19.03.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
With fashion month having drawn to a close, Twin looks back on our favourite unseen highlights of the season. From the flurry of backstage madness to serenely scenic moments amidst the crowds of photographers, make-up artists and hair stylists, read on to see our visual recap on the Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2013 shows.
Photography by Fanny Latour-Lambert.
In celebration of its Glam! The Performance of Style exhibition, Tate Liverpool will be hosting a talk by the show’s curator, Darren Pih.
The event centres around the era of Bowie, Warhol, Roxy Music and more, analysing the convergence of art, fashion and music within the movement.
Taking into account everything from 60s dandyism to space age-chic, we’re expecting a fascinating bit of pop culture history 101.
14.03.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: admin
In 2011, bored with the under representation of women within their respective industries, Teo Connor and Loren Platt decided it was time for a change. In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the W Project was born. Its intent is to celebrate women working across the creative industries through a lively mixture of events and activities.
Now in its third year, the duo have released their first publication honouring International Women’s Day 2013. It features the visual journey of 33 creative females, including Rose Blake, Emmi Salonen, Morag Myserscough, Shaz Madani, Chrissie Macdonald and a foreword written by Liz Farelly.
Not only is the book beautifully packaged and presented, but all proceeds go to the Refuge charity, who provide support to women and children escaping domestic violence in the UK. Clearly women of their word, we can’t wait to see what Teo and Loren produce next time around.
The Journey Is The Treasure available now at thewproject.bigcartel.com
Text by Beccy Hill
13.03.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: admin
Having illustrated for over 50 years for the likes of Rolling Stone, New York Times magazine, Levi’s and Ralph Lauren, the title An Artful Life seems more than appropriate for Barbara Nessim’s retrospective at the V&A.
The American illustrator and fashion designer has provided an extensive collection of her sketchbooks, prints, drawings, photographs, computer graphics, ceramics and more. Be sure to check out this show on one of the pioneering female digital artists.
Barbara Nessim – An Artful Life exhibits at the Victoria & Albert Museum until 19 May 2013.
12.03.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: admin
There’s nothing like a good Pussy Riot to shake things up, but what about other forms of female protest? From flappers to beat girls, social historian Carol Dyhouse has made an account of all nonconformist adolescent movements throughout history in her new book, Girl Trouble: Panic and Progress in the History of Young Women. She also investigates difficult topics they have had to face such as teenage brides and body anxiety.
From the late Victorian era to today and utilising everything from photographs to pamphlets, Dyhouse shows that even in the most traditional of decades young women are still capable of going against the grain in search of social and political freedom. It’s nice to know that even in these WAG-filled times of ours, we can always count on a little unexpected trouble in the neighbourhood.
11.03.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
Thanks to their refreshingly cool hand silk screen prints, ongoing collaboration with Twin fashion director Celestine Cooney and a special feature in our latest issue, Harry and Polly of upcoming label Draw in Light have won a special place in our hearts.
This season, the duo looks to have been inspired by moody sea landscapes and ship voyages. In their lookbook photographed by Ben Weller, breaking waves curl themselves across floor length-dresses, the first rays of sunlight add splashes of red colour to nighttime skies on T-shirts and pared-down versions of sailor’s knots make a reappearance on crop tops and shorts, resulting in a casually elegant collection.
Our verdict? Ahoy Autumn/Winter 13, we’re good to go.
08.03.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: admin
In honour of International Women”s Day, Kathryn Ferguson has created an inspiring film on four fearless women.
Four Tell features a personal conversation between Zaha Hadid, Caryn Franklin, Sharmadean Reid and Bella Freud focusing on the need for female role models. The result is an intimate and honest portrayal of their own life experiences and struggles as women.
The film launches today at Selfridges coinciding with an in conversation discussion with Ferguson. SHOWstudio will also debut the clip and has expanded the project with behind the scenes footage and essays.
08.03.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: admin
“I want to remember everything as more than it was. I want these picture to be felt and heard and read like stories,” says Jordan Sullivan. His latest exhibition at The Gallery Next to the Burgundy Room manages to achieve just that.
