FRANK April/May 2019 by The Frank Magazine

FRANK M A G A Z I N E

Issue 01 April - May 2019

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Revitalixir™ Recovery Serum

£70 / €92 | 40ml | www.murad.co.uk

Revives and renews visible signs of stress on the skin Dryness & Dehydration

Wrinkles

Dullness

Eye Puffiness

Dark Circles

is caused by cortisol, which reduces skin’s ability to hold water

include expression lines, enhanced by dehydration

stems from slowed cell renewal and dead skin cell build-up

is caused by the retention of blood and fluid around the eyes

are more prominent because thinner skin enhances the visibilty of poor blood circulation

Revitalixir™: a sphere-infused serum to address stress-induced ageing Advanced ingredients featured in a unique delivery system provide the perfect blend to relax (sphere) and revive (gel) skin. By separating the oil-based spheres and the water-based gel, this has allowed for a more potent, concentrated formula and a higher delivery of actives per use.

Sphere: Relaxes the visible signs of stress on skin Cannabis (hemp seed oil) A vegan source of omegas 3, 6 and 9 help soothe and nourish skin, relieve dryness and visibly minimise wrinkles. Paracress extract This flowering herb helps quickly smooth skin, improve firmness, and deliver a measurable, visible reduction in wrinkles after one use. Hyaluronic acid Holds more water than any other molecule in the body and is necessary to keep collagen hydrated and youthful.

Outer Gel: Revives and renews vibrancy Wild indigo Flowering plant used in Ayurveda that helps quickly calm skin’s stress signals. Also helps visibly reduce under-eye circles and improve skin’s luminosity and tone. Neuropeptide Unique anti-ageing peptide specifically designed to address visible skin wrinkling caused by repetitive facial expressions (expression lines). Caffeine Helps combat the appearance of fatigue and stress on skin, including under-eye puffiness, dullness and a loss of tone. Niacinamide Also known as vitamin B3. Helps refine skin texture, increase radiance and boost cell turnover. Promotes a clearer, more even skin tone.

Did you know? A high stress lifestyle can make you look up to 3.5 years older.*

@MuradSkincareUK

@muradskincareuk

*Based on a clinical study that measured cortisol and its effects on perceived age.

#muradskincareuk

W E

L O V E

Ingenious Beauty

ULTIMATE COLLAGEN Collagen is a protein which supports your skin and cartilage, holds your bones and muscles together, and protects your organs. With three daily capsules, Ingenious Beauty is shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin hydration and elasticity. www.ingeniousbeauty.com

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E D I T O R ' S N O T E

'' There are so many exciting features in this very first edition. We truly hope you enjoy what we have created for you.''

pring is finally upon us and the air is full of possibilities. The winter months have been filled creating FRANK Magazine with my co editor Caroline Beau de Lomenie which thankfully brought us some sunshine.

We have gathered a top-notch team full of vision and ambition and we’re excited to share all the wonders of the life and style of women over forty. In this, our very first Issue, we talk to Fierce Grace Yoga guru Michele Pernetta who created the revolutionary yoga system that suits all ages and fitness levels.

Fashion illustration by Jacqueline Bissett

We hear from Fashion photographer Elisabeth Hoff who turns the tables on herself and becomes the model in ‘Project Fabulous.' First time author Melanie Cantor talks us through ‘Rejection’ and how soul destroying and potentially motivating it can be in her own inimitable style. We look ahead to holidays and pool time with Emma Harrison’s ‘Infinity and Beyond’. Plus we have tested the best boobtastic products for that age revealing décolletage. There is so much more in this our very first issue and we truly hope you get inspired and enjoy what we have created.

In this edition of FRANK... Tony Parsons (top), Elisabeth Hoff (right), celebrity photographer Dave Benett (left).

Melanie Sykes *** An online magazine aimed at women 40+. Speaking openly about women's topics without avoiding any issues. www.thefrankmagazine.com

HOT YOGA www.thefrankmagazine.com www.thefrankmagazine.com

contents

''The Spring season is upon us and it's time to refresh and blow away the cobwebs...''

Cover Model D'arcy Shaw

Fashion Shoot ''Pastel Parade''

Fashion Editor's Spring Pick

Beauty 30 Spring Clean your Skin 32 Shake up your Makeup 36 Decolletage Beauty Buys

Jacqueline Bisset Fashion Illustration

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contents

54 40

Project Fabulous with Elisabeth Hoff

54 Bone Health with Dr Louise Wiseman 60 Michele Pernetta - Interview 66 Hormone Health with Gabriel Peacock 76

Dave Bennet Star Photographer

Getting Personal with Tony Parsons

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Rejection by Melanie Cantor

100

Glenn Close - Portrait of an Icon

94 Are We a 'We' ? what does it mean to be a couple

100 ''Infinity and Beyond'' The best infinity pools around the world

112 Cooking asparagus with Amelia Freer

108

Top of the Peake a motoring special

118 Dear Frank our favourite designer note cards 122 Gadget Page - Earbuds

112

126 Book Review 130 Out of Blue Film Review 132 All About Eve Theatre Review 134 Diane Arbus Exhibition

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132

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T E A M F R A N K

Editor-in-Chief Melanie Sykes

MELANIE

Melanie Sykes was a fashion model before moving into hosting TV and Radio shows. Alongside her presenting work she is now Editor in chief of FRANK magazine. As a woman in her late forties she felt there was a gap in the magazine market for women her age and wanted to rectify that. “I believe it is never too late to try something new and creating and editing FRANK is the perfect project at this stage in my life and something I am relishing."

CAROLINE

"New challenges keep the brain kicking and the heart ticking". After creating a family and running a business for 10 years, Caroline embarks on a new journey with FRANK with the purpose to bring the best possible content for all women who embrace the changes of life.

MILLIE

After 15 years in the tech world Millie now has successful businesses in publishing and social media, delivering original content and design. She says she is excited about helping FRANK to be the magazine of choice for women over 40.

Sub-Editor Caroline Beau De Lomenie Design Director Millie Cooper Beauty Editor Fiona Eustace Fashion Editor Jennifer Michalski-Bray Contributors Dr Louise Wiseman - Bone Health Gabriela Peacock - Nutritionist Shaima Al- Obaidi - Portrait of an Icon Melanie Cantor - Rejection Patricia Cerezo de Paulin- Are We a We? Emma Harrison - Travel Lara Platman- Motoring Amelia Freer - Recipes Eleanor Tattersfield - Book Review Samantha Baines- Film Review Ann Crown - Theatre Review London hello@thefrankmagazine.com International Distribution | FRANK Magazine FREE Subscriptions Worldwide | www.thefrankmagazine.com Free subscriptions may begin at any time throughout the year. You can cancel a a subscription anytime. Copyright © 2019 The Frank Magazine.

COVER TEAM: @thefrank_mag

Nothing from this or any other publications of The FRANK Magazine may be reproduced by letterpress, photo-offset, photocopying, microfilm or any other method whatsoever without the express written consent of the publisher or of the holders of the copyright of the author in question. This publication has been compiled with the greatest care. However, the publishers do not in any way hold themselves liable for any errors that may have arisen.

Photographer Catherine Harbour @catherineharbour Model D'arcy Shaw Models One Fashion Editor & Stylist Jennifer Michalski- Bray Makeup Katrin Rees @katrinrees using Rodial & Tom Ford Hair Vicky Demetriou @vickyhairreinvented using ‘Great Lengths’ tapes

www.thefrankmagazine.com Spring 2019

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C O V E R M O D E L

started modelling in 1988 when I won a Canada-wide modeling contest at the age of 18. My new agency was keen for me to move to Toronto right away, but my Mom insisted that I finish high school first. As usual, she was right. I wouldn’t have been able to go on and study later in life without that education.

I also love to paint and take classes at London Fine Arts Studios in Battersea as well as doing fashion illustration at home. Being an artist wasn’t an option as a real job where I grew up, so it’s wonderful having the chance to pursue a dream I had since I was little.

It’s important for my boys to see their mum I feel that the modelling business has become pursuing a dream and achieving it. much more open to different kinds of beauty Many of my early modelling trips took me to Japan which is wonderful. When I started, there was which had an enormous impact on a young me. I very much a beauty ideal one had to fit into. have finally downloaded an app where I do daily Japanese lessons and I am loving it! I remember being told that I should have the width of my nose reduced and a few other It has been a great pleasure and an honour to be tweaks. I made a pact with my Mom that if I had FRANK’S first cover model. to change anything about my looks that I would quit modeling.

At this time in my life I feel like I am just getting started. Age allows a certain amount of not caring whatother people think and it’s refreshing. I love being creative and I’m always up for trying something new. My attitude is ‘how hard can it be? Let’s give it a go.’ I am currently working with Great Ormond Street on an upcoming fundraiser gala for their new Sight and Sound Hospital. My eldest son is partially sighted and we would have been lost without GOSH in the beginning.

I feel that the modelling business has become much more open to different kinds of beauty which is wonderful. When I started, there was very much a beauty ideal one had to fit into.

D'AR www.thefrankmagazine.com

RCY www.thefrankmagazine.com

S P R I N G

F A S H I O N

The FRANK fashion pages are just in time for spring 2019 with model D'arcy Shaw marching into this season's ''Pastel Parade,'' Fashion Illustrator Jacqueline Bissett shares with us her shape of the season with Prada's ''feminine girly silhouettes,'' & Fashion Editor Jennifer Michalski-Bray favours some ''Missioni Magic.'' www.thefrankmagazine.com

Photographer Catherine Harbour Fashion Editor Jennifer Michalski- Bray

When cool blonde meets warm pastels. D'arcy Shaw radiates spring.

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Dress LK Bennett Coat Cefinn Earrings Latelita London www.thefrankmagazine.com

Jacket Principles available at Debenhams Top Prada Skirt Pretty Dress Company Earrings Latelita London www.thefrankmagazine.com

Jumper ASOS Dress (worn as skirt) Aidan Mattox Shoes LK Bennett Earrings Latelita London Ring Buckley London www.thefrankmagazine.com

Jumper Great Plains Skirt Burberry Earrings Latelita London Ring Latelita London www.thefrankmagazine.com

Suit Principles available at Debenhams Cuff Dinny Hall Ring Dinny Hall Necklaces Kaaren Buchanan www.thefrankmagazine.com

Jumper Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini Skirt ManĂ¨ London Shoes Christian Louboutin Rings Gemporia www.thefrankmagazine.com

THE TEAM: Photographer Catherine Harbour @catherineharbour Model D'arcy Shaw Models One Fashion Editor & Stylist Jennifer Michalski- Bray Makeup Katrin Rees @katrinrees using Rodial & Tom Ford Hair Vicky Demetriou @vickyhairreinvented using ‘Great Lengths’ tapes

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STOCKISTS: Great Plains Burberry Latelita London ASOS Aidan Mattox LK Bennett Buckley London Cefinn Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini Manè London Christian Louboutin Gemporia Principles available at Debenhams Prada Pretty Dress Company Dinny Hall Kaaren Buchanan 23

F A S H I O N P I C K

It's a Spring Thing

Fashion Editor & Stylist Jennifer Michalski-Bray www.thefrankmagazine.com

'' This Missoni dress has a classic and flattering silhouette. It's woven with a hint of shimmering metallic thread proving to be an eye catching piece for any occasion. It can be effortlessly taken from daytime with a pair of nude sandals and a tote to evening teamed with silver strappy heels and a clutch.

@jennifer.michalski.bray.style

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JACQUELINE BISSETT

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Miucciu Prada’s spring /summer ‘19 collection was accessorised with 1960’ style padded head bands, some were finished with contrast studs and Handbags, teamed up with Mary Jane mules and butterfly sunglasses. “ I love these feminine girly silhouettes with peep hole sweaters and full satin skirts.” Jacqueline Bissett - Fashion Illustrator

Photo: Monica Feudi / Indigital.tv

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B E A U T Y

BEAUTY

Spring Clean your skin and get that peachy glow with Beauty Editor Fiona Eustace, Check out the latest stand out lotions and potions for youthful boobs and dĂŠcolletage, & We know Vitamin C combats colds, but did you know how vital it is for your skin? Murad has it covered. www.thefrankmagazine.com

BEAUTY

EDIT

Spring Clean your Skin After the beating your skin endured throughout the winter months from the cold weather and the heat from our homes, it’s time to give it some love and attention.

To get that Spring glow you need to nourish your skin with healthy ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid. This is key in reducing fine lines and wrinkles and retaining moisture in the skin, which creates a plumping effect and Skincare is essential. If you want your can be found in many of the beauty products makeup to look and feel amazing you must I have chosen for you. take the time to look after your biggest organ and drink plenty of water. Whether you’re having pamper time in the bath, or looking for a quick beauty fix, there When the skin is protected and hydrated, is a mask for every occasion, providing your increased skin cell production can take place skin with that extra bit of tender loving care. as the skin isn't busy fighting for hydration. This leads to smoother and plumper skin cells. Beauty Editor Fiona Eustace

Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask £36 This 10 minute mask from Ren will cleanse your pores leaving your skin looking radiant. Using all natural fruit derived acids it will lighten hyperpigmentation and smooth skin texture reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This is a fantastic mask for people who like to feel a little tingle to their skin and see instant results. We all like the sound of that, don't we? www.renskincare.com

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Sarah Chapman Skinesis 3D moisture infusion ÂŁ43.00 for four As a makeup artist in the entertainment industry I love products that are easy to use, pack a punch and provide quick results. I always have sheet masks in my kit for those reasons. The one I use on my celebrity clients before a shoot or red carpet event is the Sarah Chapman Skinesis 3D moisture infusion mask. This mask soothes the skin and hydrates for that instant all round glow. Full of ingredients such as rose water, hyaluronic acid, zinc, copper and magnesium. You can be sure your skin will be look red carpet ready in a flash. www.sarahchapman.com

Sisley Black Rose cream mask ÂŁ111.00 When it comes to luxury Sisley Black Rose cream mask is hard to beat. Reducing the signs of fatigue and exhaustion, this powerful 10 minute mask will turn back the years. ''Can I see your ID madam''? With it's beautiful light fragrance and powerful plumping power your skin will feel hydrated. It's easy to apply and to remove just gently wipe away the excess. A perfect accompaniment for a long soak in a bubble bath. Go on, lie back and relax, you deserve it. www. sisley-paris.com

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Arbonne CC Cream ÂŁ34 A lightweight makeup that has the power to cover blemishes and even out your skin tone whilst still allowing your natural skin to shine through. If you tend to have oily skin they also do a matt version with an added SPF. www. arbonne.com

Shake up your Makeup with Beauty Editor Fiona Eustace

Lancome Iconic Hypnose ÂŁ25.50 Make those eyes pop with a sweep of black mascara. This thinner brush allows you to build up volume without clumps, perfect if you want to add a bit of drama to a softer makeup look. www.lancome.co.uk

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Too Faced Sugar Peach Wet and Dry Face and Eye Palette £34 I cannot get enough of this beautiful palette of peach colours. Perfect for all skin tones. You can use this dry for a soft finish or add a spritz of water for a more intense highlighter. www.toofaced.com

Suqqu Framing eyebrow liquid pen £22 Who doesn't want the perfect brow? However you like to wear yours this liquid pen will not disappoint. With the finest nib to allow precision you can draw individual hairs with ease. Water and oil resistant your brows will last from morning to night. www. selfridges.com

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick Devoted to Chilli £17.50 Pucker up ladies. Bright lips were all over the S/S19 catwalks. Keep yours modern with a stained finish. Dab the bullet on to your lips or apply using your fingertips to keep the look soft and blended. This matte weightless lipstick is divine. You will be sure to find a shade that suits any skin tone across their whole range. www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Please get in touch with any beauty questions fionaeustacemakeup@gmail.com @fionaeustace www.thefrankmagazine.com

Reader's Review

Murad Environmental Shield Brightens dullness and reduces pigmentation for more radiant skin.

