'SWATCH FROM THE STREETS' Party with HMAGAZINE in Madrid

Although sightseeing was a significant part of my recent visit to Madrid, thanks to my good friend Catherine the highlight of the trip was attending an exclusive party hosted by Spanish Fashion magazine HMagazine and Swatch watches last week on Wednesday 27th June.

Located in a chic hair salon in Malasaña, the party celebrated HMagazine's victory in the 'Swatch from the streets' competition, a competition involving 17  international fashion magazine's such as Dazed & Confused, ID and Nylon, all contending to host the party in their favourite street. HMagazine recorded a video with Spanish band WE ARE STANDARD, showcasing Malasaña as their favourite district in Madrid.

Image from hmagazine.com; Mario Vaquerizo, Pelayo, Devid Delfin 

The event was a great night all round, and it was a brilliant opportunity to network and party with the creative crowd of spanish celebrities, photographers, musicians and designers such as  Mario Vaquerizo, David Delfin, and Olfo Bose. DJs Pelayo and Johann Wald played amazing music all night, and despite infernal heat inside the venue, a free bar and live television coverage of the football (Spain vs Portugal) meant that everyone was in good spirits and the atmosphere was incredible.

Most guests at the party were sporting a stylish, new watch from the Swatch Summer 2012 collection and my friend Hannah and I were wearing the Wild Orange Chrono Plastic design, which added an extra bright burst of colour to our outfits (even my already colourful print dress!)

Although I don't speak any Spanish and knew little about HMagazine before talking to the lovely director Anke, it is certainly a publication that I will continue to follow from now on. Flicking through a copy of the magazine on my journey back from Madrid, it features some fantastic fashion editorials and explores an alternative fashion, art and music scene in Spain and beyond. Although I can't translate the written editorial content at the moment, there is plenty of visual content to enjoy for those who can't read spanish like myself. However, even after spending just a few days in Madrid, I have been inspired to learn some Spanish. I own a phrase book, so it's a start!  

Time for a change of scenery; Hola Madrid!

In a competitive world, it can be hard to distinguish oneself, and a short trip to the incredible city of Madrid last week has inspired to me to channel my writing in a more focussed direction.

As a curious individual, I am fascinated by artistic minds working in fashion, art and design, and I am intrigued by the motivation behind creative work. Although fashion is my main interest, I am also inspired by architecture, art, music, photography, literature and design and it's meaning in society. I love traveling, meeting interesting people, exploring different cultures and discovering new places. I've therefore concluded that the incentive of this blog is to celebrate the diverse individuality, personality, beauty and style which stands out in the eclectic world around me.

So now, a brief summary of the places that have left a lasting impression on me from the very stylish city of Madrid. Embodying quaint Spanish culture, art and tradition, it is a captivating city of splendor and history. The architecture is breathtaking, and a bus tour was a great way to see the cities architectural highlights, including Cathedral Almudena, and Plaza de Cibeles. 

       

   Cathedral Almudena

The Cathedral Almudena is a relatively contemporary building of little historical significance, yet it is a stands as a symbol of modern beauty in Madrid. Started in 1883, construction took over 100 years to complete. It is a magnificent structure, designed using a mixture of architectural styles it combines a neoclassical exterior, a gothic revival interior, and a neo-romanesque crypt. 

Plaza de Cibeles

Some of the most impressive architecture in Madrid is at the Plaza de Cibeles. My amateur photo of the official city hall taken from the tour bus does not do the emblematic building justice, and seeing it in person is the only way to comprehend the sheer grandeur with which this iconic Cathedral-like palace has been designed and built.

   

Parque de Retiro

Just outside the city centre, created as a royal park, one of the most peaceful places in Madrid is the Parque de Retiro. Translated as 'Park of Retreat', the stunning park features a beautiful lake and some impressive monuments, and it is an ideal place to take shade amongst the trees and relax for an hour. Or two. (Or more!)

Parque de Retiro

With an average daily temperature of 40 degrees it's no wonder the Spanish locals take life at a slower pace. There is a nonchalant, yet friendly atmosphere in the cultural area of Malasana, famous for it's alternative music scene and it's variety of restaurants and bars. Whilst staying in this area I found myself constantly gazing up at the picturesque apartments and charming balconies overlooking the narrow cobbled streets;  daydreaming about how idyllic it must be to actually live there...

Malasana

One of my favourite places in Madrid is Plazo Mayor, a grand arcaded square at the heart of Madrid. Historically the square been at the centre of festivities such as bull fights, royal coronations and executions, however now it is a hub of restaurants and shops, popular with tourists and locals alike. A perfect place to absorb the ambience of the city by day and night, I could spend many a happy hour here, watching the world go by. 

Plazo Mayor

Watch for me by Moonlight

There is something very powerful about black and white. It is chic, contemporary and classic. 

Black and white monochrome is a bold statement associated with timeless style rather than seasonal trends, and it continues to grace runways and the high street at the height of elegance and sophistication.

As a key look seen at Paris fashion week for A/W 2012, monochrome was mastered in various ways. My favourites; Lanvin and Chloe paired black skirts with white tops to create a classy, feminine look and Celine and Stella McCartney worked an element of purity and simplicity in their minimal designs. 

