THE WORLD IS YOURS
CENTRAL LONDON
March 2016 - n째 1 - www.lebonbon.co.uk
Photographe : Flavien Prioreau www.flavienprioreau.com flavienprioreau@hotmail.com Modèle : Zarina
EDITO
Founder Jacques de la Chaise Director Charles Guillet Business Development Vuk Levkovic Editor Taylor Viens Art Director Joseph Belleville Contributors Sonny Syah, Alicia Streijffert, Carla Salber, Ana Haya Sauvage, Chloé Hunt, Margaux Décatoire, Alexandre Terry, Anneka Williams, Emma Gagnon Photographers Romain Forquy www.romainforquy.com Zac Dimitrov www.zdravkodimitrov.com Ella Hermë www.ellaherme.com Sarah (Mez) Merrett www.ezphotography.format.com Partnerships & Events margaux@lebonbon.co.uk Contact us hello@lebonbon.co.uk Le Bonbon Limited 21 London Terrace Hackney Road E2 7SQ – LONDON
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Le Bonbon Central London, and how happy we are to have you with us. In fact, we’re ecstatic to be the new kid on the block. There’s something very exciting about being new– a new dawn, a new day, a new lease on life, a new neighborhood. We’re hoping we can share our enthusiasm with you. At Le Bonbon we’re all about the new: new ways of doing things, new takes on old ideas and meeting new people. We love to spread out and make new friends. We embrace our novelty, and our new neighborhood. We spent February talking to a selection of our lovely new neighbors; some doing completely new things, some bringing fresh takes to old ideas. In this issue you will find a piece on a recent graduate of the School of the Damned, and Ben Pearce discusses some of his new music. We talk to some young companies making waves in our community: Huckletree announces their beautiful new co-working space; and Seesaw Studios gives us an inside view on some of their projects, breathing new life into listed buildings. Vinterior offers a new way of finding that perfect piece of furniture, and Strip Wax Bar offers many ways to present a new you. The month of March brings us a nice sense of newness. The Vernal equinox promising new flowers and new hours of sunlight. We hope that you can harness the power of the new, after all, it’s a new life... and we’re feeling good. Taylor Viens
Advertising and enquiries Vuk@lebonbon.co.uk 079 8365 1644 Charles@lebonbon.co.uk 079 8365 1643
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CONTENTS
03
2016
6
8
Seesaw Studios
Buds
10
12
14
Huckletree
Ben Pearce
The Hawksmoor Bar
24
26
28
Benjamin Edwin
The Creative Society
Lord Bonbon
3
IT'S BEEN A YEAR. IN YOUR FACE LONDON ! LET'S CELEBRATE. 8TH OF APRIL 2016.
LE BON TIMING
Paul Strand: Photography and Film for the 20th Century @ V&A Starting this month, the Victoria and Albert museum is hosting the first UK exhibition showcasing work
Christine & The Queens @ Koko
by American photographer and
A heartbroken Frenchie crosses the Channel
film-maker Paul Strand (1890-1976)
and meets five Soho drag queens who ignite
since his death. This retrospective
a fire– later translated into Michael Jackson-
will focus on the way his work
esque vocals mixed with deep electronic bass
has influenced our practice of
lines: Christine & The Queens is born. Six
art nowadays, particularly within
years later, half-lady Héloïse Letissier returns
the fine art and documentary
to the capital with her gender-neutral project
photography sphere, featuring 200
for her first big London gig following the UK
pieces of his work.
release of her debut album Chaleur Humaine
Where? V&A, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL When? from 19th March until 3rd July How much? £10
Where? Koko, 1A Camden High St, London NW1 7JE When? 15th March, doors 7pm How much? £19
Regression Sessions 4th Birthday - The Hippy Trippy Shakedown @ Fire & Lightbox This year, celebrate Easter by unleashing your inner hippie as the start of Spring provides you with a handful of good reasons to be happy about life: flowers, budding trees and, if you get lucky enough, sunny London. Don’t neglect your partying and join Regression Sessions as they blow their 4th candle with the Hippy Trippy Shakedown at Fire & Lightbox on Good Friday’s eve.
Where? Fire & Lightbox, 39 Parry Street, London, SW8 1RT When? 24th March, from 10pm until 6am How much? from £12.50 to £20 5
LE BON STUDIO Text Taylor Viens Picture Romain Forquy
Seesaw Studios
London is their playground Seesaw Studios, born out of East London and quickly taking over the capital, specializes in converting listed buildings. Led by company director Tuba Korkmaz, Seesaw’s projects provide a breath of fresh air into the aging heritage sites, not to mention helping people build the homes of their dreams.
The Dalston native started
around its diverse clients needs.
