Graduate Fashion Week

Rankin’s Hunger Magazine Launch

Last week, I went down to Rankin’s studio in Kentish town to attend a party for ‘The Hunger’ a biannual magazine. It launched in November 2011, however this evening was to showcase Rankin’s second edition.  Several years after Dazed & Confused was founded, and 10 years after the birth of AnOther, The Hunger provides creative types with ‘a new platform for uncompromised self-expression, innovation and discovery.’  Hungertv.com was also launched in sync with the magazine which is a video-based website featuring exclusive in-depth interviews and fashion films with those featured within the magazine.

** GET DOWN TO THE PAUL SMITH WAREHOUSE SALE THIS WEEK **

Mahiki On Food

I’ve been chomping on it for a while, but what i didn’t realise is that many people didn’t understand that  Mahiki, Mayfair serves up a tasty Polynesian inspired menu (it’s not just all about the famous cocktails.)  Mahiki can be found on  Dover Street and their ‘island grill’ consists of several ‘mini-bites’-my favourite Mahiki ‘Slider’ burger – made with bespoke patties by Master Butcher Allan’s of Mayfair, American cheese and a brioche bun.  Combined with a Treasure Chest the food really adds to the tropical theme, and lines the stomach nicely!

Ariella Couture 3D Show

On Tuesday evening I attended the Ariella Couture Show, a Hollywood style launch in the RBS building.

Fourth & Main SS12 collection/journal launch party

A couple of weeks ago, Fourth & Main released their SS12 collection and arts journal.  The event was held in The Bargehouse , next to the Oxo Tower;   A spacious, untouched four-storey building, in a raw state, providing the perfect blank canvas with tremendous scope for exhibitions and events.  The setting was stunning, and an ideal place to show off art, film and let beautiful people congregate.  A new, creative production company called The Event Bears organised the showcase and everything ran swimmingly.   A complimentary bar moistened the palette for an evening full of laughs, atmosphere and culture with music provided by The Alpines DJ-ing  (what more could you ask for?)  Guests included, Mario Testino, Laura Marling and Sophie Coombes  and many more which can be seen via Tatler’s  coverage of the evening.  It was a pleasure to attend this event, one of my favourites of 2012

Luzi Bombon- Madrid

Last saturday ten of us went to Luzi Bombon which was perfect for drinks and dinner.  Acting as the ideal appetizer for a long night ahead, with a late night bar and DJ to start up your weekend.  Personally, the Mediterranean brasserie was my highlight, being able to choose fish, beef, pork or poultry to be cooked up on the grill (alternatively a few people had a two-person ‘arroz’.)  We all ate with an variation of small sides and shared smaller plates to start!  The food became a focus, leading to discussions over what people felt was nicest etc- I like the sense of unity tapas cuisine creates.

Interior-wise I would describe the aesthetic is as a combination of furnishings from the 1950’s with clean, crisp block furnishings; wooden walls, simple textiles and dynamic lines.  The way the restaurant is lit focuses on the materials, creating a  warm, inviting atmosphere. The outside garden area surrounding the modern building provide a picturesque entrance, giving you the option to enter through a large iron and glass door, or take a more subtle entrance through a chic wooden access door at the side of the building.  For me, the restaurant feels very ‘of the moment’ and it has a nice atmosphere, it is not suprising that the Beckham’s really rate this place.  Similarly, on the football front we were sat in front of, Sergio Ramos who really seemed to be enjoying himself.  I would definitely recommend going here, great atmosphere, environment and all at reasonable cost.

Quick Illustration of Daniel Lismore

I was looking over photos of friday night and did this quick illustration of Daniel Lismore.  He was a vision of fabric, mystery and doll-like makeup, so here it is, hope it does him justice!

To Hell With Tradition, Mother’s day lunch…a day late at Roux at The Landau

My brother, sister and I treated my mother today, by venturing down the end of Regent Street, being home to a stunning heigh ceilinged dining room;  Roux at the Landau.  The interior design beautifully combines features fit for it’s high end diners (so we felt it perfect for mother, who adores the finer things in life!)   The entrance to the restaurant is framed gloriously with a floor to ceiling wine cabinet, embellished with dense,gold handles.  This lured us into the main restaurant where we were seated beneath impressive architecture; heavy dark arches.  The room could be described as perfect, emphasised by the mass of sun booming through the vintage  bay windows, highlighting the details of  intricate furnishings and architecture; leather, metals, chandeliers, exquisite cutlery and the fresh table-roses.  The layout being circular creates a sense of unity, (without being intimidating) as there is still room for  breathing space.  The staff make one feel extremely welcome, being polite, considerate,and particularly smiley  (there is nothing worse than a sour-grape server in my opinion!)

To accompany the Prosecco, I ordered a bitter green salad, which was an interesting choice, fusing  a range of natural fresh flavours with the bite of sharp cheeses.  I was pleased with my choice, proving quite light, in contrast to my main of sirloin steak.  My beef was a triumph, perfect-pink, tender, moist and heaped with flavour.  The accompanying sides of garnished vegetables were the perfect combination, with a dash of hollandaise and the best amount of gravy.  I didn’t order a dessert, but I found myself getting cheese-envy when my brother’s option arrived; a selection of the finest cheeses, accompanied by  melba toast, traditional chutney, looking even more appetising on the vintage serving tray with beautifully illustrated labels.  Sorry for not mentioning what they others ate, but when it comes to food I just anticipate it, concentrate on it and devour it.  However, I take it from my self- confessed ‘squiffy’ mother that she had a good time.  She is still going on about her hand made ice cream (I think that says success!)  A place well worth a trip if you want to spoil someone, especially for lunch as the sun really benefits this spectacular venue.

Friday 16th March Sorapol Autumn/Winter 2012 – Iron Grip

On Friday I was lucky enough to attend Sorapol’s A/W12 show ‘Iron Grip’, which was held at The Old Vic Tunnels, a unique London venue.  It was perfect for the event,  creating a chilling atmosphere within the catwalk space. The dank, urban venue was perfect for Sorapol and his collection, a real sense of  intense drama was created.  Standing in the queue before entering the venue built up the excitement, witnessing a hedonistic display of colours and sparkles.  Important characters were whisked through the intense crowd and past my friends and I.  The high volume of guests clearly paid tribute to Sorapol’s enhanced success and interest, several were even turned away because of over interest!  Once in, we were surrounded by archways, brick walls and Bridget Riley style black and white graffiti.

We were submerged in a choir of  the alternative, fluorescent, fashionistas.  Familiar faces were noted, Boy George in a large orange hat, my favourite doctor, Dr Christian Jessen, and bigging up the hair volume for the evening,the outrageous Jodie Harsh and D.J, Lady Lloyd.  It was good to see new faces such as the adorable T.V Twins from Playing It Straight, Sam and Ben, who had me in stitches!

The show opened with silence, being broken with a sharp, shooting sound, followed by leaking smoke overriding the catwalk.  This was then fused with the hearings of an eerie classical tune, which became synchronised rhythmically with the movements of the models, slowly making their way back and forth down the runway.  The girls exhibited a range of patterns, materials, textures and shapes which were all a triumph.  I found myself not wanting the next model to come out as quickly because I was too fascinated by the range of intricacies in each outfit; fur, pearls, skulls, metals were just a few items that formed a truly exceptional collection.  There is no doubt in my mind that Sorapol, especially working with inspiring, Daniel Lismore, will just go on further to mesmerise people.