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TH E J OU RNAL OF E MBASSY GAR D E NS AND THE NINE E LMS D ISTR ICT
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CREATI VE D IR E CTO R O F CO NTE NT – NIK THAKKAR EDITO R IAL D E SIGN – MADE THOUGHT CONTE NT DIR E CTO R – HAYLEIGH O’FARRELL CO NTE NT E D ITO R – MONICHA TULLY COMMEN TARY – SEAN MULRYAN AND TERRY FARRELL COVE R PHOTO GR APHY – OZ THAKKAR W RI TERS – JAKE HALL, REBECCA BOYCE, MONIQUE KAWECKI, SHWETAL PATEL CO NTE NT TE AM – TCG, LFJ PR, MOMXDAD ILLUSTR ATIO NS – ACHRAF AMIRI
REDEFINING LONDON’S SKYLINE THE NARRATIVE OF THE CITY THROUGH ARCHITECTURE
LA PETITE ANGLAISE TALKING STYLE IN SOUTH WEST LONDON WITH MODEL AND BLOGGER ELLA CATLIFF
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THE GLOBAL SOUTH 14
THE RE-IMAGINED SOUTH LONDON ART SCENE
FASHION’S BEST KEPT SECRET 18
DISCOVER THE CREATIVE BUZZ SOUTH OF THE RIVER
AROUND EMBASSY GARDENS 20 RICHARD YOUNG 22
BEHIND THE LENS OF LONDON’S MOST CELEBRATED NIGHTLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS
THE ALKEMISTRY LAUNCH AT THE EG:LE CLUB 24 COCKTAILS AND JEWELLERY FOR AN INSPIRING NIGHT
DIAMOND IN THE DIRT 26
THE CREATIVE GENIUS OF BRITISH ARTIST, DANIEL LISMORE
FOUR TRANSATLANTIC CREATIVES 28
MEET FOUR OF THE MOST PROMISING CREATIVES EMBLEMATIC OF A NEW GENERATION
LONDON’S HIGH LINE, NYC – LDN 30
THE GREEN LINK BETWEEN THE U.K AND THE U.S
FROM CURATION TO CREATION 32 EMBASSY GARDENS IS HOME TO THREE NEW PUBLIC SCULPTURES
34 GIVING THE PEOPLE OF NINE ELMS A GREAT GREEN SPACE LINEAR PARK RAISES THE BAR FOR THE FUTURE OF INTEGRATED GREEN SPACES
36 THE BEAUT Y IN NATURE
AN ESCAPE INTO THE MIND AND WORLD OF FLORAL ARTIST, REBECCA LOUISE LAW
38 SWEET ON SOUTH LONDON
THE WHIMSICAL CREATIONS DREAMT UP BY LILY JONES, OWNER OF FAMED ARTISANAL BAKERY LILY VANILLI
39 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
LUXURY BRITISH FASHION BRAND FOUNDED BY DESIGNER, SOUTH LONDON RESIDENT TABITHA SOMERSET WEBB
40 WAITROSE X HESTON
A SENSORY EXPERIENCE WITH HESTON BLUMENTHAL RANGE OF UNORTHODOX RECIPES
42 DINING IN NINE ELMS
THE REGENERATION OF NINE ELMS HAS CREATED A DIVERSE AND VIBRANT LEISURE OFFER FOR FOOD AND DRINKS
44 EXCLUSIVELY YOURS
CLASSIC ELEGANCE MEETING CONTEMPORARY STYLE, DISCOVER EMBASSY GARDENS MEMBERS’ CLUB
52 A MODERN MAN
A CINEMATIC JOURNEY WITH DIGITAL HEARTTHROB AND MODEL DIEGO BARRUECO
ARCHITECTURE
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Architecture extends beyond mere aesthetics; it tells the narrative of its city, whose history and culture are intrinsically weaved into every line and curve of its buildings. Architecture also contributes towards identity; global perception of a city is down to its inhabitants, its physical environment and its culture. Architecture is a harmonious celebration of these three elements and as our globe becomes a smaller place, worldwide perception becomes even more fundamental.
Redefining London’s Skyline 5
ARCHITECTURE
Luckily for us, London is home to some of the world’s most phenomenal contemporary and classical architecture from St Paul’s to The Shard. Embassy Gardens, the vision of Ballymore Group CEO Sean Mulryan, is a new development that complements this iconic architecture and forms the heart of Nine Elms on the South Bank. Mulryan wanted the development to push the boundaries of design, construction and engineering and we can now see his vision coming to life. He said: “Walking into one of our developments should be a unique, breathtaking experience. I’m very passionate about the synergy between great design, architecture and art – and what it means for Ballymore buildings. For Ballymore, everything must be culturally led, art led and design led, that is always our focus.
To achieve this Mulryan teamed up with Terry Farrell who worked with Ballymore to create a master plan for Embassy Gardens. Farrell was recently asked whether a development like Embassy Gardens ought to be architecturally sympathetic or architecturally groundbreaking. He said: “Architecture is not that simple. Much like the World War Two Spitfire, parts of which were manufactured in the Art Deco factory that is now my home in Paddington, architecture and the concept of the aesthetic continually evolve.”
Nine Elms on the Southbank, the area in which Embassy Gardens is situated, spans an area equivalent to Mayfair and Belgravia combined. It is undoubtedly the most exciting chapter in the narrative of London and most likely the last time that the capital will see the creation of a new district as vast as this. Cllr Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council since 2011 and a councillor for the area since 1982, has had a very hands-on role in the development of the area and is co-chair of the Nine Elms Strategy Board. He recently confessed: “I feel incredibly proud to have been so involved in the development of the area. There is such great potential to improve the lives of so many people and change the landscape of central London”.
Embassy Gardens is the collective result of some of the industry’s most innovative minds.
Working with fantastic designers in these disciplines helps us make fantastic opening statements at our schemes. At Embassy Gardens we travelled to New York to photograph bricks in the old Meatpacking District to get the right colours; the brickwork at Embassy Gardens matches in terms of shades and texture. We wanted to create an environment with a distinctive character”
He added: “London embodies this and must continue to do so. We need to nurture its spirit and carefully conserve its history and classical architecture, but in doing so, we must not forget how varied the stories of different parts of London are. There does not need to be uniformity in the aesthetic of London, juxtaposition can be astonishingly beautiful.”
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Mayor of London Boris Johnson has also echoed this excitement for the development: “Undoubtedly the most exciting new chapter in the story of London and quite possibly the last time the capital will see the creation of such a completely new district.” With all eyes on the development Farrell believed “It was critical that Embassy Gardens reflects the history of the area, its future and its
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differences from other areas of London. The development unlocks the potential of a complete Southbank, from Battersea to London Bridge, and is evidence that London is finally investing in itself again.” He continued: “For many years, the UK has been an exporter of architectural excellence, but we have not been demanding enough of the new developments in the majority of our towns. The UK should be a showcase for what can be achieved when planners, landscapers, architects, conservationists, engineers, artists, developers and builders work together. I sincerely hope that in this vein, Embassy Gardens can set an example for the rest of the country to follow and, in the longer term, inspire a great deal more interest in architecture among the British people.” Embassy Gardens is the collective result of some of the industry’s most innovative minds. To achieve his vision, Mulryan enlisted the support of a palate of world-renowned architects and designers.
and the materials. In this case it was oak timber, brass and natural stone, all selected because they provide feelings of warmth and high quality. To inject the intended juxtaposition, we also used glossy lacquers with bright colours to give that palette a fresher, stronger contrast.” Finishing touches come in the form of three artwork installations, unveiled to coincide with 2015’s Frieze Art Fair, as well a 35-metre high Sky Pool; a collaborative effort between engineering group Arup Associates, Eckersley O’Callaghan and aquarium specialists Reynolds. Alluding to its originality, O’Callaghan confirmed that the Sky Pool is an avant-garde design, He said: “There are some examples of swimming pools on top of buildings but none
Internally, designer Luis Bustamante was recruited to assist with Embassy Gardens’ communal spaces. Mulryan wanted the instant wow-factor that only Bustamante could provide.
Bustamante revealed: “As a sculptor, I conceive a space as a whole piece of art where there is an interplay between the geometry of the space
Mulryan’s vision for the project was to ensure that the pool was not only an exhilarating experience, but also functional and aesthetically pleasing, Ballymore’s design team were mindful of the surrounding landscape, recognising that the project would have to work in the larger context of London’s existing cityscape. This level of consideration will make the overall result feel experiential as well as visual. The designers had a relatively blank canvas, but had to respect the viewing corridors through to the Palace of Westminster, provide a suitable backdrop for the new US Embassy and be mindful that the spaces between the buildings will be key to the development’s success”.
