ISSUE 2 FEAT. CASSIE
Bwatt
Why
From the very beginning of Bwatt, these words have been my mantra of inspiration. Bwatt is the freedom to create whatever, whenever and to sometimes even cross the boundaries of what is in and what is out. It has always been a natural and inevitable part of me, that when I meet and see someone with an infinite passion to their craft, subject or creative idea, I want to support them, I want to join in, and to help get their talent out in the hands of the world. This is the reason why, the creation of Bwatt magazine, was such a natural process for me. I gathered these inspiring people and created a free fashion paper packed with free flowing creativity, true eye candy, big celebrities and the girl next door with a fierce sense of style. My heart beats for fashion, and as a fashion photographer this is the ultimate playground for me, and as well for all of the people you get to meet in this 2nd issue. Since the first issue of Bwatt magazine we have been growing up fast, and I am happy to say that we now have expanded from 40 to 80 pages of goodies for you enthusiastic readers out there. We also have a super cool blog bwattmagazine.tumblr.com with the very hottest of fashion, style, photographers, music and art. Follow us here to find daily Bwatt inspiration. We encourage anybody to send in their creative work, we are always curious and interested in discovering new initiatives and creativity. If we love it, we will feature it for sure. All that’s left to say is enjoy! And I hope I with this 2nd issue of Bwatt magazine will inspire you to "Be what you want in fashion and in life!" Anya Poulsen Editor in Chief
2
UN
TAMED
Bwatt
Retouch GREENLEMON Photo ANJA POULSEN Hair CHRISTIAN MARC Model AMANDA (PHOTOGENIC)
6
WE DO RETOUCHING GREEN LEMON IS A RETOUCH COMPANY BASED IN COPENHAGEN, WORKING EXCLUSIVELY WITH POST PRODUCTION OF IMAGES WITHIN FASHION, ADVERTISING AND 3D.
PLEASE VISIT: WWW.GREENLEMON.DK
Bwatt
Freja Loeb
Photography MICHAEL FALGREN Interview NANNA SCHULTZ CHRISTENSEN Styling KATHRINE ERBOE
8
Bwatt
I love Freja Loeb. She put out her debut album ‘Odyssey’ in November 2011. An album that to me proved that pop music has so many faces. Frejas mixture of pop, punk and raw power is revitalizing, and I discovered that so is her person and views on life.
»Many would be surprised if they saw my record collection. It consists of everything from classical music to new wave and punk. This week I’ve listened to a lot of Neil Young. But generally I just love the mixture of pop and punk«.
»When the record came out I was insanely busy. I did not get any sleep. I had to do about eight interviews a day, rehearse with the band and answer mail interviews at night. It was so chaotic. Now things have calmed down a bit and me and my band are playing a lot of gigs«.
Fashion enthusiasts because of her cool look and raw style also love Freja. But she is not an acclaimed fashionista herself and she never buys fashion magazines.
»Life on the road is something I have to adjust to. I never tried it before. It’s both really tough and really great! Tough because you have to get on that stage and perform every night and sometimes you just have a shitty day. I’ve definitely had those kinds of days. But I’ve learned to turn it around and gaining something positive from it. I’ve found out how I can turn that energy around«. Freja is the only girl in the band, and even though she’s a girl with balls, she sometimes finds it difficult to cope with the male jargon. »Sometimes it’s quite tiring to be around boys. You know, it’s fun, but I miss girls. Women need to talk about things and share their feelings once in a while. With men everything goes really fast all the time. And when I cannot just close the door but are forced to be around them all the time, I start to miss some girl company. Actually I had invited my friend with me on tour, but there just wasn’t any room for her in the car«. Freja is not fond of labelling her music, but forced she calls it powerpop or pop with an edge. »I’m not really thinking in genres. I notice a good melody or an interesting production. I love music from the 60s and 70s. Back then the productions weren’t thatperfect. The sound was much more clattered. For example on the early Blondie albums you can feel that special vibe. I love the drums on those albums. So for me the genres of the music are really secondary. Music just has to be good!«. »Today we tend to make everything sound really delicious. It’s just so boring. I love music when it’s natural, living, and organic. Before we didn’t have that many opportunities and musical tools, so the music was rougher and not so polished as it is today«. »With a lot of pop music today it’s so obvious that there’s a record label behind involved. The personality in the music becomes vague. The artists can sing and dance but the nuances aren’t being cultivated. It just lacks an artistic fundament. Imperfectness should be more accepted and we should be more able to mix genres in our own ways«.
