Absurd Observations a portrait study of Bestival exploring ‘The Art of Dressing Up’

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Kesh

Absurd Observations:
A portrait study from Bestival exploring “The Art of Dressing Up”

By Kent Mathews and Dan Smith

23rd July – 10th August 2014

The appeal of Bestival seems to grow each year attracting free-spirits and music lovers alike and creating a truly unique experience for all who attend. Having been the first music festival I ever went to, I jumped at the chance to attend a photo exhibition which has set out to encapsulate the beautiful and bohemian vibe Bestival go-ers can’t seem to get enough of. Held at the Proud Galleries in Camden. ‘Absurd Observations’ features studio portraits taken from Bestival’s book, ’The Art of Dressing Up’ The portraits are a vivid and offer a stylish insight of Bestival go-ers in all of their fancy dress glory taken by photographers Kent Mathews and Dan Smith.

Both hailing from London, Mathews and Smith have carved out very successful photographic careers. Having originally studied Art, Kent Mathews then went on to graduate in Film and Photographic Art. He then went on to work as a fashion and portrait photographer travelling the world and creating an impressive international profile for himself. Dan Smith initially started out in Biology but changed his direction to photography focussing on fashion photography. Smith then went on to work for iconic titles such as Face and Untold and contributing to British Vogue, Vanity Fair and Harpers and Bazaar. Mathews and Smith being friends for years were both keen on collaborating, and it was their love of Bestival which led them to The Bestival Photo Studio.

It’s no surprise really that Bestival continues to go from strength to strength every year as it really is like no other festival. It’s hard to pin it down to one thing when it comes to what makes it truly special but there are a few stand outs what with the magical setting and fun touches such as the WI tea tent and Wishing rave tree, but one of its main feature’s that definitely sets it apart is that it was not only the first festival to incorporate fancy dress but is now the biggest fancy dress party in the world. Every year, Rob and Josie Da Bank, the founders of Bestival, come up with a theme and on the Saturday hold a fancy dress parade for everyone to show off their weird and wonderful creations, (usually with an equally exciting artist on the main stage), my particular favourite soundtrack was The Village People. Its incredible how something as simple as fancy dress has helped create this aura surrounding Bestival and it’s a vibe that is felt by anyone that attends. Evidently, it was the extravagance and extremities of Bestival go-ers and their fancy dress efforts that spurned Matthews and Smith to want to encapsulate this feeling and so The Bestival Photo Studio was born. Mathews explains, “Our goal was to photograph the beautiful mayhem of Bestival goers in a studio setting out of the context of the festival. We approached the portraits with a formulaic methodology and dead pan expression in order to give the body of work a consistency and a feeling reminiscent of a scientific study.”

To create that truly authentic ‘Bestival experience’, the exhibition was underscored by the legend that is Rob Da Bank with a slideshow of the portraits projected onto the bricks of Proud Galleries. There is something truly mesmerising dancing to the sounds of Bestival whilst watching these ‘dead pan expressions’ which Mathews refers to, dressed in the most extravagant, ridiculous, coolest, silliest and down right hilarious costumes. It’s always a thrill when one of your favourite artists pops up looking silly and fantastic in fancy dress but personally, it was the true beauty and effort of the regular festival attendee which is inspiring here. Mathews and Smith have steered well clear of the ‘off your face’ cliché that usually frequents the average festival go-er something that is bandied around in media so much these days and it just goes to show that their perspective is much more powerful and really captures and stays true to the essence of what makes Bestival one of a kind.

Absurd Observations will act as a prequel to Bestival and will give the general public a chance to see the photographs which have set out to capture the true essence of such an enchanting and surreal world. The exhibition is free and will run from 23rd July-10 August 2014. As well as this, signed prints are available through the proud website www.proud.co.uk.

Proud continues to be one of the most visited destinations in London boasting three galleries, two live music venues and three Cabaret clubs and continues to expand.

Proud Galleries
The Horse Hospital Stables Market

Chalk Farm Road

London
NW1 8AH

keshini misha.

Celebrate a Great British Tradition During National Afternoon Tea Week

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Frostie

11th-17th August

In 1840 Anne, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, started requesting tea, bread and cake at 4pm to stave off hunger until dinner and soon after afternoon tea became a much-loved, quintessentially British tradition.

National Afternoon Tea Week celebrates this great heritage with a week of activities, themed menus and offers in hotels, restaurants and tearooms across the UK in August.

Whether you’re an afternoon tea aficionado or yet to enjoy the delights of delectable treats with tea, during National Afternoon Tea Week you’ll be able to enjoy 25% off a range of afternoon teas. Iconic afternoon tea destinations already taking part include The Dochester, Kettners, Sketch and The Corinthia Hotel London with many more to be announced shortly.

