L'ART Issue 1, April 2011 by L'ART Magazine

Are you looking for a unique outfit? Get your Booty fashion fix inside!

Publications

L’ART Graduate Fashion Week returns

The Look hair salon presents Fifth Avenue Collection

Issue 1 April 2011

Be Creative

With a goal to bring dance to Oxford, EmJ talks workshops and masterclasses

£3.50

Devon & TeeJay are blowing you kisses, but are you up to date with this fresh new duo?

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Contents

TAEKWON-DO

Music

4 Devon & TeeJay with their plan to conquer the

with

music world

6 Lupe Fiasco’s third album release, Lasers Fashion

Master Ellis VIIi dan

Fifth Avenue Collection at The Look Salon

16 Graduate Fashion Week takes place in London monday and wednesday evenings at east oxford games hall, collins street, off cowley road 6pm-8pm

Image Source: Dursleytkd.com

age 5 and up are welcome meet twice a week to train in the art of martial arts, a great way to learn self defence and gain perseverance and self control

interested? call master ellis on 07703 107548 2

Performing Arts

The Miss P Fundraiser preps for show number 3

10 Tyler Perry; from rags to riches 12

Sweet Me; a night of comedy at the Regal

Reviews 18 EmJ Greig; a love for dance and all things street 20

Booty; the city’s fashion fix

22 Word on the Street

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Editor’s Letter

i all and welcome to the first issue of L’ART. The idea behind this publication is to highlight and show progress of those who work within the arts; whether it be visual, literary or performance based. With a balance of local and celebrity talent, we aim to keep you updated on the latest music, fashion and theatre news happening right here in your home town, as well as having a focus on those who have made it big in the arts, be it in film, on stage or in our music charts. From this year’s Graduate Fashion Week, your views on Lupe Fiasco’s third album release, a word from duo Devon & Teejay and a chance for you to experience fundraising for the arts in the form of Miss P; issue one hopes to be the new guide for arts lovers wanting more from the world of stand up comedy, dance, music and fashion. Enjoy! Daniella & Letisha

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A story of two ambitious males, whose friendship has lead to kick start a progressing musical journey “Our roles are basically everything. Devon and myself both write, rap, sing and promote everything,” although he does jokingly admit his working partner is more active in this role than he is himself.

Based in the UK, the duo have already achieved recognition and status within their local community. They continue to plug their act, with tracks from their EP One Night Off and new material from The Blue Diamonds Mixtape, made available to purchase by web users and music lovers on iTunes, Napster and YouTube, just to name a few.

The pair give off a very tight working relationship where both members are as equally involved as the other in attaining their joint goals. And with the added support of being signed to Pay Up Records, (a music label based in the city of New York, who have worked with the likes of LL Cool J and Ice T) these guys are firmly set on the path of earning more musical recognition.

New age: The guys enjoy a night out in their hometown

“I produce, record and mix it all down and we don’t rely on anyone else; we’ve taken it on ourselves to do this,” TeeJay states, as he explains to me what work is involved behind the scenes of their music.

So where did it all start? Well surprisingly it wasn’t planned at all as Devon reveals. “We actually teamed up by accident. We made a record and people seemed to like it, so we just carried on the name and hopefully people will continue to like our music.” For TeeJay, there is also a family link to his desired career in music. As he remembers writing songs with his sister at the age of five, memories of his late Grandad still remain close to his heart. “He used to play the harmonica and piano for me when I was little so I’ve always loved mu-

Image Source: Devon & TeeJay

ith determination, a lifetime love for the arts and a thirst for success in the world of entertainment; the fast up and coming music duo Devon P ‘n’ TeeJay have their sights on conquering the music world.

