L'ART Issue 23, December 2014

D&L PUBLICATIONS

L’ART

From her debut single to MTV’s Brand New, meet Melissa Steel Page 12

Issue 23 December 2014

lartmagazine.co.uk

L’ART Issue 23 | December 2014 | lartmagazine.co.uk Features

Lukas McFarlane: Exposed | 06 The dance collaboration with unTitled .

Melissa Steel | 12 Catch up with the MTV nominee.

Word On The Street | 16 Clothes Show Live is back!

Flawless Dance Troupe | 18 The guys celebrate 10 years with Move It.

88Music | 22 Meet the London based team.

The Latex Trend | 32 Wear the latex trend the right way.

Dates For Your Diary | 34

Editor’s note Hi all and welcome to the 23rd issue of L’ART. As we start the last month of the year, we catch up with the UK’s Melissa Steel, following her Summer anthem release ‘Kisses For Breakfast’. With her inclusion on tracks with label mate Krishane, Kove and Blonde to date, plus being nominated for MTV’s Brand New artist, Melissa looks forward to releasing new music as she works on her debut album, and talks about her comparisons to the US’ Rihanna. Check out her plans for the festive holidays.

Lukas McFarlane and the unTitled team have just wrapped on their show Exposed and what a show it was! Lukas reveals all about premiere night, the show’s story, the group’s next venture and more, as we talk all things Exposed.

Plus, we catch up with Wretch 32 following his ‘6 Words’ release, 88Music introduce their new artists and not forgetting your festive fashion trends and your Clothes Show Live line up!

Contact @LARTMagazine Twitter LARTMagazine@gmail.com Email LART Magazine Facebook LARTMagazine YouTube lartmagazine.co.uk Web Credits Daniella Jones-Ellis Writer & Editor Letisha Jones-Ellis Writer & Editor Ishmael Jackson Graphic Designer

Read all this and more in your December issue.

Daniella & Letisha

Don’t miss these all important dates.

Wretch 32 | 36 Exclusive interview with the UK rapper.

Festive Fashion | 40

Metallics & more are back this season.

02 | Contents Page Number || L’ART Article | L’ART

L’ART | Contents | 03

Get free delivery with Ted Baker today! Stylish trends in womenswear, menswear, accessories, shoes & more.

Lukas McFarlane: The Truth Behind Exposed Following the debut of Exposed - the personal love story performed by Lukas and unTitled - we catch up with the dancer for all those backstage tales and the big news surrounding his dance company.

Following their last show, the team have completed their celebrations and are ready to do it all again on a much larger scale.

It’s clear that Exposed will not be the last you’ll be seeing from Lukas and the unTitled dancers and we’ve got all the future news right here.

Here’s what Lukas revealed about the process behind this love story, show rehearsals, the results of working with his dancers and the future of unTitled.

L’ART: How did the opening night of Exposure go?

Lukas: It went amazing. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to create my own work in entirety; an hour-long show. It was incredible to see a dream realised like that.

months! It’s been a long process, so to be there with a live audience and receive a standing ovation at the end of the show was something we couldn’t have asked for. It was a really incredible moment for the dancers as well.

L’ART: For those who haven’t seen Exposed, what is the story being told?

Lukas: It’s a love story. The story is very metaphorical and ambiguous. It allows the audience to create their own story with what they believe is going on. That was really important that the audience could relate to it and not be told what to feel. It allows the audience to use their imagination.

L’ART: What was the inspiration behind the title of the show?

Lukas: It’s quite a vulnerable show for me and exposes a lot of me, personally. It’s also a raw instrument and something different, something people won’t expect of me as an artist. It’s really exposing for me, but definitely the audience as well.

L’ART: You’ve been rehearsing for months now. How was it to finally perform Exposed and receive the reception from the fans?

L’ART: How did you know where to start with the choreography?

