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ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2017
ART, FASHION, MUSIC & CULTURE
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Out with the old in with the new. As we embark on a new year here at Westworld we thought we would give you a combination of the highlights of 2016 and what to look out for in 2017. I’m sure we are all aware that last year the entertainment industry suffered a great deal of loss and many of us have been in morning on more than one occasion. The tragic death of David Bowie, Prince and Carrie Fisher leaving the world shocked. This edition we pay tribute to some of those we loved and lost in 2016 and the fashion fads that have been and gone. We are also keeping you in the loop with fashion fads, new artists and events of 2017. Welcome back. Portia x
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WE NEED YOU
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FEATURED ARTIST: FERN BRADIE Yes, definitely! I would by no means call myself a photographer, but at the moment, it feels like the right medium to express what I want to say. I’m also working more and more on how I can take images and then make them into something else, like printing the images onto interesting surfaces and incorporating that into an installation or interactive piece of some kind. I’m really lucky to have a great artistic friendship group who all specialise in their own things; if I have an idea but need to use the photography studio, there’s people who can help me out and we can work together to make work. I love having such an artistic group of friends!
EDITORS Westworld Editor: Portia Lyons westworld@westerneye.net Music Editor: Olly Evans music@westerneye.net Fashion Editor: Daisy Lucker assistantwestworld@westerneye.net Arts Editor: Rhiannon Thomas assistantwestworld@westerneye.net Entertainment Editor: Anya Keiller assistantmusic@westerneye.net Creative Directors/Designers: Megan Grindle & Danielle Vincent CONTRIBUTORS FEBRUARY 2017: Portia Lyons Olly Evans Daisy Lucker Rhiannon Thomas Anya Keiller Ryan Cronin Fern Bradie
Fern Bradie is a 21 year old fine art student at UWE in her third year. Fern has been experimenting with different mediums to represent her ideas and creative talents. She is influenced by feminist theory and her work focuses on the image and representation of the female body. WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST? I think I always knew I wanted to do something artistic. Originally, I wanted to go into fashion in some way. When I was a kid I used to make big sketchbooks filled with designs and drawings, but I think gradually I evolved into working with fabrics and textiles in a more ‘fine art’ way. I print a lot of my images onto fabric and I’ve experimented with knitting and sewing in my work. I still use a lot of the principles of fashion design in my work now, but in a fine art context. My work is about the female body and how its image can be manipulated and deconstructed and I think learning about the body and dressmaking previously helps me have an interesting perspective on that. WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE? I’m influenced by a lot of feminist theory, particularly Laura Mulvey and Judith Butler. But a lot of pop culture inspires me too, I like mixing high brow and low brow references; like anything from music videos to make up adverts. AS YOU’VE BEEN EXPERIMENTING WITH PHOTOGRAPHY IN YOUR WORK RECENTLY, WOULD YOU SAY YOU ARE GOING TO CONTINUE DOWN THIS ROUTE?
WHO, IF ANY, ARTISTS DO YOU GAIN INSPIRATION FROM, OR ADMIRE? When Josephine Pryde spoke at the Arnolfini a couple of years ago, that was a really key part of my artistic development. I love her work so much! Pipilotti Rist is a huge inspiration, and I love the 70’s avant grade feminist artists like Valie Export. Above all though, I think I’m most drawn to colour. I want all my work to be bold and bright! WHAT IS NEXT FOR FERN BRADIE? I think, eventually I’d like to go into curation. I’ve put on shows here and there, but with the degree show coming up, and a lot of fundraising needed to pay for it, I’d like to work on putting on shows and events with the rest of the fine art group. In terms of my own work, I want to start selling prints or my work. I’d also like to experiment with installation a lot more, it’s been something I’ve been working to in small steps recently, but I’d like to put all my pieces together to make something a little more interactive and tactile. Thanks Fern! If you want to view more of Fern’s artwork, you can check it out on her instagram - Fbradie. Interviewed by Rhiannon Thomas
