Christmas Time, Art, Shopping and Mulled Wine

ORANGE DOT CHRISTMAS MARKET

This weekend i was at the opening of the Orange Dot Gallery Christmas Market and despite later slipping on ice and fracturing my wrist it was a delightful treat! Open Wed, Thurs and Friday evenings and all day on the weekends (although as its a gallery space also they have the doors open all day) every week there are new designers and crafties taking over the four/five stalls in the gallery. Featuring alongside an impressive exhibition, London: A Winter Wonderland, which is an advent of 24 Prints (will do a separate post for this!) there is a suitable little christmas line up of treats including clothing, cards, crafts, decs, teatowels and tote bags.

This Wed, Thurs & Friday from 5pm until 8.30pm its late night shopping again - and for a small donation you can grab yourself a glass of Mulled Wine! The Gallery is then open again all weekend (with rumours of homemade soup being on offer) and all of next week too!!!

Check out the Orange Dot Christmas Market Event Page and head down to grab yourself a bargain......

Ohh and click the links below to see my favourite stalls

Biba's Tea Party

Brat&Suzie

Talullah Rose

Hotel Chevalier / La Shark

I like and dislike this band for a few reason, most of these reason fall into both the like and dislike categories - london/kooky/beautiful but odd sounds and melody formation. But this is a great video - wether you think its too much or the song is shit (i love it personally - french meets east London with a bit of english ruff and tumble and a hint of scissor sisters pop)

Whilst there are aspect that you can't deny a lot of bands seem to be doing, you can't fault how this small band are putting all their efforts into every aspect of their whole presentation, music and persona. From the first time i heard them they have definitely grown, channeling and maturing their sound and this video for new single Hotel Chevalier makes me fall all back in love with them again.

http://lashark.bandcamp.com/

ART MOSH

ART MOSH IS COMING BACK TO LONDON! If you haven't heard about this art/music project from Nixon - then go have a read up on their site - there is quite a bit too it and i'm not about to give you an essay!

For a quick basic run down Art Mosh is a series of one-night only pop-up exhibitions which aims to showcase a eclectic, international host of some of the freshest talent in contemporary art and music. This time round ART MOSH is popping up at the A Foundation in Shoreditch, a former Victorian school now a converted gallery - this is a great venue and perfect for the project. Artists exhibiting on the night include graphic artist Mark Ward renowned designer and artist the lovely Giles Curties, and British artist Richie Culver will be exhibiting with high profile London based illustrator Sophie Stevens as well as launching his project MONSTERS. The music is coming from the likes of Liam Bailey, Jamie Skillz (Monochrome) and Andy Bell. If you like art modern and old, music, trying something new outside of the museum art norm, and discovering and meeting great people all over a few drinks (of course) i suggest you check it out - head to their sight and sign up to the mailing list.

www.artmosh.com

image from ArtMosh Site - previous events

Art+Music+Drink x Friday = Fun

If your at a loose end this evening - stuck between being sensible after a heavy week, wether to get back on it after thursday-the-new-friday last night, or simply undecided here are just two things i suggest you chhhheccckk out that involve a little more than just sinking your head into a bucket of wine and some great people.

BALLARD OF....

JAGUAR SHOES, SHOREDITCH

If you haven't seen or check out a copy of this mag do! Not only does it provide some great content of upcoming interesting peps...the team behind it are absolutely lovely lovely. Tonight Ballad Of... are celebrating their 2nd Birthday as well as their fourth publication so are in true good-time-girls spirit they are throwing a party!! At this brilliantly names Ballad Of Nanny Floff event the Music is pumping from Nadine Shah (myspace.com/nadineshah), Ed from Islington Boys Club and Get Cape Wear Cape Fly. Whilst you drink and dance the amazingly talented Iamanoctopus, Sandra Dieckmann (front cover extravaganza),Jamie Mills, Murray Somerville, Natsuki Otani and Thomas Bates will be creating LIVE ART throughout the night.

BARE BONES 5 LAUNCH

RED GALLERY, RIVINGTON ST

Did an installation with some of the guys from Bare Bones in Easter creating a massive canvas-paint-by-numbers installation. It was awesome! Tonight they are celebrating the next issue BB5 on Rivington Street. Moving to a lager space, BB5 will include a solo show by ROBERT RUBBISH, Soho Itinerant. Wall Mural Collage Fuck Stick Up by Xerox Xect A Splinter Faction of Heretic Printmakers (Knackered from their Success at The ADF). TBC confirmed events will also be running throughout the week.

