ART: Carsten Höller: Decision at Hayward Gallery - Opening Night

'Voluptuous panic upon an otherwise lucid mind.' - Roger Caillois

Carsten Höller, Isomeric Slides, 2015, Image: David Levene

‘Carsten Höller's art is constantly pulling the rug out from under the way we look at the world' - a stand-out metaphor from Hayward director Ralph Rugoff at last night's much anticipated opening; taking over the Southbank space, Belgian artist Höller has certainly bought more than a bit of slapstick back to the art gallery.

Known best for his Turbine Hall slide installation at the Tate Modern - 'Test Site' - in 2006, Höller has repeatedly required not only active participation with his works, but a certain amount of bravado too. Decision is no different, with the whole show based around the concept of duality and - of course - decision making; it's kind of an exhibition full of Sliding Doors moments, minus the confusing Gwyneth Paltrow haircuts. The exhibition is undoubtedly fun (I will shy way from too much detail on the works as part of its dynamism stems from the unknown), but whether these moments of glee really push us to the artistic realisations Höller expects is something I'm still trying to decide on myself.

With mushroom carousels, dice shaped child’s playgrounds, roaming beds and (of course) outdoor slides, the show feels made for our Instagram generation. Furthermore, Höller's interest in the idea of the present/presence, the experience happening now which is so key to much of his work, taps brilliantly in to the modern FOMO-complex. Now we are all about the experience, the present, showing we were there, sharing our presence with the world so that our lives look like one long playground of brilliant moments. Within this contemporary context do the works thrive, or do Höller's pieces lose the provocation of spontaneous delight which their true effect relies on?

Personally it was not the silliest nor most surprising works which I felt particularly moved by, but instead I fell for a simpler piece called 'Pill Clock': an installation whereby every 3 seconds (the length of time 'in which it is possible to create the impression of presence') a single red and white capsule drops from an unknown location in the ceiling, onto the gallery floor. This playful rendering of a time piece had a quiet power to it, one heightened by it's accompanying water fountain which allowed myself and a few other visitors to drop our own pill as we passed, and was definitely the stand out piece for me.

Carsten Höller at Hayward Gallery will be one of the biggest shows of 2015 and its not hard to see why - artistic epiphany or not, you know it'll be one hell of an experience. And here's one decision that we can make for you: book your tickets now and get over there, FOMO is coming for you.

ART & FASHION: The Launch of Maison Mais Non in Soho

Krystyna-Kozhoma-x-Richard-Anderson

Tonight saw the much anticipated launch of new gallery Maison Mais Non on Greek Street, Soho. Hailed as London's 'first fashion gallery' and run by Micheál Neeson (son of Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson), Topes Calland (who my date for the night assures me is THE tutor for celebrity offspring), Nell Campbell and fashion photographer Toby Knott, the launch was always guaranteed to be a pretty hot ticket.

Micheál Neeson and Liam Neeson at Maison Mais Non

Actors Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, poet and it-girl Greta Bellamacina, property heiress India Rose James and model and presenter Rick Edwards were among the attendees, who took in both the fashion gallery and its sister venture The Soho Revue. 

Maison Mais Non

The debut show - named Artist:Artisan - cleverly brought together expert tailors from Saville Row and Central Saint Martins graduates to create and showcase collaborative designs which brilliantly blended the Row's tailoring brilliance with the off-the-wall genius of the fashion students. The show sees Charles Jeffrey, Hayley Grundmann, Krystyna Kozhoma and Masha Reva from CSM working with Saville Row tailors, Chittleborough & Morgan, Anderson & Sheppard, Richard Anderson and Kathryn Sargent.  Hung in a sparse yet dynamic way - think Ikea meets BDSM club - the works were allowed to demonstrate their full potential with little artifice or need for special effects. 

Seeing the camaraderie apparent between Micheál and Topes, as well as the fatherly pride emanating off Liam Neeson, it was clear that this project was far from just a glittery spectacle. If they continue to come at the fashion world with such an artful eye, I think Maison Mais Non might just be on to something. 

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GC

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

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!

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

MUSIC: Clean Bandit @ Digital – 27th October 2013

This weekend I found myself as the happy recipient of a last minute ticket for a band that I’d heard a whisper of but didn’t know nearly well enough to know what a live show would be like. I usually like to know a brief history and at least half of a bands’ back catalogue to not only inform myself on who exactly I’m watching, but also to know what songs I can afford to miss when my Red Stripe runs empty.

Clean Bandit were a band introduced to me by my housemate, and for the first time in a long time I find myself faced with a conundrum – they’re an act so obscure that I have no point of reference to recommend them.

Usually it’s relatively easily to conjure at least a vague image of what to expect by comparing what two bands would have birthed said artist had they copulated – for example London Grammar could easily be the result of an unprotected fumble between The Eurythmics and The xx. However with Cambridge-born Clean Bandit, there are not so much two parents but more a rich back history of cross-breeding more commonly seen in mongrels than in musicians. You wouldn’t think that electric pop, hints of garage and classic strings would work well if all sloshed together, but somehow Clean Bandit manage it.

