Category Archives: Life & Style

Vogue On Designers | Book Review

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VOGUE ON

Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, and Alexander McQueen

Out Now, £15 each, hardback

 

 Sometimes I love my job, and the opportunity to review these books was one of those times. These books are as beautiful, elegant and enjoyable as the designers the books are about. I love the layout of the books and each one has great quotes from the designer.

Vogue on: Coco Chanel, by Bronwyn Cosgrave. Vogue on Chanel may be a short book but it is incredibly comprehensive. The book is full of pictures and quotes. It is hard to read the story of Coco Chanel’s life and not be inspired by what an amazing business women she was. To Vogue’s credit it does not brush over the rumours about Nazi collaboration (Chanel had an affair with a German officer during World War II) and the book is well-researched and beautifully written. The Vogue archive pictures are to-die-for and I learnt a lot from reading this book. Coco Chanel managed to leave her mark, not just fashion, but also the world. An excellent businesswomen she built an entire empire by creating a signature look.

Coco Chanel’s private life was as interesting as her business. She dated the Duke of Westminster and traveled in high society. She was backed by Kitty De Rothschild who stated, “I shan’t buy a thing without showing her. That child’s got more taste than the rest put together.” After this stamp of approval the elite of the day bought her clothes in droves, and still do.

I loved this book. It is a triumph for Bronwyn Cosgrave. A perfect gift for Christmas and beyond.

 

Vogue on: Alexander McQueen,  by Chloe Fox. This book is different from the others as I actually remember Alexander McQueen, and was very upset when he tragically took his own life. He is the most modern of the fashion designers and I remember some of the collections. For 15 years the mouthy, East-End, working-class boy-did-good, McQueen was deliberately controversial.

Talented beyond belief, McQueen was also arrogant, likable and visionary. He knew how to be quotable and work the press as much as he knew how to design beautiful, wearable clothes. This book has a ting of sadness as both McQueen and Isabella Blow committed suicide. Blow had ovarian cancer and McQueen killed himself not long after Blow, and then his mother died

McQueen’s label lasts and the mantle has been handed to Sarah Burton, who designed the wedding dress of Kate Middleton. Burton talks fondly of her former boss in this book.Burton says, “He was my inspiration everyday. Everything I know, I learnt from him.”  In fact, the book has access to all of the main players in McQueens life. A must have for fashion lovers and McQueen fans.

In this book Plum Sykes says, “The fact was, Alexander created a new silhouette for a generation. When you look back at the history of fashion, the only designers with any longevity – from Balenciaga to Dior to Yves Saint Laurent – are the ones who created their own iconic shape.” This quote is what you learn from Vogue’s series of books on designers: they all created their own shape.I really hope there will be more books in this series.

 

Vogue on: Christian Dior, by Charlotte Sinclair. Dior was such a visionary that he completely changed how women dressed. The ‘New Look’ he invented stunned the fashion world and had a cataclysmic effect. The truth is, Dior did more than create a look, he created a revolution. When Dior showcased his new range so many people would come that even the staircases would be filled. There is a wonderful picture of Marlene Dietrich in this book, clutching her ticket as a child would hang onto candy. This book, and indeed all of the others, is not just a book on fashion, but a book on history. Vogue on Christian Dior is a fascinating read, I could barely put it down. I could also stare at the pictures for hours.

All of Diors couture clients had their own mannequin that was made to their own measurements. Upon reading this I rather longed to be incredibly rich and that Christian Dior was still alive, as it sounded so romantic and wonderful. One of the reasons Dior was so successful was because he gave women what they wanted. “I brought back the neglected art of people pleasing.” He said.

Of course, all of the designers these books are about are dead now. An era ended. Even Alexander McQueen, sadly gone too soon. I hope Vogue do more books in this series. Yves Saint Laurent would be an obvious, and much deserved, subject.

Vogue on: Elsa Schiaparelli, by Judith Watt. Like the rest of the books in the series, Vogue on Elsa Schiaparelli is well illustrated, picture perfect and wonderfully written. Schiaparelli may not be as well known to the wider public as the other designers but she remains influential.