Lukas: We’ve been rehearsing for three

Lukas: I took it day by day. I set a tracklist

06 | Lukas McFarlane: The Truth Behind Exposed | L’ART

Photo Credits: Lukas McFarlane

Lukas and his team of dancers have just wrapped up their hour-long show, Exposed, which is a love story based on a personal journey from Lukas himself.

L’ART | Lukas McFarlane: The Truth Behind Exposed | 07

for the show and off the back of that I decided what number I was feeling on the day and created everything in studio with the dancers, and on the dancers. They are very unique individual artists. I wanted to create the show for them and make it about their individual talent and what they bring to my company. We did a number of rehearsals and it was a push to get it done with 19 numbers in three months, ranging from two minutes to seven minutes.

Lukas: There might be a bottle of Moet in there!

L’ART: Is there anywhere people can see the footage of the show?

L’ART: What has been your favourite part about putting the show together?

Lukas: I’m hoping to create a trailer for the show and I’m hoping next year to do it on a larger scale. This is definitely the beginning and I want to do it again in the New Year; a chance for more to see it.

Lukas: The show is so personal to me. It represents my life and to have the 15 dancers be as wonderful as me, accept that part of me and really cherish it and hold it in their hands has been something I could not have asked for. My dancers have been amazing and a huge part of why this worked. I could not have done this show without them.

They’re the rock behind me. That’s been my favourite part, getting to know my dancers on a personal family level. It’s been amazing.

Lukas: There hasn’t been much outside of the studio but we’ve had no problems and we’ve bonded a lot through the process.

L’ART: How will you all be celebrating the end of the show?

08 | Lukas McFarlane: The Truth Behind Exposed | L’ART

Lukas: I am going back to Canada. We’re splitting ways and everybody is going home for a much deserved break, rejuvenate and when I come back, the show is next on the list.

Photo Credits: Lukas McFarlane

L’ART: We’ve gotten to know some of the unTitled dancers through you. As well as dancing together, what else do you like to do as a team?

L’ART: What do you all have planned for Christmas?

Photo Caption/ title The colour of the text will change depending on the image. Give the readers any necessary details about the photo.

L’ART | Lukas McFarlane: The Truth Behind Exposed | 09

Party season is here! Wrap up or dress up with boohoo and their #nightsbeforexmas collection.

Melissa Steel Is 2015’s One To Watch The ‘Kisses For Breakfast’ singer has had a great year with her debut single release and catchy collaborations, but what’s next? Melissa discusses her album release, Christmas and those Rihanna comparisons...

Set to represent for the ladies is Melissa Steel, as her debut single ‘Kisses For Breakfast’ became the soundtrack of Summer for many, following her appearance on Kove’s ‘Way We Are’ and earning a MOBO 2014 nomination for Best Newcomer.

With an opportunity to go to Jamaica to film her first music video on location, Melissa lists this time as one of the highlights of 2014, as a week long stay resulted in work, a mini holiday and chill time.

“I brought my best friends with me. It was amazing to do it there. We genuinely had a good time,” Melissa said. “It wasn’t work at all, just having a laugh on the beach.”

In recent weeks, Melissa also collaborated with label mate Krishane on his debut single, ‘Drunk & Incapable’. Both being signed to Atlantic Records and having the same A&R, a chance recording of the two on the track 12 | Melissa Steel Is 2015’s One To Watch | L’ART

following a solo recording resulted in the track that’s out there today.

“It ended up sounding good so we went with it.”

With a second single out at the end of this year/beginning of next, Melissa makes it clear that she’s not a Reggae artist and looks forward to showing music listeners what she’s all about. Her varied taste in music is very much reflected in the same way.

“I’m the kind of person that goes through phases of what I listen to. I’m listening to quite a lot of Drake,” she said as she spoke of her current mood for Hip-Hop. Timeless older songs and RnB’s August Alsina and Chris Brown have also made it into her current playlist.

Melissa showed her love for RnB with a contemporary sound when she put her own twist on a cover of Estelle’s ‘American Boy’, stripping the single away from its bass led percussion and rap verse.