Keith Newton, founder of Afternoon Tea Week, says ‘We created Afternoon Tea Week to celebrate this most British of dining traditions and to give tourists and locals alike the opportunity to step inside and experience some of the country’s most exquisite afternoon tea venues. From famous five-star hotels in London to a castle in Gloucestershire, luxury stores to double decker buses, there’s something for everyone.’

Find out what’s happening in your region on afternoontea.co.uk, the online home of afternoon tea.

Mind The Gender Gap – Men (Apparently) Make The Best Bosses

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Frostie

Frost has come across a survey we are not sure about. Do men really make the best bosses? 56% of people in a staff bay survey thought so, but we would like your input. Do men or women make the best bosses or does gender not matter when it comes to leadership? Let us know by commenting below or emailing us at frost magazine@gmail.com

56% said they thought men make the best office generals
Just 4% of those surveyed said “they didn’t mind” whether a man or woman was their boss
Survey comes on back of recent ONS figures showing gender pay gap has decreased since the 1970s but disparity between what men and women take home today still differs dramatically after the age of 30.

The gender gap might be closing in the office, but men still make the best bosses, that’s the message from a new survey by social media-based recruitment specialists, staffbay.com

staffbay.com, which uses social media to bring jobseekers and employers together, asked 15,000 workers which gender they would prefer as a boss, and 56 per cent of them said they thought men make the best office generals. Interestingly, 62 per cent of those questioned were men, and just 4 per cent of those surveyed said “they didn’t mind” whether a man or woman was their boss.

staffbay co-founder, Tony Wilmot says that, although attitudes are changing, there still exists a gender divide in the workplace.

“The results of our latest survey show that, when it comes to taking up positions of power at work, men still rule the roost. What is particularly shocking about our survey is that only 4 per cent of those surveyed are ambivalent about the gender of their boss.

Tony adds: “In 1953, Gallup ran a poll showing that 66 per cent would choose a male boss and only 5 per cent a female one. Thankfully, times are changing. No-one wants to live in a male dominated world, as this only deters young, female talent from entering the workplace.

“We know from seeing behind the scenes at staffbay.com, that there are more young females than ever applying for traditionally male roles, and we welcome this. Our message is: get yourselves out there – become the bosses and business leaders of tomorrow.”

The survey comes on the back of recent Office of National Statistics Figures which showed that the gender pay gap has decreased since the 1970s but the disparity between what men and women take home today still differs dramatically after the age of 30.

Figures show that in 1975, 16 to 18 year olds of both sexes were paid similar sums but this changed after the age of 18 with men earning more than women at every age group. At that time, the biggest percentage pay gap was for 38 year olds, with male employees receiving on average 61 per cent more than their female counterparts.

“It’s time for this to change,” says Tony. “By pushing themselves forward and showing their talents off to prospective employers, fast-rising females can make sure this gap closes. We urge them to do all they can to make sure the gender balance is equal.”

Primrose’s Kitchen Raw Superfood Smoothies Recipe

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Frostie

Primrose’s Kitchen is celebrated International Raw Food Day by encouraging customers to ‘think raw’!

After the recent launch of the delicious Raw Nut Butters, a wonderful source of protein and a great alternative to traditional nut butters such as peanut butters, Planet Organic is running a raw food promotion throughout the month of July including not only the nut butters but also Primrose’s Kitchen Superfood Powders in Brain, Cleanse, and Energy.

Primrose’s Kitchen is also encouraging people to try Raw Superfood smoothies and boost their protein:

Ingredients

1 cup raw almond milk

2 frozen organic bananas

1 cup organic baby spinach

¼ cup raw almonds, soaked

¼ cup goji berries (3 to 4 reserved for garnish)

1 tablespoon raw cashew butter

1 teaspoon raw coconut shreds (for garnish)

1 teaspoon organic raw cacao nibs (for garnish)

1 teaspoon raw Brazil nuts, ground fine (for garnish)

Instructions

Place all ingredients (except garnishes) in a high-speed blender.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Pour into a tall glass and garnish with goji berries, coconut, cacao nibs, and Brazil nuts.

Thinking outside of the box and opening minds to the potential of raw foods is key to naturopathic nutrition. Famous fans of Primrose’s Kitchen included Millie Makintosh of Made In Chelsea fame.

The Hertz Complex – No Control

Posted on July 26, 2014 by Frostie

Following brilliant reviews and international airplay for ‘Maybe I Know’ and ‘Bassy’, from their forthcoming EP ‘A New Habit’, we’re highlighting another track from the EP that shows a very different side to the band.

No Control is stripped back to focus on Neil O’Keeffe’s vocals, a simple yet utterly beautiful song that contrasts perfectly with the lo-fi fuzz guitar and shimmering Post-Punk creations the band are known for.