Delving into the contradictions of everyday life, from the fragile and strong to the light and dark, the New York-based artist’s work is an ethereal yet honest look at the human condition.
The show brings together Sullivan’s photography, collages and writings for an installation that is not only a pleasing visual experience, but also an emotionally affecting one as well.
Sometime, Somewhere exhibits until March 24 at The Gallery Next to the Burgundy Room, 1621 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles.
06.03.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: admin
Joan Jett, Bob Dylan, The Sex Pistols — name any legendary musician and Brad Elterman is sure to have photographed them. His images depict a long bygone world of pure rock n’ roll hedonism and recklessly good times. Following a long hiatus, Elterman has returned. Twin decided to ask him about his work process, the nature of celebrity photography, and the experience of hanging out with Debbie Harry & co.
How would you describe working in the late 70s/early 80s?
My timing was good. I was young and always had a camera with me which was really a blessing. There was not much in the way of publicist BS to deal with back then. I adored the cool subjects who I was photographing and that certainly helped. I was doing exactly what I wanted to do in 1977.
What is the interaction between you and the subject in front of the camera like?
It’s about a comfort level. I am not crazy about over producing photos and external lighting. I operate the best with a small point and shoot type camera so I can get close to a subject. I try and speak to them. The last half of the session is always better than the first. It’s all about getting comfortable.
Why did you decide to take a break from photography and how does it feel to be back?
I took a break for all these days because suddenly in the early 80’s punk and glam rock was over and it was all disco and heavy metal. I loved disco, but magazines never brought disco band photos except for The Village People. I hated heavy metal. I did not want to listen to it and thought that the whole thing about hair bands was a joke.
The other reason I ditched my cameras and put my photos in storage was that the publicists started sniffing around on the scene and when they saw all of these teenage photographers driving around in their Mercedes Benz, it was sort of the kiss of death. Suddenly photo sessions where not done without their permission even though they never heard of any of the the European or Japanese magazines that I dealt with. They would just say no to everything out of ignorance. If you wanted to shoot a concert it was now restricted to the first three songs. I did not care about concerts anyways. Boring!
What got me back to taking photos again was all of my cool tumblr followers who loved my old 70’s photos of Joan Jett and Debbie. I posted hundreds of my old photos and my tumblr kids demanded more and they would ask me from time to time to shoot this band and that band so I sort of came out of photo hibernation.
It was not easy for me. I was full of anxiety taking photos again with all of the great young photographers out there today. I started getting some press on the internet about my modern photo sessions and was encouraged by my friend Olivier Zahm to take photos for their Purple Diary. I took the offer very seriously. I just took the bull by the horns and went with it.
How do you think has the nature of celebrity photography changed, especially with the likes of the paparazzi?
Today it’s all controlled by the celebrity’s team. PR, manager, lawyer with a sprinkling of their glam squads. That is the reason there was this massive interest in paparazzi photography over the last decade. Readers wanted to see the real deal. The editor photo business including paparazzi is a disaster. The internet destroyed some of the greatest publications and their budgets. It will never come back.
Why do you think celebrities and musicians are so fascinating to the everyday consumer?
They just want to know a bit more about someone who they look up to and respect. I was that way with Dylan when I was a kid and with Lindsay Lohan today.
What was the most memorable photograph you ever took?
For sure the evening that I met Bob Dylan back in 1976, and shook his hand. He told me that I looked just like him and that he wanted me to bring up this young actor named Robert DeNiro to the dressing room so he could have his photo taken with him! This sort of shit does not happen on House Wives of Beverly Hills.
What projects do you have lined up for the future?
I am finishing up a new book designed by my good friend, photographer Sandy Kim. She is the best editor for my 70’s photos and has a great eye for design. The book is entitled Dog Dance and will be out in early fall. I am doing a compilation record for Opus Records featuring some of the cool bands I have photographed recently. Taking more photos, of course!
03.03.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
The fashion week of all fashion weeks has started. To celebrate, Twin headed down to Paris to get in on some of the backstage action. First up: the latest collection by duo Peachoo Datwani & Roy Krejberg, founders of the label Peachoo Krejberg.
