RBPMfanzine

_Studio Preview

2010-07-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

_This double image is the promo image for a current project I'm working on - I will post more in the next week. But it will 'launch' over London Fashion week, and will be ACE. The double image was shot by hyper talented young German photographer Chrisitain Oita. Thats all I can say for now, but, stay tuned.

_Recommended . . .

2010-07-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

_Belvoir Elderflower cordial. In this weather, heavily iced, its probably the best thing on earth. I'm literally living on it at the minute.

_Prep

2010-07-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

_I love this image from the latest Man About Town. The rest of the shoot is a bit samey, but this image is just stunning, styled by Joe McKenna and Shot by Willy Vanderperre.

_Living in Extremes

2010-07-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

_I dont want to say to much about this image, as the photographer and his work are appearing in a current project I'm working on. Non the less, how incredible? - I am in the process of buying this A0 sized 'ice car park' image - It makes me so happy, yet sad, and I love that feeling.

_Givenchy Couture

2010-07-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

_SS11, melts me, completely. I dont know what more I can say, mildly preppy, religious, iconic, simple, clean, decadent, so many confusing thoughts!?

_Cuban Hideaway

2010-07-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

_I adore these pictures, I can for the life of me remember who took them. But I do remember my reason for pulling them was the fact I think they truly encapsulate the spirit of the Casa's in Havana (Casa's are private houses you can stay in, but can only find them via word of mouth. Most are in old colonial houses, and filled with historic and mismatched pieces of furniture ranging from about the 1850's to about 1960 when 'modern western' contact was cut). Having spent 6 weeks there in the summer of '08 I have never been so inspired/scared/drained by a country. I feel the worn elegance of these images really capture the past anger against modern hope of Cuba's future.

If you know who took these images, please let me know, and I will of course credit them.

_Todays inspiration . . .

2010-07-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

_My friend V's Metalic Raf DM's, worn with skintight grey denim (very Daria), sat at the bus stop outside Dazed&Confused magazines office. V is the lead singer of 'Karl Lagerfeld's new favourite band' Teeth, and she's totally cool ;)

_Studio

2010-07-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

_For the first time in while I had to put some portfolio pieces together today, for not only new work but also to get everything up to date and photographed at the end of this week. It was nice to look back on the past years work - There's been ALOT. But (most of it) I'm so proud of, and each piece was a brilliant learning curve!

Here's to the next 12 months.

_Addicted, Palace.II

2010-07-19T11:55:00.001-07:00

_My two new Palace T's that I picked up in 'Presents' on Shoreditch High Street in East LDN last week. I love their simple triangle logo T, but at the same time cant resist a bit of cult pixelated imagery.

BTW: check our presents sale for some amazing bits of Alife, BBC, Raf and Folk classics.

_Inspired

2010-07-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

_It not often that I find modern shoots inspiring, but this couture story in this months V is truly iconic. 'Paradise Lost' features Dafne at Ford styled by highly desired young stylist Robbie Spencer, and photographed by Sebastian Faena. I totally adore it, especially the shown image.

_Festival Fun

2010-07-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

_So as mentioned below, yesterday was the closing day of Lovebox in Victoria Park and it was an ace, music/drink filled day in the sun - All of which was totally called for. Here are some bits . . .

_Lets Just Talk About . . .

2010-07-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

_The Original Diva, Miss Grace Jones, who totally ripped up the stage at East London's closing night of 'Lovebox' with an incredible career spanning set.

The 62 year old (!?) Jamaican-American singer, who was 25 minutes late (of course), pulled in a huge crowd for a spectacular performance on the Main Stage at Victoria Park which saw her make a costume change for EVERY SONG as she reeled off tracks stretching right back to her 1977 debut album 'Portfolio'.

Arriving onstage at the drop of a huge black curtain, Jones greeted the crowd on a raised platform in the middle of the stage wearing DeHaviland 8" snakeskin platform heels, A lace body suit, velvet corset, a black satin jacket and Treacy lace and feather facemask, as she kicked off her show with 'Night Clubbing'.

Introducing herself after the song she snarled: "This is my voice, my weapon of choice"

She then launched into 'This Is' from her most recent 2008 album 'Hurricane' before she turned the clock and stepped back on the raised platform for 'My Jamaican Guy' from her 1982 album 'Living My Life'.

Throughout the show she wore several Phillip Treacy hats and face masks and danced around a poll on a spinning turntable, declaring "If I could I'd play them all for you darlings, but I must finish, I need something in my mouth!".

At one point she arrived onstage, dressed in a sparkly black tuxedo and white top hat with a glass of red wine before she introduced 'La Vie En Rose', her reworking of 40s French singer Edith Piaf's signature tune, which featured on Jones' 1977 debut 'Porfolio'.

