Bob Marley in London

A tenuous link to London maybe, but this guy gets me through my morning commute most days. Nobody calms the soul like Marley. i feel positively centred after the first bar of three little birds.
As you probably know, Marley spent a lot of time in London. I went looking for this plaque the other day in Camden, after reading about his 'footprint on London'. 

Now, i'm quoting a quote of a quote here, when i write that Marley believed London was his 'spiritual home'. I was surprised by that, but i will take it anyhow. I tried so hard to find a photo or some footage of him playing football in Battersea Park, but had no luck. hmmm. There might be something in the new documentary that comes out next week. Check out the trailer. It looks awesome. i feel like i've been waiting forever for it to come out.

Sinister Fairytales

The Stuff of Nightmares @ Museum of Childhood. The Brothers Grimm's Fundevogel, seen through the eyes of Caley Primary School, Morpeth Secondary School and Tower Hamlets College.

...by Paris based photographer Thomas Czarnecki




the battle to be the fairest fairytale film of all this summer...
Angelina Jolie in Maleficent (Evil villain in Disney's Sleeping Beauty), set for release March 2014

MCQ - The show must go on...

Much has been said about Sarah Burton since she deservedly took the helm at Alexander McQueen two years ago. Nobody can have any doubt that she has continued to take the brand forward with integrity, remaining true to McQueen’s vision, whilst putting her own stamp on things (ok, so that sounds very awards show schmaltzy, but I have just watched the Oscar highlights, so forgive me, it is sincere!)


The intro of the McQ diffusion line to LFW had the fashion world itching with excitement. Now, the collection was gorgeous, fusing a strict military aesthetic with that romantic flare that Burton seems to effortlessly conjure. But it was the spectacle of the show finale that had the audience and those streaming at home mesmerised. The dramatic twist gave a nod to the showmanship of McQueen and the spectacular theatrics within his catwalk history.


So let me set the scene. Kristen McMenamy walks out in the closing outfit (the most beautiful white dress, with a nipped in waist and full tulle skirt), stops dead, bathed in bright light, when leaves start falling around her…As she looks around, she finds a rope, hidden beneath the leaves, which guides her forward, into an alluring wood…
Did you see the techno hut coming? The show really got me reminiscing, leading to a monster you tube fest!


McQueen always began his collections with a concept for the show. The fashion then followed. Inspired by anything and everything, from Art, Film, Music, History; he looked to  a variety of sources, always leading to a richer experience. The shows were never trivial, never cosmetic, which is why they were so powerful. Each one had a message, a story, drama...


Joan A/W '98-99
This show was inspired by one of, what McQueen called, history's doomed women -  Joan of Arc. Like he would time and time again, McQueen covered the model's face. The focus was to be on the clothes, not the wearer. The finale was literally on fire...

The Overlook AW '99-00
Made to feel like a giant snow globe...this show had, well, snow, actual wolves and an ice skating rink in the middle. It was also an example of McQueen finding inspiration in film. In this case Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. Remember the name of the hotel? If you are a fan of the film, you will also recognise the music in this clip and you may spot a pair of familiar looking (albeit slightly older) twins...
No. 13 S/S '99

''[The finale of this collection] was inspired by an installation by artist Rebecca Horn of two shotguns firing blood-red paint at each other.” – Lee Alexander McQueen

VOSS S/S '01
Inspired by a photograph by Joel Peter Witkin's, Sanitarium (pictured below).

This show is possibly my all time favourite, especially after seeing part of the collection up close at a VandA exhibition, Radical Fashion, way back in 2002! I loved how the audience sat down in front of this vast box, to find that, unnervingly, they were staring at their own reflection. As the lights went down outside the box, the lights went on inside, where the models then found themselves on the wrong side of a one-way mirror. “These beautiful models were walking around in the room, and then suddenly this woman who wouldn’t be considered beautiful was revealed. It was about trying to trap something that wasn’t conventionally beautiful to show that beauty comes from within.” – Lee Alexander McQueen



Joel Peter Witkin's Sanitarium (above and the actual show below)


