Natasha Thompson

Amelia’s Magazine | 123 Bethnal Green Road – the Sustainable Fashion Concept Store

by

Latitude 2010-Phil Jupitas by Amelia Gregory

Illustration by Paul Shinn

So I popped along to the opening of 123 Bethnal Green Road this week with Amelia, order who I found outside clutching her phone, thumb looking a little anxious, surrounded by Dr Noki‘s entourage of weird and wonderful fashionos. I hadn’t expected this at all – and then remembered that this new store boasted an entire floor of Dr Noki’s fashions. Amelia and I both remarked what an exhausting effort it must be to be part of his clan, which left me wondering what said clan members wear to the supermarket – surely not this rig-out everyday?


Illustration by Paul Shinn

123 Bethnal Green Road promises to be a ‘sustainable fashion concept store’ and is many years in the making – gosh, that place has been ‘opening soon!’ longer than I’ve been in London. It’s beautiful on both the inside and the outside, though – and a skim of the press release reveals, unsurprisingly, that it’s a listed building – which probably explains the hold up in the opening.


Illustration by Andrea Peterson

Brought to you from the people behind Vintage For Sale, these guys know their fashion and the store stocks a range of sustainable goods – from Dr Noki’s somewhat strange NHS range featuring the now ‘iconic’ New Era reworked hats, to vintage finds with the ’123′ label. The latter being more my cup of tea (with no offence to Dr Noki, of course), here there are lots of interesting finds. Reclaimed fabrics have been reworked by the 123 design team, featuring the most covetable cuts – mini skirts, layered tops and ruffles are aplenty, making using of fascinating fabrics with all sorts of colours, patterns and textures.



Illustrations by Natasha Thompson

The store dedicates an entire floor to whacky Dr Noki, described as a ‘fashion rebel’. The doctor (I’d like to see his accreditation, please) is famed for said New-Era re-workings and outlandish creations, including turd necklaces for pregnant women. Yeah, you heard me. His ethos is a good one, though – he’s challenging the corporate giants of the fashion industry and creating one-off art pieces that, for all their nu-rave connotations, are pretty stunning – especially after a few free Salto cachaca cocktails.

…and the evening will remembered for Noki and his harem of followers, who push the fashion boundaries and are aching to be photographed (which suits me fine). Here are some photographs from the event for you to feast your eyes on:


Look at this guy. ACHING to be photographed, I tell ya. Pubis tattoos will be everywhere come SS2011.

All photographs by Matt Bramford

Written by Matt Bramford on Friday July 23rd, 2010 3:46 pm

Categories ,123, ,123 Bethnal Green Road, ,Amelia, ,Andrea Peterson, ,Dr Noki, ,london, ,Matt Bramford, ,Natasha Thompson, ,New Era, ,NHS, ,Paul Shinn, ,Turd necklace, ,Vintage For Sale

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | 123 Bethnal Green Road – the Sustainable Fashion Concept Store

by


Illustration by Paul Shinn

So I popped along to the opening of 123 Bethnal Green Road this week with Amelia, who I found outside clutching her phone, looking a little anxious, surrounded by Dr Noki’s entourage of weird and wonderful fashionos. I hadn’t expected this at all – and then remembered that this new store boasted an entire floor of Dr Noki’s fashions. Amelia and I both remarked what an exhausting effort it must be to be part of his clan, which left me wondering what said clan members wear to the supermarket – surely not this rig-out everyday?


Illustration by Paul Shinn

123 Bethnal Green Road promises to be a ’sustainable fashion concept store’ and is many years in the making – gosh, that place has been ‘opening soon!’ longer than I’ve been in London. It’s beautiful on both the inside and the outside, though – and a skim of the press release reveals, unsurprisingly, that it’s a listed building – which probably explains the hold up in the opening.


Illustration by Andrea Peterson

Brought to you from the people behind Vintage For Sale, these guys know their fashion and the store stocks a range of sustainable goods – from Dr Noki’s somewhat strange NHS range featuring the now ‘iconic’ New Era reworked hats, to vintage finds with the ‘123′ label. The latter being more my cup of tea (with no offence to Dr Noki, of course), here there are lots of interesting finds. Reclaimed fabrics have been reworked by the 123 design team, featuring the most covetable cuts – mini skirts, layered tops and ruffles are aplenty, making using of fascinating fabrics with all sorts of colours, patterns and textures.



