Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

Beautiful Crime presents: ‘Hendrix Still Reigning, Still Dreaming’ {Social Diary}

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Where: Red Bull Studio, London Tooley Street, SE1
When: 6:30pm – 10pm Thursday 16th September 2010

To coincide with the 40th anniversary of Jimi Hendrix’s death, Beautiful Crime held an event pre-releasing urban artist Fin DAC’s highly anticipated ‘Hendrix Still Reigning, Still Dreaming’ hand finished, limited edition prints. The one night only pop-up exhibition at The Red Bull Studio. Guests were engulfed in the rock’n’roll atmosphere, with Fin DAC’s striking images of Hendrix taking centre stage. Fin has previously sold his artwork on an international scale. He has worked with the likes of Armani, The Morgan’s Hotel Group and has exhibited with Jamie Reid (the Sex Pistols album cover fame), Goldie, Julia Reston-Roitfeld and Jef Aerosol.

On the night, it was noted that the prints and their prices were subtly linked to Hendrix. As
he died in 1970, the guests had a privilege to view the outstanding artist’s seventy limited
edition hand-finished prints and as it was in the ninth month, there were nine, one of a kind
special edition prints on copper, steel, wood and wallpapered canvas.

To make the show even more unforgettable, Fin DAC completed the metal edition live on
the night. The prints will be officially released on the Beautiful Crime website on 18th
September (www.beautifulcrime.com).

Guests in attendance included Gemma Arterton, Goldie, Danny Cipriani, Idris Elba. As they sipped on Raining Rum and Daiquiri Dream cocktails courtesy of The Online Off Licence (www.theonlineofflicence.co.uk), they also enjoyed a live DJ set from Stuee from The Paddingtons, who got behind the decks to fuse his own recently recorded tunes, creating an electric atmosphere for the celebration of the 40th anniversary of one of the greatest rock
and roll legends.

It was a night to remember.

Minister lauches social impact Bond Pilot. { Politics }

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Prisons Minister Crispin Blunt and David Hutchison, Chief Executive of social investment organisation Social Finance, are today visiting HMP Peterborough to launch the Social Impact Bond (SIB) pilot.

The Social Finance run SIB pilot is the first scheme in the world that has used new funding from investors outside government to reduce reoffending with offenders. Investors will only receive returns on their investment from the Ministry of Justice if they reduce reoffending by a set amount.

At a time of tight public finances, payment by results models, such as the Social Impact Bond, can tap into new sources of funding to reduce reoffending and provide value for money for the tax payer

Justice Minister Crispin Blunt said:

“Our priorities are to punish offenders, protect the public and provide access to justice. But we want to initiate a more constructive approach to rehabilitation and sentencing, and re-think whether putting more and more people into custody really does make people safer.

“We want to actively involve individuals and voluntary and community organisations – not just in tackling crime and re-offending but in helping to keep people out of the criminal justice system in the first place. This payment by results pilot is both innovative and imaginative. I am delighted to be launching it at HMP Peterborough today.”

The six-year SIB pilot scheme in Kalyx-run Peterborough prison, run by Social Finance, will prepare around 3,000 short term prisoners for their lives post-release and will work with them to prevent a return to a life of crime

If these services are successful and re-offending drops by more than 7.5 per cent within six years, investors receive a payment representing a proportion of the cost of re-offending. The payment will increase based on the reduction in re-offending with the total cost of the project capped at £8m.

Secretary of State for Justice Kenneth Clarke MP said:

“This Government has a historic opportunity to initiate a more constructive approach to rehabilitation. This means making prisons places of punishment, but also of education, hard work and change. As part of our radical approach to rehabilitation we are considering a range of payment by results schemes like the Social Impact Bond.

“The voluntary and private sectors will be crucial to our success and we want to make far better use of their enthusiasm and expertise to get offenders away from the revolving door of crime and prison.”

David Hutchison, Chief Executive of Social Finance commented:

“The Social Impact Bond aligns the interests of government, charities, social enterprises and socially motivated investors around a common goal. We are delighted to be launching the first such structure in the world here at Peterborough.

Our work is driven by a desire to transform society’s ability to invest in addressing its most intractable problems. Developing the Social Impact Bond market will take years, but we believe that with care it can enable future investment of hundreds of millions of pounds a year in these crucial areas.”

Social Finance has raised capital from social investors that will be used to pay for the services in the prison and outside in the community. It is expected to close the £5 million fund by the end of the year. Initial investors include the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Monument Trust and committed individuals.

