LIFESTYLE WITH A conScIEncE
FOR MEN AND WOMEN
THE WINTER ISSUE
SUPERCHARGED
THE FUTURE OF
ELECTRIC CARS
KELLY ROWLAND BARES ALL
AnGEL oF THE noRTH:
AMIR KHAN DOGGY
JAY KAY
STYLE: KEEP WARM THIS WINTER
ON WHY BRITAIN IS NO LONGER GREAT
nov/dEc 2010 £3.50 WWW.REcoGnISEMAGAZInE.coM
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RELOAD Doggy styLe
realise Recognice/Recognasty
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Battersea’s top dogs are barking up the right tree when it comes to accessories
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gooD LooKing anD gReen
We round up the latest goodies and baddies in people, places and products yoU PReDict
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Mystic Megs of the Great British public predict our future in tHe Hot seat
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cHeMicaL Reaction
Be fair to your hair; organic dyes you should try
oH cHRistMas tRee
MoDeL PLayeR
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We asKeD yoU
100 tHe nigHtMaRe BeFoRe cHRistMas
tHe LeXi cineMa
refresh PeoPLe’s sUPeRMaRKet:
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An afternoon with Jamiroquai’s funky front man Jay Kay KeLLy RoWLanD
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We visit London-based grocery store where cheaper food tastes so much better cHocoLate UnWRaPPeD
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Watch films while giving to charity; it’s a no brainer tiMBeR!
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The wooden gadget, is it a growing trend?
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Tried and tested: Why fair trade choc is an all round winner 36
The sexy sister chats to us about her new charity and singing with Obama sPReaDing tHe LoVe
retreat 40
FestiVe MaRKets
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Grab a bratwurst and get your gifts at our pick of the UK’s European inspired Christmas markets
Boxer Amir Khan’s knockout charity work WHat not to WeaR
Lisa Butcher’s guide to avoiding blood diamonds
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KiLt tRiP
restyle Brian Bowen-Smith’s snapshots of the Marc Jacobs family WiLD nigHt
A fierce mix of high street and high-end party looks
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Our ‘Best of British’ takes us north to celebrate the festivities in Edinburgh
cHanging LiVes tHRoUgH a Lens
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Our resident scrooge turns off the lights
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oUR coVeR staR
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Puma reveals its ultimate commuter bike
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Rugby’s Ugo Monye struts his stuff for charity and reveals his secret addiction
Shoppers reveal the Christmas gifts they’d rather forget
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say gooDBye to RUsH HoUR tRaFFic
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Actor Edgar Ramirez speaks to us about his anti-gun stance and role models
Pining for a real tree this Christmas? Follow our top tips
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We review the Golf that does 900 miles on one tank of diesel (that’s from London to Barcelona!)
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Why household lip balm brand Burt’s Bees has got us buzzing this winter 20
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Recognise MagaZine Editor-in-Chief and Founder: Dereck Fearon Editor: cleo Davis
EDITOR’S LETTER
Features Writer: rebecca banks Art Director: Zuki Turner Fashion and Celebrity Director: shyla hassan Health and Wellbeing: lou DarTForD Sub Editor: barry bill Staff Writer: ruTh sTivey
I felt slightly reluctant about creating a ‘Christmas issue’, probably because I am a bit of a scrooge when it comes to the likes of Christmas paraphernalia. Take cards for example, I don’t send them; my mother calls it laziness; I call it saving paper. As for presents, in theory, they’re great but I am the first to moan if I receive something alien to my list. Call me ungrateful but I’d rather no present at all than
Contributors: sarah alcock, ashley amakoh, Debbie aTTwooD,
something I am going to have to shove into the bursting closet of ‘stuff’. Don’t
chrisTina bragg, amy harker, alana marmion-warr, carrie marsh,
get me wrong, I love the festivities of family get togethers and parties...and not
naTalie messer, John raTchForD, charlie sancheZ, JoDy silvesTon,
being frowned upon if I fancy a tipple before midday. But when the fun stops and
ruTh sTivey, krisTina TheoDoris
the tidying has to start you might see my point; sheets of shiny wrapping paper
Contributing Photographers: ishay boTbol, miquel Domingos, Josh exell, sTeFano galli, richarD gleeD, haarala hamilTon, caTherine harbour, elise merckoll, neil raJa, camille sanson, sincura/eD yo @ PimPeD PhoTos, Jon surbey, Zuki Turner, krisTiina wilson Styling: Julie archibalD, greTa eagen, shyla hassan
and pretty glittery cards getting crammed into black bin bags, oh my heart melts. Did you know that an estimated 1.7 billion Christmas cards are sent each year in Britain? Around one million Christmas cards are thrown away every year, that’s the equivalent of 200,000 trees. Double that figure and that is how many birds will be homeless for Christmas, sniffle. Why not say Merry Christmas from the comfort of your desk? A simple round-robin email works for me; you can even add special motion effects such as a waving Santa, or even better, a cheeky elf.
Makeup and Grooming: louis byrne, alexis Day, mark easTlake, Jonas oliver Models: anDrea chovanova @ manDP moDels, ollie Pearce @ nevs moDel agency Public Relations: aob Pr, xavier barneTT Interns: rayyan islam, elise merckoll Publishing Director: JaTin loDhia Creative Marketing Director: sam bains
However, I am a bit of a Boxing Day fan because the sales ‘glorious sales’ start, meaning you can buy all your Christmas presents for half, maybe less the price. But discount handbags and reduced Smeg fridges aside; once upon a time Boxing Day was traditionally for people to save one of their gifts (still wrapped) and donate it to charity. I’m going to do this, (please don’t judge me if I choose an unwrapped gift though.) Maybe you could do it too? We asked a handful of shoppers what they do with their unwanted gifts; turn to P24 to find out what the naughty little blighters said.
Head of Social Media: gurPs niiJar Operations Manager: ashley amakoh Head of Distribution and Communications: JoDy silvesTon Advertising: JaTin loDhia Production Manager: DaviD carlTon
To celebrate the launch of his seventh studio album, we spent a sunny afternoon with our cover star Jay Kay at his beautiful country manor house to get the lowdown on his new material Rock Dust Light Star; his hatred towards the ‘cat bin’ woman and his brain-waves for a better planet, P28 We also got his opinion on electric super cars, which got us in the mood for test-driving the latest eco motors, turn to P136 to see what we thought.
RECOGNISE INTERACTIVE Online Digital Media: gurPs niiJar
With the much anticipated release of The Deathly Hallows (Part 1), we bring you
Online Designers: ashley amakoh
young wizards Harry Potter bad boy Dracoy Malfoy (muggle name Tom Felton),
Bloggers: wahiba ahmeD, richarD obe
who managed to take time away from bleaching his barnet to talk to us about life after Hogwarts and why he loves to be booed, P50
Special thanks to: Dave woolF, James winDle baTTersea Dogs & caTs home anD iTs resiDenTs The soho sacTum hoTel, alTiTuDe 360
We show you how to keep warm this winter with our doggy style accessory shoot on P78, revealing our best-looking models yet. However, we’re slightly jealous of their shiny fur coats.