Photography by Fanny Latour-Lambert.
28.02.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: admin
The Beastie Boys may have been about the fight for your right to party, but the cause of celebration for the Yeastie Girls exhibition is feminist movement Riot Grrrl.
Revisiting the ethos sparked by bands such as Bikini Kill in the early 90s, the show is an accumulation of art, music, literature and zines which delves into the social issues we still face today and how the movement has changed since the days of Kathleen Hanna & co.
With a limited run and long roster of creatives on display, just like a good punk rock concert this one is not to be missed.
Yeastie Girls exhibits until March 6 at Cultivate, Vyner Street, E2 9HE.
cultivatevynerstreet.com
27.02.2013 | Blog , Music | BY: admin
Nottingham singer-songwriter Indiana has one of those honest voices. A simple and pure voice that refreshingly undermines the generic pop auto tuned screaming that seems to be the norm. Young but sure of herself, Indiana’s recent single Blind As I Am was listed in the BBC Introducing Picks Of 2013 and she is now set to play her first London Show on March 14th. Intrigued by her talent (and tear jerking rendition of Frank Ocean’s Swim Good), Twin spoke to Indiana as she reveals the story behind her journey into music, her creative influences and goals to take over the world.
Was there a key moment that inspired you to pursue music?
It was kind of accidental. My sister has always been in to music – she also sings, writes and plays the piano. She was moving house and couldn’t fit her piano in her new place so I offered to store it in my dinning room. I just kept having a play about on it every time I walked past and so I taught myself to play and began writing my own songs. They were terrible… I think I’ve made some progression…hopefully!
You voice has a beautiful vulnerability to it – is vulnerability key to your music?
I think connection is key, if I feel vulnerable it comes across. If I feel menacing I believe you can hear that too. Depends what I’ve written about.
What are your views on being a musician at present? Do you reckon it’s harder or easier to make it as a musician now?
I have nothing to compare it to – I’m new to the game in a lot of ways. I’m just happy I’ve found a passion that I’m relatively good at and I’m able to call it a career.
Your cover of Frank Ocean’s Swim Good is haunting and delicate – what drove you to cover that song specifically?
I thought the song was cool, it was John’s idea (my co-writer) but it wasn’t until I’d learnt the lyrics that I felt a huge and haunting connection with the song….i’m actually crying towards the end of it.
Are you a fan of Frank Ocean?
Massive fan. He brings something new to music, which is something I aspire to do. I love experimenting with production. He takes chances and pulls them off, I hope I can do the same.
Who are your top 5 influences?
Gary Numan
The XX
Alt J
James Blake (Retrograde makes me feel like everything I’ve ever written is crap)
Portishead
Have you encountered any obstacles in your musical journey – from the industry or otherwise?
Radio play. It annoys me how much rubbish gets on to the Radio 1 playlist. There are so many credible artists and such a vast amount of amazing music that can only be heard in the early hours of the morning, yet we have to endure Pitbull when the sun’s up!
What are your ambitions – in your music and life?
I’ve always dreamt of a stadium of people singing the lyrics of one of my songs back to me.
What would you say is you life philosophy?
When writing an album think “all killer no filler!”
Interview by Monique Todd.
25.02.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: admin
We love ourselves a well-curated Tumblr and the account that has been on our bookmarks list as of late is putyourpawsup. Twin spoke to its founder Franny Zywicki about her obsession with cats and summer days in the sun…
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was brought up between Switzerland and Spain, but also had a lot of friends in London. My parents were worried about me because I hung out with our cat Chloe (Bengal tiger) more than them and was obsessed with America.
I am a hip hop dancer and did it professionally in my gap year before I went to Leeds University. I toured with Raghav as a backing dancer over Pakistan. That was odd. I love music. There is music for every mood.
I’m addicted to shopping — if I’m in a funk it’s the only thing that can make me happy. I love J.Brand, Chloe, Brian Lichtenberg, Alexander Wang, DVF, and Acne. All I want/need at the moment is Charlotte Olympia Kitty Slippers.