Seesaw only four years ago, and
The young and enthusiastic team
has seen the studios grow with
Tuba has cultivated at Seesaw
the London real estate boom.
has worked on two-hundred-
The dynamic firm immediately
year-old conversions alongside
made a name for itself thanks to
new builds.
its innovative approach toward making architectural projects
Whether the project is creating
happen. By including all the
apartments out of an ancient
diverse design facets in-house,
mansion house, or building a
all the way through the physical
restaurant and rooftop bar
construction of the building, Tuba
perched above a ground floor
has given birth to a one-stop
business, Seesaw Studios has
Tuba Korkmaz is a professional
shop for transforming an empty
envisioned and realized dynamic
at getting things done. With
lot or dilapidated structure into a
architectural undertakings.
Seesaw Studios, she has created
modern masterpiece.
an architectural firm that helps clients through every step of the
The Studio consults from start to
designing and building process.
finish, building up an extensive
By integrating multiple aspects
portfolio with both residential
of design into her studio, clients
and commercial clients.
can consult with interior and
Conferring with archeologists
landscape designers within the
and heritage organizations,
firm, streamlining the frequently
Seesaw’s philosophy is founded
convoluted process and giving it
on understanding each site’s
a more manageable feel.
unique history and tailoring it
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—
Seesaw Studios 9:30AM to 6:00PM 3 Stanford Mews, London E8 1JA Phone : 020 7254 5671 www.seesaw-studios.com
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LE BON CREATIVE Text Will Cox
BUDS “That corpse you planted last year in your garden, “Has it begun to sprout? Will it bloom this year ?”
controlling it.
beautiful flower lithograph John
“What is it you’re doing in there
had gotten her years before, she
Poppy ?”
peeked behind the curtain on
“Nothing, darling. Of course
the front door. Were those rays
nothing.”
of sun? The Earth remembers.
T. S. Eliot, The Wasteland
Now was her moment. Fast Poppy was happy today, “despite
hands slid on her slicker and
John’s best efforts,” she quipped
boots. Were they already muddy?
“Poppy did you put two tablets of
to herself.
There was no time to spare as an
Sweetex in it?”
“Well he can just go about being
overwhelming sense of urgency
“Of course I didn’t, darling. You
grumpy. I’m going to enjoy this
came over her.
think I don’t know how you take
beautiful day.”
your tea ?”
“Poppy ?”
“You don’t seem to these days.”
There hadn’t been a day like
“Not now John.”
“How you say things like that to
this in months. Poppy had been
“What is it you’re doing back
me I’ll never know.”
enduring his miserly attitude in
there ?”
close proximity for a long, grey
“I’m going for a walk.”
Poppy bustled around the
winter. Or was it forever? Today
“Why are you going for a walk ?”
kitchen under a galaxy of glow-
the benevolent clouds had
in-the-dark stars. Making as
parted for her, and she was not
The last two words slithered out
much noise as possible, she
going to miss her chance at a
of his mouth contemptuously.
reached in for one of those cute
walk before the rains came back.
John did not go for walks. John did not understand going for
little spoons John refused to use. Her mind was elsewhere.
Feeling impunity, Poppy set
walks. John watched football.
She didn’t feel like she was
off for the hall. Walking past a
John hated thinking of Poppy
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getting lost, with her aimless sauntering. John thought it very unreasonable for her to make him worry like this. “And where is it that you’ll be going ?” “I’m going to do the church loop. It is so lovely out today John.” His name was a full-stop as she opened the door. The church loop was something Poppy had been experimenting with. She had been reading too much Ackroyd, John would say. Pschyogeography. Emphasis on the psycho, John would say, thinking he was clever. It was just an excuse for her to get outside, and feel connected to the city. Poppy left unruffled. She may have even had a spring in her step, to an unfamiliar observer. She set out toward St. George’s, Bloomsbury, her first stop. “It’s so nice out I think I’ll do the big loop,” she said to no one. Had she even stopped to look at it? Poppy couldn’t remember. And what about Saint Mary Woolnoth, did she not even pass it? She had been on autopilot until she snapped to in the garden at Christchurch. Had the sacred geometry taken control of her? Poppy didn’t know. What she did know was it was far too early for the bloodroots to be sprouting.
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LE BON SPACE Text Taylor Viens Pictures Huckletree
Huckletree Shoreditch
Co-work in style
Huckletree is the brainchild of Gabriela Hersham, a London-native, creative professional and veteran of New York’s film industry. In 2011, when co-working was a largely an unknown concept, Gabriela was a partner at a film production company working out of a shared space, one of the very first in New York. Dissatisfied with her workspace, she searched for communal, collaborative co-working offices—but the options were limited!
Gabriela finally found her utopia:
The Clerkenwell office embodies
a shared office space where she
the principles behind Huckletree:
met other professionals with
an environmentally-sustainable
whom she could share skills and
workspace for professionals of
collaborate. The benefits from
the 21st century. This network
this shared workspace struck
formed Huckletree’s first
Gabriela as brilliant, not only for
community, a melting pot of
its collaboration potential but
creativity; and the start-up
because of the structure and
aimed at helping start-ups take
social element it brought into
off was born.
the lonely day of a freelancer or entrepreneur.