“I’d never heard anyone cover that song,” she said of her song choice. “I was in New York and I got the inspiration. I wanted to do

Photo Credits: Atlantic Records UK

A

s always, this year has been a great one for music with the UK scene keeping standards high with the likes of Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and One Direction producing chart hits and top selling albums.

L’ART | Melissa Steel Is 2015’s One To Watch | 13

something that no one would expect me to do,” and that she did as she showcased her vocals on what became one of Live Lounge’s favourites of the year for Radio 1 listeners.

With a want for her second solo single to do well and a future number one achievement, Melissa looks forward to getting back to work in the New Year.

Speaking of RnB, it’s become apparent that Melissa is often named ‘the UK version of Rihanna’. What does Melissa think of this comparison between herself and the Bajan music artist?

Keep an eye on her Twitter for announcements of future shows.

Blonde ‘I Loved You’ featuring Melissa Steel is out now!

“That’s a massive compliment to me,” she laughed. “Rihanna is an inspiration because she’s come so far; from Barbados and worked her way up. She’s a superstar and that’s what I aspire to be.”

As the festive season nears, it’s definitely a time for Melissa to relax ahead of 2015’s busy schedule, which already involves a new single, completing her album for the Summer and lining up her own shows.

“The only thing I want to do is just spend some time with my family. Next year’s going to be hectic, so just take a breather and take time to relax.”

14 | Melissa Steel Is 2015’s One To Watch | L’ART

Photo Credits: Melissa Steel

“I’m going to go home and spend time with my family and just eat, sleep and that’s basically it.

L’ART | Melissa Steel Is 2015’s One To Watch | 15

Word On The Street

shop and end of year treat following the events celebration of its 25th birthday last year. Ticket holders have the opportunity to plan their day ahead of arrival, as plenty of pop up shops, stalls, shows and demonstrations are happening throughout the day, with not one moment to be missed!

Clothes Show Live 2014

Amy Childs- Former The Only Way Is Essex television personality will be selling items from her clothing collection, including your favourite beauty products.

Rick Edwards- This television presenter will be taking his skills to the stage, as he presents the ALCATEL fashion show Saturday-Sunday.

Peter Andre - The singer and entrepreneur will be signing copies of his 2015 calendar and selling his new perfume Scarlett, over the Clothes Show weekend.

Millie Mackintosh- Former Made In Chelsea favourite and model Millie will be bringing her new clothing collection to the NEC, along with her own range of false eyelashes.

Remaining Britain’s biggest fashion and beauty event, the unique fashion experience offers shopping from over 500 brands, insider knowledge, catwalk show, style advice, a Pamper lounge and the top vloggers of today on hand to Tickets are still available today! attend and cover the event just for you.

Up to 70% off fashion and beauty brands are being made available for your pre-Christmas

16 | Word On The Street | L’ART

Images from top left to right: Photo 1: Clothes Show 2014 | Photo 2: Host Henry Holland | Photo 3: Zandra Rhodes Collection | Photo 4: Bora Aksu Collection

Magazine

Plus, don’t miss your chance to see a designer trend presentation, hosted by Hilary Alexander OBE, every day on the designer catwalk. Here you can see collections from Julien McDonald, Bora Aksu (December 8th), Sibling (December 5th) and Zandra Rhodes (December 6th and 7th) in her first ever UK fashion show!

Jamie Laing- The Made In Chelsea personality will be presenting the image catwalk from FridaySunday and you will also find him presenting the ALCATEL fashion theatre show on Monday and Tuesday.

The NEC, Caledonista, Laura Salesa, Aesthetica

From December 5th-9th, the annual event will see the five day event welcome the Chelsea Boys, Henry Holland, Millie Mackintosh and more, as well as confirmed performers Neon Jungle (Friday), and Jetta (Saturday) with Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays entertainment acts soon to be announced!

Henry Holland- The owner and creator of fashion house, House of Holland, will once again be hosting the ALCATEL theatre show on Friday.

