Luca Pilato - Circoloco mix

Luca Pilato is a lovely friend of mine who's mix from Circoloco at Junk (of which he is a resident) I'm sad to say I missed.

With some killer tracks from Russ Yallop - 'Rock me' (a track I can't get enough of)being cleverly entwined with Green Velvet's 'La La Land' this mix sucks you in and spits you out with it's playful & deep tones.

It makes me want to get the hell out of here and dance...


Luka Pilato at circoloco - Junk - 04/12/2010 by LukaPilato

Fairground

Rabbit hooded knits - The Gift Collection 2010

Marina & The Diamonds at Glastonbury 2010

I love designers who encapsulate playful and romantic attitudes in their pieces and Fairground's creative director Valerija Vocanec does just that. Each collection has a story behind it and a varying theme with strong prints, graphic tailoring and bold colours cleverly reflecting each one differently. 'The Gift' is my favourite collection from Fairground this year, others include 'Colours Of Her Flesh', 'Worth Feeding On' & 'Energetically Available'.

With gorgeous oversized rabbit hooded knits, multicoloured bodysuits and it's no surprise that the more off-beat celebrities are big fans; Marina & the Diamonds, Sia and Tanya Horro have all been caught sporting Fairground's designs.

For more information on their collections visit their site: www.welovefairground.com

'Trombona' mix

Just a quick track to keep you wiggling... 'Trombona' by Gregor Es & Felix Grant...

Summer Ear Ticklers

Two tracks that I am hooked on this week are Josh One - 'Contemplation' (King Britt Funke Remix) and Roy Davis Jr Feat. Peven Everett - 'Gabriel'.

These two fantastic records are the soundtrack to my summer of fun and I'm holding on to the memories as hard as possible...especially in this cold weather.

I hope they bring some sunshine to your day...

Mouj

A dear friend of mine who goes by the name of 'Mouj' has very kindly sent me his latest mix and I can't stop playing it over and over again.

Mouj's mix has a wonderful warm, techy and soulful feel to it which sucks you in and makes it very hard not to break in to dance. It's perfect for cheering you up in this gloomy weather.

Download here...

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&send_id=970509075&email=dd9456091baced714ab9740f1de58c82

Nathan Jenden

Nathan Jenden himself

Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection

Nathan Jenden is the latest designer to catch my attention with the bold prints and bright clashing colours from his Fall 2010 show.

The British born designer is now based in New York, where he has been since 1998 after moving out there to work as Design Director for Daryl K. Three years later Nathan was the Creative Director for Diane Von Furstenberg where he successfully aided in sculpting her DVF Brand.

In 2005 Nathan launched his own collection during New York Fashion Week and it was quickly snapped up by Elle, Harpers Bazaar and Vogue after Madonna proclaimed it as her favourite London show. By Nathan's third show Philip Treacy was on board for the headpieces and Christian Louboutin was commissioned for the heels, to which the collaborations caused much excitement and publicity.

Nathan Jenden is definitely one to watch...

Aeroplane

Stumbled across this smooth worldly mix by Aeroplane which is playing out as the soundtrack to my week so far.

I had a good wiggle to them in the Bollywood tent at Bestival and loved their set, so much so that I'm off to see them again in December at The Warehouse Project, Manchester for SMD's Delicatessen. With an accompanying line-up to rival anything I've seen in years, Aeroplane will be playing alongside Simian Mobile Disco, Hercules & Love Affair, Holy Ghost, Andrew Weatherall vs Ivan Smagghe, Tensnake, Mark E, Naïve Melody DJs, Cutloose and Greg Lord....Phew! This is locked and loaded.

Aeroplane September Mix by Aeroplane (Official)

Tatty Devine & Penhaligon's

One of my favourite jewellery designers, Tatty Devine, has collaborated with Penhaligon's of London to create a very desirable collection of moustache inspired broaches, necklaces, cuff links and tie pins.

With varying sizes in stained wood, blackened enamel and tortoiseshell acrylic you will surely be able to find a piece to fit with your style.