Neil O’Keeffe (lead vocals, guitar) and Paul Keane (guitar) have a songwriting partnership that transgresses borders. Hailing originally from Cork, Ireland, they have set up camp in the emerging artists’ haven that is Deptford, London.

Here they draw on a mix of influences from their Irish roots to bands such as The Chameleons, Joy Division, Whipping Boy and Howling Wolf, resulting in their own eclectic version of post punk. Joining Neil and Paul are Benjamin Balan (drums) and Chris Keelan (bass). Originally from Canada, they form a solid, driving rhythm section that provides the foundation to The Hertz Complex’s dynamic interlacing guitar work.

The four-piece aim to bring a forgotten passion back into music and this musical salvation has certainly been delivered – an ever-growing army of fans, festival appearances and a headline slot at LA’s legendary Whisky A Go Go are testament to that fact. The Hertz Complex’s highly anticipated debut EP comes on the back of news that one of their songs will be featured in a movie soundtrack, another sure sign that this band are making music that is essential listening.

‘Gentleman’s Wager… A Bet In Which Nothing Is Wagered’

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

With the prospect of an exquisite mixture of two of the finest Hollywood actors and the world’s leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, the elegant Bulgari Hotel & Residences in Knightsbridge played host to an intimate group of VIPs and influencers who attended the UK premier of JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™’s ‘Gentleman’s Wager’ Screening on Tuesday evening before its official launch to the public on 30th July. Laura Bailey, Clara Paget, Camilla Rutherford, Natalie Pinkham, Izzy Lawrence, Natalie Coyle, Sam Hoare, Noelle Reno, Lord Harry Dalmeny, Alistair Guy, Yasmin Mills, Ozwald Boateng, Jemma Powell, Beatrix Ong and Joanne Sykes were among the VIPs who were welcomed with Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Gentleman’s Wager’ cocktails, innovative and refreshing, breaking down the barriers of whisky-drinking to bring it to the forefront of summer consumption. Cute little canapés of saffron aranchini, fresh burrata with black olive condiment, salmon rillettes, dill and capers made the perfect accompaniment alongside the pinnacle offerings from Johnnie Walker.

Before the screening commenced, guests were invited to taste the Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Perfect Serve’… straight, no ice. Relishing the enjoyment of this fine blend, the main event was introduced, the silence only pierced by the Propercorn popcorn served for the screening itself. Created by JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™, the world’s leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, ‘The Gentleman’s Wager’ stars Jude Law and Giancarlo Giannini and tells the story of a wager between two men which results in a truly rare experience as part of their quest for personal progress. Commenting on his involvement, Law says: “The film is about improvement and progress and this is something I try to do in my work and my everyday life. I had to learn new skills shooting this film that combined with the places we visited and shot in, alongside working with Jake and Giancarlo, (this) made it a truly rare experience.” Such is the game of perception and reality….

Understated charm appeared to be the dress code with VIPs opting for sophistication on a warm summer evening in the heart of SW7.

Laura Bailey wore a classic pink Louis Vuitton waistcoat paired with culottes, Clara Paget’s gorgeous summer offering was from the Peter Pilotto collection and newly-engaged classical singing sensation, Natalie Coyle, wore a muted nude dress from ASOS, choosing instead to accentuate her beautiful engagement ring given to her a few weeks ago during a holiday in Santorini by her fiancée Zafar Rushdie (son of Salman). Noelle Reno looked stunning in a red V cut French lace dress by Adriana Minari whilst Ozwald Boateng dictated style with key pieces from his own collection.

Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is hand selected by the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years – it is the ultimate expression of whisky making today and an remarkable achievement for the modern era. Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL. BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate. With just a little hint of ‘The Italian Job’ in the opening sequence of ‘Gentleman’s Wager’, the short film combined inquisitiveness with a smooth solicitous lust for grasping what appears unattainable… epitomising the brand, JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL.

A preview of ‘The Gentleman’s Wager’ film can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/johnniewalker

The Bulgari Hotel & Residencies, 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1D

Thanks to Harriet at Quintessentially

#GentlemansWager @JohnnieWalker_

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Really Wild Adventures: Michaela Strachan To Host Live Shows At Howletts

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Frostie

Visitors at Howletts Wild Animal Park, one of Kent’s most popular visitor attractions, are in for a treat on 29^th July as one of TV’s most popular and charismatic presenters,Michaela Strachan, hosts the Really Wild Adventures Show at the park.

Michaela will be hosting her popular children’s show on Tuesday 29^th July at the wild animal park, near Canterbury. Inspired by her book, the Really Wild Adventures Show is an entertaining journey into the world of animals for all the family. The interactive show is packed full of music, humour and fascinating wildlife facts.

