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Contents feminine
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[fem-uh-nin] adjective 1.
pertaining to a woman or girl: feminine beauty; feminine dress.
2.
having qualities traditionally ascribed to women, as sensitivity or gentleness.
3.
effeminate; womanish: a man with a feminine walk.
4.
belonging to the female sex; female.
Issue #1
Editor: Katie Houghton Designer: Ed Kirwan Twitter: @sistrazine 3
Blow Glasgow Fronted Femme The Other Box Horrorscope Evolve Beauty Stowed Away Basic Berlin All Period No Pad Dress Drumpf
BLOW Glasgow Tell us a little about BLOW and where it all started.
‘Go BLOW yourself’ might seem like an insult from the depths
#BLOW is a creative salon home of all things rainbow from our hair to our decor. And obviously synonymous with our glitter roots that took over the internet. #BLOW began as an idea for salon revolution I simply wanted to create a bustling atmosphere in beautiful surrounding where clients could socialise whilst getting there hair done in #BLOW that's why you will find us with a fully stocked bar and popcorn machine! I wanted to bring in like minded stylists full of fun and able to push creative boundaries to create an ever growing team. We take fun and colour seriously.
of Dazed and Confused, but in Glasgow, it’s actually a compliment. Talking to Creative Director Fallon Carberry, we got down to the root of all things hair in the name of one of the most fun salon’s in Scotland.
You’re hailed as a cult salon, and even boast your own training academy. What tips do you offer people looking to get into the hairdressing industry? Be ready to eat, sleep, breathe and dream hair. Hairdressing isn’t for the faint hearted neither is opening up your own business. Be ready to strive, continuously learn and to work your butt off hair dressing is like any other creative industry ever changing and vastly competitive. Nothing gets handed to you, you have you be your own cheerleader and worst critic when it comes to bettering yourself.
www.ohblow.com Twitter: @Ohblow1 Instagram: @blowcolourasylum 4
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As the salon that practically invented glitter roots, what can you see as the next big trend in hair, or what would you like to see?
Of all the colours to apply, and you have some amazing ones courtesy of Manic Panic, what are your favourites to use on clients and why?
We think that glitter roots are here to stay! It is a trend that keeps popping up on the runways it can be used to slick back hair or even through your lengths to create shimmering highlights.
Neons are always the most appealing to me especially when creating our signature rainbow hair! Electric Banana also looks amazing when applied on dark roots! Super cool.
You offer complimentary cocktails to all your guests, what are some of your favourites to make at the bar?
You recently opened a new salon in Shawlands. Do you have any plans for a salon outside of Glasgow? Or another one in the city?
Sprinkles and sparkles are pretty standard for us. One of our favourite creations was using rainbow candy floss round the edges of our cocktail glass which melted into dripping rainbow colours (how very #BLOW of us) when you poured ice cream flavoured soda into the glass. Were lucky enough to have our own herb garden during the summer where we have grown lavender and mint to infuse our creations!
Well I guess we can let you guys in on a secret! We are going to be opening in a big city centre a new flagship #BLOW store. So keep your eyes peeled on our brand new spanking website for more news on that www.ohblow.com!
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Fronted Femme Five bands that demand your attention.
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Summer Cannibals Photo by Norm deVeyra
Hailed as having a ‘no frills attack’, Summer Cannibals have been tearing at the flesh of the punk paradigm. Added to the Kill Rock Stars label alongside names the likes of Bikini Kill and Sleater Kinney, not only are Summer Cannibals in pretty concrete company, they stand out with their own brand of potent licks, energetic songs and regular jolts.
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PROM Photo by Giles Smith
I once called PROM a band of all things ‘kiss, cuddle and kill’, and lucky for you, they’re sticking with it. Feverish, and with more undulating moments than Trump has had golden showers, this London band’s rattling riffs, ascending vocals and restless air promises more than just peppy punk.
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Bleached Photo by Brian J Foxx
Born of emotional frustration and the pressures of partying, Bleached is a striving and thriving Californian band. Not only do they have renowned producer Joe Chiccarelli to add to their recording repertoire, Bleached is a band that fuelled by bubblegum pop and restless rock, have created a sound that’s all too realistic, raw and thrusting to miss.