Illustrations by Natasha Thompson

The store dedicates an entire floor to whacky Dr Noki, described as a ‘fashion rebel’. The doctor (I’d like to see his accreditation, please) is famed for said New-Era re-workings and outlandish creations, including turd necklaces for pregnant women. Yeah, you heard me. His ethos is a good one, though – he’s challenging the corporate giants of the fashion industry and creating one-off art pieces that, for all their nu-rave connotations, are pretty stunning – especially after a few free Salto cachaca cocktails.

…and the evening will remembered for Noki and his harem of followers, who push the fashion boundaries and are aching to be photographed (which suits me fine). Here are some photographs from the event for you to feast your eyes on:


Look at this guy. ACHING to be photographed, I tell ya. Pubis tattoos will be everywhere come SS2011.

All photographs by Matt Bramford

Written by Matt Bramford on Friday July 23rd, 2010 3:46 pm

Categories ,123, ,123 Bethnal Green Road, ,Amelia, ,Andrea Peterson, ,Dr Noki, ,london, ,Matt Bramford, ,Natasha Thompson, ,New Era, ,NHS, ,Paul Shinn, ,Turd necklace, ,Vintage For Sale

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration is OUT NOW!

by

Willow candle by daria hlazatova
Willow Organic Gold Frankincense and Myrrh candle by Daria Hlazatova.

I don’t know what it is about candles that gets me so excited. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I love beautiful smells. My house may be a mess but I quite often spritz my office with a sweetly scented room spray or light a candle to imbue a relaxing mood. I think that this is the nub of what is so brilliant about candles, generic link especially the really high quality ones that contain high quantities of essential oils – they are the simplest way to create a delightfully relaxing and cosy feeling within a space.

willow organics candle

And of course Christmas is all about candles. Since I lived in Sweden as a little girl my family has had a tradition of lighting advent candles during the month of December – and whilst I don’t spend much time at my parent’s home anymore, look I always look forward to candlelit dinners when I return for Christmas. Candles impart a certain cosiness which the Danish call “hygge” – and during these bitterly cold dark winter months is most sorely appreciated.

Gold Frankincense and Myrrh candle by Daria Hlazatova
Gold Frankincense and Myrrh candle by Daria Hlazatova.

This year my favourite discovery is the Willow Organic Gold Frankincense and Myrrh candle. It comes beautifully presented in a beribboned fold out box and utilises the naturally healing and calming effects of precious oils that have been synonymous with Christmas since biblical times.

Willow candle box
willow candle box open

From the wonderful scents to the gold leaf that floats glittering in the top of the wax, information pills it doesn’t get more christmassy than this. The Willow Organic shop in Kings Road, Chelsea is open until the 23rd December, so there’s still time to grab a fabulous Christmas candle before the big day.

Cire_Trudon_by_Megan_Piontkowski
Cire Trudon by Megan Piontkowski.

Earlier this year I discovered the French Cire Trudon brand, which has been in operation in various guises since 1643. Alongside very high quality candles presented in beautiful glass pots with heraldic shields, they also produce stunning room sprays in statement bottles and a boxed set containing a room spray, candle and illustrated fairy tale – the idea being to encourage children to enjoy evocative scents from a very young age. Not for the hard up these boxed sets don’t come cheap, but I love the idea and the illustrated booklets are a delight.

Sinbad the Sailor - Fairy Tale Box - Cire Trudon

Recently discovered: the Albam independent menswear clothing store in Spitalfields stocks three yummy varieties of candle, my favourite being the figgy one. When I went in they were also testing out a new scent called Library, which was suitably masculine. Unfortunately I don’t think you can buy these online but it’s definitely worth taking a trip down to this great little store.

Spitalfields Candle Co by ellie sutton
Spitalfields Candle Co and Tocca candles by Ellie Sutton.

There is also the Spitalfields Candle Co. which uses sustainably sourced soya wax in all candles. It was hard to choose my favourite from such a yummy range only briefly sniffed in the Inspitalfields gift store, but I think it has to be Lemon Verbena – I just love that clean bright scent.

Diptyque Candle - The Cloud Commission
Diptyque Candle by The Cloud Commission.

Tocca are a high end scent company that stock in Liberty – I particularly like the sound of the Bianca candle which contains Green Tea and Lemon. Each year the Parisian brand Diptyque creates a special Christmas range, in beautifully decorated coloured glass jars. The Orange Epicee sounds yummy, as does the Canelle.

