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

ART: Nuart 2013 Preview

Can I just take a second to preview the amazing lineup at this year's Nuart festival in Norway!?

You might remember that I lost my Nuart virginity last September, and ever since I've been a complete fangirl. 2013 looks set to be brilliant - with more artists yet to be confirmed; here's a quick DSD round-up of our favourites.

DALeast

I'm familiar with DALeast after working with him earlier this year at his DALeast London Dare show. The Chinese artist's 3D images prove that urban artists are in no way lacking in technical skill. Seeing is believing:

DALeast - Art Basel

Aiko

Always good to see a female among the cockfest which can be Nuart (although the amazing ms. Swoon has been one of the favourite artists ever shown here). Aiko, or Lady Aiko to give her full title, has done some of the prettiest murals I've ever seen - which means it came as no surprise when Louis Vuitton asked her to collaborate on a silk scarf for their Spring/ Summer 2013 collection. The Japanese artist used to work for Haruki Murakami and appeared in Exit Through The Gift Shop. 'Nuff said.

Aiko for Louis Vuitton S/S 2013

Aiko Spray Cans

Ernest Zacharevic

The disappointment that he didn't chose a slightly more zany pseudonym over his (albeit also catchy) real name, soon fades when you're hit between the eyes by one Ernest's striking urban pieces. Combining the humour which distinguishes street art from much of its gallery-hung counterparts, with his enviably beautiful artistic skill, Ernest reminds us that graffiti is not just for those who 'can't paint good':

Ernest Zacharevic - Malaysia

Martha Cooper

Though not strictly a street artist,  Martha was integral to the spread of US graffiti culture during the 70s and 80s - and beyond. After a chance encounter with a young graff enthusiast, Martha decided to document the art she came upon during her day-to-day life in New York. 2013 saw a mural painted in Martha's honour by several street-artist (including my 2012 pick HowNosm), christening her the queen of Bleeker street - if only temporarily. We expect Nuart 2013 will be showcasing some of her most striking photographs whilst paying tribute to this fantastically talented photojournalist:

Martha Cooper

The above list is by no means exhaustive and we'll be keeping you informed of updates. Meanwhile, let us know who you're most looking forward to catching at Nuart OR Numusic festival below, and check out Nuart 2013 here.

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MUSIC: Preview: Getting some Faith in VV Brown

I was lucky enough to catch a showcase of VV Brown's new album in Shoreditch a couple of months ago and I've been hooked to her new sound ever since. Though you can't deny the radio-appeal of her first album 'Travelling Like the Light' - which dropped singles 'Crying Blood' and the very successful 'Shark in the Water'- ultimately it just wasn't for me.

Following a few years hiatus (she's been starting her own clothes label and judging awards for the Observer, amongst other things...) Vanessa is back with a much darker, moodier and dirtier sound which showcases her kick-ass vocals perfectly. Brown has suggested her love for opera influenced this change in direction and the production, alongside her killer voice, certainly gives the album a theatrical feel - despite its generally stripped back sound. My absolute favourite so far is Faith - which has already been getting a lot of love on Twitter. Check it out below:



It's great to have such a talented british female singer back on the scene, alongside the recently reformed MKS (aka the original Sugababes), giving the US superstars some proper competition. Check her out now, before everyone gets involved...


Let me know what you think about VV's comeback in the comments section - and make your vote for the next single at Paco Rabanne here.

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BEAUTY: Preview: RiRi Hearts Summer preview

The MAC/Rihanna Summer Collection is set to be released online on June 20th! I'd like to say I can see past celebrity collaborations, to the money spinners they really are, but both the Rihanna River Island line and the Ri Ri Hearts MAC ranges aren't to be sniffed at.

From the RI range I've managed to get two of my favourite wardrobe pieces this year: a black floor-length dress with a sexy thigh-high slit (modelled by the Diamonds singer herself below!) and a see-through floral shirt.

RiverIsland.com

instagram @badgalrihrih

RiRi Woo lipsticks was pretty similar to MAC's original Ruby Woo shade but I still wouldn't mind getting my hands on it when it's 'rih'-released (it sold out within hours on its debut). RiRi Boy and Heaux now join the lipstick line-up, a matte purple and a deep berry matte, respectively (I'm leaning towards Boy).

Also on the Good Gal Gone Bad's summer menu is a blush duo called 'Hibiscus Kiss' and lustre drops named 'Barbados Girl'- naturally. 

Sharpen those claws for June 20 guys - the heat is on! Meanwhile, I'm off to see the gal herself this Saturday! - #phuckme #rihrihNavy #watyagon'do etc etc...