Monday 20 May 2013

BLOOMING LEOPOLD SS13


I've been waiting with anticipation for this lookbook for quite some time; Lauren Winter's collections just keep on getting better, and this new lot are no exception. It's all got such a relaxed, summery feel, helped along by traditional hand dyeing methods completed with natural inks - it somehow all feels perfect for the summer. And those clay bead necklaces are to die for.


FERN

images from bloomingleopold

Sunday 19 May 2013

TOPSHOP LIMITED EDITION



I've been so busy the past couple of weeks it's ridiculous. Tomorrow will mark my 11th day straight of working, I'm so tired that I now day dream about bed. Anyway, on my now daily hunt to topshop.com for shoes that I saw in-store but, somewhat frustratingly, don't seem to exist online(!), I stumbled across the new Topshop Limited Edition. Clearly a massive vintage influence in just about every piece, each one is beyond beautiful, and actually, rather affordable. And, as prom season is on the not-to-distant horizon, they're an exquisite alternative to a typical prom dress. Just wish I had an excuse to purchase one myself.

FERN

Sunday 12 May 2013

JANE FOSTER


During university I always wanted to do more screen printing, but I always find myself too scared. Not of the process itself, as I'd learnt in my college years how to make up the screens and print them, but more of the time it takes, and if it goes wrong you have to start all over again. I'm hoping to get back into it (if I ever find an exposure unit in Yorkshire) at some point, but until then I'll continue to pour over photographs of Jane Foster's creations.

I am insanely jealous of her studio set-up, working from home in Devon, Foster produces beautifully bold patterns and incorporates them into hand-sewn homewares. It's her toys I particularly love; the simplicity of block colour makes them stand out, and their little faces all have a slightly cheeky look about them - perfect for kids, and even some adults alike.


FERN

Thursday 9 May 2013

SOMETHING TO DO WITH SPYING


I have become somewhat obsessed with spy films after watching Skyfall and Argo recently and the brilliant new The Americans series from Fox. So I thought I'd make a list of my favourite spy films.

THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO LITTLE

Bill Murray stars as naive video shop worker Wallace Ritchie in this Hitchcock-style thriller who travels from Des Moines, Iowa, to London to celebrate hiswealthy younger brother's birthday - turning up unannounced on the same night that his brother has plans to attend a high-profile client dinner party.  Needing to  keep Wallace away during the evening, he buys him a ticket to the Theatre of Life to keep him entertained for the evening.

The game of street theatre requires Wallace to assume a character and follow the actions of those he meets. However while waiting in the phone box to receive his instructions to begin the game, he picks up the wrong call and the the phone instructions Wallace receives are actually intended for an assassin, part of a scheme to end the current UK regime and restart the Cold War. Blissfully unaware, Wallace walks without fear into a complex web of intrigue involving politicians, call girls, and Russian spies. As an international plot unravels around him, he thinks it's all part of the act while his pursuers are mystified by his fearlessness in the face of danger.

(Rule of thumb – if theres a Bill Murray film in a genre it will be one of my favourites)


THE BOURNE TRILOGY

I'm cheating here a little but I couldnt just pick one of them; though the latter two directed by Paul Greengrass are the better of the three. The trilogy sees Matt Damon star as Jason Bourne in this spy thriller that turned the genre, and especially James Bond, on its head; exchanging slow paced espionage for fast paced action. The first instalment sees Matt Damon searching for his identity  after being pulled from the sea unconcious. The second two instalments see our hero set out for revenge upon the members of the government agency who were responsible for him entering their world and then for everything that has happened to him ever since. The Bourne films are complex and the mystery surrounding Bourne's past and who he really is what really keep up the suspense along with yet another fine role from Matt Damon.

AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY

Unlike the Bourne Films here I had to pick the first – and the best – Austin Powers film; the second one has it's moments but the great lines are from this film and let's not even mention Goldmember; Austin Powers sees Mike Myers, expanding on another SNL short after Wayne's World, he artfully plays both Austin Powers, the quintessential English Gent, complete with bad teeth and a Beatles haircut, as well as the imaginatively named baddie Dr. Evil. After being frozen in the 1960s, incase his nemesis would one day return, they wake him up and partner him with Elizabeth Hurley's character, Vanessa, in an attempt to thwart Dr. Evil's plan to take over the world. Mike Myers' comedy is at his best here. It is offbeat and clever throughout. Puns, laughs and a bit of blue - what's not to love?

MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE
I am not a massive fan of Tom Cruise films generally, but I was about 7 when this was released and saw it at the cinemas - I even bought a Brit Award album for the theme tune.
Based on the original 1960s show we see Tom Cruise play agent Ethan Hunt, who, after being framed for the deaths of his entire team, try to clear his name. His quest takes him into the depths of the CIA headquarters at Langley and across europe, before face masks, hi-tech gadgets and chewing gum saves the day.
Still the best of the series (though I still havent managed to watch the latest) largely because of it's clever plot and a brilliant supporting cast.

MUNICH

Not your usual espionage film; Steven Spielberg's Oscar nominated film tells of a squad of assassins, led by Mossad agent Avner, played by Eric Bana, hunting down and killing members of the Black September members thought to be responsible for the murders of eleven Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Based on, but not completely true to, (Spielberg describes it as 'historical fiction;) Munich tells the story of the real-life Operation Wrath of God. Munich mixes standard spy thrills with some of the controversial debate around Israeli intelligence.

It's proved controversial for bending the truth so it never going to please everyone, but it shows you why Spielberg is a cinematic great and captures the feel and mentality of the time, with a beautifully crafted international spy thriller.

CHRIS

Wednesday 8 May 2013

BLACKPOOL



I've only been to Blackpool a handful of times, but every time it leaves me feeling oddly excited. It's a typical example of a now-barren, British seaside town. I'm not sure if it's the overly strong cold wind, but  Blackpool always seems almost devoid of holiday makers, only thrill-seekers seem to inhabit the Pleasure Beach  and the odd family day trippers. I sort of love going to these sorts of places, they seem so kitsch they're almost a little creepy (in a good way), it's all about buckets and spades, fish and chips, and, of course the 2p machines in the never-ending strip of arcades.



FERN

Thursday 2 May 2013

PERSPECTIVE IS AN AMAZING THING


The right perspective allows you to see things as they really are or from someone elses point of view. A lack of perspective can result in massive misunderstandings, anxiety and even bullying. Being autistic can often mean that a lack of perspective is inherent. It doesn't mean that perspective isn't gained eventually, but until it is – the effects can be wholly damaging. I was diagnosed as having Aspergers 5 years ago. However I did suffer bullying for a very long time before that. My diagnosis provided me with answers, and eventually coping mechanisms – and that led to my confidence returning. I realised that my lack of confidence, and understanding about myself allowed others to pick on me. It allowed others to be strong when they saw me as weak, and I was submissive out of fear of reprisals for standing up for myself.


Since then I have been very much involved in my local Autism community. I have raised money, awareness and stood up for Autism. I also have worked with people on the spectrum which has allowed me to understand others and how their Autism affects them. It also has opened my eyes to how much bullying occurs – offline and online.


The internet allows people to find their voice – neurotypical and autistic alike. However some voices are louder than others and they drown out the quieter ones. Having seen a lot of forums relating to ASD over the past 5 years – I have been privy to arguments, cronyism, exploitation and victimisation. All by people with ASD to people with ASD. Now don't get me wrong, we are not all angels – having a disability does not mean we are pure as the driven snow and incapable of negative behaviours. But we do know the difference between right and wrong.

I have always been a firm believer in challenging negative behaviours, and bettering myself. I believe everyone to some extent is capable of this. However it comes more easily for some people than others. Otherwise ASD would not be the varied disability it is. It's called a spectrum for a reason. Having a resolute belief that you are right can be great under the right circumstances. However when it results in upset, anxiety and self harm – it's not so great. That is why I feel that bullying in the Autism community is all down to perspective. Lack of empathy is supposed to be a big part of ASD. I don't feel this is true. I know a lot of people who exhibit a lot of empathy – however it often comes after the fact, and usually when someone points out how an outburst in a classroom, or angry message online can have a devastating effect on someone else. It can be expanded upon by explaining just because you can understand things in a certain way or level of language – doesn't mean that the person you are having problems with does. Using overly complicated language on purpose to someone you know has issues with understanding it is bullying. Calling them stupid for that same reason is bullying.

Getting angry at that person for getting upset after they try to explain the best way to talk to them, or approach them – is bullying. Standing back and allowing it to happen – is enabling bullying. There needs to be a happy medium when we express ourselves – not too many rules that make us feel like children, and not a complete lack of them that allows the stronger voiced to dominate the less strong.


We are supposed to be a community. We fight bullying from the rest of the world everyday.

We should not be fighting each other.

JULIE

Wednesday 1 May 2013

DISCIPLE OF DECAY

I think we all have a fascination with seeing what is usually hidden behind closed doors. You get a sort of buzz entering a new type of world that you're not familiar with. Urbex photographer Niki Feijen is particularly keen on exploring abandoned, decayed buildings - to me, the most eerie of which seem to be those of forgotten bedrooms; neatly made beds, belongings still carefully placed, as if waiting for their former occupants to return.
FERN