Jo Malone by Gareth A Hopkins
Jo Malone by Gareth A Hopkins.

Lastly but no means least Jo Malone offers incredibly classy scents, all tastefully presented in cream boxes with crisp branding. The limited edition Pine & Eucalyptus Collection sounds glorious, and how about a giant candle with not one but four wicks to make a major statement?

Right, I’m off to get on with my present wrapping by the scent of my Willow Organic candle. Have a glorious Christmas everyone.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-cover

So, pills the book is finally here! You can find it at Tate Modern, about it Magma, Design Museum, Serpentine Gallery, Tatty Devine, Cornerhouse, Arnolfini and many other good independent book stores across the UK and by early 2011 around the world.

Tatty Devine Amelia's Compendium
Harriet of Tatty Devine takes receipt of her copies of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration.

Amelia's Compendium Magma
On the shelves of Magma.

Or you can buy it online here for a reduced price and receive 12 unique Amelia’s Magazine postcards, plus a selection of bookmarks. This offer is EXCLUSIVE to my website. You can’t get these postcards anywhere else!

Amelia's Compendium postcards
Postcards come free with all orders of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration made through this website.

The following up and coming fashion illustrators feature in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration:
Abigail Daker, Abby Wright, Amy Martino, Andrea Peterson, Aniela Murphy, Antonia Parker, Bex Glover, Emma Block, Erica Sharp, Faye West, Gemma Milly, Jennifer Costello, Jenny Robins, Jo Cheung, Joana Faria, June Chanpoomidole, Katherine Tromans, Katie Harnett, Kellie Black, Krister Selin, Lesley Barnes, Lisa Stannard, Michelle Urvall Nyren, Naomi Law, Natasha Thompson, Natsuki Otani, Rachel de Ste Croix, Yelena Bryksenkova, Zarina Liew & Gareth A Hopkins.

And…. the book features interviews with the following ethical fashion designers:
123 Bethnal Green Road, Ada Zanditon, Andrea Crews, Anja Hynynen, Beautiful Soul, By Stamo, Camilla Norrback, Christopher Raeburn, Ciel, Dem Collective, Edun, Emesha, Emma Ware, Fifi Bijoux, From Somewhere, Goodone, Gossypium, Henrietta Ludgate, Hetty Rose, Howies, Ivana Basilotta, Izzy Lane, Joanna Cave, Junky Styling, Little Glass Clementine, Lu Flux, Martina Spetlova, Maxjenny, Michelle Lowe-Holder, Minna, Nancy Dee, Nina Dolcetti, Noir, Noki, Oria, Partimi, People Tree, Pia Anjou, Prophetik, Romina Karamanea, Sägen, Satoshi Date, Tara Starlet, Ute Decker & Wilfried Pletzinger

Below are some pages from inside the book – which is the usual riot of colour and pattern for which I have become known. You can also watch a flick video of the book on the website of my international distributor Idea Books here.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-sm-From Somewhere
From Somewhere illustrated by Rachel de Ste Croix.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-sm-By Stamo
By Stamo illustrated by Krister Selin.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-sm-Christopher Raeburn
Christopher Raeburn illustrated by Gemma Milly.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-sm-Edun
Edun illustrated by Katherine Tromans.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-sm-Dem Collective
Dem Collective illustrated by Michelle Urvall Nyren.

Amelia's Compendium Aniela Murphy
Aniela Murphy’s pages in the content proofs.

Amelia's Compendium Antonia Parker
Antonia Parker’s pages in the content proofs.

Please note that I will not be posting any orders out until the 4th January 2011. Have a very merry Christmas!