Mulryan said: “Due to its prominence, first impressions of Embassy Gardens are crucial. Residents and visitors must be wowed from that very first second. I wanted designs that would become talking points; they had to embody culture relevant to this area of London.” Bustamante was tasked with the development of a unique concept, one that integrated global design standards whilst retaining the distinct identity of Nine Elms and London. His intention was to create a hybrid internal space, which fused London’s heritage with the use of traditional materials. These elements would then be clashed with daring, vibrant materials symbolic of Embassy Gardens and its bold nature.
Complex calculations including water pressure had to be considered from a logistics standpoint, making the operation extremely difficult. Of course, there’s also the factor of the immense weight. Water can be deceptively heavy, especially when deep. If you consider a square metre area at the bottom of a pool, every 1m depth of water weighs about the same of a small car. The solution to these various problems is to make the pool from acrylic not glass– a design decision made for both practical and aesthetic reasons. O’Callaghan revealed: “Glass would need thick glass panels and complex bolted connections. Using acrylic allows a more transparent overall structure, and the chemical bonds between the individual acrylic pieces are very strong and almost invisible to the naked eye.”
that straddle two structures at this height and on this scale, this is very much a first and a tricky technical challenge which wouldn’t have been possible without the engineering developments.” A significant challenge is that the pool is supported on two buildings which will move slightly different when windy and from typical building movements, such as settlement. Bearings will support the pool structure and allow for some degree of movement. In this respect, you could think of the project as a bridge.” 7
There’s a famous saying in the world of architecture, which comes courtesy of Julia Morgan. Renowned as a trailblazer for women in the world of architecture, she once said that “architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.” The Embassy Gardens project seeks to confirm this statement, acting as a welcome addition to iconic London architecture. Mulryan concluded: “I want the places I create to leave a positive legacy, to stand the test of time and further London’s tradition for outstanding architecture.” B Y M O N I C H A T U L LY A N D J A K E H A L L
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H av i n g c a u g h t t h e eye o f s o m e o f t h e f a s h i o n i n d u s t r y ’s m o s t i n f l u e n t i a l b r a n d s s u c h a s C H A N E L , K a te S p a d e, C h o p a r d a n d Va l e n t i n o to n a m e a f e w, model and luxury lifestyle blogger Ella Catliff shares her deep affection for Nine Elms.
La Petite Anglaise E L L A C AT L I F F
P H OTOG RAP H Y BY OZ THAKKAR, MAKE UP BY ANNMARIE LAWSON
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The rise of the Internet over the past decade has seen passion projects such as blogs become big business. Digital influencers have dominated the media and particularly the fashion world. Conventional celebrities and supermodels are being ushered aside as fashion bloggers are now gracing the cover of Vogue, sitting front row at the most illustrious shows at Fashion Week and appearing in campaigns for fashion powerhouses such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Cartier. These digital influencers have emerged from behind the screen and are bringing innovation, creativity and millions of dedicated followers to brands. Ella Catliff, better known as La Petite Anglaise is one of these powerhouse advocates inspiring the new generation. 10
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Ella is the founder of fashion, lifestyle and beauty blog, La Petite When Ella is not enjoying luxurious lunches at the Ivy Chelsea Anglaise. Over the years she has garnered an impressive and de- Garden, she is seeking more edible cultural delights in Brixton. voted audience that follow Ella’s personal style religiously. Ella has She revealed: “Three Little Birds is a great place for lethally strong got serious fashion credentials; she has signed to Storm Model rum cocktails and Jamaican inspired bites, whilst Boqueria is my Management, home to Kate Moss, Poppy Delevigne and Jourdan go-to place for great tapas.” Dunn as well as having gained a First Class Honours degree in Fashion History and Theory from Central Saint Martins.
Growing up in London, Ella has witnessed first-hand the evolution of the city and its architectural landscape, particularly in South London.
La Petite Anglaise has caught the eye of some of the fashion industrie’s most influential brands. She has worked with Chanel, She exclaimed: “Where to begin! The architectural landscape Kate Spade, Chopard and Valentino to name but a few.
of London is such a rich and fascinating one; I love the contrasts between traditional and contemporary architecture, as well as the
South London has long been an intrinsic part of Ella’s life. She has myriad of different styles of buildings within both of those broad set up home in leafy South West London and spent much of her categories. The most obvious architectural change has been teenage years shopping on The King’s Road in Chelsea and eating the extensive construction of hyper modern high rise buildings, in the wide array of restaurants in Battersea.
especially in the city and along the Thames.”
I’m really looking forward to seeing
the development along the river at Nine Elms. E L L A C AT L I F F
She said: “The past couple of years have seen the area massively Ella has a deep affection for the spectacular Nine Elms develexpand its offering, with the opening of shops ranging from luxury opment. She recently shot an exclusive project with YSL Beauty brands like Chanel to Sloane Square’s giant J.Crew store, Rag and at Embassy Gardens. Bone and Club Monaco.” She said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing the development She added: “On the off occasion I have time, I love a wander from along the river at Nine Elms. It’s incredible how dramatically an High Street Kensington through South Kensington to the end of area can develop in a very short space of time. I’m really excited to the King’s Road, stopping anywhere and everywhere that takes see how the riverside areas change and new businesses, shops, my fancy. Followed by a long lunch at Ivy Chelsea Garden along cafes, restaurants and bars spring up.” the way, there really is nowhere quite like it.” It’s not just Nine Elms that’s thriving; It girl Ella’s diary has been South London’s food culture is eclectic to say the least. From filled with lucrative projects and non stop travel. Recent projects Michelin-starred restaurants to thriving street markets, there is include fronting the French Sole x Liberty and Bulgari Harrods something for everyone.
Launch campaigns as well collaborating with Swarovski Atelier during Paris Haute Couture Week and taking over the Maserati GB Instagram account for the entirety of January, telling a stylised London story with the sleek Quattroporte. The future is bright for Ella Catliff.
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S h o t a t E m b a s sy G a r d e n s 13
ART
The recently unveiled sculpture park in Embassy Gardens sees a giant bronze marrow, the work of YBA-veteran Sarah Lucas (who last year represented the UK at the Venice Biennale), situated alongside a large wedding ring-embedded foot, and a steel lightening rod, sculpted by up and coming artists Simon Fujiwara and Mohammad Qasim Ashfaq respectively. Sir Norman Rosenthal, who curated the sculptures, notes that ‘taken together, they represent perfectly the rich diversity of London’s cultural art scene.’
South London based artist Nettie Wakefield
The meaning of ‘Young British Artists’ as applied to the region has certainly diversified, to mirror the longer term ethnic and social diversity found concentrated South of the river.