Becoming Real Feat Trim

One of my favourite artists at the moment.Becoming Real has just release this awesome new video fir 'Like Me' (feat. Trim), the lead track from his 'Spectre' EP out on Not Even next Monday (15th November).

Decidedly French Fancy Rambling

MUSING
I have been feeling the french flutters like many of us even more so than usual of late. My fashions and styles never seem to rest with one particular 'trend' but i have tried a kind of lady chic, with English roots and a little impregnation from the french - with a bit of my ruggedness....although hangover days result in a bit of a fail on this.

Working in an office of men currently its hard to not fall into the lazy dressing category - so i have recently been on a mission to invigorate everyday with a completely new, classic and empowering ladylike outfit. Im also in dia need of a new haircut and so it looks like im heading in the style of messy Greco bob- stunning! Its been working a treat and i think next week i will be busting out the plethora of little red dresses and maybe having a suitably vixon week. SO in the spirit of my hungover French rambling - here are just some random mood setters & inspiration....

Listen:

Watch: So with my red wine and cigarette in hand, my hair up in a towel, black eye liner and red lipstick - i will be watching The Three Colours Triology

Purchase: Beige Highwaisted Trousers - Jaeger London @ My Wardrobe £225 / Red Vintage Jumpsuit@ Beyond Retro / Cream Cape Jacket @ Asos £75

ORIGINS OPENS

ORIGINS by IFC
The first ever show for this elusive collective The Orange Dot Gallery opened its door for another great show and even better opening night! Set up by (the never to be interviewed) Wolfie Smith, the collective - which includes the legendary comic artist Brett Ewins - work together to produce art that showcases their range of talents including freehand spray, paint, marker, paste ups, sculptures, stencil and photography. You couldn't meet a nicer, more down to earth group of street artists and their passion and skills really do shine across the whole exhibition. You may think i am being biased - but not normally a fan of graffiti/street art - im actually loving having this show in the gallery, learning about the history of street art and the artists and if only i had a 100% discount(or bigger bank balance) i would probably have a few pieces in my flat...

Big thank you to everyone who came down, and if you are yet to see the show its on until 26th November at the Orange Dot Gallery, 54 Tavistock Place . Pieces are selling fast so if your interested in buying hurry on down....

Tiger Love

Wow could you get a better combination of name, track name and video? Tiger Love are a little pink bubblegum of retro pop sounds. Only recently formed in 2010 by brothers Roy and Gigi, and underage drummer Loral keep an eye(ear) out for this trios infectious sounds, bleeps, bounces and quaky electronic vocals.

TIGER LOVE

Because i really need another excuse to drink...

With a very fun (drunken) and successful launch night, ninetyeightbar&lounge reopened its doors to bring us a new quirky drinking den on Curtain Road London. Step in and you will be transported to a beautiful world of magic, luxury and charm. Whilst lounging among the plush surroundings of ninetyeight’s signature tongue in cheek chic make sure you try at least one of their specially designed tounge-tantaslizating, body intoxicating cocktails. As the website put it so well themselves 'Think Alice-in-Wonderland and expect the unexpected'

As well as a kitsch haven of sweets and treats, the venue will also be serving up delights in art, music, cocktails and fashion; from mixology master classes, to burlesque shows and vintage `high' tea parties - served up by ladies in 1940s attire to a suitably retro sounds.

www.ninetyeight-bar-lounge.com

18+ Cake Store comes to London

Really ? Yes its true the first ever 18+ cake store is coming to London to bring you delicious delights in the most offensive offering and mutilated manner. Its even being opened by a Heavy Metal Band!

Open between the 29th – 31st October 2010, located in the ‘dungeon’ of Maiden Shop on Shoreditch Highstreet, 'Eat Your Heart Out & The PRETOX Potion is a Halloween inspired treat fest brought to you by The Mad Artists Tea Party & Pretox drink Alibi. In keeping with the Halloween theme they will be selling 666 terrifying creations each day....once its sold out they shut up shop until the next day!