Percol esPresso coFFee vinTage rooTs anD Their organic wines nighTcrasher DJs
Website: www.recognisemagaZine.com Blog: hTTP://recognisemag.blogsPoT.com/ Twitter: @recognisemag
We’ve scouted the high street to find you affordable ethical fashion. It was hard but we succeeded, turn to P64 for our sexy WILD NIGHT fashion shoot. If you fancy dipping into some fair trade chocolate but the price tag puts you off, don’t let it. We bring you the supermarkets’ range of chocolate bars that are deliciously divine but help to improve the lives of cocoa farmers as far as Ghana, see P112. What would we do without those guys during our moments of sweet cravings? Let’s do our best to keep fair trade standards up by buying into the fair
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trade chocolate market; it’s common sense.
Fancy a highland fling? We recommend an adventure-packed trip to party land Edinburgh
food is fresh and fairly priced, see P108 to get the lowdown. I hope you enjoy our very
for festive fun and money-saving days out (allowing extra pennies for a night or two in a
first ‘festive’ issue and don’t forget to consider your gift buying antics this year by asking
fashionable hotel.) See P126 for our suggestions of Scottish fun.
yourself ‘does Uncle Jim really want another pair of socks?’
If saving money is on your ‘to do’ list this Christmas, we have the perfect present for
Enjoy.
you; the Tastecard. For just £49.95 (an exclusive Recognise offer and one-off payment for
Cleo
the year), you have the key to cheap meals in fine restaurants all over the UK; discounts sometimes stretch as far as 70% off your final bill. We recommend our favourite feasteries on P116. I’m going to leave you on that note as I am getting slightly peckish as I write this, and i’m also due a trip to my new favourite supermarket, The People’s Supermarket where the
Savkam Media (Global) Limited will donate 10% of its profits from the sale of each Recognise magazine, each piece of Recognise merchandise, each ticket to a Recognise event/award ceremony and each piece of advertising space sold to the NSPCC Trading Company Limited, which Gift Aids all its taxable profits to the NSPCC (Registered Charity Numbers 216401 & SC037717).
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We’re loving...
BooKcRossing.coM: In these days of digital innovation there is a risk that people will no longer have an interest in the printed word. No more newspapers, no airport novels, no library loans. We are feeling nostalgic for a well-thumbed paperback in the face of Kindles and e-Readers. This website is aimed at people who love books but don’t want to throw them away. It’s recycling for the literary. Sign up to the site and list all of
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your pre-owned and exchange for new tomes. Whether you want to retrieve a loved classic, make a new discovery or try to attempt a Booker winner, this service is a green way to preserve the art of reading.
e
BaRacK oBaMa: The President had a bad summer for press with the fallout of Deepwater and fierce opposition to his welfare reforms. We feel he is due revival in the polls for his green agenda. Obama recently oversaw the re-installation of solar panels on the White House. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is perhaps the most famous address in the world and to be installing the panels is a bold statement
nic
tHe MeXican Man MaDe ReeF: Sebastian the Crab put the case to Ariel that living under the sea was definitely preferable to living up top. It seems artist Jason deCaires Taylor has followed this advice, starting a mini community in the shallow waters of Cancun, Mexico made of eco friendly pH neutral concrete. Entitled ‘The Silent Evolution’ the project is in its final stages of completion: 400 statues grouped together to attract divers as a tourist attraction - for the artistry itself and for the fact that over the years they will attract sea flora and fauna. It will mean that attention is hopefully diverted from the natural reefs that are growing more fragile and receding because of underwater tourism. It is a surreal seascape: the statues are modelled after local villagers - of every age, and positioned in various poses, making it seem as if they have just developed gills and have moved to a fishier town. We congratulate this original and artistic way of addressing marine pollution.
to the neighbours. Although solar panels graced the place as early as 1979, various presidents over the years have put them up and pulled them down. The fact that Obama has put them back receives a stamp of approval from us. It seems the White House is the model for the future home: solar panels on the roof, Michelle’s veggie plot in the garden; machine gun bearing FBI agents, optional. caRBon FootPRint PacKaging: While excess packaging is a proven ‘no no’ when ecology is concerned, we are aware that it does serve a function, and that food labelling is an integral part of food education. The traffic light system was an innovation where calories are concerned, aiding us to make educated choices between what was healthy or not. Now a further measure of virtuousness is going to feature on food packaging. By the end of this year, research suggests that the Government sponsored black footprint will be the second most common ethical label. The idea is to demonstrate either the exact amount of carbon emissions gone into the production and distribution, or that the company has made steps to work with the Carbon Trust. Either way it is an encouraging start, and surprisingly it is Tesco that has been the quickest to begin labelling their own-brand foods.
realise
We’re not happy about...
toXic sLUDge: One of the longest rivers in Europe is at risk of pollution by a chemical spill originating from Hungary. Think back to Deepwater and recent pictures of dead, oil-covered crabs and sea birds and there is every reason to be worried about river ecology and the health of the locals. Just as the oily blackness in the Gulf made for an arresting image, so does the crimson red of this toxic sludge. It is estimated that one million cubic metres of sludge burst from a reservoir at an alumina plant destroying
sty na
aPPLe: Apple might be the trendy purveyor of all things stylish and technological, but after recent revelations about low wages and bad working conditions endured by their Chinese factory workers we are already frowning in their direction. Now we learn that Apple is refusing to participate in UK sustainability ratings. This involves an external audit of polluting factors within the company to end up with an overall green rating. The fact that they do not want to participate suggests that they are polluting above what they know to be within carbon emission targets. When governmental initiatives set these targets, are they really realistic and achievable for mega manufacturers like Apple? We all love our iPods, iPads and iMacs but at what cost?
homes and pouring into rivers, which feed into the Danube. The water is now polluted by a high concentration of metals which are toxic to wildlife, poisons like arsenic and mercury which will in turn be carcinogenic if airborne. The river has been filled with acid to neutralise the pH levels, which is all that the rescue effort can do for the moment. It remains to be seen whether the weather will be help or a hindrance: rain will wash it away, while warm sunny weather will create more dust (the toxic to breathe kind).
Penny PincHing: To reduce the deficit post haste or not to reduce the deficit? Or how to reduce the deficit, perhaps that is really the question? We have now had the full measure of what Chancellor Osborne has planned for our financial future. Every aspect of our day-to-day lives, business and industry has been affected. While apparently there is support for this age of austerity, we are all likely to lose enthusiasm very soon. What we are really interested in are the environmental and social aspects of the cuts. The self proclaimed “greenest government ever” will deliver the third biggest cuts in day to day spending in the environmental department of 29% by the end of the spending review period. Subsidies for green projects and technologies remain but they have been cut and may appear less attractive to invest in if business taxes go straight to the Exchequer and not back into business. Welfare reforms are so strict as to appear draconian and this will affect predominantly the less well off and, as the opposition say, might lead to an increase in unemployment and poverty. So for all the promises of financial assistance for climate science and protection of public services, we don’t see how well these can possibly function in the face of such severe budget cuts. But it seems we have no choice.
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LonDon 2050…??
Climate change is a relatively unknown entity to most of us. We are continually warned of its potential; melting polar ice caps and threats to polar bears…but is the Arctic example too distant from our everyday life to relate to? From the 1st october 2010 till 6th March 2011 the Museum of London will be displaying ‘London Futures’, a display of 14 iconic and familiar London images as potentially shaped by global warming. The exhibition by illustrators Robert Graves and Didier Madoc-Jones features famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge as they could look in the future. The Palace is engulfed and entirely surrounded by a sprawling shanty town due to mass immigration from countries which have become uninhabitable whilst the Gherkin, previously the centre of finance, is now a high-density tower block. The images are both captivating and thought provoking, suggesting how climate change will filter into every aspect of modern society. The images beg you to look in detail and ponder the potential domino effect of global warming.