The Global South 14
“Invictus” by Adjani okpu-egbe, 2014
“Self Portrait” by Adjani okpu-egbe, 2015
“Portrait” by Nettie Wakefield
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Qasim Ashfaq is currently on show as part of WHAT WE ALL LACK at the Hannah Barry Gallery. The history of which provides insight into the trajectory taken by the South London art scene over the past decade. It can be traced back to one of a number of infamous art collectives-cum-squats which emerged in the 00s as a collaborative network of SouthLondon based artists, gallerists and curators, digital natives for whom transience, movement and regeneration is the status quo. James Balmforth, part of the infamous !WOWOW! collective with Matthew Stone and Gareth Pugh, later served as a founding member of the influential group of artists based at 78 Lyndhurst Way. In 2007, upon the group’s eviction, Hannah Barry joined forces with the artists to stage a series of temporary exhibition sites before forming the now eponymous
Hannah Barry Gallery, in the Copeland Cultural Quarter of the Bussey building, now itself a landmark warehouse space. As well as forming long-term relationships with up and coming artists, working with and around their artistic development, Barry was instrumental in the formation of Bold Tendencies, a perennial rooftop sculptural park which for the past decade has attracted increasing swaths of the international art world to the roof of a local car park in Peckham. Barry, recently referred to by Vogue as the ‘doyenne of the South London art scene,’ has twice transposed elements of this ‘scene’ to the Venice Biennale, under the auspices of a ‘Peckham Pavilion’ in 2009, as the celebrated ‘Palazzo Peckham’ in 2013, and last year commissioned an amphibian-like machine event 15
entitled Six Step by upcoming artist James Capper for the Rio dell’Orso. Barry responded to initial surprise over Peckham’s appearance at the Biennale through pointing out to the confounded press that, really, Venice was ‘just like Peckham.’ Quite what she meant by this is clarified not only by the internationalisation of the region’s art scene, but also – and inherent to this – its continual self-transformation, its combination of the old and the new through pushing the boundaries between art and local life. Peckham is, however, no island, and the art scene has sprawled and diversified to an extent that now mirrors the incredible ethnic and social diversity of the region (the population of Lambeth speaks an impressive 143 languages, whilst the ethnic diversity of
Adjani okpu-egbe
ART
Lewisham in a recent survey was found to be over five times the national average). The South London Art Map has emerged as a partnership network, run by Julia Alvarez, which attempts to draw together this plethora of new artist-run and commercial spaces with larger institutions like the Tate Modern and South London Gallery. The ever-shifting structures which constitute this map are increasingly co-opting and trans-
it publicly for the first time the institution’s rich archives, to ‘ensure that SLG’s history is properly documented and freely available to everyone’ (Margot Heller, Director). Furthermore, the institution has commissioned artist Gabriel Orozco to design a new garden which will open the back of the SLG out to the communities and schools behind it. As such, this emblematic institution’s expansion in response to increasing audiences retains its ties to the local, as per the inscription hidden
was the availability of large-scale, cheap studio spaces, often colonising abandoned buildings and industrial spaces. Amanda Dennis of artist-managed cooperative exhibition space Auto Italia notes that ‘the spaces available can accommodate shows and works that would never fit into typical West End or East End galleries.’ Spaces such as the Bussey building warehouse complex are now iconic emblems of the 00s South London art scene, whilst the recently reopened Newport Street Gallery
The art scene moves so quickly and the most exciting events don’t tend to get announced very far in advance… you have to just keep your ear to the ground!’ forming local, public landmarks. The South London Gallery’s recent acquisition, from an anonymous donor, of the nearby grade two listed fire station (the oldest in the city) will see the transformation of this unique building to accommodate the increased demand for new programs, as well as to house and exhib-
in its original marquetry floor which states ‘the source of Art is in the life of a people.’ Whilst the scale of the scene as a whole has expanded, the initial draw for artists moving to the region, alongside the vibrant presence of Goldsmiths and Camberwell art colleges, 16
forms a monument to the region’s history, seeing Damien Hirst’s personal collection return to the region in a converted warehousestudio space. As the buzz around the art scene amplifies, and such spaces become less widely available,
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Other galleries which straddle the commercial/non-profit divide, such as Bosse & Baum, highlight the potential for performance and live art to tap into the less tangible infrastructure of the region. Co-director Alexander Walder notes, ‘we are focusing heavily on performance and live art in the coming year. We like to have live events, happenings, performance and discussions in the space. It keeps the audience active and has created a community around our initiatives at the gallery – from artists to collectors and those who have not been exposed to much contemporary art before. It is also a wonderful antidote to life online.’ Whilst the region is also home to many art collectives with a powerful online presence, such as curators and artists collective LuckyPDF which runs an online art TV channel, and Attila Fattori Franchini of the online art gallery ‘Opening Times,’ the path-breaking DIY ethos of local collectives has also drawn international links beyond the digital. The collective formed at Lyndhurst Way and championed by Hannah Barry’s gallery put together an international group show PECKHAMNEWYORKPARIS in 2013, travelling between 88 Friary Road in Peckham, Shoot the Lobster gallery in New York and Galerie 104 Kléber in Paris. This exciting ‘gallery hosting’ model has been taken up on a larger scale by the current ‘Condo Complex’ project, a crossover between an art fair and multi-site exhibition. Curator Vanessa Carlos, inspired by the ‘generosity and sense of collaboration’ of the LISTE Art Fair in Basel has co-ordinated 24 galleries over various London regions, which are co-hosting work
from galleries in Munich, Sao Paolo, Glasgow, New York, Berlin, Zurich, Geneva, Shanghai, Amsterdam and Rome. South London galleries Arcadia Missa and The Sunday Painter find themselves paired with Deborah Schamoni (Munich), Jacuqeline Martins (Sao Paolo), Koppe Astner (Glasgow), and numerous other London-based galleries North of the Thames. The curator’s stated aim to find a way for galleries ‘to exhibit internationally [in a way] that is conducive to supporting experimentation by emerging artists’ appears inspired by the model of artistic cooperation and collaboration which is so central to the South London art Scene. [A condominium of pandemonium?]. Indeed, despite the region’s increasing appearance on the international art scene, it remains rooted in a sense of community, though one with a notably outward orientation. Felix Petty of art collective Off Modern
“Rescued1” by Adjani okpu-egbe, 2015
non-profit institutions increasingly step up to assist in the provision of exhibitory and working spaces for artists. Arcadia Missa’s director Rosza Farkas speaks of setting up a ‘space that could function as a place of assembly,’ blurring the line between artistic exhibition and production in a way continuous with the lineage of the 90s and 00s. The gallery space periodically retransforms itself around the artwork on show, whilst also producing its own artwork under the collective name Arcadia_Missa, alongside a number of publications and the ejournal How To Sleep Faster. The emphasis here is on symbiosis, exchange and collaboration. Farkas’ aims for the future reinstate this: ‘I think the exhibition programme will be slowed down and we’ll incorporate residencies more, because the best part of what we’ve done comes from working closely with artists.’
sees the South London scene as unique in casting the limelight upon ‘young artists who wouldn’t get a chance to exhibit normally. Instead of being top-down, big exhibitions, it’s a real grass roots thing…that’s why it’s blossomed so much.’ As well as championing local up and coming artists, a number of institutions in the region play an important role as a platform for foreign artists new to London. In both cases, the roles of creator and facilitator blend, through long-term residencies and studio programs. Key examples include Gasworks, which reopened last year after a £2.1 million redevelopment with South African artist Kemang Wa Lehulere’s first UK-based exhibition, and which runs an international residency program enabling foreign artists to develop new 17
work in London, to Studio Voltaire whose well-established residency and studio program in a former Methodist church in Clapham recently expanded to include a new program hosting a Berlin-based artist over a 10 month working period, in association with the Berlin Senate’s Cultural Affairs department, and the Whitechapel Gallery. Both these spaces also emphasise the cultivation of artistic networks revolving around the South London scene, with a proportion of Gasworks’ redevelopment costs raised by a Christie’s auction of works donated by alumni residents Chris Ofili, Lynette Yiadom-Boakya, Seb Patane and Goshka Macuga in 2013, and with the establishment of Voltaire’s The Syllabus program (in concert with Wysing Arts Centre, Eastside Projects, New Contemporaries, S1 Artspace and Spike Island) , which focuses on how artists form and use collaborative networks through a series of seminars and workshops. Whilst such collaborative restructuring is crucial to the continuation of the artistic ‘movement’ in the region, the creative energy latent here has repeatedly re-instantiated itself in unexpected fashions. Change remains fastpaced, despite the importance placed upon local ties and history, and as such the local scene retains numerous layers into which the keenest members of local audiences can delve. As local artist Louis-Jack Horton-Stephens, a Ruskin graduate born and bred in the region notes, ‘the art scene moves so quickly and the most exciting events don’t tend to get announced very far in advance…you have to just keep your ear to the ground!’
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Fashion’s Best K ept Secret SOUTH LONDON
South London has always been somewhat overlooked when it comes to playing host to a thriving fashion community. It has tough competition, from the quirk of East London to high fashion in the West. However, this is a misconception because there is an authenticity and creativity buzzing South of the river, which neither East nor West can compete with.
South London is home to a unique pulse that many leading creatives tap into, from thriving and established fashion labels to innovative up-coming designers on the cusp of success.
Nine Elms, you’ll find Britain’s best-loved milliner, Philip Treacy. Another long-time Battersea resident, Treacy is the king of hats and his blackbook of celebrity clients includes; Kate Moss, Adele and Lady Gaga. Treacy is yet another impressive arm of the fashion alumni based in South London.
Battersea’s most famous fashion resident is without a doubt, Dame Vivienne Westwood. She was entrusted the area with her worldrenown business and avant-garde troupe of employees for years. Not only is the Westwood HQ based here, but it is also home to the designer’s personal studio, as well as the vast Westwood archive and design rooms where the labels couture collections are crafted.
Battersea alone boasts an outstanding fashion pedigree but just a few miles away, the late David Bowie, iconic musician and fashion legend was born and bred. The South-East of London also has its own world-renowned creative forces. Artist and Elephant & Castle resident Julie Verhoeven is famed for fashion collaborations with powerhouses such as Louis Vuitton, Versace and Mulberry. Emerging designers Caitlin Price and This is The Uniform are both part of the pioneering Fashion East initiative, they have chosen South-East to base their business.
South London is not just a place for Westwood to work. She and her husband and creative partner, Andreas Kronthaler are intrinsically part of the community and can be seen cycling to the studio everyday from their home in nearby Clapham. A number of high-profile designers have flocked to Battersea in recent years; the area is now affectionately referred to as the ‘Battersea Creative District’. Victoria Beckham, an icon of modern times chose the area as a base from the very early days of her celebrated fashion label. Her empire is now part of an evergrowing creative hub that is dominating the area just south of Battersea Bridge.
South London celebrates and embraces both the world-class established and emerging new talents in the creative industries that have set roots in South London. Londoners are always seeking the new, the cool and the undiscovered. All eyes are now on South London, fashions best kept secret. Trends may filter through East and West but South London has style.