sic. I can’t leave the house without my mp3.” small EP to break the ice and get our names out.” So there’s obviously more from this pair So lifetime experiences are bound to help to look forward to right? Being inspired by when putting pen to paper. In a world of mil- the success of stars, in particular those that lions of songs, ever wondered where music have made it big doing their thing from such a artists look to search for lyrical content? young age, i.e. Soulja Boy and Chris Brown, it only makes Devon and TeeJay even more “It always reflects on how determined to reach the top. you feel. If you’re angry, you’re going to write an Self described as having a angry song, or if you’re new age, fresh R‘n’B, Hip thinking about someHop vibe with added verone special, then I would satility, Devon and TeeJay write a song about them,” look forward to the future Devon simply puts it. and making yesterdays dream, today’s reality. To “You can be walking this day, both view their down the street and get inbiggest achievement to spired to write something. date as+_ people listening One Night Off: Devon ‘n’ TeeJay’s EP cover Like Devon said, it all deto their music, liking it and pends on how you feel,” TeeJay adds. wanting more. “There’s no better feeling than people telling you they like your song.” Working on new material as we speak, the pair are really focused on raising their status So what’s next on the agenda? “Becoming and gaining a steady flow of progress in the a household name, performing in America, quality of their sound. After all, if you put out working with the top dogs in our field, making quality music, the public will definitely ap- a living with hundreds and thousands of fans,” preciate you for all of the time and dedication the list is endless. you put in. “Our support so far has been incredible so I Devon explains: “One Night Off was just a hope it can get better.” L’ART

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D.L. PHUNK

L U P E F I A S C O

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working together with the Miss P Foundation

We are not losers. We are Lasers Hip-Hop artist Lupe Fiasco

But that’s now a thing of the past, as Lasers is now available for hip-hop fans to purchase in stores and online. The album includes the appropriately titled single, ‘The Show Must Go On’. Broken down to ‘Love Always Shines, Everytime Remember to Smile’, Lasers is a personal project close to Lupe’s heart, as he draws from his own experiences to reflect a want for equality and to rid the world of stereotypical social groups.

“It feels good man,” he tells 3 News whilst being interviewed in New Zealand, feeling humbled by his fan’s protests against album setbacks. “It’s the people’s album.” L’ART

To every man, woman and child, We want an end to the glamourization of negativity in the media, We want an end to status symbols dictating our worth as individuals, We want a meaningful and universal education system We want substance in the place of popularity, We will not compromise who we are to be accepted by the crowd We want the invisible walls that separate by wealth, race and class to be torn down, We want to think our own thoughts We will be responsible for our environment, We want clarity and truth from our elected officials or they should move aside We want love not lies, We want an end to all wars, foreign and domestic violence We want an end to the processed culture of exploitation, over-consumption and waste, We want knowledge, understanding and peace We will not lose because we are not losers, we are lasers. Lasers are the opposite of losers Lasers are shining beams of light, that burn through the darkness of ignorance, Lasers shed light on injustice and inequality Losers stand by and let things happen, Lasers act and shape their own destinies Lasers find meaning and direction in the mysteries all around them, Lasers stand for love and compassion Lasers stand for peace, Lasers stand for progression, Lasers are revolutionary, Lasers are the future Love Always Shines Everytime Remember to Smile

STREET, CONTEMPORARY AND CHEER DANCE WITH DANIELLA AND LETISHA EVERY FRIDAY AT EAST OXFORD GAMES HALL (Collins Street, off Cowley Road’s Chapel Street) AGE 5 & upwards TIME 6.30-8PM Image Source: Mixtape maestro.com, Faqs.org

Since his last album release four years ago, as well as featuring on other artist’s work, he now runs two clothing lines Righteous KungFu and Trilly & Truly, has designed trainers for Reebok and has also leant a helping hand to charity.

LASERS MANIFESTO

PRICE: £4 per class Image Source: digboston.com

he show must go on right? That’s certainly the mentality American rapper, producer and CEO Lupe Fiasco followed, when faced with the label disputes that repeatedly caused his third album release date to be pushed back.

For those who want to perform or simply have fun with dance. All abilities welcome. Call us on 07599206381 or 07749813129 7

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The Miss P Fundraiser

A total of £3,300 was raised and this money was split accordingly between the Miss P charitable foundation and Portia’s funding at her dance school, which includes travel fees, accommodation and living costs. Weeks after the event, talk of the incredible show was still the subject on people’s lips and Bev was being approached by a lot more dancers who wanted to get involved. That really proved to her and the committee that this was definitely the start of something big.

