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Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: Fashion, Uncategorized

APU JAN SS18 at London Fashion Week

Taking inspiration from the short lives of flowers, Apu Jan presented Before the Last Petal Falls for Spring Summer 2018 at London Fashion Week.  In this collection of 33 garments, Jan uses bursts of colour and texture variation to freeze their explosive beauty and capture the sensation of urgency in their short but fragrant life.  The collection pays homage to O Henry’s ‘The Last Leaf’ and echoes the theme of Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’.  It was also the first show of the SS18 season that saw Freemason’s Hall open up the Grand Temple – something that rarely happens during London Fashion Week and an absolutely unbelievable spectacle when it does.

‘Before the last petal fell, I remembered there was a garden in full blossom ;

Before the last leaf faded, I remembered there was a forest full of green ;

The last snowflake, the last sand grain, the last teardrop…

Nothing gold can stay.

So let me cast a spell for you, it’s necessary to freeze the beauty of flowers, it’s necessary to freeze the fragrance of coffee, and it’s necessary to freeze the fragrance of our youth…’

APUJAN SS18 BLACK 1
APUJAN SS18 BLACK 2
APUJAN SS18 BLACK 3

Using pattern to emote throughout the collection, ‘Before the Last Petal Falls’ takes us on a fantasy journey.  With motifs and patterns including blooming and fallen petals, leaves, trees, snow, ink, and manuscripts, the components play to the theme and the brands core elements of storybooks and fantasy beasts are evident throughout the collection.

The SS18 collection from Apu Jan features more of the designer’s trademark silk knitting which stands out in texture, Jan uses a self developed blend of jacquard and chiffon and varies between machine and hand knitting to create that signature and inimitable mix of chunky and uber fine texture all within the same garment – perfect for the intended season.

Strong oriental influences ring through this collection; mandarin collars, horse-hoof cuffs and 6/8 wide leg trousers with a wide set pinstripe set up the core shapes for a neutral palette of grey, black, white and grey with the occasional dancing pink petal dancing across the landscape.  Towards the finale we saw drop waist and empire line dresses with structured cape detailing imitating orchid type silhouettes and depicting the last stages of life of the flower, and burnout dresses with flute sleeves with a hint of Victoriana.  The standout piece in the collection was a grey dress with a structured capelet that drew gasps from the press as it floated through the temple.

APUJAN SS18 1
APUJAN SS18 2
APUJAN SS18 3

Apu Jan is a master craftsman when it comes to working with printed satin; taking the finest print details and working them into a pattern only determinable at close range, which from afar creates additional texture and shape despite having been crafted in the lightest fabrics.

APUJAN SS18 4
APUJAN SS18 5
APUJAN SS18 6

The show was set to the beat of DJ QuestionMark and a live orchestra, something that’s been lost in time over the seasons at London Fashion Week and something which created a real atmosphere on the day.  I don’t know whether it was the design talent, the live music or being seduced by the Grand Temple but this was one collection that piqued my interest Voyeurs…..

Pixie x

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Billy Bootleggers Basement Bar Launch

While you were musing over the launch of The Alchemist and it’s weird and wonderful cocktail menu, another brand new, must see bar popped up in Newcastle right under your nose.  Billy Bootleggers is one of those bars that needs no fanfare, stripped right back to the basics, this modern twist on the prohibition era speakeasy says a big “fuck you” to commercialism.   Relying on word of mouth rather than huge promotional campaigns, Bootleggers is a place you discover rather than seek out…..

If you live in the North East you’ll know that the Newcastle cityscape is in a phase of exponential growth. With money being ploughed into the city to bring big chains to the new Grey’s Quarter and the impending revamp of Grey Street with it’s planned  influx of new nightclubs and bars, the city of Newcastle is a very different place these days.

Billy Bootleggers however, seeks to provide asylum to those who want to escape the chains and consumerism, and just drink and be entertained.  In a bold move, it’s an independent bar which, shock, horror, hasn’t been designed with the sole purpose of being instagrammable.  The bar is deep in the basement below its cult sister bar, No. 28, and the graffiti lined staircase gives an indication of what to expect once you’re below deck.

