Amelia’s Magazine | Lako Bukia: The London Fashion Week S/S 2012 Preview Interview

Lako Bukia by Natasha Nicole
Lako Bukia S/S 2012 by Natasha Nicole Waddon.

In the second of my London Fashion Week previews meet Georgian designer Lako Bukia, and who wowed us with her distinctive style last season. Choxa was inspired by the Georgian National Ballet and featured plenty of military flourishes juxtaposed with feminine flowing chiffon, approved but what can we expect for S/S 2012? Lako Bukia talks about why her homeland is so close to her heart, viagra and why it’s so important to create clothes that suit all women.

Lako Bukia Choxa
Lako Bukia Choxa
You can see more of Choxa on my review blog.

lako-bukia-by-jessica-knight
Lako Bukia S/S 2012 by Jessica Knight.

You hail from Georgia, which seems to produce a lot of world class designers, for example Tata-Naka. Why do you think that is?
I don’t know, but when I was little I used to hear a lot about Georgians being very talented. Georgia is a really small country but it has a very ancient history so that makes it special. I am happy to hear that you think there so many talented people who are now representing the country abroad.

Lako Bukia by Claire Kearns
Lako Bukia by Claire Kearns.

What do you miss most about your home town?
I miss all the traditions we have that gather together friends and family every day. In London you don’t get a chance to be with your friends every day and it’s harder to get help. In Georgia everyone is ready to be there for you.

Lako Bukia S/S 2012 by Gilly Rochester
Lako Bukia S/S 2012 by Gilly Rochester.

You are highly educated, with several degrees and other qualifications in fashion design: how have the different places that you’ve studied affected your approach to fashion?
Different colleges and universities have given me different things so from each of them I have learned something special. Attending different colleges helped me to pick up on the most important things and put them together in my mind. In Georgia at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts I learnt about colours, paintings and fine art, Central Saint Martins was more about developing creative ideas, Istituto Marangoni in Italy was good for learning about business and marketing and finally at LCF there was a good combination of everything and I also learnt good technical skills.

Lako Bukia Flower Skirt by Sam Parr
Lako Bukia S/S 2012 by Sam Parr.

You make clothes to flatter every woman, how do you ensure that is the case?
Construction and fabric are the most important thing. Different cuts must be used with different fabrics or you risk ruining everything. Every time I design something I have a particular fabric in mind and I will travel all over until I have found it because if I use something else it could change everything. I use lots of silk and chiffon fabrics, because with these it is possible to create very flattering styles and this is important to the Lako Bukia aesthetic.

Lako Bukia by Natasha Nicole Waddon
Lako Bukia S/S 2012 by Natasha Nicole Waddon.

The new collection is inspired by Asian trees and flowers. Where did you turn to for your inspiration for S/S 2012, and why were you attracted to them?
I have always been attracted to Asian culture: my favourite writer is Japanese and the designers that I adored from childhood are Japanese too, so it was one of the things I really wanted to work on. Luckily I traveled to China and Hong Kong this March and was amazed at the architecture and beautiful gardens full of pretty flowers and trees.

Lako Bukia print design
You have introduced print for the first time this season, why did you decide to do this and what has the learning curve been like?
Every season I try to do something new, so it is always a learning process. I love exploring new things and I am not afraid of the challenge. I think if a designer wants to grow and learn more, then they should do something new or more difficult every season. I have always been fond of fine art and I used to paint a lot, so I wanted to make use of this in my clothes. So I decided to draw and print on the fabric.

Lako Bukia S/S 2012 by Gilly Rochester
Lako Bukia S/S 2012 by Gilly Rochester.

Why are you so interested in contrast? You favour quite a dramatic colour palette – is this a reflection of your personality?
I can be very depressed and I often see more of the negative in life than the positive, but my friends and family would never believe this because I don’t show this side to them. I guess that is why my colour palette is more dramatic: because of my personality. If you are not strong in this industry (and in life in general) then you will not survive, so I need to be strong, and my experiences have made me stronger.

Lako Bukia Shoes by Sam Parr
Lako Bukia Shoes by Sam Parr.

It’s important to you to appeal to a wide market, offering commercial pieces amongst showpieces – how do you balance your offerings so that they are attractive on all levels, and what kind of commercial pieces have you introduced this season?
If you look at my collections from the beginning then you will see that they have changed a lot. At the start I thought fashion was all about being creative and making art. My first collection Mushroom was completely unwearable, with hand made fabrics and very big sleeves. Step by step I have learned that being a designer is not just making something very extraordinary but it is also about doing business and making something new, different and wearable. I always try to have a few showpieces for press amongst more commercial garments but this season almost everything will appeal to buyers: printed fabric chiffon shirts, dresses, trousers, small shorts and corsets.

Lako Bukia Mushroom
Lako Bukia’s graduate collection Mushroom.

What can we expect from Lako Bukia in the coming years? 
I will always try to be more creative and make more interesting clothes. I never want to lose my style as I try to climb to the top. My aim is to redefine the way the world sees femininity and sexuality. Due to a decade long pressure from the fashion world and show business representatives, femininity and sexuality are now widely perceived as being equal to wearing tight and revealing clothes. The women of the world have forgotten that there is something more exciting in the mystery of garments that do not stress ones body shape.

