Tuesday 15 July 2014

GOING OUT: Medea, National Theatre, Review

Of all creatures that have breath and sensation, we women are the most unfortunate. 


I was lucky enough to be invited to the press preview for the National Theatre's new production of Medea last night, a much anticipated re-staging of Euripides' heart-wrenching Greek tragedy which combines the acting talents of Helen McCrory with the musical genius of a certain Miss Alison Goldfrapp.

Being a huge enthusiast of Greek literature and Goldfrapp's brilliantly unique talent, I was excited to see what this new production would bring to this wretched tale of love, deceit and infanticide. Mostly, I was highly impressed by the power of Carrie Cracknell's direction, which breathed a new lease of life into a well worn Classical text.

Hailed by many as a proto-feminist play, Euripides' work is undoubtedly moving, exploring the en-gendered power struggles of his day. At times I felt the actors failed to fully connect with the polemics of the play - perhaps feeling that the dramatics of the original script did not fit within a more modern setting and realistic acting style. However, with current news stories still eulogising on the morals of the modern women - 'magaluf girl' perhaps the most prominent heroine of our latest cautionary tale - I couldnt help but feel the world's were not so disparate. Though the context of Euripides' text and Cracknell's Medea is outwardly so different, much of the heroines monologues were still devastatingly close to the bone; motherhood, sexuality, feminine worth, all are still common political battle grounds, with the female body as an object of trade between sides. At times, I felt the actors could have connected with the intemporality of these issues more emotively, conveying the sheer desperation of women who lose control over their own female form.

One aspect where the play successfully utilised its modern setting was in the brilliant Contemporary choreography of Lucy Guerin. The chorus of the play, made up entirely of women from Medea's new city, danced themselves into a bewitching frenzy as the play progressed, exemplifying the destructive attraction of Euripedes' cruel heroine, as well his beautifully crafted play as a whole.

The National Theatre's new production of Medea is sure to enthral a whole new audience, breathing life into a play which still hums with energy thousands of years on. I would certainly recommend a trip to watch it; followed by a trip to where ever Medea got that fabulous silk jumpsuit...

GC http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/medea

Wednesday 5 March 2014

MUSIC: Iggy Azalea is Clueless - Fancy feat Charli XCX


Check out Iggy Azalea's new Clueless themed video. Never loved her that much, but could I hate a Cher-based music video? As if!

GC

Friday 28 February 2014

GOING OUT: Kensington Roof Gardens/ Babylon Review

Kensington Roof Gardens (in the sun!)

Having never been one for Valentine's Day I wasn't quite sure what to expect when the boyfriend told me he'd organised a day out for us. What transpired was a fantastic, if rainy visit to Kensington Roof Gardens and a trip to the gate cinema to see Dallas Buyers Club. Though rain and AIDS films might not scream romance to most - it was a great way to pass a day I'd usually all but ignored.


Babylon - Bar

If you haven't been to Kensington Roof gardens yet then you're in for a treat. Hidden around the corner from High Street Kensington tube, the bar and restaurant easily boast some of the best views of London - even on a sodden day in mid-Feb. Ok, so we couldn't sit out on the roof terrace and the pink flamingos were distinctly hidden from view, but the Babylon restaurant made more than enough effort to ensure we still had a brilliant Valentine's lunch.

Babylon - Bar & Restaurant

The food was delicious - I went for braised pork cheeks followed by duck and the other half opted for smoked salmon starter and chicken breast. Washed down with a glass of prosecco and a couple of glasses of delicious red wine (don't ask me which - I didn't chose) it was a brilliant way to treat ourselves.


Roof Gardens at night

I think a lot of the big name places in London have somewhat rested on their laurels and often don't live up to expectations - but Babylon and Kensington Roof Gardens are still going all out to ensure every experience there is special. I would definitely recommend it for a fancy date, just perhaps try a less rainy day than us!

Do you agree? Let us know below!

GC.


Flamingos!