With a reputation almost as underground as the leaky seafront venue, I was surprised not only to see a full house but also a support act that actually held my attention rather than encouraging me to slope off the smoking area where my housemate is bargaining a roll up from an eighteen year old. Mausi, a London-based electro-pop outfit, churn out tunes that are irritatingly catchy and impossible not to dance to. Their energy apparently knows no bounds, and a post-performance investigation on SoundCloud proves that this positivity isn’t just limited to live shows; you can hear more of their material here.

After a brief break and a fifteen year old fan faceplanting the floor, Clean Bandit ascend the stage with barely an introduction and immediately throw themselves into the show. The band holds no bars during their performance, combining an almost endless list of influences in a genre broadly coined as “folktronica”. Clean Bandit perform with the passion and timing that you’d expect from a band that have been doing this for years, let alone from a fresh-faced group that look as if they could have just left their first practise session in a garage in Greenwich after handing in their dissertation.

I find it surprising that NME damply rated their 2013 single Dust Clears as a song that “gently requests that you shuffle on the dance floor for 10 seconds or so rather than demand you hit up an all-night rave”. Whilst admittedly I find their recorded releases a little lacklustre when compared to their live set, the less-than-enthusiastic reception wasn’t entirely deserved.

Several singles are available through Spotify which I would recommend to those who have a healthy set of bass amplifying headphones and an active imagination. A favourite track from the set could possibly be “Wildfire”, a song with a beat that vibrates the gyrating crowd and doesn’t seem at all out of place at Digital, a dance den that hosted Disclosure only months before.

As this was the closing night of their recent tour, those looking to witness Clean Bandit at their genre-bending best may have a worthwhile wait ahead to see them at their best.

MS

FASHION: Kate Moss: Roll 1

Anyone that knows me is well aware of my obsession with Kate Moss. As a 90s girl I've never grown out of the mindset that sees Kate Moss as the epitome of beauty; wide eyed, toothy and just a little bit grimey her look is both completely ethereal and yet somewhat in reach.

So working with David Ross, the photographer who shot Moss for her first ever professional photo shoot, age just 14, has been an exciting experience. The images - which go on show for the first time ever at the new Lawrence Alkin Gallery next week -  are fresh and exciting, showing the Moss Sarah Doukas scouted for the newly formed Storm agency. The show promises to be a far cry from her upcoming shoot with Playboy, which she recently confirmed for their 60th Anniversary issue.

It's hard to find a new angle on such a photographed face, but these images are set to cause some real excitement, especially on the eve of Ms Moss' 40th Birthday.  Opening to the public from 30th Oct - 3rd Nov this is a must see-exhibition for anyone with a passion for Kate Moss.

Going Out: National Orgasm Day with LELO at Sh! Hoxton

So who knew? - July 31st is National Orgasm day, and I was invited along to attend a party thrown by luxury lifestyle brand LELO at Sh! Erotic Emporium in Hoxton to celebrate. Alongside fizz, strawberries and a whole load of vibrators, we listened to an orgasm masterclass by the founder of Sh! - Kathryn Hoyle, which was inspiring as much as exciting; Kathryn founded Sh! in 1992 to combat the idea of sex shops as sleazy, and to create a place where women could share sex stories whilst stocking up on their latest rabbit.

Central to the evening were the amazing LELO range- which I have only recently stumbled upon (as it were). LELO prides itself on hi-end luxe products, and being introduced to their Smart Wands, Luna Beads and Tiani 2 I couldn't help but feel that these guys are the Beyonce of sex toys. If you're just starting off in the world of rechargeable sex look no further than their MIA2, small, pretty yet helluva powerful, the MIA2 disguises itself as a lipstick and charges via USB: ideal for the woman on the go. After last night however, and hearing Kathryn's take on it all, I've got my eyes fixed on the INA2 - a dual action vibrator which offers G-spot and clitoral stimulation. Ummmmmm.

The evening certainly got us thinking about how much fun can be stylishly had 'in the bedroom'. The LELO girls explained about their remote-controlled range which adds a nice new dimension to foreplay, with your partner being put in control of any toys you might use. The Lyla2, Tiani2 and the Oden2 all come with LELO's sense motion remote control, so with the flick of the wrist pleasures can intensify or lighten.

At the end of the evening I left with an amazing goodie bag, which amazingly included a LELO 'Pleasure Set' - complete with Tiani, a feature tickler and silk blindfold. I'll let you know how that goes down...

ART: Break Glass For a New Beginning - Magnus Gjoen

This is the last week you can catch Magnus Gjoen's striking show 'Break Glass for a New Beginning' at artrepublic Soho. Hailed as 'Exodus for Generation-X' the exhibition debuts original works produced and exhibited by Gjoen, from prints to sculptures and ceramics.

My interest was initially sparked in Gjoen due to his history working as a designer at Vivienne Westwood. It's nothing new to see the arts and fashion worlds collide, but there was something particularly delicious in noticing an ostensible touch of the Vivienne Westwood punk-sensibility in Gjoen's weirdly beautiful pieces. 