Lako Bukia takes to the catwalk on Saturday 17th September 2011 as part of Fashion Scout.

Categories ,Asian, ,Central Saint Martins, ,CHOXA, ,Claire Kearns, ,Dramatic, ,Fashion Scout, ,Femininity, ,Flowers, ,georgia, ,Gilly Rochester, ,Istituto Marangoni, ,japanese, ,Jessica Knight, ,lako bukia, ,London College of Fashion, ,London Fashion Week, ,Mushroom, ,Natasha Nicole Waddon, ,preview, ,print, ,S/S 2012, ,Sam Parr, ,sexuality, ,Silk, ,Tata Naka, ,Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, ,trees

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Amelia’s Magazine | The Canine Games 2012 Illustrated

thecaninegames-by-Nanae-Kawahara
The Canine Games by Nanae Kawahara.

Last Saturday east London hosted the very first Canine Games, a chaotic mishmash of dog parade, craft stalls and musical entertainment. Due to the recent heavy rain it was decided to host the doggy counterpart to the Olympics inside the Bethnal Green Working Mens Club – a decision that soon became rather difficult to manage. Just think dozens of slightly confused dogs in fancy dress and their owners all squashed into a tiny venue: the dog show just wasn’t going to work within these four walls.

the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
All photography by Amelia Gregory.

Luckily the weather held for a bit and the decision was made to relocate temporarily to the patch of grass over the road. There the competitive element of the day was held, with awards going to various genres of dog: my favourite trophy went to a chihuahua dressed up as Lady Gaga in the celebrity look alike section, which included a number of arbitrary competitors, including an entrant who looked like Frank Sinatra ‘cos he’s got blue eyes’.

the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
The Hackney Secular Singers serenaded the ‘Best Punk Dog‘ section, and then the skies opened again so everyone retreated indoors once more and I trundled off to look at the graduate exhibitions. Despite the weather there was a magnificent turnout so let’s hope it becomes a regular affair. In the meantime: enjoy these illustrations of The Canine Games (I wonder what happened to the Olympics inspired events?!)

Canine Games by Polly Stopforth
Canine Games by Polly Stopforth.

gaga-chihuahua-by-jessica-knight
Gaga Chihuahua by Jessica Knight.

Canine Games by Lorna Scobie
Canine Games by Lorna Scobie
Canine Games by Lorna Scobie
Canine Games by Lorna Scobie
Canine Games by Lorna Scobie.

The Canine Games by Nat Griffin
The Canine Games by Nat Griffin
The Canine Games by Nat Griffin
The Canine Games by Nat Griffin.

The Canine Games by Alice Hair
The Canine Games by Alice Hair.

The Canine Games by Sam Parr
The Canine Games by Sam Parr.

Rutabaga by Jo Chambers
Valentino by Jo Chambers
Rutabaga and Valentino by Jo Chambers.

Pixel by Jo Chambers
Pooch In Pucci by  Jo Chambers
Rob In Tie Dye by Jo Chambers
Pixel, Pooch In Pucci & Rob In Tie Dye by Jo Chambers.

Categories ,2012, ,Alice Hair, ,Bethnal Green Working Mens Club, ,Dog Parade, ,Dogs, ,East London, ,frank sinatra, ,Hackney Secular Singers, ,Jessica Knight, ,Jo Chambers, ,Lady Gaga, ,Lorna Scobie, ,Nanae Kawahara, ,Nat Griffin, ,Olympics, ,Polly Stopforth, ,Sam Parr, ,Studio Legohead, ,The Canine Games

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Amelia’s Magazine | The Canine Games 2012 Illustrated

thecaninegames-by-Nanae-Kawahara
The Canine Games by Nanae Kawahara.

Last Saturday east London hosted the very first Canine Games, a chaotic mishmash of dog parade, craft stalls and musical entertainment. Due to the recent heavy rain it was decided to host the doggy counterpart to the Olympics inside the Bethnal Green Working Mens Club – a decision that soon became rather difficult to manage. Just think dozens of slightly confused dogs in fancy dress and their owners all squashed into a tiny venue: the dog show just wasn’t going to work within these four walls.

the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
All photography by Amelia Gregory.

Luckily the weather held for a bit and the decision was made to relocate temporarily to the patch of grass over the road. There the competitive element of the day was held, with awards going to various genres of dog: my favourite trophy went to a chihuahua dressed up as Lady Gaga in the celebrity look alike section, which included a number of arbitrary competitors, including an entrant who looked like Frank Sinatra ‘cos he’s got blue eyes’.

the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
the canine games july 2012
The Hackney Secular Singers serenaded the ‘Best Punk Dog‘ section, and then the skies opened again so everyone retreated indoors once more and I trundled off to look at the graduate exhibitions. Despite the weather there was a magnificent turnout so let’s hope it becomes a regular affair. In the meantime: enjoy these illustrations of The Canine Games (I wonder what happened to the Olympics inspired events?!)