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fter fighting the common cold for years Vitamin C has now been outed for its positive effects on the skin. Who knew? Enter Murad’s environmental shield line. The Essential-C Daily Renewal Complex delivers a maximum dose of the vitamin to protect and repair skin. The anti-aging effects are amplified by their patented Skin Repair System to improve skin elasticity, stimulate collagen synthesis, improve skin clarity and provide powerful antioxidant protection.

Murad’s Essential-C Daily Renewal Complex and their patented Skin Repair System will give visible results after just one application - fine lines appear immediately reduced by up to 17%. Used regularly, the signs of photo damage can be reduced by 46% in four weeks. A must have for a reformed sun worshipper like me. Murad’s Environmental Shield® Overnight detox moisturiser repairs skin and boosts its natural defense and helps renew and improve natural skin radiance. It fades age spots and other unwanted pigmentation and it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Murad’s Essential-C Toner balances, hydrates and prepares the skin for the day ahead. Most importantly, it strengthens the skin’s natural defenses. Perfect for daily use and city living. Since entering my 40´s anti ageing products have become a mainstay in my daily skincare routine. Fr me this range is a no brainer. Personal Assistant - Poppy Evans

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DĂŠcolletage Beauty Buys Sisley Revive Murad Emma Hardie this works mio skincare veneffect

The skin of the neck and chest are sensitive and thin compared to other parts of the body. Combine that with gravity and the constant looking down over your mobile or screens plus sun exposure, it's an area at risk of fine lines and sagging. The dĂŠcolletage, the delicate area from the chin to the chest is one of the first places to reveal signs of ageing and perhaps the most noticeable and in some cases more ageing than the hands. For the winter months this area has been swathed with scarves and covered with polo necks but its time to peel off and start getting ready for warmer times and lower necklines.

We've rounded up our stand out moisturisers, serums, and creams that will help your skin become smoother and firmer.

Sisley Neck Cream: The Enriched Formula Revitalise the neck area with Sisley Neck Cream ÂŁ116 This skincare treatment is designed to help combat the signs of ageing that particularly affect the area of the skin around the neck. This cream can help skin look firmer and more toned; with prolonged use, the delicate neck skin will be contoured and re-shaped for a smoother, more even complexion.

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RéVive Skincare Fermitif neck renewal cream £105 With broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen. This luxurious rose-scented cream is designed to renew skin on the neck and décolletage while protecting from the harshness of sun.

Murad Rejuvenating Lift For Neck & Décolleté £59 This is an anti-ageing treatment that rapidly firms, smooths and reduces the appearance of wrinkles on the neck and décolletage. It has a patented formula that increases skin firmness by 42% after one application, evens skin tone and smooths skin texture, reducing the appearance of thin, crepey skin and wrinkles.

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this works Perfect Cleavage Firming Lotion £38 This product harnesses the powers of bioactive natural ingredients and essential oils. The fluid formula delivers targeted lifting action with Marine-based Algae and extracts of Larch, Comfrey Root and Rose essence working to stimulate cellular renewal for a tightening effect, while Hyaluronic Acid provides intensive moisture.

VENeffect Firming Neck and Décolleté Creme £124 A targeted treatment formulation that addresses the delicate and vulnerable skin of the neck and décolletage. This rich ultra-hydrating emulsion, infused with a proprietary blend of ingredients, reduces lines and deep wrinkles while dramatically enhancing elasticity for younger, brighter skin.

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Mio Skincare Mio Skincare Boob Tube + Multi-Action Bust Cream £29 This brilliant skin loving treatment visibly transforms and improves the appearance of delicate skin. The fast absorbing cream should be applied in the region between the chin and boobs, an area usually exposed to the sun and where elasticity is often lacking.

Emma Hardie Lift & Sculpt, Firming Neck Treatment £65 A rich, hydrating, collagen boosting serum to help lift, sculpt, firm and tighten the skin on the neck and décolletage. It is combined with a unique roller applicator for a targeted lifting effect, that helps to cool, tighten and firm the neck and décolletage. It contains patented Liftonin®-Xpert that helps to boost collagen, and Neodermyl® "needle free" collagen and elastin filler that helps to improve skin density and firmness. A rich omega 3,6 and 9 complex of Inca Inchi Oil and Raspberry Seed Oil helps to provide protection and retains moisture, as well as moisture-locking Hyaluronic Acid which leaves the skin looking conditioned, hydrated, firmer and plumper.

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F R A N K

I N T E R V I E W

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beautiful Young People are accidents of nature, but beautiful older people are works of art'' Eleanor Roosevelt

All Photography Eva Schwank

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Project Fabulous Elisabeth Hoff Photographer

How long have you been a photographer shooting models? 20 years unbelievably! Every day has been a privilege . Even the days that have been long and tiring or I’ve had a very difficult client/issue to deal with. It took me a while to find photography. I started dabbling at 26. Before that I had studied Marine Biology, tried to row across the Atlantic, and had a series of jobs I knew were not right for me. I was searching for something I was passionate about and all the searching gave me valuable perspective. Even the worst day as a photographer is better than any other job I’ve ever had. This has made me remain grateful for every opportunity that has come my way. I’m also a director of moving image now, which is equally as brilliant. What is the appeal for you of shooting fabulous women and making them look amazing?

How has it made you feel personally, always making others look their best? I get a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction from shooting women looking their best. It unlocks a new world for them. Last week I had two subjects who cried when they looked at the images of themselves because they saw beauty they had never seen before in the pictures. That is powerful. It made them look at themselves differently. It’s amazing to be able to give that gift to someone.

I’ve always loved confident, sexy, empowered women. I believe we have a choice to be what e want to be and I think women need to embrace Why did you decide to take on ‘Project the strength of that choice more often. We are Fabulous? Was there a light bulb moment? most of us conditioned to please others before ourselves. This can come with compromise, and The light bulb moment for me was whilst I was a sense of apologising for who we are and what on set with Davina McCall. I was totally in awe of we truly want. I think the main appeal for me was how amazing she looked. She was in incredible realising how valuable and transformative it is shape, over 50 now and was on set owning her for women to see themselves as their best identity and her age. Not apologising for version. I have realised over time that it’s not all anything. I felt like she was letting herself shine. about what you look like but very much how you No input from me, which is very unusual. It feel. If I can get my subject in the right mental triggered the thought, Can I do that? The slight state, we can get amazing pictures whoever she niggling frustration of not being in my best is. The camera captures that inner feeling of shape, or feeling as confident as I could, has been confidence if you manage to project it. I realised with me for years. It’s not like I haven’t tried to that I was good at getting my subjects to relax, unlock that side of myself before. I have always enjoy the process and present their best selves. in the past held back a bit. I have never been able I have come to believe that virtually anyone can to justify the effort and time that might be look great in front of the camera if they are in the needed to get there. I’ve never truly let my full right mental state. It’s addictive. I would love to potential as a confident, fabulous, sexy woman give more women that power and self be released. confidence. 41 www.thefrankmagazine.com

I’m also getting older. I’m going to be 47 this year so I thought if I don’t do it now it’s never going to happen. Can I do what I ask my models to do? Can I do a Davina? Why am I holding myself back? I know all the theory. I talk a great game to everyone I work with. Why am I not making it a reality for myself?

would be much more likely to succeed. So I decided to hire a nutritionist. That is when I found the fantastic Stephanie Webster who runs a company specialising in weight loss called Urban Health. In short, I found a coach, together we made a plan, and I committed to a goal. What was my goal? To do a shoot and be the same size as Elle Macpherson. In fact I called it the ‘Elle plan’ to start off with. I was going to get from 24% body fat to 18% in 4 months and I was going to do a photoshoot. I booked the shoot, created a plan together with Stephanie that could work for me and I got cracking.

It also struck me that it would be a great experience for me on my journey as a photographer. Part of me felt I could justify the indulgence of it if I saw it as an experiment for my career. Would I gain more empathy for what I expect my models to do? Would I be a better photographer? A happier version of myself? What was really involved in achieving What did your husband and family think of your that mental state and that model look and size? challenge? Could I fulfill my true potential in that area? I have a husband and two boys, who know I love a Project Fabulous was born. I decided to get in the challenge especially if it involves being fit and best shape ever, and model in a shoot myself. Why healthy. I’ve done some extreme fitness challenges not? I decided to stop judging myself for wanting in the past like Tuff Mudder and I did try to be the to feel and look the best I could. Could I allow first woman to row solo across the Atlantic (but that myself to be truly and utterly unapologetically is a whole different story!) Somehow I felt this one fabulous? I want it for everyone else, so why not was a bit vain so I did not tell my husband at first. for me? I told him I wanted to loose some weight and had hired a nutritionist. How did you start on the journey, who did you get in touch with to help? Then a week into my plan, he spotted my ‘Elle Macpherson in a swimsuit’ screensaver on my iPhone Right after the Davina shoot I was listening to a so I told him whilst feeling slightly embarrassed, podcast about personality types. The expert was that I was doing a personal challenge that would talking about how we all fall into different involve me modelling in a shoot. Elle Macpherson personality categories. I identified with the people was my chosen role model. I was going for a body pleaser, in fact about 70% of women fall into this like hers. A goal needs some visual ammunition. I category. The expert made one thing very clear, if have long slim legs and although not as tall as Elle, you are a people pleaser and want to achieve a goal have an athletic shape. for yourself, you have to make someone else accountable for it. Why? My body had Elle potential. I thought it made sense to use her as my Everest, that should be conquered. Because we are hard wired to please other people And surprise, surprise my husband thought it was before ourselves. This was a breakthrough great fun and supported me the whole way while realisation for me. I’ve always seen myself as strong making it very clear he couldn’t wait to share his and independent. With that identity, I have always bed with a supermodel. tried to do most things by myself. I realised I needed to get other people involved. If I had a coach I

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''It’s much easier to look great when you are in your 20’s as you can get away with some pretty awful lifestyle choices. That doesn’t happen when you are over 40. Staying in shape is an art form - it needs commitment.”

''I’m going to be 47 this year so I felt if I don’t do it now it’s never going to happen. Can I do what I ask my models to do? Can I do a Davina? Why am I holding myself back? I know all the theory. I talk a great game to everyone I work with. Why am I not making it a reality for myself?”

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Talk us through the ‘Elle’ plan? Exercise: Stephanie wanted me to exceed 15000 steps a day, but I realised pretty fast this was unrealistic for me so I committed to over 10 000 a day. My aim was also to work out 5 times a week, 3 of them with heavy weights. I do Cross-fit, so that ticked that box. You have to build muscle to get toned and burn fat. The weights are needed to build strength and achieve a lean, strong look. I also did some yoga, and occasionally would go for a run. Every Sunday I would put my workouts in my diary and commit to them. I walked to all my meetings. My office is in Paddington. I would usually take my scooter or the tube to meetings before. I started to walk...everywhere. It only takes 35 minutes to walk from Paddington to Soho. It would take me 20 minutes on the tube, and of course cost me the fare. Now I was racking up steps and saving money. That is what I call a win, win! It’s a mind set. When Stephanie said I needed to get that many steps in a day, my initial reaction was I don’t have time for that, but it is amazing how when something becomes a priority, you can make it happen. Food: The food plan was simple really. Use the My Fitness Pal app to log everything. And log your food before you eat it - not after. Which of course makes total sense. How can you control your intake and portion sizes if you log it after you’ve eaten it? And drinks LOTS of water. At least 3 litres a day. Every day. For the first two weeks I was logging my days intake of food the day before as well. This forced me to know exactly what I was eating, the macros in my food, and taught me a control of my intake I have never had. The macros Stephanie gave me were as follows: 57g carbs 50g fat 132g protein This equated to 1205 kcal pr day. Yes not a lot! I was allowed to go up to 1400 kcal a day if needed. And I did wonder if this was doable to start off. A typical days food looked like this: Breakfast: Egg-white omelette of 4 egg whites, 1/4 large avocado, 6 cherry tomatoes, 3 fried mushrooms using 5g coconut oil. Tea with non-sweetened almond milk. I might have a black coffee sometimes too. Mid morning: Vegan protein smoothie: 200 ml unsweetened almond milk, a handful of spinach and 30g vegan protein blend ( I like the Free Soul blend for women - either chocolate of vanilla flavour) Lunch: Prawns, lentils and salad with a small amount of vinaigrette Mid afternoon: another smoothie Dinner: Fish with vegetables of some sort, and 30g beans or a teeny potato, a desert spoon of rice (yes hardly any carbs at all) Before bed treat: Hot unsweetened almond milk, mixed with a large teaspoon unsweetened, organic coco powder mixed with a few teaspoons of monk fruit sweetener - this gave me a small treat at the end of the day and made it easier for me to keep on track. Supplements: Every day: 3 x Probiotics, 2x Omnium multivitamins with breakfast, 9 x Udos Choice Ultimate Oil Blend capsules every day. I would have 5 at breakfast and 4 at dinner. www.thefrankmagazine.com

How did the process make you feel? How hard or mental space again. The 80/20 rule applies, as long easy did you find it? as you are doing the plan 80% of the time, you will make progress. The first few days were easy as the motivation was high. But with the steps and the workouts the calorie I realised very quickly it was all about having a plan deficit was definitely not one that I was used to. It and sticking to it. This in turn creates habits. Habits was very clear that the amount of carbs I had been need perseverance to form but once in place it makes eating was way more than the plan. So after the first everything much simpler because we do not need few days the following 2 weeks were quite to think about what we are doing. At that point it challenging - strangely enough I was hungry a lot all becomes much easier. I know everyone is different of the time. However, Stephanie made me create but within 2 weeks my body and mind seemed to my own motivational playlist. She also made me adjust to the changes. It felt normal. write down a list of reasons why I was doing the challenge and what it would mean to me to reach I can now have my egg white omelette breakfast the goal. She checked in on me every day to see and feel totally satisfied. At the beginning the how I was doing and reminded me to play my music breakfast left me feeling like... eh..what’s for the and revisit my reasons for taking on the project. main course? No carbs? It’s not going to keep me This kept me going and then things started to click. going. I think not having carbs in the morning is It didn’t feel so hard anymore. My body started to actually a very powerful reset for the body. It get used to the new regime. It was amazing. I could stabilises the blood sugar levels and in the long run also see that I was making progress. Within a couple means it’s much easier to loose weight. of weeks I was looking so much better and within a month I could see abs appearing. I haven’t had Now 6 months on, I have not put the weight back ab definition since I was a teenager So that was on even though my macros are relaxed. I’m up to pretty exciting! about 1600-1800 calories a day but actually most days I don’t measure them. I just try to stick to the With the support, I actually kept pretty much on same type of meals and portion size that I was having track and was much more disciplined than I thought on the plan most of the time. My carbs are still very I would be. However, I did not manage to stick to low, I don’t have any sugar really and once or twice it 100% of the time (I like an occasional vodka). week I have a treat, which is usually alcohol as I’d One thing that age has taught me is not to be so much rather have a drink than a dessert. I am also hard on myself. If I got side-tracked, I would just rather partial to salted nuts which are a complete get right back on the plan. Sometimes breaking the calorie bomb and also highly addictive but I seem divergence by going out for half an hour walk or to be getting away with hitting them occasionally sitting down to meditate got me into a positive now that I am maintaining.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;It struck me that this project would be a great experience for me on my journey as a photographer. Part of me felt I could justify the indulgence of it if I saw it as an experiment for my career. Would I gain more empathy for what I expect my models to do? Would I be a better photographer? â&#x20AC;&#x153;