Written by Amelia Gregory on Thursday December 23rd, 2010 7:26 pm

Categories ,123, ,123 Bethnal Green Road, ,Abby Wright, ,Abigail Daker, ,Ada Zanditon, ,Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, ,Amy Martino, ,Andrea Crews, ,Andrea Peterson, ,Aniela Murphy, ,Anja Hynynen, ,Antonia Parker, ,arnolfini, ,Beautiful Soul, ,Bex Glover, ,book, ,Book shop, ,Bookstores, ,By Stamo, ,Camilla Norrback, ,Christopher Raeburn, ,ciel, ,Cornerhouse, ,Dem Collective, ,Design Museum, ,Eco fashion, ,Edun, ,Emesha, ,Emma Block, ,Emma Ware, ,Erica Sharp, ,Ethical Fashion Design, ,Fashion Illustration, ,Faye West, ,Fifi Bijoux, ,From Somewhere, ,Gareth A Hopkins, ,Gemma Milly, ,goodone, ,gossypium, ,Henrietta Ludgate, ,Hetty Rose, ,howies, ,Idea Books, ,illustration, ,Ivana Basilotta, ,Izzy Lane, ,Jennifer Costello, ,Jenny Robins, ,Jo Cheung, ,Joana Faria, ,Joanna Cave, ,June Chanpoomidole, ,Junky Styling, ,Katherine Tromans, ,Katie Harnett, ,Kellie Black, ,Krister Selin, ,Lesley Barnes, ,Lisa Stannard, ,Little Glass Clementine, ,Lu Flux, ,Magma, ,Martina Spetlova, ,Maxjenny, ,Michelle Lowe-Holder, ,Michelle Urvall Nyrén, ,Minna, ,Nancy Dee, ,Naomi Law, ,Natasha Thompson, ,Natsuki Otani, ,Nina Dolcetti, ,noir, ,Noki, ,Oria, ,Partimi, ,People Tree, ,Pia Anjou, ,Prophetik, ,Rachel De Ste. Croix, ,Romina Karamanea, ,Sägen, ,Satoshi Date, ,Serpentine Gallery, ,Tara Starlet, ,Tate Modern, ,Tatty Devine, ,Ute Decker, ,Wilfried Pletzinger, ,Yelena Bryksenkova, ,Zarina Liew

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration is OUT NOW!

by

Willow candle by daria hlazatova
Willow Organic Gold Frankincense and Myrrh candle by Daria Hlazatova.

I don’t know what it is about candles that gets me so excited. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I love beautiful smells. My house may be a mess but I quite often spritz my office with a sweetly scented room spray or light a candle to imbue a relaxing mood. I think that this is the nub of what is so brilliant about candles, generic link especially the really high quality ones that contain high quantities of essential oils – they are the simplest way to create a delightfully relaxing and cosy feeling within a space.

willow organics candle

And of course Christmas is all about candles. Since I lived in Sweden as a little girl my family has had a tradition of lighting advent candles during the month of December – and whilst I don’t spend much time at my parent’s home anymore, look I always look forward to candlelit dinners when I return for Christmas. Candles impart a certain cosiness which the Danish call “hygge” – and during these bitterly cold dark winter months is most sorely appreciated.

Gold Frankincense and Myrrh candle by Daria Hlazatova
Gold Frankincense and Myrrh candle by Daria Hlazatova.

This year my favourite discovery is the Willow Organic Gold Frankincense and Myrrh candle. It comes beautifully presented in a beribboned fold out box and utilises the naturally healing and calming effects of precious oils that have been synonymous with Christmas since biblical times.

Willow candle box
willow candle box open

From the wonderful scents to the gold leaf that floats glittering in the top of the wax, information pills it doesn’t get more christmassy than this. The Willow Organic shop in Kings Road, Chelsea is open until the 23rd December, so there’s still time to grab a fabulous Christmas candle before the big day.

Cire_Trudon_by_Megan_Piontkowski
Cire Trudon by Megan Piontkowski.

Earlier this year I discovered the French Cire Trudon brand, which has been in operation in various guises since 1643. Alongside very high quality candles presented in beautiful glass pots with heraldic shields, they also produce stunning room sprays in statement bottles and a boxed set containing a room spray, candle and illustrated fairy tale – the idea being to encourage children to enjoy evocative scents from a very young age. Not for the hard up these boxed sets don’t come cheap, but I love the idea and the illustrated booklets are a delight.

Sinbad the Sailor - Fairy Tale Box - Cire Trudon

Recently discovered: the Albam independent menswear clothing store in Spitalfields stocks three yummy varieties of candle, my favourite being the figgy one. When I went in they were also testing out a new scent called Library, which was suitably masculine. Unfortunately I don’t think you can buy these online but it’s definitely worth taking a trip down to this great little store.

Spitalfields Candle Co by ellie sutton
Spitalfields Candle Co and Tocca candles by Ellie Sutton.

