ISSUE 3
COMPﾃ年ERE MAGAZINE
Valentines Interior Special Fashion Fix: CRAZY, SEXY, COOL The Shining Girl Wonder RISING STARS: VV BROWN Siobhan Dillon Gadgets and much more
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A new and unique online presence
Editorial Team: Editor in Chief: Irene Darko Chief Sub Editor:
We kick start the season with cutting edge fashion, romantic interiors and healthy guides to get you back into shape after the excesses of the New Year. There are superb reviews on
Zita Savage – zita@componeremagazine.com Sub Editor: Philip Anthony – info@componeremagazine.com Interiors and Arts Editor:
art, dining out, gadgets and much more…
Zita Savage – zita@componeremagazine.com
go on, indulge yourself.
Fashion Editor: Irene Darko – irene@componeremagazine.com Fashion Coordinator: Elisa Stone– elisa@componeremagazine.com Fashion Assistant: Bianca Swan – bianca@componeremagazine.com Beauty Editor: Niedian Biggs – niedian@componeremagazine.com Advertising & Marketing:
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Jean Ampah – jean@componeremagazine.com
info@componeremagazine.com
Production Manager: Adriane Savage – info@componeremagazine.com
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Magazine Art Director: Andrew King Photographers: Ishay Botbol Paul Krokos Jan Masny Neil Dawson Contributors: Cleo Evans Christopher Phillips Rachel Gibbons Amiee Robinson Danielle Epworth Elizabeth Hsieh Mia Yang Zoe Davison Kristel Lake Anouska Forte Simone Barnett Egus Goob
CONTENTS INTERIORS Very Berry – Valentines Special 2–3 FEATURE New Start – New You
4–5
FEATURE V V Brown - Crazy Amazing
6–7
FASHION Crazy Sexy Cool
10–17
FEATURE Siobhan Dillon
18–22
ARTS Exhibitions 23 ARTS Please Do Not Touch The Art 24–25
Front cover Photographer: Jan Masny Styling: Irene Darko Make-up: Elizabeth Hsieh Hair Stylist: Akio Nishiyama Stylist Assistant: Bianca Swan Model: Portia @ FM
FASHION The Shining
26–31
FASHION Girl Wonder
32–41
FEATURE Soaring Wings of a Heroin
42–43
FEATURE Work It!
44–45
FICTION Andrea’s Clanger
46–49
INTERIORS Fire Places
50–51
MUST HAVES Candy Shop
52–53
FASHION Naturally Nude
54–55
GADGETS Delectable Objects
56–57
DINING OUT Galvin’s at Windows
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TRAVELISTA Dar Seven Riad, Marrakech 59
INTERIORS
Very Berry Valentines Interior Special by Zita Savage Vamp up your look this season with shades of berry. Bring instant warmth to your home, its all about creating a mood and berry is proving to be popular as a feature wall or even as a base colour for the home. It can be balanced with off white and lighter shades to open up any room.
Metallic bands wallpaper £15 per roll and cushion bundle £24, both available from Next. www.next.co.uk
Marks and Spencer Neon Damask wallpaper. £19.50. www.marksandspencers.com
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Sanderson Spectrum matt emulsion wild berry. From £12 www. sanderson.co.uk
Le Soleil pendant £564.40 The conran shop. www.conranshop.co.uk
Scoop armchair £695.00. Heals www.heals.co.uk
Preandor weaves fabric from GP&J Baker. £51.30 per metre. www.gpjbaker.com
Roma Throw, Mulberry £53.50-£95. www.johnlewis.com
Amara living Japanese bloom scented candles. £57.50. www.amara.co.uk
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New Start… new nutrition…
by Anouska Forte
…NEW YOU!
So, you over did it on the mince pies, and had far too many glasses of wine (and beer and sherry) and you don’t want to even see turkey, let alone eat it, until at least March. Just because you over did it during the festive season it needn’t mean carrying on those bad habits right through to the end of February (you’ve been snowed in most of January) when you are adamant that you will join the gym and reverse any damage done to your waistline. A good way of keeping it all in perspective is to set yourself a plan over the next few months. Don’t tell yourself that you are going on a ‘diet’, it will simply create resentment and a sudden yearning for that left over Christmas cake languishing at the back of the fridge. Simply incorporate some realistic and attainable nutrition tips – start slowly – maybe two or three a day and increase them week-by-week. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is and will be thankful that you did, next time you slip into your bikini!
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Adele Wolstenhulme FdSc DipION mBANT
Choose the right protein sources – that
mCNHC & NHS Directory registered for
are low in saturated fat and high in nutrients.
Complementary and Alternative Practitioners,
Chicken, turkey, fish and game such as
is Nutrition Consultant and Director of Inside
venison, ostrich, pheasant, hare and rabbit are
Out Nutrition (UK) Ltd. She has these top
all lower in saturated fat than factory farmed
nutrition tips:
red meat. Eat plenty of plant protein too:
Eat regularly – eat breakfast, lunch and dinner to ensure a steady intake of nutrients to support energy levels. You wouldn’t drive your car on an empty tank – so why do it to your body? Introduce snacks – avoid those familiar mid morning and mid afternoon slumps in energy by having nutrient packed snacks such as fruit, nuts seeds or raw vegetables with dips such as hummus. (No, chocolate covered raisins do not count!) Avoid refined foods – all forms of sugar, and other foods such as white bread, pasta and rice. These create blood sugar highs that will have you reaching for the chocolate digestives in no time. Choose wholefoods – that still have their nutrients intact. They will break down more slowly in your body, providing a steady source of energy lacking in refined foods. Good choices include wholegrain bread and
beans, peas, pulses, lentils and quinoa contain valuable added fibre to support a healthy digestive tract. Try to include a protein source with each meal to help stabilise blood sugar and avoid you running for the chocolate. Avoid stimulants – by reducing your coffee and alcohol intake. These give your body a false ‘high’ that your body has to struggle to manage and the resulting slump has you reaching for another cup before you know it. Try swapping for herbal teas – there are an amazing range of great ones out there. Avoid processed foods – as these can be full of ‘empty’ calories, little nutrient value and high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. If there are additives on the packet, choose something else. Stay hydrated – drink around two litres a day and reap the benefits of increased mental and physical performance. Herbal teas of all kinds count towards this – alcohol and coffee do not!
flour, wholemeal pasta, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and pulses.