Take a stroll in an easterly direction towards the Battersea Power Station, and just as you start edging towards the regeneration of
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David Bowie Mural in Brixton painted by Jimmy C
Philip Treacy SS16 hat photographed by Kurtiss Lloyd
Vivenne Westwood % Climate Revolution
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Around Embassy Gardens
Described as the Hidden Son of The Addams Family, we partnered with artist and illustrator Achraf Amiri to bring to life an exclusive vision for the fashion map of South London. Achraf has fast become a fashion industry favourite with his work regularly featured in Vogue and ELLE. His work has also been nominated for Cannes Lions Awards and endorsed by global icons including Madonna.
Madonna and Puff Daddy, Versace Party. Paris, 1999
Richard Young
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Joan Collins. London, 1993
In December 2015, Young celebrated the launch of his highly anticipated book Nightclubbing at Embassy Gardens. Claudia Schiffer, Versace Fashion Show Party. Paris, 1994
INTERVIEW
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Richard Young has been celebrated as one of the most significant social documentary photographers of our time. His ability to capture and present a candid view into the hedonistic and elusive world of celebrity is unrivalled. We caught up with Young, to find out more about the man behind the lens. Young is still at the forefront of celebrity photography. More recently, he’s been found capturing supermodel Jourdan Dunn on the elusive front row at the Burberry AW 2016 show, IT Girls Daisy Lowe and Poppy Delevingne at The British Fashion Award and Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, their arms wrapped around each others waists at the premiere of their Oscar nominated film The Revenant. In December 2015, Young celebrated the launch of his highly anticipated book Nightclubbing at Embassy Gardens. The book is his first publication in over a decade and celebrates his 40th year in show business.
Q: Part of your success is given by a unique relationship you have I reply that I’m starving! I hadn’t had anything to eat since the previous developed with famous celebrities. How have you achieved it? afternoon. So he invites me to join him at the Dorchester to have a big fryup. As we eat, Burton’s publicist walks in, looks at me, and says: “What R: Part hard work, part a work ethic that stems from my father’s advice: the hell are you doing here?!” To which I reply “oh, I’m just a photographer, Be polite. If you are nice to people, say please and thank you, they will Mr. Burton’s invited me back for breakfast”. be nice to you. People respond positively when they are made to feel at ease and safe. Q: What do you enjoy most in your work? Q: During the first decades of your career, you were dubbed the one and R: One thing I have always enjoyed doing is weddings, and bar mitzvahs. only ‘paparazzo’. Do you still consider yourself one? They are real lifetime events in the lives of people who happened to be celebrities. The one I probably enjoyed the most was Sting and Trudie’s R: There was a romance at the time, and being called paparazzo did beautiful wedding. They were both dressed by Versace and had all of not have the same connotation it has now. Paparazzi photographers their showbiz friends. have changed so much with time. They have become aggressive, indiscreet. People stopped calling me that after Diana (Spencer) died in Q: You have had the privilege to meet some inspiring people, from celebaugust 1997. Now the word just makes me cringe. I am not a paparazzi rities, to politicians and royals. photographer. R: Yes, I’ve had breakfast with the Dalai Lama. I also had lunch with NelQ: You were quite an expert in the art of gatecrashing exclusive parties son Mandela. Funny story; Nelson Mandela was in his suite at the Hotel to take your photographs, something that nowadays has become very de Paris and during the afternoon, first Naomi Campbell and Bono walk difficult with increased security. in, then Sylvester Stallone comes in. Him and Mandela start sparring with each other, you know, pretending. I took a few photographs, until Mandela R: It is not really an art. It was not easy, but with the right attitude it was really whacked him one! not very difficult, actually. It’s simple, really: dress for the part and if there is a door, you go through it. Be cool and calm and just walk through. Q: Which has been the most memorable night? Nobody will question you. R: Ah, certainly New Year’s Eve in 1978 at Maunkberry’s. First, Freddie Q: You must have attended some truly incredible parties throughout the Mercury and some friends arrived. Then Rod Steward arrived, followed by years. Any highlights? Keith Richards, Ronnie and Jo Wood. Britt Ekland was there too. Things got very animated; I haven’t had a New Year’s Eve like it since. R: There was this party Cartier invited me to cover for the launch of a new product. They flew me and some others to Paris in a private jet and Q: Amongst other celebrities, you are also known for having had a good picked us up in vintage Rolls Royce cars. They drove us into Paris for relationship with Lady Diana Spencer and knew her well. What do you the launch party with Serge Gainsbourg, Jane Birkin, and Omar Sharif. remember most vividly? Like in a dream I was flown back home in the private jet and was back in bed by 5am. R: I can’t say. But I do recall that I was one of the only photographers allowed at her birthday party in 1997. She looked so serene, feeling good Q: Is there anything truly unexpected that ever happened in with herself. That was the last time I photographed her. your career? R: Apart from taking by chance the last photographs of Keith Moon? Well, in one particular occasion, Richard Burton rolled out of Elizabeth Taylor’s house at round 5am. He was a bit disheveled and a little bit drunk. He sees me outside and asks me if I’m hungry. After the moment of surprise,
www.richardyounggallery.co.uk www.nightclubbingbook.com Instagram - @RichardYoung110
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EVENT
THE ALKEMISTRY LAUNCH AT THE EG LE CLUB of Alchemy’, drawing inspiration from the three essential elements in Alchemy, Fire, Air and Earth.
Gemstones have played a crucial role in the myths and legends of human cultures throughout history. Some tell a story whilst others are believed to have special powers, but all share a common theme of undeniable beauty.
The event embodied this uplifting and enchanting theme, both aesthetically and functionally. Spectacular jewellery was displayed in tumbling ivy, fiery red flames and atmospheric dry ice. The cocktail menu read like an alchemist-shopping list; Salt of the Earth, Fire fly potion and Angel Water. These unique elixirs washed down delectable canapés of chilli chocolate and air filled meringues by baker extraordinaire Lily Vanilli.
Fascinated by the mystical powers that gemstones hold, former Head Jewellery Buyer for Harrods, Kirstie Gibbs, founded The Alkemistry, an online boutique that draws on astrology and numerology to match make women with the finest luxury jewellery.
The Alkemistry offers highly personalised jewellery selections, which are chosen from the exclusive brand list, including; Kismet by Milka, Meira T and Redline. The selections are determined by the wearer’s date of birth, current life stage or aspirations for the future.
The theatre of The Alkemistry was a common theme throughout the evening. From a modern day Shaman who offered transformative readings, to the quotes displayed on each table, offering snippets of wisdom from ancient scholars. A personal favourite was by Rumi, a 13thcentury Persian poet, ‘Through love all that is bitter will be sweet, through love all that is copper will be gold’.
In January 2016, The Alkemistry announced its collaboration with iconic department store, Harvey Nichols. To honour this partnership, The Alkemistry planned an inspiring event to bring the concept to life and showcase a handselected curation of their precious jewels.
The crowd was an eclectic mix of influencers, jewellery press, fashion bloggers, as well as publishers, who were all sat alongside supportive friends and family. The night was engaging, magical and meaningful, which truly distilled the essence of The Alkemistry.
The theme of the evening was the ‘Transformation through the Ancient Art 24
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The Alkemistry launch with Harvey Nichols / Date: Friday 15th January at The EG:LE Club / Canapés: by Lily Vanilli – SALT: Mini Salt Caramel Chocolate Cakes w/ salted bitter chocolate crumble – FIRE: Chilli chocolate truffles – AIR: Super light matcha meringue / The drinks: by Salt & Dry – SALT: Cucumber Margarita – FIRE: Shoo fly Punch – WATER: Green Apple & Mint water / Transformative Readings: by Tamara Wolf Sister / Photography: by James D Kelly / Music: by Barry O’Brien
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The exhibition will be on show from January 21st to April 1st 2016 and features 3000 pieces styled by Lismore exclusively for SCAD.
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Diamond in the Dirt DANIEL LISMORE
In a world where everybody wants to fit in by following the latest trends, it is without a doubt that British artist, Daniel Lismore, stands out like a diamond in the dirt.
Daniel is a whirlwind of colour even on his dullest day. He has earned a cult status in the fashion and art worlds for his eccentric style and has featured in Vogue and i-D magazine. He has become a regular face in London’s hedonistic nightlife scene, existing as a living breathing artwork.
The process to curating the exhibition was a very personal one. Daniel suddenly found himself reflecting back on his short but extraordinary life. He was proud that his life passion was being used to educate others. This was his way of contributing to society, he exclaimed: “Without education, we are nothing.”
Daniel is a proud activist and has worked with Vivienne Westwood on her iconic ‘Climate Revolution’ campaign, which is an uprising that aims to protect our world for a better future for all.
The roaring mark Daniel has imprinted on the fashion industry will never be forgotten. Daniel has merged the concepts of fashion and art harmoniously to create endless things of beauty.
His latest collaboration is with H&M on their ‘Close the Loop’ campaign, which aims to encourage shoppers to recycle their clothes.