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Honeyblood
Birthed by Scotland, Honeyblood ploughed through gigs as a pair, landing themselves the attention of FatCat Records. Bittersweet and fuelled by the sounds of lead singer Stina, Honeyblood may have comparisons to the likes of Best Coast, but it’s their own glittering sound that keeps lo-fi fans forever fond.
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White Lung Photo by Nick Karp
If ever you were looking for a band that could perfectly layer pop, punk and prowess, it would be White Lung. Noted for their sharp songwriting, this Canadian band not only brings a gritty grumble to their pop sensibilities, their sound is a fresh and fierce one that drones with attitude and continues to play with its work.
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The Other Box Colour and culture claim to be the lifeblood of community, but there’s a few ladies looking to call out creative forces in London on their lack of it. Diversity? Gather round.
Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Leyya (pronounced: Leeya). I’m a northerner (Manchester) who has been living in London for the past 6 years. I’m the Design Director at Make Your Words Work™ and the UK director of Flock Global. I have also just set up a company with my friend Roshni called… The Other Box.
Leyya Sattar. Photo by Rankin.
What is The Other Box? And where did the name come from? The Other Box is a platform for increasing diversity in the creative industry through interviews, events and mentoring schemes. The name came to me when I was having a conversation with my friend Casey about quotas and how much I hate them. 10
Having to fit yourself into one little box when, to be honest, most of the time I don’t even relate to what I’m ticking often means I end up ticking the ‘other’ box.
all walks of life. It’s had a huge impact on me and the way I think. It’s that richness and diversity we want to celebrate with The Other Box.
You’re going to start a mentoring programme for clients, what could that include?
Any great companies supporting diversity that you think people should know about? Off the top of my head…
We want to raise the profiles of existing influential, successful people of colour and other minorities to show what’s possible. Through that, and with our mentoring programme, we hope to connect young people to more opportunities, and remove the barriers that come from lack of visibility and representation.
SheSays (@SheSaysuk) who help women further their careers in digital creative industries through free events, conferences, meet-ups and mentoring. From 2017, I will be running quarterly events with my partner in crime, Casey Bird at Shoreditch House so keep an eye out!
Who inspires you within the creative industry?
Gal-dem (@Galdemzine) We are OBSESSED and completely in awe with the badass ladies over at Gal-dem. It’s a creative magazine (online and print) comprised of over 70 women of colour mainly based in the UK. Their aim is to get the voices of these women out to the world with the aim of getting people of different shapes, sizes, genders and ethnic backgrounds to engage with the work they are doing. “It is no secret that the mainstream media doesn’t represent or reflect us, so we are doing it for ourselves.”
People who aren’t afraid to go out there and get what they want, which isn’t specifically about the creative industry but in general. At this particular moment, there are three badass ladies, who are also very good friends of mine called: Emma Sexton, Harriet Minter and Natalie Campbell who have just launched their weekly radio show for TalkRadio at 8pm every Saturday called The Badass Women’s hour. They also run monthly events in London at the W Hotel called What She Said. They are incredibly empowering and don’t answer to anyone. The absolute definition of #GirlPower and #SquadGoals.
Aside from within the creative industry, what does diversity mean to you personally? To me, diversity is the epitome of beauty and creativity. One of my favourite things about living in London is its rich multiculturalism, and how much you can learn from it being so diverse. I am blessed to have friends from
www.theotherbox.org Twitter: @_theotherbox Instagram: @_theotherbox 11
Some astrological forecasts are
Horrorscope
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bona fide and frightening...
Aries: This fire sign is known for
Gemini: One of the other
being loud, proud, and a bit of an emotional bruiser. The first one to investigate a loud bang in a haunted basement or the shifting of shapes in a cursed woods? Yep, you keen little explorer, that’s you. Dead little you.
inquisitive star signs, we suppose that Gemini’s will be down in the basement with Aries.
Libra: Known for having the inability to say no to others, a man in an unlicensed white van with a bag of sweets is sure to have a field day with a Libra.
Leo: Driven by a desire to be loved, the Leo has more restraining orders filed against them than you’ve had hot dinners.
Aquarius: Timid a character but often hailed as a visionary, the Aquarius may feel a step ahead of the rest, until they watch Final Destination.