The biggest cheer came for her own signature tune 'Pull Up To The Bumper', which saw Jones strut down to the barrier and shake hands with several members of the crowd as she sang before they were showered in ticker tape.

She then sang her Roxy Music cover of 'Love Is The Drug' under a giant green laser beam and mirror ball bowler hat just 24 hours after Bryan Ferry and his band played the same track.

"I did want to do two more songs," she said acknowledging her late arrival, "But we are waking up everybody who is asleep already!"

She then closed her set with 'Dance To The Rhythm' while hula-hooping all the way through the 9 minute track, then, still hula-hooping, she introduced her band and finally hula hooped offstage.

Grace Jones played:

'Night Clubbing'
'This Is'
'My Jamaican Guy'
'Demolition Man'
'I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango)'
'Love You To Life'
'La Vie En Rose'
'Williams' Blood'
'Pull Up To The Bumper'
'Love Is The Drug'
'Slave To The Rhythm'

A true Icon.
Image by Andy Warhol.

_Currently Watching . . .

2010-07-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

_'Andy Warhol's Trash' 1968,
Directed By Paul Morrissey

A heroin junkie (Joe Dallesandro) works as a prostitute to support his habit and fund an abortion needed by the girlfriend of his lesbian wife. His seedy encounters with delusional and damaged clients, and dates with drag queens and hustlers are heavy on sex, drugs and decadence.

_AH+ Spreads

2010-07-19T10:11:00.001-07:00

_Just some lovely spreads from the last AH+ from Creative Director Neville Brody

_Addicted, Palace.I

2010-07-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

_From general T and deck graphics and film promos, to the branding use of Anger inspired imagery, I heart everything about UK skate brand Palace. Easily one of the best new brands on the market right now. Check them out at select boutiques across LDN.

_Worn

2010-07-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

_I love a worn backpack, and especially if its Khaki/brown canvas with those full leather straps, there's just something about it that makes me think of being a kid, and going to build tree houses / Dens in the woods.

Ace.

_This weeks Promise . . .

2010-07-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

_To make up for the last few weeks terrible posting continuity - This week I promise to post at least three ace things a day.

Starting with my new favourite thing to do on my bookshelves at the minute - Postcards, just blue tacked, in the middle of a stack, the stack is slowly changing, so its nice to change the postcard on a regular basis. And if you're anything like me - I just keep buying postcards that I never do anything with, so this is quite satisfying.

Note: one at once only, we're wanting graphic interest, not dodgy holiday postcards on the fridge. Plus the magazines still need to be available easily.

_A tiny Studio preview . . .

2010-07-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

_I cant say what it is, or what its for, but I am SO pleased with the finished imagery that I thought I'd do a bit of a preview of on here.

_RBPMstudio x Cos

2010-07-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

_A few weeks ago I was asked to contribute to Cos online once again, this time I was asked to take pictures of my breakfasts for 5 days, I couldnt post these on here until they were online for Cos, but now they are, and I can show you everything from healthy buttered radishes, quick double expressos in 1950's cups, slower poached eggs on the patio, pancakes at Bistrotheque, Yorkshire Tea and the red wine from night before and even home made orange juice in hand decorated jugs.

Ace.

_Currently Watching . . .

2010-07-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

_The 1993 classic LA Chola girl gang movie 'Mi Vida Loca'.

Mousie and Sad Girl are childhood best friends in a contemporary Los Angeles poor Hispanic neighborhood. But when Sad Girl becomes pregnant by Mousie's boyfriend, a drug dealer named Ernesto, the two become bitter enemies. While their dispute escalates towards violence, the violence of the world around them soon also impacts their lives.

_Ad - dicted

2010-07-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

_To this young man - Francisco Lachowski. He is literally one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen - I love a boy that looks like and fawn - and I think that Francisco fits that bill perfectly. Garrett, if you're reading this - I need you to work your magic ;)

_Can we just talk about this?!

2010-07-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

_The new Cadbury's Flake advert, directed by Baillie Walsh with an incredible dress by the iconic designer Anthony Price. It is one of the best pieces of corporate advertising I have seen in a long time - They have done a truly unbelievable job, my whole congratulations gentlemen.

_Inspired

2010-07-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

_This image literally kills me, as far as I'm concerned its pretty much graphically perfect.

_Go and see this, Prt II.

2010-07-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

_The Family and the Land, Sally Mann
18 June - 19 September 2010

The work of American photographer Sally Mann is deeply rooted in both her family, and the landscape she lives and works in. This exhibition, her first solo-show in the UK, draws on several powerful photographic series from throughout her long career that reflect these influences.

