"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different" -Coco Chanel





Wednesday 22 June 2011

Nail porn for Sophie Nails

The definition of 'Nail Porn' is 'nail art designed to stimulate nail design appreciation and excitement' which is very fitting for the launch of the new Sophy Robson nail salon opening on the Kings Road.
Known ubiquituously as the go-to lady for fashionistas, described as "the Nail Guru" (Sunday Times) and "the hottest manicurist in the business" (ELLE uk), and judging by the nail art (as seen below) this was an event definately worth heading down to.


Held at Tuatara Bar, there was also a Nail Pageant where judges Henry Holland, Ellie Goulding & of course Sophy were the judges and with music from DJ Nikkibeatnik (currently working with Kelis) amongst others, this was a great night to attend!

The yummy 'nail inspired' cupcakes!

                                                                      Judges Judging


From the reams of industry people - Tv Presenters, stylists, scenesters & designers I wondered just how Sophie knew them? Well her CV reads like this - worked on covers for British, French, American, Japanese & Italian Vogue as well as Nylon, Love & W Magazine, the list is endless! Go figure whilst I book in my appointment.
Stay tuned to Brownbear.tv for filming and interviews on the night
Visit Sophyrobson.com for more info

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Songs of the week

1. Kal Lavelle - Shivers
I interveiwed this lovely Irish lass last week; really nice girl, fab dress sense & an effortless voice. Her lyrics are inspired by love, loss & life. She's supporting Ed Sheeran on his upcoming tour so if you're lucky enough to have a ticket, then you'll be the lucky ones to hear her live; for the rest watch her at a local performance of Shivers below from the album of the same name.



2. Ghostpoet - Survive It
Taken from the album, Peanut Butter &Melancholy Jam, he talks about day to day life with a poetic rhythm that flows smoothly over the melody. Praised by Frank Skinner from The Streets as one of his favourite lyricists, if you like Roots Manuva & Massive Attack you'll like this.


Check out Cash and Carry Me Home (his debut single from the album) - for a more upbeat vibe.

3. Lykke Li - Sadness is a Blessing (Gold Panda Remix)
I love this Swedish Beauty! Indie singer by nature, she has a really care-free don't-give-a-damn vibe about her which keeps you intrigued and wanting to hear more of her music. The video to the orignial of this song is bizarre & fascinating but when one great artist is remixed by another something worth listening to can be created (see below- audio only).



4. The Weeknd - Glass Table Girls
I don't care if this album was released month's ago and this song isn't 'new', I like it & thought I'd share. LOVE the tempo & melody changes half way through bringing a heavier bassline.


5. True Tiger "In The Air"
Released last week, Maverick Sabre on vocals, Pro Green rapping & beats provided by the True Tiger collective. With a boat party at Outlook Festival sold out in 20mins people are beginning to realise that these guys bring the tunes. Check out the video -
Its a bit like that advert when the cats go on a hunt after the milk, nevertheless the tunes a damn good party anthem.

Wednesday 1 June 2011

PJ Harvey - The legend

From her recent appearance on Jools Holland, she may look slightly crackers, Kate Bush-esque and new on the scene but this lady has had as many transformations over the decades as Madonna. Quoted by the king of grunge, Kurt Cobain, as one of his favourite artists, that in itself shows she's got to be good right?
Here is a performance in front of hundreds and thousands in Sydney, Austrailia at the Big Day Out Festival - no backing, just her & her guitar. Amazing.



Here is her latest performance on Jools Holland - Mezmerizing!


The road to Patternity

Patternity "encourages viewers to change perspective & embrace the overlooked – enhancing the everyday". It may sound like a brain washing worthy speech, but once you see these deisgns you'll never look back.
Founded in August 2009 by Art Director Anna Murray & Textile & Surface Designer Grace Winteringham 

they aim to encourage people to see, enjoy & be inspired by the patterned world around them. Based in East London they work on a range of products and projects, some of which, notably their range of tights, can be bought through their online shop. All are unique & a one-off.



These are amazing! £42 a piece - yes a piece, not a pair, its art here! Perhaps not a great price for the student/unpaid interns amongst us, but they are machine washable, ladder resistant &  for works of art that you can wear repeatedly, I'd love to buy them all!
Visit http://www.patternity.co.uk/ for more details





Great Scott(s)! What time is it?

Yes I do most of my blogging at night time when my creative juices are in full swing, but now I can check the time so I'm not hitting the pillow too late with a super cool cartoon-inspired Jeremy Scott for Swatch watch!
His design talents on the catwalk have now transferred into pop culture inspired avant-garde watch designs.
The three that have been designed are named 'Lightning Flash', 'Winged swatch' and 'Opulence'.
At £40 they're perfectly priced for a full on collection grab or just buy one for fun. My fave is the lightning Flash, perfect with a pair of Liberty Print Nike collab high tops.