Lianne La Havas’s soulful tone was the soundtrack to 2012. The half Jamaican, half Greek singer/songwriter is back with news of a sophmore album, Blood, and its lead single. Her debut LP, Is Your Love Big Enough?, earned her a numerous awards (a Mercury Prize nomination being one), and caught the attention of fans Stevie Wonder and Prince.
La Havas’s latest, Unstoppable is a sweet song, with a dream-like sensitivity. Like previous tracks by this young artist, her voice and rhythmic guitar captivates; her lyrics, romantic. We can’t wait to hear more.
Martin Margiela may be the most elusive figure in fashion. Never has he given an interview, or been photographed in regards to his designs, however now he is the subject of the YOOX Group’s first documentary.
The Artist is Absent, directed by American writer and director Alison Chernick, reveals the vast, groundbreaking impact of the Belgian creative genius who changed the way in which fashion is seen and the enigmatic mind behind some of the most exquisite creations of the two last decades.
This intriguing narrative tries to unveil the true essence of Martin Margiela’s deconstructivist revolution. He becomes real through the images of the documentary, frames of his creative path, and interviews with some of fashion’s greatest names who have been part of his incredible life, including Raf Simons, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Suzy Menkes.
Young Canadian photographer and Twin contributor Petra Collins is known for her girl power images that prove feminism and sexuality aren’t mutually exclusive. In a new book, Babe, Collins, as well as 30 artists who have been part of her online collective The Ardorous, explore the female identity through aesthetically varied bodies of work.
Collins’s friend and collaborator, Tavi Gevinson, well-known for her online magazine Rookie, introduces Babe with a foreword that explains just how pivotal Collins’ work has been, not just to Gevinson, but to young woman around the world.
This inspiring collection of work, from artists hailing from New York, London, Moscow, Stockholm, Los Angeles, Berlin and Toronto, reflects a distinctly female point of view for a new generation of creative, forward-thinking women.
He may appear to have all the Yeehaw sensibilities you would associate with someone hailing from Louisiana’s deep south (he’s not preachy but he’s definitely fond of a cowboy hat or two), yet Devan Dubois’ Southern cool reveals a shadowy dark decadence and cultish aesthetic, seductively drawing you into his world.
His soundscape explores influences of country and western music through a modern lens, seamlessly blending stomping rock elements with evocative lyrics and swirling moody instrumental beats. It’s a sound which defies genre and is constantly evolving, as can be heard in the track People Are People – premiered here exclusively for y’all on Twin – a new teaser for what’s musically to come from DuBois, his first release since the 2014 debut album Le Fou.
We caught up with the singer to talk hats, love and riding mechanical bulls.
Describe your Instagram #currentmood? Pineapples, street crawling, and lighting bolts.
Interesting mix! So talking of moods, you’re part Philipino and part Indian which are vibrantly colourful cultures – so with that dual heritage, why is your signature aesthetic so dark? Hmm. It is all seasonal I think. Some variety in colour and mood is coming with my new music and art. We shall see.
And obviously we have to talk about your hats. You’re quite the connoisseur – do you have them all bespoke made and how many do you own? I have approximately 20 hats and most are custom made yes. Some people like nice watches – I like nice hats! Lately bracelets and head-wraps have also been a hobby.
I interviewed another singer who told me his hats were not about self-expression or identity, but because he had too many bad hair days! What do yours say about you? I went about 2 years where I wore a hat almost every day. But in the last 4 months I wear a hat just 2 or 3 times per week. Not sure why. It’s just that time I guess. I have good hair I’ve been told so it’s not that – although a hat can give you some extra days to not wash your hair when you are busy, haha!
And hats are very common place in your native Louisiana – there is definitely a Southern gothic spirit about you, do you think there’s something brooding in the atmosphere down in the deep South? Oh yes it is there. Louisiana is a world of its own. So much history has happened there.
Former major trade port city, slavery, birth place of blues and jazz, natural disasters, oh and the food is unparalleled.
But you’re now based in LA – was it quite a culture shock moving to the anything-goes culture and open attitudes of California, from growing up somewhere not quite so forward-thinking and traditionally associated with the bible-belt?
No not really. I had the internet and other media growing up and I really utilised that. As a teenager I was really fascinated by various cultures and time periods. I had a real hunger for it.