'Break Glass for New Beginning's twisted sense of humour makes the show a bit of a must see for art fanatics and cynics alike, so make sure you pop down to the New Compton gallery before this saturday and check it out; never has Genesis looked so f***ing trendy.


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REVIEW: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Tower of London

Being complete Londonphiles, me and my latest squeeze (what does that even mean?) love nothing more than booking a weekend together in the big Smoke. Of course, this isn't always cheap or easy, and we've stayed in some "interesting" places. Recently, however, we found the DoubleTree Hilton by the Tower of London and booked it last minute - and I really couldn't recommend it enough (in fact I'm back this weekend for my birthday!). After realising we'd booked an 'accessible room' which was sadly bathtub free - I have to bath at a hotel - they helped me upgrade to a 'city suite'.

The suite is really worth the upgrade fee if you fancy a bit of understated luxury. Floor length windows provided a unexpectedly fantastic view across the Thames and Tower Bridge from the lounge area - which meant that, instead of going out for an afternoon drink after check-in, we opened up our welcome bottle of Red and enjoyed the space for a bit.

After dinner at Bodega Negra (which is fabulous too) we came back to try out the DoubleTree's top floor bar. With an amazing roof terrace for the warmer months the bar must take some beating for views. Going recession chic we tried their bottle of Prosecco which finished off the night perfectly.

The room was more than comfortable and breakfast in bed the next day, whilst looking out over the Thames, was a great indulgence! With Apple TV/computers in all the rooms we lounged around, watched the Labyrinth on DVD (cant get enough of Bowie and his codpiece) and surfed the net till late check out. It was all so relaxed and easy, it truly felt like a little mini-break.

What really makes DoubleTree Tower of London stand apart though is the excellent service. In the short time we stayed everyone made sure we made the best of our stay and couldn't do enough to help - and in the end that's what matters. A big thank you especially goes to Amy who did all she could to accommodate us!

A big thumbs up for the quietly stylish and swanky DoubleTree London - I look forward to relaxing there again soon!

GOING OUT: Time for Tea

I’m already bored of hearing about January diets and the “incredible” weight loss transformation of z-list celebs. This year I’ve not made any New Year’s resolutions that will lead to inevitable self-loathing, but plan instead to embrace indulgence as the new abstinence of 2012. This could be achieved through the standard night of hedonistic partying on bars, doing body shots off strangers and stumbling home with a handful of fried chicken. Or more simply through one of life’s finer pleasures – a good cup of tea and a big fat slice of cake.  

Whether your cup of choice is the noble Earl Grey, exotic Lapsang Souchong or the humble English Breakfast, below are some cosy spots scattered across the country perfect for treating yourself (and ending the January diet/cycle of misery and self torture).

The Tea Cosy, Brighton

Tucked away in Brighton, The Tea Cosy gives you the smug feeling of satisfaction that you’ve stumbled upon somewhere ‘secret’. Once inside you’ll find yourself in a fairy lit grotto of Royal Family memorabilia which vaguely resembles someone’s living room. With its odd cups, higgledy piggledy chairs, dusty lampshades and patriotic décor, it reaches the epitome of eccentricity whilst just remaining on the right side of chintz. Friendly service and good value for money, you can tuck into a selection of sandwiches and cakes named after your favourite royal, and drink tea from a pot aptly adorned with a knitted tea cosy.

Richmond Tea Rooms, Manchester

This ‘Alice in Wonderland’ inspired tea room is as indulgent in its interior design as it is in the cakes it serves. Upon entering you’re greeted with a cabinet full of delicious goodies, whilst the room in front of you unfolds into a spectacular example of camp at its decadent best. You can sit opposite a backdrop which evokes the Queen of Hearts, retreat under the glass roof of a flower-filled conservatory, or settle down on comfy cushion seats shrouded in silk drapes. A lively atmosphere makes it perfect for a special occasion, or just a good excuse to stuff your face with scones and clotted cream.  

St James’s Restaurant, Fortnum & Mason, London

Offering a cake-eating and tea-drinking experience in an environment of elegance and sophistication, the St James’s Restaurant is located on the top floor of the royally warranted department store Fortnum & Mason – famous for its luxury hampers, amongst other things. As you’re waited on by attentive staff in an atmosphere of calm civility, it’s not the place to raucously enjoy your cake, but instead pass your time with pleasant conversation whilst listening to the tinkering of the grand piano. It’s not extortionately expensive but you do pay more for a higher end service and experience. You might as well swap the tea for champagne whilst you’re at it. 

The Dome, Edinburgh

The grand location of The Dome in Edinburgh doesn’t solely serve afternoon tea, but it is a dining option with a menu full of the good stuff a traditional tea is made of: finger sandwiches, scones and cakes. With a variety of rooms to dine in the most impressive is undoubtedly The Grill Room. After passing through the foyer and under a chandelier of epic proportions, you’re seated under the impressive glass dome itself. Surrounded by pillars and marble flooring you could feel like you’d been transported to a more decadent era. However the friendly, down to earth atmosphere keeps your feet on the ground as you choose between the smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich, or the Scottish beef and horseradish one.

DW