Originator: Beverley Harry

Was there any pressure for the second fundraiser? Of course! They had set a bar of talent and trying to beat that was going to be a challenge but it was approached with positivity. 2010’s themes consisted of a tribute to dances around the world and disco. There were some returning groups as well as some new talent.

f you are not familiar with the Miss P fundraiser, you will be by the end of this article. Currently in its third year, the foundation is still growing as a charity and focusing on even bigger ways to gain its status in the world. The idea of the foundation came from Beverley Harry, whose daughter Portia, is attending the Urdang dance academy. As she was preparing for her move to London, it became Two performers from the cast of Oliver clear to Bev how expensive this venture was going to be and how little dance students are supported with funding. This led to an idea of setting up a foundation that will give the same Henry. The show was watched by hundreds amount of financial support as any other stu- of supporters of many ages at Headington dent attending a course of higher education. School’s theatre.

A chance for dancers and singers to do what they love; perform.

So what shall we expect from the Miss P foundation in the future? Well Beverley and her team are working towards Easter and summer programmes for children to take part in a variety of projects. This will fill a gap in the market with more opportunities for kids and young adults to take part in projects surrounding the arts; singing, drama, dance and music. Plans for the third annual fundraiser are in full swing with an even bigger venue possibly on the cards. For the second half of the show you will also come across some familiar faces as performers will be interpreting their favourite artists from the Motown era. Who will you be looking out for? L’ART

Image Source: sxc.hu, Murray

The annual fundraisers are a chance for danc- The support of the spectators was very geners and singers to do what they love; perform. erous. With the number of ticket sales and Each show has a theme donations made towards the for the performers to folevent, it really helped make low and they are hosted by the start of this journey a a committee (made up of great achievement. family members and close friends) who have contribThe acts consisted of profesuted to Portia’s career in sional dance schools (includthe arts. ing tap, ballet, Irish and street dance), singers and enthusiastic aunts and The first Miss P fundraiser in October 2009 cousins. They all performed their best rouwas organised by Bev, her cousin Nicola Mo- tines and sung their favourite songs to Broadses-Thrower and Portia’s godmother, Rebecca way musicals and Michael Jackson classics.

‘Nurturing visions in the Arts’

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The venue had changed to Pegasus Theatre and some greater prizes were up for grabs at the evening raffle where some lucky winners went home with an iPod shuffle, Tesco vouchers & a free-view box. Overall, there was a larger atmosphere than the first, with kids posing for the photographer backstage and the A caribbean themed older ones watching the dance show on personalised TV’s in their dressing rooms.

Portia singing ‘One Night Only’ from the movie Dreamgirls

k out Also loo iss P M for the er & t newslet eep, k website p-tou ing you the date on latest iser fundra news.

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PRESENTING TYLER PERRY FROM A NEGATIVE TO A POSITIVE

Plenty of stars in the performing world have their own personal journey and actor, writer, producer and director, Tyler Perry, is one of them. With a long list of successful plays that made it to theatre, movies, television, a book and his own film company, the Hollywood legend has a lot to be proud of.

Throughout the film, audiences will view a number of 20 poems represented by women dealing with intense issues in life. Focusing on issues that have a large impact on women, particularly women of colour, a heartfelt commentary is given as the film progresses, with an insight into ‘what it means to be a female With his latest movie now available on DVD, of colour in the world’. For Coloured Girls, he celebrates ongoing recognition for his work with a total of 19 For Coloured Girls comes 15 years after PerNAACP (National Association for the Ad- ry’s first musical I Know I’ve Been Changed, vancement of Coloured People) nominations a production which he took to Atlanta with for highly rated best motion pictures. The just his life savings, a strong faith and a want civil rights organisation is based in the US and to share his bravery and ability to forgive, to has been showcasing the achievements of eth- a live audience. nic minorities for over a century.

tyler facts: did you know?... t was advice from billionaire and talk show favourite Oprah that set things in motion for Perry. Her advice for him to write his thoughts down in Billionaire Oprah Winfrey a diary allowed him to off load his inner demons and begin his journey of success.

Supporters of the New Orleans born entertainer will know he has an alter ego, self described as a “God-fearing, gun-toting, pot smoking, loud mouthed grandmother”. Madea, is the name used by all to lovingly call the grandmother, whose first appearance in Perry’s 2000 I Can Do Bad All By Myself, had audiences wanting more from the larger than life character, performed by Perry himself.