Sagittarius: One of the most candid zodiac signs, you’re pretty well known for considering honesty the best policy. Telling your friends that horoscopes could be a bunch of bullshit after all? You fucking villain.
Cancer: One of the most mysterious star signs of them all, when it comes to horror, Cancer could be your saviour, the red herring, or your dead end.
Taurus: Those with the starsign Taurus are notoriously protective, reliable and devoted. But then again, the Queen is a Taurus; she hates John Lennon, has never worn a pair of jeans and dislikes corgis.
Scorpio: Resourceful, born
Virgo: A Virgo’s colour is beige.
leaders and lovers of truth, it’s the Scorpio that not only finds itself both admired and hated, it finds itself the Samuel L. Jackson of Deep Blue Sea. And we all know how that ended.
Capricorn: Both rumour and
Pisces: Rumour has it that this
Google say that these guys have a problem with likeability, and would apparently be the first to die in a horror movie. That helps us plenty. We all like Capricorns.
water sign is quiet, creative and underrated. You know who was also quiet, creative and... let’s maybe leave underrated? Ed Gein. Ed Gein made a belt out of his victim’s nipples.
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Frame 2 Face Artisanal, organic, skin savvy and wouldn’t dare test on animals, we chat to founder Laura Rudoe of one of the most up and coming natural names in the UK: Evolve Beauty.
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Tell us a little about Evolve and where it all started?
Name one item that you think people new to Evolve shouldn’t go without.
Evolve is an artisan producer of organic and natural skin, body and hair products. Everything we create is hand-crafted using natural and organic oils, butters and natural superfoods sourced from around the world. We aim for the highest possible organic content. We also try to combine science with nature by using some highly effective scientific actives like Hyaluronic Acid. At the start of Evolve, we wanted a range based on superfood which was also effective and organic. We wanted to have the highest organic content possible whilst making some very sensory products.
Hyaluronic Serum 200!! It is our best seller and rightly so! Customers swear by it often telling us that it is taking years off their face…. As they’re handmade, how long do some of your products take to make? This really varies and depends on the type of product. It can go from 20 minutes for a simple oil mix to a few hours. Some products need cooling half way through manufacturing (Lip Treat/Tropical Blossom Body Butter) so they take a good 4 to 5 hours!
Do you have any new products on the way that you can give us a teaser for?
Could you name a selection of your favourite ingredients used within your Evolve products and why?
...oh ...I’ll say eye area…
Are there any other aspects of your life that you have gone green for aside from beauty?
Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water making it a highly effective component in moisturisers. Hyaluronic acid helps to reduce wrinkles, making the skin look younger with an improved skin tone. We use lower molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid which penetrated deeper and has more effective hydrating properties. It also increases the production of collagen. Nigella Oil (Black Seed Oil) contains the essential fatty acids that maintain the skin’s nourishment and hydration. Black seed oil contains antioxidants as well as vitamin A, it has traditionally been used for century to treat atopic skin conditions. Tahitian Manoi, considered the “sacred Oil of the Polynesians”, is made by maceration of thousands of Tahitian Gardenia blossoms into Coconut Oil. It has restorative and anti-oxidant properties. It leaves the skin moisturised, soft and supple.
Food definitely, and all of my cleaning products…
Give 3 reasons for people to go green in their beauty products. You really don’t want your body to absorb toxins. Non organic/natural products are packed full of chemicals. Organic beauty products are better for your health! They are also better for the environment with no nasty chemicals going down the drains. Organic products contains superior ingredients, better ingredients mean better results!
www.evolvebeauty.co.uk Twitter: @evolvebeauty Instagram: @evolvebeautyuk 17
Stowed Away Ina Andersson
The thin wooden walls were covered with duvets. One was thick with a floral print, only visible in the dim light of a torch hung from the ceiling. A mattress covered half the floor; blankets covered the rest. A seemingly random collection of items lay scattered across the small space, but of course there was nothing random about them – portable phone chargers, batteries, extra gloves and hats, tea bags and plastic cups – all necessary in order to make life here a little more bearable. There were five of us in the small space that time. Two of us had passports. The other three had cooked dinner. A frying pan full of scrambled eggs and tomato was on the floor. It had been carefully placed in the middle of a black bin bag, which served as both table and table cloth for the night. We ate in the light of the torch by scooping bits of egg and tomato onto torn pieces of Afghan flatbread. We tried our best to talk despite language barriers, we laughed at funny pictures on our phones. We had insisted we’d take our newfound friends to a restaurant, buy them a nice meal, but they refused – the brief restoration of normality that inviting someone to your home and cooking them dinner brings, beats dining out.