Visit www.inside-outnutrition.com/health4life for latest events and workshops if you are interested in finding out more about how to improve your health and wellbeing.
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FEATURE
is
‘Crazy Amazing’
by Chloe Davidson
Starburst, star dust and all things sugar and spice. These are the words that come to mind when we think of the flamboyant Vanessa Brown. She first burst on the scene and into the mainstream public arena after landing an up-front slot on ‘Later With Jools Holland’. Her sizzling hot performance, displayed an enigmatic sense of fashion that is identifiable to no one, other than Ms V. Fascinating to watch, V V is a singer song writer, multi-instrumentalist and a producer. Heavily sought after, you will find V V either performing at the opening of London Fashion Week for designer Ashish, belting out her poptastic melodies at various festivals or sashaying down the catwalk for Naomi Campbell’s ‘Fashion for Relief’ charity show.
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A chance meeting on a transatlantic flight with a model scout at Select, cemented her debut along the runaway of Naomi Campbell’s Sping/Summer 09 charity show during London Fashion Week; adorned in Alexander McQueen. Yes, this six foot fashion darling is more than just a pretty face with a good voice. Best known for her velvety voice and her signature quaff, she tells us “I can’t remember a time when music was not a part of me,” she says; “when I was five, I remember writing my first song on the piano. I played the same notes over and over again and from that moment I just knew that music would be a huge part of my life.” The Northampton born, London based artist, writes and produces all her own music. For V V love sounds like the perfect melody. “Both are difficult to define” she says, but both pour out of the songs on her debut album. This is music which sounds dramatic and charismatic. This is high definition, high concept pop with scuffed edges. “It’s about letting out all these ideas I’ve had locked up in my mind,” Brown states. “It’s honest – it’s not about being festooned with £10m diamonds or having perfect hair.” It is this admirable honesty and her own connection to what feels real that makes her cool and unpretentious. Without doubt an artist who follows their own style identity, almost certainly means the fashion glitterati will follow in suit. A lady with an entrepreneurial head on her shoulders, she has turned her love for vintage clothes into a business. Customising vintage clothes which are sold online. V V describes herself as a deep thinker and a bit of a philosopher “I’ve always felt slightly on the edge of the circle,” she explains. At school she considered herself as a loner, but was blissfully happy with her own company. Her inquiring mind questioned nature with thoughts such as “why the grass is green”. Already sounding like the title of a good song maybe! Perhaps, the result of being one of six children, finding solitude on bench away from her hyperactive school mates seemed like the perfect solution to a somewhat hectic home life. As she says, evenings were spent in the attic with her five brothers and sisters playing at being in a band and dreaming about being on Top Of The Pops. Like every great young diva in the making, V V would sing every Sunday in her Church gospel choir; at home her mum and dad would listen to Aretha, The Rolling Stones, Ruth Brown, Elvis Presley, Queen and the music from Super Marioland. Anything with a tune was fair game. It’s easy to see how V V inherited her theatrical and captivating personality. It’s an eclectic mix, but V V has her own phrase for it: “musical mashed potatoes”. On her album ‘Crazy Amazing’, V V lays bare her tales of woe in a failed relationship, that is also referred to on another song; ‘Crying Blood’ However with her looks it is obvious that her heartbreak will be short lived. She describes its sentiment. It’s about being wounded
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by one relationship then, just when you least expect it, finding crazy, amazing happiness with another. “I felt I’d been left on the shelf and then suddenly… BANG! …a new guy came along and made me feel like a princess.” Now things in V V’s life are ‘Crazy Amazing’, she tells us of experiencing nothing but pure joy and the happiness now she has found a significant other. In her openness to tell her life exactly how it is, she says, things haven’t always been so rosy. A snapshot of her life just a couple of years back; she’d skipped university to pursue music and when she signed to a major label at the age of 19, things appeared to be fitting into place. She found herself in LA, working with big producers and accidentally ending up providing backing vocals for the Pussycat Dolls’ debut album. We would certainly expect any 19 year old to be giddy with excitement, but for V V she tells us something was missing. “I lost myself completely,” she remembers. “I lost my identity. My voice. Everything.” The music wasn’t right and V V parted company with the label. “I was broke!” she exclaimed, so broke she had no other alternative than to sell her keyboard to pay for her flight home from LA, “but I wasn’t sitting around watching Cash In The Attic – every day was spent making music. Every hour, every day from nine in the morning until two the next morning.” Money was so tight that V V bought a one-string guitar in a charity shop, she marked the frets out with her red nail varnish and wrote “Crying Blood” the very next day. Waking up in the morning to cold sweats and palpitations she describes how some mornings she would be blank with fear. ‘ I’ll wake up in the morning and have no idea what I’m going to write”. However it was these sessions that threw up the extraordinary songs which scored V V her new deal with Island. Her songs are now instantly addictive and unmistakably honest.