Sally Mann (b.1951, USA) first came to prominence for Immediate Family (1984 – 94), a series of intimate and revealing portraits of her three young children Emmett, Jessie and Virginia. Taken over ten years, Mann depicts them playing and acting to camera in and around their homestead in Virginia. Capturing their childhood in all its rawness and innocence, both this and the later series Faces were born out of a collaborative process between mother and child.

_Go and see this, Prt I.

2010-07-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

_Wolfgang Tillmans
26 June—19 September 2010

The Serpentine Gallery presents Wolfgang Tillmans’ first major exhibition in London since 2003. Conceived by the artist for the Serpentine Gallery, the exhibition will present figurative and abstract work from the last ten years.

Over the past 20 years, Tillmans has redefined photography and the way it is presented. Known in the early 1990s for his seemingly casual images of the world he inhabited, his work reassessed photographic conventions and reflected the culture and identity politics of the time, capturing the fragility of human life and focusing on everyday objects. His work has always engaged with portraiture, landscape, and still life, but more recently Tillmans has turned to a deeper exploration of abstraction, and has pushed the boundaries and definitions of the photographic form.

23 days worth of life, love and work . . .

2010-07-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

_I know, I know, its been like three weeks since my last post, but I genuinely have no idea where the time as gone - This is why I'm thankful to my iPhone - I can flick back through and see what I've been up to - From family trips to Cornwall, teaching at CSM, big 'corporate blah' in LDN, Location scouting, bike rides, press days, parks, dinners, photo shoots, ace tattoos, socials, exhibitions, drunken times, and far far too much work.

Here's just a sample, enjoy . . .

_Sometimes I just wish . . .

2010-07-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

_I could get away from it all.

Today will always be for Michael . . .

2010-06-25T02:43:00.000-07:00

_Still sorely missed, MJ 1958-2009 xxxxxx

Above: One of my favourite videos of all time, 'Leave Me Alone' released in January 1989, from the album 'Bad', which was released August 31st 1987. The album has sold over 30 million copies, and it was, and still is, the second biggest selling album of all time, after the biggest selling album of all time, Michael's 'Thriller'. The first 5 singles from the album 'Bad' all went to Number One in the U.S Billboards charts. To this day it remains the only album to have 5 number one singles.

_Live and Kicking

2010-06-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

_Yep, Last Thursday the Central Saint Martins, Fashion Communication and Promotion website that I have been branding and building for the last few months went live at: www.fcp-csm.com

And with over 1500 hits in the first 48 hours, it is quite the traffic jam, so go check it out - This years Grads, industry blogs, the courses incredible Alumni, work from the students studios, and a twice weekly updated news blog on whats going on and down in LDN town.

_Johnson Magazine AW10

2010-06-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

_Yep, press releases are out, that it, brace yourselves, Johnson, the premier issue, launches this fall.

_Lara, Lara Everywhere . . .

2010-06-23T12:50:00.001-07:00

_The age of the campaign exclusive returns, with Lara Stone snagging the fall ads for Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Jeans. While the Calvin brand has always been known for its use of signature faces, from Brooke Shields to Kate Moss, Natalia Vodianova and Christy Turlington, this is the first time since Natalia’s reign, that the brand has chosen one face to represent its image across three lines. Given the iconic status of CK’s previous models and Ms. Stone’s seemingly unstoppable world domination, there is no question that Lara will soon be a household name.

_Past 10 days # II.

2010-06-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

_Its been a visual frenzy over the last 10 days, so I thought I'd give you a second look into my world. Ace Crockery, Football boys, SS11 line ups, Haring, Aku Aku, old books, home built tables, good type, dark denim, Studio vinyls, St. John, the theatre, Bistrotheque, Albion, Hydrangeas, TieDye, hand made books, ice car parks and old magazine launch T's.

Milan Part IV. Pack

2010-06-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

_I need say no more.
This is, Perfection.

Screw the fact that only models can wear it - Roll on the editorials, and here's hoping River was given one, and he plans to wear it everywhere for the next six months - I may not be able to get a pack like that, but I sure as hell enjoyed the view at Calvin.

_Milan Part III. Street

2010-06-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

_I love Tommy Ton's daily street style updates on GQ.com - When it comes to fashion week, I'm not really arsed by the shows, its all about what everyone has worn to the shows. Tommy delivers all those tiny details I could coo over all day. AND, its so nice to see solely menswear on GQ as opposed to his usual womens shoe and bag frenzy on his own blog.

Milan Part II. RIP

2010-06-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

_Another one, too young . . .