The development of Social Impact Bonds has been supported by a number of partners including Allen & Overy, Kalyx and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough community including the Criminal Justice agencies, Local Authority and the voluntary sector.

Phil Andrew, Kalyx Managing Director, said:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Social Finance. Our work is dedicated to preventing future victims by delivering rehabilitative opportunities to prisoners through work skills, educational qualifications, behaviour programmes, substance misuse interventions, and assistance with accommodation and employment.

“This project will complement our work by supporting ex-offenders through the difficult transition from prison to the community, and it will increase the chances of them avoiding further crime in the future.”

SCARED BUT FRESH. A Matthew Rose collection. { Art }

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A Collection of Works by Matthew Rose
6th October – 31st October

Preview works at www.orangedotgallery.co.uk

Matthew Rose spells with scissors and glue…..

I am very excited about this exhibition. Matthew Rose is very talented. An American artist now based in Paris, Matthew Rose is an exciting talent who creates pieces of visual delight through his cleverly crafted and beautifully laid out collages.

Know particularly for his installations, massive 1000-piece wall-to-wall displays of individual collage works reinvent the process of reading. His recent exhibitions ‘Spelling With Scissors’ and ‘The Whole Truth’ brought together the artist’s immense visual and textural vocabulary in what several critics cited as a dadaist exploration of sense and nonsense. Surrealism moves into the 21st century with Rose’s collages, text works, needlepoints and altered objects and books. Combining beautifully laid colours and patterns with secrets and riddles his works stimulate both the mind and eye.

Matthew Rose’s artworks have been exhibited throughout Europe, Asia and the United States for more than 20 years, and his art is collected both privately and by public collections. His work has been featured in numerous books and magazines, most recently MASTERS: COLLAGE (Sterling Publishing/Lark Books, 2010) which will be on sale at the Orange Dot Gallery for the duration of the show.

Matthew has also created an EXCLUSIVE PRINT to coincide with the show and will be available exclusively online from www.keepcalmgallery.com, with a limited number of signed prints also available from Orange Dot Gallery.

You can download the exhibition poster for the Scared but Fresh show from Matthew’s site. www.matthewrosestudio.blogspot.com/

An exciting artist, exhibition and opportunity to view his works in a more intimate space. Go see this!

Ground breaking artists exhibit New Ink Painting from China At Michael Goedhuis .

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The New Ink Painting from China is an exhibition carefully selected by Michael Goedhuis to reflect some of the finest contemporary works currently available on the market. The exhibition of 30 contemporary ink paintings is the first comprehensive display of Chinese New Ink Painting ever held in Britain and will take place at 16 Bloomfield Terrace, London SW1W 8PG. Timed to coincide with the internationally celebrated event Asian Art in London (4-13 November 2010), the exhibition will run from Friday, 5 November to 3 December 2010.

Ten ground breaking artists from internationally recognized Liu Kuo-sung to the new generation of the avant-garde, Qin Feng, will each exhibit three works. New Ink Painting is the genre poised to be China’s choice for the modern pictorial expression of Chinese civilization and as such is a must for collectors interested in this area. Michael Goedhuis was one of the first western dealers to enter the Chinese contemporary market. He identified artists previously unknown to the West such as Zhang Xiaogang, including one of his key works in the Estella collection which subsequently sold for $6million when the collection was offered at auction in 2008. These ten artists are Michael Goedhuis’ choice for where collectors and first time buyers, with an eye to the future, should now turn their attention. Prices range from $25,000 – $150,000.

“The New Ink Painting is perhaps the boldest pictorial experiment in contemporary Chinese culture. Artists trained rigorously in the traditional brush and ink on paper painting tradition, which is still considered the foundation stone of Chinese civilization, have, in the past few years, broken away from the classical canon and are making works which are meaningful for and relevant to society in modern China”, comments Michael Goedhuis.

Of the established figures Liu Kuo-sung, the most famous of the Taiwanese artists, is exhibiting works from both of his major styles: Snow Capped Mountain which is an example of his pioneering abstract expressionist period and Full Moon which draws on his interest in the cool colour-field works of the 1970’s.

Li Jin from Beijing has recently appeared on the front cover of the publication on ink painting Chinese Ink Painting Now and is known for his humorous and gently satirical brush paintings celebrating the good life in simpler times.