PaRLiaMent sqUaRe Rice PaDDies This view across Parliament Square shows paddy fields running up to the walls of the Palace of Westminster. The land that once housed political protest is now part of the city’s food production effort. image © RoBERT GRAvES and DIDIER MADoC-JoNES.
These photomontages are not designed to scare but to represent how London may need to adapt in order to deal with the onslaught of climate change. The images are a great discussion point and will undoubtedly get people talking and thinking about our proximity to climate change. The artists’ astuteness and imagination has really brought the reality of our planet closer to home. ‘Postcards from the Future’, a postcard booklet of the photomontages will be available in the Museum of London shop for £8. For information regarding the Museum of London, visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk
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tRaFaLgaR sqUaRe sHanty toWn Nelson looks down on a shanty town of climate refugees. As the equatorial belt becomes uninhabitable, so people are driven north in search of food and security. People settle wherever they can and many reach London. image Š RoBERT GRAvES and DIDIER MADoC-JoNES.
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WE ASKED YOU...
WhAT ARE YOUR mOST mEmORAbLE ChRISTmAS pRESEnT DISASTERS? We took to London’s fashion-frenzied Carnaby Street to get the lowdown on your worst Christmas present experiences and find out what you do with your unwanted gifts, once you’ve stopped crying with disappointment, that is. by: SARAH ALCOCK AND ELISE MERCKOLL photography: ELISE MERCKOLL
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saM, 21, WesLey, 20
RoB, 40
niKoo, 21
saM: “I once received a sellotape dispenser from my Grandma.” WesLey: “I usually get a tangerine at the bottom of my stocking. It’s a waste of space; you might as well put a present there. I give my unwanted presents to charity; we’re charitable people.”
“I like all my presents. I am 40 and I still get a stocking, which gets full of tasty treats like fruit and nuts. I like to help out at soup kitchens on Christmas Eve, that is my gift to the poor.”
“I usually give my presents to charity if I don’t like them. I once gave a present to my sister, which she rejected and made me take back to the store! (It was one of those mini vacuums so she could clean the inside of my car.)”
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Be enem sure no t i trea es this to mak fam t your christm e will ily to so friends as. u a m love ndoubte ething nd . Wa they d l y nt a enj pag hint? t oy and e 15 9… urn to
RicKy, 23, Leanne, 29
LUcia, 26
JenniFeR, 34
Leanne: “I got socks. Boring!” RicKy: “I got a Guinness book of World Records once. I get lots of chewing gum for some reason. I give my unwanted presents to friends as extra presents.”
“I got something really bad once that I’ve blocked it from my brain; I don’t speak to that person anymore…actually, I don’t remember who gave it to me now…”
“The worst present I received was probably an inflatable Mr Blobby. I threw it away, it’s not the sort of thing you pass on to someone else, is it?”
Dina, 30
RHiannon, 19
DaViD, 25
“I once received a vibrator as a gift; that wasn’t the best present. With presents I don’t want, I usually re-wrap them and give them to someone else.”
“If I got a present I didn’t like, I would keep it for a while so I can wear it in front of the person who gave it to me, I would then give it to charity.”
“I hate getting fruit in my stocking; it’s a bit of a con because it makes the stocking look fuller than it actually is, especially oranges.”
WatcH tHe UncUt VeRsion onLine www.recognisemagazine.com
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JAY KAY
mORE ThAn JUST A mOTORmOUTh words: CLEo DAvIS photography: ISHAY BoTBoL
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ou’re 40, you own the house of your dreams, your career is still on the up (although financially, work is not a requirement); your pastimes include flying your helicopter and polishing your classic car collection. oh, and you have your own pub, set amongst your 88 acres of land. That’s a lot to smile about, but the world famous singer-songwriter behind this luxury lifestyle is not much changed from the angry young man that first came onto the scene 18-years-ago. Cleo Davis took a trip to the Buckinghamshire dream house to see what is eating away at Jay Kay, and to talk about the much anticipated release of Jamiroquai’s latest studio album, Rock Dust Light Star.
“When are people gonna stop asking me about things that happened ten bleeding years ago?” Jay mouths angrily while in the midst of a phone interview with a ‘red top’ newspaper. His rumoured hatred of tabloid media becomes apparent within moments of meeting the Jamiroquai front man. The fiery fella from Ealing has always been a favourite target for media sharks – they know that, when provoked, he will give them a reaction worthy of gossip column inches. But as far as scandals go, it appears that half a decade away from the limelight might have actually mellowed the music-making 40-year-old (that’s if you don’t count an altercation last April with a baker, who was reported to have smashed up Jay’s £1 million Ferrari because Jay was flirting with a girl he liked). Arriving early at Jay’s Buckinghamshire mansion, I am left to wait in the very studio where many of the hugely popular Jamiroquai albums were conceived. The spic and span space welcomes us with comfy armchairs and a stack of coffee-table books on vintage Italian cars and mega-yachts – books bought by someone who delights in expensive boy’s toys; the sort of toys that multimillion-selling albums allow you to buy. Just as I’m trying to imagine the Jamiroquai gang recording international hits such as Cosmic Girl and virtual Insanity (the one with the “moving floors” video) in this very room, Jay casually strolls in to introduce himself. Wearing his signature Adidas trainers, navy boot-cut trousers (an ode to the Nineties) and a dark hoodie, the slim, five-foot-nine-inch singer breaks into a cheeky grin as he spots my high heels: “If all you journalists came here in boots like that, I would do more interviews.” Still grinning, he leaves the room as swiftly as he entered it, his chocolate-brown German Shepherd at his heels. Healthy and hat-free, the 40-year-old singer appears confident about getting back to performing and releasing the new material. “Making music is what I do and I always will. Am I nervous about it? No, I’ve
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DESTINY Five-time Grammy award winning R&B queen Kelly Rowland took time out to chat to RECoGNISE about success, sisterhood and singing with obama.
interview: REBECCA BANKS
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SpREADInG ThE
LOVE interview: CLEo DAvIS words: CHARLIE SANCHEZ photography: SINCURA / ED Yo @ pimpedphotos.com
Prizefighter Amir Khan is known for knocking opponents down with blistering pace and energy but as RECoGNISE discovers, King Khan is quietly busy using his famous hands to help people up
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…LiFe aFteR HogWaRts words: CLEo DAvIS photography: CATHERINE HARBoUR
RECoGNISE chats to Tom Felton about a decade of wizardry, making his charity debut at Wembley and his post-Potter ambitions.
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om Felton has spent the last decade (and the best part of his teenage years) with bleached hair and a hoard of Harry Potter fans in tow, winning this year’s MTv Movie Award for Best villian for his portrayal of Potter’s sworn enemy, Draco Malfoy. But having played the role for 10 years, he is now enjoying branching out as an actor. And with a list of new projects on the go, there’s no rest for the wicked. you were part of the biggest literary phenomenon of the noughties. How did you cope with the attention? Well, when we made “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” there was no guaranteed sequel. It wasn’t as huge to begin with, especially not as big as it is now.