Oh and if your wondering if they contain gruesome ingredients they don't! Infact all of them will contain some of the PRETOX potion Alibi‘s 17 beneficial vitamins & herbs, specifically chosen to help offset the bad things in life.

This is weird, mental, yummy and gross...i love it! Shame i only like to talk about cakes and don't actually eat them.....Find out more about the project, artists and pop up store head to www.evilcakeshop.com

MEN are coming.....

MEN

......Finally...Well there are infact two types of men i would like to come into my life....one is just men in general and the other is MEN the sexy New York trio! The first is not happening and doesn't look like its going to be happening anytime soon...so i was over the moon to see that one of the MEN are arriving on our shores this week for a UK Tour - 3 of which are london dates! If your a fan like me go check them out....easy - hard to not like music, not to alternative but not to samey!Have a little watch of the video if you yet undecided...

TOUR DATES AND MORE: www.myspace.com/men

Credit Card Babies (Stereogamous Remix)

MEN | Myspace Music Videos

Sunil Pawar / PCF

I've mentioned this guy here before on the blog and just had another little gem of his work pop into my life! One of his most recent work and i'm loving it. It was a commission of campaign posters for a PCF - appearing all over the streets of France. I could try and explain the work in my own words...but this is so much easier so take a goosey gander and his own explanation..

The history of the French Political poster dates back to the Forties, these works of art were created by the leading creative practioners of their time, with artists including Pablo Picasso providing artwork for the PCF political party. The posters of Mai 68 have also featured in numerous exhibitions recently.

Present day and Sunil Pawar was charged with the task of carrying on this strong graphic lineage by giving a nod to the slick graphic style of these classic posters, but to create artwork that was relevant today, for this a series of four posters were created.

Along with myself (obviously the most important!) some of his more notable fans include the likes of Kayne West and Junya Watanabe, hes an ace guy and whilst i wouldn't normally like this style of art im a big fan of Sunil and of his amazing Slingshot London Mixes!!!Keeps me runnng for miles....

Check out the site for more Slingshotlondon.co.uk

Design It, Post It, Wear It

COLLECT CALLING....

A call to all you doodle manic's, part time artists, professional illustrators or whatever you do and draw, London based brand Collect London is asking you to be apart of the brand and design a t-shirt. A label that supports UK based art and designers through their exciting collaborations has launched a new post card competition. The challenge: Create a design of your own - no limits - just doodle away your design (although it has to fit into the quirky collect shape on the postcard). Then fill out the details on the back of the card and post...free of charge! The Prize - see your design become apart of Collect London's amazing tee collection.....

My attempt No. 1 you can see above - Im not a sexual fiend or lesbian but my specialism harks back to my female form obsession and allen jones project in my A levels. I'm not sure ill be posting this one may do a few more trials first!....

Pick up a postcard from Orange Dot Gallery, 54 Tavistock Place, WC1H 9RG or loads of other places...check the website

www.collectlondon.com

Trophy Wife

In the words of this Oxford trio themselves this is 'ambitionless office disco' and while this may sound like the dullest of descriptions it seems to fit the bill pretty well for this happy-sad-well formed beat compilation. Its a little step away from the more beachy dreamy sounds of late - with a bit more of an indie gruff edge to it.

I don't quite get this rather strange video, but it does seem to fit quite well! Check them out and then head to Electrowerkz on Novemeber 9th for the single launch. On stereo their music works well so it will be interesting to see what impact their melodic bop has live.

www.myspace.com/atrophywife

Long Clothing

Formed by Gareth Emmett and Rhys Dawney, Long clothing along with its simple yet bold design aesthetic and dark graphic style has been building a strong cult following over the years. Not just a clothing range but the name behind some pretty fun parties i will be checking out their new range tonight and a very special basement art installation at the lovely Jaguar Shoes space/bar in Shoreditch tonight. Crazy, Nice, Fun.

Check out the Long Clothing Video Shoot - what a tune. Makes me want to go out again!

Play and Patterns

Wednesday was play day and after a route around most of london, i ended the night at the Dazed:Diesel Party at The Pattern Cutting Factory. Two years ago, Dazed and Diesel teamed up to find emerging young filmmakers and the night showcased the result. three strong and beautifully shot short films from three very talented young up-comers. Check out the Videos on the Dazed sight now.....my favourite is Cult Youth.

