainly in Europe) to allow
dancers a chance to "chill out" from the more emphatic and fast-tempo
music played on the main dance floor.
Chill-out can be great for dinner parties
and social gatherings. People can converse in such a way that they aren’t
shouting over mental dance beats or being distracted by the lyrics of a song. It
creates a chilled yet buzzing atmosphere I think, a subtle sort of soundtrack
to life. I personally can just listen to it as I can listen to any other genre
of music, just embracing it for what it is. But if you find it to be too
mellow, there are uses to Chill-out that shouldn’t be ignored. I believe this
unique genre of music to be very underrated in the sense of the craftwork,
musical skill and knowledge that is required to compose it.
I have put together a list of artists who I
think represent Chill-out at its best…Enjoy!
Groove
Armada
When I say ‘first and foremost’ I really do
mean it literally. So, first and foremost I present to you Groove Armada. One
of my favourite bands of all time but more appropriately, the heart and soul of
Chill-out. They nail it on every tune. Groove Armada is an English duo made up
of Andy Cato and Tom Findlay. They are both classically trained musicians and
you can really tell by hearing their
music. They’re such talented guys, genius in my opinion. They have done pretty
much all walks of dance and electronic music, but started off with mainly
Chill-out. So for that, buy their second album ‘Vertigo’ (and for the others
styles buy ALL OF THEIR ALBUMS!). I am certain you would all know the track
“The River”, this is a classic and unfortunately well-known as being in the
cringe-worthy M&S ads, sad times. But a genius track nonetheless. Also
hear, “Dusk, You & Me”, it’s just heaven.
Pink
Floyd
For me, Pink Floyd are the godfathers of
Chill-out, the accidental creators. The genre as we hear it now, would not be
the same without these guys (well, music in general wouldn’t be the same without
them but this is besides the point!) Listen to “Set the Controls for the Heart
of the Sun” and “Breathe”. It’s amazing to think these tracks were made in the
late 60s/early 70s! Nobody had ever done anything like this ever before! Their
instrumentation, their lyrics, their chord progressions, its just mind-boggling
how one band could be so innovatively ahead of their time. Wow.
Air
From ‘breath[ing] in the air’ (lyric from
Pink Floyds “Breathe”) to the Air itself! I love these guys so much. Air are a
French duo who were part of this particular movement in electronic music from
the beginning really. “All I Need” is probably their most famous track along
with “Sexy Boy”, and includes the signature mellow, innocent, sweet sounding female
vocal. Which you will find is a frequent aspect to Chill-out. Also listen to
“La Femme d’Argent” – one of my favourite songs of all time. Air have such an
individual sound, and use this signature 70s synth sound, which is so apparent
in their tunes. All the tracks I have mentioned are from their 1998 album 'Moon Safari' - a Must-Have record for sure. They have cited Pink Floyd as a main influence, any surprises
there?
Portishead
A British band from Bristol, who sort of
started that specific style of female singing that I described earlier. The band
definitely represents the more intense side of Chill-out. Their song “Glory
Box” is another one of my favourite tracks of all time. So subtle yet so
in-your-face. The bass line, the vocals, the structure, the loops are just
heaven. The song is from their debut album ‘Dummy’, which won the Mercury Prize
in 1995. I think it is a classic album (as in ‘Classic Album’) and everyone
should own it, by law. There really is nothing like it. Also hear “Roads”,
another famous track by Portishead from ‘Dummy’. Or just get the album!
Massive
Attack
I think everyone knows this band from their
track “Teardrop”, a magnificent piece of music to say the least. Unfortunately
used constantly in documentaries and sad bits in reality television, but that
isn’t just for any old reason! Massive Attack are a core aspect to Chill-out
and electronic music in general. A consistently great band. Also listen to
“Weather Storm”.
Morcheeba
This band reminds me of my childhood, I
remember their music being played on long car journeys. The lead vocals of Skye
Edwards sending me into a trance. Another really important band for Chill-out,
Morcheeba managed to incorporate Pop structures and melodies while maintaining
their very Chill-out sound (during the late 90s). It brought the genre to a
more commercial audience, which in this case was a positive. “The Sea” I would
say is their most famous track and one of their best. My other favourite song
by them is “Blindfold”. Both these tracks are from the album ‘Big Calm’, which
I suggest you hear as a whole.
Röyksopp
“So Easy”, what a great track, so unusual. “Eple” is
another one to bring this Norwegian duo commercial success. I remember watching
them perform it on Top of The Pops way back in 2003 where they had their
turntables on a car with two people in it and thinking, who are these guys? What is this? I want to
hear more. So I bought the album, ‘Melody A.M.’
FYI…They wrote Annie’s ‘Heartbeat’, which
has featured in the latest series of Made in Chelsea, which I loved when I
heard it.