And talking of everything associated with Southern Americana – obviously I’m going to ask if you’ve ever ridden a mechanical bull or gone to a rodeo? Haha! Yes to both. The mechanical bull experience is really dependant upon the operator – I got banged up real nice by a mechanical bull down in New Orleans one Mardi Gras years ago. And I’ve been to plenty of rodeos, race tracks and circuses – they all feel similar to me.
So let’s talk about the music – when did you start writing / recording and can you define your sound? Playing guitar at 15. Started recording for fun around 16. And my soundscape is all about function, perspective, and the use of juxtaposition.
When I listen to your last album I hear elements of Lou Reed, Beck and Jack White – who are the artists or creative visionaries who have inspired you personally? Yeah they are great. A few other artists include – Dylan, Petty, the Stones, Picasso, Beatles, Warhol, Kanye, Brando, Joni, MJ, KOL, the list goes on…
Romance and heartbreak seem to be running themes in your music, is everyone just crying over their achey breaky hearts (and Bourbon’s) in the Deep South? Haha! I’m not sure. At first glance it is heartbreak but there is more there. I’m sure of that. But even romance in general is a multi-layered thing.
So what’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for someone? Hmm I would say.. last year I brought my ex-girlfriend to London, Paris, and Nice. It was a pretty romantic trip. Plus those cities lend themselves to that.
And all three cities are also associated with iconic literary luminaries (Virginia Woolf, Voltaire, Jean Cocteau). You’re very lyrically poetic – who are your favourite poets and authors?
TS Eliot, Truman Capote, Jack Kerouac. I also really enjoy autobiographies. I just re-read Keith Richards ‘Life’ – so good!
And in your life, is there an inspirational quote or motto you live by? Lately it has been ‘Keep afloat, keep moving, focus on the next 2-3 steps’.
So what’s coming up next for you project-wise? I am working on a new set of songs. I have created a new sound with my current producer and collaborator Kennedy (Jack Kennedy).
I am also incorporating many forms of art into my music, because for me it is more than just the music. It is experiential, experimental, graphic, subtle, motivational, frustrated, architectural, visual and about commentary, questions, and proclamations – it is me becoming one with my breath, with my art. My life and those around me.
We’re premiering an unreleased new teaser track from you, ‘People Are People’ – it sounds very different to your previous stuff, tell us more? This song is about you and this song is about me. ‘People Are People’ is a clue to the new music that I have been creating. It is reflective duration feel good subliminal protest.
My producer Kennedy and I have created a really special body of songs and I can’t wait to share them all in due time. Get ready for the great pineapple!
Twin contributors and Pamflet founders, Phoebe Frangoul and Anna-Marie Fitzgerald, are about to launch the thirteenth issue of their post-everything, satirical girl culture zine. It’s been four years since a printed edition has been released, but their back with 40+ pages of pure London grrrl culture.
To celebrate Phoebe and Anna-Marie will be at The Trouble Club on Monday 27th April, where there will be free-flowing wine, music and zines for all.
Get tickets to the launch of Pamflet 13: Absent in the Spring here.
Chloë Sevigny has been at the forefront of cool since the nineties; modelling for Sassy, appearing in a Sonic Youth music video and starring in the independent and controversial film Kids (1995). It was her eclectic and avant-garde fashion sense that caught the attention of many, and now it has been chronicled in a new book.
Published by Rizzoli and with a forward by Kim Gordon, the personal photography tome journeys through her style evolution. In addition to childhood images, film stills and imagery from magazine editorials, the volume also features pictures of Sevigny’s most prized memorabilia.
Chloë Sevigny is out now and available to buy here.
Image: Chloë Sevigny by Kenneth Cappello for TWIN IV
Byredo Launches Hair Perfume Collection at Selfridges
Stockholm based fragrance brand BYREDO has launched a new collection of hair perfume exclusively at London’s Selfridges.
Utilising a unique silicone and polymer formula, the new products create a light, invisible veil that leave the hair nourished and luminous whilst scented with one of BYREDO’s signature scents Gypsy Water, Bal d’Afrique and Blanche. “People are more experimental today, applying fragrances in various forms.” states Ben Gorham, BYREDO’s Founder. “At BYREDO, our focus has been very much on the smells, we now want to focus on innovative ways to apply perfume.”