My three main loves are music, fashion and travel. I have been to over 30 countries, but my favourite cities are Rio, Los Angeles and Madrid.
What was the idea behind your Tumblr name and concept, and when did you start it?
I have always been obsessed with cats. I frequented a lot of festivals and when someone was lost you would say “put your hands up so I can see you”, but I changed it to paws because I saw everyone as cool cats. Then it just became a thing.
I was always obsessed with images and was annoying people on my Facebook by uploading them constantly. So I started putyourpawsup in March 2010 — and I am addicted.
What is it about photography that you find so inspiring?
The vibe of the blog is more about what I wanted to look at and what reminded me of my past, but also what I wanted to be doing in the future. It aims to re-ignite and inspire beautiful memories. When I blog, it’s normally somehow related to what is going on in my life at the moment.
How would you explain the popular appeal of Tumblr?
Especially with image-based blogs, it comes with the ability to post pictures in so many places. People can post pictures and send pictures so much more freely. It’s easier and more exciting to talk via pictures.
A picture sparks more endorphins in the brain. It’s more visually appealing and says more than a paragraph. And Tumblr is the ideal database for amazing pictures. An easy go-to.
What are the Tumblrs, photographers and image makers that you admire the most?
I love deathofcool and katesworld, which is run by a photographer and friend of mine. Gypsyone is raw, dirty and sexy. Wastedguns features ridiculously hot women — although I’m not gay, I think the female form is unbelievably sexy.The Benjamins is real and sensual.
In terms of photographers, I love Scott Caan, Patrick Hoeleck and Terry Richardson. I follow the worlds best ever and The Cobra Snake.
What is your favourite quote and image of all time?
“Laughter is an instant vacation” by Milton Kerle. It’s tattooed on my rib. I think its beautiful.
A favourite image is so hard. I’ve picked one, but tomorrow it will probably be different. It’s very simple, but my favourite thing to do is hang on the beach with all my friends just after the hottest part of the day, snuggle and listen to music. The song for this scene is No Angels by Bastille.
20.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
For our final London Fashion Week Backstage Access installment , Twin decided to venture to Simone Rocha’s eagerly anticipated A/W 13 showing, a nostalgic yet modern collection in shades of bubblegum pink, cream and lemon as well as leopard prints, accompanied by those infamous brogues. Originally inspired by the designer’s Irish and Chinese grandmothers, the result was anything but old fashioned.
Photography by Piczo
19.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
Giles Deacon’s show is undoubtedly always a highlight of London Fashion Week. With this season’s ethereal collection, inspired by Blackadder and shown on the likes of Kristen McMenamy, he once again proved why. Twin decided to take a closer look.
Photography by Piczo.
19.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East initiative is always a surefire platform for London’s latest design talent. This season, Claire Barrow, Ryan Lo and Ashley Williams displayed their inspirations for A/W 13, which included lampshade accessories, an Ally McBeal/Bridget Jones hybrid and lipstick prints. Twin headed behind the scenes to check it all out…
Photography by James O Roberts.
19.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
John Rocha decided to take County Wicklow, Ireland as his inspiration this season, which resulted in a colourful collection of voluminous silhouettes, all topped off with equally eye-catching headwear. Twin decided to pay the designer a visit…
Photography by James O Roberts.
19.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
Thomas Tait’s designs for the A/W 13 season came emerging out of a neon fog onto the catwalk, in an equally bright colour palette. Accompanied by wonderfully asymmetric sunglasses, the vision seemed to read quirky cool sportswear — enticing enough for Twin to have a second viewing behind the runway.
Photography by James O Roberts.
18.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
For our second installment of Backstage Access, Twin headed down into the The Tanks at Tate Modern, the setting for Richard Nicoll’s A/W 13 showing.
Photography by Piczo.
16.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
For the A/W 13 season, Twin has sent photographers backstage at the New York, London and Paris shows to capture the moods of our favourite designer collections off the catwalk. First up, the Zuma photography series-inspired work of Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez at Proenza Schouler…
Photography by Samantha Casolari
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