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Three years on she now insists, “Artists I love, from Alicia Keys through to Amy Winehouse, connect with people because they do not compromise. They make music which reflects who they are and when you’re honest on all levels people will connect with that. People can tell. The way you walk, talk, wear your hair and breathe. It took everything that happened with that first deal for me to say: I SHALL NOT COMPROMISE.” “Everything that’s happened in the last few years has taught me to value the idea of knowing yourself and being yourself,” V V says. “And, my God, it took me a long time to get here.” V V’s tossed aside the LA lifestyle, choosing instead to live in London in her auntie’s house with her sisters. “I can’t see myself moving any time soon,” V V says. “Why should I change? I just want a simple life, with extraordinary music in it.” As she prepares to unleash her new album on the world, we foresee 2010 being a year of a great album release, performances at summer festivals and of course lets hope a lucrative advertising campaign.
V V BROWN For a guide of V V’s tour dates see below: 16
June Beachbreak – Live Festival
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June London – Shepherd’s Bush Empire – The Script (Special Guest)
27-28 June Glastonbury Festival – Pyramid Stage, John Peel & Dance Tent 12
July
T In The Park
18
July
Lovebox Festival
24
July
Camp Bestival
25
July
Secret Garden Party
22
Aug
V Festival (Chelmsford)
23
Aug
V Festival (Stafford)
12
Sept. Bestival
www.myspace.com/vvbrown
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CRAZY SEXY COOL Photographed by IshayBotbol
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Cream fur jacket with embellished belt Cream boots: All by Matthew Williamson
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Red fur jacket from Miss Money Penny
Blue mohair cardigan by Tim Ryan Thigh highs by Jonathan Aston Shoes by Matthew Williamson
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Mixed fur jacket by Etro at Feathers Thigh highs by Jonathan Aston Cream boots by Matthew Williamson
Black fur jacket by Graeme Black Fur boots by Sophie Gittins Black belt by Isabella Oliver
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Grey fur cape from Miss Money Penny
Mixed fur jacket by Etro at Feathers Thigh highs by Jonathan Aston
Tim Ryan available at Concrete 0207 434 4546 Etro at Feathers 0207 589 5802 Matthew Williamson 0207 629 6200 Graeme Black 0207 565 0066 Miss Money Penny at Krizia 0039 0667 937 772 Jonathan Aston at www.mytights.com Sophie Gittins www.sophiegittins.com Isabella Oliver www.isabellaoliver.com Photographed by Ishay Botbol www.ishaybotbol.com Stylist Irene Darko www.irenedarko.co.uk Hair: Shinya Fukami www.shinyafukami.info Make up: Mia Yang www.miayang.co.uk Stylist Assistant: Alicia Tomlinson Model: Sabine @ Select COMPﾃ年ERE MAGAZINE
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Up Close and Personal with
SiobhanDillon We put this years rising starlet
under our magnifier to find out more about the singer..actress.. fashionista slash goodwill ambassador.
QA
How old were you when you first started singing? I was eight years old. I had just seen the production of Grease and begged my baby-sitter at the time to let me perform at a concert she was putting on
at our local theatre the Civic Hall. “Look at Me I’m Sandra Dee” was my chosen song! I remember one thing vividly, that we had to change the lyrics from “Look at me I’m Sandra Dee, lousy with virginity” to “Lousy with the boys I see!” Which people agreed would be infinitely more suitable for an eight year old!
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Q You shot to fame after appearing in the reality TV show “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? “Did you always know you wanted to be in musical theatre? A As a child, I always thought I would be, yes. In fact right up to A levels I was convinced that theatre and performing was where I belonged. However, suddenly one day I decided I was more driven and much more inspired by the idea of going to University to study Art, Design, Fashion and Photography. It was during my course in Accessory design at the London College of Fashion that I entered the ‘Maria’ show. (On a bit of a whim, I hasten to add!) I had no idea just how much I would love the experience! Q You are now ambassador for the One Song Foundation. How did this come about and tell us a little bit about the foundation? A It is quite simple really. My producer, Eliot Kennedy was once asked the question... “How can you cure all the worlds problems with your music?” He was quoted to have said “All I can do is change the world one song at a time.” We were sitting drinking a few glasses of wine chatting about this concept when the light bulb was suddenly flicked on! The idea was that artists could simply donate a song to this charity of which all of the proceeds would go directly and solely to that charity. It was becoming more and more exciting by the minute. I was so passionate and enthused by this idea that we decided that there was no reason why I couldn’t donate the first song from my new album. And so, ‘Amazing’ will be the first single to be released for the One Song Foundation. It would mean that we could help change the world by doing what we do
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every day! If people like the song, they can buy it and go online where they will be able to choose where their money will be spent. There will be a handful of projects some domestic and some global. Anything from building a wing in a local hospital to rebuilding a village in a third world country. Q Have you been collaborating with any interesting artists for the foundation and are there any artists you would love to work with? A I have been working with some fantastic artists and writers for my album and also for the Foundation. Peter Kay is one of the funniest and most fantastic people I have ever met! He was great fun to work with on the night of the Foundation launch back in December. I have a list as long as my arm of artists I would love to work with. Gary Barlow is up there at the top. I have met him and he’s just great! Everything you’d expect and more humble than you’d ever imagine! I would love to collaborate with Missy Higgins. Her music is stunning and she’s massively talented. Gary Go and John Mayer are my other favourites. As I say, I could go on!... Q You are releasing your new album this year. How would you describe your music style? A I am still trying to come up with a good solid answer to that question! I have been developing my music now for about three years. My music tastes are so broad that I am influenced hugely by different styles and genres almost daily! I will always be inspired by theatrical sounding string orchestras and concert hall pianos. My vocals are mostly very intimate and I like the listener to be able to hear every word. There are some slightly soft electronic sounds creeping in too which I love. Some people say they can hear Karen Carpenter, Kate Bush and Sarah McLauchlan. I guess, if I’m honest, I’d like people to make up their own mind as to what style I am. Q What has been your career highlight to date? A Being cast as Sandy in the London production of Grease is an ultimate job. I am really lucky to have achieved a lifetime goal of being a leading lady in the West End.