These long lasting scents will be showcased at the Selfridges Pop-Up until April 22nd. Although the collection will still be available at the department store after this date, we recommend taking a trip today or tomorrow to see the stunning display and test these new creations for yourself.
Timeless, chic and minimal is the philosophy behind this luxury swimwear brand, Thapelo Paris. Established by Sydney born, Wil Ariyamethe, as the name suggests Thapelo Paris is both designed and produced in France, highlighting the brand as not only swimwear but also fashion pieces. Known for their pleated, draped and clean lines, Thapelo Paris plays on the contemporary, with a retro glamour. Twin caught up with the brand to find out more.
Tell us about Thapelo Paris… I’ve always had the idea to start a business. A large part of my work experience was developing swim lines and I enjoyed it, so it felt instinctual to start a swim based fashion brand. Thapelo is a French company and was set up after my husband and I relocated to Paris. The first collection was a small capsule in 2011.
What is the secret to the perfect swimwear? You wouldn’t guess how much work goes into finding the right balance between sex appeal and elegance. It’s all in the cut and details to flatter the different parts of a woman’s body. I love to accentuate the fold of a woman’s back and of course the right amount of cleavage. We design pieces that can appeal to a mix of women and not a cliched view of certain age groups. There are so many different components into making a great swimsuit, a high quality quick dry stretch fabric and to mix fashion details (accessories) for the different collections.
What makes Thapelo Paris different? It’s a combination of elements that make us different. We work closely with our manufacturers and admire the French savoir-faire, so we are 100% made in France. As we’re in Paris it’s such a great base and inspiration for fashion. We aim to make swimwear that is considered to be fashion pieces.
Do you have an all time favourite piece? Like the little black dress I love the MIMI, our version of a classic black one piece swimsuit. But I’m excited about our upcoming Resort and SS16 collections. I’ve been wearing our new collection tunics over pants as they translate well into city daywear.
Where is your favourite holiday destinations? Thailand and Australia.
What are your top 5 suitcase essentials? -Sandals, lots of sandals.
-Lightweight bags, I hate carrying a heavy bag or suitcase. I travel as light as possible.
-Jersey dresses that can go day and night.
-A natural face and body scrub so I get a nice tan, something that smells tropical too so I really feel like I’m on holidays!
Material and nature: those are the focus behind vegan bag brand Matt & Nat. Their e-shop features a cornucopia of chicly-designed backpacks, satchels, totes, clutches and other assorted arm candy, all created from recycled goods.
From its inception, the company committed itself to not using leather or any animal-based materials in their designs. The result is a variety of sustainable fabrics: recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber and cork, with linings created from old water bottles.
Yet these are not fusty, out-of-date, hippy designs. Witness sleek backpacks, perfect for the city-slicker: the Paxx (£138) in midnight blue or black, or the more feminine Peltola (£115) – perfect for summer in duck-egg-blue. The vintage collection is rife with retro, structured shapes. The curved Nemesis (£103) and the Phil mini-messenger (£95) are favourites.
Using such textiles requires constant innovation. The vegan leathers produced by the team in Quebec are coloured with vegetable dyes, giving them an authentic appearance, much like the real deal, and means the bags come in an incredible range of hues, both on-trend pastel and day-glo brights. And the material’s strength means you can continue loving your bag for years to come.
Quirky fashion and music label Maison Kitsuné continues its infiltration of the US with the opening of its second US store in NYC.
The 700 -square-foot space will occupy 5 Rivington Street on the Lower East Side, which, founders Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki say is the “ideal neighborhood…[because] there’s an independent vibe and a natural convergence of music and fashion here that perfectly reflects the spirit of Maison Kitsuné.”
Offering a more feminine and intimate feel to offset the existing New York flagship, the store is launching several Rivington exclusives which include a grey cotton sweatshirt and t-shirt with the brands signature tricolour patch. They’re limited edition though, so you’d better get in there quick!
It’s officially time to dust off those shades. Or, purchase some shiny new ones. When choosing the right frames, timelessness is key as trend-led styles will bore you over time. You may be partial to a tortoiseshell pair, but here at Twin we like to keep things a bit more classic.
Our top four sunglasses are synonymous with effortless style; their shapes will stand the test of time, but are much more than your standard wayfarer. Their design is durable, hard-wearing and feels luxurious when worn. It’s time to take your pick…
Florence + The Machine Release Ship To Wreck Video
Florence Welch and her machine are back in a big way. While performing at Coachella over the weekend, the British musician revealed the video to her latest track Ship To Wreck to the festival crowd. And now it’s available for all to see.