Billy Bootleggers Newcastle gaffiti
Billy Bootleggers Newcastle flag

The 60 capacity bar is a typical American style dive bar, it takes me back to my days in Miami when we’d look to escape the tourist traps that line South Beach and head out of Dadeland to take in some real Americana at Mac’s Club Deuce.  That’s exactly what you’ll find here, real Americana, a tribute to the States, from the baseball bats and star spangled banner that face you as you enter, to the delapidated Bill & Ted era phonebox and the restroom doors designated by gaffer taped letters, it’s a place that definitely makes me feel at home and makes me pine for my former home.

Billy Bootleggers Newcastle King Bees 1
Billy Bootleggers Newcastle King Bees 2
Billy Bootleggers Newcastle King Bees 3

In the far corner of Billy Bootleggers is a stage area where local acts will perform, with seating geared up to face the entertainment perfectly, it’s cosy in there so be prepared to get intimate with your neighbouring table!  I went along for the VIP opening where the King Bees played a swing set and we dined on Snappy’s frankfurter hotdogs, buffalo wings and cheesy fries – nothing pretentious, nothing unnecessary, just good quality, fast food and strong liquor.

Billy Bootleggers Newcastle Menu 1
Billy Bootleggers Newcastle Menu 2

Where Billy Bootleggers really shines is behind the bar.  Director Elliot Towsey makes up a fresh batch of authentic Apple Pie Moonshine every morning ready to be put into jars and served to the baying public.  Trust me, it tastes almost exactly like it does in Tennessee where it originated, and you’ll find nothing else like it in Newcastle.  There’s also a huge selection of bourbon for those seeking the authentic dive bar experience – high five to that – and a cocktail menu if you’re that way inclined.

One of my favourite things about Billy Bootleggers is that there’s no dress code, you wanna wear sneaks?  No problem.  Mirroring the stance of the dive bars of America, this isn’t a place you need to dress up for, it’s almost the anti-modernist establishment, for those who want to turn their back on the  bigger, more established bars in town.  It’s one for the rebels, and I like that.

Billy Bootleggers Newcastle Launch Party
Billy Bootleggers Newcastle Launch night
Billy Bootleggers Newcastle VIP launch

Once you realise that Billy Bootleggers just doesn’t give a fuck what you think of its appearance and cares most about the experience you have once you get to the bottom of the staircase, you’ll focus less on updating Instagram and actually relax and enjoy what Bootleggers has to offer – good food, great entertainment and the best drinks menu in Newcastle.  You might even find that it becomes the best bar you never knew you needed in your life…..

See you by the stage, that’s my new designated hotdesk…..

Pixie xo

Billy Bootleggers is open 7 days a week 5pm – 2am with regular live music announced in advance via their FaceBook page.

 

 

Categories: North East, Uncategorized

Festival on the Wall 2017 Cancelled

You’ll have heard all about the grand plans for the awesome sounding Festival on the Wall by now and it’s ambitious designs on a rollerdisco, hot tub area, chill zone and much, much more.  Well hold that excitement Voyeurs, bottle it up, bury it and do not let it spill out.  Why?  The Festival has been cancelled.  Booooooo!

I don’t know the reasoning behind the decision to pull the most epic sounding music festival the North East will never see, but I was, as you know, I had been planning on running a competition to win tickets for the weekend.  Well not any more.

You could just drive up to the intended site and hold your very own mini festival, but currently there are zero plans for Festival on the Wall to run during 2017 or at any point in the future.  I guess we’ll have to keep our eyes on the FaceBook page to see whether it’s picked up in years to come, and in the meantime there’s always Corbridge on July 7th & 8th…..

Soz dudes, I’m as gutted as you are.

Pixie xo

Categories: Fashion, Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Festival on the Wall

If you live in the North East then you already know it’s a pretty awesome place.  From our super friendly demeanour (and admittedly a distinct lack of regard for cold weather appropriate outerwear), to our amazingly cultural and diverse flagship city of Newcastle, we really are that greener grass you’ve been dreaming about.  But, with the announcement of Festival on the Wall, the North East just got a whole lot cooler….

So, what is it?  In a nutshell – a luxury music festival.  Think Coachella (on a smaller scale obvs & without the desert and blazing sunshine) and you’re on the right track.  The thing that sets Festival on the Wall apart from other British music festivals, is that whilst the bands headlining are pretty damn awesome, they aren’t the only draw.  Set in 350 acres of private countryside deep in Northumberland, Festival on the Wall boasts a while host of extra reasons to book your tickets and head North:

1. THE THUNDERDOME: Yes, you read that right.  A dedicated rave zone, with dance DJs and entertainment for late-night revellers in a Mad Max-esque area with a 360-degree stage and a central DJ booth with added pyrotechnics.  That means fireworks, lightning bolts and actual flames.  Super cool right?

