Freya Lingerie SS13 | Fashion

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

I came across Freya Lingerie in the Handpicked Media suite at the Aldwych Hotel for London Fashion Week. I loved their SS13 range. They are innovative in many ways, they do the Deco 365 bra. It is a bra which you can wear under any clothes. It was launched in 2009 and they have sold over 300,000 of them.

If you are a larger cup size then it can be hard to find a bra to wear under most things. That is what makes the Deco great. It can be worn any day under any outfit, and day.

Freya also have a sports bra that not only supports you, but also has coolmax material to wick moisture away from the body and a Polygiene fabric, a silver ion based technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria, which gives an odour free, antibacterial finish. It keeps you fresh no matter how hard you work out.

I have chosen some of my personal favourites from the new season. Glamour also love the purple set. Let me know what you think.

Innovative Films Raising Funds: Three Days

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Three Days is a film that is close to my heart. Not just because I share an acting agent with the two leads and have worked with Vanessa, but also because in a world where older women are so often overlooked, this film is about a 40 something women and a younger man. It is a love story with a heart.

The Hollywood Reporter recently had a female executive guest post for them. This is what she said:

I have sat through development meetings in which actresses over the age of 34 are cast aside as “too old”, those who have had babies or families come with “baggage,” and whether or not they are willing to get nude on film plays into their chances of getting an offer, when these same traits are not deal-breakers in their male counterparts, or even mentioned for that matter.

Well, Vanessa is over 34, is married and has children. She is also making a kick ass movie. Proving all of this wrong. They are raising money as we speak so to contribute go here. It is a movie that should be made.

Three Days is a short film, to be shot in London and Cardiff, UK.

In turns poignant, sensual, warm and funny Three Days is a short film about the decision to surrender. Or not. It stars Vanessa Bailey & Richard Perryman. We asked them some questions about the film. Answers are below.

Richard.

What have you enjoyed about the process so far?

Seeing how everything has developed from when I first came on board has
been very exciting. Also it’s been great being able to work with an
incredibly talented and passionate group of people.

What do you think will appeal to people about the film?

There’s a whole lot to fall in love with. Great characters which the
audience can really invest in, an original love story and a brilliant crew
to make it all happen!

What is it like working with Vanessa?

It’s great working with Vanessa. She’s incredibly passionate about Three
Days and has invested a huge amount of time and effort to push the film
as much as she can. Our only problem is we’re both terrible at keeping a
straight face whenever we need to be serious.

What are you most looking forward to on the shoot – favourite scene?

I just can’t wait to get on set and start shooting the whole thing.

What would you say to people thinking about donating to the crowdfund?

That we really cannot make the film without the help of everyone else out
there! Any contribution helps and it’s a great chance to get involved in a
new and exciting film.

Vanessa.

What have you enjoyed about the process so far?

I’ve been genuinely amazed at the people who’ve been happy to come on board
with the film. And seeing how the team have been putting their heart and
soul into getting this crowdfund up and running. Everyone has really gone
the extra mile with it, even Jason’s PR Alistair was working his socks off
on the poster shoot! The poster shoot was a small taste of what will be
like to work with the whole team on the shoot. We were all freezing cold,
but the buzz was palpable.

What do you think will appeal to people about the film?

Well, with the talent we have working on the project the film promises to
be visually gorgeous, with a beautiful, original score. We’ve got team with
Batfa Cymru’s and Emmy’s to their names. The characters are, hopefully,
appealing and people will want to travel on their journey with them and
root for them! It’s got humour and passion and warmth and struggle – we
wrote what rings our own bell, basically! Hopefully it will connect with
others, too.

What is it like working with Richard?

Richard has been brilliant, he’s really got stuck in and invested his
time and talent in lots of ways. Like he says, we’re not great at keeping
straight faces! But that makes it fun.

What are you most looking forward to on the shoot – favourite scene?

I just want to see how the whole thing fits together. The scenes have
quite a range of dynamics from light-hearted through to passionate and I’m
looking forward to shooting all of them. We’re really excited to be doing
scenes with Lynn Hunter, I think they’re going to be a highlight!

What would you say to people thinking about donating to the crowdfund?

Please come on board! It’s a great film to get involved with and we’re
incredibly grateful for support. Check out our perks and see if anything
appeals – we’ve got everything from a corporate product placement perk
(product/premises placed in the film plus logo on all our visible material
and in the credits and more!)to getting your hair done by Jason and then on
to the screening to being an extra in the film! Let’s get this story off
the page and onto the screen!