How did you get into acting and was it a childhood dream of yours? I was always that sad kid sat in front of the mirror, imitating Jim Carey. I was always quite expressive and Mum thought the best thing to do was to put me in drama club after school. We did shows like “Bugsy Malone” and “Carousel”. The teacher twisted my mother’s arm to get me an agent and two weeks later I was doing a television advert. How did you make the transition materialise from doing commercials to being part of one of the biggest film events in history? After a few years of doing a bit of acting, I was told about these open auditions. I was a bit out of my element, everyone else knew about the book. They were asking what our favourite bits in the book were and the kid before me said, “I love the goblins and Gringotts” and I didn’t
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i actUaLLy Went FoR tHe PaRt oF HaRRy tHe FiRst FoUR tiMes anD tHen Ron BeFoRe DRaco
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I’m lucky because I come from a quiet country town; I was born in Epsom (Surrey) and raised in Leatherhead. I just recently moved to Dorking. I was never treated differently. I have three older brothers who were a bit mean to me, as they wanted to be actors too. I have normal friends who have no interest in what I do, as I have no interest in what they do. We’d rather watch the cricket. I’ve also got great parents, people think that I must have had a pushy mother but she was the opposite, she wanted me to stay at school.
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white t-shirt: LEVI’S black knitted jumper: BARTMAANS AND SIEGEL trousers: TOPMAN black brogues: LEVI’S
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him: collarless shirt: ToPman, £26 blazer jacket: ToPman, £60 green and black jumper: Zambesi, £267 her: faux fur jacket: new look, £49.99 black knitted dress: river islanD, £39.99
Mixing affordable high street must-haves with luxury designer classics, ethical fashion has never been so easy...
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her: long blue dress: asos, £120 shoes: new look, £30 hair fascinator: minT vinTage, £23 purse: river islanD, 29.99 necklace: minT vinTage, £341 him: blazer: ToPman, £80 shirt: alPha 60, £114 knitted tank top: beyonD reTro, £14
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her: jumpsuit: new look, £27.99 gold sequin jacket: obakki, £567 bracelet: lucy huTchings, £364 hat: my sugarlanD, £85 shoes: new look, £44.99 him: jumper: river islanD, £49.99 trouser: ToPman, £30
sequin dress: Thurley, ÂŁ298 hair band worn as necklace: riZvi, ÂŁ200 shoes: sTylisT own
photographer: camille sanson assistant: miguel Domingos fashion director: shyla hassan fashion assistant: Julie archibalD make-up artist: Jonas oliver using mac hair: louise byrne models: ollie Pearce @ nevs moDel agency anDrea chovanova @ manDP moDels with thanks to: alTiTuDe 360
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doggy style phodography: STEFANo GALLI styling: SHYLA HASSAN
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, so we decided to celebrate the occasion in style with our first fashion dogumentary, and of course every pooch needs to accessorise at such a glamorous affair…
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or one and a half centuries, Battersea has cared for over three million homeless, sick and lost dogs, and have opened their doors to cats since 1883. They have made huge efforts to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and we wanted to reiterate their message, especially at Christmas time, when people might be tempted to buy an animal without being aware of the care and money it takes. our pooch models are just a selection of the 10,600 dogs and cats that Battersea homes on an average year, and they were all true professionals. We would like to thank them for not being too diva-esque. While the accessories featured are all fantastic potential Christmas present ideas, we want to remind the public that dogs are not just accessories and are not disposable items. They are to be loved but not smothered in a handbag, they are to be exercised which doesn’t mean walking to work with your dog under your arm. You can afford to be spontaneous when it comes to Christmas purchases, but don’t be spontaneous when it comes to choosing your pet. We want people to support the wonderful work Battersea is doing, but at the same time, make sure you get the right pooch to suit your lifestyle. Don’t regret getting your Boxer on Boxing day. To find our furry friends on the Battersea Dogs home website, visit www.battersea.org and type their personal reference number into the search option located at the top right hand corner of the website. contact tHe HoMes at: battersea, london: 4 battersea Park road, london, sw8 4aa; Tel: 020 7622 3626 battersea, old windsor: Priest hill, old windsor, windsor, sl4 2Jn; Tel: 01784 432929 battersea, brands hatch: crowhurst lane, ash, brands hatch, Tn15 7hh; Tel: 01474 874994
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mens grey rucksack: ToPman, ÂŁ45
petal Petal is a six to 12-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy. She would love to live with children over the age of 13, and would be happy cohabiting with a cat, but would prefer to be the sole dog of the household. Petal is a young, excitable and friendly young lady who was not provided with the appropriate socialisation at
a young age. She is looking for a home with experienced dog owners and a private garden. Her new owners will need to be willing to continue with her training, which she loves. Petal is a lovely girl who will make an ideal companion. reF: 10/02951
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black and white silk neckerchief: asos, ÂŁ12.99
vinnie vinnie is a two and a half year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross. He is a friendly, people-loving boy with a charming nature. He can get quite worried at times so needs experienced owners who can help him overcome this. He loves training and is always eager to please his handler, so with a little patience he will quickly
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pick things up and become a well-mannered and obedient dog. vinnie will make a loyal and rewarding companion to a loving and dedicated owner. reF: 2010/00523
womens feather bag: beyonD reTro, £29.99 gold charm necklace: accessoriZe, £20 womens patterned scarf: aThena ProcoPiou, £135
rosie Rosie is a seven to 10-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is looking for her dream retirement home. She may be able to live with owners who haven’t had a dog before, and while she doesn’t mind other dogs she would prefer to live alone. She may also be able to live with a cat and teenagers. She can live in just about
any location, and while she’d prefer her own garden she would be happy with a local park or communal space. Rosie has had some basic training, but needs a few reminders. reF: 10/03267
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mens knitted scarf: beyonD reTro, £6 trilby hat: ToPman, £16 brown leather shoes: Fly lonDon, £94.99
bella Bella is a six to 12-month-old mongrel. She is looking for a home out of town with a garden to run about in. She would prefer an adult only home, and could possibly live with a sociable male dog that has lived with a dog before. Bella is a very friendly and lively youngster in need of experienced owners who are keen to
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do plenty of training and walking. She will need guidance and consistency with all ground rules to start from day one. She is a beautiful youngster who will keep her new owners entertained and on their feet. reF: 2010/03035
red satin bow tie: beyonD reTro, £8 striped braces: ToPman, £16 brown satchel: river islanD, £79.99
holly Holly is a three to five-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. She is a sweet little lady but can be a typical manipulative terrier if things don’t go her way. She does, however, have a shy side and it takes her a good amount of time to get used to new environments and people. once she has bonded with people she is very affectionate
and cuddly, so with a little patience she will become a great addition to a loving family. She can live in any location, but would prefer not to live with children, cats or other dogs. reF: 2010/02128
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We teacH yoU: tHe BURts anD tHe Bees
If you want affordable skincare that works as hard for the planet as it does for you, read on... words: LoU DARTFoRD