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Siobhan Dillon Q Who gives you inspiration? A I have always been inspired by women who have elegance and grace, talent and humility. Modesty and integrity. Ambition and generosity. Women in the public eye who have amazing talent, maintain composure and still manage to live their lives in the spotlight. I guess anyone who is working hard to achieve their dreams and genuinely being a courteous and positive human being! (Without wishing to sound like a stereotype of a Miss America contest!) Q What are your aspirations for 2010? A To release my album! I cant wait to get it finished and out there! I have been working so hard on this and it will be a great moment when people who have supported me can finally hear my songs. I want to make sure I perform the role of Sandy to the best of my ability every night. This part means a lot to me. The One Song Foundation. To give it all of my support in these early stages. It is such a new project and needs all the TLC and support from as many people as possible. I am always designing. Since leaving the London College of Fashion (before I entered the ‘Maria’ programme), I filled almost five sketch books of handbag and shoe designs that I would love to have made. Who knows, a fashion label maybe? Perhaps a little optimistic to achieve before 2010 is out!!! But I certainly won’t leave it too long! www.siobhandillon.blogspot.com www.onesongfoundation.org www.greasethemusical.co.uk
Photographed by: Neil Dawson
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Styling: Bianca J Swan
Black embellished jumper - Markus Lupfer
Hair: Amiee Robinson using Phyto
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Make-up: Danielle Epworth
Spine sleeve dress - Hannah Marshall Oval opaque hole tights - Pamela Mann at mytights.com Black stacked heels - vintage Vivienne Westwood Page 20 Nylon stretch floral lace unitard - American Apparel Black knit jumper - Cos Black suede studded shoe boots - Kurt Geiger
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ARTS
The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters The Royal Academy of Arts. Free Admission. Until 18 April 2010 The first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for more than 40 years. Highlights of this show include 35 rarely exhibited original letters, 30 drawings and 65 paintings.
Chris Ofilli Tate Modern. Free Admission. Until 16 May 2010 Tate Modern will be showcasing a major exhibition by British painter and former Turner Prize winner Chris Ofilli. His works are intensely coloured with an inventive use of mixed media, famously including elephant dung.
The Empire strikes back Indian Art Today at the Saatchi Gallery. Until 7 May 2010 The very first gallery pays homage to Ghandi; discover contemporary Indian art at this free Saatchi Gallery exhibition. The empire strikes back features 26 emerging and established Indian artists, most of whom have never been shown before in the U.K
Henry Moore Henry Moore at the Tate Britain. Free Admission. From 24-Feb Until 15 August 2010 The Tate Britain will be exhibiting Henry Moore one of Britain’s greatest artists, with the most comprehensive selection of his works shown together for a generation.
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Aaron Kobin - Flight Patterns
Please Do Not Touch the Art by Christopher Phillips
The Victorian and Albert Museum has stepped into 2010 with one of the most high-tech exhibitions currently showing; Decode: Digital Design Sensations. From small, screen based graphics to large, interactive installations, works are in a state of evolution, some perpetually changing, others
altered by the behaviour of the viewer. Split into three sections; Code, Interactivity and Network, the exhibition showcases the diversity of this recently established form of art. Daan Roosegaarde’s Dune (2007) introduces the Code section, allowing viewers to understand the hands-on approach of the art works. Akin an eerie garden, clusters of black reeds overhang the pathway so visitors have no choice but to brush past the installation. Movement brings the piece to life, LED lights on top of the black stems flash and beep, encouraging physical contact. Raw data is also used as a malleable material to create pieces which are constantly fluid and changing, eliminating the restrictions placed on a traditional sculptor using wood or clay. Stockspace (2009) by Norwegian artist Marius Waltz brings a graphic visualisation to the global Stock Market. Economic trading at the exact point in time the piece is being viewed is turned into flowering conical shapes, growing upwards and outwards in layers of block colour. The Network section of the exhibition is based on the ubiquitous mobile technologies to which we are exposed. Italian design company Fabrica (est. 1994) have used the internet to involve the public in the company’s piece Exquisite Clock (2009). A digital clock face has been constructed from second hand computer parts, displaying images instead of digits which have been uploaded onto the company’s website. Using this integrating method of the web (as well as an iphone
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application) has a way of letting the public imagine everyday objects as numbers, but more importantly allowing the viewer to register the internet and mobile technology as a platform for contemporary art. Utilising digital traces left behind by satellite tracked GPS systems, American artist Aaron Kobin has translated incomprehensible data into the stimulating visual loop Flight Patterns(2009). Tracing the flight paths of 205,000 aeroplanes over North America from a single day in August 2008, Kobin transforms a web of coloured threads in a visually delightful Spirograph.