Thank you Vanessa.

Special mention to Red Boutique in Beckenham for supplying accessories and clothes.

Launch Party For Russian Week in London 2013

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

The Russian Week in London, Festival Maslenitsa

Frost went along to the amazing restaurant Mari Vanna to celebrate the opening of the Maslenitsa Festival, Russia’s cultural welcome to spring and celebration of pancakes. We greatly enjoyed the canapes and the drinks, including vodka infused strawberry juice. We enjoyed the presentation and talks about the up-coming Russian festival and were told to ‘drink in moderation’ by Boris Johnson. All in all, we had a great time and will be popping down to the Russian Festival. See you there.

The Russian Week in London, Festival Maslenitsa

FREE entry, 13:30–18:30, Saturday 16 March 2013
Trafalgar Square, London, UK

Zdravstvuj! (Hello!) What better way to welcome spring and banish winter than Maslenitsa, the Russian Sun
Festival. This Shrovetide feast before Lent is celebrated the world over with traditional Russian arts and
culture events and, of course, delicious Russian cuisine – including the iconic and delectable blini (pancake).

Organised by Ensemble Productions, London’s Maslenitsa festival has the backing of the Mayor of London
and Natalia Vodianova’s Naked Heart Foundation as official charity partner, and is the largest Russian
celebration of culture, art, music and food outside of Russia. The free event returns for its fifth year on
Saturday 16 March in Trafalgar Square from 13:30-18:30. Coinciding with Maslenitsa celebrations across
Russia, a live satellite link will allow audiences to share in the authentic festival atmosphere and exchange
cultural dialogue as well as highlight important links between the UK and Russia, with a particular emphasis
on the Olympic years of London 2012 and Sochi 2014.

Comments the Mayor of London Boris Johnson:

“I am delighted to give my backing to London’s Maslenitsa celebrations, a sure sign that spring is on its way. London has a large Russian population and this popular event is an opportunity to become immersed in the rich traditions and heritage of that great country. It also offers a taster ahead of Sochi 2014, which is now just a year away and I am sure will be a huge success. Int he meantime, whether you try a delicious blini, pirogi or chebureki, to our friends in Moscow and Russians everywhere have a fantastic Maslenitsa! Maslenitsa gulyaet – vesnu vstrechaet, zimu provoshaet!*”

The popular festival features a variety of activities for all ages including musical performances by Russia’s
leading musical talent, a children’s marquee with songs, competitions and games, and a bustling bazaar
organised by the Russian National Arts and Crafts organisation, with original Russian art, handicrafts and
souvenirs for sale.

Maslenitsa is also known as Pancake Week and there will be plenty of authentic Russian dishes to sample. In
addition to blini there will be other traditional staples such as beef stroganoff and borscht (beetroot soup)
as well as delicacies such as pelmeni (Russian-style pasta).

Maslenitsa 2013 will include, among others, a special visit by Eurovision Contest 2012 stars the Buranovskie
Babushki (Singing Grannies); performances by celebrated folk diva Nadezhda Babkina with her
contemporary take on traditional Russian sounds; young folk group Rodnaya Storonka who cover multiple
genres; the legendary State Academic Ensemble Berezka; the award-winning and innovative Bis-Quit
Quartet; charismatic and much-loved soul Russian artist Petr Nalich accompanied by his band; national
treasure Oleg Gazmanov and one of the most famous Russian rock bands of all time, Smyslovye Galuzinazii.

The festival comes at the culmination of the Russian Maslenitsa Week which includes satellite events across
the city of London. These include the exhibition Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the
Russian Tsars at the V&A, a culinary evening at Russian restaurant Mari Vanna, a Russia Literary Evening at
Waterstones and a performance by the vivacious Theatre Praktika. This year’s Maslenitsa festival will also see
the first winner of the Maslenitsa Prize for Song and Dance take to stage to entertain the crowds at
Trafalgar Square.

“Due to high interest from the public, the Maslenitsa Festival remains an extremely important cultural event
not just in the UK, but in Europe,” comments Olga Balakleets of Ensemble Productions. “Each year the
festival grows, allowing more and more people to learn about the modern face of Russian culture as well as
its rich cultural heritage.”