Last Friday, we were shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of 22 year old French model Tom Nicon, He was found dead after falling from his hotel balcony while in Milan for Fittings. Called “a sweet and gentle soul” and “an angel” by those who knew him well, Tom touched everyone that he met during his much too brief life. Our deepest condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones.

Milan Part I. live

2010-06-23T12:01:00.001-07:00

_I said it last season, and I'll say it again this season - Live streaming IS the future, I watched the Prada show with the rest of the fashion press, except, I was with three friends, with a glass of wine, on my patio in LDN - so much better than being pushed into some fashion darlings armpit in Milan.

On the Collection front - I adored the first 10/15 pieces - The climbing inspired chalk bags, the dark denim smocks, the royal blues against harsh white starched cottons, the palazzo pant inspirations - then it all got a bit bright and stripy for my liking. AMazing catwalk though.

_Past 10 days # I.

2010-06-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, The last 10 days have been totally hectic, magazine launches a plenty, the world cup, the sun, family in LDN, website launches, lookbooks to print, store openings, inspiration craving, dinners out, days in, AND the fact that Johnson is now HEAVILY back on the cards (more above). The above shots, as has become custom now, are a sampling of what I've done and seen in my last 10 days.

_Quite the Looks

2010-06-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

_Three of my Favourite mens looks from The Sartorialist in the last few weeks. From forward thinking Japanese shapes, to parisian 'trend dressing' and the scruffy Downtown NYC art set look.

All totally different.
All totally perfect.

_The Gillespies, Part I.

2010-06-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

_I adore Anna Faye Gillespie.

Faye, is an incredible illustrator friend of mine (you may remember some of her previous work I have posted) who this weekend text me saying "I think I've drawn your nephew, please tell me it is him, and I'm not a really creepy person'" - And low and behold, it is my nephew, and an INcredible illustration of him at that! - it captures not only his likeness but also his cheeky spirit.

I heart Miss Gillespie.
And I heart my nephew Harv.

See more of her work at: www.annafayegillespie.blogspot.com

_Port Eliot

2010-06-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

_You may remember some images I posted of Port Eliot in Cornwall a few months back? - Well, since then, Martin Parr has visited the house and taken some incredibly beautiful, brutal, and striking images of the incredible 16th century private home. And with their summer festival only a matter of weeks away, it seems now is the perfect time to coo over such an incredible private home, that has been in the St. Germans family for 9 generations.

_ 愛

2010-06-10T05:34:00.000-07:00

_I'm currently mildly obsessed, thanks to stylist Matthew Josephs with the Japanese label Phenomenon's AW10 collection.

The most obvious talking point of Phenomenon’s Autumn/Winter show is the manskirt. While some open - front styles were strong nods to the traditional Samurai Hakama battle skirt. Overall, however, the collection took us back more than a few centuries. Design-wise, the practically literal references to the Samurai were endless. I would like to redirect our attention, therefore, away from the manskirt, to the jacket and outerwear design. From wool to nylon, the silhouette of the Samurai armor was present in each of these pieces. The more literal takes on the traditional warrior armor were the most fascinating, specifically the 3-dimensional arm construction as well as a look showing detached “armored” leather sleeves as a version of outerwear.

Kings of streetwear, Phenomenon has realized that the concept of protection on the battlefield can be equally as useful on the street.

_Day + Night

2010-06-08T18:07:00.001-07:00

_I was asked a few months back to 'brand' my old degree course - They had a new head of the course, and he wanted to make the most of displaying not only what the course was about, but also the alumni the course has produced (everyone from Katie Grand to Luella Bartley), Each years grads get a focus and even an image blog from students on their invaluable 'Year in Industry' this year there are students everywhere from Paris to Russia, NYC to Japan - I have worked on the idea of a 'Superblog' - Simply, one website, and in effect 6 individual blogs under separate titles, all falling under the umbrella of 'Fashion Communication & Promotion' at Central Saint Martins.

The site launches this week, and I will post the link as soon as it does.

_So Annoying

2010-06-08T17:56:00.001-07:00

_This cover is total genius, as is the shoot that goes with, and it annoys me SO MUCH, that Interview comes out here nearly a month later that it does in the US - Bull.

_Inspired

2010-06-08T17:32:00.001-07:00

_I'm generating/being sent SO much inspirational imagery at the minute, but cant show any of it until various launches this September, so to counteract that I'm going to post the things that are inspiring what I'm doing.

Tony By Steven in Face.
Boys with 'heavy' necks.
The Three Graces / White Stone.
Intense Pencil Work.
Memo: to all boys with sleeve tats - cut/wear off the elbows of your long sleeves - the snippet melts me.
Battleships.
Collage / Chris Shannon.
Used skateboards + WOI.
NYC Sunsets.
My Patio of fresh herbs.
Amazing public signage.
Cute boys with attitudes.