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n 1984, when Burt Shavitz and Roxanne Quimby started selling candles created from the beeswax that was a by-product of Burt’s honey company, they never expected their business to expand to the extent that it has. Twenty-six years and 150 new products later, Burt’s Bees is the leading natural beauty range in the USA. As well as their strong ethos of taking care of you and the environment, this eco brand does away with any misconceptions about natural products being much dearer than their synthetic counterparts. The Burt’s Bees’ brand is devoted to respecting nature whilst producing effective, high quality products. Their mantra is “working for the greater good”, which means maintaining an ethical perspective throughout the production process. From obtaining ingredients responsibly via sustainable sources, to looking after their workers, and from their no-animal-testing policy, to their use of recyclable packaging, Burt’s Bees are careful to keep their business ethical and ecologically sound. Moreover, their efforts to work for the greater good go beyond the production line: the company donates the revenue from 10% of all its website sales. Beeswax remains a key ingredient in the range, thanks to its soothing and softening properties, which help the skin retain moisture. Sourced in Africa, the beeswax used in the range is harvested with the upmost care for the bees, the workers and the surrounding environment. Historically, bees have been protected because honey has always been used to nourish the skin. Now, bees are protected because we understand their importance in the success of farming and the wider repercussions of that success. Bees are responsible for pollinating one third of our food crops, which is essential to our economy and survival. This helps to explain the widespread concern over the much documented colony collapse disorder. All across the globe, bees have been deserting their colonies for no apparent reason, with the UK losing a fifth of its colonies last year alone. Burt’s Bees are passionate about protecting bees and their environment, and have pledged £50,000 to support the University of Sussex, which has embarked on a five-year plan to study the health and wellbeing of the honeybee. Efforts have
continued on an international scale to encourage the growth of bee-friendly flowers. Burt’s Bees are supporting initiatives in the USA, where 50,000 packets of seeds have been distributed to farmers. Burt’s Bees are passionate about using beeswax and honey in their products as they believe the human body responds to natural ingredients, making them more effective than their synthetic counterparts. At present, more than half of the 150+ items Burt’s Bees produce are 100% natural, and the aim is to create an all-natural range. All Burt’s Bees products are free from sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals and phthalates. The ingredients used all come from renewable or plentiful sources, and the company makes every effort to keep processing to a minimum during manufacture. Burt’s Bees feel so passionately about the natural skincare industry that they have helped to develop “The Natural Standard For Personal Care Products”. To qualify, products must be made up of at least 95% natural ingredients. Since May 2008, ‘The Natural Standard’ has enabled consumers to make informed choices about their skincare, and to differentiate between truly natural products and those that claim to be completely natural. Burt’s Bees’ first skincare item was the Beeswax Lip Balm (£3.49), which leaves lips soft and smooth with a slight tingle – it remains their best-seller to this day. Another favourite is the Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (£5.99); if applied before bedtime, it will have your nails feeling wonderful by morning. The Radiance Kit (£14.99) is a winter necessity that ensures your skin is kept nourished and radiant during the winter months. Miracle Salve (£7.99) is a multi-tasking product – use it anywhere that needs a little TLC, from dry hands to split ends. The range also caters for men’s beauty needs – their Natural Skincare For Men Body Wash (£9) makes for a wonderfully refreshing start to the morning. Natural, ethical, effective and great value for money: Burt’s Bees products will have you looking good and feeling great too – and that’s enough to give anyone a buzz.
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Ugo Monye: inteRnationaL RUBgy PLayeR anD HaRiBo connoisseUR photography: JoN SURBEY
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Lots oF gUys aRe gooD at LooKing aFteR tHeMseLVes aestHeticaLLy, BUt not WHen it coMes to tHeiR geneRaL HeaLtH
“
o
n the pitch for Harlequins and England, Ugo Monye is a formidable and world-renowned player. off the pitch, he plays a big part supporting numerous charities.
This year, at the close of London Fashion Week, Monye and some of his Harlequins teammates took to the catwalk in their smalls to raise money for Afrikids, a Ghanaian charity for vulnerable children. Monye sported a pair of rather tight boxers, accessorising the look with crutches thanks to a broken toe. Ugo Monye talks to Cleo Davis about his charity work, life as an international rugby player, his rigorous training regime and how sometimes, you just can’t deny yourself Haribo. sorry to hear about your injury, how long do you think you’ll be out of action? It should be about three months. Six weeks in a cast and crutches and then it’ll be about getting my strength and fitness back. If I’m back by the end of December, it will be a really good result for me.
What does your fitness regime consist of? It’s pretty stringent. We do five days a week for about five hours. We go to the gym, sometimes do sprints, sometimes swim; it’s a real mixture. It’s tough but people who go to the gym will understand the feel-good factor you get. it’s christmas soon, which means eating our body weight in mince pies and quality street chocolates. Do you have any tips for us office slaves wanting to stay fit over the festive period? I would say all things in moderation, for example going to the gym a couple of times a week and eating healthy balanced meals will make sure you keep your weight consistent. are you a big eater around christmas? I love eating. I’m always hungry! I love pigging out at Christmas because you don’t get to do it very often. I’ve got a really sweet tooth so I would have to say all the puddings; Christmas pudding, bit of apple crumble, ice cream and a nice glass of port goes down well. are you allowed to eat chocolate when you’re training? I’d much rather have Haribo than Cadburys. I love Haribo. It’s got to be Fried Eggs or Giant Strawberries.
What do you do when you’re injured, is it frustrating? There are two things I really miss when I’m out of action. one is just running around because my job is so active. The other thing is its hard being away from the boys and all the banter in the changing room. You’ve got to keep yourself busy. At the moment I’ve got things going on so at least I can focus on other things.
Why did you decide to support afrikids? It was a charity that a lot of my friends were involved with but I was also attracted to it because I’m originally from Nigeria so Africa is my heritage. The charity stands out because it is aiming to become self-sustainable. They want to look after themselves so as much money as possible can be put back into Africa and the children.
ah yes, you modelled in the nude recently for cosmopolitan magazine. Does this kind of thing keep you busy?! I got approached by the ‘Every man’ charity, which raises awareness about testicular cancer, something that men like to shy away from. Lots of guys are good at looking after themselves aesthetically, but not when it comes to their general health.
What other charity work do you do? I’m involved with a charity called “Right to Play”, which I do with Harlequins. It’s a similar idea to Afrikids, but revolves around sport. It’s really important for sportsmen to take time to do charity work. You see a lot of charity adverts, which are easy to ignore, but if you see people in the media who you can look up to, you’re more likely to do something.
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green PeoPle organic homme sTay cool DeoDoranT wiTh PePPerminT anD eucalyPTus (£7.95 for 75ml) Long lasting, this trusty roll-on is perfect for freshening up before a hard day’s work after a long night of partying. www.greenpeople.co.uk
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RECoGNISE brings you quick fix products to have you looking party-ready in no time, straight from your office desk. Pile on as much of these products as you want as the natural and organic ingredients will revitalise your skin at its most needed hours. photography: NEIL RAJA compiled: SARAH ALCoCK
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Dr. bronner’s sPearminT PePPerminT organic shaving gel (£6.99 for 208ml) Smooth and effective without synthetic ingredients, this trusty shaving gel will allow you a quick and safe shave before the office girls start banging down the door to the office bathroom. www.drbronner.com
Paul miTchell ‘buy Tea Tree helP PlanT a Tree’ Tea Tree grooming PomaDe (£13.25 for 100g) For a flexible hold and shiny finish, the Paul Mitchell gang want to ensure your hair looks more polished than the presents under the tree Dr. bronner’s magic soaPs
with this fresh smelling hair moulder.