»At the moment my style is pretty black. Haha! Maybe it’s a bit boring, but I love the simplicity. It might be the punk vibe in my music that influences my style, but I also like colours«. »My stage outfits are slightly wilder, although the music should always be in focus. I can come to think of a couple of female pop artists whose style totally overshadows the music. With them everything is just clothes, clothes and clothes!«. »I don’t have I stylist. I pick my own clothes and I’m also the one that chooses outfits and styling for my music videos and album covers. It comes very natural to me«. »The fashion industry is insignificant to me. I don’t really think that way and I don’t read fashion magazines. I get my inspiration from travels to cities like New York, Berlin and Tokyo. I look at people, at bands and at other musicians and artists«. Freja is truly an ambitious lady but she’s also humble. Throughout our talk she shifts between being a shy and giggling girl, and a super determined and resolute woman that knows what she wants with her life and career. But having found your true passion in life isn’t always easy. »I just feel, that I don’t have any other choices in life. And that is sometimes tricky. When you want something so bad, you opt out of a lot of other things. But I don’t feel that it’s a choice for me. I run myself really hard and I have very high standards for myself. You know, I would like to make a living out of this. So I’m very much in control of everything. That’s what makes it fun but also what makes it very hard at times«. »I would really like to release my records internationally. But right now I’m focused on my second album. I’ve written a whole bunch of songs. Actually I’ve finished my next album already! In this business you have to be patient and I’m not. I sometimes just have to relax and realise that things doesn’t happen in three weeks. Haha! It takes a lot of time to build up a career«.
9
Bwatt
»The fashion industry is insignificant to me. I don’t really think that way and I don’t read fashion magazines. I get my inspiration from travels to cities like New York, Berlin and Tokyo. I look at people, at bands and at other musicians and artists«
10
Bwatt
12
Bwatt
Photography MICHAEL FALGREN
13
Bwatt
Veronica Photo ANJA POULSEN Model VERONICA (LA MODELS) Stylist TOYE ADEDIPE Make-up GUDRUN KOSLOFF Hair CHRISTIAN MARC Top DOLCE AND GABBANA Gold Chains VINTAGE
14
Bwatt
16
Bwatt
Snake print top CHLOE Betty skirt ETOILE ISABEL MARANT Black and white coat ZARA Studded booties JEFFREY CAMPBELL Silver vintage bangles STYLIST OWN Brim Hat RAG AND BONE
17
Bwatt
Suede motorcycle jacket H&M Vintage top H&M Denim shorts SHOPTOYE.BIGCARTEL.COM Gold cuffs STYLIST OWN Gold rings STEADYROCKS.COM
18
Bwatt
20
Bwatt
Snake top DOLCE AND GABBANA Black and white print pants VERSACE Metallic platform wooden heels JEFFREY CAMPBELL Gold neck cuff and bangles STYLIST OWN
21
Bwatt
22
Bwatt
Peter Sebastian represented by WIN-INITIATIVE.COM, NEW YORK
23
Bwatt
Creative
24
Bwatt
people
25
Bwatt
Inger
Scharff No one feels the suffocating weight of past brilliance more than the artists. They might not think about it, they might be too proud to admit it - or to ignorant to know it. But fact is - like the rest of us - they are all mere bugs in the footsteps of giants. When you lay brush on a canvas you enlist in a history of art that contains all the masterpieces ever made, all the geniuses ever born. Even tying to inscribe yourself in the history of art constitutes the hubris of a lifetime.
