Thursday 25 August 2011

Brian Duffy Exhibition at The Ideas Generation Gallery



I actually went to this exhibition last month but I believe it is showing until the end of the summer so there is still time to catch it.


The Ideas Generation Gallery is a space off Redchurch Street, accessible from both Shoreditch High Street and Brick Lane, and hidden down a cobbled street. I actually worked a party here whilst working for a luxury fashion brand as the space is available to hire (party tip).
Currently on show is a retrospective of the work of renowned cult photographer Duffy (not to be confused with the pop singer). He is the man who notoriously burnt a vast proportion of his work, in his own back garden, after deciding to quit at the height of his career. The current exhibition features 160 photographs that Duffy’s son has rounded together after years of searching.

During his career he captured many an iconic image from sixties and seventies pop culture. His photographs feature leading icons including models, rock stars, actors, politicians and writers. John Lennon, Bridget Bardot and Michael Caine feature among his cast and he famously shot David Bowie’s record sleeve for Ziggy Stardust, on display at the gallery.

Duffy worked a great deal in fashion shooting two Pirelli calendars and working with the top magazines and faces. He started at Vogue in the late fifties where he made a name for himself and garnered attention through taking the magazine into a fresh and contempory direction. The fashion shots will be of interest to fashionistas, as well as budding photographers, because for all those ‘The September Issue’ fans there is a photograph of Grace Coddington in her modelling days!

Really worth checking out!


The Shrimp

Original Bond Girl: Ursula Andress

Lennon


Tuesday 9 August 2011

Links of London Skull Bracelets



I am a compulsive bracelet hauler and feel naked without a good stacking! The latest to catch my eye are the new punk-inspired Links of London skull bracelets. The only downside with these is deciding which one to buy! Being a fan of all things neon I will probably go for the multi-coloured (exclusive to the web and only 1000 made, be quick). These cool bracelets are made of tiny skulls sown into a thread bracelet and will look great alongside the rest of your wrist candy.

My Sweetie bracelet has been great but I've found one critism with my Friendship. I would definitely not advise you to go for a white or creamy shade of thread as their light cotton proves difficult to keep clean. My silver and white bracelet looked really worn after a few months, even though I looked after it, and I haven’t been able to restore it to a clean white.

The skull bracelets start at £135 and if you go for a dark or rich bright shade of cotton there is no reason why you can't keep it forever. I am all about investment pieces and believe Links of London bracelets are well worth the asking price. They are sturdy and can pretty much withstand anything...try six festivals and counting!







All bracelets are available to buy in store or online at Links of London



Images: Links of London

Monday 1 August 2011

Violet

Pixie fronting Violet at the Sanderson Hotel

Everyone is talking about Pixie Geldof's new band Violet. They've been causing  a buzz after gigging the party scene so I’ve tracked down this video for you to watch (see below) as they're really quite good, if you like acoustic and moody...I do.   
I could imagine Pixie fronting a 90s indie group, think Letters to Cleo or No Doubt, the sort that played at proms in American teen chick flicks!. Aside from looking the part, Pixie’s voice sounds hauntingly cool and she played the guitar well during this set.
Of course, the regulation Geldof haters won't bother to listen and will write this off immediately (although I'm not sure she'd care) but have a listen, I think you’ll be surprised.
I’ve met Pixie and closely followed her style so I'm looking forward to hearing more from her band. The web doesn't seem to reveal too much about Violet, nor can I find a website. However, judging from this snippet I don't think it’ll be long until we do hear more!

See what you think...




Image: Purple DIARY