Monday 24 February 2014

FILM: Cutie and the Boxer

I watched Cutie and the Boxer for the first time this weekend - what a beautiful documentary! Reminded me why I love working in the art world...

Check out Nowness' video of Ushio and Noriko to whet your appetite:



And catch it on BBC's brilliant Storyville series before April here.

GC

Friday 31 January 2014

ART: Jessica Albarn: Drawings

My next project at work will be working with the artist Jessica Albarn - yes the one with the famous brother - and I can't wait to see what she's planning for her first solo show in a long time.

Having exhibited in Liberty's and Helmut Lang, Jessica has long been a darling of the fashion world. This is testament to the pure beauty which resonates in her works - but should not detract from the artistic skill she presents with.

The up-coming shows are likely to be held in Bristol as well as London, allowing Jessica to exhibit her work in unusual and intimate settings. The pieces will concentrate on delicate natural imagery and an over-arching theme of resurrection and re-birth.

Watch this space for more news on these unique events - and let me know what you think of her past works below.
Alison Goldfrapp - Jessica Albarn

Butterfly - Jessica Albarn

Bee - Jessica Albarn

Friday 24 January 2014

FASHION: Haute Couture - S/S 2014

Haute Couture 2014 was the year that saw trainers on the catwalk- not high-heeled, or vertiginously platformed trainers- but real (albeit it diamond studded) running shoes. With this bombshell over with - lets review my picks of the shows...

Valentino - Couture - S/S 2014
Valentino is always one of my favourite couture shows, and this year was no different. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli created a beautiful collection inspired by the rich cultural world of Opera. Every piece was breath-takingly beautiful and romantic - from the sparse, block-coloured dresses to the flowing and ethereal gowns. Lace, feathers and a bit of skin helped make the collection organically sensual.

Alexander Vauthier - Couture - S/S 2014

Alexander Vauthier - Couture - S/S 2014
Alexander Vauthier's show was sexxxy up to the megawatts. Not all of it was to my taste, with leopard print gowns slashed to the thigh and off the shoulder asymettric dresses being the big misses. However his gold necklaces, studded collars and high-necked ruffled mini-dresses caught my eye.

Chanel - Couture - S/S 2014
Chanel - Couture - S/S 2014
Chanel - Couture - S/S 2014

Karl Lagerfield was playful at Chanel this year - sending models down the catwalk in trainers and bejwelled knee protectors- the epitome of sports luxe, I think Chanel bumbags will be mandatory at most gyms this summer. The brilliant craftsmanship on the embellished gowns and lacy tops gave the clothes a delicate, feminine edge and dresses such as the mermaid-like one above kept things effortlessly sexy. Nice one Karl.


Dior - Couture - S/S 2014

Dior - Couture - S/S 2014

I still miss the (kinda offensive) genius of Galliano at Dior, but Raf Simon's directive hand has given the label a new zest of life. The outfits had the same youthful feel as those over at Chanel, and came accesoriesd wiith trainers too! The swingy silhouettes gave the show an injection of fun, against the more classical Dior shapes - vouminous skirts and fitted tops. The window panel motif in many of the outfits reminded me of the mesh and patterns used by Sarah Burton in last year's Alexander McQueen bee-inspried line, which is no bad thing! Finally, Raf put on one show exclusively for students this year, which was a great nod towards the future of fashion. If nothing else, Raf certainly beats Galliano in the PR department...


Elie Saab - Couture - S/S 2014
Elie Saab is often a bit safe for me - but undeniably beautiful. This year's show was particularly pretty, finding inspiration in the works of the Dutch painter Lawrence Alma- Tadema. The above dress was a real stand-out for me, bringing together romance, fairytale and a bit of old-school glamour.

Giambattista Valli - Couture - S/S 2014
Giambattista Valli - Couture - S/S 2014

We could have seen what the models had for breakfast - had they had any - over at Giambattista Valli as he brought the mini-skirt to centre stage. Trademark jewel-rich colours, voluminous skirts and florals all ensured that the show remained true to the Giambattista style. This mint green leaf-motif dress stood out for me however, with its delicate simplicity.