Canine Games by Polly Stopforth
Canine Games by Polly Stopforth.

gaga-chihuahua-by-jessica-knight
Gaga Chihuahua by Jessica Knight.

Canine Games by Lorna Scobie
Canine Games by Lorna Scobie
Canine Games by Lorna Scobie
Canine Games by Lorna Scobie
Canine Games by Lorna Scobie.

The Canine Games by Nat Griffin
The Canine Games by Nat Griffin
The Canine Games by Nat Griffin
The Canine Games by Nat Griffin.

The Canine Games by Alice Hair
The Canine Games by Alice Hair.

The Canine Games by Sam Parr
The Canine Games by Sam Parr.

Rutabaga by Jo Chambers
Valentino by Jo Chambers
Rutabaga and Valentino by Jo Chambers.

Pixel by Jo Chambers
Pooch In Pucci by  Jo Chambers
Rob In Tie Dye by Jo Chambers
Pixel, Pooch In Pucci & Rob In Tie Dye by Jo Chambers.

Categories ,2012, ,Alice Hair, ,Bethnal Green Working Mens Club, ,Dog Parade, ,Dogs, ,East London, ,frank sinatra, ,Hackney Secular Singers, ,Jessica Knight, ,Jo Chambers, ,Lady Gaga, ,Lorna Scobie, ,Nanae Kawahara, ,Nat Griffin, ,Olympics, ,Polly Stopforth, ,Sam Parr, ,Studio Legohead, ,The Canine Games

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Amelia’s Magazine | Introducing the New Illamasqua Fragrance: Freak

Illamasqua Freak Perfume by Francesca Harris
Illamasqua Freak Perfume by Francesca Harris.

Freak, pill the first perfume from Illamasqua, is officially launched tomorrow. The Illamasqua brand is of course known for its bold approach to bodily decoration, so it follows that their first foray into the world of fragrance is strong and unique:

Illamasqua-Freak-by-Jessica-Knight
Illamasqua Freak by Jessica Knight.

Freak is concocted from extracts of Datura, Opium Flower, Frankincense, Black Davana, Poison Hemlock (presumably rendered harmless in perfume form) and Queen of the Night. These ‘mysterious midnight blooms‘ create a heady mix which is certainly not for the faint hearted.

Freak-perfume-illamasqua

Also launching on 20th October are some limited edition complementary make up products, including Pure Pigment in Queen of the Night, which is a deep blackened plum that can be used to create a dramatic eye.

ALEX BOX by Faye West
Alex Box Love by Faye West.

If all of this sends you into a tizz, then why not immerse yourself fully in the intoxicating world of Freak? There’s a chance to win two highly prized tickets to the Freak Masked Ball on Saturday 29th October, hosted in conjunction with The Last Tuesday Society. The winners will also receive £200 spending money and exclusive dance lessons. What are you waiting for?

Categories ,Black Davana, ,Datura, ,Faye West, ,Fragrance, ,Francesca Harris, ,Frankincense, ,Freak, ,Freak Masked Ball, ,Illamasqua, ,Jessica Knight, ,Launch, ,Limited Edition, ,Make-up, ,Opium Flower, ,Perfume, ,Poison Hemlock, ,Pure Pigment in Queen of the Night, ,Queen of the Night, ,The Last Tuesday Society

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Amelia’s Magazine | A Trip to Venice with Swatch

Venice by Sally Jane Thompson
Venice by Sally Jane Thompson.

It’s quite something to be utterly spoilt on a press trip. It doesn’t happen to me often and in fact it’s only in the last year that people have started to invite me places… a mere eight years since I started Amelia’s Magazine: these perks of the job have not exactly fallen in my lap. But it says something about the rise of blogging (which my website is undeniably in the form of, recipe even if I still like to think of it as a magazine) that bloggers of all persuasions are now being offered similar opportunities to mainstream journalists.

Venice by Madalina Andronic
Venice by Madalina Andronic.

Venice-Biennale-by-Alia-Gargum
Venice by Alia Gargum.

And so it was that I found myself on my way to Venice last week for a two day jolly courtesy of Swatch. Swatch, look as I am sure anyone who was around in the 1980s will recall, capsule are big lovers of art. They don’t make fancy schmancy watches that cost the earth (literally, since they are often made of rapidly depleting precious metals), instead they make easily attainable fun watches, often in collaboration with artists. Back in the 80s they were really the done thing to wear, and I still treasure my much loved Swatch, even if it is a bit yellowed and deteriorated around the edges.

Swatch 80s pop
For quite a few years the brand was off my radar, but now they are firmly planted back in the centre of the art world thanks to the guidance of current president, the formidable and charismatic Madame Emch, a former fashion PR with a pure passion for art… and Venice.

Venice-by-Jessica-Knight
Venice by Jessica Knight.

Venice by Madalina Andronic
Venice by Madalina Andronic.

Venice-by-Jessica-Knight
Venice by Jessica Knight.