Lanvin A/W 12

Chloe A/W 12

Celine A/W 12

Stella McCartney A/W 12

Inspired by the black and white monochrome trend for A/W 2012, I came up with a concept for an editorial shoot and created a mood board for the ELLE Intern Competition to edit the October issue. The month of October is renowned for it's full moon and darker evenings as the clocks go back. My concept 'Watch for me by Moonlight' explores the allure and mystery of monochrome, focussing on the contrast between black and white, dark and light and shadows and moonlight. 

Willy Vandeperre's stunning black and white photography would capture the essence of the shoot:

Willy Vandeperre, Kate Moss for Vogue

Willy Vandeperre for Elie Saab

Model Ginta Lapina has an ideal look as a model for the shoot; outer-worldly, pale, glowing skin with light blonde hair and striking eyes:

A city at night would provide perfect locations to capture the mystery of the moon. London near the Thames, in Hyde park or in dark streets are possibilities. A Moonlight effect could be created by using a faint glow rather than harsh, direct light.

'Le style insouciant on the streets of Paris'

Nonchalant, elegant and painfully chic. Photographer Alexander Neumann captures the essence of effortless Parisian style in this editorial for TANK magazine's summer issue. Note the mixture of masculine tailoring, sensual evening wear and casual prints with a touch of glamour.

Playful and provocative yet utterly refined. I like it.

Photographer: Alexander Neumann

Styling: Vanessa Bellugeon

Models: Hannah Wahmer and Sebastien Andrieu

Random Magic

I love discovering intriguing things that encourage me to think about the everyday in a different way or from a different perspective. 

Immersed in the Summer 2012 issue of TANK magazine, I came across a fascinating, ongoing photography project by Canadian artist Jon Rafman. Rafman scans every corner of the globe for inspirational, everyday occurrences, capturing fleeting, coincidental moments from around the world which he then curates. As curious viewers we are then invited to interpret the various situations. 

What is particularly remarkable about Rafman's work is that the images he edits are taken by Google Street View 's automobile cameras; an entirely neutral, automated perspective with no agenda from an actual cameraman. Rafman takes the raw material he finds particularly interesting and edits using techniques such as referencing older photographic styles, altering colour and composition or adding the digital aberration of a camera 'shake'.

The images explore a series of open-ended social codes and each photo portrays a unique perception of the world; some humorous, some poignant, some sinister, yet all images are incredibly thought-provoking. 

Google's premise is that Street View images make the world universally accessible, and Rafman's work brings us both the weird and wonderful of daily life as it unfolds before our very eyes. I have included a small selection of images from the 9-eyes.com project, but there are so many more to see! Go to http://9-eyes.com/

    

The Little Black Jacket

Iconic symbols of elegance can be hard to define, however Chanel's Little Black Jacket is one of those rare, classic pieces that has stood the test of time and remains synonymous effortless with style and sophistication. 


As a celebration of Chanel's LBJ, Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld have collaborated on an artistic project which culminates in a book of 100 powerful photographs portraying 120 ways the jacket can be worn and interpreted by different people. A credit to Lagerfeld's skill as a photographer, the project captures beautiful, intimate portraits of an eclectic mix of his own and Roitfeld's friends; each one of them wearing the jacket in their own unique style, challenging it's role as a one-dimensional item of clothing.

Natalia Vodianova

What is particularly fascinating about the concept of the book is how it reinvents the jacket many times. The diverse array of images reflect a montage of individuality, yet all the photographs collectively exude the timeless essence of elegance embodied by Chanel. The project reminds us that nonchalance and elegance are innate qualities which cannot be discerned by age, race or gender, and Lagerfeld loves the fact that the little black jacket originated as a mens jacket, before becoming a typically feminine piece.  


An exhibition of the project launches in New York today and the book 'The Little Black Jacket' is officially released on August 15th 2012. The following selection of images illustrate just how multi-faceted this iconic little jacket can be:

Joan Smalls

Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld

Georgia May Jagger

Waris Ahluwalia

Freja Beha Erichsen 

A Commercial Shade of Purple

As 'a portrait of those who embody their times', French fashion, art and culture magazine Purple is embodying the spirit of the day and keeping up to speed with the rapidly increasing force of E-commerce. Yesterday Purple launched a redesigned and re-commercialised website, where visitors can jump straight from editorial page to point of purchase with a single click.

At http://purple.fr/ visitors can now shop a refined selection of designer fashion, accessories, books, jewellery and beauty products from desirable brands such as Acne, Yves Saint Laurent, Marni, Isabel Marant, Charlotte Olympia and Lanvin. 

I have a few things on my wish list: 

Christopher Kane pleated skirt

Mulberry sweater

Valentino A-line dress

Irreverent, Carine Roitfeld

In addition to shopping at the boutique, visitors to the new website can view the best picks of art exhibitions in different cities around the world, browse current and previous issues of the magazine and explore everything from fashion shows, travel features and architecture, to interviews, television programs and nightlife. 

Dana Schutz at Friedrich Pretzel, New York

Midnight sun in Stangvik, Norway

Site director Paula Goldstein said about the recent upgrade; “The summer is a really frenetic time for the magazine, and we decided to take the creative energy that comes with putting together a new issue and use it as an impetus to launch the site.” Designed by Merimedia and constructed by Neverbland, I think this novelty is going to catch on.