Giorgio Armani Prive - Couture - S/S 2014
Giorgio Armani Prive - Couture - S/S 2014
Giorgio Armani Prive - Couture - S/S 2014

I absolutely LOVED Giorgio Armani Prive's offering for 2014. It blended 20s glamour with exotic influences in pieces which were beautifully luxurious. Sheer fabrics, eastern Oriental embellishments and shimmering blues and silver gave the collection a sophisticated feel in contrast with the frivolity of the Chanel and Dior shows. If I were attending the Oscars this year, I'd die of surprise. I'd then go out and get myself an Armani Prive dress.

Jean Paul Gaultier - Couture - S/S 2014
Jean Paul Gaultier - Couture - S/S 2014
Jean Paul Gaultier
Jean Paul Gaultier always brings a bit of hot fun to the catwalk and this year was no different. Using a butterfly motif across the collection, the pieces were bright, fluttering, enthralling creations; not girly girly butterflies - but wild exotic bugs. The butterfly shirt teamed with red gloves is a look that I'm sure will be recreated for the high street - and i'll be first in line to copy it.
Ralph & Russo - Couture - S/S 2014


Ralph & Russo's collection was a sophisticated affair - with clean shapes and even cleaner whites dominating the runway. However, it was studded with a few sumptuous dresses which kept things exciting. The above red dress is sure to make it to an awards show at one time or another - though it may clash with the carpet.  
       


Ulyana Sergeenko - Couture - S/S 2014
Ulyana Sergeenko - Couture - S/S 2014

The 'femme fatale' who provided the centre piece of Ulyana Sergeenko's collection wore so many outfits she must have been the best dressed person on transport, ever. Ulyana explained the show was a reimagining of a ride on the Orient Express - which I think is a slightly different calibre of locomotive to the Trans-Siberian railway or Southern trains. It was all deliciously fun, like watching Barbara Millicent Roberts (thats Barbie to you) at work.


And finally, here's a few highlights from the other shows... Marco Zanini made his Schiaparelli debut, Stephane Rolland went bright and theatrical and Alexis Mabille made dresses fit for a princess. Enjoy.


Schiaperelli - Couture - S/S 2014
Stephane Rolland - Couture - S/S 2014
Alexis Mabille - Couture - S/S 2014


Thursday 16 January 2014

FASHION: Happy 40th Kate Moss

I. Am. Obsessed. With. Kate. Moss.

To celebrate the Brit icon's 40th Birthday I want to share with you some of my favourite shots.

I hold her solely responsible for helping me fall in love with my small t**s.















GC

Friday 10 January 2014

MUSIC: Reviews: 2013 - Girlplay

Ok, so I might be a bit late on this - but 2013 really was a killer year for some of my favorite female artists, home and abroad, new and old. Of course I loved Ye's Yeezus, Disclosure's Settle and a bit of Arctic Monkeys AM, but away from the testosterone, there's 4 albums that stood out for me - ones that I'm sure to be hammering way into 2014. 


'I woke up like dis... I woke up like dis' - ***Flawless feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie


1. Beyoncé (Yoncé, Bey, Mrs Carter etc etc) - Beyoncé



Drunk in Love feat. Jay-Z

What can I say about this album? - it's dominated conversations between me and most of my female friends for the past month, and it's caused full-blown arguments at recent meals out. From the moment my best friend woke me with the news that Queen B had dropped a whole 'visual album' overnight, I've developed a proper love affair with the record. Arrestingly different from first listen, this album is also a MASSIVE grower - from Pretty Hurts via Superpower to Drunk in LoveBeyoncé takes us on a journey into her life as a mother, wife, sister, business woman, sexual-being and full blown feminist; the latter in particular has attracted a great deal of attention, and solidified my respect for the artist. The track ***Flawless samples from a Tedx talk given by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, entitled "We should all be feminists" (catch it here). I was lucky enough to hear Chimamanda speak about her life and work back in 2007 and she's been a great influence ever since - it's brilliant to see Beyoncé bringing her to the masses. Dismiss Yoncé as pop-machinery if you will, but no other artist in my lifetime has so successfully sound-tracked my existence from angsty teen to 'Grown Woman'. All hail Beyoncé 