We were in Venice because Swatch is the principal partner of the famous Venice Biennale, but also because Madame M (as her name is wont to sound and I rather like because it sounds like something out of a Bond movie) has been visiting since she was five years old and loves Venice more than any other city in the world. Finally, a triple whammy: Swatch‘s newest collaborator makes much of his artwork with the help of the Murano glass makers of Venice. Jean-Michel Othoniel creates huge glowing jewelled necklaces that he hangs from trees and drapes from buildings, and for his Swatch collaboration he has again worked with murano glass makers to create something really quite special… but more on that here.

venice_by_ada_jusic
Venice by Ada Jusic.

Venice by Madalina Andronic
Venice by Madalina Andronic.

venice-by-Jessica-Knight
Venice by Jessica Knight.

Venice Treasure by Laura Frame
Venice Treasure by Laura Frame.

During our visit we were thoroughly spoilt, staying in an infamous hotel called the Excelsior that features in the film Death in Venice, and being ferried everywhere on private speedboats or gondolas – the later being a lot better for the environment, but also more sedate (ie, less fun). We had a private guided tour of the Peggy Guggenheim museum before dining in style on the rooftop, were served lunch on the roof of the head office of the Biennale with fabulous views over the centre of Venice, ate at the Cipriani (frequented by George Clooney and ilk) and had another guided tour of the Biennale itself (read my reviews). I have only visited Venice once before when I was inter-railing, aged 17. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the crowds (which this time we avoided due to the time of year and our posh transport options) as well as the high cost of everything. By contrast this trip truly was a beautiful experience which made me dream of returning to Venice one day, although sadly I think the state of my own finances would mean anything else than what I experienced this time around would likely be far less fabulous. Still, one can dream…

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review Excelsior
Arriving at the Excelsior by speedboat.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-Veronica of Red Ant
The beautiful Veronica of Red Ant, who invited me to Venice.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review Excelsior
The art deco influenced interior of the Excelsior.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review
The view from my room.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-travelling by gondola
Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-travelling by gondola
Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-travelling by gondola
Travelling by gondola.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-Exterior of the Excelsior from the beach
Exterior of the Excelsior from the beach.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-madame Emch
Madame Emch charms everyone.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-Amazing Italian style
Amazing Italian style.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-Meeting the director of the Guggenheim
Meeting the director of the Guggenheim.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-speedboat
Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review
Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-speedboat
More travelling by speedboat: that’s me with some Russian journalists.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-Cinzia and Romain Colin
Italian blogger Cinzia and French blogger Romain Colin of Fubiz in the backwaters of Venice.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review
Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-cinzia, dadanoias, vero
Myself with Italian blogger Cinzia of Frizzi Frizzi, Spanish blogger Marta of Dadanoias and Veronica of Red Ant on the rooftop of the Biennale offices.

Categories ,80s, ,Ada Jusic, ,Alia Gargum, ,Bloggers, ,Blogging, ,Bond, ,Cinzia, ,Dadanoias, ,Death in Venice, ,film, ,Frizzi Frizzi, ,Fubiz, ,George Clooney, ,Glass, ,Gondola, ,Guggenheim, ,Hotel Cipriani, ,Hotel Excelsior, ,Jean-Michel Othoniel, ,Jessica Knight, ,Laura Frame, ,Madalina Andronic, ,Madame Emch, ,Madame M, ,Marta, ,Murano, ,Peggy Guggenheim, ,Red Ant, ,Romain Colin, ,Sally Jane Thompson, ,Speedboat, ,Venice, ,Venice Biennale, ,Veronica Sambonet, ,Watch

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Amelia’s Magazine | A Trip to Venice with Swatch

Venice by Sally Jane Thompson
Venice by Sally Jane Thompson.

It’s quite something to be utterly spoilt on a press trip. It doesn’t happen to me often and in fact it’s only in the last year that people have started to invite me places… a mere eight years since I started Amelia’s Magazine: these perks of the job have not exactly fallen in my lap. But it says something about the rise of blogging (which my website is undeniably in the form of, recipe even if I still like to think of it as a magazine) that bloggers of all persuasions are now being offered similar opportunities to mainstream journalists.

Venice by Madalina Andronic
Venice by Madalina Andronic.

Venice-Biennale-by-Alia-Gargum
Venice by Alia Gargum.

And so it was that I found myself on my way to Venice last week for a two day jolly courtesy of Swatch. Swatch, look as I am sure anyone who was around in the 1980s will recall, capsule are big lovers of art. They don’t make fancy schmancy watches that cost the earth (literally, since they are often made of rapidly depleting precious metals), instead they make easily attainable fun watches, often in collaboration with artists. Back in the 80s they were really the done thing to wear, and I still treasure my much loved Swatch, even if it is a bit yellowed and deteriorated around the edges.

Swatch 80s pop
For quite a few years the brand was off my radar, but now they are firmly planted back in the centre of the art world thanks to the guidance of current president, the formidable and charismatic Madame Emch, a former fashion PR with a pure passion for art… and Venice.

Venice-by-Jessica-Knight
Venice by Jessica Knight.

Venice by Madalina Andronic
Venice by Madalina Andronic.

Venice-by-Jessica-Knight
Venice by Jessica Knight.

