January 2014 – Stylitz

Becks’ pecs make headlines

Published on January 24, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Ah David Beckham! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways… Yesterday saw the announcement of the new David Beckham Bodywear at H&M advert, which brightened up my dull January afternoon no end.

This year’s TV campaign sees David sharing his toned torso with the world as he jumps across the rooftops of East London’s Truman Brewery, having been locked out a photoshoot in only his undies (as you do – thanks to H&M). What’s more David insisted on doing all the stunts himself including zip wiring across buildings and jumping over walls barefoot. Filmed by acclaimed director Nicolas Winding Refn – he of Drive and Only God Forgives fame (which both feature another undeniable hottie Ryan Gosling) – the new advert will premiere at the US Super Bowl on 2nd February 2014. In an added twist there have been two alternative versions filmed, titled #Covered and #Uncovered, and from 27th January the public can head to hm.com to vote on which ending they would prefer to see.

Although the full adverts are yet to be shown, H&M have released this teaser video and I think the titles are self-explanatory. So which would you prefer – to see Beckham covered or uncovered? Hmm…

All images – David Beckham Bodywear at H&M. The new collection will be available in-store and online from 30th January 2014 http://www.hm.com

Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!

Published on January 11, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So it’s been a sluggish start to the New Year blogging-wise, but after a busy week of working and prepping shoots I realised that I best put pen to paper and create some copy. And no, today’s blog is not going to be a belated synopsis of fashion in 2013 or a preview of the trends to come, but a piece about the amazing Isabella Blow exhibition at Somerset House, which I finally went to see with my friend Fi over the holidays.

The ‘Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!’ exhibition (Image: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty)

Isabella wearing the Lobster outfit as seen on display above

Whilst both Fi and I are huge fashion lovers, I really didn’t expect the viewing to take more than an hour – as per a previous trip to the Paul Klee show at Tate Modern. How wrong could I be? This exhibition (curated by Alistair O’Neill with set design by Shona Heath) is so dramatic, rich and breathtakingly beautiful that even when rushing at the end (we were over an hour late to meet another friend-apologies again Bappa) it still took 2 hours to view everything. Room after room of Isabella’s exquisite clothes, all displayed on mannequins based on the late style icon herself, allowed me to closely peruse and truly appreciate the work of the genius designers she both discovered and mentored – chiefly Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy, but also Julien Macdonald and Hussein Chalayan.

A selection of stunning Philip Treacy hats (Image 2: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty)

Alongside the stunning clothing, there is memorabilia that belonged to Isabella, including comic faxes sent at Sunday Times Style, Rolodex entries written in pink ink and a stub of her favourite Chanel Rouge lipstick. Also supplementing the garments are videos of McQueen and Treacy’s graduate collections, their first London Fashion Week shows and the piece de resistance, the McQueen tribute show to Isabella Blow shown at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2008. With a symbolic bird theme, and entitled ‘La Dame Bleue’, the catwalk is flanked by a huge pair of illuminated wings (angel wings?), a thank-you to the person who helped him become one of the most revered designers of the 20^th/21^st Century.

A selection of looks taken from Alexander McQueen SS08 show ‘La Dame Bleue’ (Images:style.com)

I recommend anyone with even an iota of interest in fashion to visit this exhibition. It is stimulating, breathtaking and also hugely tragic. The late Isabella, with her dramatic hats and wonky lipstick, was a fabulous fashion director and a true eccentric style icon, without whom British fashion would be infinitely poorer. This is a stunning tribute to her work. Get down there pronto and be inspired.

Reclining in a dramatic Philip Treacy hat

Isabella Blow and Alexander McQueen, at the launch of her lipstick collaboration with Mac, 7th Sept 2005, London

‘ Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!’ runs from 20 Nov 2013 – 2 Mar 2014 at Somerset House, Strand London WC2R 1LA.

http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/isabella-blow-fashion-galore

A diet’s always worth breaking for a roast

Published on January 5, 2014January 5, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Ah January… The month of new beginnings, optimistic resolutions and unbridled expectation. If December’s excesses have driven you to a new fitness regime and stringent diet (and you have thus far managed to keep on track) then I salute you. However, on this bleak Sunday, if all you crave is a generous roast dinner with a side of style then I think I may have just the pub for you.

Located in SW19 (don’t be fooled by the glamorous Wimbledon postcode) the recently revamped Charles Holden pub sits just the wrong side of Tooting. But don’t let that put you off. With it’s generous portions of fresh food, spacious interior and a surprisingly good vegetarian nut roast, this is a funky little pub that’s perfect for drowning your January sorrows (yes I know it’s only the 5th, but why make life harder in the gloomiest month of the year).

Situated opposite Colliers Wood station – previously famed only for its Wacky Warehouse and an unsightly black tower block (once voted London’s most hated building) – The Charles Holden defies it’s surroundings with boldly coloured printed wallpaper, kooky artwork, pretty fireplaces and a great selection of real ales for pint lovers.

And, as I say, the Sunday roast is very good with meat and not two but three veg, plus roast potatoes, red wine gravy and a generous Yorkshire pudding. All for between £10-£13. Staff are friendly, the service is great and we didn’t have to wait too long for our food (one of my biggest bugbears with a Sunday lunch). And whilst most of my table opted for a roast, the beer battered fish and twice-cooked chips were equally delicious. As is often the norm, it’s advisable to book if you’re in a large party, but the venue is sizable so this shouldn’t be a problem. I am also told that come the summer (which currently feels like a life-time away) the beer garden is quite fabulous. So what are you waiting for? Surely a good roast doesn’t count as breaking your New Year diet? After all it’s at least 3 of your 5 a day…