Starring favourites such as Michael Ealy, Phylicia Rashad and Whoopi Goldberg, For Coloured Girls is based on Ntozake Shange’s play, For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf.

Other favourite Perry movies include Madea’s Family Reunion, Madea Goes To Jail, Why Did I Get Married? Why Did I Get Married Too?, Daddy’s Girls and the number one nationwide, Diary of a Mad Black Woman. The Tyler Perry Foundation regularly donates to charities, the latest being to aid those who still suffer from the natural disaster Haiti earthquake of 2010.

So where was the idea for Madea born? The answer to that question is his own aunt. Perry was able to find the humour in his life experiences, an ability that was greatly received by others, as he continuously allows us all to laugh, particularly those who like him, grew up in an abusive environment.

Image Source: Ten.com, Blogs.com, Yazmar.com, sxc.hu

urning a negative into a positive is one of life’s many sayings right. I mean, why let a bad situation define the type of person you turn out to be?

With his talents spreading from the screen and onto the page, Perry’s book Don’t Make A Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea’s Uninhibited Commentaries on Life and Love became book of the year and stayed at the top of the New York Times’ non-fiction bestseller list for eight weeks. One thing’s for sure, whatever project this guy puts his mind to, it’s sure to be a laugh a minute. Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family is out in cinemas from April 22nd. L’ART Above: Actor Tyler Perry as himself and his alter-ego Mabel ‘Madea’ Simmons

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o the man who brought you Barns Court Reunion and Blend has finally fulfilled a personal year long ambition; to bring the people of Oxford a comedy event to remember.

GEOFF SCHUMANN

KOJO

SLIM

Image Source: guardian.co.uk, afridiziak.com, voice-online.com, upfrontcomedy.com, comelime.com, vocal-star.com

ANNETTE FAGON

After 11 years, Tony Nanton, comedy promoter Paddy Luscombe and team Sweet Me made Saturday February 19th 2011 a night to go down in Oxford history, as many who caught up with old friends and family sat back, watched the show and laughed the night away.

similarities between todays younger and older generations; relating to the widely mixed crowd that the event had attracted. “I’ve always wanted to change people’s perception of Oxford,” Tony revealed, as I caught up with him a day before the show’s debut. Showing great enthusiasm and excitement for the night ahead, Tony spoke of singer Nikki Loy (who greeted guests in the foyer with her acoustic sounds), freestyle/ street dancers KC’s Ladies (who had us wanting to join their party on stage), sounds by DJ Dee and food from Taste of Jamaica to be enjoyed with the great line up.

“The extravaganza was happening before our eyes,” Tony said, as he recalls watching people roll about in their seats and wipe the tears of joy away from their eyes. “It’s not just for the young black scene out there but for everyone who shares the uniBBC London favourite, Geoff Schumann, versal language that is ‘urban’,” Tony stated. kept the night flowing, compering with great The night looks set to be a regular thing, with energy and vitality. And of course he threw in talks of a second instalment, The Real McCoy the odd insult to audience members who began style taking place in June. to think they were sat too close for comfort, as several laughs were had at their expense. “The village got rocked,” and judging by the non-stop Facebook status updates by comedy The hugely talented Annette Fagon, Kojo and lovers the following day, I’d say ‘The Oxford Slim all followed on the clubs stage, touching Urban Comedy Experience’ was totally worth on topics ranging from childhood memories, the wait and will continue to be welcomed relationship dramas and the not so different with open arms. L’ART

Sweet Me!

The Oxford Urban Comedy Experience 13

If you want to get your hands on some of this sparkling collection, Jodie and her team are willing to help you choose an item to suit you, or if you’re interested in holding a party for you and your girls to enjoy, this can also be arranged.

Entrepreneur is the word that suits Jodie Rudman today. In the past year she has set up and designed her own hairdressing salon called The Look and now she is also selling an extravagant jewellery range from her Abingdon-based business. Now at 27-years-old what is next on Jodie’s list to expand the services provided by The Look salon?

The Look hair salon presents...

“The prices range mostly between £20 and £48 but there are some more expensive bits for the more extravagant purchase. There is also a men’s range as well but I’m not stocking any at the moment as I’m not sure how many would buy jewellery for themselves. Overall, the collection has been really successful especially over the Christmas period and the rings sell very well as they’re great individual statement pieces.