What emotions did it throw up? Now that is a very interesting question! It quickly became very clear that the food I eat and my emotions were intimately linked. Now that I could not eat my way out of my feelings, I had to deal with them. So both my husband and Stephanie got a regular earful of what was going on. There were areas that needed to be discussed and emotions that needed clarifying and expressed. In some ways I feel the 4.5 kgs that I lost represent some neglected emotional baggage that needed releasing. I realised that I have in the past not always communicated my needs clearly enough which sometimes has led me to eating my way out of unresolved situations rather than having the necessary communication that was needed to resolve them. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster but there is no doubt that I have moved forward positively and as well as shifting the weight I’ve manage to get unstuck emotionally in several areas in my life and relationships. I also believe I am a better connector now. I feel more grateful, I feel better equipped as a mother for some reason. I have more patience. Feeling good about myself physically has for me had a very powerful positive effect on the rest of my life. Probably because I’m more confident but it is also very empowering feeling in control. I feel like I have mastered this area of my life and with it I have become more in tune to my needs as a human being. I am now trying to get those needs met rather than neglect them. I have more mental space and am so grateful for every new day. It sounds very cheesy but this day is never coming back. I intend to make the most of it! When it was time for the shoot you were physically ready but were you mentally ready? I was definitely nervous on the day. I had to work on batting away that inner voice that was saying this is a vain, self indulgent project. It’s also easy to start worrying about what other people think when you are not used to standing in heals and a bikini under the lights in a studio. Everyone was there for me and that felt a bit weird too. I’m not used to be the centre of attention like that. But I was also excited. I mean, one of the reasons I am a photographer is because as a child I loved the glamour of fashion and thought the life of a model on photoshoots must be just amazing. If I’m totally honest with myself it’s something I probably have been wanting to do for years so it was kind of cool that I was making it happen. I had to be ok with that for me to enjoy it, so I decided to really try to embrace it. The team were amazing. They could not have been more supportive. They were all so positive and didn’t once make me feel like I should not be there. However, it was still a massive step out of my comfort zone in front of an audience. Who did you choose to take the pictures and why? How important was the team in making you feel confident? I chose to use one of my old assistants Eva Schwank to take the photos. She is now an accomplished photographer and we have known and worked with each-other for years. She also knows how I work and she is a lovely, easy person to have around. As soon as I set myself the photoshoot challenge I knew Eva was the one. I styled the shoot myself but with hindsight I think that was a mistake. I think I should have gone all out and got a stylist. The results might have been even better if I’d have done that. Everyone has a role on set for a reason. It would have been one less thing for me to worry about too. I used a small team that I am very familiar with and trust. My makeup artist was Ruby Hammer and the hairdresser was Heath Massi. I regularly work with them and get along with them on both a personal and professional level. I trust them and felt so lucky that they were up for it. I knew they would do an amazing job but most importantly I knew they would not make me feel uncomfortable. I also had my two assistants Emma and Lyn on set with me for support and encouragement. Stephanie also popped in and measured me on the day and amazingly I had hit the 18% goal. Proof of how powerful a goal really can be! www.thefrankmagazine.com

How was the experience? During the shot where I was wearing a bikini and jacket, I could feel myself becoming self conscious. Ruby mentioned that I should try to let go of the hesitation which I know was showing on my face. I realised then, that if I did not relax and own it, there was a chance that all the effort I had gone to, could be wasted, so I decided to embrace the experience as a performance. I channelled the model in me, something clicked and I started to have fun. Ultimately it’s about one own’s internal mental state. If you can manage to get to a place of personal bulletproof confidence, people can say anything they like, it doesn’t sink in. We create our own reality. I could have stood there in a swimsuit thinking about the fact that I have pretty small boobs, I don’t look anything like Elle Mcpherson, I have had 2 kids and my stomach is not quite as smooth as it used to be or I can accept and celebrate what I’ve got and who I am. I managed to get there I think and it’s a mental space that I intend to stay in for the rest of my life. We all grow old. Nobody is perfect. We have to work with what we have been given and where we are in life. I’m not going to apologise for being the age I am, not now and I hope not ever. Every day is a gift worth celebrating and we can choose to make every day mean something. We can connect to someone every day and can show love and appreciation to ourselves and the world. For some reason the experience has made me cherish the potential of life and how lucky we are to be here more than ever before. How do you feel about the photographs? Can you actually see past the work you put in and just see them as beautiful shots of you? I am a total perfectionist, so there are things I would change and do differently if I were to do the shoot again, but yes, I think I can see them for what they are. I think I look pretty good. I’m pleased I’ve captured myself looking like this. I’m not sure I’ve completely nailed the serious model face but I am proud of the end results. I’m never going to look like Elle Macpherson, but that is ok. I look like me and I think this is about as close to the best version of me that I am going to get at this stage in my life. The funny thing is that I posted one of the shots on Instagram and it got more likes and comments than any of my other images. This includes ones of celebrities and campaigns I’ve shot, shots that I thought deserved a lot of likes. That was an unexpected surprise. I showed my vulnerability and all I got back was support and love.

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Having put yourself in front of the camera do you think it has changed you behind the camera? Absolutely! Firstly I never realised how hard it was to wear stilettos! I will have much more empathy for that. My feet were not used to it and the shoes were high. I think I’ve judged girls in the past who needed a ‘high heel break’ as being unfit. I now know that is not the case. Modelling is also an art form and a performance. A great model is aware of every part of her body during a shoot. She needs to be aware of every limb at every angle. She also knows what works for her unique look and body shape. It’s a complete myth that models just stand around and look beautiful. The greats work very hard at it, both on and off set. They have to be in their best shape all the time and know how to turn it on and give an amazing performance. I respect that. Linda deserved her 10 000 dollars a day! I believe I already had a lot of empathy for my models but now I really know what it feels like and let’s not forget I was in control of the environment I was doing my shoot in. Most models don’t have that privilege. It made me realise how brave and confident models have to really be. I also shoot a lot of ‘real women’ models, so it was crucial that I put myself in the shoes of someone who had little experience on that side of the lens. The key thing I learnt was how to let go and enjoy the process but also that to look like a model you have to be in control of your eating habits and therefore also your emotions. It’s a lifestyle choice not just a job. I also think older models need more credit. It’s much easier to look great when you are in your 20’s as you can get away with some pretty awful lifestyle choices. That doesn’t happen when you are over 40. Staying in shape is an art form. It needs commitment and I now know its worth the effort. I love getting up and feeling fit and healthy and my new size makes it so much easier to get dressed it the morning. Clothes look better on me and my day starts off more positively than ever before.There is no doubt that being able to look at the pictures and see myself in this light has given me a huge amount of confidence. Project Fabulous delivered what it was intended to. I do feel more fabulous! I hope that sharing this story will help other women take on their version of ‘Project fabulous’ and unapologetically find the best versions of themselves and with it the confidence and happiness that I have found.

For more info go to www.urbanhealthsystem. com www.thefrankmagazine.com

"There is no doubt that being able to look at the pictures and see myself in this light has given me a huge amount of confidence. Project Fabulous delivered what it intended to. I do feel more fabulous!"

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

BREATHE IT'S FREE

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NO SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET A GUIDE TO FEMALE BONE HEALTH Dr Louise Wiseman

We love our skin. We spend hours comparing it with others, nurturing it, feeding it with lotions and potions. When we look for recognition, beauty or health we are looking at skin, neglecting the bones that lie beneath. As after women, menopause the natural means decline we are in at oestrogen higher risk after of menopause developing means osteoporosis, we are aatcondition higher risk where of developing bones are thinned osteoporosis, and may a condition fracture where bones are thinned and may fracture with minimal What with minimal trauma. What does this mean for those of ustrauma. with younger does for of us with younger bones and why is it so bonesthis andmean why is it those so important to make changes now? important to make changes now?

Bones are dynamic powerhouses with aa complex system of cells regenerating, regenerating, remodelling themselves. They thrive on our our movement that literally jolts them into action. action. Astronaut studies are a massive insight into into what lack of so of gravity gravityand andmotion motiondo dototobone, bones, dancing is far from frivolous to our frame. so dancing is far from frivolous to our frame. Turn the dial back to your teens. There is aasurge surge of mineralisation (bone laid down and and strengthened) from age twelve in girls, girls, fourteen in boys, when the body needs more more

Your bone health What you do every day can literally drain or replenish your 206 bones. You cannot change your genetics but you You cannot can show change your your bones genetics some nurturing but you can love. show your bones some nurturing love. We get to our 30s We getthere and to our 30s will and bethere nowill new be no new mineralisation mineralisation of our bones of ourand bones we and we have to have maketo the make verythe best very of what best of what we have!we have! That’s it honey, no going back! You eat well, keep fit and think your bones are in good shape? How about we get them even better?

calcium and and activity activity against against gravity gravity to to jolt jolt the the calcium cells to to grow grow bone bone as asstrong strongas aspossible. possible. IfIfyou you cells have teens teens in in your your life, life, surgically surgically attached attached to to have their screens, screens, they theyneed needto toget getup upand andbe beactive active their forat atleast leastan anhour hourevery everyday dayduring duringthese theseyears years for or their their bones bones will will never never meet meet their their full full or potential. Our sofa ensconced lifestyle as potential. Our sofa lifestyleWe as adults is now similar, adults is bound now similar. are obsessed with obsessed with how much exercise are wenow do. how much exercise we do but scientists Scientists over are concerned oursedentary ‘box set concerned our ‘box setover loving’ loving’ sedentary lifestyle the bouts lifestyle between the boutsbetween of exercise. of exercise.

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Dr Louise Wiseman

‘Bone drainers’ Lifestyle NO SKELETONS

IN THE CLOSET slows down bone building cells (osteoblasts) almost doubling the risk of ASmoking GUIDE FEMALE BONE HEALTH osteoporosis! TimeTO recovering from fractures is slower because smoking constricts the Dr Louise Wiseman blood vessels supplying bone. Excessive alcohol reduces the ability of the bone to remodel (plus you might fall over but that’s another story). We love our skin. We spend hours comparing it with others, nurturing Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee (effects notand seenpotions. in tea) and caffeinated fizzy drinks it, feeding it with lotions When we look for recognition, may reduce calcium absorption. milk taken with coffee willneglecting help balance andthat we lie beauty or The health we are looking at skin, thethis bones know there are many benefits to after a cupmenopause of java so everything moderation. beneath. means wein are at higher risk of developing Underweight women are at risk. After the menopause a large source of ourand oestrogen is osteoporosis, a condition where bones are thinned may fracture from fat so being underweight does not do bones favours. Oestrogen keeps with minimal trauma. Whatany does this mean for those of us our withbones younger strong. We know aboutbones choosing between our derriere and our face but now we and why is it so important to make changes now? have to add bones into the mix!? Being very overweight increases the power of falls and stresses our joints. Bones are dynamic powerhouses a nutrient calcium and activity against to halt jolt the Women who excessively exercise andwith reduce intake may find theirgravity periods complex system cells regenerating, and oestrogen fallsof prematurely and bones cancells thin.to grow bone as strong as possible. If you remodelling They thrive on our havecancer teens treatments, in your life, some surgically attached to Medicines -themselves. long term steroids, hormonal breast antiepileptic movement that literally jolts them into action. their screens, they need to get up and active medicines and other meds can put you more at risk. This is not however a reason tobe stop Astronaut studies areyour a massive insight into for at least an hour every day during these years them! Discuss with doctor methods of bone protection. what lack of gravity and motion do to bone, so or their bones never meet their Early menopause - important to discuss bone protection with yourwill doctor and whether HRT full dancing far from are frivolous to our for frame. potential. or otherismethods appropriate you in protecting your bone against the early decline Our sofa bound lifestyle as adults is now similar, in oestrogen. Turn the dialAback to your teens. There is a surge obsessed exercise Inactivity screen driven lifestyle means we are movingwith less. how Evenmuch after 30 minuteswe of do. ofsitting mineralisation (bone laidimmunity down and and metabolism Scientists are our occur ‘box set our bones, circulation, may concerned suffer. This over does not strengthened) from age twelve in girls, loving’ sedentary lifestyle between the bouts while sleeping! Future medicine will tell us more- for now move your bones at least hourly. fourteen in desks’ boys, when the body needs more as of we exercise. ‘Standing in offices will be invaluable anchor ourselves electronically into

W this virtual world.

‘Bone replenishers’ Nutrition

Your bone health

What you do every day taken can literally All nutrients are best from your plate not a bottle. If you feel your diet is inadequate drain or replenish your 206 bones. it is worth talking to your doctor to see if supplements are needed. Simply taking You cannot change your genetics supplements may be wasting money on something that your body will remove in waste or but yourharm bones some in you fact can mayshow do more than good if your doctor has not recommended it. nurturing love. Calcium We get to 30ssource and there will be Check if any non-dairy milks are fortified with calcium. Dairy is aour great of calcium. no(Non newdairy mineralisation ofhave our bones milks do not the iodine content of cow’s milk. Low iodine can be detrimental and we have to make the very best to the developing foetal brain, and iodine is essential for thyroid health in all of us. So if ofexclusive what we non-dairy have! is your thing ensure you have iodine in your food e.g. white fish, eggs, nuts, meats and breads). Check for added sugars in such milks and their salt content. Excess That’s it honey, going back! You Try adding garlic, spices and herbs to food instead of salt can reduceno calcium absorption. eat keep fit and think your saltwell, when cooking. Green leafy veg, fish including tinned, almonds, sesame seeds, tahini, bones are in good shape? Howbreads all pack a healthy calcium punch. Beware spinach, chickpeas, other pulses, fortified about getbeans, them even driedwe fruit, seedbetter? and nuts have oxalates or phytates- chemicals that reduce how much calcium your body can absorb so have plenty of other calcium rich foods with these beauties. Dr Louise Wiseman www.thefrankmagazine.com

Vitamin D is needed to absorb the calcium from our food. We cannot obtain enough from diet alone (eggs, oily fish, fortified cereals/spreads) and 15 minutes in the UK warmer months spent outside (before we apply sunscreen) theoretically manufactures enough in your skin. If you are dark skinned/elderly your needs may be more. Supplementing in the winter months with the recommended dose after discussing with your doctor may be the way forward and in some cases year round. Care should be taken to adhere to the recommended dose because vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and does not just get peed out if you take excess over a long period. Vitamin C and Protein is needed to build collagen (like scaffolding within bones and joints). Get vitamin C from vegetables and fruit, protein from meat, fish, beans, pulses and so on. Thoroughly chew your protein to aid digestion. Magnesium is a major component of bones and helps the body use calcium but its role is not entirely clear. Wholegrains, fruits, veggies, nuts, dairy and seafood should all give you the essential minerals needed for your bones.

If you were my best friend this is what I would tell you. Activity has a huge effect on bone health. You will thank me for it. You will never regret optimising your exercise schedule before or after menopause. Exercise If you were my best friend this is what I would tell you. Activity has a huge effect on bone health. You will thank me for it. You will never regret optimising your exercise schedule before or after menopause. Tailor it to you. If you are already very fit and active, you need to do a variety of impact exercises – ideally ‘50 impacts a day’ so gravity working in different planes on your body. This can range from brisk walking (great for the spine) to jumping around in a class. Strength training is best for hips. If you are more worried and less fit, try a gentler approach. Walking less fast, for longer, may be key. Yoga has shown benefits on bone density in some studies but more importantly may improve strength and stability to prevent falls. A brisk walk to yoga class and you are winning! Swimming and cycling don’t show direct improvements on bone density (no gravity) but new techniques of looking at bone might suggest other bone benefitsthat is more future science. Let’s not forget dancing- random movement and bounce, the effect on your body creates a stronger heart, muscles and bones. What’s not to love? Dance while the tea is brewing…make like a Mamma Mia extra! From all of my work one message is clear; ''Keep your muscles strong''. They will naturally decline with age and it is one way of keeping us super active, healthier and energetic as the years pass.