Schiaparelli was also a rare thing, even today: a female fashion designer. She had a lasting rivalry with Coco Chanel who was dismissive of her. Schiaparelli was born into high society but lost all of her money after her husband spent her dowry and then left her and her young daughter. She went to work and managed to open her own label. She said: ‘Poverty forced me to work, Paris gave me a liking for it.” Schiaparelli  not only managed to design her own “look”, she also made designs for different types of women, no matter what their body shape or personality. She was also an artist, collaborating with Salvador Dali and Man Ray,

This book is a brilliant story of flair, tenaciousness and perseverance. A wonderful book.

“Life on the dotted line was of no possible interest.” Elsa Schiaparelli

 

Vogue On is an influential and covetable series of short books from the fashion bible Vogue, celebrating the defining fashion designers of the last century.  The first four books in the series illuminate the significance of Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Alexander McQueen, each pioneers of their time, and draw extensively on the Vogue archive, the definition of portraiture and fashion illustration. 

 

Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue, comments “Vogue On offers an authoritative overview of the work of the 20th century’s most influential designers. Unique access to the treasures of the Vogue library combined with concise, elegant and informed writing ensures that this series is an unmissable addition to any student or enthusiast of fashion’s library.”

 

Vogue, the international fashion bible, has charted the careers of designers through the decades. Its unique archive of photographs, taken by the leading photographers of the day from Cecil Beaton to Mario Testino, and original illustrations, together with its highly respected fashion writers, make Vogue the most authoritative and prestigious source of reference on fashion. No magazine is better positioned to present a library on the most influential fashion designers of the modern age.

 


 

 

Key Features of a Custom-Designed Bathroom & How It Can Benefit Those With Mobility Difficulties

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So, you’re looking for a custom-designed bathroom. But as much as you want one with a contemporary design to match your preferences, a bathroom that’s practical is top of your agenda.

As the bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the household, it’s important that everyone can use it with ease. Imagine not being able to get ready in the morning without the help of a family member. For many, this is a reality.

It’s because of this that custom-designed bathrooms are often the perfect solution for those with mobility difficulties. Their custom features can make all the difference when it comes to carrying out the everyday tasks with independence and comfort.

So, if you’re considering a custom designed bathroom, such as an Oak Healthcare disabled bathroom, for your household or for a loved one, here’s a list of key features and how they contribute to suiting all of your required needs.

Railings

A key component of a custom-designed bathroom is the inclusion of grab rails fitted at various heights around the bath, shower, toilet and sink. They offer extra grip and support to make sure those with reduced mobility can move around and operate independently.

Walk in Shower/Wet Room

Fully walk or wheel-in showers are also central features of custom-designed bathrooms, and are particularly useful for those who require more room. Many designs also offer non-slip floor surfaces to help those who aren’t too stable on their feet, so they can shower with ease.

Showerheads installed in customised bathrooms are also designed to be adjustable and flexible, so users don’t have to stretch and strain to operate the facilities.

Benches

The inclusion of shower benches or bathing-boards are also important features of customised bathrooms for those with mobility difficulties. Placed for the users convenience, they can help make the process of cleaning less of a burden. For many families, they also give peace of mind knowing that the individual is both comfortable and safe when washing.

Customised Tapware

Many customised bathrooms also take the tiniest of bathroom components into consideration. From taps with grip materials, to lowered mirrors and shelves, personalised bathrooms help to make sure that even the smallest of tasks are easy to carry out – so that whatever your requirements, you’re catered for in every way possible.

The Hunt | Film Review

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Watching a film about a kindergarden teacher who is falsely accused of child abuse may not be seen as the most enjoyable way to spend your time, but this film by Thomas Vinterberg is an absolutely stunning piece of cinema. I was emotionally involved all the way through the film.

Working from a brilliant script – which he co-wrote- Thomas Vinterberg has created a riveting film. They say a lie can get all the way around the world by the time the truth has put its shoes on, and this film proves the point. It is a film of consequence and lies. Mads Mikkelsen – the Bond villain in Casino Royale- shows his full range as an actor, in a performance that deserves an Oscar nomination. In fact, the entire film has “Oscar’ written all over it. This film might signify the start of a wave of Danish films.