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This was my first time in the Jungle refugee camp, Calais. I would return three more times that year, each time a little more used to walking down the rough gravel paths, past the makeshift shops, restaurants and water stations. What surprised me the most that first time was how wellestablished the camp was. Photos I had seen of a muddy landscape scattered with half-broken tents bore little resemblance to the sea of wooden structures – shops, restaurants, cafes, homes – that made up the camp. Some were built and run mainly by volunteers, like the small hospital, the women and children’s centre and the theatre, but the restaurants and cafes were built and run by the refugees, creating their own social hubs, their own small little economy but above all, their own community. The sense of humour I saw will stay with me too. The makeshift road sign telling me I’m walking down ‘David Cameron Street’, or the flimsy hut with the ‘3-star Hotel’ painted on the thin outside wall, these things to me tell a story of people trying to have a laugh in the face of extreme hardship. People trying to build community in the most difficult circumstances.
the north-eastern part of the camp to house up to 1,500 refugees. The containers were dry, had windows, heaters and bunk beds, but there was no social space, no place to meet neighbours, to have a cup of tea or buy cigarettes. Instead, residents were stacked on top of each other in identical metal boxes, forgotten humans in giant filing cabinets. To say there were no divides, no exploitation, or no violence in the Jungle would be a lie. Of course, it housed all of those things and every other darkness you might expect in a place built from the ruins of people’s previous lives. But the willingness to help others, the friendships, the humour and kindness of the people I met there will always be just as strong in my memory. The friends who made us dinner that first night are all in the UK now. Stowed away in lorries they made their way across the border, on their way to that final goal, which for many turned out to be unreachable. The Jungle camp was demolished in late 2016 and many of its former residents’ fate is still uncertain. But although the Jungle is gone, and opinion on it will forever be divided, it will always be testament to one of the most fascinating truths about human life – no matter the conditions, people will build community.
I believe community was a big part of why so many rejected the metal containers brought in by the French authorities to 19
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Basic Berlin Throwing down its walls and wrangling the hearts of anyone between 20 and 35, the capital of Germany is the perfect location for fun, fucking, food and freedom. We chose 5 of our favourite places...
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White Trash Fast Food www.whitetrashfastfood.com
When White Trash Fast Food call themselves ‘fine family dining’ they’re not…..at least not really. One of the best hybrid venues in Berlin, W.T.F.F may disguise themselves as any ol’ industrial venue of throwaway materials and festive bulbs, but they’re so much more than that. Not only do they throw about a thigh slapping menu of ‘ironic, international cuisine’ such as the BBQ’ed obvious and BIG burger plates, the restaurant has a tattoo studio for all your post dinner, permanent art needs, and a music venue for the best in guitar strings and DJ nights.
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Ramones Museum www.ramonesmuseum.com
Whether you’re familiar with ‘The KKK Took My Baby Away’ or you know, not, the Ramones Museum is still a gem in East Berlin’s crown. We know, we know, The Ramones aren’t from Berlin and unless you’ve a hankering for chasing lineage never have been, so why here? With a museum owner such as Flo Hayler that couldn’t get enough of their merch and music, this spot was the second space for the museum, as the collection grew with Flo’s passion. Not only does it boast a bar and cafe for crooning over your favourites songs, there’s a wall-to-wall space of Burke bits, Joey Ramone remnants and a twoseater ‘cinema’ to boot.
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House of Small Wonder www.houseofsmallwonder.de
Sure, Brooklyn may have claimed the first House of Small Wonder, but it’s in Berlin where this fiend of foliage shines. Breaking no bonds with Berlin’s familiarity for repurposed materials, not only is House of Small Wonderland an absolute 22
treat in the texture, trinket and potted plants department, this serene space in Johannisstrasse follows a Japanese hankering for ‘comfort food with organic local ingredients and Japanese flavours’. A greenhouse with all the homemade goods you could ask for? Emerging out of cheese plants like a Grade A Attenborough? Soak it all up here.