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How will you know if you have bone thinning?

NO SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET Asadly GUIDE TO FEMALE BONE HEALTH You might not. Osteoporosis is the ‘silent with either ‘normal’ bones, osteopenia (less epidemic’. You may not realise until you are severe bone thinning) osteoporosis Dr or Louise Wiseman (more lying in a hospital bed with a fracture and the severe). The ‘honeycomb’ pattern inside bone doctor tells you they suspect bone is more empty the more it bone have We love ourthinning skin. We spend hours comparing withmineral others,you nurturing from the x-ray. lost.and potions. When we look for recognition, it, feeding it with lotions

beauty or health we are looking at skin, neglecting the bones that lie You might have a simple fall, nothingafter attention Osteopenia does mean have beneath. menopause means we are atnot higher risk ofyou developing seeking like a ski jump, and suffer a broken osteoporosis, but if untreated you may go on osteoporosis, a condition where bones are thinned and may fracture wrist or hip. You may lose height, your posture to develop it. mean You will given Vitamin D and with minimal trauma. What does this forbe those of us with younger may change if you have tiny spinal supplements and now? lifestyle advice. bones and fractures why is it soCalcium important to make changes that heal but leave the spine compressed and Osteoporosis means more bone density has you in pain. been lost. Bones are dynamic powerhouses with a calcium and activity against gravity to jolt the of cells regenerating, cells to grow bone as strong as possible. If you Ifcomplex you have asystem family history, risk factors and are remodelling themselves. They onfor our have teens in your life, surgically attached to referred by your doctor you maythrive be sent movement that literally jolts them into action. the gold standard test- a DEXA scan of your hip their screens, they need to get up and be active Astronaut studies arereally a massive insight into for at least an hour every day during these years and spine. This is only accurate after the what lack of gravity motionpainless do to bone, menopause. It is and simple, andso or their bones will never meet their full dancing is far frivolous to our frame. potential. importantly notfrom claustrophobic. Our sofa bound lifestyle as adults is now similar, The result is a ‘T score’ which will label you Turn the dial back to your teens. There is a surge obsessed with how much exercise we do. of mineralisation (bone laid down and Scientists are concerned over our ‘box set strengthened) from age twelve in girls, loving’ sedentary lifestyle between the bouts fourteen in boys, when the body needs more of exercise.

''Osteoporosis is the silent epidemic''

L H

Do not despair or be fearful if the diagnosis of osteoporosis is made. The message from the hugely respected Royal Osteoporosis Society is to keep moving and not be fearful of moving. Your bone health Fall prevention is the main focus. Your doctor has an integral role if you have a diagnosis and will prescribe you specific bone medication and discuss lifestyle issues. Don’t dismiss the What youmedicine. do every day literally need for Thecan Royal Osteoporosis Society in the UK is a fantastic source of support drain or replenish your 206 bones.Osteoporosis Foundation in the USA. and information as is the National You cannot change your genetics but you canWiseman show your bones some DRCOG MRCGP Dr. Louise MBBS BSc(Hons) nurturing love.

My writing does not constitute medical advice or replace any consultation with your own doctor We to our 30s and there will whoget knows you, can examine you be and understands your medical and family history. Always seek no new mineralisation of our bones the opinion of your health care professional if you have a question about your health or changing and have to make the very best yourwe lifestyle. of what we have!

Louise is a former GP, who worked for 15 years in the NHS. She researched the effect of exercise That’s it honey, no going back! You in preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women when she was a young med student. She eat well, keep fit and think your is now using her medical and life experience to write a book about women’s health over 40. bones are in good shape? How about we get them even better? www.drlouisewriting.com Instagram @drlouisewrites Twitter @drlouisewriting

Dr Louise Wiseman www.thefrankmagazine.com

HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM HEALTH LIFESTYLE NUTRITION EXERCISE BONES CALCIUM 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Michele Pernetta The business woman who'll make you sweat! What were you doing before the yoga teaching?

My knees were bad from the years of high impact kicking and I was only being offered surgery as a solution. I heard there was a “knee guru” yoga teacher called Bikram so I went to observe a class and afterwards he told me to join in next time for him to assess me.

I was a fashion designer. I went to Central Saint Martins College specialising in tailoring and I went on to work in the industry here and in Los Angeles. I made everything from men's suits to leather jackets and even fetish gear! By the time I started teaching yoga I had moved into I was very fit but I could do very little of the class. commercial and film costume design. I could barely bend one of my knees at all and I couldn’t kneel. I was in so much pain. When did you start getting interested in Yoga? In those first classes I realised my feet were flat, I was 26, living in Los Angeles and doing martial my spine and hips were stiff and my knees were arts training while workingin the fashion weak. I thought he’d tell me he couldn’t help me industry. but he said “No problem, I’ll fix your knees in 15 I was an avid martial arts fanatic, competing in lessons.” I realised a knee problem is usually a hard core full contact stuff and training for my whole body problem. black belt.

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We pay into pension plans all our life and doing yoga pays back dividends far greater than that. As we get older itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not our age that causes our symptoms its being sedentary. Being sedentary is the disease.

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Bikram told me he would fix my knees if I gave up martial arts and went to his class 6 days a week. I was not going to give up my training and I only intended to do yoga until my knees were better and then I could take my Black Belt. I went to martial arts each morning at 6.45am, went to work in downtown LA and got back to Bikram’s class every night. He really pushed me and It hurt so much but I did what he said and thought I may as well trust this man and see what happens. Within a few lessons the pain in my knees was only in class. Outside of class they already felt much better and gradually over about a year 80% of the mobility returned. Studying yoga with Bikram developed commitment and discipline. He taught me to not be afraid of the body and that the body thrives on intensity. I eventually got my black belt but my pursuit of it did slow down my rehabilitation. What made you want to run your own yoga classes? I didn’t. When I was about to leave Los Angeles to live back in the UK, Bikram called me into his office and told me I should teach in London. No thanks, absolutely not interested, I told him. I’d spent my life getting good at my job, I was earning great money and loved what I did. It was 1994 and London had very little in the way of dynamic yoga classes. I tried it all. None of it had the intensity I wanted. So I started practising at home with my fiancé and a few friends would show up simply to keep the practise going. My living room was soon full. I found a room in Swiss cottage with a mirror which we hired and we all split the cost. It grew quickly so I hired it three nights a week and taught there after work. With so many people now showing up I couldn’t just practise, I had to turn around and correct people’s posture. I had listened to Bikram teach the public every day for 4 years, so I knew what to say. After 6 years of dragging heaters around in the back of my car and running home early from film shoots to teach (I was the only Bikram teacher in the UK) Bikram thankfully started his teacher training. One of my students went, as did I. Once qualified we decided to open a little studio to teach students. What is the difference between Yoga and Hot yoga? The term ‘Hot Yoga’ now has no meaning. It just means the room is heated. It used to mean Bikram yoga but now people put all styles of classes into the heated room. In fact not all yoga styles are even suitable for the hot room. So “regular” yoga or non heated, also means nothing - one needs to understand the style of yoga, or what combination of styles, and then the credentials of the teacher. Fierce Grace as a yoga method works in any temperature. We choose to heat the rooms in the studios as this ensures safer stretching, more benefit to the muscles and joints as well as cathartic benefits and the detoxification of the skin. So the official answer is it isn’t about the heated room It’s about the yoga itself and these days it’s almost impossible to know what yoga you will be doing, as Hot Yoga could now mean hatha, vinyasa, Bikram, a hybrid or anything else.

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Fierce Grace

Tell us about your practice and your rehabilitation?

Where does the name ‘Fierce Grace’ the name of your studios come from? I had been fascinated by the play between male and female energies in people’s practise, in their personalities and in class. The balance between strength and flexibility, outwardness and inwardness and intention and surrender. I saw that alpha types were unlikely to go to a slower more inward turning class. Just as more inward people were unlikely to go to a hardcore “alpha” class. So I was designing sequences that would encompass both energies. I have had a spiritual teacher Adi Da since my early 20’s and have studied meditation and spirituality since I was 18. I had seen the documentary ‘Fierce Grace’ in my 20’s about the spiritual teacher Raam Daas. When I was searching for a name for my new yoga method it suddenly jumped back into my consciousness 25 years later! It not only summed up my method and the way that it is taught but it also has a lovely spiritual meaning which is that with (divine) grace comes responsibility, fire and challenge which applies to yoga and life.

When I teach I look at each person and imagine their body 30 years from now and what it would be like if they didn't address their postural issues now. I’m actually teaching the older version of them, the little old lady or man and I hope that older version of themselves will be standing tall and walking without a stick.

Do you get a lot from teaching ? There is nothing like it. I feel privileged every time a room full of people go through this intense and rewarding process and share it with me. When I teach I look at each person and imagine their body 30 years from now and what it would be like if they don’t address their postural issues now. I’m actually teaching the older version of them, the little old lady or man and I hope that older version of themselves will be standing tall and walking without a stick. Teaching gives me as much as practising does. You are being allowed to witness people’s struggle, their limits, their bravery. It’s a non-verbal intimacy with people that is very touching. I believe the teacher goes through a transformation along with the student so it’s a two-way street. How does Yoga benefit the body as we grow older? Yoga is just the body’s natural range of movement. We need to maintain that full range of movement all our lives. A well-rounded practise will reduce wear and tear on our joints - and that is what every older person needs to start taking very seriously. Yoga strengthens muscles in the lengthened position, meaning strong long muscles, increased joint mobility and good joint support. One’s postural habits if not addressed can sentence us to a small space to live in as we age - rounded shoulders, contracted ribcage, less space to breathe and neck pain as the neck has to compensate for a rounded upper back. We will suffer compression on discs in our spine through lack of movement, lack of back bending and even weak feet – they cause endless issues for the older person. Flat feet impact the knees and hips, weak feet impact balance. Every 10 years over the age of 40 we lose several seconds from our ability to balance on one leg, unless we work on it. www.thefrankmagazine.com

Every 10 years over the age of 40 we lose several seconds from our ability to balance on one leg, unless we work on it.

When your business grows are you mindful to keep your personal practice going? Oh absolutely. I’d probably be a wreck from the stress if I hadn’t been practising all these years. It’s not always easy to keep taking the time out though. Running seven businesses, (4 studios, the retreats business, teacher training business and the brand PR) travelling all the time, appearances and all the paperwork makes time to practise tough but I’ve never stopped. Can people come to the mat for the first time at any age? One can begin to stretch and strengthen at any age. The body is crying out for it. Don’t be scared of your own body – use it. If you don’t use it, you lose it. An unfit 70 year old should not however show up to a vinyasa class! Fierce Grace is a new integrated yoga system of 12 interconnecting classes with mixed styles to address, every need, every level and every mood. I developed The Stiff Old and Broken class for all ages and all levels, from an athlete with an injury that wants to keep working or a person recovering from knee surgery to the 75 year old who needs some personal attention. The body wants to stretch, it wants to open at any age. Just 15 lessons will see every single person no matter how old feeling the benefits to their body, mind, mood, sleep and energy levels. We pay into pension plans all our life and doing yoga pays back dividends far greater than that. As we get older it’s not our age that causes our symptoms, its being sedentary. Being sedentary is the disease. www.thefrankmagazine.com

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By Gabriela Peacock Nutritionist

he adrenals, a pair of triangle shaped glands that sit atop your kidneys, are critically involved in your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction to stress. They produce the hormones adrenaline, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA) and cortisol which are released in the famous â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fight-or-flightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; response. When faced with danger, your adrenals produce adrenaline and other hormones to give you the burst of energy you need to survive.

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Hormones act as messengers between the brain and the body. When they are working well, in the right amounts, you feel great! Different hormones are made in the brain, adrenal glands, sex organs, pancreas and thyroid and many of them work together. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a delicate balance; one which can easily shift out of kilter.

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The problem is, your body doesn’t differentiate among the various kinds of stress you experience. Whether it’s physical stress at the sight of a lion or mental stress caused by work, money worries, or relationships, your body reacts the same way – to release adrenal hormones. The danger is that we don’t metabolize these hormones properly and instead we are left in a state of constant stress with high levels of circulating cortisol. When cortisol is chronically elevated, blood sugar and insulin levels also rise while serotonin, the calming brain chemical, drops; leading to anxiety, nervousness or depression. Food cravings increase, your sleep is disturbed and your health takes a hit. When the adrenals are busy making stress hormones, they divert your stores of DHEA, which would have been converted to sex hormones – such as oestrogen and progesterone. The result is that the female sex hormones and thyroid function suffer.

The liver is the key organ for detoxifying excess hormones. Our liver becomes sluggish due to poor diet – excess fats, sugars and artificial sweeteners, fried foods, and not enough vegetables and good protein. Regular alcohol consumption also negatively affects the liver’s ability to maintain hormone balance. The basis of a healthy hormone function is a diet full of cruciferous vegetables and lean protein from wild, free-range sources. There are also key herbs and nutrients that have been researched to support the adrenals, liver and thyroid. The liver is the key organ for detoxifying excess hormones. Our liver becomes sluggish due to poor diet – excess fats, sugars and artificial sweeteners, fried foods, and not enough vegetables and good protein. Regular alcohol consumption also negatively affects the liver’s ability to maintain hormone balance. The basis of a healthy hormone function is a diet full of cruciferous vegetables and lean protein from wild, free-range sources. There are also key herbs and nutrients that been researched to support the adrenals, liver and thyroid. www.thefrankmagazine.com

What can I do to keep my hormones in check? A diverse variety of whole foods will provide the foundations of a healthy diet that will support overall wellbeing. * Choose unprocessed, complex carbohydrates. * Colourful fruit and vegetables, particularly the deep colours (blue, red, purple, green) which are bursting with phytonutrients to support the immune and endocrine systems. * Dark coloured berries are rich in polyphenols which also help the growth of beneficial bacteria. Oily fish and foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as turmeric and ginger may help reduce inflammation. * Fibre rich foods such as beans and legumes and a wide variety of grains will encourage the growth of different gut bugs, which send signals to the brain to let them know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all good. * Plenty of protein â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is the building block for making hormones and for hair/skin regeneration. * Vary your fibre to include things like leeks, garlic and onions. They are rich in inulin, a type of fibre which acts as food for the gut bacteria to grow. * Include some fat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from plants, nuts and seeds. Hormones need some fat to be made, so ensure you have adequate amounts in the diet to enable the production of hormones.