Qin Feng from Beijing and Qiu Deshu in Shanghai are both artists who are exploring ways in which to incorporate a clear link with tradition both technically and through the subject matter, but with a pictorial treatment that connects with society today. This is particularly illustrated in Qin Feng’s Desire Landscape, 2005 and Qiu Deshu’s Mountainscape (red), 2005.

The exceptional variety in this field is illustrated in the broad range of works from Xu Lei, whose blue figurative paintings evoke surrealism to the tough calligraphic abstraction of Wang Dongling.

The artists exhibited are from China or Taiwan and include Li Jin, Qin Feng, Liu Kuo-sung, Qiu Deshu, Lo Ch’ing, Wang Dongling, Zeng Shanqing, Zeng Xiaojun, Yao Jui-chung and Yang Yanping.

An illustrated catalogue of the exhibition is available.

www.michaelgoedhuis.com

Exhibition: New Ink Painting from China
16 Bloomfield Terrace
London SW1W 8PG
From the 5 November to the 3 December 2010
Open 11:00-17:00 Monday – Saturday

Belvedere launches "Dream Job" to find golbal brand ambassador.

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Super-premium vodka brand Belvedere, owned by Moët Hennessy, has announced the launch of its worldwide “Dream Job” campaign. The successful candidate will be awarded the once in a lifetime job as a $100,000 Global Brand Ambassador role. Working alongside Head of Spirit Creation and Mixology Claire Smith, representing the brand on a global stage, the winner will travel the world educating bartenders on how best to enjoy Belvedere, and creating innovative and exciting cocktails.?

Bartenders, mixologists, and vodka enthusiasts from around the world will be invited to submit short videos to Belvedere Vodka’s official Facebook fan page showcasing their mixology skills, and demonstrating why they should be selected for the dream job.

After entries close on 15th October, a panel of experts will select a shortlist of UK and European semi-finalists who will compete in a series of cocktail-making and presentation challenges at an event hosted at a top London bar and judged by a panel headed up by a top industry name. Entrants will have to demonstrate their creativity and skills with challenges including creating ten Belvedere Vodka cocktails in ten minutes. ??

The top two semi-finalists will go through to the Global Final, taking place in Los Angeles on 15th December, with seven finalists from across the world appearing in front of a celebrity judging panel to be presented with the final challenge, before an overall winner is declared.??

Commenting on the “Dream Job”, Claire Smith, Head of Spirit Creation and Mixology for Belvedere Vodka said “We are thrilled to extend such a tremendous opportunity to so many talented bartenders and mixologists around the world; it is our hope that the competition not only unites those ?with a keen understanding of super premium vodka, but also inspires a higher level of innovation and creativity in cocktail creation that our new Global Brand Ambassador will help to ‘fine tune’ for our plans and projects next year.”?

Catherine Balavage interviews Prince Cassius. { Style }

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How did you find out about the Best-Dressed List? Were you nominated? How many entrants were there?

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it. It began by my sister, who had sent my photos that I took with Annette Schimek to both GQ and Esquire magazine. When I got a call from both publications that I was shortlisted from thousands of applicants, it was really overwhelming and very exciting. I felt utterly inspired and celebrated for conveying my distinctive look. Currently Esquire magazine is out nationwide and GQ comes out 9th September. I remember talking to someone from the publication and was told they had over 15,000 entries each.

-How do you choose what to wear in the morning? Do you plan in advance?

Hmm. I have several of favourite cloths, especially from Brooks Brothers, Hackett, and Gant, so most morning you’ll find me wearing it. I’ve never planned in advance to wear anything apart from special occasions when I know I need to dry clean some cloths.

– What did you dream of becoming when you were a child? What profession you wanted to do.

I always dreamt of being a firefighter or working in fashion. Having no fashion influences in my life that was slightly harder so I dreamt of saving people and being a firefighter.

– How would you define fashion?

My personal style is a combination from 70-80’s era and the quintessential preppy modern man. Preppy is synonymous with sharp in many ways, and as such it is important to keep it somewhat classic and tasteful .The biggest influences in the way I present myself & trends come from Michael Jackson (thriller years), Art, 80’s glam, big hair, Blazers and Elegance that is, the signature of my representation. I believe everyone should create their own visual style and uniqueness to be identifiable to others.

– Do you have a favorite designer?
I have several of favourite designers but my top designers are Gant, Hackett, Oliver Sweeney, Police, Paul Smith, and Brooks Brothers.

