B E S T I V A L countdown (part III)

The first time these guys captivated my eyes and ears was back in January 2007. The endearing Metronomy - along with their customised push light t-shirts - were supporting Get Cape.Wear Cape. Fly at the now defunct London Astoria.

Since that snowy evening I have subsequently experienced their idiosyncratic performances and unfathomable dance routines at Underage, a Lily Allen and Friends recording and at Benicassim. Throughout the years their lineup has been revised several times – most recently including former Lightspeed Champion drummer Anna Prior and bassist Gbenga Adelekan. Despite these new artistic influences, this kooky bunch have remained true to their enchanting sounds that are so far removed from reality.

Next week at BESTIVAL is my fourth experience with the inimitable band and gee whizz what an experience that will irrefutably be.

With their third album The English Riviera being released earlier this year, I’m eagerly anticipating buoying along to the seaside melodies of The Look and the hypnotising Love Underline, as well as being charmed by a performance of The Bay.

Excitement aside, there’s a hideous rumour floating around on Wikipedia that the push lights have been replaced by pre-synced chest lamps and I can only pray to the stage Gods of St.Bestival that they’re as magical.

a superfluous splurge ?

 

"I love how your shoes are all just slight variations of each other" my pal Sophie said to me as we departed Sheffield University's journalism department for the final time in June. Yes her statement has a dash of credence but if it took three years for her to conclude this then my definitive shoe style surely isn't palpable - surely? 

I bought these simply chic black Chelsea boots this weekend from River Island. The elastic gusset detail, combined with the sensible two inch heel, makes for a comfortable wear. They are edgy and sure to be the staple of my autumn wardrobe. Unabashedly I’m not used to "wearing in" shoes as I usually source my footwear from eBay. So as I tip tap away I’m endeavoring to mould the exquisite booties to my feet by sitting cross legged on my rug and flexing my toes every four minutes. I cannot stop gazing at them.  

Spot the difference:  

These Pierre Hardy for Gap ankle boots have been loyal, dance proof “partying” shoes for years of dizzying frolics. Yes they're also black, yes they also have the elastic side and yes they also have the chunky heel. But why change a winning formula ?  

B E S T I V A L countdown (part II)

Sunday’s headlining act is irrefutably one of the most spellbinding icons of our time – the devout Goddess Bjork.

*Bravo Da Bank, Bravo*

Playing her only outdoor festival show in the world this year, the legendary songstress will be showcasing her innovative repertoire of songs and some inspirational new corkers.

Featuring an Icelandic female choir and a range of specially crafted instruments such as a bespoke pipe organ that accepts digital information, Bjork’s headline show will push the boundaries of festival experiences.

What a memorable extravagance we have in store indeed. And if she whips out the ole Marjan Pejoski swan dress then I can float on home a satisfied Bestivaler.  

last of the summer sale lusts

1. Checked mini shirt dress, £26, Beyond Retro, 2. Navy dress with cream checked dress, £35, Rokit, 3. Short camel pleat dress, £24, Beyond retro, 4. 1990's short sleeved polka dot dress, £25, Beyond Retro, 5. Spot lace tunic £16, ASOS, 6. Salon 3D embellished crop top, £26, ASOS, 7. Lace pinafore bib dress, £70, TBA, 8. Bouquet embellished top, £17, ASOS.

unbe-leaf-ably magnificent

Lorenzo Duran’s delicate cutaway leaf art is nothing short of spectacular. The Spanish artist uses leaves as his canvas and intricately cuts away segments in a technique akin to those of traditional Chinese Jianzhi, German scherenschnitte and Swiss paper cutting.

The splendour of natural objects inspires Duran to stunningly experiment with his creativity. And the detail per leaf is so complex that I can only marvel at the amount of time and attention each piece must require.

B E S T I V A L countdown (part I)

There are a mere 19 sleeps separating me from attending my third field party of all field parties. Despite marking the end of festival season (pardon the premature lamenting), Bestival is the epitome of escapism and perpetually pushes the boundaries of festival experiences - roller disco arena with Hyperdub anyone?

With too many DJs to compartmentalise into a “must see” list, I thought I’d divulge the live acts who have got me all giddy in anticipation.

The mythical folk that are Hercules and Love Affair are sure to be a spectacle on Thursday with their jacking house and overtly disco vibe.  

Having released their second album “Blue Songs” earlier this year, exclusive twists and treats from this record will no doubt feature in their set - hurrah.

“Blue Song”’s lead single “My House” is already an international club staple and hearing it reverberate through Bestival’s speakers is almost as tumultuously exciting as seeing what dazzling attire they will be donning.

That reminds me - must.pack.glitter. 

snappy snap snap

Photographer Marie-Fleur Charlesworth has been documenting her life with a camera since she can remember. But in the last three years she has turned her artistic hand to shooting fashion.

The London based photographer’s distinctively analogue style is wonderfully nostalgic. So wonderful in fact that she has caught the eye of several publications, with her work having been featured in Stylist, Ballad Of, Random, Pigeons & Peacocks and Ozon.

Extracting influences from Nabokov novels and of Wes Anderson’s Royal Tenenbaum’s family home, it’s no wonder she concocts dreamy, eclectic visions. Marie-Fleur’s images, in all their faded hue and frosted edging glory, conspire to craft poignant, striking portraits that unequivocally stir the soul. 

This dazzling new summer editorial entitled “About a girl” follows a frail blonde pixie on her secret garden frolics.

The styling is immaculately whimsical too – with over the knee socks aplenty, draping white chiffon dresses, rope scarves, frilled off the shoulder tops and paisley maxi skirts. And all of this sartorial bliss is spectacularly accessorised with bold, black balloons for an eerie twist.