Follow Gabriela's website here www.gpnutrition.com @gp_nutrition @gabrielapeacock

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GETTING PERSONAL WITH... www.thefrankmagazine.com

''As a writer, I try to write contemporary books that have emotional depth, believable, flesh-and-blood characters and gripping, page-turning plots – thrillers with heart. That is my goal, that is what I reach for every day of my working life.'' What has been the biggest surprise in your life that you could never have predicted? There is never a point in your career when you have “made it.” That was a shock to discover. I was stunned to learn that things don’t always get better! I did not expect to have setbacks and disappointments and reversals of fortune in my career. I thought that success was like a mountain and you just keep climbing upwards. But it’s not like that at all. Success is more like an ocean – it ebbs and flows, it comes and goes, you have to fight and scrap and work for every new success. You have to keep proving yourself endlessly. Who was your first pin-up and why? My first pin-up – and my last pin-up, really – is Cyd Charisse, who dances with Gene Kelly in ''Singing In The Rain''. Cyd is the woman in the green dress in the film’s fantasy sequence. I saw the movie on TV when I was very, very little and, really, Cyd had me for life after that. She looks so great, and of course she dances better than anyone alive, and there is a real sass and spirit about her. Everything about her knocked me out – and still does. When I learned more about her later – how she had polio as a child and only took up dance to build her muscles – I naturally loved her even more. www.thefrankmagazine.com

What kind of driver are you? I am a reluctant driver. I have a couple of old cars – an elderly Mini and a senile BMW X5 – but I prefer to walk everywhere if I can. I live in Hampstead in London and it is very much like living in a village. I don’t need to drive for most of the stuff in my life – going to the gym, walking the dog, coffee with friends. I get forced to drive – to take my daughter to school or to see my relatives out in wildest Essex – but I would be quite happy to never drive again. And it is funny because I grew up in Essex where everyone took their driving test as soon as they could – including me – because you could not get anywhere near meeting members of the opposite sex without a motor. I was a drive-everywhere suburban boy who became a walk-everywhere city man. When was the last time you cried and why? I was recently watching Fatal Attraction while listening to the commentary from the film’s director, Adrian Lyne – it was one of those added features where the director just talks about his film for two hours, which can be really fascinating if you love the movie. And at one point Adrian Lyne was talking about how actors find emotions inside them to make their performance seem truthful and real And the example he used was when the Michael Douglas character – the unfaithful husband in Fatal Attraction – is at the hospital bed of the wife he has betrayed – played by the spectacular Anne Archer – and Michael Douglas starts fiddling with the little plastic hospital strap wrist, and around heras he plays with the little hospital wrist strap he just falls to pieces with regret at all he has done to hurt this woman. And it just seemed so real – and so heartfelt, and full of regret – that Michael Douglas had me blubbing along too! What kind of sleeper are you? I am a pretty good sleeper because I have learned what works for me. I turn off my phone before dinner and don’t turn it on again until morning. I have a big glass of red wine. I read and listen to music. I wear a shortsleeve white Sunspel T-shirt and brushed-cotton pyjama bottoms from Hush – very comfortable, high-quality sleeping kit. Whatever the season, I keep the bedroom window slightly open – even if it is snowing. And most of all, I don’t worry about not sleeping. Because nobody ever fell asleep while they were laying there worrying about not sleeping. To sleep well you need to have great sleep hygiene – which is really just figuring out what works for you - and then you need to not care very much about not sleeping. Then you will!

''I grew up in Essex where everyone took their driving test as soon as they could, because you could not get anywhere near meeting members of the opposite sex without a motor.'' www.thefrankmagazine.com

What do you spend the most money on? I spend most money on travel. I did not travel outside the UK when I was growing up apart from a trip to Norway every other year – where one of my mum’s six brothers settled and had a family. So travelling has always been very romantic and exciting to me. And it still is, even now. When I was a young journalist, and I started flying around the world, I wasn’t even aware that there were different class cabins on a plane. They stuffed me in economy for years and I was perfectly happy crammed at the back of the aircraft. That changes as you get older, of course, and now I like to travel well. As someone once said, First Class is the heroin of travel. Once you have a taste, it is hard to go back to the cheap seats. In your opinion where is heaven on earth? Geographically, I am happiest in the cities and the mountains of Japan – I love the combination of the futuristic cities and, out in the countryside and up in the mountains, the respect for tradition. I like the way everything works well, the food, and the politeness. The best thing of all in Japan is Onsen – bathing in hot volcanic springs and my favourite is outside under the summer stars with a couple of Asahi Super Dry under your belt. I think true heaven on earth is knowing - and appreciating – those moments in life when you are happy. Too often we let the happy moments just pass us by.

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''There is never a point in your career when you have “made it.” That was a shock to discover. I was stunned to learn that things don’t always get better!'' www.thefrankmagazine.com

What was your last hand-written note or letter and who received it? I recently wrote a card to three of my cousins who have just lost their dad – my Uncle Jim, my late mum’s youngest brother. My Uncle Jim was an important figure in my life – a real optimistic, funloving, encouraging, inspirational man. When I was growing up, my dad – who was a greengrocer - worked every Saturday and could never do things with me so it fell to my Uncle Jim and my Uncle Rich – another one of my mum’s many brothers – to take little Tony to the football. And my Uncle Jim and Uncle Rich took me to West Ham for ten years solid when I was growing up. And later my Uncle Jim became my friend, and I wanted to let his children – my cousins – know how much I loved him and will miss him. When did you last laugh until you cried? Stan – my 7-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - was waiting for me when I came out of the bathroom this morning and because Stan was very wet, when he got up to follow me he left a perfect silhouette on the floor – like one of those shadows that you see at Pompeii. That was pretty funny. Who was your first love? Kim! I started going out with my first girlfriend when I was 17 and she was 16 – Kim! She was my first relationship and we were together for three years. It was one of those relationships where you grow up together. We got to the point where we were going to stick together for the next 50 years or go our separate ways and find out what else was in the world. And that is what we did but I will always remember Kim with love in my heart. She was a fantastic girl to have as your first love. Have you ever experienced unrequited love? When I was 11 there was a great beauty in my classroom called Linda Denny and as she made me swoon I thought it would be highly appropriate to give her a Valentine’s Day card on 14th February – and sign my name. When I entered our first-year classroom on Valentine’s day, there was Linda Denny reading my card surrounded by the rest of the class – every single one of them - and they all turned around and laughed at me. Laughed and laughed and laughed. I gave up on unrequited love after that. It felt awful. Are you a night owl or up with the larks? Before I became a father, I would frequently stay up all night – sometimes for three nights in a row. I was a wild kid. But after I became a dad – at the young age of 25 – it all changed, and never changed back. Now I love the early mornings and can often be found walking my dog on Hampstead Heath as the sun is coming up. Dawn is the best time of day. What is the weirdest question you have been asked by a stranger? I had a mad old lady came to one of my events in Chicago on an American book tour. “Do you know the Queen?” she asked, assuming every English person must know Her Majesty. I told her I didn’t know the Queen and then she worked her way through the rest of the royal family. “Do you know Prince Philip? Prince Charles? How about the Duchess of Kent?” That was weird.

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DAVE BENETT

HRH QUEEN ELIZABETH II MADONNA LIZ HURLEY VERSACE LIZA MINNELLI PRINCESS DIANA KATE MOSS CARA DELEVINGNE TOM FORD VIVIENNE WESTWOOD GOLDIE HAWN ADELE RITA ORA NICOLE SCHERZINGER

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Liza Minelli and Princess Diana 1991 This was a real rarity - Diana went to the after party for Stepping Out which wasn't royal protocol and caused a big stir. The organiser gave me 8 seconds to take the picture and just at that moment they started giglling like schoolgirls. It's one of Liza's favourite pictures I've heard.

What did you grow up dreaming of doing?

news and sport that I never finished it - I was shooting hard news like IRA bombs, brixton riots, I wanted to be a lawyer. I took that quite seriously league cup finals etc. and think I would have been a good one, I enjoy being centre stage and arguing my point. What was your first job as a photographer? When did you discover photography?

The first shot I ever took on an actual job was when there was a shooting near Exmouth market and I By accident! got a picture of a police man holding the gun, it When I came to London in 1975 by chance another was a big deal at the time as we never really had boy starting at my school that year was the son gun crime in London. of Daily Mirror columnist Gill Evans and we realised that we could drive her company car if Who were your mentors? we took her to the events she needed to go to. That was my first brush with Fleet St. Don Mccullin (photojournalist) stood next to me Then when my A level results weren't as good as once and said "great shot kid" about a picture I'd I'd hoped I decided to become an apprentice taken of the skinheads in South End. I think he'd photographer at an agency called London News had enough of shooting war so the Times had Service suggested he shoot his version of life in England. He happened to be in Southend when there was What types of shots were you doing at the a big brawl of skinheads and there was only one beginning? other guy in front of him getting an even better shot - me! At first I was a 'lad' learning how to develop and print pictures, going to all the picture desks with His war photography and Tim Page's work in the prints. Vietnam was the first time I understood the power Then I did a city and guilds at Paddington tech of news photography and they inspired me in my during which I started to get so busy shooting early years. www.thefrankmagazine.com

David Bowie 90s Bowie was in town and the restaurant, a place at the top of Kensington Church St, had asked us to come down and do a picture. It came out as a quite intense portrait, he was so intent on giving me the shot.

How did you get into shooting the glitterati?

inside an event you want it to be someone that people feel comfortable with.

There was a bit of disillusionment with Fleet St, after the falklands FS became very insular and Why are pictures now more set up and less inward looking. It was the day I saw a Coronation reportage in style? When did that stop? St storyline hit the front page of a national newspaper, I decided if that was the way the world was going I might as well go along with it. The whole industry I was also fed up with having to rely on the changed about 10-15 years goodwill of commissioning picture editors and by being a paparazzi your picture was in demand ago and there's now much so you were in control and didn't have to wait for more control from the a commission. The first job I shot was Elizabeth Taylor's 50th publicists. Pictures are set at Legends thrown by Richard Burton. What was the appeal of being a paparazzi? We were a happy go lucky band of brothers, like the highway men of Mayfair and it was fun.

up so there are no surprises - but we still manage to capture some great moments.

How did you get to the position you are in now where you are booked for all the best gatherings Who do you enjoy shooting? and are the guy inside? I like photographing everyone, supermodels like Having gained everyone's trust after years, Kate and Naomi; Mick Jagger's face is so people know that their in safe hands when I'm expressive it's great to photograph. It's around. When you're having a photographer interesting when people have strong characters. 79 www.thefrankmagazine.com

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Don Mccullin stood next to me once and said "great shot kid" about a picture I'd taken of the skinheads in South End. I think he'd had enough of shooting war so the Times had suggested he shoot his version of life in England. He happened to be in Southend when there was a big brawl of skinheads and there was only one other guy in front of him getting an even better shot - me!

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Bella Hadid 2016 This was the year of Bella Hadid, she just completely blew up. This was at a Marc Jacobs and Love Magazine party and her carefree insouciant attitude is what makes this picture for me.

One would assume you most be good at keeping secrets and inside info. Are you?

Probably Tom Ford, he's the chicest man I know.

What secrets?

You scrub up well Dave! How much do you think your looks and appearance have played a part in your success?

How has your industry changed for photographers and the way the world of showbiz operates?

''For better or worse digital photography has made it much easier to work quickly and send pictures around the world but has also meant that the market place is more crowded.''

I think having a strong look gets you remembered, especially on a red carpet - it makes a difference when you come into a party that the key guests remember you. When I cut my hair last year I had to remind everyone who I was! How long have you been doing this? And are you still having in fun? The hours are a bit unsociable! Well it's 40 years in photography, 35 in showbiz. Yes it's still fun, there's always new situations and new people!

Who for you is the worlds greatest Beauty and have you shot her?

How do you unwind and relax away from the bright lights ?

I'd have to say my wife, Rosann.

Well my hobby is motor racing, I've been doing that for nearly as long as I've been a photographer.

And the worlds chicest man?

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Liz Hurley 1994 At the time no one had any idea that Four Weddings and A Funeral was going to be such a big hit at the box office. The premier was at the little Odeon in the West End and everyone was dressed in that nineties English wedding style. Hugh Grant was a breakthrough star and no one really knew about his girlfriend Liz Hurley but then when she appeared in that black Versace dress held together with gold safety pins everyone started screaming and shouting, trying to get the shot. The next day she was all anyone was talking about.

Kate Moss 2011 Kate actually arriving at Battersea power station for the Rimmel London look 10 years party in a helicopter at night - only Kate can give you such a great shot in such a high drama situation.

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P O R T R A I T O N A N I C O N

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GLENN CLOSE THE LEGENDARY ICON WITHOUT AN OSCAR

by Shaima Al-Obaidi

ritical acclaim never strayed far from 71-year-old Hollywood actress, Glenn Close. Her captivating performances have been dazzling audiences for decades, particularly this year, as she racked up numerous accolades thanks to her turn in Bjorn Runge’s adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s The Wife – including a Critics’ Choice where she tied with Lady Gaga, Golden Globe and SAG award. It seemed like the world was finally beginning to take notice and the Oscar buzz for her to win Best Actress, quite rightly, began to build to a deafening volume.

Close plays Joan Castleman—the wife of Joe (Jonathan Pryce), an acclaimed writer who wins a Nobel Prize. The movie goes back and forth in time, with a younger Joan Castleman played by Close’s own daughter, Annie Starke, and we learn how she gave up her own promising writing career to support her husband’s pursuits. After 40 years of standing by as critics and fans fawn over him, Joan can no longer hold back the secrets and lies that form the building blocks of their marriage and his career. Close gives a master class with her portrait as Joan - showing that she still has the subtlety that has built her legacy. She let her ice-blue eyes and pinched-lip smiles speak volumes and translates a spectrum of emotions with the simplest of glances, that the audience couldn’t help but feel Joan’s complex pain. Critics across the board declared that if there was any time for Close to win an Oscar, 2019 would be it. Close’s talent is just “so extraordinary,” we see her “give one of the richest, most riveting and complicated performances of her career,” wrote The Hollywood Reporter. “The veteran actress is a marvel of twisty understatement here, delivering emotions that conceal as much as they reveal, and offering onion-like layers that invite repeat viewings,” reported Variety. Yet despite the rave reviews, her shocked expression when she won Best Actress in Motion Picture (Drama) at the Golden Globe showed her humility and true grace. “It will have been 45 years in September that I am a working actress. And I cannot imagine a more wonderful life,” she said tearfully. In her acceptance speech, she reflected on her 14-year journey filming The Wife, and how the movie tackled the subject of women being downtrodden. She brought the star-studded audience to tears when she paid an emotional tribute to her mother (“who really sublimated herself to my father her whole life”) and earned a standing ovation for her powerful message to women. “I feel what I've learned from this whole experience is that women, we're nurturers,” she said. “That's what's expected of us. We have our children. We have our husbands, if we're lucky enough, or our partners, whoever. But we have to find personal fulfilment. We have to follow our dreams. We have to say I can do that, and I should be allowed to do that,” she told the audience. Her profound and deeply personal speech stole the show and served as a reminder why Close is considered a name that ignites power, passion and courage. So why is it that she is completely overlooked by the Academy and denied the one accolade she is most deserving? www.thefrankmagazine.com

Close had walked into the Academy Awards this year as the most Oscar-nominated living performer - with now seven nominations to her name, and zero wins. Although her runner up status has enraged legions of fans across the world, the veteran actress has a healthy attitude towards her Oscar losses. She told the LA Times back in August 2018, “I’ve done without one all these years … I guess now it becomes a badge of honour that I don’t have one.”

Chill (1983) and The Natural (1984). But it was her starring role as Michael Douglas’ mistress in Fatal Attraction that earned her superstar status and her first best actress Oscar nomination (which, in hindsight, she should have won outright). Her portrayal of Alex Forrest - iconic and disturbing in equal measure - caused audiences to chant “kill her, kill her” at screenings. “If you did Fatal Attraction from Alex’s point of view, she would be a tragic person, not a dangerous, evil one,” she told The Guardian. The film popularised the phrase ‘bunny boiler,’ which has been used in conversation and popular culture and remains one of her most memorable roles to this day.