'Feminist - a person who believes in the social, economic and political equality of the sexes' - ***Flawless



'Belly flop into a swimming pool of sound' - Faith feat. Laurence Aldridge


2. VV Brown - Samson & Delilah




The Apple

I don't think I've known a record as well as this one in forever, after playing it on repeat when it first dropped back in September. Hailed by Popjustice as 'one of the albums of the year' and generally sending shockwaves through a music industry that had all but written her off, Brown's self-released Samson & Delilah redefined my ears. The album as a whole had a beautiful synchronicity to it, which meant listening to it in its entirety was a complete pleasure- something we need more of in today's single focused world. Favourite tracks include the beautiful duet Faith, the haunting Substitute for Love and the almost Killers-esque Ghosts. Having been lucky enough to watch VV Brown four times this year - including her brilliant Jools Holland performance in October - I can safely say she's got a new superfan. I'll be keeping a close eye on watch she does next.


'We rule the world, and chase down our enemies' - Igneous




'I drink some Cointreau, keep it in my poncho' - Y.A.L.A.

3. M.I.A - Mathangi




M.I.A - Y.A.L.A.

Like VV Brown, M.I.A has been busy getting her creative genius to work in the fashion industry whilst still making killer beats. Her brilliant Versace collaboration hit stores about a month before her fourth record - and promised me that her new venture would be as visually stunning as it was audibly cool. Mathangi's blend of hindu iconology and internet hashtags clearly demonstrates M.I.A's ability to breezily straddle old and new, high culture and pop culture. But M.I.A is nothing if not divisive, and a recent chat with my male friend saw him call her flow 'annoying'. The thing is, with M.I.A sometimes I think thats kind of the point. Still as achingly trendy as a London hipster, M.I.A has managed to retain that teen-like anarchist spirit way into her thirties. Her songs sound like no one else, and whether you think that's a good thing or a bad thing, you can't deny that Mathangi breaks new barriers. Kicking out Y.A.L.A, Come Walk With Me, Bad Girls and Bring the Noize whilst strutting to work, or pre-drinking with the girls, is still my favourite past-time. 


'If you only live once why we keep doing the same shit? Back home where I come from we keep being born again and again and again, thats why they invented karma' - Y.A.L.A.



'I need someone who knows, someone who gives a fuck' - Enemy

4. Kelela - Cut 4 Me


Floor Show

The importance of the production on this debut mix-tape from Kelela is clear from the decision to name check the producer on every track. Stripped down and yet richly melodic, the 30 year-old LA based singer has created her own distinct genre alongside  briliiant array on contributors. Sonically and lyrically Cut 4 Me has a sad and sexy sound throughout, reminding me slightly of Delilah's 2012 offering: From the Roots Up. Kelela has been lauded as 'one to watch in 2014' and Cut 4 Me was namechecked on more than few 'Album of the year' countdowns, I only hope this wont prove too much hype to sustain. We will have to cross our fingers and wait... 

'Sad we couldn't go any deeper, something tells me you're a keeper' - Bank Head


So there's my round-up of the girls that soundtracked 2013 for me. In 2014 keep an eye out for Twigz' debut album, Azaelia Bank's notoriously delayed 'Broke With Expensive Taste', Grimes' rumoured 'Visions' follow up and a potential L Boogie comeback?

GC  


FKA Twigs - Water Me

Azealia Banks - Liquorice

Grimes - Genesis

Lauryn Hill - Mystery of Inequity