Maslenitsa also serves as a platform that fosters business and cultural links between the UK and Russia.
Commented Vitaly Nesis, CEO of Polymetal International, one of Maslenitsa’s event sponsors:

“We are delighted to be supporting the Maslenitsa Festival in London and providing the opportunity for more
people in the United Kingdom to see and experience a range of exciting Russian culture and social events.
As a company that has most of its operations in Russia and many of its shareholders in UK, we are keen to
see the relationship between the two nations prosper backed by thriving business and cultural cooperation.”
Added Dmitry Mints, Chairman of the Management Board of fellow sponsors, O1 Properties, “The
Maslenitsa festival offers audiences in the UK the unique chance to take part in this ancient Russian tradition,
and O1 properties is happy to support this cheerful event.”

A special VIP Gala Dinner will take place on 15 March at the Royal Courts of Justice. Tickets are available for
purchase from Ensemble Productions.

Russian Week in London, Festival Maslenitsa: Line Up

Tuesday 12 March
Culinary Evening
Mari Vanna
Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, foodies have the chance to sample some of Russia’s spectacular
culinary delicacies, with a special menu curated by celebrity chef Alexander Rappoport.

Wednesday 13 March
Russian Literary Evening
Waterstones, Piccadilly
Book and culture lovers unite in Piccadilly’s iconic bookshop to immerse themselves in the English versions
of Russian best sellers, including a special theatrical performance.

Thursday 14 March
Craft Fair
Russian Culture Centre (Rossotrudnichestvo)
The Kensington High Street-based culture centre will host two sessions – a master class and children’s class
– to introduce DIY lovers to authentic Russian crafts.

Friday 15 March
Talk and tour of Treasures of the Royal Courts
V&A
Art and history fans can explore over 150 objects from Henry VIII to the early Romanovs, including royal
portraits, jewellery and luxury goods, as well as processional armour and heraldry, chronicling the close
relationship between the English monarchy and the Russian Tsars.

Saturday 16 March
Maslenitsa Festival
Trafalgar Square
A day of pancakes, music, art and live performances, this free fun-filled family day brings together people
from all walks of life in a celebration of the coming of spring and the wonderful cultural offerings of Russia.

Sunday 17 March
Edward Boyakov’s Theatre Praktika
Duke of York Theatre
Praktika’s mission is to reflect modern reality in all its complexity and address questions that are of burning
importance to contemporary society – hold onto your hats for the company’s iconic new theatre style and
vibrant energy.

Further information on venue details and event timings will be announced in due course. Updates, along
with a list of performances to take place on the main stage are available on the Maslenitsa Festival website
http://maslenitsa.co.uk/

For more information or to book tickets, call +44 (0) 20 8832 7424

The Russian Week in London, Festival Maslenitsa

Trafalgar Square, London
13:30–18:30
Free
Dates: 11 March 2013 – 17 March 2013

Naked Heart Foundation

Mayor of London, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Embassy of
the Russian Federation in London, Federal Agency Rossotrudnichestvo, Russky Mir Foundation,
Polymetal International, ICT Group, O1 Properties, Lycamobile

About the Naked Heart Foundation

It was the Beslan school siege in 2004 that motivated international model Natalia Vodianova to set up the Naked Heart Foundation. Desperate to do something to help, she had a simple idea – if the young survivors could be distracted by play for at least five minutes each day, it would help them to heal. Providing them with safe outdoor play facilities would redefine their city landscape and act as a form of therapy. The Naked Heart Foundation was set up in the same year, and in 2006 it completed its first play park, five minutes from where Vodianova grew up in Nizhny Novgorod. In 2009, 40 play parks and 30 Russian cities later, Vodianova had fulfilled her dream of giving the children of Beslan their very own Naked Heart play park. To date the charity has built 90 play parks and playgrounds and is now creating a network of family support centres to care for families raising children with disabilities. It also provides funding for dozens of Russian NGOs working in the field and holds an annual international Forum for child development specialists. In 2013 it will open its 100th site. For more information visit www.nakedheart.org or www.facebook.com/NHFcharity

BURANOVSKIE BABUSHKI (SINGING GRANNIES)

Buranovskie Babushki visit The Russian Week in London,

Festival Maslenitsa, 14 & 15 March

Translated as ‘The Grannies from Buranovo’ – or better known to us as the ‘Singing Grannies’ – Buranovskie
Babushki is an ethno-pop band comprising eight elderly, yet sprightly, women. After finishing second in the
2012 Eurovision Song Contest for Russia, the Grannies became an Internet sensation with more than 30,000
hits in less than a week. They will be visiting London in support of the Festival Maslenitsa and will be
attending the British Russian Gala on 15 March at the Royal Courts of Justice as part of the Maslenitsa Week.