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If bringing in the new year on New Year’s Eve wasn’t enough I headed down to celebrate the first day of 2017 at ironically In:Motion’s closing party. With all assets of the club open for the event I was even greeted by a secret toilet party. Which to the untrained eye appeared to be an ordinary porter-loo but upon opening the door I was immersed into the world of Narnia toilet style. The toilet brushes and rubber ducks hanging from the ceiling were a nice touch and completed the theme. For me the night started off lightly as I had just managed to dust off my New Years hangover and get into the groove again. Making my way to the main room to catch Tale of Us. Already the venue was beginning to fill with people and it wasn’t even 9 yet. I waded my way through the masses of people and managed to find space to dance. My mind was instantly taken on a journey with the combination of music and purple searchlight effects, reaching into the crowd. A visit to the tunnel was next on the cards where my personal favourites, Banoffee Pies had taken over spinning their usual Disco House. It was less crowded than the main room, meaning there was plenty of room to dance and get lost in their funky sound. With shapes holding down the fort in the skate park, Motion opened its arms once again to thousands of happy revellers itching to see the back of 2016. Many were eagerly waiting
MINI SINGLES
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF 2017
for the headline of Ben Klock. Lucky for me I made my way to the VIP balcony to catch the best view, and as his set began the audience was lit up by phones displaying the same image, anticipating his first tune was about to drop. What better way to close the In:Motion series than using the lights we caught a glimpse of during the opening night. By the crack of dawn I was just about ready to hang my dance shoes up and head for the exit. But as I heard the echoes of Dave Clarke while I waited in the smoking area deciding when to venture home. Upon hearing the upbeat tunes surrounding my ears I made the decision to stay and power through the last few hours of the event. The bar is set high for next years New Years extravaganza and let’s hopes we started 2017 how we intend to go forward. New Year’s Eve at Motion was truly outdone this year by the sound of House and Techno. What a way to spend the first day of 2017.
Photo credit: Entirety Labs
Words by Portia Lyons
DANGEROUS – THE XX Dangerous is the perfect opening track to The XX’s eagerly awaited third studio album, I See You. The London trio adopt a more ambitious and confident sound to anything previously heard in their first two albums XX and Coexist, with Dangerous messing with upbeat trumpet flares, nestled into an infectious beat.
REVIEWS
By Rhiannon Thomas, Olly Evans, Daisy Lucker & Anya Keiller
LONDON GRAMMAR – ROOTING FOR YOU The first raw cut from the British trios upcoming record, Hannah Reid voice bares all in this track (vocally of course) singing acapella in the first 2 minutes. Yet considering the enigmatic and progressive sound in a previous 2013 single, the cinematically romantic ‘Metal & Dust’ they are capable of moulding a far better comeback to 2017 than this. For now, this orchestral return satisfies, but it remains to be seen if they have the ability to surprise us anymore.
PARIS – THE CHAINSMOKERS The Grammy nominated electro DJ duo Chainsmokers have released yet another smooth, easy listening pop song with a catchy tune and groovy beat. The tune features a new voice, apparently a French singer Louana alongside Andrew Taggart. The song begins with a slow tune in front of a beat, which picks up and begins to repeat the main line “if we go down, we go down together.” Maybe that’s a message for all of us to take into 2017.
HALSEY - NOT AFRAID ANYMORE In the lead up to release of Fifty Shades Darker, Halsey has released the second song from the film, following the duet between pop stars Zayn and Taylor Swift. Halsey brings her recognisable vocals to this electro song, making a comeback since her debut album Badlands in 2015. This came after the extreme success of her Chainsmokers collaboration, being part this much anticipated film seems a smart move.
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LOVED & LOST 2016 Taking a moment to look back on 2016, it is a good thing to remember people we have lost. For the entertainment industry what we lost was a great deal of talent.
By Rhiannon Thomas, Olly Evans, Daisy Lucker, Anya Keiller & Portia Lyons
PRINCE
In April last year, we sadly lost the prolifically iconic musician and entertainer Prince at age 57. After signing a recording contract with Warner Bros. at the age of 18, everyone expected big things from the developing artist. He first established himself as a musical genius firstly in 1979 with the single I Wanna Be Your Lover and again in 1984 with the release of his album Purple Rain. Selling more than 20 million copies of the album whilst delivering two No.1 singles in the US including Let’s Go Crazy and When Doves Cry. The inspirational performer will always be remembered through his music for his eclectic work, extravagant dress and wide vocal range.
ALAN RICKMAN
Perhaps best known for his velvety smooth yet cuttingly sarcastic voice and wit. The actor died at the age of 69 but his talent and his contribution to the world of acting will live on forever. With the younger of us out there who remember him most fondly for his ice cold with a warm-hearted centre role as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series. Many also witnessed his acting prowess as the cheating husband of Emma Thompson, Harry in British rom-com giant Love Actually. Where as off screen and on stage, in 1998 he performed opposite Helen Mirren in Antony and Cleopatra. This not only goes to show the diverse acting talents of the much loved British actor, but how many generations were saddened to hear of his death on the 14th of January 2016.