Photo Credits:

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lothes Show Live returns to Birmingham’s NEC for another year of fashion, beauty, music and renowned designers in attendance!

Take a look at a handful of the celebrities and television personalities to keep an eye out for.

L’ART | Word On The Street | 17

Flawless Dance Troupe Turns 10!.. ...and they ‘want to find dancers who are creating innovative and interesting blends of dance styles’.

M

ove It 2015 returns to London’s Olympia and are celebrating their tenth anniversary!

From February 13th-15th the UK’s biggest dance event will take place and the main stage line up and list of performers have now been released and more.

UK dance crew, Flawless, are also celebrating their tenth anniversary and as a way to celebrate, the group are running a competition, which will see the lucky winner join them for a performance on the main stage. Flawless will be looking for a showcase of choreography or freestyle that shows innovative and interesting blends of dance styles.

Dance Like No One’s Watching: Move It’s tenth year sees the dance platform bring Strictly Ballroom dancers to the main stage, plus the performance list has been announced! Photo Credit: Move It

18 | Flawless Dance Troupe Turns 10! | L’ART

Having performed with The English National Ballet in the past and uniting styles of Hip-Hop and ballet, February will see the guys launch the national competition for dance, as they invite dancers to show their ability to think outside the box.

Video entries will be placed online for your public vote, where Flawless will then judge your favourite entries to decide on the Fuse It finalists. Finalists will appear on the main stage

with Flawless on 2015’s launch day (Friday February 13th) where the overall winner will be chosen.

Flawless’ journey with the wide public started when they entered the 2009 series of Britain’s Got Talent. To date, the dance troupe have led their own dance shows, featured in dance movies including StreetDance 3D and are set to perform in Peter Pan this Christmas.

Interested? Get more info on how to apply here.

2015’s main stage performers include: Strictly Come Dancing’s Ballroom stars Kristina Rihanoff, Robin Windsor, Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec Performing arts schools and colleges, including Urdang Academy and Italia Conti Pulse Collective Boadicea Got To Dance’s Boyband Lukas McFarlane Wayne McGregor | Random Dance Get the complete list and timetable here.

L’ART | Flawless Dance Troupe Turns 10! | 19

Shop with Missguided for your very own pieces from Nicole Scherzinger’s collection & more discount offers!

“That was a bit of a tough moment, but that’s where it all started.”

Following the union of M Black and Sammy, the two have been working on their craft since their L’ART intro in 2012. Forward two years and they have expanded the 88Music team.

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he music company includes producer Sammy, vocalist M Black, as well as artists JR, Gab’iel, Chevy and O.B and with M Black having her single ‘Ctrl’ on the airwaves and new music releases due in 2015, what better time to meet the team?

“That was a bit of a tough moment,” she laughs, but “that’s where it all started.”

With experience in writing for others, M also writes her own songs, with her first song ‘Heartbroken’, acting as her first official release.

This was included on her first EP. That day she recalls feeling ‘on top of the world’.

22 | 88Music | L’ART

Photo Credits: 88Music

M Black “Like many music artists, in the beginning, M was unsure about the way she personally felt about her voice. “I started writing songs as a way of expressing my emotions at a time of real sadness in my life,” she began. In fact it was down to a moment of unveiling the true identity of a singer on a track that a friend had admired, that led to M admitting her vocal talent and becoming confident with her skill.

Photo Caption/ title The colour of the text will change depending on the image. Give the readers any necessary details about the photo.

Use this area to place photos.

L’ART | 88Music | 23

Shows and a launch party were to follow and once the event passed, M knew this was definitely something she wanted to pursue.

“...was a great feeling.”

“Having people come down just to see you, it just makes you all warm inside,” she laughed.

Today M is working on her vocals as her audience gradually expands, with pivotal moments in her journey currently being her EP release, M’s Diary, and the day she wrote the track, ‘Love In A Rush’.