What a Merry-Go-Round A/W '01-02
A sinister take on the fairground, staged on a dark and twisted Merry-go-Round outside a Victorian toy shop. The shows music featured the voice of the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the kind of scary ass clowns that are the subjects of many nightmares! One of his many macabre moments

Widows of Culloden A/W '06-07
The final moments of this show saw a haunting hologram of Kate Moss, apparate out of the darkness, to the beautiful Theme from Schindler's List. McQueen rarely used supermodels, however he used Kate Moss in a number of his shows. This one was during the whole cocaine scandal, when brands were dropping Moss faster than you can say Daily Mirror! But McQueen stood by her.
The show was inspired the last battle of the Jacobite risings between the Brits and the Scotts, alluding to McQueen's heritage. It is also the sequel to Highland Rape A/w '95-96. Not one to lament in silence, this is but one example of McQueen airing his political views, in this case, his disdain of the Brits treatment of the Scotts in the 1700s. 

…then there was Untitled S/S '98 (formally known as Golden Showers...), It’s only a Game S/S '05 (a giant game of Model Chess, inspired by a scene in the 1st Harry Potter), Scanners A/W '03/04 (featuring a beautiful, oversized kimono installation)...and that's not even the half of it! This post has taken me 4 days to write, due to all the revelling in his catalogue of gorgeous work. He is truly captivating. Long may his talent inspire.

those Summer Cinema nights...

The outdoor film experience is winding up for the Summer...in what ironically looks to be one of the hottest weeks of the year! The Rooftop Film Club, Dalston Roof Park and The Scoop all have their final curtain call this Friday, so take advantage of these last few summer nights and get on it!


Thanks to the free film screenings at The Scoop (outside City Hall on the South Bank), i have now joined the rest of the world in watching The Kings Speech. I'm glad i held out. The film was brilliant but the setting was spectacular, especially as night fell. i loved the sound of open air laughter, which you miss at other outdoor headphone wearing film venues. It was also a great place to people watch! There was such a varied crowd...city guys arriving in their suits, braving the stone steps with their bare behinds, families with kids, friends, lovers, all mushed up together, making things nice and cosy. What i loved the most though, was that everyone brought their own supply of food, drink and cushions, even though there was a well stocked bar and £1- a -go pillows on hand. When did Londoner's become so frugal? Did it start in '08 with the 'R' word?? 

Maybe it's my Northern roots, but i've been packing my own cinema picnic for years now, having become jaded with ridiculously priced revels and the lack of savory snacks - word of warning, sushi and cinema do not mix!But you knew that already, right?!
The whole 'make do and munch' thing just made for a great community atmosphere. Although I did get a serious bout of snack envy. My sandwich, wine and wasabi pea combo was lame compared to take away pizzas and champagne. Next year i will to know what i'm up against!

It's been a great summer of film.

Rooftop Sunsets - Dalston Roof Park

Friends+Film+Food+Sunsets+Music+WoodyAllen+Beers=very good times. That is good maths people!

Rooftop Film Club

Saturday night was my first of many alternative summer cinema experiences. First up, Rooftop film club at the ever popular Queen of Hoxton, to see quite possibly my favourite film ever, La Vita e Bella. And i can tell you, the experience was just magical. So things you should know... 1. the seats are so bloody comfy 2. they provide the softest blankets ever 3. the wireless headphones sound quality is awesome 4. there is an in-house/on roof bar-b-q, as well as a popcorn machine for movie munchies 5. there's a bar within reaching distance 6. amazing city views 7. it's only £9 and 8... do you actually need anymore reasons? Check out the programme for the rest of the summer on their site. But be warned, these movies sell like hot cakes, so i recommended you sign up for their e-letter, giving you a heads up on ticket sales.

Potter Mania

Call me crazy, but i was curious to see the how big the crowd was at the premiere of  the final Harry Potter film yesterday. Now, i hate crowds as much as the next person, but some of these guys were camping out for a week...in the rain -  i had to see this passion up close! It turns out the crowd was pretty impressive, although apologies for the generic photos...i just couldn't get anywhere near Trafalgar Square. I did try balancing on a bollard in an attempt to get a better view over the barrier, but a nice policeman scuppered my evil plan! He threatened to reveal the films ending to the rowdy mob, if i didn’t ''step away from the barrier'’. Now, I didn’t quite fancy getting clubbed to death with fake wands, so I did as I was told. Only to hear a guy behind me shout ‘’we already know the ending mate. In case you hadn’t noticed we’re fanatics! At which point there was a surge towards the barrier…my cue to leave!