DAVID BOWIE
No doubt one of the most devastating blows that 2016 dealt to the music world, the mourning for Bowie wasn’t just national, but global. Changing the way people viewed sexuality and embracing otherness with personas like Aladdin Sane, Goblin King, and of course the dazzling Ziggy Stardust. Becoming the biggest selling vinyl artist of 2016 with 25th final album Blackstar, matching Elvis Presleys’ chart record of 11 albums in the top 40 in one week, and 2 posthumous Brit Award nominations – nobody can do it but the Starman waiting in the sky.
GENE WILDER
As a child most of us will remember watching Gene Wilder play Willy Wonka in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Tragically in 2016 we lost Jerome Silberman at the ripe old age of 83. Whilst remembering this film and television legend it is important to remember that he was not only an Academy award nominated actor, but a published writer whose memoirs did exceedingly well, a comical theatre actor, the director of several successful movies but was also an extremely passionate advocate for cancer awareness. Most recently his Willy Wonka character has been revisited as the sassy condescending meme we’ve all come to know and love.
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HARPER LEE “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” Those are the famous words taken from “To kill a mockingbird” the first book of novelist Harper Lee lost but never forgotten. The book alone sold more than 40m copies around the world earning her a Pultizer prize. Her death came only a few months after the release of the long awaited prequel “Go set a watchman”. I’m sure we have all taken moral inspiration from her lead character Atticus Finch and Harper’s legacy will live on through this book often referenced as one of the most loved books of all time.
DJ DEREK Known, as the ‘blackest white man’ in Bristol DJ Derek was the oldest British DJ. Sadly in March 2016 his remains were discovered after nearly a year since his disappearance. His DJ career spanned over 40 years and he became a well-known face in the reggae scene. Derek played an important part in the Bristol music scene playing a blend of 60s rocksteady, dancehall, ska and of course reggae. It was evident his love for music and culture was genuine and as friend Don Letts 6 music DJ says, “He was a reggae encyclopaedia.” He is truly missed by music fans all over the country especially in Bristol where many pieces of street art have been dedicated to the man himself.
CARRIE FISHER
After being in the entertainment industry for nearly 46 years, Carrie Fisher was truly loved by her fans all across the world. Her acting career was dominated by her role in Star Wars as Princess Leia Organa – this role has been continued as they incorporate the use of CGI affects of Fisher. In December last year, we sadly lost the well-known actress at the age of 60. We were even more heartbroken when her talented and much loved mother Debbie Reynolds, passed away the following day. The mother-daughter duo has been suggested to bring “rays of sunshine” into the lives of their fans.
ANTON YELCHIN
Originally born in Russia, Anton Yelchin moved to America as an infant and has had an acting career that spans over 16 years. His works includes being in the Steven Spielburg series ‘Taken’ a child actor, the indie films ‘Charlie Bartlett’ and ‘Like Crazy’. Yelchin is most famous for playing Pavel Chekov in the Star Trek trilogy. The creators of the franchise have since said that they will write out the character and chose to post humorously dedicated the film ‘Star Trek:Beyond’ to the young actor. In 2002 he won the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film as Leading Young Actor.
GEORGE MICHAEL
Finding fame through pop group Wham! George Michael went on to pursue a solo career, and spawned numerous hits across the eighties from the blunt brilliance of ‘I Want Your Sex’ to the sexy sax of ‘Careless Whisper’. His candid and defiant confidence paved footsteps for many big LGBT figures, coming out in 1998. But he was more than a pillar for the gay community, he was a campaigner, a true pop icon to be remembered through the ages – but most of all, he was everybody’s guilty pleasure.
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ONES TO WATCH IN 2017
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WE ARE SCIENTISTS FASHION POP CHEMISTRY IN BATH
MONDO COZMO
Little is known about this newcomer, but Joshua Ostrander has already had practice on stage as the former singer from LA band Eastern Conference Champions. Yet his debut solo effort has already been making waves through a steady release of singles across 2016, including the hook laden ‘Higher’ with its dramatic vocal twists and chorus coos designed to seduce your ears.
CLEAN CUT KID Let’s not forget the indie fairytale that 2016 spawned, these raucous rockers have yet to release their much anticipated debut. Speaking to Westworld earlier last October vocalist and guitarist Mike said of the upcoming record: “Something very crazy will have happened if it isn’t out by the end of the year”. Craziness aside, from the hyperactive and infectious energy poured into previous releases ‘Vitamin C’ and ‘Pick Me Up’ - the first album is bound to be the delectable antidote to quench your thirst for new music.