2.  HOME COMFORTS: No more worrying about the appalling battery life of your iPhone, Festival on the Wall promises easy ways to charge your phone, straighten your hair and even have an actual hot shower.  No mention of Wi-Fi or cell coverage – yet.

3. DINE IN THE SKY: Missed Dine on the Tyne last year?  The same team will be back at Festival on the Wall to give you a dining experience 100ft above the main stage with some of the North East’s most loved restaurants on board.

4. SUPER FUN ACTIVITIES: Forget the music for a second, there’ll be a freaking roller disco at Festival on the Wall and if that’s not got you wanting to book tickets immediately then you’re probably no fun anyway and this festival isn’t for you.  As well as a roller disco, there’ll be a hot tub chill out zone, karavanoke (no idea but sounds fun), and a virtual reality zone allowing festival goers to watch any set they choose from the weekend.

5. THE AWESOME BANDS: Go on then, it seems only right to mention the music.  We’re currently on phase 1 of the announced line up so there are plenty  more acts yet to be announced but so far The Libertines, Maximo Park, Pet Shop Boys and Mark Ronson are amongst the North East dominant lineup.

With a focus on convenience, Festival on the Wall promises real, North Eastern artisan street food, without the long wait. With an option to click and collect your groceries for the entire weekend and have it ready and waiting on your arrival. The organisers of Festival on the Wall have spent a lot of time poring over everything that’s negative about British music festivals so that this one lives up to its strapline: ‘The happiest music festival in Britain’ .

Interested?  The festival runs August 4-6 and tickets are available here now with a variety of accommodation options available, from pitching your own tent to hiring a luxury yurt or tipi.  Travelling with the family?  Kids 12 and under get in for a tenner and there are plenty of family friendly activitiesto participate in whilst you’re there, ear defenders are also available upon request.  See, they really have thought of everything.

Want tickets?  Of course you do!  click here to grab early bird tickets and stay glued to Twitter (@FestOnTheWall), Instagram (@festivalonthewall) and of course here, to find out more info as it’s released, including the phase 2 lineup.

Here’s the bit you’ve been waiting for – Fashion Voyeur has 2 weekend tickets up for grabs, I’ll be telling you how you can win them next week so check back or miss out.

catch you on the flip Voyeurs….

Pixie xo

 

Categories: Pixie, Uncategorized

Sunderland Fashion Weekend

With more regional Fashion events cropping up all over the country, it’s Tyne & Wear’s turn to get in on the action with the launch of Sunderland Fashion Weekend.  From April 21st to 24th, The Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland will host the city’s debut Fashion Weekend with four jam-packed days of shows featuring clothes and accessories from the centre’s leading retailers.

 

With a whole host of major players set to showcase their wares, including Debenhams, Miss Selfridge, New Look, TopShop and Primark, Sunderland Fashion Weekend looks set to turn the spotlight to affordable and accessible fashion in Tyne & Wear.

“We have a wide variety of retailers at the Bridges with clothes for both men and women and for all ages, The Fashion Weekend gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer in what promises to be a number of fun and exciting shows.  We are delighted to see so many of our leading retailers getting behind the event and we look forward to welcoming lots of fashion conscious visitors.” Andy Bradley, Centre Director.

Runway shows will take place throughout the day at various times, ensuring that everyone can get a look at what The bridges, and Sunderland, has to offer the North East fashionistas.

In addition to regular runway shows in the shopping centre, a fashion show will also feature as part of the Retail and Style Awards being held at the Bridges on Saturday April 23, in an evening which includes a black tie dinner and performances by top musical acts Lawson, Izzy Bizu and the Lake Poets.  A VIP runway show will take place on the evening of Thursday April 21st  and Ill be on the FROW (natch) to bring you all the latest from Sunderland Fashion Weekend as it unfolds.

Like the sound of this, then head to The Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland city centre April 21st to 24th to grab a piece of the action and if you spot me, don’t be shy, come say “Hi!”

Keep it #FashionVoyeur for more updates on Sunderland Fashion Weekend as I get them…

Pixie x

 

 

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People will stare, make it worth their while

Pixie Tenenbaum

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