Close was a solid bet and despite being the clear front runner to win the Oscar, the Academy Awards threw an unexpected curveball when Olivia Colman took home the ‘Best Actress’ prize. Granted, Colman’s performance in The Favourite was nothing less than stellar, but it still left the Having carved herself a niche as an actress that world gasping in shock. can take on flawed and complicated characters, she received a further two Oscar nods for best Even Coleman was quick to address she was a actress in her roles in Dangerous Liaisons (1988) surprise winner in her tearful (and incredibly and Albert Nobbs (2011). She continued to charm charming) acceptance speech. “To be in this cinema goers with every single release and category with these extraordinary women, Glenn quickly came to dominate a certain kind of female Close, you’ve been my idol for so long,” she said. role, thanks in part to her angular and unusual “This is not how I wanted to it to be, and I think good looks. Who could forget her turn as Cruella you’re amazing and I love you very much.” de Vil in 101 Dalmatians, bringing to life one of Disney’s best villains? (Close may have played Close had all the most obvious elements an evil, fur-wearing, dog-hating character, but in necessary for a win this year, and although many real life, she is an animal lover and maintains an believe she’ll never conjure a storm this perfect Instagram account for her beloved dog, Pip again, she is adamant that she doesn’t need the Close). recognition. “I’ve survived all this time just being at the party, and I’ve loved it. Most people sweat Her successes are not only confined to the screen. over whether they’ll actually win, but I’ve never Close has used her platform to make a real and felt that,” she said in her interview with The lasting difference to people’s lives, particularly Guardian. those with mental health (which is even more reason we bow down to her greatness). In 2010, Her link to the Academy Awards began ever since she founded Bring Change 2 Mind, a non-profit she burst onto our screens as a 35-year-old fully organisation dedicated to ending the stigma that formed powerhouse. After a promising start in surrounds mental health after her sister, Jessie theatre, she got three Oscar nominations in her Close, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as first three years working in film – and that’s not well as shares her own experience living with something just anyone can do. depression. Her first nomination came when she played Jenny Field, Robin William’s feminist mother (despite being only four years older than him), in The World According to Garp (1982). Her performance immediately seduced audiences, prompting a New York magazine profile to ask, “Who is this actress who has virtually sneaked up on us?” She steadily reeled in best supporting actress nominations with her stunning turns in The Big

While we did not get the same sigh of relief that greeted Leonardo Di Caprio’s Best Actor win with Close this year - and if it were any other actress in her 70s - then you could imagine giving up hope. But not with Glenn Close. Right now, she believes she is in her prime and has a lot more up her sleeve, not least with reports that she will be filming the remake of Sunset Boulevard.

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"We have our children, we have our husbands or our partners but we have to find personal fulfilment. We have to follow our dreams. We have to say I can do that and I should be allowed to do that." “It’s ironic because I’m thinking: ‘How much time do I have left now?’ There are so many things I’m interested in doing. It’s one of those ironies, I suppose, that we sometimes start feeling comfortable in our own skin only late in our lives, but hopefully with enough time to benefit from it. I’m so glad to do what I do because even though I’m not a method actor and I don’t use my life in my acting, my work is still a progression,” she said. With a career spanning almost half a century, 84 screen credits, a plethora of trophies including three Tonys, three Emmys and three Golden Globes - Close is one thing for sure: a living legend. An icon. It’s fair to say, we’ll be looking back decades from now and still be talking about some of her greatest roles – all of which have been timeless. Ageless, and built to last. Does a gold Oscar statuette validate her illustrious career? Certainly not. Her next role all but guarantees – she’ll be back, in the next awards cycle - shining, just as she always has been. www.thefrankmagazine.com

I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told JK Rowling got rejected too. Photography © Karla Gowlett

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We all face rejection in so many ways: in relationships, at work, sometimes in as mundane a situation as being ignored by a taxi driver - which is why God invented Uber. But if it’s so commonplace, why is the feeling of rejection so shocking to the system?

that this is the one. That euphoria is swiftly followed by the agony of the wait and, then, along with gazillions of others (including JK Rowling, yeah right), you have to suffer the pain of being ignored or of receiving that devastating reply: ‘thanks but no thanks’. And no matter how much you reassure One of the most dispiriting yourself it’s not personal, it is! experiences for me has been my time spent writing novels. Not the In a way, I’ve been writing forever. As a child, I was endlessly writing poems. I liked structure so I was big on rhyming couplets. I’d write poems about anything. Poems for birthday cards. Poems about dreams. Poems for Halloween:

Rejection. Melanie Cantor

A word that strikes fear in the heart of even the toughest soul. How do you deal with it? writing obviously- that bit I love otherwise I’d have given up years ago - but the submissions to agents. I’ve been sending out my various three chapters and synopses for over ten years now. I’ve paid attention to every piece of advice offered at courses on ‘how to pitch to agents’. I’ve honed and crafted. I’d think I’d done everything right before I pressed send. And yet I’ve been rejected more times than I can count. Nor can I count the times I’ve been told JK Rowling got rejected too. As if that’s consolation. As if all I needed was a magic wand.

When Halloween comes The witches do fly And ghosts come and walk through your door. When you’re asleep They put weights on your feet And sometimes you fall through the floor. I was eight when I wrote that. I’m now 61 and still remember it. It has a certain unforgettable ring, don’t you think? It continues for a few more verses but I’ll spare you that thrill.

As I entered my teens, poems weren’t enough. I always wanted to learn the piano so that I could write songs. Sadly, or happily Anyone who has been through this depending on whether you lived experience will know the initial within earshot of my house, my thrill of attaching your documents parents refused to have a piano. in an email to an agent, convinced www.thefrankmagazine.com

I’d spend hours and hours in my bedroom composing melancholic ballads about lost love and things of which I knew nothing but thought I was an expert, set to the few meagre chords my fingers could reach. This meant that, to the untrained ear, all my tunes sounded exactly the same! Undeterred by this minor shortcoming, I managed to form a girl band with a bunch of game school friends. The five of us would sing my songs as I proudly strummed and plucked, the latter being the benefit of my limited Spanish training. If things had panned out, I might have been the first Mel C! As a Spice Girl, I would definitely have been Shorty Spice. But this was the early 70s and the Spice Girls were barely a glint in their mothers’ eyes.

The last thing my mother wanted was an old untouched upright hogging a vital corner of our home. Besides, I don’t think they thought I would be committed enough to do

was our girl band I write novels Such enthusiasm, we applied for an audition to Opportunity but I’ve just been Knocks. Of course, by the time opportunity did rejected.” “Ah,” he knock, we’d already broken up – no surprise there. said, in his thick However, undeterred, I went to the audition as a act, accompanied by Russian accent. solo my dad. On a very hot day, guitar over “Rejection! That’s summer’s my shoulder, we took a Line bus to Kingston what makes you a Green upon Thames, which felt like the other side of the writer. world

the necessary amount of practice since I hadn’t exactly shone at violin lessons. But come on, what’s cool about playing the violin? Eventually they gave into the idea of an instrument and when I was fifteen, they bought me a guitar on the grounds that my school were offering lessons in Spanish guitar and this would be a smaller investment on every level. I loved it, genuinely practised but was far happier strumming the few chords that I had taught myself which meant finally I could start penning my own songs.

particularly since my world at that time was North London. About a half hour into the journey, the bus proved so boiling, I opened a window. We immediately slammed to a halt. The irate driver got up and came stalking down the aisle, shouting ‘Who did that? Who opened the emergency exit?’ Oops! In the spirit of ‘I am Spartacus!’ my dad heroically confessed but seeing through his gallantry, the driver berated us both – I blush easily, even when not guilty. For the rest of the journey my father and I sat giggling behind our hands like two naughty children.

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Sadly, I proved to be no Mary Hopkin, the standout star of the clapometer, whose Those Were The Days was no1 in the charts for six weeks in 1968 when those really were the days. I sang a couple of my own songs on an empty stage in a big old hall to a panel of stony-faced judges, my father sitting on the side, glowing with pride. At the end of my performance, I was summoned to approach the judges’ table and a member of the panel asked me if I could sing anyone else’s songs. I said yes, Feeling Groovy. They thanked me in a way that said don’t call us we’ll call you and dad and I headed home, happy for the taking part. The glory of youth is that the pain of rejection didn’t occur to me. So I carried on writing songs, playing in hotels and bars whenever the opportunity arose. One holiday in Spain, my last hurrah as a teenager, I became a regular turn at Le Papillon in Fuengirola. In return, we were given free drinks so my friends were perfectly relaxed about having to put up with my limited repertoire. I can’t account for the rest of the clientele.

resilience of youth. I was devastated; thought I’d never be able to show my face to the world again. As commiseration, a friend took my face out to a corporate event in town where the drink flowed freely. Being a lightweight, it didn’t take long for me to become exuberant and for a Russian to notice. “What do you do?” he asked. “I write novels but I’ve just been rejected.” “Ah,” he said, in his thick accent.“Rejection! That’s what makes you a writer.” It was the best thing anyone could have said to me because it’s true. So, having recovered from a prize hangover, I picked myself up and told myself, I’m a writer. I have only one thing I want to do and that is write. And so I carried on and the rejections carried on too, this time from agents since my first agent dropped me after the initial failure, having lost confidence in the woman she once keenly pronounced ‘a winner’.

Fortunately, like everything, you become inured and over time the pain of rejection got easier. I’d get Sadly, tipping into my twenties, the emails telling me how much real life took over and as they’d enjoyed my writing but... happens when you need money there would always be a but and not cocktails my undiscovered having seen it, I’d be disappointed talent faded into the demands but I’d quickly move on. I came to of a regular job. accept that I might never get published but… I By the time I started pursuing a career as a writer, had no choice other than to write. rejection was to hit in a very different way. At that initial stage I had a literary agent. I hate to When in February last year I received a reply to say this but she’d been easily won since back my submission from Felicity Blunt at Curtis then (2008) I had what media folk considered ‘a Brown, I immediately looked for the but. There profile’ having been a TV presenters’ agent for wasn’t one. My latest manuscript had finally hit many years. Perhaps that’s what won me the the sweet spot and Death And Other Happy attention of one editor at Harper Collins. I was Endings (her title – genius!) will be published in rejected by about twenty other publishers but the UK and the US this summer (13 June – preyou only need one and this man loved my book! ordering currently available on amazon.co.uk – I Told me he could even see the marketing thank you!) and will be translated into nine other campaign. Sadly, marketing couldn’t, so after a languages. According to one Curtis Brown couple of months of gathering excitement, my executive, I am the poster girl for never give up. manuscript got rejected at the final hurdle. I took And you know what, being rejected made me a it to heart far more than anything previously, better writer. It gave me time to develop my never mind my whole future was riding on it. skills; it made me stronger, more empathetic and And by then, in my early fifties, I was no longer those aren’t bad things to be. in possession of that wonderful thick-skinned www.thefrankmagazine.com

If I’ve learned one thing (and trust me I’ve learned a lot more) it’s that no matter what form of rejection you are dealing with, don’t let it floor you. Tenacity is all. We should all be poster girls for never give up. Death & Other Happy Endings will be published on 13th June available on Amazon and all good book stores. © Melanie Cantor 2019 Follow Melanie here @melaniecantor 93 www.thefrankmagazine.com

R E L A T I O N S H I P S

Are we a “We” ? By Patricia Cerezo de Paulin

Remember when you signed up on facebook a few years ago, you had to choose between, single, married, ‘in a relationship’ or ‘it’s complicated’. Without giving it much thought we clicked on one of the options but when we really think about it, the only option is ‘it’s complicated’.

You can be single but involved in one, or more than one romantic relationship, you can be married but in an open marriage, you can be in a relationship but not a romantic one, in a purely sexual relationship, all or none of the above. Example co-parenting. So what is a couple? According to the Merriam- Webster dictionary the word couple comes from the latin “copula” which means “something that connects” and that also leads to the word “copulate”: to engage in a sexual intercourse. It also means: 1. Two persons married, engaged or otherwise romantically paired. 2. A pair. 3. Something that joins or links two things together. 4. Indefinite small number (i.e., a couple of days ago). A couple can be anything from a life long married pair having sexual intercourse or a “ménage à trois” to a pair linked together but with no relationship, like two people standing next to each other waiting for a bus (they’re linked by the bus in case you were wondering). The lack of a precise answer asks for deep anthropological research: I turned to the little humans around me. Don’t they say ‘Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings come grains of truth’?

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"In 2019 humans get together for a thousand reasons. To mate, to breed, to raise children, for love, for economic reasons, for companionship and as long as all the players know and respect the rules itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all good. The couple doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval to exist like it used, not needing the marriage agreement."

For my 11 year old son, a couple is two people who love each other, his 14 year old sister thinks a couple is two people living together. Noting that a couple doesn’t need to be both, i.e living together and loving each other. The conclusion of my extended home research was : a couple is “a noun used to describe two people in an intimate relationship whether they share love or a roof and that surprisingly boys are more romantic than girls, but that is another issue. I later asked my father in law, who will soon turn 80 the same question. His immediate answer was: a couple is two people involved in a long lasting relationship. Between him and the youngsters, only one common word: TWO.

conducted extensive research and written six books on the evolution and future of human sex, love, marriage, etc, describes our “urge to merge” as a basic human need, even if among our long lived modern selves it can result in a serial monogamy punctuated by the messy reality of occasional infidelity. So what makes it so complicated to fill in the facebook form? Social revolutions and social media have thrown in a new player: Choice. In 2019 humans get together for a thousand reasons. To mate, to breed, to raise children, for love, for economic reasons, for companionship and as long as all the players know and respect the rules it’s all good. The couple doesn’t need society’s approval to exist like it used, not needing the marriage agreement. It defines itself . I know people my age engaged in a long lasting relationship, refusing to call themselves a couple. They fight for their individuality and independence every second of their lives, probably remembering their parents who had no choice and maybe thinking that the cultural and social revolution they are living is a fragile thing.

Are w “We

According to anthropologist Lewis Morgan (Ancient Society) who studied, a Native American hunter-gatherer society in upstate New York, the Iroquois lived in large family units based on polyamorous relationships, in which men and women lived in general equality because of need. People survived through the support of their clan and therefore sharing and working within their clan was essential. This crossed over into sex as well. The couple served only reproduction purposes. We now choose our reasons and are free to enter the “couple zone”, what obviously is a great With the advent of agriculture, came the rise of achievement, compared to our ancestors who private property and lineage. The reproductive were not given much choice. Conventional couple needed some kind of official document wisdom tells us that greater choice is for the to prove paternity. One of the earliest laws on greater good, but Barry Schwartz, an American marriage dates back to 2100 BC. The couple psychologist, author of the “Paradox of choice” served reproductive and economic purposes. For argues the opposite. “Abundance of choice the couple to exist in the eyes of society, a man makes us miserable. Infinite choice is paralysing had to be married to the woman. Love had little and exhausting to the human psyche. While we or nothing to do with it. What happened behind think having many choices will make us happier closed doors was secret and unofficial. It leaves us less satisfied.” Historically Kings and Queens have paired and procreated to perpetrate their lineage but didn’t It is no surprise, millennials (those born from love each other (that’s only for fairy tales) and 1981 to 1996) get married later. A recent Urban didn’t live together. They even had different Institute report even predicts that a significant partners and nobody was jealous. So according number of millennials will remain unmarried past to my children, In the past some Kings and the age of 40. These statistics indicate an Queens weren’t a couple but according to my important cultural shift. For the first time in father in law, they were. history, people are experiencing marriage (#permanentcouple) as an option not a necessity. The couple as we know it, is a recent invention A couple is no longer two people engaged in a and involves two people in a romantic and caring long lasting relationship. It can be anything and relationship. The old fashioned couple: “I swear what meaning you decide to put behind the word love and loyalty for ever despite temptations, ‘couple’ is entirely up to you. loss of desire and routine” Is fading fast. Helen fisher, PhD Biological Anthropologist, who has www.thefrankmagazine.com

we a e” ?