ANNA STRAKER 2016 wasn’t all bad, as it did introduce us to this new age popstrel, but Straker has been around long before singing backing vocals for Rudimental, Years and Years, and John Newman. She inhabits the slinky and seductive vocal ability that is neatly wrapped in 2016 single ‘Late Night Swimming’ (written, produced, and made in her grandmas attic) and the party girl with an attitude in the FONO remix of ‘Serious’. With her EP having dropped two months ago, let’s hope this self-made star breathes more magic into 2017.
STEVIE PARKER This Bristol born singer has honed her heartbreak into an enchanting EP ‘Blue’ filled with breathy vocals and fluttering synths. Bringing to mind BANKS and the xx, her style of minimalist pop packs the maximum effect, a gut wrenching toolkit of emotions. ‘Blue’ flickers with sadness, while ‘Better Off’ is dusted with bitter acceptance. It’s not yet known when new music is coming, but an album in 2017 could be imminent, so watch this space.
AMBER-SIMONE Along with touring with John Legend, singles have been and gone over the past few years, ‘I’m Feeling High’, ‘Violet Light’, and ‘Throwing Arrows’ began to forge a signature sound, but she solidified it last August smashing together smooth R&B rhythms with softly-strummed warped riffs in the intriguing ‘Body Talk’. Her take on neo-soul will have NAO and FKA Twigs looking over their shoulders, and rest of us looking forward at what’s to come. Words by Olly Evans
We Are Scientists continued their Helter Seltzer tour in Moles. Being a touch out of the way for anyone at UWE, Moles is a venue that tends to attract Bath-based students; many of who have done a fantastic job in keeping the intimate and gloriously sweaty setting a secret from us.Moles describes itself as ‘Bath’s Home of Live Music’, and despite its apparent cosiness, is able to attract international acts to play in super-close proximity with the crowd. Scientists exploded into the big time back in 2006 with their breakthrough album With Love and Squalor before 2008’s high point in Brain Thrust Mastery. Their opening tunes brought us back to those heady days, with ‘This Scene is Dead’, ‘Chick Lit’ and the scrappy-yetcatchy ‘Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt’ appearing soon the after kick-off. Forming in 1999, We Are Scientists have surmounted an arsenal of strong tunes which made their 18-song set devoid of any weak moments, as they seamlessly traversed into the desperately frustrating ‘Impatience’ before rolling off the catchy ‘It’s a Hit’ before playing an extended version of the 2010 single ‘I Don’t Bite’ which sounded more like a lad-rock, Kaiser Chief-esque version of themselves. With the band being within toughing distance of the front row, the New York three-piece were right in the thick of it, giving frontman Keith Murray the chance to abandon his Fender Telecaster and venture into the adoringly passionate Moles crowd during a noticeably ardent rendition of ‘Textbook’. Returning to the stage, Murray re-joined his pal and co-writer Chris Cain in a run of post-2014 tunes from their well-rounded LP TV en Francais alongside the current record Helter Seltzer including ‘Make It Easy’ as well as ‘Headlights’. The final Scientists tune of the main set was the shout-along chorus of the fun-filled ‘The Great Escape’. On re-emergence, following their ‘great escape’ backstage, bass player Cain jokingly said that the only reason for the preceding encore was because Moles’ backstage area has no exit. Murray joined in with various great escape puns to that effect, which really need no repeating. An intense version of ‘Slow Down’ began the three-song encore before moving onto their biggest hit ‘After Hours’. Relaxing the mood was one of the finest moments of Helzer Seltzer, the sobering ‘Too Late’, which preaches the message of never giving up – perhaps a suggestion of We Are Scientists’ outlook to their career? If so, we hope to see a lot more action from the New Yorkers in the future. Words by Ryan Cronin
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WHAT WAS THE MOST ENJOYABLE SHOOT YOU DID? I think… probably the Adidas job. We went to Nuremburg in Germany. Everyone was really involving, the night before the shoot we went and had a nice dinner. Another favourite was going to Portugal. I had so much free time to explore the city and chill before the actual work began. WHAT WAS THE PAY REALLY LIKE? WOULD YOU SAY IT’S ENOUGH TO LIVE OFF?