As London's tech and start-up ecosystem exploded, the demand
Moving back to London, Gabriela
for spaces like Huckletree
recognized the potential this
followed. Huckletree’s unique
collaborative platform could
take on co-working puts it in
have in her hometown. Starting in
the perfect position to grow and
Clerkenwell with 35 desk spaces,
expand, and the response from
Huckletree came from the simple
members and investors alike was
belief that co-working offices
enormous.
should form around a community
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of entrepreneurs and evolve with
Huckletree is enthusiastically
the changing requirements of the
opening a second co-working
modern work space.
space in the Alphabeta building
in Finsbury Square. Straddling the financial centre of Bank and the creative-hub of Shoreditch, this building will offer the best of both worlds to its members. Huckletree’s new offices can support 300 professionals. There are meeting rooms and classrooms available, not to mention workshops on topics ranging from professional to personal development and wellness for Huckletree members. Yoga will be held weekly. The foundational idea
roof terrace, indoor basketball
keypads, members of Huckletree
behind these services is to
court, and cycling ramp that
enjoy a work-life balance all
create a family of workers in an
allows cycles to be ridden into
under one, well-designed roof.
atmosphere that contains all
the building’s indoor cycle park.
aspects of member’s lives and
Amidst competing co-working
personalities in one place.
spaces, Huckletree stands alone. Each employee works together
Huckletree is at home in the
with the community to create
Alphabeta Building due to
a cohesive group of members,
their shared communitarian
trouble-shoot problems, and
philosophy. Members of the
source sustainable materials.
new co-working space share
While most co-working spaces
convenient amenities like the
are filled only with the buzz of
— Huckletree Shoreditch : 8:30AM to 8:30PM Alphabeta Building Triton Court, Finsbury Square, London www.huckletree.com 11
LE BON ETOILE Text Carla Sabler Picture DR
Ben Pearce On Music, Food and Jesus Christ You probably know him for his massive tune “What I Might Do,” but Ben Pearce is much more than that. Ben made his much anticipated return to Moda Black electronic label with the release of his EP Pomelo earlier this month. The new 3 track release sees the Mancunian producer deliver heavy, club-focused house-meetstechno cuts. 2015 was a fulfilling year for Ben Pearce, encompassing an extensive global tour schedule, monthly radio shows on Rinse FM and his summer residency at Ants in Ibiza – all whilst working on a wealth of new original music to be released over the coming months. We caught up with him and talked about his music, his passion for food, and Jesus Christ. 12
You’ve released a new EP
Who’s your partner in crime, in
‘Pomelo,’ how long have you
life and on stage ?
been working on it? What made you choose the name ?
This guy (Pointing at his mate
A.K.A Citizenn), we’re always
I’ve been working on it for a while
together!
actually. I probably started it beginning of last summer, but it’s
The media have been saying that
nice to finally release something!
London’s clubbing scene is slowly
The name is a private joke with
dying, what’s your opinion ?
friends. And ‘12407’ is a mathematical number that,
It’s certainly struggling, but
for a while, was considered the
I wouldn’t say it’s dying. It’s
smallest and most uninteresting
obviously being oppressed by the
number, so I thought it was cool!
government and the regulations and stuff, but I think it’s just
When did you first fall in love
finding its feet again. I’m figuring
with music ?
out how to move forward I guess.
When I was really young my dad
You’re also pretty active on
used to play classical music.
twitter, do you think that DJs
There’s a video of me when I was
should have more outspoken
4 years old dancing around the
opinions about certain issues ?
living room. By the time I turned 18 I was more into heavy metal
I think you should be honest,
and hip-hop. Yeah.
and twitter allows you to do that. Obviously I wouldn’t advise
offending anybody really badly
According to your Instagram,
the rest of the world… hopefully
(laughs).
you’re a real food lover. Could
it won’t get me arrested.
you give our readers your 3 favourite restaurants in London ?
What’s next for you?
–Escocesa in Stoke Newington,
There’s this EP. Then I’ve got a
it’s Scottish tapas.
couple of remixes coming out
I’m not religious, but there’s a
–Tamarind, an Indian restaurant,
in the next couple of months,
song called “Brand New” by one
they’re amazing!
another one with a friend on his
of my favourite bands, Jesus
–Adam Handling at Caxton, that’s
album and a few more original
Christ. It’s about death and the
actually my favourite restaurant.
things before the summer I
If the world was ending in a couple of minutes, which song would you listen to ?
think. I’m also making music with
struggles you might go through. It’s about 6 minutes long, so I’d
If you were stuck in a lift with
Citizenn at the moment, it’s going
probably listen to half of it! It’s
Donald Trump for 24 hours, what
very well!
really good though, you should
would you do ? Thanks Ben, we love you very
check it out. God knows! I would try and get
much.