 I can't help but think that if London can handle a Potter premiere then the Olympics will be a doddle!

Cinema Paradiso

We're a demanding lot, us generation Y'ers. We are constantly expecting more and more from every possible experience and the cinema is no exception. Gone are the days when a simple trip to the local multiplex is enough (although no doubt they will pull their socks up and become cool again at some point). Now it's all about getting as much of an experience as you can out of a film, whether that comes from the surroundings or extras that can be added on, like integrated live performances, food and music. Of course London is all over this trend and was churning out different experiences before we even realised we wanted them! So here are a few film feasts of the moment, but there are plenty more out there (too many to fit into one post), so get researching!

Everyman in Hampstead



One of my indoor favourites - it's so decadent. The acoustics are really good, plus with added extras like comfy sofas, waiter service (there is a personal button at your seat!) and the yummiest nibbles (the humous is delicious), it's always a joy to watch films there.


The Scoop -  starting September


i think i could quite possibly be the only person in the country who hasn't seen The Kings Speech. I just never got round to it and when every man and his dog told me I ''just had to see it'', all it did was make me not want to see it (it took me years to actually watch the matrix because of this same issue!). So i think i am going to hold out a little while longer and wait for the free screening at The Scoop in September. Check out their website for the full programme list. Blanket, cushion and bottle of wine required!


Rooftop Film Club


With a view like that i'm not sure I would actually concentrate on the film, so i'd better choose a good one! One of my favourite films EVER is Amelie, which these guys are due to screen this summer. Definitely the film for me...how romantic! See the site and be spoilt for choice.


Lexi Cinema presents The Nomad  - July onwards


There is nothing I like more than a theme...and The Nomad experience gives you just that. A pop-up, travelling film circus, if you will, that chooses it's locations with great care, to give maximum impact. There may be a few other surprises along the way, to enhance the mood, so keep your eyes peeled. My fancies are Raging Bull in the renowned boxing venue that is York Hall and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet in Regents Park Open Air Theatre or maybe Pan's Labyrinth in Brompton Cemetery- what to do?? One thing is for sure...i am going to spend a fortune on film this summer!


Mid Summer Night Screen @ Dalston Roof Park

Another venue that likes a good theme. Expect brilliant music, decorations and more-ish food to enhance the expertly chosen films. The sounds of the city are blocked out by wireless headphones, helping you zone into the film and your surroundings. A great venue in a great area of town.


The Floating Cinema - starts July 2011


How awesome! This illustration gives us an idea of how this amazing customised narrow boat will look when it's up and running in a few weeks time. The concept was dreamt up by the Hackney based architects Studio Weave and artist duo Somewhere (Nina Pope and Karen Guthrie) and is set to sail around the Olympic host boroughs this summer, with a packed programme of entertainment. With on board screenings, projections onto waterside buildings and much, much more, this concept is sure to bring lots of fun to the East London waterways. We are sure to see a lot more projects centered around the river in the run up to 2012 - can't wait to see what's to come!


film 4 summer screen at somerset house 27th July - 7th August

Always a good event. Being a big fan of Pedro Almodovar, i was so gutted to miss the premier of Broken Embraces a couple of years ago. AND Penelope Cruz was there with him to introduce the film...arrrraaagghh! I must get over this, it's not healthy! Anyways, there are some great films on show again this year, so check it out before it's too late!

*all images other than Everyman and York Hall taken from the subjects respective sites.

TRON

If you are a fan of the 80's action sci-fi classic Tron, then head down to the South Bank to experience the build up to the sequel Tron Legacy, released later this month. Step into a recreation of Flynn's arcade, to play on the free games and catch the themed light show, projected onto the roof of the building.  I have to admit, I still haven't seen the original all the way through yet...must persevere!