Since moving to the capital from the Midlands, Daniel has lived in every corner of London. Battersea stole his heart and he set up home there. He gushed: “I love walking home everyday, looking over at the Thames. In summer it is especially beautiful, the air is scented with flowers—it is just gorgeous.”
Rafael Gomes, director of fashion exhibitions at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, recently approached Daniel to feature a presentation of his iconic wardrobe. It is an incredible honour for Daniel, who was blown away by how progressive SCAD were and felt that their desire to exhibit his collection reflected on how bold they truly are.
He added: “I love London, it’s the cultural capital of the world. Everyone who is anything is here. As an artist I embraced that. I love meeting people and being inspired by different cultures from around the world. London is the perfect place to be and there’s nowhere better in the city than Battersea.” B Y M O N I C H A T U L LY
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From performance artists and musicians to poets and young authors, the variety of expressive mediums tapped into by young millennials is now more expansive than ever. No longer are we restricted by our geographical location – visionary work can be created on a tiny budget, uploaded in mere minutes and subsequently given the opportunity to proliferate worldwide. The following four artists are acutely aware of this; they are emblematic of a new generation, one which recognises and harnesses its true transatlantic potential.
Millie Brown You might remember her for vomiting neon paint over a dreadlocked Lady Gaga at SXSW back in 2014, but Millie Brown is an established artist in her own right. Her debut solo exhibition, “Rainbow Bodies” was shown in Los Angeles last year, and she once again appeared at the prestigious Art Basel Miami. Brown’s work is drenched in colour, created from almond milk and food colouring. Her art also incorporates a distinctly human spirit, which stems from her determination to test the physical limits of her body. This element of endurance was demonstrated recently in a performance art piece entitled “Wilting Point”, which explored the decay of beauty and the transience of life. The five-day work, staged as part of the LA Art Fair, saw Brown laid amongst a garden of flowers which, over the duration, shriveled mournfully around the motionless artist.
All too often, tales of drug addiction are glamourised by a mainstream media which doesn’t fully understand their implications. The same cannot be said of “The Gilded Razor”, an uncensored memoir by Los Angeles author Sam Lansky, which retrospectively unravels his own battles with addiction. Not only are symptoms and behaviour explained in the throes of his addiction, but the various struggles which came before drug use are explored honestly and comprehensively. Central yet familiar themes of parents divorcing, new relationships and relentless academic pressure recur throughout this literary reinterpretation of Lansky’s own childhood. A relocation to the city is intended as an escape, but the dangerous nature of urban life and its various temptations result in a memoir which, although deeply personal, has the potential to resonate with adolescents worldwide.
Sam Lansky
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Alo Lee Alo Lee is the rising star whose sultry soundscapes have already drawn comparison to the likes of Aaliyah and Frank Ocean. Born in Wyoming but residing in London, Lee specialises in a breed of dark RnB which has fast become her signature. The title track of her latest three-track release, “Videos”, deals lyrically with the unattainable women portrayed throughout the porn industry, and explores the notion that they detract from the flesh and blood reality of romance. “Use Me” and “Inside”, the two tracks which round off the release, explore similar themes of dedicating too much time to a reluctant lover. Lee admits that lyrics are her preferred form of creative expression, but also alludes to the amount of time she spends surfing Soundcloud to source emerging producers. She may not be overtly preoccupied with the mainstream, but her distinctive musical output is likely to land her there.
BY JAKE HALL
The sheer range of options available to young millennials are resulting in an increasing number of creative polymaths, reluctant to restrict their creative output. Kojey Radical is emblematic of this new generation, working as a musician, poet and a visual artist, as well as holding the position of Art Director at menswear brand Chelsea Bravo and Creative Director of the PUSHCRAYONS collective. Regardless of its chosen medium, social and political messages are always imbued within his work. “Open Hand” is exemplary – its lyrics describe protagonist steadily growing in confidence, whereas the accompanying visuals, created by the PUSHCRAYONS collective, are drenched in symbolism. Radical begins the clip ravaged by slavery and, as the music swells, begins to fight, aggressively escaping the constraints of his original repression. It is this social narrative which cements Radical’s place as an important voice, one which is firmly rooted in the 21st century.
Kojey Radical
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ARCHITECTURE
NYC
LOND ON S HIGH LINE New York City is infamously lacking wide-open green spaces. Its High Line project exemplifies effective adaptive urban re-use in a city that is dominated by skyscrapers. By turning an elevated freight train track that was abandoned in the 1980s into a luscious public park, the project has created a whole new experience for New Yorkers. All this is thanks to world-famous landscape architect James Corner, who worked tirelessly to preserve the area and transform it from a desolated train track to a thriving urban environment. Corner admitted that his main source of inspiration throughout the process of regenerating the High Line was the site itself.
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With the American Embassy moving to Nine Elms, ties between the U.K and the U.S have never been stronger. Another nod to the States in this part of London is the Linear Park; a 1-km long green space that runs from Vauxhall to Battersea. Its inspiration was the High Line Park in New York City. Here, its designer James Corner – the man behind high-profile green spaces, on both sides of the Atlantic including London’s South Park at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Santa Monica’s Tongva Park – talks about integrating green and urban environments.
CITIES ARE MORE THAN JUST BUILDINGS S TA RT LO O K I N G AT T H E S PA C E S IN-BETWEEN, THE PUBLIC REALM WHERE M O S T U R B A N L I F E TA K E S P L A C E , A N D WHERE THE DEFINING CHARACTER O F A N Y G R E AT C I T Y R E S I D E S .
Corner confessed that High Line’s success is down to its authentic New York feel.
“The site and context with the original aura of post-industrial melancholia were dormant yet bursting with potential. The whole neighbourhood was a kind sub-cultural underground, with a charged other-worldliness colored by old meatpacking and warehouse facilities, gay night-clubs, small artist studios, dereliction and a sense of abandonment.”
He said: “The High Line is like a slice through real New York, both old and new. But more than views and context, the High Line has become a people-watching promenade. It has become as much about exhibitionism as it is voyeuristic. It is fun to stroll, to see, to meet and to just participate in the life of the city, mixing with people of all backgrounds from all around the world.”
He added: “The High Line was just this old hulking structure, dark and forlorn. And yet on top was this amazing force of nature – green grasses, flowers, and vines had taken root to create a completely unexpected garden running for over a mile-and-a-half through the city. Also, the views and vistas were just spectacular, you had the sense of being a voyeur, able to see and peek without yourself being seen, detached from the street. “
Corner also gave his views on London, citing it as one of the most architecturally rich ands vibrant cities in the world. He said: “There are some of the world’s greatest and most original buildings, both old and new there. Regent Street is still one of the world’s best streets, urbanistically figuring and bringing life to a whole sector of the city. The South Bank is beautifully eclectic, and the Tate really anchors and brings vitality that whole area.“
High Line has been hailed by the media and New Yorkers as having some of the most captivating views of the city. All of New York’s main attractions can be clearly viewed, from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty.
He concluded: “What would London be without the great parks and gardens – such generosity, beauty and seasonal texture. Cities are more than just buildings – start looking at the spaces in-between, the public realm where most urban life takes place, and where the defining character of any great city resides.” B Y J A M E S C O R N E R , A R C H I T E C T, F I E L D O P E R AT I O N S N Y C
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ART
From Curation to Creation Minimalist sculptor and conceptual artist, Robert Morris once posed the question: “If there is such a thing as public art, what then is private art?� This remains a fundamental topic as art in the public realm adopts an ever more significant role in society. B Y M O N I C H A T U L LY
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Public art remains a communal activity; its reach can be powerful for communities. When a work is available to the public, it provokes a sense of unity and takes on a spirit of its own. The community enlivens a work; they are inspired, motivated and intrigued. Embassy Gardens is home to three new public sculptures, from three of Britain’s most prolific contemporary artists. Internationally celebrated curator and art historian Sir Norman Rosenthal curated the sculptures, his vision was to feature works that support emerging contemporary art. Reflecting on his role, Sir Norman Rosenthal says, “It is an honour for me to commission public sculptures that will enrich the ambitious Embassy Gardens development in Nine Elms. Each is a highly imaginative, witty and thought-provoking work by three outstanding young British sculptors. Together they represent perfectly the rich diversity of London’s cultural art scene.” The extraordinary works of art are the creations of three groundbreaking artists; Sarah Lucas, Mohammed Qasim Ashfaq and Simon Fujiwara.
Embassy Gardens is home to three new public sculptures, from three of Britain’s most prolific contemporary artists.