Photography MICHAEL FALGREN Text ERIK DUCKERT
So how dare you, how dare you so much as touch a canvas after Rembrandt, Van Gogh or Picasso? Well, Inger Scharff just grabs the crouch of who ever she admires. Incorporates them. As part tribute, part rebellion she acknowledges her heritage and blatantly adopts stylistic elements from her dead heroes. Blasphemy! One might think - well maybe, but also homage and recognition. Trapped between a burning need to paint and an unsurpassable awe of the masters, Inger just tips her hat and picks their pockets. Thank you, fuck you. Arrogance is the key to gratitude. Ingers art becomes a playful argument between her own arrogance and humility, between past and present, history and progress: An ongoing fight between ghosts and ego. From this perspective art is definitely a rebellious act, but a rebellion with liquid borders and constantly intertwining armies.
26
Bwatt
27
Bwatt
Allan
28
Bestle
Bwatt
We go to work, have lunch, work out, go out, fuck the wife, kiss goodnight, back to work.
How do you breathe? - I mean really breathe! How do you take that special breath of air that melts away your anguish, that shatters the teeth-grinding feeling of being submerged deep within the confines of a life you did not choose? You don’t do you? Well you wouldn’t, you’re part of the norm - like the rest of us. Most of us go through life drenched in fear of failure, plucking chords on a broken banjo humming an ode for mediocrity. We don’t breathe; we just tie the knot harder. Dive deeper. We go to work, have lunch, work out, go out, fuck the wife, kiss goodnight, back to work - Deeper and deeper and deeper under water. We might be inclined to just clench our teeth, hold our breath and let our lives sink into the dense mass of regularity and rigid forms we call society, but that kind of life is just not an option for Allan Bestle. This struggling artist is his own man. Bestle only lives under water for brief periods at a time; only dives when he has to. There is no collar to tie a knot to, only naked explosion wrapped in fiery eyes and an overly tattooed body. But living a life flying above the surface breathing pure oxygen requires sacrifice. First off you cannot allow yourself to be dictated by conventional material objects; like roof, floor, washer, kitchen appliances, food, toothpaste etc. to us Bestle is poor. He seeks shelter in
a trailer, when he doesn’t just crash in his studio floating on pink clouds of oil paint. He doesn’t eat for days on end; his food runs out way before his paint does - he likes food, but he needs paint. No he’s not an anarchist, at least not in the organized ‘we wave black flags, make our own strict moral codes and call us free’ fashion. Bestle bares no political considerations in his works - they’re personal. His works are not products of thought; they just erupt between the artist and reality. Like gigantic volcano’s spewing an internal plain of bright artistic chaos out onto the ever-solidifying society that encrusts them. In the trance of elevated existence, that characterizes a big part of this intriguing creature’s life, no spec of matter is seen in the same numbed light that reflects through the surface of ordinary life. In Bestle’s dimension the canvas’ cry, the walls grow eyes, picture-frames catch fire, and skeletons, dead animals, colors, varnish, dolls and discarded gold-teeth all get sucked into the vibrant vortex of creative transformation named Allan Bestle. Sucked in, rectified and re-submerged - a bubble of oxygen for your appreciation.
Breath.
Photography MICHAEL FALGREN Text ERIK DUCKERT
29
Bwatt
Johann
Johannsonn
Johann Johannsonn is an icelandic composer and producer. He combines classical orchestration with electronic music. It´s elegant, haunting and very beautiful. He lives in Copenhagen but Jóhann is performing in venues all over the world with his ensemble. On one of his albums IBM 1401, A User’s Manual (2006, 4AD), he uses sounds produced from the electromagnetic emissions of the old IBM 1401 mainframe computers combined with beautiful string arrangements. It might sound a bit odd, but when you listen to it, it all makes sense. I catched him for a short interview.