I've already added one to my existing Tatty Devine collection and it will be forever close to my heart...

https://www.tattydevine.com/boutique/index.php

OK Go - White Knuckles

I saw the latest OK Go music video for 'White Knuckles' recently and it really tickled me, they have a reputation for some very interesting and humorous videos and most would remember them best for their 'Here it goes again' video which was performed on treadmills.

If you liked their previous work and are dog lovers then you'll find this video is right up your street! Have a gander...

Naim Josefi

The Melonia Shoe

Naim Josefi has collaborated with fellow Stockholm student Souzan Youssouf for his 'Melonia' collection and the two designers have created something unlike anything I have seen before. The future of shoe design is looking very interesting, Josefi & Youssouf have designed and modelled the Melonia Shoe for Selective Laser Sintering who created five wearable shoes for the catwalk models using a 3D laser printer!

Naim's 2010 collection was formed around the concept of 'no waste' so the skeleton-like shoes are made from homogeneous material 'Polyamid' which can be completely recycled.

I find the shoes strangely intriguing yet somewhat ugly due to them being slightly alien to me in form, I'm not convinced they'd be that comfortable either... but that's fashion for you.

The Dead Weather

The Dead Weather is yet another one of Jack White's creations to rock the music scene, the band was formed after The Raconteurs toured the US in 2008 with The Kills (one of my absolute favourite bands).

It all came about after Alison Mosshart of The Kills had to stand in on a number of lead vocals for Jack White whilst he was ill with bronchitis. The on stage chemistry between her and The Raconteurs led to them recording a cover of Gary Numan's "Are Friends Electric?" and it kicked off from there.

The Dead Weather is made up of Jack White, Alison Mosshart, bassist "Little Jack" Lawrence, and Queens of the Stone Age guitarist Dean Fertita.

Their noise is punchy and full of attitude, just good old rock'n'roll and I love it. They are now on their second album called 'Sea of Cowards' which is pretty damn good.

Have a listen to this track off the first album Horehound 'I cut like a Buffalo'...

Camel

No.21 Fall 2010

Chloé Fall 2010

Chloé Fall 2010

No I'm not talking about the hairy mammal... this Autumn/Winter following on from the Nudes and Beige's of Spring/Summer 2010 'Camel' is everywhere from winter coats to suede boots.

With me it conjures images of roll necks & long thick woolen coats with killer shoulder pads worn endlessly throughout the 1980's by everyone from Cindy Crawford to Del Boy.

Chloé's Fall 2010 collection encapsulates Camel in one big hit, it screams 1980's with all the staple pieces; turtlenecks, cashmere and jumpsuits.

Stock up on the Camel...

Dominic Jones Jewellery

Gold Gator Jaw bracelet

Gator Jaw Cuffs (above & below)


Gold Rhinoceros Beetle Ring


After Bugs & Beetles were a predominant theme in this year's Autumn/Winter 2010 shows, Dominic Jones' latest collection has been reawakened as the weather cools and new trends hit the shelves. Dominic's pieces were specially chosen by Sophia Neophitou to accessorize the prestigious Thierry Mugler show.

Dominic launched his first collection in 2009 and has since become a sort after jewellery designer by the likes of Alexa Chung, Beyonce, Vivienne Westwood, Sienna Miller and renowned US Vogue Editor Anna Wintour who may also be to thank for some of his success, after it is now common knowledge that Anna called him in for a one-to-one meeting after hearing of his first collection. Dominic has since twice won the British Fashion Council 'New Generation Award'.

Dominic Jones' natural statement pieces are beautiful yet raw and although many would consider his work grotesque, it just makes me love it even more. He's taken inspiration from an array of creatures such as aligators, bugs, beetles, snails, sharks and crayfish. Dominic's bronze rhinoceros beetle ring caught my eye at first but I now can't stop looking at the huge gold gator cuffs... I may have to resort to wrapping foil around my arms though, unless I stumble across some serious money!

http://www.dominicjonesjewellery.com/

Greg Wilson at Bestival 2010

After a lot of running around in various fancy dress guises on Saturday night at this year's Bestival everyone suddenly reconnected in a moment of bliss at Greg Wilson's ever eclectic set in the Bollywood Tent, at that moment Marvin Gaye's "Ain't no mountain high enough"blared out and it was epic.