Turner Prize winner Sarah Lucas’ Florian depicts a giant marrow cast in highly-polished bronze. It is an undeniably provocative piece that conveys the humour and spontaneity of her hometown. The human anatomy has always fascinated Lucas, the form of the phallus has particularly become a recurring visual motif in her work. She has become synonymous with substituting everyday objects for human body parts, often adding a suggestion of genitalia. Florian is instantly captivating; it confronts the viewer as an object that is familiar and disorientating in equal measure. Lucas emerged in the late 1980s as part of the infamous Young British Artists and included the likes of Damien Hirst, Gary Hume and enfant terrible Tracey Emin. At the heart of Lucas’ work are bawdy euphemisms, repressed truths, erotic delights and sculptural possibilities of the sexual body. She has garnered critical acclaim for her bold use of humour, visual puns and metaphors of sex, death, quintessential Englishness and gender in her work. Mohammed Qasim Ashfaq’s ROD is a 5-metere high, stainless steel sculpture that resembles a lightening bolt striking the ground. He is famed for his obsessive works that are based on the simplicity of shape, line and form. The sculpture is a star shaped rod that extends from a triangular concrete plinth base. Last but certainly not least, rising British-Japanese artist Simon Fujiwara’s Modern Marriage is a distinctively reflective piece. It is Romanesque in its style and comprises a large foot with a ring embedded in the sole. The sculpture reflects the emotive and often autobiographical nature of his work. As poet and philosopher, Friedrich Schiller once said, ‘Art is the right hand of Nature. The latter has only given us being, the former has made us men’.
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One-kilometre in length with a total perimeter of 2km, the Linear Park will connect Vauxhall and Battersea. Its designer is famed landscape architect Huw Morgan.
Morgan said: “This is such an integral part of the regeneration of the whole area. Our intention was to create a green space which will become an identifiable landmark and somewhere which glues together the various architectural forms found around each of the Nine Elms developments.”
The theory of Biophillia has been thoroughly explored in the local area. in 2012, London-based charity Thrive, which uses gardening to support and empower people with disabilities, launched Battersea Park’s Old English Garden in association with Jo Malone and Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winning landscape architect Sarah Price. It has been praised by the Telegraph, as ‘a pleasure to be in’.
Its expansive acreage enables it to boast a number of different areas, from hard surface recreational and play areas at Market West Gate, Haines Cross and Parkside Playpark, to green open spaces at Park Basin and a water feature at Mill Pond Green West.
Morgan values virtues extending beyond aesthetics and applied this notion to Linear Park.
Linear Park is a celebration of nature and an oasis in the heart of the city
Morgan continued: “Everything’s been thought of here and we’ve ensured that all uses can be accommodated. Even pop up markets and festivals which will be held on the hard surface area at Mill Pond Green East in the near future.”
He continued: “The public realm space at Linear Park acts as a corridor for local wildlife and a conduit for rain water, all of which funnels back into the park. It’s as green as possible in every sense of the word.” Linear Park raises the bar for the future of integrated green spaces in extensive regeneration projects. It is a celebration of nature and an oasis in the heart of the city.
Embassy Gardens lies at the Western end of the Linear Park and will benefit from an immense portion of the space. Resting areas, green spaces and squares are already home to art sculptures that are in place for residents. The prominence of the Linear Park derives from Morgan’s studies into ‘Biophillia’, a hypothesis that considers the innate pull human beings have to nature.
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ART
THE BEAUTY IN NATURE British artist Rebecca Louise Law creates a new understanding of beauty through her installation work with flowers, celebrating nature in all its glory each time she ‘paints’. Exhibited worldwide in museums, private collectors’ homes, public spaces, galleries and even at the Chelsea Flower Show, Law’s small and large scale floral installations have a life beyond their expectancy, with the fresh flowers gracefully drying to evolve into sculptures that can last a lifetime.
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also takes place), Law creates works for private clients, collectors and museums worldwide and is only known by word of mouth. Site-specific, each commission is realised through an exchange of ideas, starting with a conversation of the intended space (location, history, relationship to, and structure of a building) to create extraordinary one-off installations. Not limited with materials, Law has worked with butterflies, shells, wood and even beetles for a very special commission for a client in South Africa. One client’s obsession with peonies led to an installation covering an entire wall in the clients private house, with Law and her team visiting the installation to refresh the work every year (by applying a fresh layer of flowers to the existing drying ones).
Flowers are just like paper
Gucci, Mulberry and Hermes are among the fine list of Law’s clients, seeing the artist create original works and experiences for the luxury houses. Law’s immersive artworks change the way we experience spaces through each of our senses, and it is this originality that her various clients long for. Last year during Art Basel, the Vitra Campus commissioned a site-specific installation comprising of 4,000 blooms strung (each pierced by hand and then tied with copper wire) from the ceiling, whilst a stunning suspended curtain at the La Monnaie Opera House in Brussels may have been one of the most memorable (5,000 blue and green hydrangeas were suspended above the stage). In London, The Garden Museum commissioned the artwork Roses, 2013 comprised of 3,000 roses (donated from the New Covent Garden Market, the biggest flower market in London), for the nave of their historic building - a fitting representation of contemporary ideas working with a time-less medium - and at Sotheby’s New Bond Street flowers were closely hung with the selfexplanatory (and descriptive) title of Old Masters. A peony and garland chandelier work for a Jo Malone fragrance launch in London literally took guests’ breath away, and found a second home exhibited at the world’s most celebrated and highly-regarded flower fair, the Chelsea Flower Show.
Studying Fine Art at Newcastle University and graduating in 2004, Law’s practise organically progressed into working with natural materials through her underlying passion for flora, and together with its undeniable beauty, she found endless inspiration in natures original paint palette.
Exhibited outside, the Peony, 2013 artwork found itself interacting with the environment and its unpredictable setting, with installation Meadow, 2015 following suit at the renowned show.
Brought up with flowers, Law’s father is the head gardener of a National Trust property and enabled Law’s familiarity with various types of flora from an early age. Her mothers work as a special-needs teacher seemed to influence Law’s practise exploring the beautiful relationship between nature and human-beings, and the numerous artists within the family ensured creativity was encouraged.
Expanding traditional uses for flora, Law insists her works have an unlimited lifespan, even getting better with age. “Flowers are just like paper” she explains, simplifying to explain their longevity, “if you treat it in the right way, it can last forever”. Practising what she preaches, Law has flowers sent back to her studio once an exhibition comes down, repurposing them for new artworks.
Originally working with paint, Law became frustrated with the restrictions of working to the confinements of typical canvas sizings, and looked further to other possibilities. Experimenting with fabric, sweets and all different kinds of mediums so that she could paint in the air, Law explains “I was really searching for colour that I could sculpt with in 3D, and it was only once I had used the flowers that I then saw the beauty: and their beauty, as an individual flower”.
Flowers retain their natural oils and through the way Law hangs them, they are peacefully preserved. Season by season Law excels in concept and execution with her work in all its glory, continuing to ensure people worldwide stop and smell the roses, quite literally, and enjoy the wonders of nature.
From her studio in Columbia Road in London (open as a gallery on Sundays, when the world renowned Columbia Road Flower Market
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FOOD
Lily Jones has rapidly become the go-to girl for all things sweet. She is adventurous whilst maintaining classic ideals of baking. She has an extraordinary dedication to her craft and is known for never making the same cake twice. In fact, the EG:LE Club called upon Lily to create some themed canapés for its recent Alkemistry event and they were exceptional. Lily honed her craft as a passionate home baker for many years before she began selling her cakes in 2008 in a bid to make some extra cash. Word spread like wild fire and a media frenzy ensued with Lily’s cakes featuring in Vogue, Evening Standard and The Times. Within a year Lily had a black book filled with highprofile clients, including Elton John, Alexander McQueen and Harrods.
Sweet on South London The whimsical creations dreamt up by Lily Jones, owner of famed artisanal bakery Lily Vanilli have seduced palates across London and beyond. A firm favourite of the fashion elite, her bespoke cakes and delectable pastries are a work of art, marrying experimental flavours with innovative designs. BY REBECCA BOYCE
The quaint Lily Vanilli bakery is nestled away in a cobbled courtyard behind Columbia Road in the East End, but South London was where Lily first put down roots. She moved from Saudi Arabia to London at just 14-years-old and attended school in Croydon. Lily has first-hand experience with the evolution of South London. She says, “It’s changing very rapidly. One positive is the food that’s available and the people who are making a living from doing what they are passionate about at a grassroots level. There was never that feeling when I was growing up, so I count it as a really positive change.” Edible temptations for both business and pleasure have kept South London close to Lily’s heart. When she is not meeting friends, eating, drinking or partying south of the river, she is shopping for baking supplies. On her shopping list is coffee from Coleman Coffee Roasters and local honey courtesy of Barnes & Webb, plus the many delights available at Nine Elms’ new Waitrose. It is the array of unique and indispensible local restaurants and food shops that are at the heart of South London culture. From Michelin-starred restaurants to world famous food markets, Lily urges everyone to go and explore south of the river to discover all that the local area has to offer. 38
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The designer has a number of high-profile clients, including; supermodel Miranda Kerr, the Duchess of Cambridge and her sister Pippa Middleton. Tabitha reveals all about her much loved brand, her advice for emerging fashion designers and her plans for the future.