“That song was the beginning of people starting to take me seriously. That song was my way of saying to everyone ‘I understand my voice now and I know exactly how I’m going to use it.’”

You can keep an eye out for two upcoming

24 | 88Music | L’ART

releases from M, but in the meantime, here’s the House infused track ‘Ctrl’.

O.B Quite rapid and quite dramatic; these are the words O.B uses to describe the start of his musical journey. Why? Unlike some others, he was able to work alongside those with ‘a foot in the door’ to learn the skills needed first-hand.

“I was blessed to be in the industry and see certain things in the industry from a young age,” he said. “Before I became an artist, I started mastering my art form so to speak. You get an understanding of how things work.”

One opportunity he was blessed to encounter was being a support act for the UK’s Lady Leshurr. With his music team being in talks with a company who were putting a show together for the rapper, singer and producer, he was invited to perform and the result of his set led to the invite to become a warm up act.

Being given such a great opportunity, it would be hard not to learn from those around you.

From the shows, O.B remembers the importance of being humble and to create his own way in engaging the crowd; a method he saw approached in different ways by different artists who hit the stage.

Mastering his craft: O.B has taken the skills he’s learnt from others, to create the artist he is today.

Photo Credits: 88Music

“Finally having something to give people when I say ‘I make music’, was a great feeling,” she explained.

L’ART | 88Music | 25

Being around the 88Music team has also proved to be a learning curve for O.B. Helping him to perfect his music with finishing touches is a small act, but has a large impact on O.B’s music and his work ethic.

“88Music have been the carpenter, the moulder of my craft,” he starts. “They help channel everything and make things that much better.

We bounce off each other. We have good energy.”

Having recently spent some time in Paris with others, including his brother who is an aspiring actor, O.B keeps his work mind frame with him at all times, learning the culture of others and applying the functions of artists around to his own.

“That was amazing. The scenery was beautiful.

It’s great to appreciate another side of culture.”

O.B credits being surrounded by good people for the motivation and drive he has when it comes to his work, including his brother, who has just finished filming a new project with Jude Law. “I’ve seen him go from walking around my 26 | 88Music | L’ART

bedroom to the red carpet,” he recalls. “It’s a great feeling. It gives you that motivation and drive to do more.”

O.B also credits young people and the 88Music team for the continued support and inspiration, with the way in which members gel and are able to accomplish so much together remaining high on his list.

“There’s nothing more beautiful for an artist than to see your craft come to form and share that experience with other people.

“Young people… we get a lot of stick aimed at us. I look around me and I see the drive. Show people you’re different.”

The remainder of 2014 will see two new tracks released from O.B, so keep an eye on announcements from the team. Plus, videos and other projects are lined up for the New Year, with inclusion from some well-known actors and musicians.

“Just stay with me. I’ll deliver something for everyone.”

CHEVY Music was always playing around the house when Chevy was growing up.

Photo Credits: 88Music

“It’s hard to engage with people. First impressions count,” he recalls.

L’ART | 88Music | 27

With his step-father giving him his first iPod containing influencial albums The Carter III (Lil Wayne), The Marshall Mathers LP (Eminem), College Dropout and Late Registration (Kanye West), collectively they clarified his want to do music.

With a want to make music that will last forever, expect an EP release from Chevy by March 2015.

“I’m excited about it.”

JR Having attended a stage school for gifted children from a young age and experience performing at Hackney Empire, JR has enjoyed singing and rapping from a young age.

Currently taking a break from releasing music and building on himself as an artist, keep an eye out for videos and remixes to come.

GAB’IEL Bringing her vocal and songwriting skills to the table, Gab’iel’s influences draw from everyday happenings and significant moments in her life.

Growing up listening to Jazz, Neo-Soul, HipHop and Experimental music genres, expect to hear these influences in her own music, as she works on her EP.

28 | 88Music | L’ART

Photo Credits: 88Music

Hear Gab’iel’s latest release ‘Esquilino’ available on Soundcloud today.

