“Inc-RED-ible BAFTAs!”

 

Enjoy the view…

… This recent encouragement had stuck in my spirit…

… remained suspended, until the opportunity for the right view, came along…

… that being, a behind-the-scenes perspective of one of the most exciting nights of creative recognition, namely, the British Academy of Film & Television Arts Awards.

My view would begin at the Royal Festival Hall..

Sacred home to so many endeavours of artistry, from stage to screen… embracing space of the consummately classic and cutting-edge contemporary… sprawling venue for live, sonic experiences and intimate poetic expression. It is the epitome of an environment, which nurtures, both, the organic and site-specific nature of multidisciplinary invention…

… and, against the backdrop of a rich, aquamarine sky, backlit by piercing dawn sunrays, the milk-white hue of this hallowed building was, extraordinarily stunning.

Taking each step from Belvedere Road, a lively throng of fellow Arts-enthusiasts, was the chorus which greeted me… All in, animated, wait, anticipating a day which, as an observer, could not be planned for, simply, witnessed…

… and, as ever, my curiosity was piqued…

Who were they? Where had their respective journeys started? I had to dive in… and expeditiously learnt, that they hailed from Suffolk, on the 6.a.m. train… Essex, on the earliest train, possible… from all points, on the Central London compass, and beyond, by road and rail… and, like me, had a feeling that on this day, this place was the place to be.

Time seemed to decelerate…

… as if we were, now, suspended in our own BAFTA bubble… Hoardings had gone up, queues, were growing tails of eager-beaver, red-carpet connoisseurs and devotees of the stars, great and good, belonging to this wonder-world of the business called “show”..

… But who would, actually, show up, was still a mystery…

Revelations had been stoking the social-media engines and, on inquiring, as to whom the admirers would most love to see, it was a delight to hear that so many had come to support them all… although, after an eagle-eyed sweep of the clustering column, I did spot a number of tell-tale fan T-Shirts!

***

The sun had been steadily moving… as had the lines… The security, kindly, with the definitive air of authority, had kept us informed of entrance procedures and the Southbank, itself, had become a veritable hive of activity, with the Royal Festival Hall, the, unrivalled, Queen Bee…

Not only was the BAFTA buzz growing louder, by the second, not only were passing tourists approaching, to discover just, exactly, what the electric atmosphere was about, but whispers were becoming squeals of glee, when rumours became online confirmation, of attending A-Listers..

… For my part, the fashion was a distinct draw…

Gowns, from the extravagant to the excessive, were sure to make their appearances… Suits, from the understated, to the uber-o.t.t, would, most certainly, demand airtime… From up-do’s through tutu’s, slick-backs, to short-back and sides.. I was about the glamour, dahhhh-ling and I wasn’t going home, without it!

… And, before we knew it, the moment had come, to be the preliminary steppers upon the tapis rouge! Around the corner, ensconced by BAFTA-emblazoned hoardings, we made like legends-in-our-own-lunchtimes, into designated audience areas… and so began one of the most intense rollercoaster rides, in my living memory!

In a heartbeat, talk began, as to the best vantage point for selfies, the best arm position for selfies, how to lean and get your best side… for selfies… Followed by, from which direction the guests would come… then, how to get the full autograph-album completed, how to get an artist’s attention… There was serious strategy… and I was bowled-over… because, you couldn’t plan for this sort of day… or could you?!!

… From that point on, I observed..

I took it all in…

… and re-ran what had just transpired, to even arrive in the viewing gallery…

We had walked past the Press area, opposite, which was ready for representatives of allotted broadcasting outlets… Looking upwards, were 360-degree cameras, lids down, waiting to wake, and rapidly, blink-to-attention, at the celebrity procession, which would, first, be met by the beat of the step-and-repeat.. and, of course, the prestige courtesy-car, arrival area… which would be the last port-of-call, for last-minute wardrobe adjustments and last-minute calm, before the inevitable screaming-storm!

At the sun’s zenith, they streamed in, as it streamed down… and the V.I.P-count did not disappoint… U.K. to U.S., they hailed… From, soap, to stage, to big-screen… from daytime, to night-time, they adorned the red-carpet and, to be frank, were adored, by the most ear–splitting meet-and-greet welcomes, I have, ever, heard!

Presenters, were mic’d-up and ready to go..

… as homegrown casts appeared, in speedy succession… and the dawn chorus began to call a who’s-who of names… and the, now-perfected selfie poses, were editorials-in-action..

… and we waited.. and, mesmerised, I kept watching..

Who would be next?

Well, for future reference, to be acquainted with the language of “loud-screaming”, is advisable, as the higher-pitched, the more desired, the Artist… Until it all becomes one, continual, collective cry… because, everyone wants to see, be seen and be pictured with, well, everyone…

… and, who could argue with such passion, when, like a rushing river, global names approached, so graciously, to oblige, to the, mountingly, fevered requests (returning, in some cases, often, more than once, twice and, even, thrice)…  not because the sun was a-blaze, but because the red-carpet was a-flame, with fame!

Oh… and how the style-files were overflowing, in my phone and my mind!

… And how my wishes were, beyond, fulfilled…

From home-made, billowing, bin-liner couture, embellished with wrappers, to jewel-toned robes, luxurious layers of exquisitely embroidered and crystal-encrusted attire, to magnificently, cut-to-fit bespoke, black-tie brilliance, which was the most… it’s safe to say that the stars had fallen out of the sky, had, elegantly, landed in London and entirely outshone the sun!

… This undulation of emotional crescendo, only became diminuendo, when all of the glitterati had been whisked away, inside the Hall, for a night to remember…

… and, as dusk fell, outside, I absorbed my red-carpet moments and smiled..

… because they might not have been BAFTAs, but they were my prized souvenirs, of a day, about which, I shall not, soon, forget!