What are your 3 favourite clubs
sensible answers out of him
in London ?
even though it would probably
Don’t forget to buy his new EP
be completely fruitless ’cause
available on itunes store, this
I don’t go out much when I’m not
he’s a psychopath. I’d try to save
is definitely something we’d
playing but I’d have to say Fabric,
humanity and squeeze the life
recommend: it’s easy for your
Tobacco Docks and XOYO.
out of him, before he does it to
nerves and ears.
13
LE BON COCKTAIL Text Taylor Viens
Moody drinks for a moody basement Bar Manager and Cocktailier Ali hosted us at The Hawksmoor Bar, Spitalfields to enjoy their selection of “Desert Island Drinks,” a rotating selection of five drinks curated by a different member of the Hawksmoor staff monthly.
After the long slog of a biting
their toes. If you do find yourself
February maybe being stranded
lost on a desert island, we
on a desert island might appeal
have no doubt these drinks will
to you. However, you won’t find
increase your chances of survival!
warmer climes in this former basement strip club. Instead, you
However, this may be the last
will find: wooden floorboards
rotation of “Desert Island
reclaimed from the Natural
Drinks,” soon to be replaced in
History Museum, teal glazed
favor of twelve cocktails, which
brick ‘tiles’ that make you feel
we have no doubt will be as
like you’re drinking in a swanky
tasty as all of the Hawksmoor’s
underground station, lights
creations.
salvaged from a retired fishing vessel, and, of course, an enticing
—
selection of cocktail creativity. In addition to the classic mainstays (cue: The Full Fat Old Fashioned and Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew), these handpicked
The Hawksmoor Bar, Spitalfields 157 Commercial Street, London Phone : 020 7426 4850
cocktails keep the Spitalfields Bar constantly reinventing its repertoire, and its clientele on
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Hours : 12–2:30pm, 5–10:30pm
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LE BON DESIGN MARKETPLACE
Vinterior, a home for beautiful design exchange When Sandrine Zhang Ferron moved house a couple of years back, she was shattered to find her beautifully designed corner unit sofa didn’t fit into her new home. Whereas before it fit snug against a backdrop of exposed brick, her new living room was thinner and longer and the unit stuck out into the centre of the room. Upon deciding to sell the sofa Sandrine posted ads on Gumtree and EBay, but soon found that she had to trawl through a mass of junk responses filling her inbox. In the end, the sofa ended up sitting dormant for a while as she found alternative options for selling the piece.
Zhang Ferron decided that
Launched in November 2015,
she would create a website to
Vinterior has already amassed
connect design lovers across
a beautiful collection of
the capital and make it easy for
vintage design objects. The
Londoners to buy and sell quality
website is a wonderfully simple
vintage furniture to one another.
tool that offers an easy and
Sandrine hoped that Vinterior
comfortable alternative to
would not only facilitate the
design exchange outside of
transaction, but connect people
independent showrooms and
in the city around a common
stores across London and stuffy
passion!
auction houses. As it becomes
For shoppers, Vinterior carefully
increasingly common for people
curates the collection to offer
to move from apartment to
only the best choice of modern,
apartment across the capital
vintage and antique furniture.
amidst the steadfast rise in rent
And not to worry, this all comes
prices, Vinterior is a platform
with the guarantee that delivery
that allows gorgeous design to
and returns will be effortless and
suit the shift in interiors, gifting
The process gave Sandrine a
reasonably priced. The website
the beautiful pieces of furniture
clever idea, and Vinterior was
can also help people sell their
a new lease of life where they
born! With a view to streamline
high-end furnishings when they
may have otherwise been left
the awkward course of not only
move or redecorate, offering
behind.
selling designer furniture but
both collection and delivery
lighting, art and textiles,
services everywhere in London
— Advertorial Benjamin Harvey
whilst handling secure payments.
www.vinterior.co
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HUCKLETREE SHOREDITCH
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LE BON WALL
Welcome to the family baby Bonboners!
To my Lizzie Pickle. I may be slightly autistic at times but I
Lukasz morda, come to Paris, Anton wants
am always fixated on you…
to catch up with you Come home please Austin, I miss you and your stupid fart blanket head thing…
Emma, Thank you for everything along the way. It couldn’t have been done without you. TV
Baby we could be smooth as butter but you playing.
I AM INTO M&S S&M
A blowjob is better than no job
VIVA Frank Van Luigi Pele Harvey Sutton – you are so loved our little bunny.
We did it bro!
Jennifer
Benjamin Edwin Slinger - making omelettes with leftover KFC xxx
Justice for Dave #bringbackdave
Sweetheart, put down the damn phone –
£1200 in a week feels like we’re Eddy & Bacon in Lock, Stock.