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So, I could survive with it as a full time job but travel was ridiculous. My family home is in Swindon, so travelling to London all the time was hard. It cost a lot. But I mean, one week I earned £7000 in a week from 5 different shoots. I then realised that was probably my peak and I’d never make any more.
QUESTIONS TO SAMMY
COMMERCIAL MODELLING: IT’S NOT ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE… I was lucky enough to catch up with the beautiful Sammy Gilder and find out what she really thought of her modelling days. Whether she’d go back, the positives and negatives of the job thousands wish she could have.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO MODELLING AND AT WHAT AGE?
DID YOU FEEL RESTRICTED WITH YOUR EATING OR EXERCISING? Yes... massively. I wouldn’t eat breakfast. I didn’t really exercise much. I didn’t eat bread or anything that was bad for me. I stuck mainly to rice cakes and vegetables. In London I remember making a sweet potato for myself in the evening and that was it. In the modelling flats, there were girls from Russia and Ukraine and they were there specifically making money from modelling to send home for their families. It was so serious; the pressure was on big time.
DO YOU EVER GET TO KEEP THE CLOTHES?? When I was 18 I worked at fashion union similar to misguided and pretty much they let us keep samples. But that was the only thing I kept… But, another time I lost a ring… at one shoot they put a solid silver ring on me. I later got to the train station and realised I had it. It was an £800 silver ring and I lost it.
So it all began at Glastonbury when I was 13 years old where Jameela Jamil and her best friend scouted me. Funny story actually, it was really hot that day so people were half naked and Jameela actually ran off to find out where this girl’s nipple tassels were from. So, my whole career lasted until I was around 19 and I’d say I was the busiest at 17-19. I think this was because I was with an exclusive agency, working everyday doing shoots and castings.
TO FINISH OFF – IS THERE ANY EXPERIENCE EITHER GOOD OR BAD THAT WILL STICK WITH YOU DURING YOUR MODELLING CAREER?
WHAT DID YOUR FAMILY THINK ABOUT THE JOB?
Well, I’d likes to say it was largely good. Working with misguided in Manchester, was amazing. Being in Manchester as a whole was so lovely and they were great to work for. I was there for a year and a half and then, I moved to Bristol where I have stayed. I’m now working for a commercial modelling agency, which is so much nicer. They want normal, healthy people to put on the books. It was a generally enriching experience and I learnt a lot. I think that people have to be sure of themselves and what they are doing before they think ‘hey I’m going to do modelling’. But i’d like to say there’s loads of modelling Instagram accounts which show the positive ways you can look after yourself and still be involved with commercial modelling. Worth checking out for sure.
From the beginning my parents were really happy for me and told me to go for every opportunity I had. My dad was so supportive and would give me his credit card to go to London and use for travel.
WHAT WERE THE POSITIVES ABOUT THE JOB FOR YOU? Independence. I mean I couldn’t do anything by myself. Then I started getting to London by myself and learnt how to be good at castings. Most importantly, I developed a thick skin. Sadly, castings aren’t ever thinking of you as a person but a product. And how you will sell their stuff. Nothing about the person just what you’re made up off.
WHAT WERE THE NEGATIVES ABOUT THE JOB FOR YOU? Castings – there was a lot of pressure. Jobs a lot of the time had sample size clothing, which is generally UK size 4-6. So sometimes none of it fits which knocks your confidence. Sometimes the people on shoots or at castings can be really mean. This one time, it was actually my first ever casting, I was 14 years old and the makeup artist told me off for coughing then asked me: “Why are you even here…” My dad who was waiting outside, went and got me some cough medicine, bless him.
Interviewed by Daisy Lucker
2016
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FASHION FADS
Words by Daisy Lucker
EMBROIDERY The beautiful art of embroidery became a thing mid 2016 to the end. Retailers would turn the simplest items into beautiful works of art with a simple pattern in embroidery. Later in the year, embroidery even made its way onto shoes, bags, hats and scarves. BACKPACKS I mean backpacks have always been a thing. But last year they moved away from school backpacks to partying/everyday/fashionable accessories everyone wanted to have.
CULOTTES Last year was the year of big flared, oversized, smart but also casual trousers. These were perfect for keeping warm but also fitting in with the latest trend and the retailers did a great job of offering variety from every different colour or pattern in a range of fabrics. Zara specifically well with Culottes – for only £12.99 they offered over 10 different styles perfect for any occasion.
FUR For the first time in years, Fur has become fashionable again. Moving away from the real stuff, retailers have introduced faux fur, which has been a massive hit for keeping warm especially this winter. There has been an increase of products available and even stretches to ostrich fur coats.