_I dont like girls . . .

2010-06-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

_But this is stupidly hot.

_The Artists Studio

2010-06-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

_They always have, and always will be a great source of inspiration for me - maybe its the fact that my OCD would never allow me to live like that?

_Boxtop

2010-06-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

_A well designed letter head, is there anything greater?

_Those Fleeting Moments . . .

2010-06-08T11:36:00.001-07:00

_When you are in a transitional period can be so nice. This is what was Borders on Charing Cross Road, it is now covered in vile TKMaxx branding, but for a few days, the old exterior was exposed, as was the shadows and ghosts of the stunning old 'Sun Electrical Company' signage - Simply Beautiful

_Hotel Beds, at Home . . .

2010-06-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

_Literally, I cant get enough of making my bed at the minute, infact sod that, I just love making beds - Its so satisfying, its like a huge piece of immaculate folding in the middle of the room, and mine is even tucked behind a bookcase in my room. But when people do see it, the sartorial sharpness always shocks them. PLUS, it feels like you're getting into a hotel bed every night (I'm told this regularly)

Reccomended: 800 thread count (always) white sheets, fibre pillows, 14 tog goose down duvet (for Winter) 12 tog fibre duvet (for summer). And my current favourite (shown) 20" square, custom made powder grey wool scatter cushions with steel zips.

_Johnnie Shand Kydd

2010-06-08T09:12:00.002-07:00

_I love the work of Johnnie Shand Kydd and cant wait for his show to open at The Estorick Collection on June 30th to September 12th 2010.

_Love, Literally

2010-06-08T09:12:00.001-07:00

_Easilly 20 minutes wasted playing around on this today - funny floating 'kids stickers' that remind me of my niece - full page films, grids of delicious imagery, pretty much a flash cluster fuck - totally brilliant. oh, and I love the nipple circling heart.

_Jealous

2010-06-08T08:51:00.002-07:00

_Chris, I'm totally jealous that you now own this. Expect me over to the studio to coo over it soon.

But it is a good excuse to do a post on it. . .

In 1992, Joe McKenna launched the first issue of 'Joe's Magazine' featuring various photographers. Only two issues were ever produced of this lavish large-format magazine edited and published by fashion stylist Joe McKenna. Now very rare. There is a long interview with Miuccia Prada, and photo shoots by David Sims, Mario Sorrenti, Bruce Weber, Craig McDean and Steven Klein. McKenna gave his first cover to the Virgin Mary, who was depicted looking upward and serenely exhaling a cloud of smoke. Stun ning.

_Sunspel Launch

2010-06-08T08:51:00.001-07:00

_I went to a great little opening last week for the new Sunspel store on Redchurch Street in East London, it was great to see so many familiar faces sipping Pimms out in the sun, it was also nice to see the (surprising) promo for the new store - An 8 page fanzine style publication, photographed by Alasdair McLellan, and collaged by Pat of Boyo - Ace.

_RIP Louise Bourgeois

2010-06-08T08:48:00.004-07:00

_Totally forgot to do this last week, so here we are:

Until she was in her 50s, Louise Bourgeois, who has died aged 98 after a heart attack, was known to the New York glitterati merely as the charming French lady who appeared at private views on the arm of her American husband, the art historian Robert Goldwater. There had been a few decently received shows of Bourgeois's own work in the 1940s and early 50s, but then the abstract expressionists swept the decks clean.

Nothing could withstand the sheer artistic elan and commercial drive of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning, and the backing of Clement Greenberg, a critic whose thumbs up or down meant life or death. It was not until the Museum of Modern Art (Moma) gave Bourgeois a retrospective in 1982, when she was already 70, that she at last took her place as queen of New York, one of the most inventive and disturbing sculptors of the century and, later, the first artist to to tackle a commission for a temporary work to command the vast spaces of the turbine hall of the new Tate Modern, in London.

Images: Robert MappleThorpe 1982

_Un-named

2010-06-08T08:48:00.003-07:00

_Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin are a photographic team based in London. Their work balances somewhere between art and photographic reportage. I had an amazing casting with them today for a new project they're working on based on the subcultures of Cairo - Stay tuned for (hopefully) more.

_Check me out, less than a week since my last post . . .

2010-06-08T08:48:00.001-07:00

_The last few days have been really inspiring, plus the weather has meant I haven't wanted to party/socialize half as much as I do in the sun. So, I have taken a minute to blog, only a few days since my last posts! here are my last few days from my iPhone, some will be explained, some wont, Enjoy...

_He's so Cute . . .