There is also the Spitalfields Candle Co. which uses sustainably sourced soya wax in all candles. It was hard to choose my favourite from such a yummy range only briefly sniffed in the Inspitalfields gift store, but I think it has to be Lemon Verbena – I just love that clean bright scent.

Diptyque Candle - The Cloud Commission
Diptyque Candle by The Cloud Commission.

Tocca are a high end scent company that stock in Liberty – I particularly like the sound of the Bianca candle which contains Green Tea and Lemon. Each year the Parisian brand Diptyque creates a special Christmas range, in beautifully decorated coloured glass jars. The Orange Epicee sounds yummy, as does the Canelle.

Jo Malone by Gareth A Hopkins
Jo Malone by Gareth A Hopkins.

Lastly but no means least Jo Malone offers incredibly classy scents, all tastefully presented in cream boxes with crisp branding. The limited edition Pine & Eucalyptus Collection sounds glorious, and how about a giant candle with not one but four wicks to make a major statement?

Right, I’m off to get on with my present wrapping by the scent of my Willow Organic candle. Have a glorious Christmas everyone.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-cover

So, pills the book is finally here! You can find it at Tate Modern, about it Magma, Design Museum, Serpentine Gallery, Tatty Devine, Cornerhouse, Arnolfini and many other good independent book stores across the UK and by early 2011 around the world.

Tatty Devine Amelia's Compendium
Harriet of Tatty Devine takes receipt of her copies of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration.

Amelia's Compendium Magma
On the shelves of Magma.

Or you can buy it online here for a reduced price and receive 12 unique Amelia’s Magazine postcards, plus a selection of bookmarks. This offer is EXCLUSIVE to my website. You can’t get these postcards anywhere else!

Amelia's Compendium postcards
Postcards come free with all orders of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration made through this website.

The following up and coming fashion illustrators feature in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration:
Abigail Daker, Abby Wright, Amy Martino, Andrea Peterson, Aniela Murphy, Antonia Parker, Bex Glover, Emma Block, Erica Sharp, Faye West, Gemma Milly, Jennifer Costello, Jenny Robins, Jo Cheung, Joana Faria, June Chanpoomidole, Katherine Tromans, Katie Harnett, Kellie Black, Krister Selin, Lesley Barnes, Lisa Stannard, Michelle Urvall Nyren, Naomi Law, Natasha Thompson, Natsuki Otani, Rachel de Ste Croix, Yelena Bryksenkova, Zarina Liew & Gareth A Hopkins.

And…. the book features interviews with the following ethical fashion designers:
123 Bethnal Green Road, Ada Zanditon, Andrea Crews, Anja Hynynen, Beautiful Soul, By Stamo, Camilla Norrback, Christopher Raeburn, Ciel, Dem Collective, Edun, Emesha, Emma Ware, Fifi Bijoux, From Somewhere, Goodone, Gossypium, Henrietta Ludgate, Hetty Rose, Howies, Ivana Basilotta, Izzy Lane, Joanna Cave, Junky Styling, Little Glass Clementine, Lu Flux, Martina Spetlova, Maxjenny, Michelle Lowe-Holder, Minna, Nancy Dee, Nina Dolcetti, Noir, Noki, Oria, Partimi, People Tree, Pia Anjou, Prophetik, Romina Karamanea, Sägen, Satoshi Date, Tara Starlet, Ute Decker & Wilfried Pletzinger

Below are some pages from inside the book – which is the usual riot of colour and pattern for which I have become known. You can also watch a flick video of the book on the website of my international distributor Idea Books here.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-sm-From Somewhere
From Somewhere illustrated by Rachel de Ste Croix.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-sm-By Stamo
By Stamo illustrated by Krister Selin.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-sm-Christopher Raeburn
Christopher Raeburn illustrated by Gemma Milly.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-sm-Edun
Edun illustrated by Katherine Tromans.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion-sm-Dem Collective
Dem Collective illustrated by Michelle Urvall Nyren.

Amelia's Compendium Aniela Murphy
Aniela Murphy’s pages in the content proofs.

Amelia's Compendium Antonia Parker
Antonia Parker’s pages in the content proofs.

Please note that I will not be posting any orders out until the 4th January 2011. Have a very merry Christmas!