PATTERN CUTTING FACTORY

It was a standard great night and loads of great people (bonus you could smoke in the venue too! although remembered why i hate it when i woke up to stale smoke smelling hair!). The venue - the perfect stage for the showcase - is also home to one of my favourite markets - The Pattern Market. If you haven't been there make sure you head down and check it out, a hidden gem full of cheap goodies and vintage buys its tucked away in an old railway arch like warehouse just off the Kingsland Road

Uli Weber: Portraits

PORTRAITS by Uli Weber

For the first time, Uli Weber has assembled, to showcase a 20 year retrospective of his work. A legend in portrait and fashion photography last night at the Hospital Club saw the Private View of Portraits by Uli Weber. From Sting to Boy George, Twiggy and Lily Cole, Uli has shot some of the most iconic british icons from the past two decades. Expect a select range of 40 stunning images which showcase some of his most greatest achievements....its definitely worth checking out, even if you don't recognise the name you will no doubt recognise some of his iconic shots. Its only on the a few days so head there asap to check out this rare showing from this highly accomplished photographer.

Portraits is published by Skira.

An exhibition of 40 portraits by Uli Weber is at The Hospital Club.

13th - 16th October

Hospital Club, London

www.thehospitalclub.com

Guards

GUARDS

Closely affiliated with CULTS - Guards are proof that you don't need much more than some old old modern social networking to get noticed. It may be another band who are channeling the new wave, dreamy pop sounds but punchy vocals in the chorus give them a little kick to lift it out of the normal hazy wave of tunes you get from dreamwave music. Really don't know much more about this band apart from their blood relation with one CULT member and the fact they formed in New York.....but its friday, my head is sore and my brain is ready for the weekend and their melancholic modern, retro twanged tunes are keeping me ticking over until 5 o clock when i will unleash some big tune MJ Cole style riding riddims and get myself ready for a steak dinner with Mr Sauvignon.

Im still questioning if without the help of so called clever networking if they would be as known as they are now - but for now i'm happy to just enjoy what they have to offer and they aren't exactly all over the radio just yet....

Check out their bandcamp and download their EP here

Fanny and Jessy / Watch this Space....

Celebrating and launching their new SS11 line in true F&J unique style, the girls stormed London Fashion Week to bring us a showcase with a difference. Ambushing events and parties throughout LFW models were dressed in the new collection and masked as Fanny or Jessy - getting photographed by various well loved party paps.

Their distinct style of intricate designs and experimental use of cuts and silhouettes has resulted in another great collection from the only recently graduated design duo. Speaking on the collection the girls said “There is always a continuing theme of humour and light heartedness in our collections using fabrics that could look vile in the wrong contexts." Taking inspiration from the OTT italian designers of the nineties they have shaken up some rather tasteless ideas and made them truly desirable. Some pieces may be more for show than share and wear - note the coyote ugly style leather lace up skinnies - but what they have done is created a balance of pieces. A use of subtle uglyness lies in their collection in crypt patterns (look closely!) but combined with elegant lines, subtle shades of nudes and strikes of slick black, all elegantly laid together - the result is something gaudy and grotesque but in a good way!

The use of masks in the campaign cleverly reflecting the title of their new collection 'Watch this Face' and ill tell you one thing you should definitely be watching these girls faces as they only get bigger, bolder and better....

www.fannyandjessy.co.uk

SCARED BUT FRESH

SCARED BUT FRESH from Orange Dot on Vimeo.

Matthew Rose - the renowned collage artist is coming to the UK and will be exhibiting his latest works (along with an exclusive piece created just for the show) next week at the Orange Dot Gallery!!! Its a pretty rare chance to see his work in an intimate space and so to celebrate the Orange Dot 
commissioned the talented upcoming composer Hari Ashurst to create and layer a piece 
to fit this old video they found of Matthew. Almost like Matthew's work, the video is the Gallery's own piece of collage work bringing together two artists – both of whom use samples and textures in their work to make something new.

SCARED BUT FRESH / MATTHEW ROSE
6th – 31st October 2010

Orange Dot Gallery 54 Tavistock Place, Bloomsbury, WC1H 9RG

PRIVATE VIEW: 5th OCTOBER 2010 / rsvp to danielle@theorangedot.co.uk

LFW

Wow. Its been busy busy busy! LFW seems like an age ago.....whilst it was only a few shows i got to go too, i did indeed enjoy the vibes of the late evening antics...rather than bore you with details of each here is a quick round up and reason i haven't been on the blog...