The Grannies sing in their native Udmurt, and often surprise audiences by singing covers of Tsoi,
Grebenshchikov and The Beatles. The grannies are currently using their Eurovision money to help rebuild a
local church from their home town Buranovo.

Festival Maslenitsa: FREE entry, 13:30–18:30, Saturday 16 March 2013
Trafalgar Square, London, UK

Festival supported by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson
Official charity partner, Naked Heart Foundation, founded by model Natalia Vodianova
Free entry, family-oriented day of fun and special children’s marquee
Live satellite link between Moscow’s Red Square and London’s Trafalgar Square during festival
Bazaar featuring Russian culinary delicacies and traditional arts and crafts
Tickets to VIP gala reception available through organisers Ensemble Productions
Week of events preceding Maslenitsa Festival includes a literary salon at Waterstones and Russian
delicacies at Mari Vanna restaurant in Knightsbridge

The Affordable Art Fair Returns To Battersea

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Kate Moss, Watercolours on paper, 53x38cm by Cate Parr

£1,950 at SD Gallery

The Affordable Art Fair returns to the Battersea Evolution building in Battersea Park from 7 – 10 March, and they are giving people a chance to Sleep Now, Buy Later…

– Art lovers given chance to sleep on decision before purchase –

In a consumer shopping first, one lucky visitor to the Affordable Art Fair this month will be given the opportunity to ‘sleep with’ their prospective art purchase in order to make a fresh and considered decision after a good night’s rest.

Fair organisers hope to put more first time buyers at ease with the one off concept which will be trialled with a single lucky winner at the Battersea Park event. The idea came as a result of research* which found that nearly half (47 per cent) of people found it helpful to sleep on a decision when making a purchase for the home.

Over half of Brits (51 per cent) admitted to taking up to 24 hours to make a decision when buying a piece of art.

The public can enter to win the chance to ‘sleep before they buy’ by tweeting the hashtag #sleeponit by no later than midday on Wednesday 6 March.

The lucky winner will be notified on Thursday 7 March and invited to attend the fair on the day of their choosing, select their prospective piece of art to sleep with for the night to allow them some time to relax and consider their chosen work.

To announce the initiative, the Affordable Art Fair has created an original image, inspired by a famous installation shown at the Tate, to demonstrate what the winner will experience.

Nicky Wheeler, Fair Director of the Affordable Art Fair Battersea said “We’ve had so many comments from visitors over the years who have found a piece of art they like but are reluctant to make such an important decision on the spot. Often customers fall in love with a piece at first sight but sometimes thinking time can help in making the right decision – one person will be given this chance at the Affordable Art Fair next week.”

The Affordable Art Fair is the UK’s friendliest and most welcoming art fair, well-loved for its informal and un-stuffy atmosphere. With over 100 galleries exhibiting art priced from £40 – £4,000, the fair runs at the Battersea Evolution building in Battersea Park from 7 – 10 March.

The Tailor-Made Man | Theatre Review

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Paola Berta

The Tailor-Made Man, set in Hollywood during the 1930s, is a musical theatre show, which
still strongly maintains the quality of a play.

Exceptionally staged – at the Arts Theatre in London, West End – its creative team,
includes super talented choreographer Nathan M. Wright who, in between his many credits,
also counts the mass movement choreography of the London Olympic & Paralympics
2012.

The stars studded musical production has brilliant actors in the leading roles: Faye Tozer, Mike
McShane and Dylan Turner. Faye Tozer (from the band pop band Steps) delivers
an outstanding and energetic performance certainly not inhibited by the vocal tone
variations the part requires and the upper class mannerism of the early 20th century. Also,
starring undying talent Mike McShane and classically, impeccably beautiful, as much as
skilled, Dylan Turner that has already landed roles in Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales)
and Grease (Victoria Palace) just to mention a few. Full of character Bradley Clarkson
also gives a captivating and dynamic performance. Worth a mention is Kay Murphy
who gives a funny and outstandingly performance in the role of Pola Negri, the famous Polish actress.