Mehmet Akten - Body Paint
Daniel Rozing is a digital artist wary of the originality of his chosen medium. “Video art has been around for 50 years now and has become completely accepted by museums and collectors, I suspect it will still be a few more years until digital art achieves that status as well�. His brand of work conceals the technology behind the piece, as demonstrated in Weave Mirror (2007), part of the Interactivity section. Motorised planes rotate when the viewer stands in front, creating a smoky portrait not too dissimilar to a reverse shadow. Body Paint (2009) by artist and engineer Mehmet Akten best displays human presence in its animations. Custom software converts gestures made by the viewer into a vivid palette, changing colour and pattern to coincide with the movements of the body. Smatterings of colour resemble buckets of paint splashed onto a canvas, turning everybody into a modern Jackson Pollock. A fantastic preview into the next major leap in the art world, Decode: Digital Design Sensations is not only a contemporary form of expression for artists, but an interactive and entertaining feat for those viewing it. Definitely a reassurance to those used to tip-toeing around museums. Decode: Digital Design Sensations, V&A Museum South Kensington, until April 11th 2010. Exquisite Clock iPhone app available from iTunes. Daan Roosegaarde - Dune
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The Shining Photographed by Paul Krokos
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Graphic print dress - Matthew Williamson
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Floor length draped dress - Ana Sekularac Necklaces - Matthew Williamson
Crochet dress - John Rocha Patent ankle boots - Jimmy Choo
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Dress - Afshin Feiz Tights - Gerbe @ Mytights.com
Silver metal top - Christian Blanken Necklace - by Matthew Williamson
Photographer: Paul Krokos - www.paulkrokos.com Styling: Alicia Tomlinson - www.fashionstylist.uk.com Make-up: Aysher Silk Model: Jade at Models1 - www.models1.co.uk Special thanks to New Steine Hotel in Brighton 01273695415 Stockists Matthew Williamson - 02074916229 Afshin Feiz - www.afshinfeiz.com John Rocha - 02074952233 Christian Blanken - www.christianblanken.co.uk Ana Sekularac - www.boutique.anasekularac.com MyTights - www.mytights.com Jimmy Choo - www.jimmychoo.com
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GIRL WONDER Photographed by Jan Masny
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Black trousers & smoke print jacket both by Gemma Slack
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Cropped Black Tweed jacket - Tibi Black patent bustier- Ruth Tarrydas Head piece - J Smith Esquire Black/white patterned leggings - Urban Outfitters White thigh high boots - Tim Hamilton
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Newspapered sheer shirt - Lorena De La Torre Print leggings - Urban Outfitters Black silver d etail heels - Tim Hamilton
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Grey leather leggings - Les Chiffoniers, Feathers White T-shirt - Luella, Feathers Denim effect jersey waistcoat - Opening Ceremony, Feathers High top leather boots - Reem Bangles - ASOS
Leggings - Miss Sixty Pink and white stripped silk top - Urban Outfitters Black patent flats- Office Bangles - Stylists own
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Black patent bustier - Ruth Tarrydas Navy cropped jacket - Miss Sixty
Black padded leather jacket - Gemma Slack Black harem pants - Urban Outfitters Black patent bustier - Ruth Tarrydas Gold gladiator sandals - Office Gold bangles - Stylists own Gold layered bangles - ASOS
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Pink dress - Disaya High top boots - Reem
Leggings - Alexander McQueen at Feathers Boutique Pink silk top - Tibi Black leather belt - Stylists own Black high tops - Puma for Sergio Rossi
Photographed: Jan Masny www.janmany.com Styling: Irene Darko www.irenedarko.co.uk Make up: Elizabeth Hsieh www.truthbeauty.co.uk Hair stylst: Akio Nishiyama www.akionishiyama.com Stylst assistant: Bianca Swan Model: Portia @ fm Stockists ASOS - www.asos.com Gemma Slack - www.gemmaslack.com Puma for Sergio Rossi at Selfridges - 0800 123 400 Alexander McQueen at Feathers Boutique - 0207 589 5802 Reem - mysugarland.co.uk Office 08450 580 777 Urban Outfitters - 0203 219 1901 Opening Ceremony, Feathers Boutique - 0207 589 5802 Luella Boutique - 0207 589 5802 Tibi - www.tibi.com Les Chiffoniers, Boutique - 0207 589 5802 Tim Hamilton - www.timhamilton.com Ruth Tarrydas - www.ruthtarvydas.com J Smith Esquire - www.jsmithesquire.com Lorena De La Torre - www.lorenadelatorre.com
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Soaring Wings of a Heroin W
by Rachel Gibbons
ith International Women’s Month fast approaching in March what better inspiration
than Amelia Earhart is there? A phenomenal heroin that lived ahead of her time, she became the first woman to contemplate, let alone pursue her love of aviation. Born on 24th of July 1897 in Kansas, her spirit of adventure became apparent from a young age, often setting off daily to explore her neighbourhood. Her biographies document a young Amelia climbing trees and “belly-slamming” her sledge downhill. This love of the outdoors and “rough-and-tumble” play characterised Amelia as a tomboy, perhaps it is these attributes which separated her from other women of her time and indeed of the century. Abandoning every concept of femininity and the roles so strategically carved out for women at the turn of the century. She truly embraced her need for exploration when in 1920, Amelia took a ten minute plane ride that was set to change her life forever. After that flight, she knew she was meant to fly. An adrenaline bitten Amelia frantically worked numerous jobs where she earned $1,000 to use as a fee for flying lessons. After merely ten hours of instruction, Amelia felt ready to fly alone. There might have been a time when her aspirations to fly may have been derailed, as one day she stumbled across four wounded soldiers; casualties of the catastrophic First World War that had gripped the world at that time. The horrific nature of the soldiers’ injuries struck an emotional chord in Amelia, encouraging her decision to go into nursing, where she worked in Canada as a military nurse during the war. On her return to her family, she spent a brief spell as a social worker and thereafter teaching immigrant children the English language. Still in her mid twenties a pressing sense of adventure lay in wait for Amelia. Within a year Amelia took her first solo flight in 1921 and bought her own plane a year later, though at this time flying was only a hobby of hers. However in June 1928, Amelia began to pursue a career in aviation, boarding a flight as a co-pilot on a plane called Friendship that flew from America to England. She became the first