 

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2019. All Rights Reserved.

“Springtime Fun-In-The-Sun… Vegas-Style!!”

 

I’m not a bit mad at it, friends…

… a smoked salmon, champagne brunch, at the “Caviar House and Prunier”, accompanied by cheery, if, somewhat sporadic, conversation with fellow diners, in transit, via Heathrow Terminal 3, to global destinations…. with the occasional gawp at the latest offerings of high-end chic, from Louis Vuitton…

…. Nope, I’m not averse to it at all!

In fact, if you were to take the very same letters from, arguably, the most famous acronym in fashion, you’d have a clue as to my own point of disembarkation…

… which, has become my landing location, of choice, on three occasions, since last November…

… Getting warmer?

We-l-l-ll…

…  it has a “Strip” and…. more hotelier options than you can shake a stick at… and secures the hottest performers in the music world…

Yes.. you’ve got it!

Lovely Las Vegas was calling me back to its eclecticisms and idiosyncratic party culture… and this time, I was going to get a lot warmer… Say, 80 degrees, warmer!

… But these days, when the Time-Space continuum is in conjunction… and offers up a week of poolside-living and distinctive style-stories… how can one deign to reject such potential for adventure?!

The answer is, one simply cannot!

… Oh and there might, just, have been the opportunity to celebrate life in, quite, the most glamorous front-row mosh pit in town… Otherwise known as “losing yourself” to the swingin’-est sounds, at the, one and only, “Matt Goss Experience”, within the sassy surrounds of “1OAK Nightclub”, enveloped by the “Grande Dâme” of venues, “The Mirage Hotel”!

Yes…

…  that might, indeed, have alleviated the extensive airtime… although, I was probably the most excited, yet, to be heading back into the arms of my best-loved recreational hot-spot, for an impromptu hug!

Until then…

 I do not succumb to the, deceptively, time-consuming temptation, of purchasing Duty Free…

Rather, I am as focussed as possible, in order to enjoy every other element of my experience (as always)… and, rather expeditiously, am settling into my home-for-the-day… A red-and-white liveried Virgin Atlantic plane (entitled “Lady Freedom”, no less!)… spanning reminiscent listening-sessions of Jeff Buckley’s intensely-moving masterpiece, “Grace”, through to my chosen touchdown tunes, served up by the irrepressible futuristic-disco of Daft Punk… interspersed by power-naps and nourishment, as only the “Branson Brigade” can, so expertly, and elegantly, provide.

I also checked-in with the flight tracker, but needn’t have bothered, since, as we drew ever closer to Nevada, the cabin temperature took a distinct upturn, like the curve of a smile upon the face of someone who has a delicious secret, nestling on the tip of their tongue…

… and, before we knew it, the Time-Space continuum had transported us, to a new Destiny-moment… to make new discoveries, in the awaiting, ensuing days of ensuites and lively beats…

… and what a treat it was!!

Firstly, having dressed for the inclement weather which I’d left behind (i.e. layered in Zara Knitwear, M & S tweed trousers and Julien McDonald biker jacket, etc. etc.), the air con-infused limo ride was an entire blessing!

Then, in keeping with the, seeming, multi-dimensional convergence, a speedy arrivals desk, saw myself and luggage, whisked away in an, equally, expedient elevator, into a newly laid-out, ever more spacious, dwelling, overlooking the expansive pool area, which was soon to be my next stop.. after a freshen-up… and another power-nap…

… which was never going to work when, engrossed by CNN’s Don Lemon and Chris – “#LetsGetAfterIt” – Cuomo, as I arose, in time for the pool to be closed and the restaurants to have been open, for their first and second sittings!

… Yet, the anticipation for my mini outdoor excursion, in search of the perfect placement, for the girl-about-town, writing situation, was not wasted on one, such as I… Assuredly not! … Neither was my beloved shrimp pasta, with the creamiest of sauces, well-accompanied by bubbles, of the soda-pop kind!

At which point, the secret smile was, altogether, mine!

… As was “The Dolphin Bar”, which, for me, was the ultimate setting, for cooling shade on the one side and sizzling sun-trap on the other… and with a waterfall, gently caressing the air, with trickling sound and guests, close by, in deep relaxation or laugh-out-loud revelry… I couldn’t have asked for better…

… except, for the über-cool tracksuits that The Mirage servers were sporting… which were not available, thus remaining exclusive and even more desirable! However, a little multi-coloured batwing top from French Connection, matching coral plissé skirt, with high-low hem and black flip-flops, were my delight… A 70’s throwback and precursor to some Halston Heritage couture, hanging in the closet, to be debuted at a later date… I thank you!!!

Ice-cool beverage and poolside stroll later, I was fuelled for more exploring…

… To Las Vegas Boulevard!!! To “The Fashion Show Mall”!!!

To “The Pinto Ranch“ … an absolute find, for those who adore the outdoor lifestyle and its complementary accoutrements… which, within two days, with the minimum of fuss, under the sagesse and adaptability of store supervisor, Greg, became an educational outlet and morphed into a “Country Music Awards” hang-out for shoppers and browsers, alike!

What I did not fork out for in Duty Free, I more than made up for in the acquisition of some wonderfully unique gifts, which made me look like I came straight out of Southfork… (I’m talkin’ cowboy hat, my darlins.. and then, some)!

How I loved the onslaught of action!!!

Learning more about traditional creative design processes, talking vinyl with “DJ After School Special” and his fabulously fashion-forward manager (and twin brother!), being drowned-out by cars, screaming sonic Morse code, via their horns, using skywalks to cross roads and enter other hotels, like the impeccable, “Venetian”… comparatively quieter, until reverberant opera singing shook the soundwaves of the brain to life… and all in micro-minutes!!!

I, mean, I absolutely, loved it!!!