We were in Venice because Swatch is the principal partner of the famous Venice Biennale, but also because Madame M (as her name is wont to sound and I rather like because it sounds like something out of a Bond movie) has been visiting since she was five years old and loves Venice more than any other city in the world. Finally, a triple whammy: Swatch‘s newest collaborator makes much of his artwork with the help of the Murano glass makers of Venice. Jean-Michel Othoniel creates huge glowing jewelled necklaces that he hangs from trees and drapes from buildings, and for his Swatch collaboration he has again worked with murano glass makers to create something really quite special… but more on that here.

venice_by_ada_jusic
Venice by Ada Jusic.

Venice by Madalina Andronic
Venice by Madalina Andronic.

venice-by-Jessica-Knight
Venice by Jessica Knight.

Venice Treasure by Laura Frame
Venice Treasure by Laura Frame.

During our visit we were thoroughly spoilt, staying in an infamous hotel called the Excelsior that features in the film Death in Venice, and being ferried everywhere on private speedboats or gondolas – the later being a lot better for the environment, but also more sedate (ie, less fun). We had a private guided tour of the Peggy Guggenheim museum before dining in style on the rooftop, were served lunch on the roof of the head office of the Biennale with fabulous views over the centre of Venice, ate at the Cipriani (frequented by George Clooney and ilk) and had another guided tour of the Biennale itself (read my reviews). I have only visited Venice once before when I was inter-railing, aged 17. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the crowds (which this time we avoided due to the time of year and our posh transport options) as well as the high cost of everything. By contrast this trip truly was a beautiful experience which made me dream of returning to Venice one day, although sadly I think the state of my own finances would mean anything else than what I experienced this time around would likely be far less fabulous. Still, one can dream…

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review Excelsior
Arriving at the Excelsior by speedboat.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-Veronica of Red Ant
The beautiful Veronica of Red Ant, who invited me to Venice.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review Excelsior
The art deco influenced interior of the Excelsior.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review
The view from my room.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-travelling by gondola
Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-travelling by gondola
Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-travelling by gondola
Travelling by gondola.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-Exterior of the Excelsior from the beach
Exterior of the Excelsior from the beach.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-madame Emch
Madame Emch charms everyone.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-Amazing Italian style
Amazing Italian style.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-Meeting the director of the Guggenheim
Meeting the director of the Guggenheim.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-speedboat
Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review
Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-speedboat
More travelling by speedboat: that’s me with some Russian journalists.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-Cinzia and Romain Colin
Italian blogger Cinzia and French blogger Romain Colin of Fubiz in the backwaters of Venice.

Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review
Venice Biennale 2011 Swatch review-cinzia, dadanoias, vero
Myself with Italian blogger Cinzia of Frizzi Frizzi, Spanish blogger Marta of Dadanoias and Veronica of Red Ant on the rooftop of the Biennale offices.

Categories ,80s, ,Ada Jusic, ,Alia Gargum, ,Bloggers, ,Blogging, ,Bond, ,Cinzia, ,Dadanoias, ,Death in Venice, ,film, ,Frizzi Frizzi, ,Fubiz, ,George Clooney, ,Glass, ,Gondola, ,Guggenheim, ,Hotel Cipriani, ,Hotel Excelsior, ,Jean-Michel Othoniel, ,Jessica Knight, ,Laura Frame, ,Madalina Andronic, ,Madame Emch, ,Madame M, ,Marta, ,Murano, ,Peggy Guggenheim, ,Red Ant, ,Romain Colin, ,Sally Jane Thompson, ,Speedboat, ,Venice, ,Venice Biennale, ,Veronica Sambonet, ,Watch

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Amelia’s Magazine | Larmer Tree Festival 2011 Review, Thursday: Peacocks, Music, Comedy and more!

Larmer Tree Peacock by Rebecca Emery
Larmer Tree Peacock by Rebecca Emery.