The shows will run throughout the day at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Entry to the show is free with a valid day ticket, Howletts Passport or Gold Card. Michaela will also be holding a book signing after each show.

Michaela is best known for presenting wildlife programmes such as ‘The Really Wild Show’, ‘Michaela’s Wild Challenge’, ‘Orangutan Diaries’, ‘Elephant Diaries’ , ‘Michaela’s Zoo Babies’ and ‘The Great Penguin Rescue’ as well as ‘Countryfile’, ‘Autumnwatch’, ‘Springwatch’ and ‘Winterwatch’ for the BBC.

The live shows kick off the start of the summer holidays at Howletts which will see different activities and themes taking place throughout July and August 2014.

For more information please visit
www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/forthcoming-events or call 0844 842 4647.

PARK DETAILS

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Bekesbourne

Nr. Canterbury

Kent CT4 5EL

Introducing Munki: A Cocktail & Champagne Lounge Launching In Putney

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Frostie

On Saturday 26th July, cocktail and champagne lounge, Munki, will open at No.12 Putney High Street, adjacent to Putney Bridge. Munki will serve innovative cocktails within a speakeasy style setting with a colonial twist. The venue has a luxury finish, with paneled walls, soft lighting and antique furniture, to create the illusion of an informal library and invite guests to relax and unwind over while savouring a drink.

Munki is split over three floors, with a total of 100 covers. The ground floor bar is glass fronted, with an intricate tree design etched into the windows. Towards the rear is the library room, an intimate snug area ideal for a date, with additional seating on a mezzanine level seating with a view of the River Thames, suited to groups and available to reserve for get-togethers and celebrations. A walled garden behind the venue provides a sheltered spot for a drink under the stars.

Cocktails at Munki, created by Bar Manager Sophia Lysaczenko, strike the perfect balance by using a few quality and fresh ingredients to create the definitive drink. At Munki, focus is upon the quality of the drinks: with premium spirits, infused syrups made on site, fresh juices, and organic ingredients chosen where possible. Munki’s ethos is to be service orientated, always going above and beyond to provide an unrivalled personalised touch.

The playful cocktail menu will offer a selection of original creations split into different sections including Heritage,Martinis and New World. Heritage cocktails will include well-honed classics such as Old Fashioned, Negroni andNuclear Daiquiri. The iconic Martini is given a creative twist with the Putney Petal Martini (pink grapefruit Belvedere vodka, dash of rose water, lychee and guava juice poured over crystallised violet petals and topped with Veuve Clicquot Rose and floating rose buds) and Our Breakfast Martini (Tanqueray London Dry Gin, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and a spoonful of orange marmalade). New World cocktails will offer the classics with a modern spin including Rhubarb Flip (Bacardi Gold Rum, Rhuby Rhubarb Liqueur, whole egg, splash of cream, rhubarb infused sugar syrup, rhubarb bitters), A Lady Sour (Belvedere Pure Vodka, apricot jam, lemon juice, egg white, vanilla sugar syrup with a maraschino cherry garnish and a splash of Angostura Bitters) and Black Mineral Margarita (Illegal Anejo Mezcal Tequila, Tuaca Vanilla Citrus Liqueur, spoon of agave honey, lime juice) to be served in a black mineral salt rimmed glass.

A ‘Cocktail Shot Lab’ will provide a little magic to any party with miniature cocktails served in potion bottles. Some signature cocktail shots are Wishing Powder (herbal sweet and sour, frozen Agwa De Bolivia coca leaf liqueur, green chartreuse liqueur and lime juice) and The Elixir (aromatic, a sovereign remedy, belvedere vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur, rhubarb sugar syrup and juicy berries). For those wishing to keep a clear head, ‘Play it Safe’ alcohol free cocktails will be available including the Peach Punch (peach puree, fresh raspberries, thyme sprigs, rhubarb infused sugar syrup, lemon zest and lemonade top).

To complement the drinks, a bar menu will also be available offering a selection of appetizers, ideal for grazing on whilst sipping a cocktail. Munki has partnered with the Putney Pantry, situated over the road, to provide a more substantial selection of light bites such as locally sourced organic stuffed peppers. Bespoke food packages for events and occasions will also be offered.

Guests visiting on a Thursday evening will be treated to live music sessions from 7pm to midnight. Munki will also play host to fun-filled events and experiences such as singles nights, outdoor film screenings, cocktail master classes and exclusive venue hires.

Munki is the ideal destination to appreciate the craftsmanship of a skilled cocktail, or enjoy a glass of champagne, within a relaxed speakeasy atmosphere. Munki invites locals and visitors from further afield to swing by – promising only the best experience from the first to the last drink.

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