2010-06-06T17:06:00.001-07:00

_Every picture I see of him, it just makes me smile xx

_God Squad . . .

2010-06-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

_If they were all housed in one of these, I'd be in.

_I heart 'My Favourite Things'

2010-06-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

_I just wish they did it more often, infact, I wish it was less shoes and bags, more nice things in peoples houses, kinda like the selby, but less spaces, more objects.

Check more at: www.jackandjil.com

_Lilacs

2010-06-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

_On Mass, one of my favourite EVER things. And funnily enough, they're one of my moms too. I always remember us having alot of Lilacs around the house in the spring time, them and Sweet Peas in big jam jars.

_Basquiat Inspired

2010-06-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

_I love seeing chalk drawings on the street - they always remind me of Jean Michel Basquiat. And, at the moment its quite a common occurance, due to the fact that I live around the corner to a primary school so there are often primitive little scrawls on the streets. But I thought this one deserved a special mention, especially those lips - Stunning. Whoever this kid is, I like them.

_Bizarrely Illustrated

2010-06-06T16:38:00.001-07:00

_In the same way the old 40's 'Men Only' magazines inspired me, this week I was lucky enough to be able to see and flick through some original 50's 'Bizarre' magazines, with original Gruau covers - No matter what anyone says, fashion illustration is totally internal, ultimately timeless, and can have such an incredible inpact on the viewer.

_Can we just talk about this?!

2010-06-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

_Janet, the Return.

That body?
The Lynn Costumes?
And most of all, THAT crop?!

The Woman is an icon.
Only a Jackson could come back at this level.

_Hand

2010-06-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

_Addcited to hand type over imagery at the minute, or rammed in imagery, there's something so perfectly primitive about it all. Oh, and I'm also loving the face that I keep seeing that Andy Warhol / Bruce Weber note on so many blogs and websites, and the actual thing itself framed on my wall - Ha, Brilliant. And, please click on the about Kenneth Anger note and read it full sized - It amuses me so much.

_Decadence . . .

2010-06-06T09:01:00.002-07:00

_So, I feel I have reached a new point of ridiculousness - Burning two Diptyque candles at once. After being recommended the idea of combining scents I decided to give it a go, mixing my favourite scent Myhrre, with whats commonly known as 'Sweet Myhrre' but to Diptyque is the summer version of Myhrre, Opopanax, and the two together, for me, is just unbelievable. I literally die, in an air of decadence

_Go and see this . . .

2010-06-06T09:01:00.001-07:00

_Andreas Laszlo Konrath is an incredible photographer who is currently showing London at Exit Gallery, 121-125 Charing Cross Road, London.

“So alone I keep the wolves a bay” is a selection of work from three separate photographic stories, but all display here within a cohesive theme. Andreas has spent many years documenting the lives of young men particularly those committed to the lifestyle dictated by music and the fashion and trends related to their path.

To accompany this matter Andreas has decided to present the work in it’s rawest state – Xeron copied prints which are cured but remind us of old punk posters and hand made 7″ record sleeves. He has also produced a limited edition Zine of 200 copies printed on a Risograph that will be sold at Claire de Rouen books alongside the exhibition which is on display until June 18th 2010.

_Screened

2010-06-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

_I have a new obsession with 'messy screens' after having an ace screen printing day a few weeks ago. Then when The Selby book landed on my doorstep and I reached the point of Hirakawa Takeharu at home in Kamakura I died when I saw this stunning book in his home - Does anyone have any idea who it's by? I want it so badly. And if nothing else it is such an inspirational piece to me.

_So Another Week has disappeared . . .

2010-06-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

_And it seems I've spent the last month starting my now weekly posts with a quick image catch up, so not wanting to break the habit, here we are . . .

_Shoots Part II.

2010-05-26T17:55:00.002-07:00

_The Studio and its team shot an amazing lookbook yesterday (With a little editorial bolted on the end) It was a great day, although after the intense last few weeks, it was very slow off the mark, but a few hours in, and quite a bit of upbeat jazz we got there, and found a true voice. The model Maxwel was ace, and the menswear collection itself is AMazing, and so easy to work with, I will post more, when the matter itself is together. But believe me, this designer, and his 'Formal Artists Wear' is definitely one to watch.

_A Parisian in NYC

2010-05-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

_I found these images on one of my favourite blogs today, by a stunning french girl, based in Paris, but traveling the world photographing what she comes across along the wat - I love the fact that her images have got a real humanity to them, they're real, not glossy, but retaining a true honest elegance. This is the NYC apartment of parisian born Patrick Leclerco. He works in advertising, and his place, that he describes as 'perched in a tree' is in Brooklyn Heights NYC, my personal favourite bit is the light, giant shafts, through darkened comfy rooms - glorious.