… Oh, and, what was I not, dear friends?… I was not mad at it, at all… not even a bit perturbed, in the slightest!

I was in Vegas… I wanted more… and more is exactly what I got…

… namely, on Sunday night, for the, now weekly, major Matt Goss show!

Further inspired by my 70’s mood, I went all-out “Studio 54”, honey… All regal, royal blue, backless, halter-neck, jumpsuit joy, golden platform-shoe’d goodness and accordant cobalt, beaming Biba accessories… with a snazzy, ladder-link necklace… and, did I mention, a certain dalliance with “bareMinerals” glitter eyeshadow in “Twilight” and “Hot Commodity” highlighter, and luscious “Sleek” lip gloss… for day-y-y-ys?!!!

Oh, yes, friends, it was, categorically, on… and I was ecstatic with it all!

…. And. What. A. Show!!!

… No matter, how many times, you see it, hear it, experience it… the undeniable force, that is Mr Matt Goss, himself, somehow manages to upstage existence and smash the living daylights out of every moment, regardless of the vocal dynamic of any song, or any time signature!

This is his playground… his artistic vortex in which he, politely, yet, no less insistently, demands you let loose… and it takes no time at all for the whole room to, willingly, yield…

In fact, it gets sweaty, it gets rowdy, it takes a great, big, bite out of life and, quite frankly, is the only show which seems to be a Time-Space Continuum, all of its own…

… a fitting reward for going boldly, and a perfect vault for priceless memories…

… which, along with the turquoise-blue skies, that greeted me upon my return to lovely London, are exactly what I shall treasure…

… until the next clarion call upon dreamy desert winds, hails me back unto the sweet heartbeat of the Nevada Valley…

… and, do you know, what?

I’ll be truly glad, not a tad mad of that, friends…

… not at all!!

 

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2019. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

“A Merry, Matt Goss Christmas, at The Mirage!!”

 

New York was so good, they named it twice…

Well, friends, Vegas was so GRRRREAT, I had to visit twice!

…That, and the very, self-evident fact, that my body-clock had never reset to U.K.-time, after my first trek… So, why waste good jet-lag, and why not go back…but, this time, to see what Matt Goss Christmas shows would be like?!

Yet, something about returning was, markedly, different.

From the approach into Nevada, to the neverending, tensile outlines, as far as the eye could see, through the plane’s porthole windows, the vista of stardust streets had become a city-wide Christmas tree, immersed in such dazzling luminescence, as if the nightsky, itself, had briefly fallen into the hands of a world, awaiting an, even more, imperceptible illumination.

Touchdown, was as whisper-soft, as a prima ballerina landing a graceful, grand jeté, then gliding through to arabèsque and attitude, as if in one, poised, puff-of-an orchestral phrase… Even the, usually crowded, customs hall held a beguiling hush, with lanes, akin to an emptier Strip, which would meet-and-greet visitors, en route to our respective holiday homes…

Yes, different…

Las Vegas looked and felt different… Offering all of the multi-coloured, candy-covered distractions… yet, sweetened, with an undercurrent of a mystical mood that, seemingly, pledged to effectuate an excursion of greater artistic excellence, than first encountered…

…Intrigued and ready, was I…

…for I’d heard tell of the “Matt Goss Christmas”, as being one to showcase his undeniably impressive and expressive musical and emotional aesthetics, in tune with his penchant for debonair visual styling… say, “midnight-hued, velvet, Tom Ford suiting”… and one need say no more!

Sure enough, it was a supremely-spirited, artist, scorching the stage with refreshed and renewed ferocity, mirrored by a vibrant, razor-sharp, cherry-red, suit, who sent the 1-OAK audience into stratospheric heights, garnering rapturous and, often raucous, applause… For, having been on a deserved break, they had sorely missed he who, night, upon night, upon night, inserted the “Yeah, man”, into each and every show!

Based around the slick and stylish format which I had experienced in November, these three final nights of his highly-favoured residency, further demonstrated exactly why “Matt Goss at The Mirage” could never be considered mere “perfomance and patter”. The regulars attend to joust with his jocularity, seek out the sabre-sharp sarcasm, almost expecting him to splice the air-borne atoms with his own, “M.G.” insignia… yet, all who make their evening his, are, simultaneously, stunned by his spiritual sagacity.

When such moments occur from the vertigo and sweat-inducing heights of a salsa-infused “Sway”, this ultimate frontman stills the room with consummate ease… starting from the most precious pin-drop silence, to reveal the map of his Soul, in stirring melodic stanzas, such as “In The Wee Small Hours”, which, leaves him, breathless, resultant of the passion poured into each note, the reverence for every pause… and clearly, emotional, owing to the dedication to his deeply loved and respected, late Grandfather, Harry.

… It would have many of us weeping, in empathy and recognition of such enduring influences in our own lives…

Yes, this was noticeably distinct…

The closer to Christmas, the more standards… except, to classify them as such, would be to bear injustice to the uncanny ability of Matt Goss and his unique band, to regenerate a childlike wonder into those songs to which we hold so dearly… “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells” transformed the celebratory warmth into intimate memories, sung in unison, with the wishes seeming to fly upon wings of their own, to the hearts and minds of those, light years away from the venue. His version of “The Christmas Song” was, to me, a new soul classic… in absolute keeping with the proficiency which the new “King of Vegas” holds, for singing beyond musical lines and reinventing the wheels of well-established hits, with sweet, soulsonic, virtuosity…

… and it was this which put a finer tune upon the marked distinction…

Matt Goss is a contemporary Renaissance Man…

… a poised reflection of gentlemanly, sartorial grace, with a South-East London strut!