When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer and how did you get into the industry?
What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer? When something works and you see it come together it is such a buzz. The best thing of all is when you see someone in the public eye wearing it to an event or out and about and you know it looks good, and you know they feel good – that makes all the hard work seem worth it. What are your plans for the future?
I got into the industry with a lot of hard work and banging doors down. When people said no I just kept trying until they said yes, people give in eventually. How would you describe your brand? Tabitha Webb is a brand that is all about having fun. I don’t take life too seriously and I hope that comes across in what we do. I always like for there to be a surprise. Our new line has little hidden messages in each item… some naughty, some nice.
We are massively expanding our line at the moment and have started doing a lot of work out of LA, which is really exciting. At the end of February we are launching cashmere, denim, tees, a more casual and slightly cooler edge to the line. I cannot wait to launch it as I think it will also have a much broader appeal. We will be launching with a massive barn dance!
What tips would you give to a budding fashion designer? Make sure you understand the business as well as the creative. Designing is one thing, but being able to turn that into a business is a lot harder. Brands go under daily and it is not because the product is not good enough, it is because commericalising that is bloody hard.
By Alex Lord
B Y M O N I C H A T U L LY
Looking to t he Future W I T H TA B I T H A W E B B
Tabitha Webb is a luxury British fashion brand founded by designer, entrepreneur and South London resident Tabitha Somerset Webb. The brand offers timeless, feminine designs created with signature fabrics and prints, enabling accessible quintessentially English elegance.
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WAITROSE A busy schedule can often make weeknight dinners an afterthought – speed takes priority over flavour, and it becomes all too easy to fall into a culinary rut. Waitrose at Embassy Gardens has recognised and also sought to remedy this problem, collaborating with established yet eccentric chef Heston Blumenthal for its “Heston from Waitrose” products. Designed alongside the new products are over 140 bespoke recipes, the fruits of a six-year collaboration which are now available to try on the ‘Heston’ section of the Waitrose website.
The result is a series of classic dishes reinterpreted in a new, modern way. Amongst these favorites are the go-to smoky beef burger, which the chef teams with a home made avocado sauce for a unique update, whereas his spin on the hot dog comes complete with piccalilli mayonnaise and sharp sauerkraut. Of course, no menu is complete without cocktails – and Blumenthal’s inventive streak stretches further than the obligatory Mojito. If you like your alcohol fruity there’s the Earl Grey Sour which mixes grapefruit juice with Earl Grey infused gin; if you like your cocktails to satisfy your caffeine fix there’s a luxurious take on a cherry latte made with cream, coffee liqueur and cherry vodka. Essentially, these products and recipes are more than just items and instructions – they’re a bid to encourage us all to be a little bit more like Blumenthal, to not be afraid of new ingredients and to truly get creative when cooking.
HESTON
These recipes are not only a celebration of seasonality, but also a chance for budding culinary enthusiasts to try out and experiment with the ingredients. Naturally, they are slightly less outlandish than Blumenthal’s usual restaurant fare – there’s no roast marrowbone or powdered duck breast on offer – but the chef does present a few unconventional alternatives to the average ready meal. Despite the adventurous flavours, key factors are superior quality and relative accessibility, achieved by combining Blumenthal’s top-class ingredients with a few traditional favourites.
BY JAKE HALL
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FOOD
Exploring the vibrant culinary offering of post industrial Nine Elms
Dirty Burger
Vauxhall Street Food Garden
A haven for Vauxhall’s culinary sinners, serving shakes and a variety of burgers.
Relaxed al fresco dining spot with a diverse menu changing daily.
Arch 54, 6 South Lambeth Rd, London SW8 1SS.
6A South Lambeth Place, London, SW8 1SP
Battersea Barge
Tamesis Dock
A unique venue floating on the Thames, offering an excellent selection of food and a well-stocked bar.
A floating pub hosting live music and events — formerly a 1930s Dutch barge. Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP
Nine Elms Lane, London, SW8 5BP
Canton Arms
Brunswick House
A traditional British pub serving a vast drinks menu but more importantly, great, traditional food. It recently made Time Out’s list of ‘the best roasts in London’.
A memorable dining experience in an 18th Century Georgian Mansion. 30 Wandsworth Rd, London, SW8 2LG
177 South Lambeth Road, London SW8
Bonnington Café
Tea House Theatre
Vegan co-operative providing home-cooking in a relaxed community atmosphere.
A multi-purpose venue situated in an old Victorian pub serving loose leaf teas, homemade sandwiches and cakes.
11 Vauxhall Grove, London, SW8 1TD
139 Vauxhall Walk, London, SE11 5HL
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Nine Elms Tavern
Waitrose Nine Elms
A modern pub on the Thames, offering seasonally-inspired classic pub food, craft beer and fine wine.
An 18,000 sq. ft. store with a made-in-store sushi counter, fresh meat and fish counters, bakery, eat-in area, extensive wine department and 138 space car park.
Riverlight Quay, Nine Elms Lane, Vauxhall, London, SW8 5BP
1 New Union Sq, London, SW8 5DN
The Black Dog
Vauxhall Tavern
Pub serving seasonal menu of food, wine, craft ale and cider.
Bar providing a diverse programme of entertainment for the LGBTQ Community.
112 Vauxhall Walk, London, SE11 5ER
372 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5HY
Vauxwall
Market Porter
Bouldering centre with lengthy opening hours and fantastic facilities.
Grocery, deli, restaurant & wine bar, locally inspired and unique to Nine Elms.
46–47a South Lambeth Rd, London, SW8 1SR
7 New Union Square, Embassy Gardens, London, SW8 5DN
The Dairy
Source
Located in Clapham, this British bistro specialises in national dishes with a twist, served against a red-brick interior and accompanied by a fullystocked bar.
This Battersea brasserie is situated just next to the Docks, teaming an international wine list with a comprehensive menu cooked mainly on a wood-fire grill. Unit 29, Ransomes Dock, 35–37 Parkgate Rd, London SW11 4NP
15 The Pavement, Clapham, London SW4 0HY
The Butcher & Grill
Made in South
Diners here are offered not only a superb view, but also the opportunity to see the meat used for their meals prepared before their eyes in the in-house butchery.
Named in reference to its Southern Italian heritage, this pizzeria offers a customisable menu cooked on a traditional wood-fire oven. 42 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5RL
39–41 Parkgate Rd, London SW11 4NP
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THE EG:LE CLUB
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A sanctuary in the heart of the city, the Embassy Gardens Members’ club represents a new definition of stylish urban living. It is a calling card for classic elegance meeting contemporary style, innovation and ideas, a place where residents come together to enjoy life at the centre of the world’s most exciting city. This is London at its most inspiring.
Welcome to the
Club.
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London at its most inspiring THE SKY POOL
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LOBBY Life at EG:LE begins in the Lobby. The sun streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, London glimpsed through the garden greenery outside. Graphic black and white marble flooring stretches throughout the space, bringing contemporary edge to rich mahogany fittings. Daily newspapers and magazines sit beside plush sofas and armchairs, a nod to the intimate ambience of a private sitting room. In one lounge, a library corner is the perfect pit stop after a busy day, in another, coffee brings clarity to an early start. Meeting guests, conducting business or simply a place to unwind; whatever you want, whenever you want it. At the desk, our 24-hour concierge is always on hand to take care of those day to day details that disrupt your flow: signing for a parcel in the dedicated post room, booking a restaurant, dealing with time-consuming admin – we’ve thought about it all so you don’t have to.
BELMONT GYM & POOL
THE EDISON SUITE & THE BECKETT LOUNGE
Start the day as you mean to go on. Named after the iconic Long Island recreation pool, the Belmont Gym & Pool is where the relaxed elegance of the EG:LE Club gives way to the hum of focus, a dedication and efficiency that sets up the hours ahead.
In the Edison Suite and Beckett Lounge, the day really gets going. Evoking the spirit of two ground-breaking scientific and artistic pioneers, these are the EG:LE Club’s spaces for inspiration and innovation. Find peace and quiet at dedicated workstations in the Edison Suite while the Beckett Lounge brings club style to the workplace: two private meeting rooms surrounded by spacious lounge areas. And when it’s time to unwind, a few rounds on the pool table never did anyone any harm…
Equipped with the latest technology and beautifully designed features, it’s both a haven of relaxation and a temple of training. Personal trainers craft a bespoke fitness plan; studio classes get the blood pumping with spin or aerobics, or soothe with yoga and pilates. Find moments of peace sinking into the soothing waters of our saltwater pool, or in the warm embrace of the sauna and eucalyptus steam room. In the spa, London’s top therapists deliver a dedicated menu of treatments to relax and rejuvenate body and mind. Tough day ahead, busy day over, the Belmont is your space.