According to anthropologist Lewis Morgan (Ancient Society) who studied, a Native American hunter-gatherer society in upstate New York, the Iroquois lived in large family units based on polyamorous relationships, in which men and women lived in general equality because of need. People survived through the support of their clan and therefore sharing and working within their clan was essential. This crossed over into sex as well. The couple served only We now choose our reasons and are free to enter reproduction purposes. the “couple zone”, what obviously is a great achievement, compared to our ancestors who With the advent of agriculture, came the rise of were not given much choice. Conventional private property and lineage. The reproductive wisdom tells us that greater choice is for the couple needed some kind of official document greater good, but Barry Schwartz, an American to prove paternity. One of the earliest laws on psychologist, author of the “Paradox of choice” marriage dates back to 2100 BC. The couple argues the opposite. “Abundance of choice served reproductive and economic purposes. For makes us miserable. Infinite choice is paralysing the couple to exist in the eyes of society, a man and exhausting to the human psyche. While we had to be married to the woman. Love had little think having many choices will make us happier or nothing to do with it. What happened behind It leaves us less satisfied.” closed doors was secret and unofficial. Historically Kings and Queens have paired and It is no surprise, millennials (those born from procreated to perpetrate their lineage but didn’t 1981 to 1996) get married later. A recent Urban love each other (that’s only for fairy tales) and Institute report even predicts that a significant didn’t live together. They even had different number of millennials will remain unmarried past partners and nobody was jealous. So according the age of 40. These statistics indicate an to my children, In the past some Kings and important cultural shift. For the first time in Queens weren’t a couple but according to my history, people are experiencing marriage father in law, they were. (#permanentcouple) as an option not a necessity. A couple is no longer two people engaged in a The couple as we know it, is a recent invention long lasting relationship. It can be anything and and involves two people in a romantic and caring what meaning you decide to put behind the word relationship. The old fashioned couple: “I swear ‘couple’ is entirely up to you. love and loyalty for ever despite temptations, loss of desire and routine” Is fading fast. Helen fisher, PhD Biological Anthropologist, who has 97 www.thefrankmagazine.com

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LIFE STYLE

To-do list Travel Drive Cook Write Shop www.thefrankmagazine.com

T R A V E L

From glistening beach-front lagoons to elephant spotting on the Serengeti, enjoy a relaxing dip with a view as Emma Harrison rounds up 13 of the most beautiful infinity pools in the world.

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The Mulia, Bali, Indonesia

Love a dramatic skyline? The Marina Bay Sands rooftop infinity pool is the one for you and happens to be the world's largest rooftop infinity pool. Located on the 57th floor of this iconic hotel, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Singapore whilst you immerse yourself in the warm lapping water. www.marinabaysands.com

Carved out of a clifftop, this sevenlevel boutique hotel is a shimmering minimalist marvel and one of its highlights surely must be the spectacular serpentine infinity pool which is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. Totally instagrammable! www.gracehotels.com

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

You will be spoilt for choice at The Mulia which has four delightful pools to choose from. The star of the show has to be the resorts awardwinning beachfront infinity pool which makes you feel like the Indian Ocean is just a few strokes away. This elegant pool also incorporates a Balineseinspiredstatuetower overhead, a swim up bar and day beds where you can relax with a cocktail or two. www. themulia.com

Grace Santorini, Santorini

Belmond Hotel Caruso, Amalfi Coast, Italy Situated on a cliff-top, the Belmond Hotel Caruso features a heated infinity pool which is set at the highest point above the hilltop town of Ravello and overlooks the Bay of Salerno. It is one of the Amalfi’s most romantic boltholes thanks to incredible style and character. www.belmond.com

Condando Vanderbilt, San Juan, Puerto Rico Perched majestically above the Atlantic Ocean and featuring panoramic views, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel has been Puerto Rico’s premier oceanfront hotel for nearly a century. The Spa Tower features an infinity pool and a sundeck with an exceptional vista. www.condadovanderbilt.com

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania Take a break from your Tanzanian adventures and cool off in the Four Seasons free-form infinity pool that overlooks the Serengeti plains and a watering hole where majestic elephants gather. With sunbeds and bar service, it’s an idyllic setting from which to watch a glorious sunset or admire a www.fourseasons.com brilliant blue sky. www.thefrankmagazine.com

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Huvafen Fushi Resort and Spa, Maldives At night the infinity pool at the Huvafen Fushi Resort and Spa transforms from a beach-front infinity pool to a magical sparkling haven. Sink into the black water and be uplifted by the twinkling underwater lights as they illuminate the black water. www.huvafenfushi.com

Nayara Springs, Costa Rica Offering all the amenities of a 5-star hotel, Nayara Springs is a jewel in Costa Rica’s crown. Not only does it have gourmet dining, an award-winning spa with outdoor treatment bungalows, it also has two oversized infinity edge pools that merge into the lush forest where you can spy hummingbirds, toucans and macaws as you swim laps. www.nayarasprings.com

If you are looking to take a break away from it all with nothing but breath-taking views of the surf, starry nights and a wood-burning fire for company, then the Post Ranch Inn which is surrounded by Californian Redwoods is for you. It is ideal for those who want to have a ‘back to nature’ break without having to camp! There are three heated infinity pools within the grounds – one lined with sea-weathered jade, a stainless steel one and a lap pool too. www.postranchinn.com

Post Ranch Inn, California

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, Mauritius

Set in the breath-taking location of Le Morne and surrounded by lush green vegetation with marvellous views over the Indian Ocean waters, the St Regis which is nestled on the soft white sands of Le Morne Beach and its turquoise lagoon creates a true sense of luxury and makes an idyllic escape for guests. The infinity pool (along with its three private heated plunge pools) is the perfect way to cool down after a stroll along the beach. www.marriott.com

Hotel Caesar Augustus, Capri

Steeped in history and perched high up on the cliffs overlooking the sea, the Hotel Caesar Augustus has got to be one of the most stunning hotels in Europe. The views are unparalleled and guests can admire Mount Vesuvius and the Capri landscape all from the comfort of the hotel. The infinity pool is a double-tiered showstopper that overlooks the Bay of Naples. www.caesar-augustus.com www.thefrankmagazine.com

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Amankila, Bali, Indonesia Stretching from hilltops to a private beach, the Amankila resort lies within reach of atmospheric temples and artisan villages in a desirable cliffside position overlooking the Lombok Strait in East Bali. The spectacular infinity pool cascades in three tiers down the hillside and is the ideal place to destress and float your cares away. www.aman.com www.thefrankmagazine.com

Silversands, Grenada A breath-taking Caribbean hotel on the shores of Grand Anse Beach, the recently-opened Silversands resort in Grenada is already making waves to those in the know. Its sleek modern architecture is a departure from traditional Caribbean style resorts and one of the highlights is the 339-foot infinity pool - the longest in the Caribbean, which extends onto the shimmering sands. www.silversandsgrenada.com

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M O T O R I N G

Top of the by Photojournalist Lara Platman

In a world currently celebrating empowerment of the woman, photojournalist Lara Platman wants to remind us that women have been racing and driving fast since the invention of the combustion engine. Fearless women such as Camille de Gast who, in 1903, became the first woman racing driver and before her Bertha Benz the wife of Karl Benz who, in 1888 was the first woman to drive a motor vehicle solo. Englishwoman Dorothy Levitt who broke the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speed record in 1906, reaching 91mph in her ninety horsepower six cylinder Napier, or what about Mrs Victor Bruce, the first woman to be prosecuted for speeding and who, in 1928 drove non-stop from John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Groats to Monte Carlo where she was the first woman to win the Monte Carlo Rally. www.thefrankmagazine.com www.thefrankmagazine.com

Today however, Lara takes her lens to look at someone moving at a much slower pace, Annie Peake, participating in the fabulously British and wonderfully bonkers quest of Hill Trialling. Nestled in a muddy quarry in the Herefordshire hills, we find Annie along with her 1927 Austin 7 Chummy, accompanied by her son Harry as passenger, progressing upwards with aplomb, trying to get to the top of the sublimely steep muddy slopes of the quarry bank aiming to the ‘start/ stop’ section at the very very top of the quarry.

“In a world currently celebrating empowerment of the woman, photojournalist Lara Platman wants to remind us that women have been racing and driving fast since the invention of the combustion engine. “

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Muddy but fun I ask Annie how on earth she got invited to this seemingly crazy adventure, “My friend Roger Collings was already part of the Vintage Sports Car Club and invited me to be a passenger for him. Not only is it a brilliant day out it is very competitive which makes it all the more fun, so I was encouraged to get my own vintage car and trial myself”. Annie says with about £10k in your pocket you can find a beginner level Austin 7 and start, or if you just want to join in you can be a passenger and bounce for someone. “I am not at all technical about it, but knew I wanted more power to go up the hills, there are about 15 hills in total over the weekend, so I got someone to increase my engine power a little bit and now I have a chance to get to the top” she laughs, “these cars are so simple but I wouldn’t know what to do with the mechanics, you do have to have them road legal, someone will need to sort out that bit”. I find a few women here at the VSCC Hill Trials with only 110 cars available to enter for the weekend, “you have to get in fast to secure your place“, Annie tells me, “there is a great camaraderie here in the paddock, but everyone wants to win, despite being in first and second gear for most of the day.”

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It was Dorothy Levitt in 1912 who said “One must always carry a mirror in the car. The mirror should be fairly large and one with a stick - not only to put ones lipstick on - but it is jolly useful to see what is behind you” and the delightfully elegant Kay Petre in the late 1920’s who insisted on a place to put her gloves, with both woman trailblazing the way for rear view mirrors and glove compartments, I feel that Annie today, in the wind and rather inclement weather, would rather be wrapped up warm, with her gloves on and certainly looking forward.

Lara Platman can be found at Twitter @photofeature Website www.photofeature.co.uk www.thefrankmagazine.com

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Amelia Freer Nutritional Therapist 3xBestselling author Healthy living in a delicious, balanced, informed, positive & practical way

Asparagus www.thefrankmagazine.com

phytonutrients, particularly the antioxidants rutin (a flavonoid) and glutathione (a biothiol). Rutin has been found in some studies to be associated with helping inflammatory bowel conditions as well as strengthening fragile blood vessel walls (important in high blood pressure). Glutathione is an important antioxidant. It directly protects cells against damaging free oxygen radicals, as well as helping the action of detoxifying enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase.

One of my favourite seasonal eating moments is the arrival of fresh British asparagus spears. And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m privileged to have it growing in my garden and so it was a really joyful moment this year when they first started popping up - to me it means that spring is well and truly here. So, all-in-all, a very impressive nutrient profile. Steaming is the best cooking method to help preserve this wonderful nutritional content better than cooking by boiling or baking . If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat it right away, asparagus is best stored standing upright in a small glass of water in the fridge. Something I found out recently is that the smaller, thinner stems can actually be a little tougher than the larger ones, although this can vary. Snapping off the ends instead of trimming them with a knife can help you get rid of the woodiest part of the stems (although you can always use these trimmings finely sliced in another dish or thrown into some stock to cut down on waste).

Do take a look at my recipes on the next pages for some new ways to enjoy these healthy little green spears whilst they are at their best.

So what about the health benefits? A portion of 10-12 spears would give you three-quarters of your vitamin C for the day, along with a hefty dose of vitamin A, K and folic acid, as well as some B vitamins, vitamin E and a whole range of minerals (such as manganese, phosphorus, potassium etc.), fibre and protein. As well as these essential nutrients, Asparagus is also a rich source of other healthy www.thefrankmagazine.com

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Amelia Freer Recipes

''The wheat alternative crispy crust on this dairy and gluten-free tart provides the perfect ‘vessel’ for piling in wonderful seasonal, green produce. It literally sings spring''

Watercress, Pea & Asparagus Herb Spring Tart Ingredients Serves 6 For the Crust 100g gluten free oats 60g almond flour or ground almonds 60g brown rice flour ½ tsp salt flakes 1 egg yolk 3 tbsp melted coconut oil 2 tbsp light olive oil For the Filling 1 bunch of asparagus (100g), trimmed 2 handfuls of sugar snap peas, or frozen and defrosted peas 6 eggs 120ml cashew or almond milk pinch of salt 2 spring onions, finely sliced handful of watercress, roughly chopped 1 tbsp mint chopped 1 tbsp dill, chopped 2 tbsp basil, chopped Step-by-Step 1, Pre-heat the oven to 180C and grease a 23cm fluted, loose bottom tart tin 2, In a food processor, combine the oats with almond and rice flours and salt and whizz to a fine meal. Tip into a bowl and combine with the egg yolk then the coconut and olive oil, mixing until it comes together. www.thefrankmagazine.com

3, Press into the tart tin as evenly as possible ensuring the corners are not too thick, it helps to pinch the pastry up the sides carefully with fingers and thumb, take your time here to make it as neat as possible and even. Place on a baking tray, prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 18-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you prepare the filling. 4, Lower the oven temp to 160C. 5, Blanch or steam the asparagus and sugar snap/peas for 1-2 minutes, refresh in cold water, drain and pat dry. Whisk the eggs, nut milk, white pepper and salt together. Keeping the tart tin on the baking tray, scatter the herbs, spring onions and vegetables evenly in the pastry case and pour over the egg mix. 6, Bake for 40-45 minutes or until set firm in the middle, I cover the top of with a loose sheet of parchment paper to stop the vegetables going to dark. 7, Allow to cool completely in the tin before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a side of crispy green lettuce. This can easily be made a day ahead, and will last several days in the fridge.

Asparagus Gazpacho Ingredients Serves 6 400g asparagus 1 avocado 50 ml coconut milk 1 small cucumber or a 60g piece 20 g basil 10g mint small clove of garlic pinch of salt juice of 1 lime 700 ml ice cold water a handful of grapes, halved for garnish â&#x20AC;&#x201C; optional

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''I love to have a big bowl of chilled gazpacho in my fridge through the warmer months. The core ingredients change as the season progresses as gazpacho is not just reserved for tomatoes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; right now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about asparagus. This one is a perfect go-to meal on the run but equally refreshing and zingy to serve to guests.''

Step-by-Step 1, Remove the woody ends of the asparagus and blanch for 1-2 minutes depending on thickness, refresh in ice cold water. Trim 20 tips and save for garnish. 2, Blend the remaining asparagus with the rest of the ingredients with half of the water until creamy and smooth. 3, Add the remaining water, adjusting if necessary to get the texture, it should be thick and creamy, put still pourable. 4, Chill for a few hours in the fridge before serving with the asparagus tips and a scattering of grapes.

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''A grain or gluten free life doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to mean no pastry. These delicious asparagus tarts require a little effort to make but they are a luxurious lunch or starter with a simple salad.''

Asparagus & Crab Tarts Pastry (makes 6 tarts) 250g almond flour 1/2 tsp fine salt 125g coconut oil, hard not melted 1 egg 5-6 tbsp cold water Filling 220g bunch asparagus 1 egg 3 egg yolks a pinch of salt and pepper a grind of nutmeg 160ml coconut cream 100g of picked crab meat, brown and white hand full of basil leaves, finely chopped Step-by-Step

1. Combine the almond flour with the salt, make a well in the centre. Add the egg and coconut oil into the well and rub into the flour with your fingertips until you have a fine breadcrumb texture. Mix in the water a few tbsp at a time until a dough forms. Wrap this the dough in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes. 2. Grease 6 x individual tart tins (10cm), with coconut oil. Pre heat oven to 200/180 fan. 3. Roll out the pastry to about 2mm thick, this is easier to do between two large sheets of cling film. Cut 6 x 12cm circles, using a pastry cutter, or small plate and push into your tins. Use scraps to patch cracks or tears. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s malleable so push it into shape if necessary and make sure the corners are not to thick, pinch up the sides and trim of any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 10 -12 minutes until golden brown and dried out. Allow to cool while you make the filling. www.thefrankmagazine.com

4. Lower the oven to 180/160 fan. 5. Blanch the asparagus spears for 1 minute and refresh in ice cold water, lay out on a tea towel to dry. Cut the tips off and save for the tops, slice the rest of the spears. 6. Mix the eggs, seasoning and coconut cream together then stir in the crabmeat, basil and sliced asparagus bottoms. Divide evenly between the tart cases and place a few asparagus tips on top of each tart. 7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the middle of the tart is just set. Leave to stand for 2-3 minutes before removing from tins. Delicious served warm or cold.