Fifth Avenue Collection F

GLITTER

Glitter magazine is published monthly by Fifth Avenue Collection Ltd and it’s the perfect chance for you to keep up-to-date with their new lines of affordable jewellery. Although it’s only available in print overseas, their website is available to all. Re-discover your love for the finest earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, matching sets and even daily accessories. For a more personal touch there are also success stories for you to be inspired by. You too could become a Fifth Avenue jeweller if this is where your passion lies. Visit: www.fifthavenuecollection.com www.thelookhair.co.uk “Fall in love with fashion all over again”

So The Look is definitely living up to its name as a popular hairdressing salon, jewellery provider and beauty parlour in the making. It really is an inviting environment to get pampered in and with these plans in the horizon, it’s only going to get better.

Featured pieces

Image Source: Glitter magazine

Although the Fifth Avenue Collection is sold by the company’s own staff who hosts party’s for the public, The Look is the only fixed place who sell this luxury jewellery, so you could definitely say it’s exclusive.

Fifth Avenue Collection’s

“In the future I’m hoping to get eye lash extensions to go with the hair extensions and there are talks about getting the basement sorted for some beauty treatments including tanning, nails, wraps, facials and massages.”

ifth Avenue collection is the fabulous range that she has decided to sell and all the pieces are made with either Swarovski crystal, triple A cubic zirconias or your natural gem stones. “It’s a beautiful collection of silver and gold and suits all ages. It is for the women who like a bit of sparkle as well as a mix of subtle pieces to accompany a casual or more glamorous outfit.”

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1. Love is In The Air - £33. ‘Want a wow piece of jewellery or to tell the world that you are smitten? Try this multi-faceted Swarovski Bermuda blue crystal heart, dropping from a beautiful hand-knit designer chain’.

3. Tastefully Dressed - (with earrings) £62. ‘Richly embellished with dozens of Swarovski’s, this beautiful neckpiece set in a rich and durable rhodium finish falls wistfully from a fine rope chain’.

4. Box of Brilliance - £39. 2. Capricorn - (with necklace) £46. ‘A beautiful combination of Swarovski’s blues, ‘Swarovski’s blue topaz crystal - the birthstone for pinks and aurora borealis crystal are set in a December - is full of fire. You’ll look so good that fabulous finish of gleaming gold. Clasp it on and no one will guess you’re wearing last year’s dress’. feel the thrill’. L’ART

Sa m a nt h a B

EE K raduate Fashion Week (GFW) is an annual fashion event that showcases the work and talent of BA Graduate fashion designers. More than 35 Universities and colleges in the UK take part and it is a great opportunity for all lovers of fashion to become inspired by new creations.

Around 3,000 fashion students graduate every year and it is hard to apply for work and break into the fashion industry, especially when competing against a lot of experienced people. This is where sponsorship of the GFW comes into play. Retail store River Island has been the title sponsor of GFW for six consecutive years, but this year the role has been passed onto someone else; George at Asda. Sponsorship is an important part of the GFW as it gives the students a starting point to set their career off

L on don E ye

roo k e

Sometimes the support and direction of family or friends is what we need to make it in a chosen career, but that isn’t always what we get. This is where the Graduate Fashion Week comes into play, by offering lifelong fashion careers for future graduates. on an affordable wage. It also brings access to the most recent and innovative designs in the country, which is why George at Asda has agreed to become the new title sponsors for 2011, the GFW’s 20th anniversary. Fiona Lambert is the brand director of George at Asda and has also been a business mentor at GFW for 2009 and 2010; one of the 2010 winners she spotted is now a graphic designer at George! This is a great example of the opportunities that this huge British fashion event has to give. On the competitive side, River Island was always creative with its visions and new ideas to develop the brand. They recruited 90 new designers throughout their time as a sponsor and these same designers have now moved onto joining River Island’s increasingly talented design team.