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woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean, firmly securing her on the front covers of newspapers for many years to come. By now a celebrated legend of her era, she became the face of an exciting new industry. Still a fairly new concept, the aviation industry sought ways of improving its image. It seemed Amelia was the perfect answer. Her story of the flight was also covered by publisher George Putnam, whom Amelia later married in 1931. Her tenacity and courage knew no bounds. On her attempts she flew for hours, often using smelling salts as a stimulant that kept her awake during long flights. In the May of 1932, Amelia crossed the Atlantic solo and also established a new time record for the flight: 13.5 hours. For this feat, she received a medal from the then president, Herbert Hoover. Continuing to break many records in her career, in June 1937 Amelia and navigator Fred Noonan set out to fly around the world. They left Miami, Florida, and passed South America, Africa, Thailand, Singapore, Java, and Australia. Sadly on leaving New Guinea for Howland Island, they disappeared. The only thing left was a frantic message to the US Coast Guard at 8:45 p.m. on July 2, 1937. Tragically Amelia Earhart, Fred Noonan, and Amelia’s plane were never found. In 1939, Amelia’s husband, George Putnam, wrote a book in tribute to her titled Soaring Wings. There are many conspiracy theories that surround Amelia’s death or as some would call it her disappearance. Setting many aviation records Amelia Earhart is still considered “the most celebrated of all women aviators.” Her accomplishments in the field of aviation inspired others and helped pave the ways for those that followed through till today. Indeed she conquered her dreams and saw the world from great heights.
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FEATURE
WORK IT!
by Kristel Lake
The year is in full swing and your bank account is in recovery after festive sprees. You notice that the dress you wore in October is fitting a little bit more snug than it did then. The amount of calories that we tend to consume at Christmas almost makes up for the year that we were being “good”! So here we are wondering what we are going to do to get rid of these extra bits we have on our sides/ bum/ body (you know it never settles in one area!). Well this is where I come in. Here are a few tips that you can use to make sure that you can shift those extra Christmas pounds and keep them off!
Tip no.1
:
If you are not a gym bunny, do not feel that you have to go to the gym
everyday in order to achieve the results that you want, because after a month of trying you will burn out and will end up paying membership for a year and have only gone in January. Give yourself 3 days of the week to attend the gym and make it fun for yourself. Classes are a great way to get a good sweat, and a room full of people who want to achieve the same will help motivate you. Personal training is always another way to get the special attention that your body deserves and your trainer will tailor a workout specific to your bodily needs. You also have the option of doing something that you have always wanted to learn but never made the time for, example – Latin dancing, ballroom dancing, karate, kickboxing, rock climbing; the list is endless! Once you keep doing more movement you will burn more calories and that is your aim for the time being.
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Tip no.2
:
OK, let’s agree that you have
eaten and drank enough for you, your friends, and your family for the Christmas holidays. Not to mention all of those naughty treats, sweets and desserts that you allowed yourself. Now that you have come to terms with this factor, give your digestive system a break. From the time you started your heavy Christmas celebrations until now is the time that you will give yourself in January to eat regularly (breakfast, lunch and dinner), eat more fruit and vegetables, and move more (gym, classes, stretching, or even using the stairs instead of the lift). It is easier said than done so a good way to keep yourself in check is to give yourself a goal and a realistic time frame to work with. But more importantly give yourself a reward at the end of it all whether it is a massage, a facial, or something with a feel good factor that will help you to relax.
These two tips can help you shift those extra pounds before the spring and the sooner you shift the Christmas extras, the easier it will be! Treat yourself and your body for January and give it that extra time that it deserves!
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FICTION
Andrea’s Clanger Egus Goob
Compônere Magazine Short Story Chapter 2
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Once outside the train station, Andie’s phone began to vibrate, the familiar flashing light of her voicemail caught her eye. She quickened her pace as she listened to the frantic message from her boyfriend Jeremy. Flustered, she shoved the phone back in her handbag, he was unable to get to her flat and change the cat’s litter box as promised. “I don’t believe I’m hearing this.” Andie said sharply under her breath. She finally reached the front door of her main building, “Almost home.” She encouraged her aching feet. Digging through her handbag, “Found them.” She whispered as she pulled her keys out. At that moment the door swung open, startling her. To Andie’s relief, it was her neighbour Jennifer. “Oh thanks Jen”, whom in turn flashed a broad smile, as she held the front door open for Andie. Jennifer was, tall, slender and very attractive, the kind of woman Andie had aspirations of. Andie herself, was a senior staff member at an elite city consulting firm, yet she longed to move higher up the ladder and break into an executive position. She caught herself day dreaming about the high powered life of Jennifer. She relished the thought; commanding respect from subordinates who’d report to her, not to mention the financial rewards the status reaped. In Andie’s eyes, Jennifer had it all, looks, business acumen, her own place and to top it off, a God send of a bloke, whom she thought Jeremy could take a few pointers. Once inside, Andie firmly closed the door and scampered up the stairs to her flat. She contemplated the worst as she gingerly cracked open the door. The moment she stepped into the flat, Andie got a faint whiff of the cat’s litter box. “Oh, thank God!” Andie exclaimed. The usually unpleasant smell from the cat litter box was over powered by the lavender oil she left burning in her aroma pot. Andie dropped her bag on the floor and kicked off her shoes, at an initial glance around the living room, everything seemed normal; the stillness in her flat appeared as serene as she’d left it this morning. Within the stillness, she could hear the radio playing in the background.