This is for all who were there to re-live the moment and those who weren't to imagine it...

BESTIVAL 11.09.10 (greg wilson live mix) by gregwilson

Seth Troxler

I caught a bit of Seth Troxler at Bestival this year and loved his deep techy sound so much it was hard to drag myself away to take in more delights the festival had to offer.

Based in Berlin but originally from Detroit Seth's been djing since 16 and has developed a bit of a reputation for somewhat sinister and dark themes throughout his mixes. Seth is a resident at Club der Visionare and bimonthly host at Week End Club in Berlin and as well as gigging at clubs such as MUTEK & Fuse and opening for Ricardo Villalobos at Fabric.

If you like what you hear below Seth Troxler's playing at Mulletover's Halloween Fancy Dress Party on 30.10.10, although it's still to be confirmed.

"I recommend reading his biography;

Through a leaking bodily cavity resembling the pork found in Chinese restaurants, Satan shat out a crystal beaming with glowing red embers. This crystal matured into the fetus of Seth Troxler. Seth was placed on earth as a weeping fetus, the sound of inevitability. As he grew, his ancestral roots took on a magnetic channeling power, more than his feeble mind could ever consciously fathom. As a result, he became capable of creating some of the world's finest and most intuitive dance cuts, including releases and remixes on Spectral, Wagon Repair, Crosstown Rebels, M_nus, Bpitch Control, Circus Company, Items and Thing, Raum... Musik, FXHE, Esperanza, Leftroom,Adults Only and Beretta Grey. His music has been featured on Audions Fabric mix, The Circo Loco 10 comp mixed by Arpiar, and Matthew Dears new Get Physical compilation.

Seth's DJ career started in Detroit in 2002 at the age of 16 as a frequent Dj at Detroit club The Works and as a clerk at Detroit's famous Melodies and Memories record store. With these experiences Seth gained a preternatural understanding of rave, and dance music history, that now allows him to conjours up mixes and tracks like Botticelli conjoured his Venus. He has played many outstanding international gigs, notably Fabric, Tenax, MUTEK, , Panorama Bar, Watergate, Robert Johnson, Detroit Electroinc Music Festival, The Rex, Fuse, Avalon and The End Up. As well as being a resident at Berlin's legendary Club der Visionäre. Seth is also a bi monthly party host, and resident DJ at Berlin Weekend Club, and Cityfox's new club Alte Borse in Zurich, w/ friends Ryan Crosson and Shaun Reeves. Before relocating to Berlin he was also a key conceptual force behind America's "Tesh Club" parties with partners in crime Ryan Crosson and Lee Curtiss. Under the name Visionquest, they have hosted the annual "Need is Say More" (old miami) party which has become DEMF's most anticipated after hours since it's conception 2006. 

His influences include the chirping of crickets, the whirring of space ships, and the sweet sounds of whistling voodoo magic. However, Seth draws the majority of his inspiration from Robert Downey Jr., and the idea of releasing the shackles that bind Downey so he can finally do heroin in peace. Also seth enjoy's cooking, long walk on the beach and candle lit dinner." Seth Troxler - 2010-07-24 - Live with Ryan Crosson & Shaun Reeves at Nu Echoes Riccione by Electro-Mix-Memory

SUPER Sunglasses AW 2010

M.I.A rocking the FlatTop 'Cheetah' from SS2010

An Italian craftsman applying leather to the new FlatTops

SUPER Leather Wrapped FlatTop Sunglasses

SUPER 'Randagio' FlatTop Sunglasses exclusive to Barneys

SUPER 'Lucia' Sunglasses

I've recently been hooked in by the uber trendy retro designs of SUPER Sunglasses (by the RETROSUPERFUTURE Brand). Since launching in 2007 SUPER have become a household name among the rich and famous; the likes of Kanye West, M.I.A, The Kills, Justice and Sienna Miller are regularly adorned with their shades.

SUPER's FlatTop's with their luxury leather wrapping in three different tones of 'Rich Brown', 'Deep Chocolate' and 'Sand' are gorgeous and enviously extravagant, you may have to part with around £150 to claim yours though.