Juliette & Stew, I'm feeling so lucky to be part of your family! Love you. Cha
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LE BON SURPRISE Text Fifi Brin d’Acier Picture Aurélie Lagoutte & Deividas Buyvida
Say What?! Appestat's a chilling spot in the heart of Angel perfect for working, watching the world go by and dreaming. It’s a great space to meet people that work in the same field as you, make friends and network– whilst listening to a good tune, eating tasty brunch and washing it down with a beautiful cup of coffee.
nudes. Sticking her precise
Gaining a strong reputation in
and traditional trigger finger
the fashion world, this man has
up to digital, before clicking
also photographed the likes of
the shutter, the photographer
Jourdan Dunn and Katie Perry for
carefully choses her "old-timer
the H&M Vs Balmain Campaign!
camera," akin to the gun-slinging cowboy reaching for his old
Scale and intimacy also play
faithful pistol in a western. The
a consistent role in his work.
results are effortlessly painting-
Through this exploration, there
like. Pure yet grainy, powerful but
is a poignant dynamic created
flawed, symbiotically ethereal
that perfectly balances edgy
and tangible; in a quest for our
and effortless cool. From the
true inner purity. "Lilly's Library,"
isolation of the Arctic, evident in
On one Friday a month, between
is a powerful and versatile series
his beautiful short documentary
8pm-12am, Appestat opens
that enables us to connect with
"Svalbard," to the intimate
its doors to carefully selected
a pride and vulnerability only
experience of loss and space, not
emerging artists, photographers,
obtained through experience.
dissimilar to the feeling you get when you’re walking around New
musicians and filmmakers to showcase their work in a wicked
Also on the horizon is the work of
York, the feeling of being an ant
celebration of creativity. If
Liam Cushing. The truly brilliant
surrounded by giant buildings.
you decide to stay a bit later
and charismatic photographer/
This duality between the vast
on, resisting to dance is near
film maker originally from Canada
and the deeply personal flows
impossible- so be prepared to
(with roots in Spain) relocated
throughout his work. He searches
sweat out your demons and soak
to London in 2011, after living in
for authenticity in all his subjects
up all of the good vibes.
New York City. With the mind of
and has a vulnerable, analytical
a philosopher and a pin point
and edgy eye that cuts through
Look out for the opening of "Film
precision in his eye, his captures
all of his shots.
photographer" Aurelie Lagoutte,
challenge our overall perceptions
who takes us on a journey
of reality. His extensive portfolio
—
of self exploration through
covers fashion, cultural icons,
portraits, trips and her work in
landscapes, and portraiture.
Appestat 102 Islington High Street 23
LE BON ART Text Taylor Viens Picture Ben Edwin
Benjamin Edwin Slinger & The School of the Damned
Benjamin Edwin Slinger is an artist on a rampage. With a BFA from Goldsmiths University and an ‘Alternative MA’ from the School of the Damned, the artist operates in a realm of “faux intellectuality, stupidity and science fiction.” The writercum-artist-cum-curator embraces tensions within himself, and the growing contemporary art scene.
multi-media artist who embodies
postgraduate program that
all those uncomfortable-to-
is completely student run.
broach-at-dinner-party topics.
Currently in its third year, Ben
His work can best be described
was in the School’s second class
as an irreverent self-examination
of students. It is constantly
of the modern artist, with himself
reinventing itself, as defined
as artist and muse.
and redefined by its current students– who even choose
Slinger started at the Leeds
the class of pupils to replace
College of Art where he founded
them. Existing as a website,
The Institute of Jamais Vu, a
students engage with each other
gallery/ collective in Leeds
through unconventional methods
that stages and hosts exhibits
like inviting academic advisors
and publishes on variegated
to oversea their self-led work,
and interesting topics, with a
in addition to student critiques
Ben’s work, which will be shown in an upcoming exhibition at Assembly Point Gallery opening March 16th, “is confused and aims to alienate you and your cool friends.”
heavy eye on design and visual
and reading groups. The program
aesthetics. Over the course of
hosts several exhibitions
three years at The Institute he
throughout the year, culminating
exhibited in and curated over ten
in an end of year show.
Allow us to introduce you to
The School of the Damned
He jumps between mediums
Benjamin Edwin Slinger, the
is a year-long unaccredited
and his exhibitions jump
exhibitions, building his portfolio for the alternative School of the
Much like The School, Ben is
Damned.
self-initiating and constantly reinventing himself and his art.