Claudio Macor co-wrote ‘The Tailor-Made Man’ book with Amy Rosenthal, adapted
the play and directed it. ‘The Tailor-Made Man’, was nominated for Best New Play in 1995 and
for writer of the year and then some years later was made into a musical. The music is by Duncan
Walsh Atkins and Adam Meggido.

‘The Tailor-Made Man’ is a true old Hollywood story that brings back memories of when
the homosexuality was far from being socially accepted. It is the true story of William ‘Billy’ Haines who was a movie star at MGM, and then became a famous interior designer in Hollywood. It highlights the emotional difficulties, openly declared gay men had to go through including work discrimination
and episodes of verbal and physical violence, all of this surrounded by the Hollywood
creative melting pots of sophisticated artists and a bit of sentimental twist.

The musical will run for a limited eight weeks season until the 6th of April.

http://www.thetailormademanlondon.com/

Written by Paola Berta

The May Fair Hotel Appoints Artist in Residence For Art13 London

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Situated in the heart of the Mayfair village, the May Fair Hotel has been a by-word for artistry and elegance since the twenties. To celebrate it’s status as the official hotel partner for Art13 London; London’s most exciting new art fair (Olympia Grand Hall, 1-3 March 2013), the luxury hotel has appointed it’s very first Artist in Residence.

British fashion and celebrity portrait artist Marc McGreevy has been commissioned by the May Fair Hotel to capture the scenes, sights and sounds of one of London’s most iconic hotels. Guests of the hotel during Art13 London will have the opportunity to take home their very own unique portraits by Marc McGreevy and view the artwork on an exclusive online gallery.

Images left to right: Marc McGreevy; Charlie France sketch by Marc McGreevy; Jourdan Dunn sketch by Marc McGreevy; The May Fair Hotel, London.

Marc McGreevy is an internationally acclaimed fashion artist and designer. He began his career designing fashion layouts and creating unique jewellery collections for high fashion magazines such as Elle and Vogue. Marc’s passion for fashion and illustration coupled with his natural creativity has secured him a position as one of Britain’s finest. He now travels the world illustrating the most spectacular fashions with unrivalled flair, sophistication and poise. Previous commissions include Jerry Hall, Actor David Morrissey, Actresses Joan Collins, Linda Gray, Kim Cattrall and Academic Germaine Greer.

Marc McGreevy will be in residence at the May Fair Hotel daily from 3pm-6pm, 1-3 March 2013. Guests will have the opportunity to take their own exclusive art-work home with them. Illustrations will also be exhibited in an online gallery www.themayfairhotel.co.uk.

The May Fair Hotel,  Stratton Street,  London,  W1J 8LT,

Ming Pin Tien Bye Bye Youth AW13 | London Fashion Week 2013

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Taiwanese fashion designer Ming-Pin Tein named his AW13 collection ‘Bye Bye Youth’. He sent the models down the catwalk to Wankelmut’s remix of One day/Reckoning, in knitted beanie hats and oversized white clothes. The clothes were structured, with clean lines. I loved the music, and I loved the clothes. Thumbs up.

Artist Stirrups Horsemeat Controversy.

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

A piece of art shocked commuters in the capital yesterday as graphic artist, Patrick Thomas, debuted his latest provocative piece, ‘Moo’, to the public, making more than a subtle nod to the current horse-meat scandal.

Ahead of the Affordable Art Fair which takes place early next month, the Berlin-based artist, known for creating powerful messages through the use of iconic images, previewed ‘Moo’ at Leicester Square where the artwork was aired across the tube station throughout the day.

The piece attracted plenty of attention with many commuters posing next to the displays and tweeting their amusement. However, some remained oblivious as they tucked into their burgers and strolled past the art with their weekly shopping.

Artist, Patrick Thomas, who created the piece said “It is the job of an artist to be witness to his time in history and art should have a social function and be an intrinsic part of everyday life. Art can be a powerful weapon and although this print is intentionally humorous; in the context of the horsemeat scandal currently dominating the UK press – it conceals a darker message.”

Patrick Thomas is one of thousands of contemporary artists showing at the Affordable Art Fair this March and can be found at Outline Editions’ gallery stand. The ‘Moo’ silkscreen print is an edition of 100, priced at £145 each.

The Affordable Art Fair is London’s friendliest and most welcoming art fair, with all art priced from £40 – £4,000, the fair runs at the Battersea Evolution building in Battersea Park from 7 – 10 March.

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