She contemplated the worst as she
gingerly cracked open the door…
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FICTION
“Christ I left the radio on”, she muttered. Walking across the living room to turn the radio off she felt her foot hit something, as she looked down she heard a distressing meow. “Oh shit”. Andie shrieked, almost as scared as Jody, her cat, as it darted across the room. Jody leaped up and perched on the window sill, glaring across the room at Andie with it’s big green eyes. “Sorry love” Andie said affectionately beckoning Jody as she looked back at her. Jody jumped off the window sill furtively making its way to Andie, its crested back rubbing its sides against Andie’s legs. Andie gently reciprocated Jody’s gesture. Crouching down, Andie tickled Jody’s head and ran her fingers through the thick fur of its coat. Andie got up cradling her, as she walked through the living room, she noticed her post was neatly stacked on her desk. To her disliking her mum had stopped by – again, without any prior notice. Andie was not in the least pleased. Andie’s agitation subsided when she realized her mother had not opened any of her letters, as she usually prone to do. As Andie sifted through her letters to make sure the envelopes had not been opened, she felt herself becoming anxious by her mother’s relentless meddling. Her mother’s persistent nosiness had driven Andie to keep her affairs under wraps. “I’m a grown woman.” All the more reason for me to take my keys back. A high pitched buzz from the intercom pierced the silence in the flat. So lost in her own thoughts, she shuddered at the sound. “Goodness, I’d forgotten all about her for a minute,” Andie said out aloud as she hastily tossed Jody on to the couch, dropping the post to grab the intercom. “I’ll be down in a minute.” It was Tracy, making good on her promise about their night out on the town. “Hi darling.” Andie beamed as she opened the front door, Bolting past her, Tracy ran upstairs without a word. “I’m doing all right love,” Andie shouted after her sarcastically. Tracy came out of the toilet, apologizing, still a little flustered. “So, how have you been?” Tracy asked Andie, as she picked up Jody stroking her. “I’m a little pissed with Jeremy for not coming to change the cat litter and with my mother for letting herself into my flat whenever she pleases.”
To her disliking
her mum had stopped by – again…
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As Tracy entered the living room the smell of Opium drifted from the bathroom; the perfume she bought for Andie on her birthday. “That smells really nice on you.” Tracy shouted. “I know.” Andie responded chirpily, as she glanced through the mirror applying her lipstick. “So, what exciting plans do you have for us tonight?” Andie shouted from her bedroom, “Oh, we’re just going out for a few drinks and a bit of a giggle with this guy I was introduced to, and his friend. Andie paused momentarily. “Are you setting us up on a double date?” “No!” Tracy blurted, “well yes, I just need you to keep his mate occupied, laugh at his jokes a little, a friendly nudge and a wink.” “I guess there’s no harm in that, just as long as he knows I go home alone, this is just a date, only that.” They head out the door, both in high anticipation of the nights events.
I go home
alone, this is just a date, only that…
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INTERIORS
FirePlaces by Zita Savage
Cosy up to this all in one tv and fireplace by Gibson Music. From £7,500. Available at www.gibsonmusic.com.
A revolutionary concept for interior design has risen from a fresh approach to fire with the help of cutting-edge technology. No chimney flue, no installation. Available in a variety of colours and finishes. £1800. www.fcilondon.co.uk
Zeta Fireplace A clever fusion of timber, leather and stainless steel, £8,695. www.misuraemme.com Aspect fireplace £499.00. www.homebase.co.uk
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The Curved Fireplace Grate takes the concept of the traditional fireplace grate and gives it a contemporary twist. £1735. www.misuraemme.com Dec flame Polished Steel Fireplace. John Lewis. £2300. www.johnlewis.com
The visually striking Q is the perfect indoor and outdoor fireplace. Holloways of Ludlow. £6420. www.hollowaysofludlow.com
Modern electric fireplace. £249. Available from www.very.co.uk
The chic and stylish Tower fireplace from £500. Available from www.fcilondon.co.uk
The bubble is a unique and fresh approach to indoor and outdoor fire. Available in a variety of colours and finishes. £900. www.fcilondon.co.uk
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MUST HAVES
Candy Shop by Irene Darko
Spring summer 2010 has seen a return of delicate femininity. A theme that we saw a glimpse of last year. However this spring/ summer there was a plethora of sweet candy floss inspired pallets. Valentino, Burberry and Luella carry the torch for girlish glamour and prove to be our beacon of delight!
Burberry
Valentino
Copyright - Catwalk Pictures
Luella
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A white and pink leopard print
Pale grey snakeskin print pumps,
fabric hairband. Oversized
can wear with anything for instant
fabric by Benoît Missolin. £130.
elevation. These killer heels are a
Available from brownsfashion.com
must have. £635. www.christianlouboutin.
Tutti Fruitti. A touch of fun from Lanvin Swarovski crystal embellished strawberry earrings by Lanvin. £485. www.lanvin.com This figure sculpting paneling and cap sleeves of Fendi’s popping pink cotton-crepe jacket will brighten up a subtle city palette. £930. FENDI. Phone: 020 7838 6288 Look fabulous in Stella McCartney’s multicoloured floral sequin-embellished jacket £2,095. Phone: 020 7518 3100
Alexa leather bag by Mulberry. £695.