24
around the world. His works are frequently very political, despite his reticence to use the word. Drawing his inspiration from self-critique, it is easy to see why Ben is so humble, but less easy to understand how he is so prolific. Ben is constantly scheming on new possibilities, new manifestations for his art, and new self-interpretations. Drawing upon inner-tensions, such as adult - child, man - masculinity and feminist - meninist, Slinger exists in a state of in-between that frightens most. For example: The Institute of Jamais Vu that Ben co-founded worked on a comic and graphic reinterpretation of the Star Wars franchise, well before Disney caught on. A recent show in France placed a neon kebab take-away sign
interruptive exhibitions at the
in a sandy chamber as an
Victoria & Albert Friday Late
interpretation of a sci-fi novel
and the New Gallery London.
he himself wrote. His current
The curatorial collaborate has
show, ironically titled “How it is
asked ten artists to customize
to live in a world with such great
basketball hoops. The ever-
history,” deals with conspicuous
inventive Benjamin Edwin Slinger
consumption in the art tech
will be drawing on his background
world, stenciling the Makita
in construction and his penchant
logo onto a fake boulder within
for performance to produce
the Gallery, reminiscent of the
something truly interesting– we
Lascaux caves in Southwest
guarantee it.
France. He describes this as
—
an attack on alpha vs. beta
Find it at:
masculinity, and equal parts a critique on capitalism, masculinity and blind corporate consumption. His latest exhibition is hosted by curatorial duo Millington l Marriott, who have hosted
Let It Rain! Assembly Point London 16 March - 23 April 16 PV 15 March 6-9pm millingtonmarriott.com benjaminedwinslinger.co.uk 25
LE BON CHARITY Text Emma Gagnon
The Charity Formerly Known as New Deal of the Mind What do Margaret Thatcher and Franklin D. Roosevelt have in common? Well, not much. But they did, technically, lay the groundwork for a Londonbased charity that is here to help get you a job in the arts. Emphasis on the ‘technically.’
an adaptation of two erstwhile
of the creative industries.’
initiatives. The Works in
Additionally, they are finding and
Progress Administration (WPA),
promoting spaces across the UK
was introduced by Roosevelt
to become ‘incubator centers,’
during the Depression to
which would support and advise
promote artistic endeavour
people that are setting up on
in difficult times. Artist such
their own.
as Pollock, Rothko and de Kooning benefitted from this
They also produce some
policy. In later years, a similar
pretty helpful literature for the
project called the Enterprise
autodidacts among you. The
The Creative Society (formerly
Allowance Scheme was promoted
organization researches, collates
known as New Deal of the Mind)
by Thatcher. It gave creative
and self-publishes well designed
is an arts employment charity
entrepreneurial people a chance
PDFs on their website. Their
that helps young people find their
to set up on their own while
informative PDF entitled, ‘Make
way into jobs in the creative and
profiting from government help.
a Job Don’t Take a Job: Building the Creative Society’ investigates
cultural industries. The Society sprung out of necessity in 2009
In essence, the Creative
the practical frameworks
when the Recession threatened
Society borrowed and adapted
which support and encourage
the next generation of talent and
these initiatives to promote
creative talent and enterprise.
intellectual capital in the capital.
government policy that
Interestingly, it proposes a
encourages self-employment and
change of culture if we are
Based out of the Somerset
free lance opportunities, which
to build a ‘genuinely creative
House, the Creative Society is
were considered ‘the lifeblood
economy’ built on enterprise.
26
But what are these ‘Creative
currently work in partnership
Industries’ we’re talking about?
with Creative & Cultural Skills,
Well, the Creative Society defines
who deliver the Creative
these as industries that are based
Employment Programme which
on ‘individual creativity, skill and
is supported by Arts Council
talent,’ but are also interested in
England, a £15 million lottery-
those that have the potential to
funded programme. If you’re
‘create wealth and jobs through
an artist, entrepreneur or work
developing intellectual property.’
in the creative industries (see
They include, but are not limited
above) they can help you with
to: advertising, architecture, art
work placements or, perhaps
and antiques markets, crafts,
offer a space, or practical help
design, designer fashion, film and
like mentoring and skill training.
video, music, performance arts,
The new scheme will create up
publishing, software, television
to 1,600 traineeships, 2,900
and radio.
apprenticeships and 2,000 paid
— The Creative Society Somerset House, South Wing Strand, London WC2R 1LA thecreativesociety.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 1134482 —
internships before the project If you recognize yourself in any
ends this month.
of these, the Society encourages you to get in touch. They
27
LORD BONBON Text Taylor Viens
The return of Lord Bonbon Dear Diary,
ancient trees was instead muted
terror. A lovely coterie of young
by the low growl of Lamborghini’s
damsels, who would previously
It is with great satisfaction that I return to London, and Le Bonbon, after an extended trip in search of wealth and taste. I’ve been around the world many a time, and come back with reports of grace.
latest monstrosity. The streets
have been enthralled by a chance
I would amble and saunter with
to cuddle the lovely Louis, quickly
little Louis are now replete
skirted out of our line, squeaking
with photo-snappers and eyes
indiscernible outrage! Our
transfixed to glass screens.
suspicions were confirmed when
Indeed, it seemed to be the case
a troupe of juvenile garcons
that I was becoming out of place
pushed one of their comrades
in my own home.
toward our Louis, who was met
Before I tell of my journeys,
It was as these musings were
verve and, most palatably,
however, I should like to relay
muddling up my thoughts that I
horror! You must understand our
a story, as it occurred to me
noticed something quite peculiar.
alarm.
upon my return to London. How I
My petit pooch Louis seemed
missed the cold breeze and grey
to be having a similar epiphany.