Ge o rg e Image Source: Huntsworth.com, sxc.hu, gfw.org.uk, whoateallthepies.tv

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R ADUATE

Ea rls C o u

A m be r H a n d s

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Jeff Sweeney Sa m a nt h a B

This year’s event will take place from June 5th-8th at Earl’s Court 2, London and you will be amazed yet again at the elaborate exhibition and professional catwalks on show. The work of many University students will be available The second show is extra special, as it’s an for all to see, with the infamous Gala show exclusive invite only gala attended by stuand awards presentation taking place on the dents who have produced outstanding work at last night. a higher level than their peers. So the lucky University graduates invited will be in the runThe Gala shows on June 8th (5.30pm and ning to win the £20,000 George gold award. 8.30pm) will be hosted by fashion and TV expert Caryn Franklin and Jeff Banks CBE, who This is set to be a great week and tickets are is the founder of GFW. You can witness the now available to buy at: www.gfw.org.uk best collections from the week of fashion in one spectacular show and it’s nice to see stu- Don’t miss out. L’ART dents being praised for their nominations and winning awards.

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18-years-old in Oxford. This was frustrating for her but also the perfect chance to start her business of bringing professional choreographers to teach in Oxford. She has since arranged for Animaineax, Laura-Ann Gill and more to do workshops here.

EmJ’s dance classes

“What I experienced in Manchester is something I will always treasure and I want other young people to have the opportunity to take a class with someone who inspires them and who will reinforce their goals and dreams.”

Meet the lady who is making a difference with dance workshops in your city..

Starting her classes at St Gregory The Great school in January 2010, a year has passed and attendance from the public has increased from a handful of people to triple the size. Since being approached by Euton Daly, artistic director at Pegasus Theatre, she is now teaching where she used to be a pupil. “I’m loving it! It’s hard to explain but the feeling when you look around at the end of the class and everyone has nailed your own choreography; it’s amazing and I’m still in disbelief that it’s grown so much in a year.”

mma-Jane Greig (EmJ) was enrolled into Wendy Melson’s tap and modern classes from a very young age as her mother saw her potential. After performing in a numerous amount of dance shows and her technique improving, EmJ moved onto join a dance company based at Pegasus Theatre, Spin Off who specialised in jazz and contemporary dance.

In 2005 EmJ left Spin Off and moved to Manchester for 3 years where she studied Psychology at University. In her second year she joined the University’s street dance troupe, Hip-Notic, who performed their explosive routines at charity shows, varsity events and club promotion nights. They also attended some of the world championship dance competitions in Loughborough, competing against other Universities across the UK.

“I’m still in disbelief”

“We trained twice a week at Sunshine Studios with our choreographer Laura-Ann Gill. That was my first introduction into hip-hop and my enthusiasm grew from here.”

“What I experienced in Manchester is something I will always treasure” EmJ saved as much money that her part-time waitressing job and student loan could stretch to pay for these classes. On her return from Manchester, EmJ noticed the lack of open classes for young adults over

Image Source: Emma-Jane Greig, sxc.hu

At fifteen-years-old she had at least ten years of dance training behind her and dancing with her was a pleasure because she fitted right into our quirky and fun-loving group. But we were still strict with our training and she knew that becoming a teacher herself was her future goal. “Both teachers made a huge impact on me, my motivation and constant striving to be better,” said EmJ. “I think in many ways they gave me the confidence to really push myself as a dancer.”

EmJ also works alongside Oxford based charities such as BLAP (which has now closed), The Parasol Project and the Pupil Referral unit at Meadowbrook college. These charities commit to providing inclusive activities for young people of all backgrounds; disabled, disadvantaged and those at possible risk of social exclusion. “As a Participation Officer at Pegasus I am still heavily involved in running workshops, meeting new people and setting up links between them. Working at BLAP was one of the most exhausting but utterly brilliant times of year. It’s a real shame that it has closed.”

Previous dance workshops organised by EmJ

After all these achievements made in a short space of a year, EmJ still has a lot more planned for Oxford and its budding performers. The Parasol Project has a fundraiser on April 10th at Pegasus Theatre to raise money for their charity who are in danger of having to close down. EmJ’s dancers as well as other groups will be contributing to put on a great showcase of various dances. This year, she is still trying to secure funding so the masterclasses she holds at Pegasus Theatre can keep going. They have been real successful where highly talented professional choreographers and famous dance acts teach classes in Oxford. All abilities are welcome to learn the styles and this is a great step to catching up with other cities who have this opportunity. EmJ feels this is her main achievement but as an attendee of her weekly classes, I would say she’s achieved a whole lot more. Want to take part in EmJ’s classes? Come to Pegasus Theatre every Monday. Dance fitness 7.30pm-8.30pm Street dance 8.30pm-9.30pm L’ART

Reviews

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Shake your

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“shake your Booty” which exudes confidence and fun. But Booty isn’t just a high end boutique. We want to offer something different for everyone from all backgrounds and price brackets.