Written by Amelia Gregory on Thursday December 23rd, 2010 7:26 pm

Categories ,123, ,123 Bethnal Green Road, ,Abby Wright, ,Abigail Daker, ,Ada Zanditon, ,Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, ,Amy Martino, ,Andrea Crews, ,Andrea Peterson, ,Aniela Murphy, ,Anja Hynynen, ,Antonia Parker, ,arnolfini, ,Beautiful Soul, ,Bex Glover, ,book, ,Book shop, ,Bookstores, ,By Stamo, ,Camilla Norrback, ,Christopher Raeburn, ,ciel, ,Cornerhouse, ,Dem Collective, ,Design Museum, ,Eco fashion, ,Edun, ,Emesha, ,Emma Block, ,Emma Ware, ,Erica Sharp, ,Ethical Fashion Design, ,Fashion Illustration, ,Faye West, ,Fifi Bijoux, ,From Somewhere, ,Gareth A Hopkins, ,Gemma Milly, ,goodone, ,gossypium, ,Henrietta Ludgate, ,Hetty Rose, ,howies, ,Idea Books, ,illustration, ,Ivana Basilotta, ,Izzy Lane, ,Jennifer Costello, ,Jenny Robins, ,Jo Cheung, ,Joana Faria, ,Joanna Cave, ,June Chanpoomidole, ,Junky Styling, ,Katherine Tromans, ,Katie Harnett, ,Kellie Black, ,Krister Selin, ,Lesley Barnes, ,Lisa Stannard, ,Little Glass Clementine, ,Lu Flux, ,Magma, ,Martina Spetlova, ,Maxjenny, ,Michelle Lowe-Holder, ,Michelle Urvall Nyrén, ,Minna, ,Nancy Dee, ,Naomi Law, ,Natasha Thompson, ,Natsuki Otani, ,Nina Dolcetti, ,noir, ,Noki, ,Oria, ,Partimi, ,People Tree, ,Pia Anjou, ,Prophetik, ,Rachel De Ste. Croix, ,Romina Karamanea, ,Sägen, ,Satoshi Date, ,Serpentine Gallery, ,Tara Starlet, ,Tate Modern, ,Tatty Devine, ,Ute Decker, ,Wilfried Pletzinger, ,Yelena Bryksenkova, ,Zarina Liew

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration launch party … by Jess

by


All photography of Lily Vanilli goodies by Sally Mumby-Croft.

“So what do you do for Amelia?” a gentleman partygoer asks me. I tell him I’m one of her writers, buy cialis 40mg and he nods: “I’m Amelia’s father. I’m making myself useful, pharmacy ” he laughs, tadalafil pointing to the camera around his neck. See, we all want to be part of Amelia’s world, and last Friday many of us were gathered under one roof. Illustrators, writers, bloggers and friends were all there to celebrate the launch of Amelia Gregory’s latest creation – Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration.

ACOFI Lily Vanilli cakes by Andrea Peterson
ACOFI Lily Vanilli cakes by Andrea Peterson.

123 Bethnal Green Road was already buzzing when I arrived, slightly late due to some last-minute fretting over my hair. I’m usually the wash-n-go type, but after following the steadily building party buzz on Twitter all day I’d started to realise some effort was required as this party was going to be of the colourful kind. Just have a flick through the book and you will see it couldn’t be any other ways, really – ACOFI is a riot of colour, creativity and inspiration.


MattBramford_ACOFI_Naomi and Jessica
Naomi Law and myself. Photography by Matt Bramford.

Despite having worked with several of the illustrators present, not knowing who was who made introductions a little tricky. But some were pretty recognisable from their self-drawn portraits, such as Abby Wright, Zarina Liew and Naomi Law.

MattBramford_ACOFI_anastasiaduck, ellen
Michael of AnastasiaDuck and Ellen of the Real Runway.

MattBramford_ACOFI_antonia,joana,abby
Antonia Parker, Joana Faria and Abby Wright. Photography by Matt Bramford.

After catching up with fellow Amelia’s Magazine writers Matt Bramford and Sally Mumby-Croft, I finally got to meet Helen Martin, Amelia’s new music editor, who had come from Bristol with her boyfriend.

HANNAH BULLIVANT by Natasha-Thompson
Hannah Bullivant by Natasha Thompson.

After running into crafts columnist Hannah Bullivant and her husband, our little group hit the dance floor – enjoying a fantastic mix of music ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Mariah Carey. I had to make do without my boyfriend though, who had to take his coughing home to an early night. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy 6 Day Riot, a new discovery for me, and some excellent dancey tunes from The Pipettes and Will from Mystery Jets.