BOMBER JACKETS Again, bomber jackets have always been trendy, but I think last year, I saw them everywhere. They developed from a simple one colour, cotton coat for keeping warm into something extremely fashionable. Available in every colour or material and even cropped, these were the ideal items to finish off an outfit.
METALLIC/ GLITTER The idea of metallic and glitter clothing definitely began as an evening trend, but in 2016 as retailers developed a range of items in these fabrics, they became more trendy as something you could wear everyday with different styles or dress down with under tops.
STRIPES Stripes have always been there, but last year they seemed to become even more popular than before. Everything seemed to be striped. This is a trend, which I think will continue into 2017 and hopefully for many more years.
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KHAKI Although it may not be one of the nicest, most inspiring colours, khaki seems to be an upcoming trend for this years fashion. During New York fashion week late last year, the colour has become a hit for high street retailers.
RUFFLES This year we have already seen ruffles everywhere and I have a feeling there are many more to come. They are appearing everywhere; the bottom of trousers, the sleeves of your jumpers, necklines and on the hem of your dress. This is a nice extra that’s been added to make those simple items look a little more stylish and alternative.
FASHION FADS TO LOOK OUT FOR... Words by Daisy Lucker
LACES In 2016 we began to see lace ups being introduced on tops and dresses. There has been an increasing amount after Paris fashion week where we began to see lace up trousers, tops, underwear and shoes (a whole new level of lace!).
SPOTS Whereas last season it was stripes, we are seeing an increasing amount of spots as we come into 2017. What better way to accessorize with a spotty scarf, jacket or shoes…
FLORAL PATTERNS Bringing out your femininity, the selection of floral patterns offer a summer vibe and convey colour to your wardrobe. The beginning of 2017 has already seen a release of beautifully handmade embroidered floral shoes from the likes of Kurt Geiger and Topshop.
OVERSIZED This season seems to be encouraging clothes to be baggy and oversized more than ever. It’s never been so ok to wear something 4 sizes too big for you, which makes shopping a lot easier.
OFF THE SHOULDER It has always been said that nice shoulders and collarbones top off your physique. What better idea that off the shoulder pieces to show your beautiful physique. Last year the trend was more common on tops, yet this year it has developed to more pieces as we see sweatshirts, dresses and even some coats.
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BRISTOL’S YOUTH GET CREATIVE In Bristol, theatres such as the Old Vic work with local drama schools to ensure that Bristols youth still have accessible affordable access to theatre groups. Within the last two months, I have had the opportunity to see how the company has worked with these groups to create pieces of art. Not only are they entertaining, in some instances they touched upon serious issues such as sexism, misogyny, teen pregnancy and sexual assault. In ‘A Christmas Turkey’, which was put together by the Creative Youth Network in collaboration with Old Vic Theatre, students tell a story of a young teenage girl who is pregnant around Christmas. Written by 16-25 year olds this play uses true experiences with Bristol youth and touches upon homelessness, the foster care system, and most importantly is a representation of the realities of Christmas that aren’t usually touched on. Furthermore students of the Creative Youth Network included the audience, by giving out presents and brought in Fair Share, a local food charity, in the Penultimate scene to give the audience and the teenage mum Christmas dinner.
a Timberlake Wertenbaker show adapted by the Bristol Old Vic Young Company, it shows the tale of Procne, Tereus and Philomela within the greek myth Metamorphoses. The story of selfishness, betrayal, misogyny and scenes of a sexually violent emphasis the power of speaking out. Imogen Downes is the best thing about this show, taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. In her energetic portrayal of Philomela the audience can feel the way Philomela takes in her surrounding, in an all consuming way. When she is happy you feel it, and as the story goes on you can also feel her pain and suffrage. Overall whilst watching these shows, it’s amazing to see how they pull off these hard storylines. Bristol and its youth have created pieces of art that are full of talent, that educate and enlighten young people around the area. I would advise anyone who enjoys theatre and the arts to catch this show whilst it’s still running. It’s one not to miss. Words by Anya Keiller Photo Credit: Jack Offord
Whilst watching ‘The Love of the Nightingale’
BRAVE SEA CAPTAINS TO SNOW QUEENS Last year the Old Vic marked its 100th year being a focal point in the arts industry within Bristol, it worked with award winning artists, actors and scriptwriters to make its centennial year truly spectacular for Bristolian residence. To mark the end of the years activities I was invited to the Christmas Press day at the Old Vic.
In the duration of this day I had a chance to see an adaption of children book ‘Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain’. The show was very interactive and aimed at families with young children. It excelled in being creative and entertaining to young children whilst having subtle innuendos for the maturer audience that were relatable and perfectly timed. With a cast of just three actors, the story excelled kept it interesting with plenty of costume changes and its set design being sensory engaging such as the use of jellyfish made of neon lights. Photo credit: Mark Douet
However, the most impressive part of the day was the opportunity to watch the Snow Queen. A story about friendship, courage and self acceptance from the initial curtain rise to the close this show was incredibly made. With gigantic puppets, interpretive dancing and a show that immersed the audience with violin players in the stands at the start, and main characters running through the seats. Apart from the superb acting between the main two characters other highlights of the show include the god of flowers and a reformed goblin who finds kindness after looking into a mirror. Both of these shows should make you excited for things to come at Old Vic this year. Words by Anya Keiller
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ARNOLFINI PERFORMANCE PIECES FROM THE PAST
From the 24th of January up until the 9th of April the Arnolfini, UWE Bristol’s artistic hub are to put on archival displays of three key performance pieces from the 1970’s and 1980’s. This will feature past performances Alastair MacLennan – Is No, Paul Neagu – Gradually Going Tornado, and Rosemary Butcher Dance Company – Passage North East. Performance art is a performance presented to an audience contextually regarding fine art. Performances can vary from spontaneous to planned, scripted to unscripted and whereas typically is performed in front of an audience and sometimes includes audience participation, it also occasionally is performed solo by the artist. Alastair MacLennan is a teacher of Irish/British performance art, and refers to his performances as ‘actuations’. He is widely celebrated for his performance work which looks into political, social, religious, ethical and aesthetic issues. In 1988 his solo exhibition Is No was exhibited at the Arnolfini and featured a procession from the artist, his work will be available to view as documentary style on the ground floor. Having been noted as being a strong influence on artists Anish Kapoor and Antony Gormley, Paul Neaugu was born in Romania. Having moved to the UK in 1969. His best known performance from the 1970’s was Going Tornado, an athletic performance that focused on spiraling movement. It featured roller skating, and everyday objects like scissors. Rosemary Butcher has been regarded as one of the most consistently radical choreographers for over 4 decades. In 1976 she debuted three works at the Arnolfini which were inspired by her time in New York in 1970. One of these performances, which was named Passage North East, was intended to interact with the space in which it was exhibited. This was certainly the case here as the dancers started the performance by rowing across the dock from the other side in the direction of the audience. This display of performance art from the past will certainly be one not to miss, and whilst it remains as a work of art from over 4 decades ago it may act as inspiration for the next generation of performance artists in Bristol and beyond. Words by Rhiannon Thomas
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REVIEW:
With the January sales getting cheaper and cheaper, the Kenzo x H&M collection is ever rising as people try to sell on their pieces of the collection. Items from the collection are on Ebay for nearly 4 times the original cost, we can only assume the pieces were a massive hit in the fashion industry and everyone is dying to be seen in these impeccably designed threads. Or is it really just the brand people are hoping to associate themselves with? The collection was launched on November 3rd 2016, in 250 H&M stores worldwide, as well as online. Fans were extremely frustrated the morning of the release that the website crashed, due to the high demand of online buyers. However those who spent the night queuing outside the larger stores worldwide, may have been satisfied with what they bought – but many were disappointed with what the collection actually had to offer. The collection revealed weeks before: “The iconic photographer Jean-Paul Goude has shot the campaign for KENZO x H&M, starring seven diverse celebrities and figureheads. Appearing in the campaign are Iman, Rosario Dawson, Chance The Rapper, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Chloe Sevigny, Suboi and Xiuhtezcatl Martinez”. Pieces in the collection ranged from £7.99 for a pair of socks up to £299.99 for a layered dress. The distinctly diverse collection features nearly 100 pieces, in a kaleidoscope of colours with the most mesmerising of prints and fabrics, Kenzo really wowed his audience. Tiger print and luminous colours are present in many of the items, which deliver this edgy and controversial image Kenzo was looking to provide. This is what some of the students at UWE thought of the collection: Ollie, 22 (2nd Year Fashion communication student) “I’m not a fan of Kenzo himself or the collaboration if I’m honest, however, from what I’ve seen online the quality and designs are great (especially for the range of prices). I think this idea of contemporary designers, like Kenzo, collaborating with high street stores is a really decent idea and will hopefully happen more often. This idea makes high-end brands so much more accessible to the younger generations and people who cant afford the high-end prices but really love fashion. Genevieve, 18 (1st year accounting and finance student) “Oh my god, its all amazing right? The whole collection is really quite new and different but I think it works well and by the high demand it only shows a positive reaction. The collection features some great new prints, I especially love the animal print in whacky, out there colours. I’m not sure how much of it I’d be willing to pay for but if they were giving them out, I mean I wouldn’t say no. I’ve always loved Kenzo and H&M so its really nice to see a collaboration between Rhiannon Thomas, 22 (Westworld Art Editor) In this day and age new and affordable highend meets highstreet collections that are released online sell out instantly, and with people camping outside of shops to pick up the latest pieces it is no wonder that clothing is being sold online for 3 times the price. The collection which is vibrant, with the use of animal print, neon colour schemes and ruffles alongside intricate embroidery stiching oozes luxuary, and with the collection originally being so affordable, it has clearly gained a cult following. I am excited to see what’s next. On the other hand, with H&M as one of the leading names in fast fashion, I personally would think twice before buying anything from the range. Words by Daisy Lucker
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2017
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EVENTS DIARY JANUARY Slapstick Festival 18- 22 of January Join the fun at the Slapstick festival in Bristol which is a showcase of silent and classic screen comedy. With over 25 events, film screenings this event will be good for comedy lovers and slapstick virgins. The festival will include Simon Callow presenting Chaplin shorts, a screening of legendary film ‘The Great Dictator’ and a Silent Comedy Gala. It’s working to ensure that silent and classical comedy, is kept alive for future generations.
FEBRUARY The Blast X Butters X Exit 18 February The Blast returns to Motion for their second show in 2017. Playing an non stop back to back headline set from artists including DJ Hype, Skibadee, Randall and General Levy in room one. In room two Londons very own Butters will host a set that includes Flava D. Elijah and Skilliam, Swindle and many more. Finally if two rooms weren’t enough, we have Exit records hosting the final room in Motion with DBridge, Skeptical and other artists playing throughout the night.
MARCH Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival 16 - 19 March Dance around to funk, blues, jazz, soul and rock and roll in this festival celebrating these genres from their beginning and how they have evolved up until now. With an illustrious and long association with Jazz the city has welcomed many jazz legends including Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. As this festival grows in popularity year on year, the event is set to be one of the city’s biggest music events. The line up this year includes Macy Grey, Alice Russell and Dizzy Gilleseppe
APRIL La Strada 1 - 22 April Join the audience at the Old Vic to watch Fredrico Fellini’s award winning La Strada, a masterpiece in World Cinema. Adapted by Olivier nominated Sally Cookson, and with music performed by an array of international actor musicians. The play is about a country feeling the effect of war, but is also about innocence, love and loss. In a story that moves between dazzling circus settings and the rural landscape’s in Italy post the show is sure to engage your senses.
MAY Love Saves The Day 27 - 28 May This is Westworld, you knew we were gonna mention this one. With an amazing line up and right on your doorstep what else could you possibly want to do this May?
Returning for its fifth year the festival is keeping us in suspense for the potential line up but after last year we know its going to be good. So celebrate the end of your university year and exam season at this local festival.
JUNE The Curious incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. 13 - 17 June As the National Theatre show returns to the Hippodrome. Watch fifteen year old mathematician Christopher, as his world be turned upside down. When he learns to venture further than the four walls of his room and out into the world. Based on the award winning mystery novel by Mark Haddon, as we watch Christoper investigate the dogs disappearance, the incredible storyline shows the audience the hard ships of living with Aspergers syndrome.
JULY Bristol Pride 9 - July Rated in the top five pride festivals in the UK, join Brizzle as the entire city celebrates all things Gay Pride. The Pride festival is one of Bristols biggest events, has won awards and proudly hosts an eclectic line up of activities. Starting with the pride parade the day includes creative activities, community areas, family friendly activities. Along side an line up of musicians, Cabaret sets and plenty of food, stalls and bars the day is set to be a good one.
AUGUST Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 10 - 13 August What says summer better than 150 hot air balloons from across the world coming to your city for 4 days? Join one of the worlds largest celebration of the Hot Air Balloon in Bristol. The most iconic part of the Fiesta will be the night glow and firework finales. Along side the balloons during the free festival there will be plenty of food stalls, arena entertainment and fair ground rides. Words by Anya Keiller