– What did modelling give you?
I began modeling as one of the hosts for a boutique store then it lead me working with one of fashion well known names such as face-hunter and vogue photographers. I was always intrigued by the industry but after a year I realized it wasn’t something I wanted. It definitely made me stronger and thicker skinned in this industry.

– How did modelling change you?
Modeling never really changed me but it gave me an insight of how the industry worked. You certainly had the glamorous side of fashion and then the other side. I was always focused and remembered what my mother always told me “never change, always remember your background”.

– What makes a designer?

I believe it’s someone with self-taught skills, in formal design or art, education with a strong background and passion. However, there are many aspects of the profession. Working as a fashion designer can just as well mean supervising a design team. To be a designer takes a lot of time, dedication and hard work. Not to mention living just above the poverty line for several years.

– What is your message in design/fashion?

My message for anyone who’s interested in the fashion world would be do your research, know what your getting yourself into, be passionate, always think outside the box, be creative, and read magazines, educate yourself in this industry.

– How would you define who you are?

I’M A
Bow Tie, 80’s Glam, Skinny Jeans, Afrocentric,
Oxford shoes, Preppy, Blackberry, Mix and Match,
macbook and something practical,
KIND OF A GUY

-What is your favourite outfit or items and why? Do you have any style icons that inspire you? Who are your favourite designers and why?

My personal style is a combination from 70-80’s era and the quintessential preppy modern man. Preppy is synonymous with sharp in many ways, and as such it is important to keep it somewhat classic and tasteful .The biggest influences in the way I present myself & trends come from Michael Jackson (thriller years), Art, 80’s glam, big hair, Blazers and Elegance that is, the signature of my representation. I believe everyone should create their own visual style and uniqueness to be identifiable to others.

My favorite outfits are my Gant and Dunhil Blazer, Hackett Bow tie and Oliver Sweeney & Hudon shoe. Those clothing to me are a sense of my true identify, the colours are rich, and materials are spectacular yet fabulous.

-Do you have any plans for if you win? How are you finding the media attention?

I would see myself as a spokesperson for an organization, charity or a designer, as well as being role model to the younger generation, as well for many people that have overcome many challenges throughout their life coming from a third world country.

The level of public interest it’s offered me has been overwhelming. Its still hasn’t sunk in, I guess. I definitely started noticing it within the short space, the glances on the street, people approaching me asking to take a picture with me, the members of the public recognizing me. It’s been really phenomenal and exciting at the same time.

Thank you. Best of luck.

SeeSaw: The best way to watch TV online. { Review }

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Does anyone watch TV on an actual TV anymore? Well, yes. However, more and more TV is watched online. BBC iplayer. Channel 4’s 4od. These are all great. But what if you want to watch all your shows on one site? You get SeeSaw. The iplayer only has BBC shows. 4OD only Channel 4. SeeSaw has everything. It’s the best in online content.

I can catch up on Come dine with me, Spooks and 30 Rock to name just some of the great shows. It’s simple and easy to use. Has a mix of free and paid-for content, and the web-based application will work on any browser on the Mac and PC and streams content, i.e., TV shows, directly to your screen either in a window or full screen format. It’s all safe and legal and over 3500 hours of the content is free.

You can rent a series for £9.99 or an episode at £1.19. You can also share your shows with your friends on Twitter and Facebook. SeeSaw is brilliant. I am addicted. With winter on the way I will certainly be doing the ‘Tight Tuesday’ offer they have started. You can rent an entire TV series for 99p. It’s a weekly promotion, on Tuesday, obviously. You get to vote for the TV show you think should be selected the following Tuesday – and share your vote with your facebook friends to encourage them to follow suit. Go check it out www.seesaw.com/tight-tuesday

Sign up to SeeSaw. Staying in is the new going out.

http://www.seesaw.com/

Lindsay leaves rehab: get the Loh-down on what she is wearing

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Yet more controversy surrounded Lindsay Lohan as she left rehab last week and was photographed wearing designer gear, clutching an energy drink and sporting a pair of V-MODA Crossfade LPs. As the pictures emerged, speculation grew as to whether Lohan had been paid to wear some of the following items:

* V-MODA headphones: £220
* Ray-Ban sunglasses: £100
* Hermes mini-Birkin bag: price unavailable
* RockStar appetite drink: £1.70
* Hermès belt: price unavailable

Our sources at V-MODA have confirmed that Lindsay was not paid to wear the Crossfade LP headphones, but instead picked them up from the Kari Feinstein gifting suite at the MTV Movie Awards. Keep on rocking Lindsay!