His story-telling is swathed in meandering, heartfelt revelation, cut through with the tangy brilliance of bold banter, awash with extraordinarily shrewd asides, to make you hold your sides, yet, in a heartbeart, his wit is balanced with a profoundly perceptive wealth of wisdom.. He has the propensity to transform, not only the dynamic of a room, but the entire atmosphere, into that of the metaphysical.

For this is his Matt Goss Music Ministry, which welcomes all-comers to seek and find new ways to engage with creativity, as only he and his impeccably-talented band, can deliver…

…and I truly believe that, should you attend (and I highly recomend that you do!), in one night, you will leave more elevated, empowered, inspired and blessed, for having immersed and lost yourself, in the, entirely beautiful, moment.

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

~

 

Click-through to:-

See Matt Goss at The Mirage in 2019

Hear Matt Goss on BBC i-Player (“Matt Goss At Midnight”)

Interact with Matt Goss on:-

Twitter: @mattgoss  ~ Instagram: @mattgoss  ~ Facebook: @iammattgoss 

 

Support, both, Matt and Luke Goss on their amazing Bros Tour, in 2019!

Twitter: @TeamMattGoss  ~ @LukeGoss ~ @Brosreunion

~

Most importantly, enjoy being part of the awesome experience!

 

 

“TOMMY X LEWIS is a-GO, GO, GO!”

It’s the dawn of a brand new day.

Different type of race day.

Same type of build-up.

… As my computer monitor buffers, I’m already getting the idea that Lewis Hamilton has been, subliminally, winding his way around the circuit of his life, all of his life, to this major, visionary moment….

… the destination, of which, is already a prize, now becoming a victory lap, of vêtements, if you will…

… which is apt, since, it is beneath the banner of his exceptional, other-worldly willpower and drive, that the boy-turned-man racer, Hamilton, launches his first collection, in collaboration with zeitgeist style-powerhouse, Tommy Hilfiger.

Paying homage to their “Icons of Tomorrow”, the “Tommy x Lewis” fashion line comprises a co-ed capsule range, which is raising the chequered flag of sartorial success, in no uncertain terms!

Yes, we know him as the prodigious driving genius, who, from his karting days, was set apart by an uncommon work ethic, but today demonstrates a new discipline in Lewis’s creative kitbag, which complements his well-developed, but lesser-known gifts in music and his holistic appreciation of the artistic.

As I speed-type, with cartoon-smoke coming through my fingertips, “Everybody’s looking forward to what comes up next” is piping through my speakers.. and, if the superfast stream of reactions is an indication, millions are, like me, joining the throng, to preview exactly what “next” is going to “be“.

Who cares if the feed keeps dropping in and out, like a fan, fainting, from being overwhelmed at meeting their long-time idol?!!!

What does it matter if this begets the necessity to minimize the resolution?!!!

The track blaring out at me that “it’s time to start the show…” could not be more right…

LET’S. DO. THIS. LEWIS!!!!

A sliver of floating runway, is set in a Shanghai harbour, adjacent to a bright-lights-big-city backdrop and flanked by a deep river of stillness as guests, comparatively, on the edge of their seats, are being treated to fierce, high-octane sport-luxe, with codes of crisp, colour-blocking and crop-topping…  Non-stop Iconic, stomping, in block-heels and stepping, in worker-boots, khaki parkas, pewter puffas, go-faster, F1 stripes, chromatic geometrics are team-mates with over-grown plaids, on models with plaits… overlaid by a palette of clean-lined, lightning white through midnight black and texturised by sweatshirts and sweater-vests, drenched in shimmering sequins…

No time for pitstops though, as proportions collude, from full-length coats, that effortlessly cloak, to a cutting-edge tux that, seemingly, carves the silhouette out of living space. They scream and holler “New-York-minute” elegance, for the fashion-conscious connoisseur-cum-global traveller!!

It’s full-on, new-pep, Preppy-for-the-People… irresistibly-twisted, Ivy-League-on-overload and, branded with the insignia of “H”, brings to mind that, for such a time as this, were Hilfiger and Hamilton destined to be one.

The finale walk, was the perfect reminder that this was no empty, celebrity-endorsed exercise but a bonafide collaboration… the result, of which, delivered on desirability for the masses and then some. It is achievable, believable design, filled with on-trend enthusiasm, yet fuelled by an energy of endurance, and, in a sloganized, tie-dyed top of his own, the root-message from Hamilton’s heart is clear.. “UNITY” is the new dress-code of the day.

… A garment that I should be proud to sport, any and every day…

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

 

~

Click-through below, to peruse and purchase from the “Tommy X Lewis” capsule collection Now!

TOMMY X LEWIS (Tommy Hilfiger UK)

Social Media Links:-

@TommyHilfiger @LewisHamilton

#TommyxLewis #TommyNow #IconsOfTomorrow

 

 

 

“Jermyn Street, St James’s…”

It is in turning left,

that the cord is cut with the contemporary.

Graphite, cross-hatched with hard-black cement,

sketched by artisans,

touched by global hands,

indented with dust of the centuries.

Sunlight,

Nature’s photoshop, clings to each crevasse,

casting its warm solar wash,

round corners, akin to Rascasse…

Façades and facscias glint in the eyes

of faces,

reflecting on craft’s expertise,

free-floating and hanging on historic air,

as they breeze by.

Working through ‘hows’ and the ‘whys’…

Centred by scent,

sensibility governs respect of the labour required

to purpose bespoke personality.

Channelling rows of embroidery,

stitches so scantily set and refined,

leave a long tale of coloured mosaics behind…

Threads intertwined into conjured creations,

embellished, beyond the prosaic.

Jet joins patina of chestnut,

so lovingly burnished, the polish controlled,

whilst a peacock effect, is adorning footsteps on display,

with a brogue and a lilt

which demands that you move, with a gait that is bigger than bold.

Walk with intention, whilst other folk stroll.