18-in-1 hemP PePPerminT
www.Paul-miTchell.co.uk
Pure-casTile soaP wiTh organic oils (£4.99 for 236ml) This multi-use soap can be used for cleaning your face, brushing your teeth and even your laundry; goodbye lipstick collars and red wine stains... www.drbronner.com
lavera men care Deo acTive sPray wiTh naTural minerals (£7.95 for 50ml) Developed especially for male skin, a quick spray of this natural odour-buster will prepare for round-theclock dancing. www.pravera.co.uk
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organic Pharmacy – ‘organic glam’ orienTal blossom (£110 for 100ml) Spicy floral scents of cinnamon, rose and neroli and warm notes of pepper and softness of vanilla is a perfect winter fragrance. www.theorganicpharmacy.com
vogeTTi glamour
GETTInG A
eyelashes (Free when you buy vogetti’s Black and Red straightening Iron, £55) Look wide-awake even
SKIn FULL when you don’t feel it; these lashes
will exaggerate your eyelashes
leaving you with sexy sultry eyes; the ultimate desk to party transformers.
www.paulmitchell.co.uk
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lavera Double black organic mascara (£12.90 for 5.5ml) Lengthening and volumising mascara for the ultimate glam party look. www.pravera.co.uk
The boDy shoP warm shimmer cube (£16.00 for 4x4g) Four cute blocks of earthy shimmery colour to match and compliment a week’s worth of outfits. www.thebodyshop.co.uk
lush snow Fairy vegan liP
marks & sPencer PerFecTion
TinT (£3.95 for 10g) Bubblegum
moisTure liPsTick sPF 15 (£6) Super
flavoured and made with dried
moisturising and long lasting, the perfection
raspberries; this moisturising lip tint protects lips from the cold wintry weather. www.lush.co.uk
moisture lipstick is designed to give you those longed for full lips. www.marksandspencer.com
The boDy shoP sTarDusT gliTTer PoT Pink shaDe 01 (£15.00 for 1.5g)
lush lemon scrub For liPs –
Creates a glamorous glittery look to shimmy
vegan liP exFoliaTor (£4.50 for 25g)
up even the shyest shrinking violet in the
Buff and shine your lips to achieve the perfect
office. www.thebodyshop.co.uk
pout! www.lush.co.uk
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YOUR VERY OWn SUpERmARKET FOR JUST £25 words: ALANA MARMIoN-WARR photography: HAARALA HAMILToN
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Revolutionising the way we buy our groceries: The People’s Supermarket Based around the principle of doing good, The People’s Supermarket is quickly establishing itself as the consumerist backlash against retail tycoons. Food shopping is not what it used to be. I urge you to think of the days when the supermarket visit was a weekly event that would be planned with precision and executed with unfaltering enjoyment. A time when people would be able to catch up with friends, take their time to consider the food they were buying, and appreciate the breadth of what was available to them. Compare this with how we buy our food now: we want it quick, easy and cheap. Now we have it so good we don’t even need to leave the house, with the internet allowing us to order from the sofa and collect at the front door. Not only is this making us lazy, it’s making us greedy.
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The People’s Supermarket is trying to halt this and is built on similar foundations to New York’s People’s Co-operative Food Store. Eco-friendly chef and restaurateur Arthur Potts Dawson is fighting to put the community back into consumerism. “Sign up and be part of something GooD” is the mantra, and is a refreshing one too.
ThIS IS hOW IT WORKS: To access the 10% discount on all goods you need to become a member, and to do this you have to pay a £25 annual fee and volunteer for a four-hour shift once a month in the store. This work can range from mopping the floor to designing the website (allocation of jobs is based on what is needed and on your skills). Membership also effectively makes you a shareholder in the organisation, allowing you to vote on what is sold, how it is organised, and the overall running of the shop.
You can buy anything for your weekly shop here (including cereals, fruit, vegetables, toilet roll and so on) as well as corner-shop essentials (milk, bread, the newspaper). For “outsiders” – or non-members – everything is sold at standard RRP (recommended retail price) so expect to pay the same as you would in your local shop. But on top of the 10% discount, members are able to purchase People’s items, including ‘The People’s Loaf’ which is freshly baked in Tottenham, for even less. The loaf is available for £1 to members (£1.80 to everyone else). one of the supermarket’s other impressive features is its strict zero-waste policy. For instance, if a tomato is ‘unsellable’ thanks to bruising, it will be put in a large pot and transformed into a tasty People’s soup, which is then sold in the store. When I went down to check out the store, I was pleasantly surprised by how organised and efficient it was. It offered a refreshing take on the ordinary grocery
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shopping experience – peaceful, pleasant and inspiring. The staff seemed genuinely excited to be a part of the project. If it is going to work though, The People’s Supermarket will need to continue to expand in numbers. As Arthur points out, “a large part of any business’s expense is the hiring of staff, so the less money spent on employing a work force, the more the money can be put towards driving the price of goods down”. Arthur hopes to have 3000 – 4000 members in the next few years. The People’s Supermarket is not about sitting around and talking about what to do, it’s about actually getting up off the sofa and doing it. Arthur wants action. He wants change. And so should we. 72-78 lamb’s conduit street, holborn, london wc1n 3lP 020 7430 1827 www.peoplessupermarket.org
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Roast chestnuts, mulled wine, gingerbread‌ The tantalising smell of the Christmas markets of northern Europe are not as far away as you think...
words: RUTH STIvEY
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uletide winter markets are springing up all over the UK this festive season, transporting you to a magical winter wonderland of enchanting grottos and quaint chalets; aromatic hog roasts, Stollen cake and gigantic bratwurst. Many markets also have traditional singing and dancing to celebrate good old St Nicolas, and you will find lots of amazing stocking fillers, from authentic handmade arts and crafts stalls, to incredible organic produce coming from local farms and delicatessens, all of which will make original gift ideas that can’t be found on the high street. As we begin to get over-excited at the thought of parties, presents and loved ones gathered round, we can say “danke” to our German and Dutch cousins for Santa, pine trees and the good old-fashioned spirit of Christmas. A weekend’s festive shopping to Germany, the Low Countries or even Scandinavia may seem tempting, but this year the UK has so many fabulous Christmas markets on offer, why not consider your carbon footprint and look a little closer to home? And if you are thinking of boarding the train for a city break with Christmas shopping, boutique hotels Malmaison and Hotel du vin are offering RECoGNISE readers a great deal so you don’t have to slog home after visiting the markets. You can pop your feet up and warm the cockles of your heart while easing your green conscience and checking out the city sights. For more information on all markets throughout UK and Europe visit: www.christmasmarkets.com For more information on train travel to the markets, and to save up to 80% on fares, log on to: www.raileasy.co.uk
mAnChESTER: from November 18 to December 21 Location: European Christmas Market Albert Square; World Christmas Market Brazennose St; French Christmas Market King St; German Christmas Market St Ann’s Square; Christmas Market New Cathedral Street; Weekend Craft and Gift Market The Triangle Exchange Square Famous for “Coronation Street”, the Hacienda, oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, New order and now Karl Pilkington, Manchester now boasts some of the largest internationally themed Christmas markets in the UK. It all started in the late Nineties when Frankfurt council decided to set up a traditional German market in St Anne’s Square. It was a huge success and the market has grown every year since and now has over 200 stalls. But it’s not just all German now – the gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, toys, food and drink on offer come from many European counties, including Holland, Hungary, Spain and France. MancHesteR attRaction: Famous for its galleries, museums and historic landmarks, check out the free Whitworth Art Gallery, oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER. It’s not far from the city centre and is open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sunday 12-4pm. eco-cReDentiaLs: All glasses and mugs at the Manchester markets for mulled wine and Eierpunsch are returnable as part of an environmentally friendly deposit scheme. HoteL oFFeR: Malmaison Hotel, Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 3AQ
BiRMingHaM’s FRanKFURt cHRistMas MaRKet
FoR MoRe inFo: www.manchestermarkets.com www.visitmanchester.com
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DUbIOUS DUbAI: Does the future finally look green for the concrete jungle of the Middle East?
words: AMY HARKER
Most people associate Dubai with wealth, huge radiant sky scraping towers, heat, sun and a bit more wealth. OK, so it’s too hot to walk, just get in a car and turn up the air-con. Money spilling out your ears? Just buy an island. Who would have thought that the state leading the way in extravagant architecture and exuberant celebrity hangouts would also be a pioneer in eco friendly design? RECOGNISE delves beneath the gold plated exterior to reveal Dubai’s eco efforts.