RUN NYC LAUNCH: By far the best party @ AQUA with Rev.Run, Mark Ronson, Amber Rose, Tim Westwood, The Saturdays, Paloma.....and Jamelia, although her head was so far up her arse you couldn't really tell...

TATTY DEVINE: WILD WEST HOE DOWN
REISS LFW Party: Got very carried away in the photobooth and at the afterparty. But amazing store and OMG next seasons staples stocked to a T! Chic, Classic Cuts and Edgy finishes.http://www.reissonline.com/

OUT OF TOWN LAUNCH: Best nibbles....Welsh Rabbit, really rustic humous and whole carrots.Yum! Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell

LUCY IN DISGUISE: This girl is amazing - her store is hot and the goody bags had Woolworths Pix & Mix! Best goody bag ever! 10 Kings Street, Covent Garden

There were some others but one was having to much fun(drink) to take snaps....Roll on February. Thankyou to everyone for your help, taking me home, inviting me in, sorting my new season wardrobe and getting me drunk. Next time i promise to bring you more than just a quick update!

Love Lake

Good tunes, great video. Check out the full recently released debut album here. perfect for post festival blues and end of summer listenings.

Out of Town

A fabulous little store- despite its tiny size - is about to take over in Clerkenwell as one of the most popular venues/cafes/shops around. Well thats my opinion anyway!

A friendly and inviting atmosphere its not only perfect for a morning coffee, but everything in the store is for sale. Even the chairs you sit on are up for grabs ....but of course replaced with another gleamy gem asap. It pretty much has everything and anything - vintage fashions, ceramics, furniture, art, textiles, all sourced from near and far. Don't feel like the pressure is on to purchase though (like many tiny boutique vintage stores!) its relaxed and friendly atmosphere means you can simply enjoy a chat over a coffee if thats all you wish!

To coincide with London Fashion Week - this month's focus is fashion. On offer you can expect original WW11 Aviator jackets, Belstaff pieces and Northsea clothing company knitwear (these guys are one of only 8 worldwide stockists!!!) Its been open a few weeks but is officially launching tomorrow night. With cocktails and canapes and a heap of stuff to purchase i will be there with 2 empty hands (cigarette/canapes and drink in each) and a wedge of cash at the ready.

www.outoftownlondon.com

Lykke Li Returns

On your Best Behaviour....?

is probably not what you'll be on if you slip into just a few of the cutting edge and chic pieces from Danish label Best Behavior....

Just popped by the showroom to peruse through their A/W10 collection and check out the new S/S11 collection. Ridiculous isn't it really ? We have only just finished up summer season in 2010 and already we have whipped past AW10 trends and now its all about SS11 with fashion weeks a go. For A/W highlight has to be the tropical skull print dress....and trousers, scarf and while i'm at it, the top too! Its one of the best prints i've seen this season. Bright to blow away the dull rainy days but with a grungy edge and baggy shape to add a bit of winter darkness. With stripes featuring heavily too it has a real Alice in Wonderland gone grungy and dark feel to it.

Check out the site to preview the Full A/W10 collection. Summer pics coming soon but expect the same innovative designs, baggy but sharp shapes all in delicate hues and warm tropical pastels. Its got a feeling of days gone-by and a touch of chic french riviera style but of course all brought into the modern century with their signature shapes and graphic prints.

Definitely a label to watch and purchase - one of my new favourites!

www.bestbehavior.dk

Private View: Noughtie Nightlife

Respectable in the Noughties?

So after a few bevvies and checking out the new G-Shock launch it was time to head straight to an exhibition i've been looking forward to seeing for a while.

An exhibition curated by fashion lecturer, photographer from Antony Price - and made up by a host of different photographers images its a telling insight and documentation of the lives, fashions and styles of the underground, club culture that made up the first decade of this new century. Its scary to think that we have already started to regard the last ten years as something poignant but as an ever moving, style greedy, culturally feasting society, it isn't surprising how things really change so quickly.

The exhibition really does spark a question whilst also offering something which i think anyone of any age could connect. Check out more and a fascinating interview with Antony here.

Noughtie Nightlife is showing at Rich Mix, London from the September 9 to October 2.