L’ART | 88Music | 29

Topshop are always on hand with ontrend clothing, shoes and accessories.

Have a look for your style steal today.

The Latex Trend Kim Kardashian West loves her fitted dresses & skirts and her latex design was no different.

We give you the right tips on how to pull off the latex trend, successfully.

D

id you see Kim Kardashian West in that pink latex dress? All eyes were on the reality star and entrepreneur, as she promoted her new perfume, Fleur Fatale, wearing the slightly low-cut and structured dress.

What look will you be going for?

32 | The Latex Trend | L’ART

Photo 2: ASOS Patent Ankle Boots £90.00 | Photo 3: American Apparel PVC Skirt £48.00

Photo 4: Nails Inc Nail Polish £12.00 |

Photo 5: Oasis Patent Loafer £40.00 | Photo 6: ASOS Black PVC T-shirt Dress £65.00

ASOS, American Apparel, Oasis, SMH

Kim has opted for the dress to attract all the attention, then her nude shoes are very basic as well as the choice to not wear any jewellery or extra accessories.

Photo 1: Kim Kardashian West |

Photo Credits:

Whether you’re a fan or not, this shiny material has made its way to the rails of your favourite stores, but when it comes to latex, PVC or patent finishes, too much can be overkill, so stick to just one item with this gloss finish and smooth out the rest of your outfit with subtle tones.

L’ART | The Latex Trend | 33

Dates For Your Diary The music releases, fashion events and shows you don’t want to miss!

original JE Heartbreak hit stores.

LONDON COLLECTIONS: MEN (LCM) PRESHOW SEMINAR December 15th

Don’t miss your chance to go back in time with the classics and sing along to new content as we enter a New Year.

The pre-show seminars are hosted ahead of London Collections: Men and is a chance for you to learn about running your own business and making the most of LCM. These include talks on marketing and social media, sales and merchandising and a chance to meet the British Fashion Council team!

DANCE ILLUSION SHOW January 31st Robert Hamilton and Dance Illusion members hit London Bloomsbury Theatre to take part in their own show. They will be expanding on their Romeo & Juliet minute and a half piece that they featured on Sky 1’s Got To Dance.

LONDON COLLECTIONS MEN (LCM) January 9th-12th

Audience members can ‘expect something new when it comes to illusion’.

London Collections: Men returns to the UK capital, as the upcoming AW15 season of clothing and accessories is showcased from the London fashion location.

MOVE IT 2015 February 13th-15th The UK’s biggest dance platform returns to London Olympia to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Join performers, teachers and sellers for stage performances, workshops and dance apparel! Read more on page 18.

34 | Dates For Your Diary | L’ART

Photo Credits:

During the four day fashion week, over 70 British and international menswear designers will participate in the designer showrooms, as Celebrating talent in the British Fashion all eyes are on the men. The week is dedicated Industry, designers, models and style icons unite to menswear and the new and established to honour 2014’s winners, including Designer of designers behind the latest creations. the Year!

JOE, JAGGED EDGE & GINUWINE Honourees of the night include Anna Wintour, as January 30th the US Vogue Editor will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award from the British Fashion Back by popular demand, the TCO Group Council for her work and contribution to present the Kings Of RnB as Joe, Jagged Edge fashion. and Ginuwine perform live in the UK in the New Year!

MARY J BLIGE December 3rd Returning to London’s Hammersmith venue, the male singers and performers hit the stage with The US singer’s new album The London Sessions their live bands, much to the excitement of fans is now available to purchase outside of the UK. new and returning, with tickets already on sale for the popular event.

With this latest project of the artist’s seeing her collaborate with Sam Smith and Disclosure, Plus, this will mark Jagged Edge’s first UK the track listing offers a great variety of soul performance since their album JE Heartbreak searching, dance infused sounds.