“I was thinking about my own self destructive side,” states Welch. “And how you can make something only to tear it down, enjoy/destroy, create/devastate etc. When you’re in that whirlwind, you often end up breaking the thing you love the most.” In the video, shot in partnership with director Vincent Haycock and choreographed by Ryan Heffington, we find the enigmatic singer in her own home, causing quite the stir.
The track is taken off the upcoming album How Big How Blue How Beautiful, produced by Markus Dravs (Björk, Arcade Fire, Coldplay) and with contributions from Paul Epworth, Kid Harpoon and John Hill.
Set in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, The Drawing Room is the latest hair salon in the heart of East London, established by renowned hair stylist Oskar Pera and James Ollerenshaw. Charming, with a comforting and luxurious atmosphere, The Drawing Rooms prides itself on the ultimate personal approach. Twin caught up with Co-Founder Ollerenshaw to talk about his latest venture.
Tell us about The Drawing Room and how it started… The Drawing Room has been open for a year, but the gestation of the concept probably began when Oskar Pera gained his first experience managing a hair salon in Palma de Mallorca approximately ten years ago. This deepened his ambition to open his own salon, but he wanted to develop his career both commercially and creatively before taking that step.
He moved to London in 2006, styling in leading Shoreditch salons, before leaving to work independently as a session stylist for fashion labels, magazines, models and artists, and private clients. Fashion brands Oskar has styled for include Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Kenzo, Chloé, Erdem, Fred Perry, Lacoste, JW Andersen, and Peter Pilotto. He has delivered creative editorial work for magazines such as Vogue, GQ, Ponystep, Volt and Dansk. Models and artists served include Florence Welch, Cara Delevigne, George Michael, Sharleen Spiteri, The Alpines, Trudie Styler, and Kate Nash.
The Drawing Room prides itself on exclusivity and the personal approach, tell us a little about that… When creating his own salon, Oskar wanted a space and experience that would offer the glamour and exclusivity inspired by his session work, but his years of experience on the salon floor taught him that clients most value an approach that responds to their individual needs and preferences. He has trained the team at The Drawing Room to always to be professional and pay close attention to detail, and never to be less than warm and genuine, putting clients at their ease and making them the centre of attention. Every appointment begins with a consultation so there is an opportunity to listen carefully to clients’ wishes and to talk with them about their lifestyle and personal style. This conversation build rapport and allows each stylist to build a picture of their client’s character and daily life, helping them to create a manageable style that is uniquely theirs.
What’s in the name? The name of the salon reflects this ethos of personality and the style of the building we occupy. The Drawing Room has been created within a 1750s town house and we wanted to maintain the sense that you are entering a beautiful, almost domestic space. There’s none of the feel of a busy chain salon. Clients sit in capacious styling chairs facing antique or bespoke dressing tables. We shake their choice of cocktail or offer artisan coffee or fresh tea. There are hot towels to refresh and, on most days, Poquito the salon dog provides additional entertainment!
Which hairstyles are particularly on trend for this summer? Following on from fashion week events in London and Paris, Oskar notes that natural-looking, lightly wavy, air-dried styles are very popular at present. They look effortless, but to work really well you’ll need an exceptional cut and skilful colour. If this natural look suits your taste and hair type, here’s how you can achieve it.
For medium length hair, after washing and conditioning, towel dry taking care to ensure moisture is removed from the ends. If your hair is frizzy, apply a rich leave-in conditioner. If you have smooth hair, use a salt spray to create texture. Part the hair and, holding the hair dryer above you head, blow downwards using a medium temp. Adjust the amount of waviness by using your fingers like a wide-toothed brush, smoothing out the hair to reduce waves, or scrunching to increase them.
For long hair, follow the same steps as above, but when your hair is 95% dry divide it into four quarters across your head and then loosely plait each section. You can leave to dry naturally for around half an hour, or if you’re pressed for time apply some heat by using a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment. Once the hair is fully dry, undo the plaits and shake out your hair to a natural finish.
The Drawing Room, 41 Artillery Lane, London, E1 7LP
In our latest Model Moment installment, we meet Fia Ljungström, 21, who comes from south Sweden. Her philosophy is to always have fun, which truly comes across in Sophia Aerts’ photos.