The weather was beautiful as we rocked up to Larmer Tree Festival on Thursday evening – low sunshine spread out across our clover strewn camping field, recipe tents neatly laid out in impromptu rows hinting at the nice middle class nature of this festival, cost held at the lovely Larmer Tree Gardens estate, sickness where the resident peacocks reign supreme.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review Peacocks photo Amelia GregoryLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review Peacocks photo Amelia GregoryLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review Peacocks photo Amelia GregoryLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review Peacocks photo Amelia GregoryLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review Tom Leadbetter, photo Amelia Gregory
I hadn’t even made my way through the main entrance when I bumped into a sunny Tom Leadbetter, illustrator and graphic designer. Gone are the days when I can go anywhere and not know someone, or indeed quite a lot of people. There were many more friendly faces to greet behind the gates.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review  photo Amelia GregoryLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review  photo Amelia GregoryLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain photo amelia gregory
At the main stage the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain were holding court in front of a carpet of laid back festival going families perched on tartan picnic blankets. Their amusing patter was a sign that they’ve been gigging for many a year, and they put on a great show, covering rock and disco classics such as Freak Out with great panache.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review  photo Amelia Gregory peacockLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review  photo Amelia Gregory peacockLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review  photo Amelia Gregory peacock
At Larmer Tree you are never very far from a peacock, whose feisty, amusing behaviour had me entranced. When they were not caterwauling at each other from the rooftops a particular favourite was to dive bomb festival goers as they ate their food.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review  photo Amelia Gregory peacock
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review  photo Amelia Gregory peacock
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review bookcrossing  photo Amelia Gregory peacock
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review lost woodland photo amelia gregoryLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review  photo Amelia Gregory peacock
A wander around the Larmer Tree Gardens revealed a host of beautifully laid out nooks and crannies… I picked up a Bookcrossing second hand book swinging from the lampshade bedecked tree in the Lost Woodland area – chosen for it’s great cover design. There was even a special selection laid out for the kids.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review woodwork area  photo Amelia Gregory peacock
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review woodland craft area  photo Amelia Gregory peacock
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review woodland craft area  photo Amelia Gregory peacock
In the Woodland Crafts area here was green woodworking from the Bodgers Barn, charcoal making demonstrations and artwork made from the ensuing willow charcoal.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review woodland craft area  photo Amelia Gregory peacock
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review lost woodland photo amelia gregory
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review lost woodland photo amelia gregory
Not to mention beautiful floral creations in the trees and origami swans floating in the follies.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -imelda may
Imelda May by Sophia O'Connor
Imelda May by Sophia O’Connor.

The headliner on the main stage was Irish rockabilly throwback Imelda May, who certainly looked the part, dressed in her trademark quiff, striped sailor top and pencil skirt. She’s got a great voice but she’s not really doing anything new – I’d love to see her add a more contemporary spin to her set.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review Fergus Craig photo amelia gregory
In the late evening the ARC tent was given over to comedy, undoubtedly one of my Larmer Tree Festival highlights. On Thursday Fergus Craig compered the show, and he was the first but by no means the last comedian to comment on the extreme middle class nature of the Larmer Tree experience. He wrote on Twitter At the Larmer Tree Festival. Very middle class. Makes latitude look like Benidorm. I think he could be right – since Latitude (read my review of the Latitude comedy area last year here) has grown astronomically in size Larmer Tree Festival has become the far more family friendly option. His feelings were amply demonstrated when he picked on Tom’s dad, who was wearing a top hat and took it admirably well.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -sara pascoe
Sara-Pascoe-by-Jessica-Knight
Sara Pascoe by Jessica Knight.

Next up was Sara Pascoe, dressed in a strange get up of beige cagoul and woolly beanie with blonde curls framing her face. Her style was goofily random and dry, concentrating on visceral anecdotes about her love life.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Late Night Gimp Fight photo amelia gregory
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Late Night Gimp Fight photo amelia gregory
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Late Night Gimp Fight photo amelia gregory
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Late Night Gimp Fight photo amelia gregory
My boyfriend was especially excited about watching Late Night Gimp Fight, who have received numerous plaudits sitting setting the Edinburgh Festival on fire. They are a skit troupe who excel at creating surreal scenes with impish undertones: the prince realises that Sleeping Beauty will stay asleep, no matter what he does, one member de-robes entirely to reveal his penis whilst the others hide theirs with elephant trunks.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Late Night Gimp Fight photo amelia gregory
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Late Night Gimp Fight photo amelia gregory
 Late Night Gimp Fight by finn_obrien
Late Night Gimp Fight by Finn O’Brien

They sing (beautifully, as it happens) dance (Beyonce’s iconic Single Lady has never looked so amusing) and were wholeheartedly entertaining.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -phil nichol photo amelia gregory
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -phil nichol photo amelia gregory
Phil Nichol by Michelle Price
Phil Nichol by Michelle Price.

Last up was the amazing Phil Nichol, who took to the stage like he had a rocket up his arse. Dashing frantically from side to side he was soon heaving his too tight t-shirt over his head and forcing a teenage boy to lick his sweaty belly ‘I had a wank earlier and came all over myself, hur hur‘. A Canadian relocated in the UK, he was a totally overwhelming presence mere metres from my nose, and I say that in a good way as he had me in stitches for his entire headline set.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -phil nichol photo amelia gregory
Which culminated in the same teenage boy that he had earlier picked on dueting with him on the The Only Gay Eskimo in My Tribe, which he did with confident aplomb. I’d certainly go see Phil Nichol again.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday reviews of Larmer Tree Festival still to come!

Categories ,ARC, ,Bodgers Barn, ,Bookcrossing, ,comedy, ,Edinburgh Festival, ,Finn O’Brien, ,Imelda May, ,Jessica Knight, ,Larmer Tree Festival, ,Larmer Tree Gardens, ,Late Night Gimp Fight, ,Latitude Festival, ,Michelle Price, ,Peacocks, ,Phil Nichol, ,Rebecca Emery, ,Sara Pascoe, ,Sophia O’Connor, ,The Only Gay Eskimo in My Tribe, ,Woodland Crafts

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Amelia’s Magazine | Wilderness Festival 2011: Sunday Review

Laura Marling by Jenny Lloyd
Laura Marling by Jenny Lloyd.