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MAUREEN O’HARA CINEMA We know that entertainment isn’t always about entertaining. Named after the spirited Irish-American film actress, Maureen O’Hara, the EG:LE Club’s private cinema is a place to forget the hustle and bustle of the day and unwind. A programme of latest releases, sporting events – or your own private screenings – available exclusively for EG:LE Club members. Simply sink into one of the deep-seated plush sofas and enjoy...
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SKY POOL
SKY DECK
E G : L E A PA R T M E N T
But EG:LE is about more than just formalities. The entire Embassy Gardens rooftop is exclusively reserved for EG:LE members and their guests.
During the day the Sky Deck is a place of relaxation and rejuvenation; a few lengths of the pool, a coffee at the bar. By night, the mood gently shifts; coffees become cocktails, an informal elegance infuses the entire space as the sun sets over the city panorama.
Entertaining comes without the hassle in the EG:LE Apartment. A beautifully furnished private residence, the space infuses business and social events with EG:LE elegance. A bold, contemporary design complements a striking art collection – the perfect talking point. In the library, books in classic built-in shelves frame a large flat screen television. Presentation or party, no one will miss a thing. Work or pleasure, or both – the Apartment effortlessly brings people together.
A modern icon of architecture, the 25-metre, crystal clear, acrylic Sky Pool stretches between the two residential buildings. The London skyline acts as a backdrop to your daily dip, while manicured private gardens stretch out 35 metres below. Feel the weight of the world disappear as you fly between the buildings, effortlessly suspended by the water, or watch the spectacle from the sidelines where guests luxuriate in sun loungers at either end of the striking water feature. A beautiful blend of historical innovation and contemporary creativity, the Sky Pool is a representation of the philosophy behind EG:LE Club. Inspired by Britain’s great aqueducts, created using the latest innovative aquatic technologies, it’s quite simply the world’s finest private pool.
In the Orangery, the relaxed glamour of yachting in the Mediterranean comes to the centre of London. World affairs debated over cocktails at the bar; arts and music discussed in the Lounge. A place of inspiration and an exchange of ideas at the heart of the city’s contemporary business and cultural worlds. When it’s time for something more substantial, members and their guests enjoy a modern European menu crafted from seasonal, local ingredients, served under a canopy of green. Want something specific? Just ask. It’s your restaurant after all.
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This publication and the information contained in it does not form part of any contract. All information regarding prospective services, commercial or retail tenants represents current intention only, and the final identity of the services and tenants may change.
THE EG:LE CLUB
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PROFILE
A
Modern Man DIEGO BARRUECO
L i f e c o u l d h ave b e e n ex t r e m e l y d i f f e r e n t f o r S p a n i s h - b o r n m o d e l D i e g o B a rr u e c o . H a d i t n o t b e e n f o r t h e s e l f i e s p o s te d o n h i s Tu m b l r a c c o u n t , h e c o u l d h ave s t i l l b e e n s t u d y i n g H i s to r y, E n g l i s h L i te r a t u r e a n d L a n g u a g e a t a S p a n i s h u n i ve r s i t y. I n s te a d , h e n o w s i ts f ro n t ro w a t L o n d o n C o l l e c t i o n s : M e n a n d s p e n d s w i l d n i g h ts i n s t r i p c l u b s w i t h A $ A P R o c ky.
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P H OTOG RA PHY BY OZ THAKKAR, ST YLING BY NIK THAKKAR
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PROFILE
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A new breed of model DIEGO BARRUECO
Barrueco is a new breed of model, one which intrinsically understands the importance of social media and harnesses its potential to communicate directly with fans. His Instagram account currently boasts almost 600,000 followers (including Ellie Goulding and Cara Delevingne), all of which virtually follow Barrueco to the front rows of KTZ and Christopher Raeburn. This enormous online presence was enough to lead to modelling opportunities which rolled in from overseas while Barrueco continued to pursue his education. The reblogs and likes on the aforementioned Tumblr selfies soon mounted, quickly multiplying from hundreds to thousands – enough to prompt him to drop out of education and pursue a modelling career full-time. This career has already seen him star alongside Charlotte Free and Winnie Harlow in Diesel’s SS15 campaign, cementing his status as one to watch in an industry which increasingly views social media followers as commercial currency. Barrueco is also the star of this cinematic editorial, inspired by the atmospheric visuals of film noir and the Brett Easton-Ellis’ cult classic “American Psycho”. He embodies the role of Patrick Bateman, exuding 55
enigmatic appeal against the interior backdrop of London’s Embassy Gardens. Created and conceived by Oz Thakkar and Nik Thakkar, this dark aesthetic is extended sartorially by luxury pieces from Ada + Nik, Louis Vuitton and Dior Homme. Barrueco also models select looks from the Kingsman range, exclusive to Mr Porter. Using Arianne Phillipps’ costume design for “Kingsman: The Secret Service” as a base reference point, Matthew Vaughan created a bespoke collection which reinterprets the film’s aesthetic in a series of wool blazers, tortoiseshell glasses and cashmere outerwear. The resulting images prove Barrueco to be a perfect fit, serving as a visual translation both of his love for South West London and role as a digital pioneer. We see him dressed in sports-luxe pieces at the Embassy Gardens gym, before moving on to recline in the lobby with a newspaper and an iPad. Not only is he stylish, he is emblematic of a modern man concerned not only with his own style, but also with the style of his surroundings.
BY JAKE HALL
PROFILE
Diego embodies the role of Patrick Bateman,
exuding enigmatic appeal against the interior backdrop of London’s Embassy Gardens.
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CR E D ITS
R EDEF I NI NG LO NDO N’S S K YL I NE BY MONICHA TULLY, JAKE HALL L A PET I T E A NG L A I S E BY MONICHA TULLY CREATIVE DIRECTION BY NIK THAKKAR PHOTOGRAPHY BY OZ THAKKAR STYLING BY ELLA CATLIFF MAKE UP BY ANNMARIE LAWSON NAILS BY AMBER SCOTT ELLA WEARS AGENT PROVOCATEUR COAT BY BURBERRY DRESS BY ELIZABETH AND JANE NECKLACE BY J CREW SHOES AND BAG BY RALPH LAUREN SUNGLASSES BY POMELLATO LINGERIE BY AGENT PROVOCATEUR SUIT ALL HUGO BOSS BRA BY AGENT PROVOCATEUR
A M OD E R N M A N BY JAKE HALL CREATIVE DIRECTION AND STYLING BY N I K T H AK K AR PHOTOGRAPHY BY O Z T H AK K AR D I E GO W E AR S J AC K E T B Y K I N GS M AN AT M R PO R T E R , S H I R T B Y D I O R BOXING TOP BY ADA + NIK POOL TABLE SHIRT BY KILGOUR AT MR PORTER TROUSERS BY LOUIS VUITTON CINEMA JACKET BY KINGSMAN AT MR PORTER SHIRT BY DIOR LOBBY COAT BY KINGSMAN AT MR PORTER SUNGLASSES BY CUTLER AND GROSS FOR KINGSMAN IPAD CASE BY LOUIS VUITTON SHOES BY SONS OF LONDON TROUSERS BY ADA + NIK SHIRT BY DIOR
T H E G LO B A L S O UT H BY SHWETAL PATEL FAS H I O N DES I G NER S BY REBECCA BOYCE DI A MO ND I N T H E DI R T BY MONICHA TULLY FO UR T R A NSAT L A NT I C CR EAT I V ES BY JAKE HALL PHOTO CREDITS: MILLIE BROWN BY AARON SEE AND SOUTH FIFTH ENTERTAINMENT ALO LEE BY PATRICK HOPE SAM LANSKY BY FRANK SUN KOJEY RADICAL BY ROSIE MATHESON LO NDO N’S H I G H L I NE BY JAMES CORNER, ARCHITECT, FIELD OPERATIONS NYC T H E BEAUT Y I N NAT UR E BY MONIQUE KAWECKI S W EET O N S O UT H LO NDO N BY REBECCA BOYCE LO O K I NG TO T H E F UT UR E BY MONICHA TULLY
FASHI ON C R E D I TS ADA + NIK WWW.ADAXNIK.COM AGENT PROVOCATEUR WWW.AGENTPROVOCATEUR.COM CUTLER & GROSS WWW.CUTLERANDGROSS.COM BURBERRY WWW.BURBERRY.COM DIOR WWW.DIOR.COM ELIZABETH & JANE WWW.ELIZABETHANDJAMES.US KINGSMAN AT MR PORTER WWW.MRPORTER.COM J CREW WWW.JCREW.COM LOUIS VUITTON WWW.LOUISVUITTON.COM HUGO BOSS WWW.HUGOBOSS.COM POMELLATO WWW.POMELLATO.COM RALPH LAUREN WWW.RALPHLAUREN.COM