Wind your way up to the stage…

You’re alone, but not on your own…

Got to step right on, with heart and with soul…

… slink with the cool cats and kittens,

who strut in a program of head-to-toe glamour and glitz,

spritzed in House check,

decked-out in exclusives…

A menu of tailoring,

linear, monochrome, neutrals and flashes of brights…

… finished in detail,

the process, of which, is a mastery of the tradition,

time-honoured technique,

that appears to be married to something elusive.

Front-row patent,

viewing heritage and legacy,

basking in the glare of shining novelty.

Perfected in ateliers’ secrecy.

Inventive collections of structure

and

sheer,

living poetry.

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

“Katharine Hamnett gives ‘Liberty’ to captivating SS18 collections!”

Nights like this should not be reserved for sleep…

… Not when you have had a meeting of minds, hearts and souls on monumental scales…

…and all in the premium package of the eagerly-awaited launch of Katharine Hamnett London’s SS18 women’s and menswear collections…

It takes someone truly revered to draw a crowd such as congregated in the hallowed halls of Liberty London’s lower ground floor. Place “Katharine Hamnett” into a sentence with a bona fide, high-end retail treasure of this great capital, and, together, you have the cadence of perfect creative alchemy, epitomising Balance…. Harmony…

….which neatly summarises the most captivating capsule collections of dreams… (that is, if I were to succumb to sleep!)… However, as stated, tonight is not one for repose, of any kind!

Having arrived early, it is still a veritable hive of organised activity… From re-merchandising to maximise optimal exposure of every piece, to hoovering the most out-of-the-way corners, nothing is left to chance, in achieving the flawless, final look. To say that the hard work paid dividends, would be a vast understatement, for the mission was more than accomplished!

 I am cordially-greeted by Janine Constantin-Russell, General Manager of Liberty, and immediately taken aback by her generosity of time taken out of overseeing the build-up, to talk all-things “Hamnett” with me! Even more delighted was I, to be conversing with this lit-from-within energy, herself as excited as I was about the need for such a grounded presence to be back, once again, so rightfully, front-and-centre. Sparkling with expressiveness, vis-à-vis collaborating with the prestige label on such an auspicious launch, Janine encourages my taking a tour, to see the gorgeous results for myself and so, I promptly set off on my voyage of discovery!

In an atmosphere replete with swirls of hiphop-jazz, my initial walk-through to get acquainted with the latest sartorial offerings from the living legend, synonymous with ubiquitous style, was like a fresh breeze through the beautifully-landscaped garden of menswear. From Lanvin to Loewe, Thom Browne to Burberry, Marni to Moncler, Hamnett’s re-entry into the design atmosphere is rife with delicate defiance, in the swish of one organic silk shirt.. or the sharp swoop of a billowing, full-length, draped dress.

Slogan Tees are refreshed, with hard-hitting, visual exclamations to address the “now”, such as “Protest And Survive” and “Women Against War”, bringing to an end the misconception that silence is easy… As Katharine so eruditely put it, “We have to up our game, as we aren’t achieving very much, considering the amount of man and woman-hours that have [already] gone into fighting.” In accordance, both collections are steeped in revolution and the messages carry as confronting a narrative, as the days in which 80’s pop phenomenon, “Wham” boldly proclaimed “Choose Life”, whilst gleefully waking up musical empires on both sides of the Atlantic!

That the collections should be so deeply-embedded in such a spirit of the indomitable, should come as no surprise. It is well-known that Katharine Hamnett has always been ahead-of-the very same game, socio-politically, economically and creatively. Her battle to imbue the fashion system with the plausibility of sustainability and fighting for the human rights of those within the supply chain of production… has been her clarion call… Her voice has continually chimed through the annals of design to a point, whereby, ethical practice is, now, beyond an intangible vision and is an actual, going concern.

Enthusiastically-steered through a fascinating life story, filled with industry anecdotes of both, the glamour and the grit, by British Vogue’s esteemed Chief Critic, Sarah Mower MBE, who was pristine in Celine, the fact that “it all came too easily” was a testament to the authenticity of truth which runs through Hamnett, like a rod of iron. So-much-so, that she could be the real ‘Woman of Steel’, what with her proverbial determination to change the world-at-large, by changing the world around her.

Recounting, at blistering pace, that her production process is “paraben-free, [with] no heavy metals”, is just the preface to an inventory which includes organic cotton, “certified by Diamond Processing” standards, silk, which is “about as clean a fibre as you can get”, “nickel-free zips, [because] nickel is poisonous” and an endless quest “to find more sustainable fabrics, as techniques develop”. Further insight into her supply chain being the “Made In Italy”, export route, affords her the opportunity to “stick [her] nose up to anyone who talks about trade”, in addition to promoting and benefitting from their artisanal passion, “know-how, legacy and technical expertise.”

The superior quality of craft on display in the exposition of her new season selection, is undeniable evidence of this specialist provenance. From the considered nature of precision-pleating, on the wide-legged khaki trouser, with double-buttoned front and notched-back waistband, with slim-leg, ankle-skimming lengths, the wondrous working of a tissue-fine silk shirt, with an, ever so gentle, high-low hemline, to the perfectly-tempered palette of lightning white, through super-jet black, energised by richest reds and texturised by stonewashed denim treatments, the Katharine Hamnett man is spoilt-for-sophisticated and understated choice!

This same exacting, yet, polished prowess is celebrated in a Katharine Hamnett woman, who is savvy, edgy and endlessly elegant. The slogan “Maggie” Tee, which was fabulously-styled and modelled as a T-shirt dress, will fast need replenishing upon the rails, as will the stunning gold jumpsuit and, my personal favourite, the floor-sweeping, fire-engine red, puff-of-a-gown, with deep, plunge-front and back neckline…as ready for the red-carpet, as for the beach-front after-party!