_The shape of the sun

2010-05-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

_I heart it. Alot.
Although, when you're supposed to be working it makes things VERY hard.
oh, and one of my favourite things is hard shadows on bleached concrete.

_Tony Ward II.

2010-05-26T17:30:00.001-07:00

_After meeting him this last week (see below) I decided to dig out of images that I remember being one of the first times I really took note to Mr Ward, I was Steven Klein for the Face, in 1999 (I was 15), with story by JT Leroy - Am azing.

_No Lifeguard

2010-05-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

_I first saw the images from 'No lifeguard on duty' by J Bennett Fitts in a book under the same name in Collette in Paris 2 years ago, it was in Japanese, and therefore I had no idea who it was by, and how I could find it on my return to LDN, then a friend sent me these images the other week - I was so happy. And now the book is winging its way to me from Amazon - Ideal.

www.jbennettfitts.com

_What a colour combo.

2010-05-26T17:25:00.001-07:00

_Sat on the Tube platform the other day, I realized one of my new favourite colour combos - Last season it was black and navy, this season, its navy and dark mustard. Displayed perfectly in my dickies khaki's, Raf '07 weekend bag, and topped perfectly with fresh white hightop Vans.

_I got a new desk lamp . . .

2010-05-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

_And its freaking ace, you cant see in these B&W images but it is khaki enameled steel, dual headed with chrome flick switches on the base. And, it works SO well on my rosewood topped desk.

_Want Want Want

2010-05-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

_The Chanel Boules, put on display at the SS11 Cruise show last week.
I love Chanel 'obects' they're just so sexy.

_Shoots Part I.

2010-05-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

_This was actually my second shoot of the last two weeks, but the first I'm not allowed to show anything of. This I can show, but cant really explain. Other than the fact the the clothing was INCREDIBLE (The clue us to see if you can recognise any of the pieces), Oscar, our model was totally adorable, and as ever, my amazing team totally outdid themselves, in the incredible galleried space that is the Russian Club Studios on Kingsland Road in East London.

_Abandoned

2010-05-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

_I could look at this series all night long: '100 Abandoned Houses' by Kevin Bauman is literally one of the most stunning things I have seen a long long time. Please go to his website and see the other 95.

www.kevinbauman.com

_Tony Ward I.

2010-05-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

_This last week I met him and photographed him for a project I'm currently working on - He's totally gorgeous and one of the sweetest guys, I can totally see what Madonna saw in him, he looks like a bad boy, but is so alluring, suggestive and quietly sexual.

YUM.

_South Swell

2010-05-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

_South Swell, California, Summer 2009

A glorious set of photographys by Jim Newitt, 'South Swell' is Published by Point Never and is so nice, its simplicity, and calmness truly sooth the soul. To create this type of imagery and printed matter is such a joy, and I hope to do much more of it in the summer months.

http://point-never.com

_So yeah, I literally disappeared into work, and the rest of life . . .

2010-05-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

_For the last few weeks, its literally been non stop, I knew I had quite a bit on, but didn't quite realize it'd be SO mental. whenever, I've been at home I've been working, the rest of the time its been dinners on the go, shoots a plenty, and the most ridiculous sunshine I have ever known in London doesn't bode well for sitting in a blogging. But, today, I have taken the time to do a mass blog update. Above are just some samples of my life in the last few weeks, some I will explain more, some are just samples of my life. So, I apologise for the last few weeks, and I hope you enjoy todays posting, and I'm sure it wont be as long until the next blog frenzy.

_Modern Iconography

2010-05-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

_I love the cover of the new Self Service, buckram printed polaroids, debossed in gold - its so nice (especially after the last few 'botch' issues). And I love it even more with a Diptyque sat burning on it.

_Inspired

2010-05-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

_Over the next two weeks, I'm Art Directing 3 big menswear shoots, I cant wait, but right now, its SO much planning, all sorts of amazing stuff, but I will explain more once they're done. This old Calvin Jeans campaign is heavily inspiring me through the prep.

_I'm making plans, big, exciting ones . . .

2010-05-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

_America, and lots of it.

_Sang Bleu

2010-05-10T15:38:00.001-07:00

_I cant put into words how much I love this magazine - The features are always orginal and interesting, the layout is stunning, the format is great, everything, all of it, lovelovelove.

_One of my Favourite things in the East . . .

2010-05-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

The crucifix on top of what looks like a telecommunications pole on the Shoreditch chapel, just behind the George and Dragon on Hackney Road. Its so crude, and aggressive, yet simple, graphic and effective. And if lightening were to ever strike I think it would work perfectly.