I confess some despair upon
concrete of our capital. Most
Where once he was the belle
remarking that perhaps there
delighted by my arrival home was
of the sidewalk, attracting
may not be room for Lords in
my little hound Louis. I thought
attention from even across the
London, of my variety or that of
it a nice idea to reciprocate his
wide boulevards, now it seemed
my trusted Louis. However, this
enthusiasm, and take him for
he could not find a sympathetic
was only momentarily, for while
a petit promenade down one
hand. Indeed, no one seemed to
the thought bounced around my
of our frequented commercial
view Louis with anything but one
mind I decided this surely could
streets. This was as much an
unmistakable regard: fear.
not be the case, as London is
by a flailing boy full of energy,
the city of Lords, and of Lord
effort to reacquaint myself with my home, which has been so
Thinking myself momentarily mad
Bonbon. Unfortunately, I fear
missed of late I must confess.
for such a line of thought, as
the changing cityscape may be
you see our little Louis is just as
too volatile for little Lord Louis,
Oh how our boulevards and
dapper and refined as his Lord
however, as he seems somewhat
avenues are changing!
companion, I decided to put our
averse to learning new tricks.
hypothesis to the test. It seemed My once prized pastime of
that not only was our furry friend
stopping to enjoy the hum of the
evincing such reactions, but
Yours,
wind through the church garden’s
those emitting them bordered on
Lord Bonbon
28
29
LE BON MYSTIC
Aries
Cancer
Indulging in a little retail therapy never did anybody
You have a trying month ahead, and the stars will
any harm, but don’t let your extravagant urges get
not always be in your favour. You will ask all the right
the better of you. You’re after the quick fixes this
questions but it will take time to find the answers
month but you need to dig a little deeper in to your
you are seeking. But it’s nothing a resourceful soul
mind, rather than your wallet, to find that long term
like you can’t handle! Avoid driving down narrow
satisfaction. A new dress or a cool car won’t prove
lanes, you could find yourself with nowhere to
anything to anybody, so don’t be such a try-hard.
turn. Always check the ‘reduced’ aisle of the
Your real friends love you for who you are inside, so
supermarket; you never know what you might
stop flashing the cash and
unearth. And remember, that permanence you seek
just learn to be happy with what you do have in life.
is not always all it’s cracked up to be.
Taurus
Leo
The most depressing month of the year is finally
Do you recall the story of the grasshopper
over and you can feel it in your bones. Shake off
and the ant? Well, they both ventured out of
a grim February by getting active. Try something
their respective environments and become
new like rock-climbing or an intensive self-defence
an amalgamated smudge on someone else's
class. You’ve got too much pent up energy and
windshield. But that shouldn't concern you one iota.
the only way to feel better is to harvest it into
This month is all about the rest of the astrological
something positive. Push yourself the extra mile
cosmos hearing you roar. That's right Leo. It's time
this month and you will be amply rewarded with
to dig in those claws and get back some of that
personal satisfaction and exterior gratification. Be
March mojo. With the mornings becoming lighter
a go-getter.
and the evenings milder comes more time to let that mane flow fierce and free.
Gemini
Virgo
Beware the ides of March, dear Gemini. You are
The great street poet and urban philosopher Ol'
fully aware of your duplicitous nature, using to your
Dirty Bastard once said: 'Off on a natural charge,
advantage your mastery of hot and cold. While
bon voyage…' For you, Virgo, the words couldn’t ring
you are mostly soft as a kitten, you also know that
more true. If indeed you want more pep in your step
sometimes, to get your way in luuurve, you got to
for the Spring then it would be wise to refrain from
be bad… Just make sure you don't sting so bad that
unnatural food colourings and additives through
your honey needs to swim in Tiger Balm to get over
the month of March. But that’s not to say you need
it.
to relinquish on those other insatiable delights. Be sure to keep an open mind for what may come your way midweek. It may have you looking at 2016 in a new light.
30
MARCH 2016
Libra
Capricorn
This month, take a step back from what you are
Fresh air is good for the body, and boy oh boy,
doing. The Universe has been in touch and let
don't you Leos know it this month. As the sun starts
us know that you’ve been too involved lately.
to stay out longer, the urge to flaunt your lion bod
Take some much needed time off and gain some
via London pavement runs gets stronger. Whether
perspective on just what it is you want to be
this sudden health kick is to work off winter flab or
doing. Reach out to people you might have been
increase your Happn hits, we won't tell… Just make
neglecting lately and invite them out for a pint or
sure you don't avoid cultural activities so much you
two, or three… You won’t regret it. Someone in your
start to think Pavarotti is a type of pasta.
entourage needs a little attention, give him or her some heart-felt advice– and mean it! It will make both of you feel better.