Mikkelsen plays Lucas, a kindergarden teacher who is falsely accused of child abuse after rejecting a little girl’s advances. Mass hysteria ensues even though there is no evidence. Lucas losses everything, but will the truth will out?

This film is called The Hunt for two reasons: one, it has hunting in it. The hunting and gun use is shown responsibly (or so my companion, who knows about guns, told me) and two, the witchhunt that ruins an innocent man’s life.

Beautifully shot with a film that has laughs in it despite the subject matter, The Hunt is one of the best foreign film I have ever seen.

Director:

Thomas Vinterberg
Writers:
Thomas Vinterberg, Tobias Lindholm

Stars:
Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen and Annika Wedderkopp

 

Daisy Lowe & Alexa Chung dance the night away at Belvedere Kenzo party

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An abundance of famous faces and industry greats turned up at the Belvedere Kenzo Party to launch the Kenzo Fall Winter collection at Liberty of London.

Celebrities included Daisy Lowe, Alexa Chung, Henry Holland, Gizzi Erskine, Sophie Sumner and many others. Guests were treated to a set by up and coming act Blood Orange who got the crowd dancing and saw Alexa Chung and Daisy Lowe strut their moves during his cover of Prince’s ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’.


 

What Happened to Kerouac? | Film Review

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WHAT HAPPENED TO KEROUAC?

A unique insight into the King of the Beat Generation

Out Now.

 

I read On The Road years ago and a biography on Jack Kerouac. He was definitely a talented writer and I have found it depressing lately that some people don’t know who Kerouac was. That should all change soon when the ‘unfilmable’ On The Road hits our screens this month.
This documentary has access to all of the main people who surrounded Kerouac and were themselves part of the Beat movement. In fact,, one of the reasons this documentary is a success is the amount of access the filmmaker got to the people in Kerouac’s life, including his daughter and ex-wife. It paint a full, comprehensive and entertaining insight in Jack Kerouac’s life.
There is also home movie footage and Kerouac’s appearances on the Steve Allen show. This documentary is a brilliant insight into the historical and artistic time of the beat generation. A great snapshot of history and a must-see.
Jack Kerouac is a cultural icon whose influence is still felt around the world 42 years after his death, not least
with the upcoming film adaptation of his most famous book, ‘On The Road’ starring Sam Riley and Kristen
Stewart. The key protagonists of the Beat Generation are also the subject ‘Kill Your Darlings’, due for release
in 2013, in which Kerouac is played by Jack Huston and Daniel Radcliffe stars as Allen Ginsberg.
Those wishing to know more about this iconic writer need look no further than What Happened To Kerouac?,
an illuminating tribute to the King of the Beat Generation as told by the writer’s contemporaries, friends and
family and by Kerouac himself. This new double disc DVD edition offers a re-mastered version of the original
film and also contains over two hours of additional material including never before seen interviews. What
Happened to Kerouac? is released by 3DD Productions.

 

With contributions from fellow Beat writers including Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso and William Burroughs
and family members including Kerouac’s ex-wife Edie and his daughter Jan, What Happened To Kerouac?
offers an honest and engaging portrayal of an extraordinary talent through a series of vivid vignettes and
anecdotes that reveal what happened when fame and notoriety were thrust upon an essentially reticent man.
The new 2-disc edition of What Happened to Kerouac? also features ‘The Beat Goes On’, a collection of
interviews that delve deeper into Kerouac’s character including previously unreleased full length interviews
with Abbie Hoffman, Timothy Leary, Michael McClure and Paul Krassner.
Home movie footage and excerpts from Kerouac’s unforgettable appearances on the Steve Allen (1959) and
William Buckley (1968) TV shows are intermingled with captivating recordings of Kerouac reading from some
of his best loved works including On The Road, Mexico City Blues and Doctor Sax. The result is an enlightening
appreciation of Kerouac’s character and of his contribution to modern literature.
“99% pure genius
Kerouac”
Allen Ginsberg
“It brings us closer
to Kerouac than any
other film”
Los Angeles Times
“Abounds in insights
about a writer who
laboured a decade to
attain success and
then spent a decade
being ruined by it”
New York Times

 

Elizabeth Hurley, Van Morrison join other celebs for Cheltenham Fashion Week finale

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Cheltenham Fashion Week has welcomed high flyers, glitterati and celebrities to Cowley Manor VIP event ‘For One Night Only’.