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Lucky Leek www.lucky-leek.com
There are so many places in the world that, while not purposely, make being vegetarian a big fat pain in the ass. But not you Berlin, never you. A quick Google scan and you’re coming up hearty with vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the city. So why Lucky Leek? Sure, their terrace is a selling point and a post dessert cigarette in the sunlight is sure to feel schmoozy ad smooth, but no, that’s not just it. With plates that clearly poise themselves, you can chow down on the likes of eggplant tartar, pumpkin gnocchi, hazelnut potato mash and many more unique dishes that keep from killing the cow.
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Pick N Weight www.picknweight.de
While I’m currently in talks about starting a kilo store in London that provides you vintage clothing based on your own personal weight rather than that of a shop’s choosing, there’s one store in Berlin nailing the concept, and that’s Pick N Weight. While kilo events in London are normally a frenzy and free for all of stuffing bags and snagging items out of one another’s hands, not only is this casual shopping at its finest, you can pick up some amazing, pre-loved pieces and serious steals for one simple amount (y’know, in kilos) for a simple price. 23
All Period, No Pad? Hannah Barnes
According to recent government figures there are currently 3,569 homeless people forced to sleep rough in towns and cities across the UK. Within that 3,596, are women who despite coming from all walks of life – one woman we spoke to was stranded having run out of funds to return to Australia, another evicted due to recent benefit cuts and many more stuck on the streets having escaped abusive partners or families – share another very common problem. Periods. As a statement of intent, solving the entire countries guerrilla period needs may sound a little overwhelming. But as with any motion, the first step in facing these problems is conversation and awareness. Periods are bad enough without having to sit in your sodden underwear for days on end, free bleeding because there are no other options available to you. Equally, living on the streets is hard enough without having to do the same. That’s really all there is to it. These are not luxury items, and should be made available to all homeless, vulnerable and low income women for free. Until then, however, there is something every Jane (or Joe) Bloggs can do to actively help the homeless women in their area cope with that bloody influx that appears in their pants like clockwork. Enter local activists such as Christina Ward, 22 of The Monthly Gift and Trish Cartner, 25, who recently began her own efforts to provide homeless and vulnerable women with the sanitary care they need. 24
Trish generates donations through social media, working with local charities to distribute the completed period packs. “I can’t believe the response we’ve had, from both the general public and the homeless women themselves” says Trish “it’s a really simple way to improve the quality of these women’s lives and thanks to the generous response on social media, we will now be hosting an event in the coming months, so we can distribute even more packs.” Christina aims to do the same, using drop off points in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and hosting events throughout the city where you can go along and join the period pack production line, whilst enjoying a few snacks and a good film. The response from local businesses has so far been positive with drop off bins posted at many of Manchester’s best known bars and restaurants. “I literally just talked to (the venues) about it, emailed them, went in to speak to them and was quite overwhelmed; a lot of the people really wanted to get involved,” Christina explains “all it takes is one box of sanitary products donated to make a much more pleasant month for one person, a small change can really make a big difference to somebody’s day and somebody’s month.” It’s so easy to put something like this together, whether at an event or at home with friends, to include around 10 pads or tampons, 2 liners, some chocolate and paracetamol in each.. There are plenty more sustainable options on the market (Fannypants or THINX) but these aren’t as available, and due to their perceived strangeness, don’t always go down well with the women themselves. Whatever you can do, in whatever capacity; starting a conversation, raising awareness on social media, donating to a period pack charity, or setting up your own. Each and every tampon, pad or panty liner makes a huge difference. Some women we spoke to cited using old newspaper or more dangerously, tampons far beyond the recommend insertion times simply because they had no other option. This is a major health hazard and something which only emphasises the need for action. New products like the moon cup will go some way to combating this particular problem, but even these call for sanitary tablets to be used during wear. We live in the modern age, the United Kingdom boasts the 5th largest economy in the world and our welfare system is testament to the collective social conscience of our country – the condition between periods and homelessness is one that needs to change. 25
Dress Drumpf We all know that Donald Trump needs brain scans, reconditioning, animal therapy, discipline, prodding, deflating, indoctrinating, a firm slap from a strong independent woman, and a reality check... but for now, a slight change of wardrobe will have to do.
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