Photography MICHAEL FALGREN Text RASMUS ZEDLITZ
30
Bwatt
How come you started composing classical influenced music? I come from a background in alternative/underground bands, playing guitar music influenced by Spacemen 3, Loop, Jesus and Mary Chain etc. I studied piano but I´m self-taught as a composer although I’ve had mentors from the classical world. I started writing for strings in the mid-90’s, influenced by composers like Arvo Paart and Gorecki. I wrote a lot of music for theatre in Iceland and that´s where I honed my craft, learning by doing. My first album, Englabörn, was originally a theatre score, which I arranged as a suite for string quartet, piano and electronics for the album. How do you work with a new song? I write a lot in my head, I take long walks and let the mind wander. It´s important to turn off the critical and analytical parts of the brain and let the instinctive, visceral part of you take over. Then, when the basic idea is there, the analytical part of your mind is in charge because then it´s about structuring and organizing the idea. But the idea, the real substance of the music cannot be forced and just has to occur to you. The only thing you can do is try to put yourself into a receptive state of mind. You have played many concerts around the world. Tell about a memorable concert? There was one concert in an abandoned submarine port in Bordeaux. It was built by the Germans and the walls were too thick to be destroyed so it´s still there and mainly used for cultural activities. Another was a concert with a string orchestra in the Rudolfinum in Prague, which is a beautiful 19th century concert house, with the most amazing acoustics. What inspires you? I like to read. Poetry, philosophy, not so much fiction. The films of Bela Tarr and Fred Kelemen. I like East European cinema. I like to travel and walk around in strange new cities.
I started writing for strings in the mid-90’s influenced by composers like Arvo Paart and Gorecki
31
Bwatt
Frederik
Næblerød
Photography MICHAEL FALGREN
32
Bwatt
An upcoming danish avantgarde artist
33
Bwatt
Christian
34
d'Or
Bwatt
Christian d’Or is known for reviving disco music in Copenhagen nightlife and being very generous about his lifelong passion for music. Whether it’s with a mixtape or a DJ set, it’s evident that Christian wants to share his enthusiam for the thousands of records he has collected for the past 15 years. Besides that, Christian likes to look sharp. Visit the Soundcloud of Christian d’Or, where you can check out his ‘Disco Dick’ mixtapes and the melancholic/eclectic ‘In Absentia’ tapes.
Photography MICHAEL FALGREN Link SOUNDCLOUD.COM/CHRISTIAN-DOR
35
Bwatt
Left page Dress SALLY LA POINTE Right page Necklace STYLISTS OWN Dress IIMUAHII
36
Bwatt
D e s e r t Photographer ANNA CONE Stylist ZOE COSTELLO Model AYANIL ELITEMODELS
37
Jacket ELEANOR AMOROSO AW12
Macrame fringe skirt ELEANOR AMOROSO AW12
Knit STEVEN OO Skirt SALLY LA POINTE
Knit STEVEN OO Dress THATCHER Boots CHANEL
Bwatt
Jacket IIMUAHII Body suit STYLISTS OWN Shoes CHANEL
39
Bwatt
Bo Ningen Photography MICHAEL FALGREN Link MYSPACE.COM/BONINGEN
40
Bwatt
Four skinny Japanese guys based in London calling themselves enlightenment activists from far east psychedelic underground. From the heart of Tokyo to a villagein the mountains, Bo Ningen are from all over Japan and met in London in 2007. Their first gig was in 2008. Since then they have played the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Italy, Austria, Finland and Japan. Their shows have also been part of art and fashion events including the Frieze Art Fair, Venice Biennale, The Dazed TV special filmed by Rankin and the V&A. They were also specially commissioned by The Brancharge Festival to perform with the animation Cat Soup in London and Jersey. They have released an EP, album and a double A 7” in the UK, EU and Japan and a 10” for Record Store Day on 21st April 2012. The band say ‘Being psychedelic means to stand quietly/oudly in the middle of interzone and stare at both sides at once’
41
Bwatt
Eclectic Photography DANIEL STJERNE Stylist KRISTINE WOLD (UNIQUE LOOK) Model SHAMI (SCOOPMODELS) Make-up MAY NAES (SCOOP ARTISTS) Head-piece BJØRG JEWELRY Fur vest DAVID ANDERSEN Dress CHEAP MONDAY Pants DAVID ANDERSEN
42
Bwatt
43
Bwatt
Dress NV AT SABINE POUPINEL Blouse WEEKDAY Scarf IVAN GRUNDAHHL
44
Bwatt
Oversized blouse TABERNACKLE TWINS Coat CHEAP MONDAY / R/H Pants DAVID ANDERSEN Shoes HENRIK VIBSKOV Sunglasses MYKITA
Turtleneck DAVID ANDERSEN Coat IVAN GRUNDAHL Sunglasses MYKITA
45
Bwatt
Blazer SMOG Top TABERNACKLE TWINS Skirt IVAN GRUNDAHL Belt A PAIR
Head-piece BJØRG JEWELRY Fur vest DAVID ANDERSEN Dress CHEAP MONDAY
46
Bwatt
47
Bwatt