The Pipettes by Andrea Peterson
The Pipettes by Andrea Peterson.

Will from the Mystery Jets DJs
Will from the Mystery Jets DJs.

An open bar served up Adnams beer and Vodka O – generously poured by bar boys and girls with some enviable dancing skills. The vodka was kicking the next morning, and I clearly remembered why I‘d sworn off the potato spirit years earlier. But all well worth it to see in this excellent book and meet the people who made it happen. Well done, Amelia – and thanks so much for having us.

Written by Jessica Furseth on Wednesday February 2nd, 2011 2:12 pm

Categories ,123 Bethnal Green Road, ,6 Day Riot, ,Adnams, ,Amelia Gregory, ,Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, ,Andrea Peterson, ,book launch, ,Hannah Bullivant, ,Helen Martin, ,Lily Vanilli, ,Matt Bramford, ,Mystery Jets, ,Naomi Law, ,Natasha Thompson, ,Sally Mumby-Croft, ,The Pipettes, ,Vodka O

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration launch party … by Jess

by


All photography of Lily Vanilli goodies by Sally Mumby-Croft.

“So what do you do for Amelia?” a gentleman partygoer asks me. I tell him I’m one of her writers, buy cialis 40mg and he nods: “I’m Amelia’s father. I’m making myself useful, pharmacy ” he laughs, tadalafil pointing to the camera around his neck. See, we all want to be part of Amelia’s world, and last Friday many of us were gathered under one roof. Illustrators, writers, bloggers and friends were all there to celebrate the launch of Amelia Gregory’s latest creation – Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration.

ACOFI Lily Vanilli cakes by Andrea Peterson
ACOFI Lily Vanilli cakes by Andrea Peterson.

123 Bethnal Green Road was already buzzing when I arrived, slightly late due to some last-minute fretting over my hair. I’m usually the wash-n-go type, but after following the steadily building party buzz on Twitter all day I’d started to realise some effort was required as this party was going to be of the colourful kind. Just have a flick through the book and you will see it couldn’t be any other ways, really – ACOFI is a riot of colour, creativity and inspiration.


MattBramford_ACOFI_Naomi and Jessica
Naomi Law and myself. Photography by Matt Bramford.

Despite having worked with several of the illustrators present, not knowing who was who made introductions a little tricky. But some were pretty recognisable from their self-drawn portraits, such as Abby Wright, Zarina Liew and Naomi Law.

MattBramford_ACOFI_anastasiaduck, ellen
Michael of AnastasiaDuck and Ellen of the Real Runway.

MattBramford_ACOFI_antonia,joana,abby
Antonia Parker, Joana Faria and Abby Wright. Photography by Matt Bramford.

After catching up with fellow Amelia’s Magazine writers Matt Bramford and Sally Mumby-Croft, I finally got to meet Helen Martin, Amelia’s new music editor, who had come from Bristol with her boyfriend.

HANNAH BULLIVANT by Natasha-Thompson
Hannah Bullivant by Natasha Thompson.

After running into crafts columnist Hannah Bullivant and her husband, our little group hit the dance floor – enjoying a fantastic mix of music ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Mariah Carey. I had to make do without my boyfriend though, who had to take his coughing home to an early night. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy 6 Day Riot, a new discovery for me, and some excellent dancey tunes from The Pipettes and Will from Mystery Jets.

The Pipettes by Andrea Peterson
The Pipettes by Andrea Peterson.

Will from the Mystery Jets DJs
Will from the Mystery Jets DJs.

An open bar served up Adnams beer and Vodka O – generously poured by bar boys and girls with some enviable dancing skills. The vodka was kicking the next morning, and I clearly remembered why I‘d sworn off the potato spirit years earlier. But all well worth it to see in this excellent book and meet the people who made it happen. Well done, Amelia – and thanks so much for having us.