It never fails to make me smile.
That, and the word 'CELL' written on the end of a building in Bethnal Green (picture to follow).

_'An American in Paris'

2010-05-10T15:27:00.001-07:00

_I love this shoot from the new Man About Town (lets not talk about the dodgy look of the magazine as a whole - That Cover?! - I'm sorry I just cant) Dominique at D1, styled By Simon Foxton, and photographed by one of my favourite contemporary fashion photographers Karim Sadli. Simon at his best. And Dom is one of my favourite models of the minute. Stunning. Such grown up attitude.

_Want Want Want

2010-05-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

_A matt black Vogue Range Rover - I spotting this one on Soho Square today, and it literally kills me - how freaking good does it look?!

_New to my bookcase . . .

2010-05-10T15:15:00.001-07:00

_'The Selby is in your place' landed on my doorstep on Friday, and it seems I was up until 3am both weekend nights reading it cover to cover - I love a good (and 'honest') interiors book, and its so nice to have personal notes alongside Todd's images. I always love the images he takes, but being the nosey type, always like to know more - This book gives all of that, and some. Strange cover in comparison to his other lovely, hand illustrated cover (which is why its not up) but a great interior, and the perfect hardback formatting and size.

_Summer Look

2010-05-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

_I've always quite fancied the idea flowers in my hair, but thought it was a bit too effeminate. Well, It seems JW Anderson has sorted that for me - Stuff flowers everywhere else, I'm especially loving the idea of stuffing flowers into big ass army boots.

_Chanel Chains

2010-05-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

_I adore the new Chanel chain rings in brushed steel. Brilliant. And quite well priced at £70.

_The Windows Are In . . .

2010-05-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

_At 'One.Two.Five Presents' in Notting Hill and they look great. I'm really pleased with how the hand type worked on window vinyls. All we need now are some gate post numbers in matching brand type.

_Obsessed II.

2010-05-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

_The Lead singer of 80's band AHA, and cheekboned, gap toothed Scando god, Morten Harket - I had a discussion with someone today, who informs me, (with first hand knowledge) that he as an ass like two scoops of vanilla ice cream, that just dont quit ;)

_Inside

2010-05-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

_Just some lovely bits, from the simple to the epic, I want it all. especially to live in that top image, oh, and to have a sunken car port under my house, only accessed through a hardwood drop down floor in the middle of the house.

_Warm Heart

2010-05-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

_I love this.

The opening page of Hedi Slimane's website for the past few weeks has been a gorgeous Super8 video he made of Ambrose Olsen last year.

Such a loss xx

_Besson Marathon

2010-05-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

_Last Monday I went to a Luc Besson double bill at the Prince Charles Cinema, it was ace, Leon followed by the Fifth Element, and all for £7.00. Both were fantastic, but to see Leon on the big screen was totally stunning, that Bjork 'Venus as a Boy' gun training scene literally melted me. And the end, all that sound, in-credible.

Monday night double bills at the Prince Charles - Highly recommended.

_Obsessed I.

2010-05-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

_With New York based jewellery designer Philip Crangi - he's just gorgeous, in a totally non traditional, 'fashionable crafts' kinda way, and all of his strange little 50's rockabilly tats, all over his hands and that hand done chest one - YUM.

_Bring it Back

2010-05-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

_I've made a decision - G-shock is cool again.

Yep, after shooting an advertorial with G-shock for Nylon last week, I have come to the conclusion it is time for G-Shock to make a hardcore come back - they look like ACE Action Man watches. And I know there was quite a few of your out there who worked a Baby-G back in the 90's (I had a baby blue one). Well, we've grown up now, and its time for full time G-shock. Totally Brilliant.

_Wiltons

2010-05-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

_I discovered a great little coffee shop at the top of London fields yesterday. First there was Climpson and Sons in Broadway Market, then came Tina, We Salute You in Dalston, and now Wilton’s, at 63 Wilton Way, Hackney E8 - the latest venture from the owners and managers of the Notting Hill Arts Club. A great little coffee shop, tucked away on a suburban street, they also have there own little radio station, playing online and in store. The radio station can be found at http://www.londonfieldsradio.com – or just go to the café and watch it happen in the booth.

I also loved the fact that as I went to sit down on the old school science class stools, mine was carved with INXS - Brilliant.

_Note:

2010-05-09T04:04:00.000-07:00

_Please dont be disheartened - I am currently going for brunch and then have work to this afternoon for Nylon in NYC, but I will be back on it tomo and will carry on the mass of days / weeks blogging catch up as promised. Also, how nice were the sweet pea filled champagne buckets on the piano at Bistroteque last week?