Celebrity names such as actress and Hop, Skip and Jump President Elizabeth Hurley, singer
Van Morrisson, actress Lisa Maxwell, cricketer Shane Warne, designer Selina Blow and
Embarrassing Bodies’ Dawn Harper are just some of the high profile attendees that headed
down the red carpet of the glamorous event and watched a high fashion runway show.

Speaking ahead of the event Elizabeth Hurley, who is attending in her capacity of President of Hop, Skip and Jump, said: “The Cheltenham Fashion Week One Night Only event is being held in aid of Hop, Skip and Jump. This is a charity that gives a unique and vital service to the many families who have children with additional needs so it is absolutely right that we should be together gathering support for them during this special week for Cheltenham. Until I met up with Hop, Skip and Jump I had not realised the enormous need for a place which gives flexible day respite to the many families who have children and young adults with additional needs. The change in people’s lives through this unique provision is truly remarkable.”

On arrival at the luxury boutique hotel guests were greeted with a Champagne reception, followed by a sumptuous three course supper and wine. Guests also received a VIP goodie bag filled with lavish treats.

The event was a complete sell-out. The A-list event treated guests to an evening of fine dining, music and glamorous fashion showcasing new and established couture designers from all over the UK.

Winning pieces from the earlier Student Shows also featured alongside the Couture Show.

Photo credit: Spencer McPherson

Oddities on the Southbank

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When I am super busy I love to have snacks in my bag. Especially as I am one of those people who tend to get grumpy when I don’t eat. I am covering both the Raindance Film Festivals and the London Film Festival so there is not much time to eat or even relax at the moment.

So it was quite blissful today when I took some time out today on the Southbank and recharged with some Oddities. The weather might not be brilliant but the view still makes up for it.

Oddities are cool savoury baked snacks that come in odd, fun shapes. Oddities come in Smoky Bacon and Cheese flavour. They are a great alternative to other snack things that you can have on the go. They are also much healthier than crisps and cereal bars and don’t have any artificial flavours or colours, They also come in sharing bags if you are not on the go. To find out more go here: Oddities

Sponsored Post.

Let’s Hear it for the Boys!

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Boylexe, Shadow Lounge, 26 September 2012

Having thoroughly enjoyed Burlexe earlier this year, I was delighted to be invited to the first performance of Howard Wilmot’s latest creation, Boylexe, and see how the boys measured up (so to speak) against the girls.

A 1980s soundtrack is always guaranteed to put a smile on my face, and the resident DJ played us in with some favourites from that decade whilst some of the performers threw shapes to the music (Devoh Bobbie impressed me from the start with his infectious enthusiasm), and when Kele le Roc opened the show with ELO’s hit, Xanadu, I knew I was onto a winner (www.notesfromxanadu.com).  Phil Dzwonkiewicz gave us a teasing taste of what was to come, followed by Randolph Hott, whose suit and tie were soon removed in the first dance of the evening.  We then heard the story of Babette, a boy who ran away to the circus, before Devoh Bobbie took to the stage to the tune of Madonna’s Vogue.  Bobbie’s dancing and acting are both excellent, and his shy-but-cheeky boy act was very well received.

There were many wonderful moments in this show: Mr Mistress’ reverse strip was hilarious, as was Nine Bob Rob’s Playstation, and Phil Dzwonkiewicz made a marvellous transformation from suave to geek.  The monologues tended to be on the humourous side without the edginess that was evident in Burlexe, keeping the mood of the show on a constant upbeat level.  Kele Le Roc was a fantastic hostess, and also showed her acting talent as a drag queen who was, in her own words, “only one nose job away from Janet Jackson.”  Performances from Phil Bedwell, Rob Pryor and Patric Deony also added to the evening’s enjoyment.

So Burlexe or Boylexe?  The boys were funnier, but the girls were sexier.  I’d personally like to see a combined boys and girls show.  Who knows – they may even now be working on it.

Picture by Magnus Arrevad.  For more information about Boylexe, visit www.boylexe.co.uk.