Anyway, I think they're SUPER sexy and I've fallen head over heels in love.

For stockists visit http://retrosuperfuture.com/super/buy
OR
visit their very own blog and drawl over their collections at
http://retrosuperfuture.com/super/blog/

Rodrigo y Gabriela

I caught a glimpse of Rodrigo y Gabriela on one of the BBC's Glastonbury highlights programmes whilst sitting at home and sulking about turning down a last minute working ticket, on a year with the most idyllic weather, and yet again not making it to the festival...even my dad was there as usual. The infectious sound and mesmerising fast-fingered talent of just two Mexican guitarists intrigued me so much I had to go and download a few of their albums the next day.

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero, originally from Mexico City, are now based in Dublin after merging as a due from the age of sixteen when they met through a common interest for 'metal' (as in the music not the material!).

Yet another perfect hangover cure tried and tested, I can imagine I'm in an Ibizan villa if I close my eyes and just listen to the enchanting guitars. Check out tracks 'Ixtapa', 'Orion' and 'Tamacun' for a couple of their most popular tracks.

Find out more about Rodrigo y Gabriela at http://www.rodgab.com/home.html

Kate Moss' Feather Cape for Topshop

This stunning pastel feather cape from Kate Moss' SS2010 Topshop Collection has literally flown out of the the stores and is now completely sold out. It retailed at £85 and is already going for £140 on ebay. It's easy to see why though, it's a beautiful accessory for the summer...even if it does slightly remind me of Pete Burns!

If you already have one then i'm rather envious, if not then good luck hunting this one down.

Levi's new Curve ID

Miss Nine in the Campaign shoot for Levi's Curve ID

Pixie Geldoff from Violet in the Campaign Shoot for Levi's Curve ID

Yesterday a new concept of jeans by Levi's called 'Curve ID - Custom Fits for Women' was brought to my attention, slightly sceptical I attended the fitting and opened my ears... I not only liked what I heard but soon after what I saw too.

Levi's have used a 3D body scanner to map 60,000 women's figures from across the globe and come to the conclusion after much analysis that there are 10 main shapes to a woman's figure and out of that 80% are covered by 3 curve ID's;
Slight Curve - celebrates straight curves
Demi Curve - frames women's proportions
Bold Curve - honours real curves
87% of women are dissatisfied with the jeans they already own and are hopeful to find a better fitting pair one day, so it is not surprising that Levi's has taken the bull by the horns and finally taken real women's figures into consideration, focusing on shape not size. Each Levi's store has a trained Curve ID specialist who will measure you once around the waist, then on your hip and on the widest part of your 'curve', considerately, and select the correct style to fit your curves. Levi's even boast that you should actually fit into a size smaller than your usual fit due to their style.
After a day of testing I'm actually pretty pleased with this new concept of jean which fits like a glove and that's saying something, especially for a girl with such a bold curve as mine!

Levi's Curve ID is available in up to fourteen premium denim finishes, so surely now you'll be able to find that perfect pair of jeans...or as near as you'll get for now.

http://eu.levi.com/en_GB/index.html

Topshop Fall/Winter 2010: “The Outsiders”

Topshop's Fall/Winter 2010 collection 'The Outsiders' has caught my eye with a main focus on their shoe design. With lots of sheepskin playing a big part in the next two season's it's looking very snuggly for our toes this fall.

With the 1950's resurfacing for this fall, cream and brown leather is another strong trend coming through in shoe design with brogues and tassled loafers stealing the show in both flat and heeled styles. Team with ribbed olive green or brown socks to complete the desired look.

Get yours at www.topshop.com

Zara Leather Shorts

A few years ago if you'd of told me in the future i'd be lusting after a pair of leather shorts I think i'd of laughed in your face and made a comment about some eastern european hookers... but it's happened.

They caught my eye earlier this year from Zara's Spring 2010 collection and ever since I haven't seen a pair I love more. In tan these shorts are the perfect transitional season piece which can be worn all year round. From teaming them with a floral shirt and pumps for a casual summer style to some lace tights and a cashmere jumper for a winter luxe look the shorts are a staple piece for any girls wardrobe.