It is all as impressive as her unconditional covenant to create, in order to benefit the greater good and embolden others to, similarly, make their voices heard. In a time of “freefall manufacturing, cheap labour and bad labour”, the crusader for social justice entreats the amassed assemblage of admirers to put literal pen-to-paper and compose letters to those who are paid to represent us, as well as to those brands who could and should make vast improvements, with regard to recognising and lessening the negative effect of their ethical footprint upon, both, people and the environment. “They’re trying, but they should be trying harder and faster”, not only summons affirmatory nods, but also gives rise to further adoration.

Questions from the floor prompt reiteration of the Katharine Hamnett stance towards making sustainable fashion more affordable and accessible… that of “better prices, with bigger production… online [to avoid extra capital costs].” However, it is her vocal nod to the lengths to which award-winning proponents of the circular economy, “Rapanui Clothing”, will go, in order to manufacture and deliver her T-shirt lines, which seems to, most, touch those in the room. Describing the “adorable” enterprise as “a perfect prototype of a C21st company, based in the Isle of Wight” is high praise, heartfelt recognition and truly symbolic of someone who “collaborates with anything that’s exciting or touches [her] heart.”

It is also indicative of her humility.

She seems oblivious to the attention which revolves, tornado-like, around her.

Absorbing selfies with timely patience and grace, she is pure, radiant class, with the spirit of a lioness, within the physique of a prima ballerina. Effortlessly-chic in black-out shades, nothing looked cooler than sharing a camera-frame with her, nothing more inspiring than observing her, back in her artistic habitat…

…and whilst her name might end “CBE” (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), when asked the final question of how she would like to be remembered, she pauses and, with what must, surely, be accompanied by a twinkle in her concealed eyes, she cheekily replies “Watch. This. Space.” I, for one, cannot wait to see what this visionary next devises but, in my heart, I believe that the acronym will signify the success of her unrelenting message and stand for ‘Choose Buying Ethically’!

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

***

Katharine Hamnett London ~ Katharine Hamnett (Facebook) ~ @katharinehamnett (Instagram) ~ @khamnettlondon (Twitter)

Liberty London ~ Liberty London (Facebook) ~ @libertylondon (Instagram) ~ @LibertyLondon (Twitter) ~ Liberty London (YouTube)

Rapanui ~ Rapanui (Facebook) ~ @Rapanuiclothing (Twitter) ~ Rapanui: Sustainable Fashion (Google+) ~ @rapanuiclothing (Instagram) ~ rapanuiclothing (Pinterest)

Sarah Mower MBE ~ @sarahmower_ (Instagram)

***

Wholehearted @A_F_R_O_W-Appreciation goes to Katharine Hamnett CBE, for her utterly impeccable collections, relentless inspiration and unswerving passion for contributing towards a better world…to her team at Katharine Hamnett London, who faithfully facilitate her creative and societal vision, to Janine Constantin-Russell and the absolutely fastidious Team Liberty, for extending such congenial hospitality and creating a truly unique and outstanding event, and to Sarah Mower MBE, whose lively repartee and unabated dedication to the quest for talent, catalyse that of my own, ongoing editorial development.

 

 

“Five Guys” party leaves you wanting “Moe”!

“I’ll never forget the excitement with which my musicals-mad Brother burst into the house, words spilling swiftly from him and filling the atmosphere with pure exuberance!

He had just returned from seeing the original presentation of a hit show, intriguingly entitled “5 Guys Named Moe”… and, for a moment, I truly believe that he, himself, had been dusted with dance-steps, as he couldn’t stop moving and enthusing about it…

The West End had been bowled over by an infectious party vibe, simply oozing the epitome of slick, combining hi-energy music, movement and accomplished acting!

I, meanwhile, was desperate to get a slice of the pie, which had my big Bro spinning like the proverbial top…. and, so began an affection for what the Arts could inspire, in just one evening!

Roll on a few decades and I find myself the one who has been swept up into the pre-show anticipation for, yours truly, would find herself in unique edifice of The Marble Arch Theatre, in-the-round… urging the artists to get the 2018 party started!

Yes, it was my turn to see the new 5 Guys!

Now, being so close to Mayfair, it was a thrill to take in a gentle sojourn within the eclectic environs of ‘Boisdale Restaurant’… How wonderful to be ensconced in this Scottish family-owned establishment, where the intimate atmosphere is one of front-room privacy, with an open-door policy to all-comers. How refreshing to be descending an LP-lined stairwell and shown the cavernous lower deck of “The Vinyl Bar and Groove Room”, where guests can while away the hours to shellac-soaked DJ sets, re-surface to live music and then, turn a corner, to encounter a splendid, split-level dining scenario. An amalgamation of secret worlds, hidden in plain sight, it is the perfect dessert island for a sweet-tooth, such as I! Were it not for the prospect of fulfilling a childhood dream, I would have reclined further into the arms of my comfy corner…yet, parting held less sorrow, due to the jazz, jazz, jazz that was jumping through the air… which would be quite the intro into my next musical milieu…

Matinée this may have been, but, as with the best of creative experiences, the time makes no difference, the audience number makes no difference (although, as far as the eye could see, it was a sell-out!)… when the lights go on, you’d better be ready to turn up for the business of show!

… And that, dear friends, is exactly what took place!

The one-and-only Clarke Peters, (he of the, seemingly, endless, stellar acting resume!) and former member of the original dazzling incarnation, which had so many in a spin, adds to his credits, by taking the directorial helm. The influence of his multi-disciplinary artistry is passport-stamped throughout the journey of the production. It is as if his soul were integrated with every fibre, of every number… his spirit inscribed in every dance routine!

The action was to take place in ‘The Marble Arch Theatre’, a location akin to a flat-pack, fold-out template, except of ‘Tardis’ proportions… But Ikea, this ain’t, honey! Oh no… this is the height of ‘purpose-built’, for a very definitive reason!