Step-by-Step 1. Pre heat your grill to hot, around 220 and place an oven rack on the highest shelf. Grease a baking tray or line with tin foil. 2. Rinse the fish and pat dry. Slash the fleshiest part of each side three times, quite deeply. Rub the fish on both sides with salt, including pushing some into the slashes. Lay out on the baking tray with the asparagus, drizzle fish and asparagus with olive oil. 3. Grill for about 3-4 minutes then turn the fish over and grill for another 3-4 minutes. This will create crackle and smoke as the fish chars and the skin blackens. If your grill only stays hot when the door is open, keep it open. The fish is cooked when you insert a knife into the fleshy part of the body and the flesh is white rather than opaque and pinky. 4. Serve with plenty of lemon juice and good olive oil, Greek style.

Grilled Asparagus with Fish Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Need (per person) 1 medium sea bass or sea bream 250-280g half a bunch of chunky British asparagus good olive oil 1 lemon salt and pepper

''This is such a fast and easy way to cook whole fish and gives it that smoky taste of charcoal grills from Greek Islands faraway. Chunky British Asparagus is the perfect under the hot grill, served with lashings of lemon and olive oil this couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more enjoyable.''

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From beautifully embossed stationery to fashionable note cards. Here are the chicest stationers to help you pop your good wishes in the post to that all important person.

D E A R FR AN K Smythson ÂŁ26.00 BEE NOTELETS Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sealed a handcrafted Smythson card into its tissuelined envelope, nothing else will quite do. Get inspired to put pen to paper with these bee'utiful notelets.

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Liberty London £30.40 These note cards are crafted in Fabriano in Italy, in a fine arts paper mill with an illustrious history dating all the way back to 1264 – once a favourite paper producer of Michelangelo himself. There are five classic Liberty London designs to choose from – Astrid, Ianthe, Hera, Strawberry Thief and Imran – ensuring the perfect choice for every recipient. Pretty bordered envelopes and address stickers mean you'll never be caught short, whether you're dropping off a note to a friend or posting an update to a faraway relative.

Christan la Croix £22.40 These notes are handcrafted by Christian Lacroix. Executed in the designers signature vibrant collaged style, six beautiful floral and butterfly fan designs with their matching envelopes are housed inside a pretty matching box to decorate your desk. www.thefrankmagazine.com

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Marby & Elm ÂŁ25.00 What began as a hobby in a garden shed has become a family business. Eleanor is the designer, Charlie, her sister, manages the shop, their father is the lettering artist whilst Tim their brother does the photography & website. Marby & Elm are the nicknames of Eleanorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boys.

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Diptyque £18.00 These Dyptique cards from 34 Boulevard Saint Germain are the perfect notes for your friends, loved ones and colleagues. Dyptique have cornered the market on scented candles and now we are loving their stationery too.

L O V E F R AN K Rifle Paper Co £22.00 The Colette Social Stationery includes twelve flat notes on cover weight paper with gold foil accents in the corners. The set comes with four different colors — three of each — and 12 cream envelopes. Just add postage.

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S H O P G A D G E T S

WIRELESS EARBUDS Although AirPods are great, they have been already bypassed by other earbud brands with more functional and better sound quality alternatives. Here are six of the best!

CRAZYBABY NANO Crazybaby’s world-class designers have created a multi award winning colourful and sleek collection of Bluetooth airpods. Their Charging Capsule ensures 8-12 hours listening time and up to 12+ hours talk time. They also charge very fast as 5 minutes of charging results in 1.5 hours listening time. The technology provides High-Fidelity sound, very good acoustic quality, Passive Noise Isolation and true Wireless Stereo. The case looks like a lipstick and can be slipped into the tiniest handbag. Very cool. Price: £69

MASTER AND DYNAMIC MW07 These durable yet lightweight wireless earbuds are handcrafted from eye-catching acetate and stainless steel. They provide an exceptional acoustic and come with five sets of ear tips for a perfect fit. They are packed in a polished stainless-steel charging case that produces 14 hours of listening time. Price: £280

JABRA ELITE 65 Jabra Elite Sport is going to spice up your music time. The earbuds are comfortable and stay put during workouts. Thanks to the advanced noise reduction technology, they deliver crystal clear audio. They also have a built-in heart rate monitor and an app that will analyse your training results. It even gives feedback and lets you know when - and for how long - you need to rest. Price: £149 www.thefrankmagazine.com

Beoplay E8 from B&O PLAY by Bang & Olufsen What makes these pricey and elegant earpods the real deal is the exquisite sound quality. The super ergonomic in-ear design are extremely comfy. Using the touch controls, you can switch tracks and take calls easily with a simple tap. With voice commands you can simply activate features. Price: £300

Bose SoundSport Free Note to athletes, these headphones are probably made for you: Bose offers impeccable sound quality, comfort and IPX4 resistance to splash and perspiration. The earbuds have full controls and offer a total of 15 hours when fully charged. Price: £169

PaMu SCROLL by PADMATE Built with bluetooth 5.0 technology these earbuds ensure true wireless experience and the power consumption is only half of Bluetooth 4.2. Designed for comfort, their mini ergonomic design comes with different sized ear tips. They are water and dust resistant, have a super deep bass and clear sound that will immerse you in a full sound experience. They also pair automatically when you take them out of the charging case. We love the elegant leather rolling case that comes in 4 different styles and colors. Price : £115 www.thefrankmagazine.com

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W H A T

T O

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B O O K S

by Eleanor Tattersfield Here are some recommended reads for that all important downtime

Can you ever forgive me? Memoirs of a literary forger By Lee Israel A brilliant, acerbic account of Lee Israel's own literary career from New York Times best selling author to her welfare and alcoholdependent downfall. She was caught as if by parachute when she chanced upon a letter by a famous actress which sets in motion a period of forging and selling missives by Dorothy Parker and Noel Coward. This book is littered with fascinating anecdotes and reveals a particular time in New York literary history as elaborated on and emulated by the wonderful words of Israel herself. (Her imitation of these distinctive literary voices were so convincing that two of her Noel Coward letters were published in his official biography, which pleased her very much.) The first letter she sold was one actually written to her by Audrey Hepburn, it was peppered with wet splotches, as Audrey cried when she wrote it. Israel was sad to let it go but as she writes, ‘ Anna paid me $250 for the letter, which I needed more than Hepburn’s tears’. The film of this book starring Melissa McCarthy and Richard E Grant is also a must-see.

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Why be happy when you can be normal? Jeanette Winterson Why be happy is the unofficial follow up to ‘Oranges are not the only Fruit’, Winterson’s 1985 novel, which is a thinly disguised ‘fictional’ account of her very particular childhood. She grew up as a single adopted child of the larger-than-life Pentecostal church fanatic Mrs Winterson, whose lack of commonplace maternal instinct beggars belief. In ''Why be happy when you can be normal?'' Jeanette reflects from the vantage point of 25 years on and how this upbringing has shaped her as she tries to analyse and unpick it, in order to find happiness and love. Her writing is clever, funny and terribly moving. ''When love is unreliable and you are a child, you assume that it is the nature of love..In the beginning, the love you get is the love that sets…I had no idea that love is as reliable as the sun. The daily rising of love.'' This slim book brims with so much humour and wisdom. It is a treasure trove of thoughtprovoking insight into both family relationships and the meaning of life. And I don’t say that lightly. www.thefrankmagazine.com

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Truth and Beauty by Ann Pratchet This novel is the most powerful portrayal of female friendship that I have ever read. It charts the lives of two writing student friends and their enormous struggles with health and addiction. Ultimately though it is an exploration of an intense friendship. Ann shows how friendships are often no less affecting than romantic relationships. It is based on Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own friendship with the late Lucy Grealy whom she met at college in 1981. They both attended a famous writers workshop during which their friendship began. A friendship that would go on to define both their lives and their work. Lucy was the larger character, flamboyant and daring. Even though she had a debilitating illness that left her with half a jaw and having to endure 40 operations. However It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop her creating a whirlwind everywhere she went, one that Ann was enthralled by. If you have ever had a very close female friend who affected you deeply this book will have great resonance. www.thefrankmagazine.com

Lets explore diabetes with the owls By David Sedaris

To slip a quick short story by Sedaris in with coffee in the morning or before sleep is to start or end the day with a grin Even narrowing down David Sedaris books to recommend was a tough gig, as he has published eight collections of his short stories. I chose' Exploring Owls with Diabetes' as it is one of my all time favourites and one that I read out loud at a recent book club, during which we were all at various points chortling, snorting and crying with laughter So this I thought was a good premise for a book recommendation The story in question is Understanding Owls which tells the well-weaved tale of David going out to buy a stuffed owl for his boyfriend Hugh as a Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift, a journey that takes him to a (well known to anyone who frequently rides the 38 bus ) taxidermy shop in Islington. To say that the story involves some rather surprising contents of a Tesco and Waitrose bag is probably enough to intrigue. Like with all Sedaris stories, this one takes surprising twists and turns which he as the protagonist and as the author deftly handles I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reveal much more and really to reveal the story would be missing the point of these often absurd but acutely observed vignettes into the life and mind of a man who sees the humour in human nature without stripping it of its warmth. The only deprecation he is capable of, is that of himself. His genius lies in the seemingly simplistic nature of his stories that almost make you think you could write one or indeed live one.. but try.

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F I L M

R E V I E W

OUT OF BLUE Director: Carol Morley Starring: Patricia Clarkson, Toby Jones, Mamie Gummer, Jacki Weaver, James Caan

escribed as a neo-noir by the film's Director Carol Morley (right), Out of Blue is a quiet and intense film based on the 2017 novel Night Train by Martin Amis. Academy Award nominated and Golden Globe winner Patricia Clarkson plays detective Mike Hoolihan, investigating the murder of a leading astro-physicist, Miriam Rockwell (Mamie Gummer).

The narrative follows the on-going homicide investigation, which delves into the victim’s life and relationships as well as the life of its investigating officer. Clarkson gives a powerful and captivating performance as the detective whose own dark past becomes drawn into her current investigation. A stellar supporting cast sees Toby Jones as the jittery Prof Ian Strammi who initially discovers the body as well as Academy Award nominated Jacki Weaver as crazed mother of the victim and The Godfather actor James Caan as her military hero husband. There is also a stand out performance from relative newcomer Jonathan Majors as the grieving boyfriend. Set to the backdrop of the stifling Louisiana heat, this film feels as if it has taken inspiration from the True Detective TV series starring Matthew McConaughey. Dark twists and turns are at every corner of the plot, inter weaved with a philosophical look at the meaning of life and our place in the universe. On the surface this is a detective movie but it's one witha difference. It's heartening to see a female character in the leading role and brings a fresh take on the many male heavy detective films littering our steaming platforms. Out of Blue doesn't pander to this historical gender bias or make any excuses for the choice of female detective, in fact it faces them head on when Mrs Rockwell (Jacki Weaver) asks “ever dress like a woman?”, to which Hollihan (Patricia Clarkson) replies “there are many ways to be a woman”. www.thefrankmagazine.com

There are mysterious meta-physical illusions throughout the film which combines the dark aesthetics of noir with the modernity of something more akin to sci-fi. While the script can feel a tad clunky and expositional in places the story and the performances carry us through these small bumps in the road. Well worth a watch. Review by Samantha Baines Comedian, actress and writer @samanthabaines

Out of Blue was developed with the support of BFI and BBC Films and alongside it's acclaimed female director it's nice to see the strong female production team of Cairo Cannon and Maggie Monteith alongside Luc Roeg (We Need To Talk About Kevin). Out of Blue premiered at the Toronto and BFI London Film Festivals 2018 and will be released in UK and Irish cinemas 29th March 2019. www.thefrankmagazine.com

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A T T H E T H E A T R E

ALL ABOUT EVE

Actress Gillian Anderson www.thefrankmagazine.com

The unforgettable ‘All about Eve’ has hit the London stage nearly seventy years after its film release. The movie, made famous by Bette Davis as Margot Channing, is about a highly acclaimed ageing theatre actress with Anne Baxter as Eve Harrington, the young fan, who turns out to be not just interested in emulating Channing but in replacing her completely. Director Ivo Van Hove, who proved his ‘screen to stage’ credentials with ‘Network’ the seventies film he took to stage in 2017, would seem the obvious man for the job and doesn’t disappoint.

A scene using camera tricks showing a rapidly ageing Margot is horrifying in its speed and I, a woman in the latter stages of her forties, tangibly winced. Lily James in the title role gives a good and engaging performance but it is the bathroom scene in the restaurant towards the end of the play where she comes into her own. Revealing Eve’s true colours, Lily seems to relish the opportunity to let loose. Sadly, the men in the production aren’t as strong, with the exception of Stanley Townsend as the acid tongued critic Addison De Witt. Opening the show with gravitas and grace he has a voice whose tone and intonation sent shivers down my spine.

As one would expect from this director, the staging is stripped back with a wandering camera crew, a large screen allowing us to witness the bathroom and kitchen scenes, a ’back stage’ set and a make up mirror used to great effect for unsparing close ups. Its Thrilling! colour pallet is earthy and warm with lots of terracotta and reds giving a furnace feel which But the stand out performance for me was adds to the heat of the story as the tension builds. Monica Dolan as Karen, the friend and confidant of Margot. This supporting role felt far more than As the iconic Margot, Gillian Anderson broods that. Dolan was powerful and full of light and and goads, spits and snarls her way around the her comedy timing impeccable. stage offering something to savour. Her feelings of vulnerability about ageing (Margot is forty in ‘All about Eve’ is well worth a watch. Solid the film and fifty here) are heart breaking to performances, full of fun and with a very difficult watch with close ups of her shot through the expectation of living up to cinematic perfection, mirror abundant, beautiful and full of feeling. I think it just about succeeds. by Ann Crown

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E X H I B I T I O N

THE HAYWARD GALLERY

“My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.” Diane Arbus, Photographer

The Hayward Gallery presents Diane Arbus: in the beginning, including nearly 100 photographs from the formative first half of her career, from 1956 to 1962. Presented across the upper floor, this solo show includes some fifty photographs which have never been shown in Europe. Born in a wealthy family, she was raised with a strong sense of what was forbidden. Her daughter Doon said about her, a few months after Diane had taken her life: “There was something about her childhood, there was an enormous sense of what was prohibited and I think photography for her had enormously to do with discovering that prohibition didn't apply.” Whilst collaborating for 15 years as a stylist with her husband, fashion photographer Allan Arbus, she began taking photographs in the early 1940s when she received a camera as a gift from him. Arbus created her own pictures only intermittently, but in 1956 she numbered a roll of 35mm film #1, as if to symbolise the definitive beginning of her career as an artist. She was a mother of 2 and had just divorced Allan. The subjects of her photographs were complete strangers she'd met in the street, in a bus, freaks in a circus, transvestites in a club... When she spotted an interesting subject, she'd manage to engage with them and very often she would invite herself to their home and photograph them. This sudden discovery of complete strangers’ intimacy was a thrilling experience which gave to her work a unique vibe mixing randomness, spontaneity and a deep intensity. She'd say “There is something about going to somebody else's house... It's like having a blind date in a sense." And she’d manage to capture a whole life and its lot of struggles in one photograph. Arbus's acute sensitivity and psychological perception of people enabled her to get to the core of each soul she portrayed and develop the style for which she later became so celebrated. Other than A box of ten photographs, printed post humously by Neil Selkirk and lent by the Victoria and Albert Museum, all of the photographs presented in this exhibition are original gelatin silver prints made by the artist herself. The exhibition is on until May

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Diane used the streets of New York as a land of mysteries. She saw this lady wearing a fur coat on the bus and after a quick glance grabbed her 35mm camera and photographed her anapologetically. On this picture the lady looks straight at the camera, quite angry, as if Diane had stolen her identity and one wonders what could have been said between them after the picture was shot. www.thefrankmagazine.com

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