Boulé's August Mix

Stumbled across this chilled deep-tech mix by Boulé, it's a catchy little number so stick it on.

Boulés Everybody Dance Mix (Recorded Aug 2010) by Boulé

Persol Face Furniture

These geek-chic Havana PO2895V classes from Persol's Optical range really caught my eye, especially when I saw the price...£197! However if you have the muller then why not spend it on something which is beautifully made and sure to be an accessorie staple piece for years to come.

Find yours at www.persol.com

Lollapalooza 2010

Erykah Badu wearing clothes for once

'Posh' aka 'The Prince' in his interesting ensemble

Cocovan wearing a mix of American Apparel, Zara and Vintage

Lollapalooza other than having a pretty sick name looks like another festival to add to my wish list. The 3 day event took place between 5th-7th August in Chicago and seems to draw a similar crowd to that of our Lovebox but with a slight (pop)rock edge.

This years Lollapalooza (I am going to write it as much as I can!) had some great acts including a headline from 'The GaGa' herself, Chromeo, Pheonix, Erykah Badu, Cut Copy, The XX, Yeasayer and Cypress Hill to name a few.

As well as having a host of great acts to entertain you, Lollapalooza also seemed to be the perfect place to lap up some of the yanks festival trends. From Erykah Badu sporting some eccentric gold ear wear to Lady Gaga's hype man named 'Posh/The Prince' wearing what can only be described as 80's puke...but if you've got it flaunt it right?!
Lollapalooza. Lollapalooza. Lollapalooza.

Henrik Schwarz mix

Found this nice little chilled mix from Henrik Schwarz back in February this year. He smashed the Relentless tent at Lovebox and has been a personal favourite of mine since...for the time being anyway!

Henrik Schwarz - 2010-02-06 - !K7 Labelshow ByteFM by Electro-Mix-Memory

Cherry Ghost - Finally

Cherry Ghost have done a stripped down cover of Cece Peniston's big 90's track 'Finally'.

Not the best video, but the only decent one. It's a cute version and I like it...

Hunter Lace-up Wellies

Hunter have finally designed a wellington to be proud of. The three quarter-length lace-up wellingtons, in black or navy have been the festival must-have of the summer and now the weather's taken a change for the worst it has never been more needed.

All you need is mud...here's to Bestival.

Lace-up Wellingtons by Hunter, £60. hunter-boot.com

The XX ft Florence live at Glastonbury

It's 2 months later now and I'm still hooked on the video of Florence joining The XX on stage at Glastonbury to sing a live remix of her cover for You've got the Love by Candi Staton.

This recording gives me goosebumps and shivers for the whole duration and I feel it's one of the best performances i've seen of Florence due to her ability to effortlessley sing the vocal remix live from The XX's pre-recorded version.

The energy from this will pull you in, so take a peek...

Owlita Feather Earrings

I need these in my life. Seen briefly in purple on Samantha in Sex & The City 2 as part of her trashy 80's look these bold statement earrings from California based jewellery designer Owlita have really caught my eye...not so much in an 80's trashy way though!

Unless you want to rock the r'n'b style of one large dangler you're looking in the region of $90 for 2 feathery birds to swing from your lobes, but I think it's worth it. Unfortunately it's bad news if you're a soon to be bald owl...

The Garifuna Women's Project

Originating from a collection of small towns and villages on the Caribbean coasts of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua are a group of Garifuna women who sing about their daily lives.

The first time I heard one of their songs it hooked me in straight away with the charming sounds and enchanting voices, I had an urge to hunt down more of it as soon as I could.

The album titled Umalali is a manifesto of 10 years worth of songs compiled by the Garifuna women. It has taken 5 years to collect the songs from all of the small villages in Central America and a further 5 years for the producer Ivan Duran to encompass a blend of rock, blues, funk, African, Latin and Caribbean styles to complement their rich sounding voices. Recorded in beach huts, kitchens, temples and even on the street the songs have a beautifully natural and raw feeling to them, which quickly carry you off to an idyllic beach far away from reality.

It's one of my favourite hangover cures. Give it a listen...