The deceptively-sparse, speakeasy set was amphitheatre perfection, in drawing the audience closer to the action. In order to accentuate the 360-degree effect, a great visual point-of-reference was a circular travellator-stage which rotated between inner and outer seating circles… meaning that, cleverly, the concept of ‘rows’ simply didn’t register. It was a superb mechanic with which to suspend reality, unite us all, and facilitate us swivelling in our seats, as if in trendy upmarket office chairs!

I relished the fact that, at no point, did I feel as though I were simply an observing part-of-the-furniture!

Quite the opposite, since, at this all-encompassing gem of a jamboree, we all felt part of the production, which upped-the-ante, where audience participation was concerned… From semi-skatting ”The Calypso BeBop”, to the collective conga, any nerves were assuaged by the excitement of lyrics literally falling, confetti-like, from the rafters accompanied by a rousing Caribbean rhythm, respectively.. and that was just Act One!

Notwithstanding the twenty-minute interval, this theatrical train rarely, if ever, decelerated.

As for the actors, they were swan-like… Hardly pausing for breath, they appeared to glide through proceedings, as smoothly as their dance sequences! Show-tunes were, at once, belted out with grit and gusto, whilst wistful with vocal reminiscence, so as to project pain and pathos, with tender poignancy. The clarity of narrative being served, par excellence by a company of players, both, front and back of house, at the apex of their collective game, optimising the entire arc of the engaging plot…

…which begins with our protagonist, “Nomax”, who is a washed-up, maxed-out drunk, becoming increasingly beholden to his vices. The worse for wear after yet another stint of night-life and libation, he is still intent upon continuing to party hard… Enter stage left, right and centre, five guys named ‘Moe’, with a short, sharp, shock of an introduction, determined to stop the downward spiral of women and wine, with song and dance… hopefully leading to redemption with Lorraine, the real love of Nomax’s life.

Edward Baruwa portrays the vexed, perplexed and dishevelled soak with distinct aplomb. The 5 Guys, “Little Moe”, “Know Moe”, “Big Moe”, “Four-Eyed Moe” and “Eat Moe” played by Idris Kargo, Dex Lee, Mykal Rand, Adrian Hansel and Emile Ruddock, sparkle like the best, vintage champagne, with soul-filled melodic recitations, as warming as a far-flung beach destination and as crystal-clear as the blue sea lapping upon the shores of their vocals.

Snazzily-dressed in the sharpest of threads, the Guys cut-a-cool-dash, in outfits, beautifully reflective and celebratory of the era, in a rainbow of coloured and textural references. For example, such bespoke stylistic touches as a punchy plaid for “Know Moe” and luminous lime-green circular spectacles on “Four-Eyed Moe” customized each quirky character trait with class and distinction. Synthesizing this attention-to-detail towards apparel with that of the choreography also made for impressive visual imagery. The finesse of Fosse under the spectrum spotlights gave way to full-on, Nicholas Brothers, at fever-pitch! The moves weren’t just slick, they were oil slick… and the more experimental they became, the better! Often weaving about the space with the ease of a shuttle through an antique loom, physical theatre was playfully explored, to powerful comedic effect. Yet, for all of the eye-catching clowning, moments of mimicry and mime, innovative transformation of props, the artistic intention was nailed, with every well-honed high-kick and picture-perfect pose, worthy of, undoubted, hours of relentless rehearsal!

Binding together this colossus of an ensemble endeavour, was the, simply stellar, jazz band… Silhouettes, but ever-present, behind intricate curtains in Act One, they dazzle during the overture in Act Two. No longer the exuberant, yet, enigmatic shadows, they become the main attraction, delighting us with samples of scintillating solo virtuosity, before receding, once more, into the ether of the energetic Louis Jordan-filled score… Out-of-sight, perhaps, but never out-of-earshot!

This put me in mind of another late, great Louis…namely, Armstrong, who once said “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know!”* Well, forget what you think you know, because, mark my words, you will get right-royally schooled by the majesty of this five-star musical… Compact, yet languid, fresh and free, this was total, high-impact theatre, awash with innovative twists and turns…

Yes, believe the hype, friends, and get down to The Marble Arch Theatre because I love, love, LOVED the rip-roaring rollercoaster ride through the age, with the 5 superfly Guys Named Moe and a standing ovation of satisfied, fellow theatre-goers emphatically agreed!

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

~

Click through for booking information about the smash hit show “5 Guys Named Moe” !

Deepest A_F_R_O_W-thanks to:-

Boisdale Restaurants, Team @Bubblz_Gigglz, Chloe at G-Gee PR and The Marble Arch Theatre for organising this outstanding, interactive experience!

(*Quote taken from www.brainyquote.com).

 

 

 

“A FAIR TO REMEMBER!”

I’ll say this…

…for now, only once (with advance apologies for repetition to the affirmative, in future posts!), but, with regard to fairs of the Fine Art ilk, 2014 has, to my mind, been the strongest year, yet.

From ‘Works On Paper’ at the awe-inspiring Science Museum, ‘The Other Art Fair’, (or TOAF), with its ever-edgy takeovers, at The Old Truman Brewery and Ambika P3, through to ‘The Independent Artist Fair’, (or TIAF, not to be confused with TOAF!), only the pitch-of-a-stone from Brick Lane and encouragingly organic and lo-fi, the common denominator has been the ability to maintain creative integrity for all artists involved, whilst simultaneously harnessing the entrepreneurial energy, worthy of a well-loved and respected developing ‘cottage industry’ template.

Take, for example, the aforementioned, ‘TOAF’.