II was released last month, 20 years after the

Details, Eventim Apollo

BRITISH FASHION AWARDS December 1st

L’ART | Dates For Your Diary | 35

One On One With Wretch 32 Following the release of ‘6 Words’, he has given his fans even more reason to love him. Here’s what he had to say about being a versatile artist, future music releases, tour news and the artists who have caught his eye.

It’s the new single to come from his 2015 album release and although you can hear him

“I’m capable at any moment.” singing on the new track, he’ll stop you in your tracks if you call him a ‘singer’. Why? “It was more to shine light on it [rap genre],” said Wretch 32. “I just wanted to make something different and wanted to push myself. I’m hoping that will push boundaries, so hopefully we achieved that.

“I think that people kind of look down on the [rap] genre and feel like we’re just stringing words together that rhyme. So it’s always good when someone from the genre steps out of it and makes the song bigger than the genre they’re in, to shine light back on it.

36 | One On One With Wretch 32 | L’ART

“It was by choice just to show that I’m capable at any moment. But rapping is what I do.”

So, when it comes to future releases from Wretch 32, more singing may not be on the cards, but he will certainly go with how he feels when it comes to choosing his next release.

But there are a few records in the pipeline to follow on from ‘6 Words’, plus a new album release! Wretch 32 said: “I’m hoping March.

It will be my birth month to make it extra special.”

Collaborations set to make the album include Fuse ODG and he also expressed his want to get a track together with London singersongwriter, Kwabs, which is a work in progress.

So, what else can fans expect from the album? Wretch 32 said: “It will be stronger, current and progressive. Lyrically I’ve gotten better, my music has gotten better and everything has grown with me. It will definitely be growth.”

That’s exactly what he’s done; grow. From his debut back in 2008, we have heard a versatile range of tracks from the UK rapper

Photo Credits: Purple Entertainment/ Purple PR

W

retch 32 has certainly got people talking about his recent single release ‘6 Words’.

L’ART | One L’ART On One | Article With |Wretch Page Number 32 | 37

“Everything has grown with me.” including ‘Ina Di Ghetto’, ‘Traktor’, ‘Hush Little Baby’, ‘Unorthodox’, ‘Blackout’ and ‘Don’t Go’.

He also has huge respect for his fellow artists who aren’t afraid to push the boundaries. “I’ve been listening to Stormzy, Krept & Konan, Party Next Door, James Blake, Jhene Aiko; people like that who are really breaking the rules and making what they want to make.”

With a new album also comes tour news, as Wretch 32 hints at a number of dates he will be touring his new music and revisiting some of his older hits.

38 | One On One With Wretch 32 | L’ART

Photo Credits: Purple Entertainment/ Purple PR

You’ll have to look out for announcements on his website and social media sites for those all important dates, but you won’t have to wait too long for some new material as Wretch 32 has some new music set before the end of this year.

“I’m always constantly throwing stuff out [on Twitter]. I threw something out yesterday – a freestyle – so there will always be miscellaneous work from me.”

L’ART | One On One With Wretch 32 | 39

Festive Fashion It’s officially the Christmas season and the retail stores are providing you with every opportunity to add some sparkle into your lives. Which of these trends will you be rocking?

Images from top left to right: Photo 1: M&S Black Sparkle Dress £49.50 | Photo 2: Miss Selfridge Embellished Knit Top £30.00 | Photo 3: Miss Selfridge Metallic Pink Bag £29.00 | Photo 4: M&S Sequin Embellished Jacket £89.00

F

eeling festive? As we reach the month of December, you can’t help but feel Christmassy with the increase in family gatherings, dinner parties, social events and of course, fashion trends!

To bring some light back into your Winter

40 | Festive Fashion | L’ART

wardrobe, you can’t miss the burst of metallics, embellishments, sequins and sparkles on dresses, tops, bags and even shoes.

Now all you’ve got to do is choose your pop of Christmas cheer and work it into your daily look.

L’ART | Festive L’ART Fashion | Festive | Page Fashion Number | 41

Photo Credits: BBC Radio 1

Cover star Melissa Steel at BBC Radio 1.

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