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tHe eMiRates aL MaHa DeseRt ResoRt anD sPa
DELVE InTO ThE pAST
GREEn mETROpOLIS
Dubai may be all about modernity and looking forward, yet glimpses of the old Dubai do still remain, and you will be well served to visit the traditional souks and mosques that are scattered around. The renovated Bastakiya area offers an insight into a bygone era, but it makes up less than 1% of Dubai. The quarter, which dates from the late 19th Century is actually pretty much entirely rebuilt rather than restored and houses a number of modern art galleries and tourist cafes as well as a handful of luxury boutique hotels. That said, it does offer a picturesque step into Dubai’s past and exudes a lovely atmosphere in which to wander around, day or night.
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa has won several awards for the environment and is a member of Kuoni’s Green Planet network. Located on a pristine stretch of beach, overlooking the clear blue water of the Arabian Gulf, it is home to 500 beautiful rooms and suites plus 14 international restaurants and bars, (some Michelin starred) as well as Caracalla, a stunning Roman themed spa and health club. The resort operates a variety of eco schemes, including using steam from the laundry to heat the swimming pool water, reusing wastewater for the gardens, and recycling all general waste.
For the greatest insight into the past, you should definitely set foot in the historical Fahidi Fort, home to the Dubai Museum. The centerpiece of the museum is a reconstructed souk from Dubai’s pearling days, and the museum, albeit small and, what many would call a measly effort to highlight Dubai’s history, does give an interesting insight into times gone by. However, there is in typical Dubai form a heavy bias towards showcasing the speed and intensity of the Emirate’s development from poor pearling village to modern metropolis.
Located in the Bur Dubai district, the Grand Hyatt Dubai hotel towers majestically over the edge of Dubai’s historic creek. Set within 37 acres of stunning landscaped gardens, the gorgeous five-star hotel offers a cracking choice of luxury restaurants, bars and cafés, where both locals and tourists flock for their delicious delights. This beautiful property is also home to the Grand Spa where you can bliss out in true style. In 2007, Grand Hyatt Dubai converted its main water heating system from diesel oil-fired to solar powered and remains the first of its kind in the UAE, and the largest in the whole of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
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LooKs LiKe a goLF, DRiVes LiKe a goLF, so WHat’s tHe DiFFeRence?
words: JoDY SILvESToN Apart from the small giveaway BlueMotion badge on the front grill, this little beauty of a car cares for our planet. Yes, an eco-friendly car. The catch? No, you don’t power it with your feet Fred Flintstone style, nor will you run out of battery power half way to the supermarket because you forgot to plug it in. What makes this BlueMotion version of the Golf 1.6 TDI unique, is that it pumps out just 99 g/km of Co2 (that’s 20 g less than the standard Golf in the range) and has an incredible top fuel economy of 74.3 mpg - 11.5mpg better than the regular version Golf. And - according to volkswagen– it can take you nearly 900 miles on one tank of diesel. That’s further than London to Barcelona. To sit in, the BlueMotion gives you all of the creature comforts you would expect from the world’s third best-selling car. It’s dependable with a solid build quality and retains good handling and a fair bit of poke. You can add alloy wheels, luxurious leather interior trim and lower the ride height for a more racy feel. So, with street cred still intact and no worrying about running out of battery, what else can we say to convince you that this green machine might well be up your street? To drive, it is a little different from the regular Golf and is where you start to see the similarities with today’s hybrids, although it doesn’t take too long to get used to it. Triggering the engine with a start/stop button, the BlueMotion model has a five-speed manual gearbox, with the dashboard computer indicating which gear you should select for optimum fuel consumption, and a regenerative braking system. When you stop at the lights the engine will cut out and will smoothly restart again with a gentle tap of the clutch and a move back into gear. It’s not as nippy as a model such as the GTI, but it’s not sluggish either, and goes from 0-60 in a respectable 11.3 seconds.
Coming in at £18,130.00 on the road, you won’t have to spend too much green to get one either. oh, and did we mention it is road tax-exempt? For more info or to test-drive the vW Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion, visit www.volkswagen.co.uk
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photography: NEIL RAJA
Unfortunately (there has to be one downer) you will still have to pay congestion charge despite its emissions being less than many of the hybrids on the market (half that of the Lexus RX-400h hybrid). But this isn’t just a city car, unlike a lot of eco cars that are restricted by distance; the BlueMotion takes you practically anywhere you want to go.
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WatcH tHe test DRiVe onLine at www.recognisemagazine.com
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LiFe in tHe BLUe Lane...
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We’ve already established that bikes are pretty darn cool as far as design goes, especially if you’re riding something resembling a Goonies style chopper, flags included. Even professional cyclists crave a good-looking set of wheels to ride. What if we told you that Puma has collaborated with a company that has married functionality with style merging the best bicycle styles of BMXs, American Cruises, folding bikes and, of course, fixies? Exciting stuff. Even better, there are five designs in The 2010 Puma Bike line; each styled to suit either guys or gals. Puma’s new friends are a Copenhagen based company called Biomega. Sympathetic to commuters, the bikes are perfect car alternatives for city workers in a hurry or simply frustrated with traffic. Ironically, each model has been named after islands in the Atlantic ocean; we reveal two of our favourites… Nevis Lady, named after Nevis Island is designed for the wear of the daily urban slog. The carrier design on the front is sturdier than a flimsy basket and means that you don’t have to wear your handbag as a rucksack. Priced at around £538. Disko, named after an island near Greenland, is perfect for the hassles of city life. A folding mechanism means it can easily be taken on public transport if necessary and the anti-theft lock means that if the lock is broken, so is the bike…haha (that’s us laughing at the thieves.) Priced at around £682. There are three ways to buy a 2010 Puma Bike. To find out the best way for you, or for more information on the products, visit www.puma-bikes.com
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pLAY TImE compiled: ZUKI TURNER words: SARAH ALCoCK
From scrabble pillows to table football lamps, any of these items will instill an element of fun and character into your life
bE mY VALEnTIn These quirky and modern pieces by M&MME VALENTIN all have their own sense of character. Made from old cupboards, these upcycled drawers and cabinets are great stylish storage options, as opposed to the boring MDF counterparts. A strong “Alice in Wonderland” vibe echoes through each piece, bringing a sense of fun and surrealism into your home. Price upon request; visit www.valentinloellmann.de for more information.
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ShInE A LIGhT This design by South African HEATH NASH was devised to promote the idea of recycling in South Africa. The Bottleformball lampshade is part of his “other People’s Rubbish” collection, which boasts a range of designs made from everyday waste. This hugely colourful piece is really uplifting and gives a sense of playfulness to a room. Check out the website, www. heathnash.com, which will inspire you to get creative in your own home. UK distribution coming soon.