Sunday at Wilderness Festival came somewhat early due to my ill informed decision to put up the tent in the family camping area, health a major no no when you’ve been up late and the little buggers are raring to go at 7am. If only there had been a decent map, or someone to guide us towards the quiet area when we arrived (we did ask, and were told to camp wherever we fancied).

Wilderness Festival 2011 review photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011. All photography by Amelia Gregory.

The next issue was locating something decent to eat for breakfast, which proved predictably difficult given the small number of food vendors on site. For a festival that boasted of its culinary stripes I found this aspect sadly lacking, and in many ways inexcusable. Wilderness must have known how many tickets were sold, and how many could be fed at the giant daily banquets (which sold out long before we had a chance to book). Why then were there not enough food stalls to feed everyone else? At all times there were huge queues, and if I’d had small children to feed I would have been frankly fuming. As it was we tried to grab our meals at downtimes when the queues were not so long.

Tom-Hodgkinson-by-Barb-Royal
Tom Hodgkinson by Barb Royal.

Then it was time to head straight back to The Idler Academy to take advantage of their eclectic daily line up. Brave Old World saw a conversation between Idler founder Tom Hodgkinson and his friend Matthew de Abaitua, who has just written a book about The Art of Camping.

Wilderness Festival 2011 review tom hodgkinson photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review Matthew de Abaitua photo by Amelia Gregory
Art-of-camping Cover
Particularly entertaining was their mutual disdain for Glamping, and their po-faced conclusion that they could earn more as purveyors of festival yurts than writers.

Wilderness Festival 2011 review theo simon photo by Amelia Gregory
Theo Simon of Seize the Day gave a passionate speech in praise of the Luddites, who stood up for their rights 200 years ago this year. Being a talented musician he easily glided between talking and live performance of traditional folk songs used to promote their ideologies.

zocalo 2011 Poster
David Bramwell spoke amusingly of his year long trip in search of Utopia at a string of intentional communities across the world, including Findhorn, Damanhur, Esalen and Osho Leela. Despite his sometimes cynical commentary it was obvious that he had made many good friends along the way before returning to his home in Brighton where he decided to play his part in creating an urban Utopia – setting up the Zocalo, whereby local residents get their chairs out on the streets and make new friends in the community. He hopes the idea will spread so why not check out his website for more information (also check out the poster above).

Wilderness Festival 2011 review beyond the valley photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review rosita bonita photo by Amelia Gregory
The pink tented Secret Market Emporium area stocked a whole host of small maker designers, including Beyond the Valley (who designed the Wilderness website and programme) and I totally fell for Rosita Bonita‘s printed leather necklaces. Love.

Wilderness Festival 2011 review playsuit parlour photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review vagabond van photo by Amelia Gregory
The Playsuit Parlour stocked wonderful wrap dresses made from upcycled ethnic fabrics, and from a beautiful renovated silver airstream the Vagabond Van sold environmentally conscious clothes and jewellery.

Wilderness Festival 2011 review Daniel Johnston photo by Amelia Gregory
I only caught the end of Daniel Johnston, who looked like he had just climbed out of bed, trackie bottoms tucked into bunched up white socks.

Wilderness Festival 2011 review Guillemots photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review Guillemots photo by Amelia Gregory
The Guillemots at Wilderness Festival
The Guillemots at Wilderness Festival by Dan Lester.

Guillemots followed up with an energetic set, which made me realise just how many of their songs I am familiar with. And I was quite transfixed by the bassist’s shorts playsuit.

Wilderness Festival 2011 review Laura Marling photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review Laura Marling photo by Amelia Gregory
Our last act of the day was Laura Marling, who gave a staggering solo acoustic set, a testament to her incredible talent, ‘I’m conscious of not being a party festival band so I’m going to play… a slow depressing song,’ she said before holding the large crowd in near silence for an hour – something of a feat.

YouTube Preview ImageLaura Marling live at Wilderness Festival

We left Wilderness Festival as the remaining festival goers geared up for one last night of late summer abandonment. I had a wonderful time but there were quite a few aspects of the festival that need tweaking: when people pay a lot of money to go to a festival there is no excuse for shirking on certain basic provisions. Next year there simply have to be more food stalls with more choice of food and there need to be more loos tended to more frequently, especially at hotspots, eg. near the main stage. Given the popularity of the discussions bigger tents for these would be a wise idea. And it turns out that even at a festival that trumpets its other attractions the music remains extremely important: it definitely felt as if there should have been more choice, and a second main stage.

Wilderness Festival 2011 review photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review photo by Amelia Gregory
Wilderness Festival 2011 review photo by Amelia Gregory

Wilderness Festival retained much of the eccentric magic that makes Secret Garden Party so special but it didn’t quite deliver on the added extras: something to work on for 2012.

Don’t forget to check in with my review of Saturday at Wilderness Festival too.