Studded lambskin-leather jacket. Soften your
41-42 New Bond Street LONDON W1S 2RY.
urban look with Doma’s cropped-leather biker
Phone: 020 7491 3900
jacket with silver-tone studding £475. www.net-a-porter.com COMPÔNERE MAGAZINE
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FASHION
Naturally Nude by Bianca Swan
Subtle tones of nude, caffe latte, blush and primrose were the chosen colour palette for Spring/Summer 2010. With a strong emphasis on feminity, pastel colours and luxe fabrics this season is a breath of fresh air.
2 Long gone are the heavy, stacked heels of 2009 as we welcome back the elegant, more considered structures. Here we have put together our favourite night time staples which will compliment the prettiest of
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summer wardrobes.
6 4 1
3
1. Elena Strappy Ankle Strap Sandal in nude.
4. Monogram Patent Leather Animania Purse,
£253.00, DKNY.
£205, Louis Vuitton.
2. Snake Chain and Pearl Bracelet, £465, Stella McCartney. 3.Wood Cage Bag, £2225, Stella McCartney. Stella McCartney London 30 Bruton Street
Stockist: 020 7399 4050, www.louisvuitton.com. 5. Lance patent heels, £415, Jimmy Choo Stockist: Jimmy Choo, Choo 24/7 collection. www.jimmychoo.com, 02074935858.
Mayfair
6.Powder leather peep toe bootie,
London W1J 6QR
£910, Sergio Rossi.
Tel: 0207 518 3100
Stockist: 0207 811 5950
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GADGETS
Delectable
The new Harman Kardon GLA-55 Speakers are designed to look as
Objects
good as they sound. These computer speakers are far from something standard and are made to be accepted as a part of your interior. Their uniqueness stands out from other models on the market £749. Available from Apple stores 0800 048 0408 While we may have seen this type of thing before, what makes this Mo Eden extravaganza so memorable is the attempt at creating a watch embedded into a finger ring. The watch’s movement can be chosen from a number of options including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Blancpain, Breitling. Embellished with 142 diamonds, a aquamarine view finder completes the bejewelled wonder. Priced at £8000. www.moedenjewellery.co.uk
Those who overtire themselves through anxiety and strenuous lifestyles so much that they find themselves unable to sleep will be over the moon with lightsleeper; the dreamy gadget which induces drowsiness. The opening in the egg throws a patch of light on the ceiling that moves so as to hypnotize you to sleep. Thankfully you may expect to get relief from insomnia. £125. Available from www.lightsleeper.co.uk We choose the popular Philips Digital Frame. It is the perfect decor for any home. The frame features a fabulous 7” colour display for easy viewing of clock, radio and calendar. You can start your day by listening to your favourite tunes while viewing your beautiful family photos. With an option to set up an alarm your. £69.99. Available from www.play.com
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GADGETS Kodak presents this sleek pocketable design. It is built for easy video recording—there is no lens cap, no dials to turn or fiddly settings to set. Just turn it on and hit record to capture the action, £99.99. www.camerabox.co.uk
We have been eagerly been waiting to get a peak at this revolutionary piece of technology. Much like the iphone, the ipad is a joy to handle. Write emails with ease, flick through websites and photos with those familiar zoom in and out qualities of its sister device. www.apple.com
Ever wanted a phone to look as good as you? This handset is the perfect little accessory that could pass as a clutch at first glance. We have picked the new Samsung Diva folder which is for the lady who likes to be the centre of attention. Designed specifically with women in mind, The Samsung Diva also has a social networking service, SOS message mode and Fake Call, which enables a lady to receive a Fake Call when needed. A dream! £399. www.samsung.co.uk COMPÔNERE MAGAZINE
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DINING OUT
Galvin’s at Windows For a romantic evening this Valentine’s the top floor of the Hilton would be the venue of choice. Galvin’s restaurant located on the 28th floor of the prestigious Hilton Hotel on the famous Park Lane, would be the ideal spot to share a glass of champagne while over looking the amazing view of Hyde Park that Galvin’s has to offer.
Since opening in May 2006 together with Head Chef André Garret, Chef patron Chris Galvin has successfully created seasonally inspired menus based around modern French cuisine. The menu focuses on cooking the best produce in a contemporary style with great panache and elegance, dishes like roast Scottish langoustine with slow-cooked pork belly and fillet of Guernsey sea bass, served with braised fennel. Windows is a superb place for a special occasion, particularly as the food, environment and views are so stunningly spectacular.
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TRAVEL
Marrakech Arabian Nights
Dar Seven Riad
The intoxicating allure of one of the world’s truly exotic places, the authenticity of the Marrakech Medina will be one to remember. The Medina is the old town within the ancient walls; inside these walls are an intoxicating mix of smells, sounds and sights like nothing you will ever experience, so foreign and so different. There is plenty to do, so shop till you drop in the local souk or venture into the famous open square and be entertained by snake charmers and fortune-tellers. Behind an unmarked white door in a winding Medina street lies Dar Seven Riad. Adorned with African Antiquities, pots of olive trees and huge antique doors and a dining table in the open-air courtyard fit for royalty. The cuisine is a mixture of European and Moroccan; enjoy a rooftop breakfast of homemade pancakes and scones or for dinner, delicious Moroccan salads followed by tangine
History of Medina
and couscous in the
This ancient city was built
elegant courtyard. Dar
on wealth of the gold and
Seven Riad gives you a
slave trade for more than
chance to experience
thousands of years, people
a true and authentic
from all over the globe have
fantasy of a romantic
made their way to the city
Arabian night.
to trade gold, ebony spices
From ÂŁ130pp.
pottery and rugs in the famous souks. Riads were the opulent inner city palaces built from the proceeds.
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