Turtleneck DAVID ANDERSEN Dress HENRIK VIBSKOV Vest VELOUR / DONT KILL THE MESSENGER Coat IVAN GRUNDAHL Pants CHEAP MONDAY Shoes ROCCO P HOS A PAIR Sunglasses MYKITA
48
Bwatt
Jacket NV AT SABINE POUPINEL Blazer WEEKDAY Shirt HENRIK VIBSKOV Pants TABERNACKLE TWINS Shoes HENRIK VIBSKOV
Blouse WEEKDAY Sunglasses MYKITA Hat HENRIK VIBSKO
49
Bwatt
Photography DANIEL SCHRIVER
50
Bwatt
51
Bwatt
Graphic design students Morten Buch Lassen, 23, and Andreas Jarner, 25, have, in spite of their young ages, been working with visual communication for several years. Both have started up their own businesses and primarily work with customer assignments such as logo developing, graphic identities, magazine layouts, and poster designs. As a part of their education at the Danish School of Media and Journalism in Copenhagen, third year students are to spend a period of four months as an intern at a graphic design studio. For a long time, Morten and Andreas have both been very interested in the Japanese culture with its many contrasts and unique ways of communicating visually. Inspired by this they created their application for an internship at a Japanese graphic design studio.
CONTRASTS Photography ANDREAS JARNER Text IDA MARIE HAVSAGER
52
Bwatt
What were your ideas for this application? A: Considering the fact that we are two people applying for the same studios in Tokyo, we wanted to combine our application. We chose to make an abstract poster each, using a few obstructions to make sure that we could design posters that were both coherent as well as showing our individuality. We cut the posters into 12 pieces each, and then combined the two posters into one, creating a whole out of two separate parts. On the back of the poster we are showcasing some of our earlier projects. Our idea was to fold the poster like a kind of fan, so that when looking at the poster from a certain angle a different poster appears, depending on which side you see it from. M: As an extra detail we designed our posters, so that when you look at the combined poster “unfolded” a circle appears in the middle, formed out of abstract patterns and elements, as a reference to the Japanese flag. What are you inspired by? M: It is probably unavoidable to be inspired by other graphic designers and what’s hot within your own field, but if you want to come up with original solutions, the inspiration should be found elsewhere. A: Inspiration can be found in all kinds of places, like in architecture or in old Native American patterns. What is your approach to graphic design? M: We develop all the time, of course, which I hope we will continue to do. But generally speaking I think we both have a tendency to work in a minimalistic way, with a desire to simplify the design and thereby make it easier to understand the message. A: That being said, we both like to break the “rules” and think out of the box, whenever possible. The projects in our portfolio, which we are most pleased about are either analogue solutions or more edgy graphic design.
53
Bwatt
54
Bwatt
CASSIE Photographer ANJA POULSEN Assistent DAN ARNOLD Lead Stylist/Creative Director TOYE ADEDIPE 2nd stylist LEAH SCHMIDT Makeup artist MYLAH MORALES Hair LARRY SIMS Silk Blouse LLOYD KLIEN PARIS Leather & gold drop earrings GLYNNETH B
55
Bwatt
Text LINE GIVSKOV
Which of the artist and producers on the album has been the most inspiring to work with and why?
With your new album on its way, and what sounds like a rewarding and educational journey to get there:
I definitely can't choose one or even a few. Everyone is/was amazing and inspiring. I'm still currently working with new people everyday.
What is going on in the process of it all right now? And how are you feeling right now? Right now I'm actually working on a Mixtape along with my album. The Mixtape will be released before the end of the summer and its really for my fans. I've spent years working on my album and the sound is finally where I want it to be and will be done very soon. I feel great! I'm happy and proud of how far I've come creatively. Can you find 3 words to describe each of these a) The album, b) Cassie the artist c) Cassie in private? A) Super, Fresh, Suprising B) Silly, Eclectic, Sassy C) Shy, Loving, Observant
56
Who do you aspire to work with in the future? I would love to work with SBTRKT or The Chromatics. What has been a part of shaping you into the Artist you are today - in terms of life experiences, challenges, gifts or certain episodes along the way? I think every moment good and/or bad has shaped me. A terrible performance, an amazing one. Losing friends in my life, making new ones. I change every day and I've learned to take the good with the bad and make positive out of every experience. If I cared at all what people thought of me, I would just want them to say that I'm resilient.