“We value the thought of dressing with confidence and being on trend which is why we limit the amount of each piece we get in store; this way our customers can feel as though they have something unique and won’t see five other women wearing the same.”

or many years Oxford has gradually built its empire of well established retail shops that fulfil the shopping needs of all generations and appeal to every age group. But something was still missing. There weren’t any stores that offered an independent look for the original lovers of fashion to experiment with.

So it’s clear that Keshia and Louise have thought about the public’s choice in relation to the styles they have incorporated in their store. Although their main target market is from ages 16 to 30, their ranges also include McQ, See by Chloe, Rare and Jarlo. But there is no end to Booty’s limits as there are many more plans in the horizon. “Essentially we want to carry on providing gorgeous on trend fashion to Oxford. In order to keep updating our look and customer’s wardrobes, we seek out new brands and often they seek us.

This is exactly what business partners Keshia Roachford and Louise Trueman had thought and they wanted to put an end to it. Keshia says: “Booty was set up due to a noticeable gap in the market for individual, unique and sought after fashion brands in Oxford. “The town provides a lot of the same mass produced fashion and having visited cities such as Liverpool, Manchester and Reading, I noticed there was nothing for the girl who wanted designer brands or just something to stand out.” So in 2008, Booty was born in St Aldates at the centre of all the shoppers in town. With the Universities owning a lot of the premises it wasn’t easy to get a lease, especially with competing against larger chains. But the girls continued to push for their ideal store and after three years Booty has reached many milestones worth celebrating.

“The name itself is a quirky twist on the word boutique although a lot of girls may relate this to image as well. Of course we use the phrase

“From April we’ll have the first drop of a just launched brand, Maggie & Me, which is set to be huge this year and offers beautiful dresses. Then in the autumn we’ll have Sugarhill, a brand that’s been worn by Denise van Outen and X-Factor’s Rebecca Ferguson.” Image Source: Booty, sxc.hu

They have hosted their own fashion shows at All Bar One and The Living Room, supported local charity events and Oxford’s Fashion Week as well as featuring in magazines, newspapers and on radio! All this has helped keep Booty’s name on the tip of our tongues.

The celebrity fans of Booty also include Ruby Wax, pop group The Scarletz and Miss Frank’s Gratsiella from X-Factor. Soon Booty will be spoken about by people of all cities as their website will soon be up and running for you all to buy online with ease. Everybody loves a bit of online shopping so why not add Booty to your list of favourites? - www.bootyoxford.co.uk Visit their store and support them to continue raising their high status and with promising surprises for this fashion year, you won’t be disappointed. L’ART

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WORD ON THE STREET - lupe fiasco -

The Look

ith his much anticipated new album recently hitting stores, I wondered if the long wait had a negative impact on his fans. So what did you all have to say?... Roseane Barros “I reckon his new album will be MUCH better than his last one.”

Image Source: from each individual, zimbio.com

Orello Ellis “I know he had some problems Ellena Prescott “His last one was with his label and his fans petitioned sick but then you didn’t hear nothing for the album to be from him, so yeah released. I’m glad I’ll have to go buy it’s finally been it when it drops.” released as he’s a hip-hop artist and that’s the genre of music I grew up on and support. It’s a good look for hip-hop.” Kyle Joseph “His last one was A word from the BBC’s album review: sick anyway and obviously he knew It’s Lupe at his brilliant best- with ideas spewmy birthday is in ing forth at a rate which leaves your head March so he’s left spinning. me a little present; Lupe remains a singular hip-hop voice and cheers Lupe!” Lasers is still worth a listen. L’ART

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Tremaine McCall “My word on Lupe… AWESOME. Much anticipation on the album. There was too long of a break between The Cool and Lasers but I’m sure it will be well worth the wait.”

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