Scorpio
Aquarius
So it’s March and springtime has just begun so don’t
Don’t be disturbed by your lack of Valentines this
forget to loosen up. Despite a depressing February
year because love will find you in March. Maybe not
there are brighter times ahead. You’re probably the
love in the traditional sense, but you will have some
type to have given up something you truly love for
of the best sex in your entire life and you will LOVE
lent - chocolate, wine, meat, sugar… and fair play
it. But beware; just as life in the bedroom is working
to you, total respect for breaking through to the
well for you, the roads become a treacherous place.
other side, nothing perturbed your determination.
As you bungle across the road awash with sexual
Just make sure you really let loose this Easter, peel
healing through passing cars, buses and cyclists, you
back that silver foil, pop that cork, sizzle that bacon
may well find yourself in danger, so pay attention.
because you deserve it.
Sagittarius
Pisces
March is all about movement. So go on, move that
Ah, finally! March has arrived. You’ve been thinking
ass! Move house, move city, maybe even move
“I need to calm down” all February long after your
country. The world is your oyster so get your skates
mates have told you several times how wild you go
on, pick up the pace and stop wasting time; you’ve
when someone hands you a gin tonic, scaring every
got to do all the things that you’ve always wanted to
other person in the room with your half-slurred
do. Jump in at the deep end and start ticking a few
declarations of love. Fear no more, March is all
things off that bucket list. Kiss the people you love,
about embracing love and feelin’ yourself. Be fab
and move on from the people holding you back -
and glam and flush your dark thoughts down the loo
they’re only jealous of you anyway. Spring is in the
because they’re so last month. It’s time to realise
air and it should be in your step too! Life is good,
the world needs your energy - and envies it madly.
my friend!
31
LE BON SNAPSHOT
32
LE BON SNAPSHOT
ŠRomain Forquy - Shot in Soho on a sunny afternoon
33
LE BON WAX
Treat Yourself at Strip Wax Bar
Strip Wax Bar has specialized in luxurious hair removal for over a decade. Their seventh, and newest boutique has opened in Islington boasting exclusive designer waxes, the latest laser technology and highend intimate retail all within classically themed rooms.
pain-free experience. The slogan
But don’t feel left out men, ultra-
“Pamper Your Puss,” best defines
luxury is also available for you in
the décor– and service– you can
the Manifico Suite! The wax used
expect in the gorgeous suites.
in this suite is strong enough for even the thickest hair follicles,
Strip Wax Bar has been voted
The Lavender Suite is outfitted
and a model of the erstwhile
London’s premier waxing salon,
with sumptuous lavender walls
cockerel from Trafalgar Square’s
and their boutiques have
and finished with a bespoke
Fourth Plinth adds a nice feel of
continued to grow and evolve
painting of a lavender cat being
ironic London humour.
with their expanding clientele.
carried on a palanquin through a
In response to popular demand,
field of lavenders. The attention-
Personally, I have always been
co-founders Danielle and Maria-
to-detail is so careful you can
proud of my manly fleece.
Louise Featherstone are pleased
practically smell the fragrant
But I must admit a few steps
to announce their newest
luxury.
in the Strip Wax Bar with its exclusive waxes, award-
installment in Islington– along In the laser treatment suite,
winning services and the
you can expect a pain-free
extravagantly comfortable rooms
Each of the new branch’s 5 suites
experience thanks to the Wax
have decidedly changed my
are themed after the type of
Bar’s grade 4 medical laser, the
perspective.
wax used, with complimenting
highest grade laser system on
art created for the boutique–
the market. The suite houses a
Text Will Cox
showcasing the brand’s tongue-
clever play on Botticelli’s ‘Birth
in-cheek wit. In each of these
of Venus’ with a full-wall mural,
suites you’ll find refreshingly
only in this version a feline Venus
aromatic wax and a virtually
emerges from the sea.
— Strip Wax Bar 164 Upper St London N1
with its bold new style. .
34
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35
LE BON ADDRESSES
AIDA
SEESAW STUDIOS
133 Shoreditch High Street
3 Stanford Mews,
Shoreditch | E1 6JE
Hackney | E8 1JA
Phone: 020 7739 2811
Phone: 020 7254 5671
ERBOLARIO
STRIP
106A Upper Street
164 Upper Street
Angel N1 1QN
Angel | N1 1US
Phone: 020 3601 8130
Phone: 020 3651 3600
HUCKLE TREE
THE CREATIVE SOCIETY
87 Charterhouse Street
Somerset House,
Clerkenwell | EC1M 6HJ
South Wing Strand
Phone: 020 7336 8634
Covent Garden | WC2R 1LA www.thecreativesociety.co.uk
OUI MAMAN
36
Lighterman House, 26-36 Wharfdale Rd,
DICE
King’s Cross | N1 9RY
www.dice.fm
Phone: 020 7313 6582
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