It stays cerebrally locked since, in one fell swoop, its Director, Ryan Stanier, has successfully orchestrated a move to combine the best of the Creative Arts and simultaneously do away with the stereotypes of a world, exclusively inhabited by those of a certain socioeconomic background. Having attended a healthy amount of Private Viewings, it is clear to see that, as per the inclusive nature of the creative energy, itself, all walks are, not only welcomed and encouraged, but, in fact, vital to the lifeblood of this event-model. Founded in a desire to expose the wide range and eclecticism of Art at its highest level and reflected by the practitioners selected, the experience is paramount… Thus, the propostion of meeting and greeting with inspirational emerging and established talent, seeing their work within buildings which mirror the dynamism of the artistic energy they will house and adding culinary and musical fayre to maximise ‘the vibe’ (and rival any top London nightspot), becomes immensely exciting and enticing!

Let me make it clear, that the zeal-for-zeitgeist is not to the detriment of an authentic desire to simply share and engage on a holistic level. Kinetic to kinaesthetic, Stanier employs the diversity of Arts and crafts them into an authentic dialogue between maker and potential buyer, whilst managing to dissipate any pressure to consume, through the lively rendering of the backdrop of London culture. It is intense as it is genius! As if to compound the vision for ‘all-access-Art’, TOAF was a brand-partner at the recent ‘Off The Rails’ menswear event. Held, once again, at The Old Truman Brewery, it served to blow the doors off the image of an ‘apparel man-cave’, rather, embodying a treasure-trove of classic and contemporary collections for the modern man…Naturally, this was an absolutely perfect fit, vis-a-vis promoting the cross-fertilisation of complementary accoutrements for such lifestyles. Attending the four-day event was a distinct pleasure, made all-the-more amazing, by the speed of site-turnaround, given that the venue had played host to TOAF, less than a fortnight prior!

It is this marriage of a sensibility to multi-platform creative expression and a supreme logistical skillset, underpinned by sharp media-savvy and the pure passion of their manifestion, which has resulted in the rise of bringing art to the masses. If the round-the-block queue at TOAF’s last event was anything to go by, the popularity is only set to increase…meaning greater exposure to even greater artistic talent…and that is fine by me!!

©AFROW2014-2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The Other Art Fair

The Independent Artist Fair

Works On Paper Fair

Off The Rails

The Old Truman Brewery

LCM: THE HEAVENS OPEN AT TOPMAN’S AW2014 SHOW!

Dark. Dank. Devoid of sound.

Booooom!!!

The edgy power of John Cooper Clarke cuts through the ether…His weighty words, doused in a Lancashire accent, darting rhythmically about like vocal strobes.

The spoken word hits a crescendo, his last line held in the air, embraced by nothingness.

Within seconds, action ensues, as mist-for-lighting announces the dawn in Topman’s LCM showspace. An industrial location is revealed, with a concrete catwalk, dressed, intermittently, in pools of water and as deep, electronica replaces the solo, the first model, with already-drenched hair, turns the corner into this brick-clad world of ‘Wuthering Heights’, breaking the modern-day barrenness with an opening AW14 look.

Black literally set the tone, represented by substantial, single-breasted, over-sized, overcoats, such as the duffel, with a popular toggle-fastening and their double-breasted counterparts in waist-hitting jackets. PVC bonded to ‘notch’-lapels, patch-pockets and block-hems, added textural impact to the round-shouldered silhouettes, which skulked the pass. ‘Wet-look’ variations-on-the-theme would be presented in high-shine, lacquered-leather separates, impressively accentuating apparel in shape, form and line, whilst also defining details through such simple, yet effective, techniques as piping. Within this section, the colour propostions mirrored the autumnal palettes of moss-meadow green and mushroom, with red-based plaid shirts and tassled jackets (echoing the cowboy-themed SS14 motif), acting as the flash of sunlight, breaking free upon the moorland.  Knitwear was rugged. At times, no-nonsense, with exaggerated, chin-cupping roll-necks, in open, cable and honeycomb weaves, resembling stylised fishing-nets…At others, given lozenge-beading and bouclé, to revisit pops-of-colour and to add surface characteristics.

Yet stronger spectral statements flooded onto sumptuous, full-length coats, in blazing orange, with matching, ‘jazzed-up’, ‘zoot-suit-style’ pants, voluminous and billowing against the strength-of-momentum with which the models strode through the venue. The pieces were also to be reprised in baby-blue pastel, a further homage to the tonal story, which has played a starring role in the sartorial spring/summer repertoire of many a design-house. The next seasonal trend-transition to be encapsulated, was the see-through mac, of long and short dimensions. Layered alongside these key advents into eye-catching shades, they complemented the story, with a revealing twist. Signature tailoring, for which the brand has become so higly-recognised and revered, featured in juxtaposed fashion to the drop-shouldered, full-pant ensembles, instead shown as straight-lined, straight-legged, suiting, in shipyard-slate and charcoal-greys, ever-echoing the ‘working-men’ of the past.

With the last look of black roll-neck, oversized, three-quarter length, matt, PVC coat and glistening liquid-look trousers, the Topman AW14 Collection had brought us to the end of our tour-of-the moors….or so it seemed…The last hurrah was an indoor downpour of rain, which fell upon the models as they walked the finale! It was an other-worldly end to a show which was typical of a collaboration, headed by the ebullient Gordon Richardson, and backed by an amazing design-team who know exactly who their ‘man’ is. To me, he’s a powerful, passionate, hardworking, salt-of-the-earth, modern-day Heathcliff and he wants his clothing to express that!

In the inimitable words of John Cooper Clark, ‘There’s apparel, Jim, but not as we know it!’* and when this distinctive collection hits the stores, you’ll see exactly what he means!

  http://www.londoncollections.co.uk/ ~ http://www.topman.com/

*Excerpt from ‘TOP MAN’ by John Cooper Clark

©AFROW2014-2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED