In 2011, Miu Miu debuted The Women’s Tales, a series of short films that Miuccia Prada commissioned from international female directors, each of whom explored various aspects of the feminine experience in their work. And today Le Donne della Vucciria, set entirely in the city of Palermo, is making its world premiere at Venice Days. Above you’ll find the trailer. The renowned Palestinian actress Hiam Abbas is the director of the short.

This will be followed by The Door by Ava DuVernay, the first African-American woman to win an award for Best Director at Sundance. The Door is a celebration of the transformative power of the bonds between a number of different women.

The two short films present a different vision of a woman´s world and its metamorphoses. The clothes from the collection, in fact, are no mere accessories or ornamental elements; they symbolize renewal, accompanying the stars of the short films on a path leading to personal “rebirth”.

There’s more to Miu Miu Women´s Tales than just visuals, a series of talks will be devoted to the theme of female creativity. On August 30 and August 31 festival audiences will be able to watch several leading ladies in film and the arts at large as they engage in three dialogues moderated by journalist and filmmaker Monica Maggioni. The three conversations cover different creative stages in filmmaking: directing ,production and acting.

The idea for the talks was born from the need to stimulate reflection on women’s experiences working and expressing their creativity in various sectors of the film industry. Miu Miu presents the voices of quite different personalities who have had first-hand experience of the risks and the rewards of a career in film in a “man’s world”.

Tags: Miu Miu women's tales

The German self-taught photographer and Twin favourite, Alexander Binder, is opening his first solo exhibition in Warsaw, Poland on Friday. It’s a new body of work called Das Innere with mystic photographs, which were taken during several journeys to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands in the last 3 years.

Das Innere has an ambiguous meaning in German and is used to describe the inside of a building or a physical object – but also the inner life of a human being, his thinking, his emotions, his hopes, nightmares and fears. Alexander portrays this in his exhibition through pictorial photographs from smoking volcanoes and magmatic eruptions which gives the viewer a very lively impression of the destructive power from the inner of the earth. On the other hand the images come directly from the inner of our soul and express anxiety and loneliness.

Alexander creates mystical and ethereal photos, which are characterized by a strong passion for the spiritual and the surreal.
Alexander’s photos have been exhibited internationally (Germany, France, UK, Poland, US, Canada, Northern Ireland, Italy, Netherlands). And his images were published in VICE, SLEEK, TUSH, TWIN, GUP, Fotografia, Süddeutsche Magazin and many more. His books and zines are held in the collections of the National Art Library, Deutsche Nationalbibliothek, Salford Zine Library, Indie Photobook Library and the Médiathèque André-Malraux de Strasbourg.

Das Innere is on display at Lookout Gallery in Warsaw from August 30 until September 24.

lookoutgallery.com

Tags: Alexander Binder

V1 GALLERy in Denmark presents a group exhibition with work responding to the legacy of World War II and Nazis, but the aim is to create an exhibition that highlights the increasing perils of the far right in contemporary Europe – such as the Golden Dawn in Greece, Svoboda in the Ukraine and the Jobbik party in Hungary.

Mel Brooks, the American writer, director and actor, has spent much of his career parodying Hitler and German national socialists, and his aim was to bring Hitler and the Nazi’s down with ridicule and laughter.
In 1945, he responded to the Nazi’s propaganda broadcasts by setting up speakers and singing Jewish musical theatre performer Al Jolsonʼs song ʻToot Toot Tootsie Goodbyeʼ on repeat to the Germans.

By placing together work that veers from the satirical to the deeply disturbing, the aim with the exhibition is to create a real effect in the viewer. Hitting them with horror and the unacceptable at moments when humour has lowered their barriers.

And Twin’s art editor, Francesca Gavin, is the curator of the exhibition. She is also the curator of the Soho House Collection and has curated shows internationally that include The Dark Cube at the Palais de Tokyo 2012, and The New Psychedelica at MU Eindhoeven 20.

The exhibtion is on display at V1 Gallery from September 13 until October 14.

v1gallery.com

Tags: francesca gavin, V1 Gallery

Matches, the very British luxury shopping destination, with an exciting international outlook are renowned for their dedication to creativity and originality, as well as bringing the most globally sought after designers to their customer. With their fashion exclusives including the likes of Burberry Prorsum, Saint Laurent and Azzedine Alaia, it’s the place to buy key wardrobe hits every season.

For the upcoming AW they have the perfect arm candy on offer, from cool classics to cutting edge, and we’ve chosen the favourites from matchesfashion.com.
The bag above the text is the Pelican satchel bag by Alexander Wang.

Words by: Felicity Carter

Balenciaga, Giant City bag

Bao Bao Issey Miyake, Lucent shopper

Burberry Prorsum, Blaze studded patent-leather bag

Jil Sander, Neptuno leather bowling bag

Mark Cross, Scottie satchel bag

Saint Laurent, Sac du Jour ponyhair tote

Tags: Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Burberry, Issey Miyake, Jil Sander, Mark Cross, matchesfashion.com, Saint Laurent

The Danish beauty, Freja Beah Ericsen, has been a regular face on all the big catwalks during the last couple of years and she has been the campaign model for brands such as Chanel, Bottega Veneta and Valentino and is often seen in Vogue, Numero and Elle. But now she has decided to take a break, and instead of modeling Freja is trying something new. She has paired up with Lela Becker and Tim Kaeding from Mother, and in September a capsule collection with Freja’s signature pieces like classic denim, chambray shirts and leather pieces will be launched in Nordstrom. “I wanted them to be the thickness jeans should be, but also comfortable. We got the first pair really right, and I’ve been wearing them ever since,” Freja says.

The Scandinavian model has been working with the international medical humanitarian organization, Doctors Without Borders, for the last years and so sales from the collection will also benefit the organization.

As she is a fan of the effortless denim look, her collaboration with Mother have good odds for success. And even though we won’t see her pretty face on the upcoming fashion shows, we at Twin can’t wait to get our hands on a pair of jeans designed by the Danish star.

Tags: Freja Beah Ericsen

Olivia Von Halle takes luxury nightwear to the next level. The British brand, which was only launched a couple of years ago has established its very own take on traditional silk pyjamas, slips and robes.

The AW13-14 campaign, as styled by Leaf Greener (the Executive Fashion Editor of ELLE China none the less) takes inspiration from the orient during the lavish 1920s era, channeling high-octane glamour with a heavy dose hedonism. This translates into the collection through the use of rich jewel tones and art deco prints, all in the signature Olivia Von Halle silk.

The brand is sold in over 50 stores globally, including Harrods, Selfridges, Neiman Marcus and online at net-a-porter.com

oliviavonhalle.com

Words by: Felicity Carter

Tags: Olivia Von Halle

Last week Paul Smith opened up the doors to yet another beautiful menswear-only store in the heart of Soho. It is his thirteenth store in London and in this new gentlemen wonder room one can find everything from clothes, shoes and accessories, to books, art and other interesting curios. And it is the first Paul Smith shop to offer an exclusive bespoke jeans service.
The store interprets what Paul Smith is so much about, a mix of tradition and playfulness. The shop has got an impressive facade and inside, the walls are painted in muted hues and are partly decorated with envelopes. Earlier this year, Paul invited followers, via his blog, to help decorate the new store by sending in customized envelopes.  He got a tremendous response and today one can find a creative selection on the walls.

If you are in the area, it is definitely worth visiting the new menswear store, if not for shopping, then to get inspired by the beautiful interiors and the creative decorations.

Paul Smith, 46 Beak Street, W1F 9RJ London

paulsmith.co.uk

Pictures from itsnicethat.com

Tags: paul smith

Alexander Tucker and Daniel O’ Sullivan are the super-duo behind Grumbling Fur. Their new album which came out in July has had great reviews and today Twin is excited to premiere their new video for the track Protogenesis, via Thrill Jockey.
The both are veterans of the UK experimental underground and their sound is recognized for its pulsating bass and rhythmic synth beats.

The track Protogenesis, is made up by a synth line with a constant beat, and as the track progresses the duo’s warm, echoing vocals breaks through. The psychedelic inspired video is directed by the very talented Mark Titchner, English artist and a nominee for the 2006 Turner Prize.
Start your week by listening to the hypnotizing sound and get lost by the blending colors. And if you want a copy of the album, you can order it here thrilljockey.com

Remember to click on HD for the full experience.

Tags: Alexander Tucker, Daniel O' Sullivan, Grumbling Fur, Mark Titchner

Lately we’ve been glued to our screens thanks to the work of film writer/director/producer Lucy Luscombe, who has recently garnered accolades such as the BFI Future Film Award and Outstanding Female Talent Award at Underwire Festival for her work. From the trials and tribulations of a young gymnast in Candy Girl to late night occurrences in a Dalston kebab shop in Again Sometime, the CSM graduate’s films offers a captivatingly honest insight into the everyday challenges of human existence.

Twin spoke to the promising talent about her earnest beginnings, the inspirational factor of failure and the future of the British film industry…

What initially sparked your interest in film?
I’ve always been interested in ‘moments’; creating or recreating them. I remember finding a lot of fleeting situations/moments significant growing up and sounding pretty spacey when trying to explain why. In film you can take that moment, light it, slow it down, blow it up and say ‘that’s why’. Equally, if you’re told ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’ a lot, film is a good place to sweat it.

What was the first piece of cinematic work you ever made?
I made a lot of questionable video art at St Martins: a lot of raw meat, wedding dresses and Bataille. Pretty earnest stuff. A highlight was ‘My womb/ the mosh pit (Beat down)’. Not sure how cinematic it was.

Sum up your style of directing in three words.
One. More. Take.

How has working as an actress informed your work?
I know how to talk to people and get the performance I need. I don’t force anything because I know what that feels like as a performer. I’m better at reading the person when they walk through the door and knowing what they can give me or what they can’t – that’s the foundation and the performance is the surprise.

From late nights in Dalston to coming-of-age flicks, there is a very personal sense to your work. How much of your films would you say is autobiographical and where do you get the inspiration for your work from?
I’d like to think my work is quite human and that comes from a personal place or from listening to people, properly. I suppose I’ve also always been fascinated by failure – it’s managed to seep through a lot of pieces and like anyone who’s serious about making art and making sacrifices for it, they’ll know that’s personal.

Since your early beginnings, how have you seen the London film industry develop?
The old gatekeepers have lost a bit of dough and there are new exciting funding bodies who want to make interesting work, whether it’s through brave brands or online magazines. Specifically in features, where once you needed a lot of money, there is now cheap equipment that allows you to tell the story you want without going through a funding application process that wants to know everything from your grandparents’ ethnicity to your sexual orientation. Theres a ‘get up and go’ mindset emerging, most notably from filmmakers such as Tom Schkolnik (The Comedian). Sure, there’s an issue with quality control but there are great curators out there . If you wanted to make ‘The Fast and the Furious UK edition’, however, I think the British film industry would be a bad place to start.

In the day and age of rom coms and reality television, how important do you think it is for film to tackle serious subject matter such as human existence, identity and disillusion?
There has always been banal entertainment and who am I to tell Joe Bloggs what he should watch when he gets home, I don’t know what kind of day he’s had, and if it’s been pretty shitty I wouldn’t judge him for watching TOWIE to switch off. Film/television/theatre/musicals can offer an interlude to be numbed or moved, enlightened or educated. My interest lies in questions of human existence, identity and disillusion, but that’s my privilege and laughing at Kim Kardashian’s swollen ankles is Joe Bloggs’s.

What are your future projects, goals and plans?
I’ve got some music videos and a fashion film coming out which I’m pretty excited about. There’s also a beautiful short story I’m adapting to keep me fresh while developing a feature.

lucyluscombe.com

Tags: Lucy Luscombe

We’ve been itching to get our hands on the new Chloë Sevigny x Opening Ceremony FW13 collection since we first saw their presentation in February, and now the time has come. Launching today, the collaboration pieces are available both online and in store, and it’s definitely been worth the wait.

The campaign as shot by KT Auleta, is all about the fun loving, sixties cool girl, vibing Cindy Sherman dress up and transports us back in time to the hedonism of Warhol’s Factory. Expect Twiggy-esque monochrome, ultra cute two-pieces in baby blue and bubblegum pink, with plenty of mini skirts and midriffs thrown in for good measure.
openingceremony.us


Text by Felicity Carter

Tags: Chloe Sevigny, opening ceremony

You wouldn’t go to a supermarket to pick up a pornographic DVD. So why are magazines containing bare breasted women, misogynistic writing and adverts for escort agencies readily available alongside your eggs, bread and milk? This is the question currently being posed by feminist groups UK Feminista and Object, who have focused on Tesco as the UK’s biggest retailer, in the hope that other chains and newsagents will follow suit.

On the 24th August they are encouraging the public to stage family-friendly protests outside their local store, “talking to customers about why Tesco shouldn’t be stocking sexist, harmful lads’ mags, and collecting petition signatures.” Kat Banyard, director of UK Feminista, says, “Stocking sexist publications which fuel sexist attitudes that underpin violence against women is in complete contradiction to any claim of corporate social responsibility.”

Within days of the campaign’s launch back in May, with supporters contacting the supermarket via social media and emails, the company agreed to a meeting. “The supermarket already has a policy of not stocking adult or pornographic magazines, so,” says Banyard, “one of the key things we asked was why do they have sexist, pornographic magazines like Nuts and Zoo on their shelves?” A Tesco spokesperson responded that, “We are looking into the issues that these groups have raised and were happy to meet with them for a constructive discussion. We are also talking to our customers, to find out what they think, before we make any decisions about next steps.”

Join the debate and sign the petition at losetheladsmags.org.uk

Text by Beccy Hill

Shortlisted as ‘New Designer of the Year’ at the UK Jewellery Awards in 2012, Smith/Grey is a London based jewellery brand creating high quality, handmade objects inspired by memories, stories and traditions.
Founded by jewellery designer Birgit Marie Schmidt and creative strategist Sofus Graae, their designs are an expression of their Central European and Scandinavian background in combination with their British education and lifestyle.

Their AW collection, Bulls & Roses, is now available on their website and Twin spoke to the team behind the brand about inspiration and goals for the near future.

What was your initial idea with Smith/Grey?
Jewellery for us is a wonderful medium to communicate in as it merges the refined technical skills of a craftsman with the abstract ideas of an artist or designer. Jewellery also has the potential to carry a lot of sentiment and personal meaning (just think of a wedding ring for example) which you won’t find in any other design medium. It seemed like the perfect platform for us to exercise our desire to create and manifest ideas inspired by the world’s big and small wonders. We just jumped in and it kind of snowballed from there.

What signifies your design?
Our designs derive from a place of critical curiosity and the need to shape an idea into a physical object. We want all of our designs to tell a story, be it a surreal recreation of a memory. We also love to create unexpected juxtapositions of the wild and the romantic, the animalistic and the cultivated which you can find when viewing our textured Ivy Noir signet rings or our latest Bulls&Roses collection.

Where do you generally find inspiration?
Our inspiration has no static home – it is often a colourful mix of cultural observations, art, cinema and adventures that through time merge into new concrete ideas which we base our collections on. Coming from completely different backgrounds also allows us to look at things through the eye of an architect or graphic designer instead of being constrained to only one view of the jewellery design world.

Who is your typical customer?
Someone who looks for something special, someone who has an eye for detail and appreciates to be challenged.

What are you working on at the moment?
We have been fortunate to gain some new exciting international stockists which we are finishing orders for at the moment. It is a thrilling thought to know that our designs will be available in some of the most beautiful and exciting stores around the world.

We are also working hard on updating our website which is something that is really important to us. Of course we are also in the early days of getting together a new collection which will be very exciting as well so make sure to check back regularly!

smithgrey.co.uk

Byredo, the Stockholm based fragrance house, is launching a new perfume in September in collaboration with the two fashion photographers Inez Lamsweerde och Vinoodh Matadin.

Ben Gorham, the perfume director behind the brand, has created a modern, unique and logical approach to creating fragrances. By limiting the numbers or raw materials, each fragrance is given a clear identity and reason of being. His most rescent fragrance, Inflorosence with hints of roses, pink fresia, magnolia, lilies and jasmine, was a best seller and the perfect smell for spring/summer. But as we are approaching the end of August it is time for a less floral fragrance and so Ben Gorham together with Inez  and Vinoodh have made the ultimate autumn/winter perfume. Named 1996, it is inspired by a photograph of a young girl with the title Kirsten 1996, taken by Inez and Vinoodh the same year.

“This photo represents the work and our lives together, and Ben has done an impeccable interpretation of that for the new fragrance,” the photographer duo says about their collaboration.

From September the fragrance will be on sale on Byredo’s website as well as at Barney’s in New York.

byredo.com

barneys.com

Fast becoming the watch brand to know, Larsson & Jennings is known for its Stockholm-meets-London minimal, contemporary vibe.

Already on the radars of the cool crowd and the style bloggers alike including, Camille over the Rainbow, Shine by Three and Studded Hearts it is the underground label that’s soon to be massive.

We’ve got our eye on the very fashion RESURGENCE collection.

Available online at: larssonandjennings.com

Elephant Docks is an online store, producing a range of limited editon, screen-printed wooden iPad mini and iPad docks.

The docks are beautifully made out of birch plywood with a walnut veneer and with a base made from pressed cork. All materials are sourced in UK as well as produced there.

There is a range of docks you can chose from on their website, but the store will soon be offering a fully bespoke option, where you will be able to download the template and apply your own design, and they will print it for you.

Make your iPad unique and order your favourite dock today.

elephantdocks.co.uk

Whether it was workwear overalls, slashed punk jeans or Daisy Duke cutoffs, denim has always been labelled as the most democratic of fabrics. However, since its founding in 2003, Superfine has managed to propel this everyday basic to stylish new heights, gaining a cult like status among premium denim fans. The brand’s SS 13 collection ‘War & Peace’ puts a light yet luxurious spin on utilitarian dressing with camouflage-printed leather trousers, chambray chino jumpsuits and cargo jodhpurs.

Twin spoke to its founder Lucy Pinter about political fashion, the label’s upcoming ten year anniversary and what puts the ‘super’ in Superfine…

What inspired you to start Superfine?

I was a stylist in London and wanted a skinny jean to work with (and wear). I also wanted something clean; at that time there were only distressed bootlegs available. The Ramones were my inspiration.

You mentioned the importance of the SS 13 collection reflecting our tumultuous times. Should fashion be political?

Good question. To be honest I usually avoid any politics in my work but last season it just seemed difficult to avoid, as the doom was everywhere. Usually for me it’s about something simple. Fashion is not conceptual or deep. I make what I want to wear. That’s it. But I totally understand and respect people that bring political statements to their work. It can be a good way to voice your opinion.

How would you sum up the collection in one sentence?

A strong, vibrant, rock ‘n’ roll collection with military feel.

What were the challenges of creating this season’s range?

The colours were completely new. I had agents screaming for them so I went for it, but it’s a challenge to see such strong colours in development. I’m more into neutrals in general. We also had some heavy laundry trips and getting the washes right was challenging.

Superfine started off as a very denim-focused brand. What has the process of broadening its design horizons been like?

It’s been a very natural progression to be honest. Again, it’s just about what I like to wear. Denim will always be my first love, but I do love covering all bases. It’s more challenging to design a full collection.

What makes the perfect pair of jeans and what do high-end brands offer that the high street cannot?

A perfect pair of jeans is the jean that makes you feel good, the one you throw on with anything for any event. It’s about the fit, wash and details. High end brands (mine anyway) offer a small manufacturing feel that huge production can’t — it’s in the details. Superfine has lasered print pocket linings in good fabrics (the print design changes every season), we have personalised zips in different colour zip tape for each collection, use the highest quality fabrics and don’t bulk buy cheap. I think it’s absolutely incomparable.

What projects do you have lined up for the future?

We have a 10 year anniversary coming up. Watch this space!

superfinelondon.com

Tags: Lucy Pinter, Superfine

Last week Converse UK launched their Fall 2013 Chuck Taylor All Star Rock Craftsmanship sneaker collection, offering the finest materials paired with exquisite detailing, such as combinations of studs, zippers, leather and bold animal prints inspired by rock’s rebellious attitude. And to celebrate the colourful individuals who live and breathe the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, Converse has taken over ‘The Circle’ tattoo parlour on Soho’s Noel Street for the month of August, giving fans the chance to express their creative spirit and make their permanent mark in the ultimate uncompromising manner, by getting inked.

Converse will also pay homage to its on-going commitment to music by hosting a series of exclusive live gigs from the basement of The Circle, and the following artists will be performing:

Metz / August 7
Pure Love / August 17
Bring Me The Horizon / August 22

For further information on the gig series, ticket applications and how to get inked, visit converse.co.uk

Charlotte De Carle, Lilah Parsons and Tabitha Hal at Converse launch party at The Circle

The Scandinavian high-street store COS has teamed up with the Serpentine Gallery on its summer series of Park Night talks and events, as well as an accompanying clothing collection. The brand has created two limited edition shirts – one for men and one for women, drawing inspiration from utility, nature and the concept of the shirt itself.
“The shirt is a key staple of the Cos collection; its versatility and timelessness make it the perfect addition to every man and woman’s wardrobe,” said Karin Gustafsson, Cos’ head of womenswear design.

The shirts are available to buy online, at COS Regent Street and the Serpentine Gallery.

The store is supporting the Serpentine Gallery with a schedule of performances, film screenings and discussions on selected Friday evenings throughout the summer months, all staged in the new Serpentine pavilion – this year designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. And the next one up, on Friday September 6, is a specially commissioned performance by artist George Henry Longly, inspired by the structure of a fashion show.

Buy your ticket already now at serpentinegallery.org 

cosstores.com

QF Gallery presents photographer Nan Goldin in an intimate exhibition, curated by Carrie Mackin.
The exhibition includes eleven color photographs from the 1980’s to the present. Wish You Were Here reveals the leisurely spirit of the artist’s time at her home in Sag Harbor and her countless summers abroad. Goldin is known for her intensely personal, sexual and confrontational imagery and Wish You Were Here includes a mix of new and iconic photographs of Goldin’s friends, children and other loved ones reveling in the long, sun-filled summer days.

Nan Goldin, considered one of the most important photographers of her generation, has been exhibiting her work in major retrospectives around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York and Centre Pompidou, Paris.

Nan Goldin: Wish you were here is on display at QF Gallery, 98 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, New York from August 3 – 18, 2013

qfgallery.com

Phoebe Philo, designer of the French fashion house Céline, has teamed up with the  Danish artist of FOS – Thomas Poulsen, who will be making a selection of furniture pieces for the fashion brands’s flagship store in London, which will open in September.

FOS’s recent projects includes an ice-cream stand at Frieze Art Fair, turning exhibition spaces into bakeries and watch shops and he has also been exhibiting at Venice Biennale, Art Basel, as well as at the Max Wigram Gallery in London. Together with Phoebe Philo, known for her clean, feminine and structured silhouettes but also for her unconventional designs, this collaboration will definitely have an interesting and fresh outcome.

“This marks the high point in collaborating with Céline. Design has always been a part of my artistic frame, which by its nature is part of fashion’s,” Poulsen says about the collaboration.

maxwigram.com

celine.com