Bwatt
What, other than music, inspires you to sing, dance, perform, create?
What in your mind, is the best advice you can give to other aspiring singers and performers?
Other creative people inspire me. Creative people fuel the world. When you see someone really believe in what they do, you feed off of them.
Stay true to yourself, God only made one you.
What has been your favorite (most educational or inspiring) part about your career so far? And what has been the most challenging? Most educational would have to be moving to NYC on my own at 18. Kids do it everyday, but you don't even realize how big of a step it is to move away from home and be responsible for yourself at such a young impressionable age. I learned a lot about myself in a very short span of time. That was the biggest stepping stone to where I am today. Most challenging would be overcoming stage fright. It took me 6 years to get back on stage live (on TV). I did it this year and I'll never look back.
What is your grandest dream for the future? In career, personal, anything? To have children. I can't wait to be a mom. And now a free space to share: whatever you wish to say: words of wisdom, or somthing you wish for the world to know about Cassie, the artist? I love my fans. They inspire me. They brought me back to life when I doubted myself. They get the utmost respect from me. Thank you guys! Love you!
57
Bwatt
Silk blouse LLOYD KLIEN PARIS Leather & gold drop earrings GLYNNETH B
58
Previous page White beaded pants IRINA SHABAYEVA Gold bracelets CASSIES OWN Diamond cuff GYLNNETH B Fur LLYOD KLIEN
Bwatt
Black chiffon and silk gown with gold leaf beading and trim BASIL SODA Black diamond earrings, glod arm cuff, and gold ring GLYNNETH B. Gold bracelets & diamond ring CASSIE'S OWN. Suede lace-up boots BLOND AMBITION
59
Bwatt
d n s i e h e n e B c s e th
Check out the exclusive Behind The Scenes from the Cassie shoot here!
60
Yaya Bwatt
Styling CALLY PALMER Make-up ALET VILJOEN Model YAYA KOSIKOVA Retouch LIQUIT Photography MICHAEL FALGREN Photographers assistent TALITHA SNOW
62
Bwatt
63
Bwatt
Brown dress STEFANIA MORLAND Jewelry IDA ELSJE Yellow dress ROSENWORTH Jewelry IDA ELSJE
Previous page Swimwear COCO Jewelry JOYA COLLECTION
64
Next page Necklace and ring JOYA COLLECTION
Bwatt
68
Bwatt
Photographer EDDIE CHACON Brand LISA BLUE Models MICHELLE BOX & ALI MARIE STEPKA (LA MODELS)
69
Bwatt
Collar DECOR Jeans CHEAP MONDAY Right page Jacket ACNE AURELIE BIDERMANN
70
S
Bwatt
T U D I O Foto ANJA POULSEN Styling BETTINA VILSLEV Hair and make-up METTE THORSGAARD Model MATHILDE (2PM)
71
Bwatt
Dress PAUL & JOE Boots ALAIA
72
Bwatt
Coat WEEKDAY Shoes MIU MIU
73
Bwatt
Jacket HOPE Body MALENE BIRGER Leggings MALENE BIRGER Boots PIERRE HARDY
74
Bwatt
Vest BALENGIAGA Body STELLA MCCARTNEY Boots ALAIA
75
For daily inspiration follow us on BWATTMAGAZINE.TUMBLR.COM
Bwatt
Behind the scenes
77
Bwatt
78
Bwatt
Thank you! To Cassie, our graphic designer, Smashbox Studios Hollywood and all of you fabulous fierce creatives who have been a part of the making of Bwatt Magazine Issue 2, we want to send out a great big amount of gratitude to you! Thank you for sharing your creativity and inspiration, your hard work and dedication. With your contribution we are proud to present an even bigger better beautiful Bwatt Magazine. For the love of fashion, Anya Poulsen
79