Categories ,2011, ,acoustic, ,Barb Royal, ,Brave Old World, ,Cornbury Park, ,Damanhur, ,Dan Lester, ,Daniel Johnston, ,Esalen, ,Findhorn, ,Glamping, ,guillemots, ,Intentional Communities, ,Jenny Lloyd, ,Laura Marling, ,Luddites, ,Matthew de Abaitua, ,Osho Leela, ,review, ,Secret Garden Party, ,Secret Market Emporium, ,Seize the Day, ,The Art of Camping, ,The Idler Academy, ,Theo Simon, ,Tom Hodgkinson, ,utopia, ,Wilderness Festival

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Amelia’s Magazine | Larmer Tree Festival 2011 Review, Sunday: Show of Hands and the Recycled Safari Carnival

Jaipur Brass Band by Cassandra Yap
Jaipur Brass Band by Cassandra Yap.

Our first destination on Sunday at Larmer Tree Festival was the main stage to witness the joyous sounds of the Jaipur Kawa Brass Band, side effects who were wearing the most marvellous embroidered costumes.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Jaipur Kawa Brass Band
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Jaipur Kawa Brass Band
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Jaipur Kawa Brass Band

Jaipur Brass Band by Cassandra Yap
Jaipur Brass Band by Cassandra Yap.

I was just admiring the man with the jaunty loose fabric in his turban when a sudden gust of wind tipped a large volume of collected water on my head.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Jaipur Kawa Brass Band
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review Jaipur Kawa Brass Band,
The rain came and went but it didn’t deter the smiling Indians from traipsing out on to the lawn with their tiny traditional dancer in tow, who danced gamely with the Westerners in their ungainly raincapes.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Moscow Drug ClubLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Moscow Drug Club
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review -Moscow Drug Club

They were followed by Moscow Drug Club, named for an 80s song by a fellow Canadian band and fronted by an elegant lady in polka dot wellies, who for some reason stayed seated, but always with a smile on her face as she sang classic tango, gypsy and blues covers. An undoubted highlight was the two guitarists doubling up to play an extended riff.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review painting
Never mind the changeable weather, an artist had taken up residence on the lawn to illustrate the band.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review Show of HandsLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review Show of Hands
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review Show of Hands
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review Show of Hands
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review Show of Hands
We stayed on until the afternoon specifically to see Show of Hands, a favourite of my boyfriend’s dad since he saw them at a folk festival some years ago. And now I know what captivated him so. This magical folk collective are a musical and political tour de force, playing songs about social media, Fred Goodwin… and poachers, all with fabulous musicianship. But an assured highlight for me was their cover of 80s classic Boys of Summer. I’ve tried listening to them online since I’ve got home and it just isn’t the same experience, but live they were an absolute treat. Another festival highlight.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review Granny Turismo
As we made our exit we passed performance art by Larkin’ About – a pair of men in drag riding Segways masked as giant tartan shoppers inside which lurked boom boxes. Catch Granny Turismo at a festival near you soon.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review - recycled safari carnival
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review - recycled safari carnival
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review - recycled safari carnival
recycled-safari-carnival-by-jessica-knight
Recycled Safari Carnival by Jessica Knight.

In the lower field the Recycled Safari Carnival made its way laboriously towards the upper fields through the sticky mud.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review - recycled safari carnival

At the front of the procession a dancing peacock girl gamely kept her heels on, and behind her followed tigers, giraffes, butterflies and of course more peacocks…. this being a very English country estate kind of safari after all.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review - recycled safari carnival
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review - recycled safari carnival
Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review - recycled safari carnival

I’d visit the Larmer Tree Festival again in a heartbeat. Like Latitude Festival, which takes place on the same weekend, it’s got a little bit of everything – music, comedy, art, workshops, theatre, film, poetry – except it’s all on a much more manageable scale so despite less choice the experience is far more pleasurable. It was quick and simple to get around the site with no heaving crowds to bar the way, which I imagine to be especially essential for families with small children. At last year’s Latitude I was forced to watch the comedy on a big screen outside the tent, but at Larmer Tree I was easily able to sit in the front row for an up close comedy experience.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review peacocks

Likewise it was easy to see bands properly even in the main arena. Latitude may have dyed sheep behind a fence but at Larmer Tree peacocks wander freely amongst festival goers, and they were MOST entertaining, let me tell you.

Larmer Tree Festival 2011 review peacocksLarmer Tree Festival 2011 review peacocks

I have just one small complaint about Larmer Tree Festival: the general lack of recycling facilities. In fact there was barely a bin on the entire campsite, not that it mattered much given that middle class families are so darn good at cleaning up. Still, I’d like better options for disposal of my beer cups… and whilst we’re on the subject, can they be biodegradable in future?

Overall I had a bloody marvellous time. Why not check it out for yourself next year? And in the meantime read my Thursday, Friday and Saturday reviews too for a full flavour of the whole lavely festival.

Categories ,blues, ,Boys of Summer, ,Canadian, ,Cassandra Yap, ,folk, ,Fred Goodwin, ,Granny Turismo, ,Jessica Knight, ,Larkin’ About, ,Larmer Tree Festival, ,Latitude Festival, ,Moscow Drug Club, ,Mud, ,Peacocks, ,Performance Art, ,political, ,Recycled Safari Carnival, ,Segway, ,Show of Hands, ,Social Media, ,Tango

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