On London
I love London as a whole, although there are some places that mean a little bit more to me. I particularly like the contrast between the greenery and the vibrant energy of the people in London Fields and the park next to Broadway market. The neighbourhood is a lovely walk from where I was staying n Dalston Junction. I find the whole area very British!
On style
I would describe my style as very simple and easy, and a mix between new and old. I like to feel comfortable and like to look good in what I wear, and have fun with it. My style signifiers are coats, jackets and my low-rise Dr Martens – the last thing I bought was a red coat from COS, through a Swedish website like eBay. My favourite designers are Christopher Lemaire, Phoebe Philo of Celine, Raf Simmons at Dior, The Row and Acne.
Issey Miyake has obtained legendary status in the fashion world, with his multitudinous labels garnering a cult following. On 4 April, the brand will open its first multi-label store, Issey Miyake Marunouchi, in Tokyo.
Featuring 6 Issey labels (although sadly not the iconic Pleats Please), the store focuses on the contract between history and the future. The Tokujin Yoshioka-designed space is themed around the colour red, with a sleek, luxurious feel to compliment Miyake’s minimalist aesthetic.
The brands included in the store cover just about anything you could imagine. From In-Ei, which uses materials from recycled polyester, to 132 5., which creates clothes through algorithms, the focus remains on Mr Miyake’s pioneering approach to sustainability in fashion.
No political system has given us as many wonders as capitalism. However, by promoting inequality and encouraging irresponsible risk-taking, capitalism has created deep and violent fissures in the fabric of society. Despite all this, we’re lost for any brighter ideas.
As one of the world’s most in-demand supermodels and face of some of the best-known brands, Lily Cole has seen how markets rarely value what matters to us. Having recently created a social media platform, impossible.com, where people donate and share their own time, Lily imagines a world where a gift economy is an ever-present possibility.
Now, in conversation with philosopher and School of Life founder Alain de Botton, she reveals how a gift economy in which real human needs and desires are met – and not simply the demands of the marketplace – might just be achievable after all.
Lily Cole in Conversation with Alain de Botton takes place on April 23rd at 7pm. Twin readers will receive 20% off with the promotional code IMPOSSIBLE. Get your ticket here.
In the second instalment in their Artist in Residence program, Hostem has teamed up with Atelier Baba for the whole of the month of April. The collaboration has seen the take-over of the entire lower ground floor of the Hostem store on Redchurch Street to celebrate the launch of Baba’s debut collection, Timiditine.
Established in 2013 by Gabriella Massey and Melissa Thompson, the luxury London-made womenswear brand creates footwear using craft techniques and rarefied natural materials. They have worked with dealers, artists and makers in London to source artefacts for the installation, from antique linens and furniture from Christopher Howe to rare indigo textiles and clothing from Molly Hogg. Perfumed with rose and tea from the Sahara desert, the display is set to musical recordings and the sound of bells.
Timidtine is collection of boots, shoes and blankets, dyed with indigo pigment from North Africa. The collection includes an unlined thigh boot in midnight suede, a low boot in indigo calf leather or raw silk appliqué and three slipper shoes in unlined indigo-dyed cordovan, raw silk and Sahara suede with crocodile toe.
Italian sneaker brand Superga, known for its collaborations with Rita Ora, Alexa Chung and Suki Waterhouse, recently announced that the latest high profile person to front their campaign and design a collection is top model Binx Walton.
The 19-year-old has created a limited-edition range of trainers that are said to hit stores in the Autumn/Winter 2015 drop, however, these first look images have been released.
“I have always wanted to explore other aspects of the industry,” states Walton. “And I’m so lucky to have such an amazing brand supporting me on not just the model side, but also the creative, directing, and designing. Which is such a dream come true for me!”
Four of Prada’s iconic boutiques have exclusively launched the Spring/Summer 2015 Prada Raw Eyewear Collection. Utilising new materials such as black walnut and Malabar ebony, they have combined these two precious types of wood with their contemporary design to create a unique new range.
The stores, Milan Galleria, Paris Faubourg St Honore, London Old Bond Street and New York 5th Avenue, now feature a customised window display, created by Martino Gamper in collaboration with Prada, to celebrate their unique craftmanship.
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