Zero
7
Another British duo, becoming a theme
much? What I love about their stuff is
that it is so soulful! You can hear this in “Home” and “Destiny”, two great
tracks. Their music is used a lot in television, so you may recognise it. “In
The Waiting Line” is also quite a popular track. Another really relevant band in
Chill-out.
The
xx
How could I talk about Chill-out music and
not mention this lot? I’m so happy they’ve had the commercial success they’ve
had, because they do have such an unusual sound. I love the crossover between
indie rock and electronica. They just prove what a broad genre Chill-out is.
Many people would just describe them as an indie band, but their 90s electronica
influences are so prominent! “Crystalised” is definitely my favourite by The xx
along with “Infinity”. Let’s hope their second album will be as good as their
debut!
Drake
This may seem like a controversial artist
to place in this top ten. You’re probably thinking, “but Drake’s a rapper,
nothing to do with the music you’re referring to”…but just hear me out. What I
love about Drake, is how he doesn’t conform to what people think current Hip
Hop should sound like. Its not just the sublime production he has, it’s the
collective sound. His flow is so mellow; his singing vocal is so mellow, his
structures, his beats. Drake shows how Chill-out can’t be put into boxes. There’s
this side to Hip Hop that can be so subtle yet so thought-provoking, Drake’s
music has this. I find his delivery to be captivating; he has such a soothing
husky voice. He sort of raps but sings by augmenting the ends of phrases. His
debut album is fantastic. His most Chill-out tracks are “The Resistance”, “Shut
It Down” (featuring The Dream) and even the more upbeat songs such as “Fancy”
(featuring T.I and Swizz Beatz) could be catagorised as Chill-out.
So
if you’re a fan of what you are hearing, also check out Bonobo, who I haven’t placed
in my top ten but he comes shortly after…
Listen to the middle-eastern influenced “Flutter”,
probably his most well known and “Eyesdown” (featuring Andreya Triana).
Before you go...
We all know that Madonna is known for being all about the Pop and Dance side to life. BUT I believe her best work to be her 1998 album 'Ray of Light'. This record is a Chill-out masterpiece. Such an important album for her I think. It really shows her versatility as an artist and 'f**k you attitude' to her stereotyped reputation as a musician. For me it also proves what a great and unique vocalist she really is. Please, please check it out and if you have it already...good on you!
Thanks for reading everyone. Peace, love et
La Musique!
Cosy? Sexy? Cool? I think it's all three, really...
Ladies, Winter has arrived and there's nothing worse than slipping on a pair of your favourite jeans and having them chafe your inner thighs and create static with your tights. Well, I'm told there's nothing worse than this... Being able to look good and feel comfortable should not be a trade-off - it's a necessity in everything we wear! I think I've found something you might just love!
Angels & Men was set up by Mellie Carroll and Jo Matthews, women who, I believe, got sick and tired of complaining about the discomfort caused by the jeans and tights combination. There is often the idea that anything innovative and relatively new sees a severe lacking aesthetically but practically, succeeds beyond everyone's expectations. Angels & Men's jeans are not a product that follow that rule. With the cleanest and most flattering cuts for women from size 8 up to 16 (yes, they also cover a good size range!), there is nothing that Mellie and Jo have left out!
The jeans utilise Fleecetec-Duothermolate in their lining to retain body heat in the colder parts of the year whilst remaining fully breathable for the hotter parts. All these jeans need to be able to do now is button themselves up and they're God's gift to womankind! The cuts of the jeans are perfect for the lean ladies but also have a good and deep enough seat for the woman with the more voluptuous posterior (hopefully I can write that without sounding inappropriate).
As a stylist, it's hard to find a pair of jeans for a client without them asking me if when they bend down, their "goods" will be on show. I can assure you, ladies, Angels & Men have seen to this problem! There is no room for the awkward moment when your son or daughter comes up to you and pulls down the back of your top because the small of your back and beginnings of... well, you know, are on display. These jeans are suitable for the mother, fashionista, student and the everyday Superwoman in and out of the city.
In case you don't believe me and you feel that this is too good to be true, keep your eyes on La Clique as we will have some of our readers test out the products themselves!
"You're enjoying yourself! You're not at a funeral!" - Mr. Darkwah
Read Mr. Darkwah's tips to women on clubbing attire and what they should try to avoid! Gents, you're next so don't think you are home free! There's nothing worse than walking into a club and feeling you're at a wake-keeping or funeral. Why all the black? You can be chic and colourful too, you know?!
After founding La Clique, Mr. Darkwah seems to be embarking on new ventures with new-found friends! If you like what's on here, you'll love his take on dressing for a night out on the ModeParties Blog!
Yes, Mr. Darkwah has taken up fashion writer for ModeParties as well now! Read his first post - "Even clubbing has an etiquette" and let us know what you think at bienvenuealaclique@gmail.com.