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FLOOD LIGhTS A unique creation from RESIGN is this recycled lamp, named the Roby Baggio. Made entirely from parts of a table football game, it is a unique and kitsch piece that will brighten any bachelor pad. Resign.it aims to re-use products that have exhausted their original purpose, reworking them in completely different ways. You can’t get further from the original form of this lamp, which is what makes it so genius. Available for around £57 from www.resign.it.
WORD Up If you can’t think what to get for someone for Christmas, these cool letter cushions might spell out the answer. You can choose any letter to make up someone’s initials or even get cheeky with a silly message. Made using recycled materials, they are environmentally friendly and will give a bit of character to any room. ROCKETT ST GEORGE’s website is full of funky homewares, all recycled and unique. Have a look at the website to view the whole selection of vintage and new paraphernalia, www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk. The cushions are available in black and white at £45 each, we have already ordered an ‘R’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘o’, ‘G’, ‘N’....
FEELInG TYRED This spacious trunk from GREEN AND PRESENT marries a conventional shape with modern innovative design. Each trunk is made from reclaimed tyres, so every piece is unique. A stunning piece of twenty-first-century cool, it is available for £250 from www.greenandpresent.co.uk, a great site definitely worth steering your eyes over.
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WOOD WORKS
compiled: ZUKI TURNER words: SARAH ALCoCK
Are you sick of almost every gadget you buy looking plastic, white and mass produced? We wood rather something different, woodn’t you? Get back to simpler times and send something meaningful to a loved one this Christmas. CARVE YOUR OWN CARD is a sustainable wooden postcard for you to carve a unique message and send like a normal postcard. The difference however is that unlike normal flimsy paper cards this postcard is sturdy and can be kept and displayed by the recipient for years to come. At only £4.99 this fun and meaningful gift will speak volumes. Have a browse of www.suck.uk.com for more eco friendly, feel good gifts.
Branch out and bring a taste of the outside into your office with these quirky WOODEN USB STICKS. Starting at around £34, they come in a range of memory sizes from 1gb to 8gb. For more information visit www. ooms.nl. WEWOOD is a range of smart wooden watches from Italy. From chic black ebony to dainty beige maple, the wood type you choose dictates the look of your timepiece. Each watch is made using wood that is hypo-allergenic and, most importantly, sustainable. Eco awareness and high style combined in one slick package. Weewood watches cost £69 from www.watchmego.co.uk.
Apple products are taking over. Those signature white headphones and iconic gadgets can be spotted in any office, on half the commuters on your train, and in the hands of pedestrians in every city. So how do you personalise yours? Diamante covers and garish iPhone skins are easy to find, but getting a sophisticated and unique look is tricky. Until now. KARVT has now created classy wooden skins and covers for your Apple kit, thus combining retro wood styling with twentyfirst-century technology. Prices range from £16 to £22, but get this, KARvT is offering RECoGNISE readers a 20% discount. visit www.recognisemagazine.com and www.karvt.com to find out more.
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Get video game addicts away from the Tv screen this Christmas by introducing them to something a little more social. For £15, you can BUILD YOUR OWN WOODEN HELICOPTER with moving blades powered by its own solar panel – a great Christmas present that isn’t going to break the bank. What’s more, sales of all products from the Natural History Museum’s online shop go to researching malaria and conservation projects. For more information and to have a look at what else the shop has to offer, check out www.nhm.ac.uk/buyonline. Renewable energy has found its way into the animal kingdom. This cute BIRDHOUSE has solar panels on its roof that power a transparent perching stick on the outside. When it starts to glow at twilight, the perching stick attracts bugs and flies – making tasty tweets for hungry birds. Available for around £62. For more information visit www.oooms.nl.
It’s a fact that all dads, granddads and uncles are protective over their tools, so if you are pondering over a present for a particular male relative this Christmas but don’t want to spend a fortune we think this gift should measure up. Stylish and practical the WOODEN TAPE MEASURE is the perfect gift and under a tenner (£9.50 to be exact).Check it out at www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk.
Are you always looking for an old water bottle to use instead of wasting money on a new one? BAMBOO BOTTLE is a new sustainable drinks carrier designed for those people who like to rehydrate, but get annoyed with the disposability of plastic bottles. What is most attractive about this piece is its multifunctional design. The inner glass bottle can be used for cold drinks but is also heat-proof and microwaveable – perfect for the winter months ahead. The Bamboo Bottle Company is also a member of “1% for the planet” which is a growing group of global companies who donate 1% of their sales to environmental organisations worldwide. Priced at around £16, the bamboo bottle can be ordered from www.bamboobottleco.com.
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accessorize www.monsoon.co.uk/icat/accessorize
heath nash www.heathnash.com
Partimi www.partimi.com
alpha 60 www.alpha60.com.au
hotel chocolat www.hotelchocolat.co.uk
Pattern People www.hintmag.com
amazon www.amazon.co.uk
kabloom www.kabloom.co.uk
Paul mitchell www.paulmitchell.com.uk
amisha www.amisha.co.uk
karvT www.karvt.com
Peter lang www.peterlang.com.au
asos www.asos.com
lavera www.pravera.co.uk
Puma www.puma-bikes.com
athena Procopiou www.athenaprocopiou.com
levi’s at mint vintage www.mintvintage.co.uk
resign www.resign.it
bartmans ans siegel www.baartmansandsiegel.com
lisa butcher eden collection www.lisabutcher.com
rhs www.apps.rhs.org.uk
The bamboo bottle company
lise lefebvre www.liselefebvre.com
river island www.riverisland.com
www.bamboobottleco.com
lucy hutchings www.lucyhutchings.com
rizvi www.rizvimillinery.com
bcTga www.bctga.co.uk
lush www.lush.co.uk
rockett st. george www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk
beyond retro www.beyondretro.com
mac www.maccosmetics.co.uk
sainsbury’s www.sainsburys.co.uk
The body shop www.thebodyshop.co.uk
marks and spencer www.marksandspencer.com
stolen girlfriend club www.liberty.co.uk
booja booja www.boojabooja.com
melvita www.ukmelvita.com
suck uk www.suck.uk.com
burt’s bees www.burtsbees.com
merle o’grady www.merleogrady.com
Tesco www.tesco.com
christmas Tree man www.christmastreeman.co.uk
millione wine www.oneinamillion.com
Thurley www.thurley.com/au
Divine www.divinechocolate.com
mint vintage www.mintvintage.co.uk
Topman www.topman.com
Dr. bronner’s www.drbronner.com
m&mme valentin www.valentinloellmann.de
Trees For rent www.treesforrent.com
e-Trike www.hadarmetaldesign.com
morrisons www.morrisons.co.uk
valrhona www.valrhona.com
elena antoniades www.elenaantoniades.com
my sugarland www.mysugarland.co.uk
wahaca restaurant www.wahaca.co.uk
essential chocolate spreads
natural history museum www.nhm.ac.uk/buyonline
waitrose www.waitrose.com
www.naturalcollection.com
new look www.newlook.com
wewood www.watchmego.co.uk
Fly london www.flylondon.com
nissan leaf www.nissan.co.uk/leaf
w&w Private Jewellers www.wandwjewellery.com
green People www.greenpeople.co.uk
obakki www.obakki.com
Zambesi www.zambesi.co.nz
gwendolyn carrie www.gwendolyncarrie.com
oooms www.oooms.nl
hafsteinn Juluisson www.gnr8.biz
The organic Pharmacy www.theorganicpharmacy.com
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