Written by Jessica Furseth on Wednesday February 2nd, 2011 2:12 pm

Categories ,123 Bethnal Green Road, ,6 Day Riot, ,Adnams, ,Amelia Gregory, ,Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, ,Andrea Peterson, ,book launch, ,Hannah Bullivant, ,Helen Martin, ,Lily Vanilli, ,Matt Bramford, ,Mystery Jets, ,Naomi Law, ,Natasha Thompson, ,Sally Mumby-Croft, ,The Pipettes, ,Vodka O

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Amelia’s Magazine | BIBA is BACK!

by


Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins


BIBA, viagra 60mg illustrated by Abi Daker

It was the now legendary Barbara Hulanicki that brought Biba into the lives of so many young people.  Barbara, capsule with her husband Stephen, advice had previously run a small mail order company before opening Biba, a small boutique on Abingdon Road, South Kensington, in 1964.  It was an instant success and customers flocked to the boutique to buy clothing that was inspired by Art Nouveau and Deco designs, as well as Hollywood glamour of the 1920s and 1930s.  The interior of the shop was designed to suit the original and covetable clothes perfectly; it was ornately decorated with beautiful furniture and antiques. Hanging out at the Biba shop was the thing to do, it was the hippest place to be seen and young celebrities of the time such as Twiggy, Julie Christie and Brigitte Bardot were loyal customers.  


‘Big Biba’ illustrated by Alia Gargum

Following its quick success, Biba moved to a further two stores but it was in 1973 that it relocated to the Art Deco department store Derry’s and Toms on Kensington High Street.  Barbara and Stephen spent £1m on refurbishing the store that became known as ‘Big Biba’.  It sold everything that the contemporary household needed and desired, from furniture, food, cosmetics and other household goods, alongside Barbara’s clothing and accessory designs.  Behind the scenes, Biba had become a profitable venture and Dorothy Perkins became a large stakeholder when the company was privatised.  For Barbara and Stephen, their personal relationship with the brand had soured and they were frustrated with the lack of control that they had over the everyday running of the business. In 1975 the nationwide recession forced Big Biba to close, and the couple relocated abroad.   

In 2005, Biba was given new life under the reins of designer Bella Freud.  As creative director, Freud and the company who had bought the rights to Biba tried to capitalise on the legacy that Barbara and Stephen had left behind them.  Freud’s vision was not well received and the collection was criticised for being over priced, and lacking the spirit that Barbara had instilled in the brand.


Daisy Lowe wears Biba, illustrated by Natasha Thompson

It is now at the hands of House of Fraser that Biba has its third revival.  House of Fraser will offer three ranges; Biba, Biba Blue and Biba Boutique.  Biba Blue will carry popular denim styles, whereas Biba Boutique will offer limited edition dresses.  For this season, bang on trend, there are 11 statement maxi dresses. There will be approximately 160 pieces for the launch, and also available will be jewellery, handbags and scarves.  There is a strong contemporary feel to the collection, but sensitivity to the Biba history is clear.  The design team at House of Fraser have been busy delving into the archives and sourcing inspiration from original pieces.  For this season the collection contains maxi dresses, heavily embellished tops and dresses, metallic colours and sheer panelling.  Materials such as velvet, faux fur, marabou feathers and sequins give a nod to the original decadence and Art Deco inspiration of the brand.  With an average selling price of £100, House of Fraser aims to avoid the ‘disposable clothing’ concept that Hulanicki championed.  This does not mean, however, that the collection should be cast with the same contempt that Freud’s fell victim to.  The collection contains some fantastic offerings.  Daisy Lowe has been selected as the face of new Biba, and in one marketing shot she coquettishly wraps herself up in the must have piece of the season – the floor length leopard print faux fur coat.  Other must have items include a wine coloured velvet maxi dress and a range of marabou feather jackets. 


The new collection, illustrated by Jenny Robins

The resurrection of vintage brand Halston shows that with the right creative direction an enterprise like this can be successful.  House of Fraser CEO John King spoke recently of the requests he received from American retail giants Macy’s, Saks and Bloomingdale’s about when they were able to place orders for the Biba collection to sell in their department stores.  The interest in Biba is mammoth; it always has been.  Hulanicki’s capsule collection for Topshop was a huge triumph, but even she has closed the doors on Biba for the foreseeable future.  Available to buy in store now, perhaps it will be a case of third time lucky.

Written by Miranda Williams on Monday September 13th, 2010 11:57 am

Categories ,Abi Daker, ,Alia Gargum, ,Art Deco, ,Art Nouveau, ,Barbara Hulanicki, ,Bella Freud, ,biba, ,Bloomingdales, ,boutique, ,Brigitte Bardot, ,daisy lowe, ,Glamour, ,Hollywood, ,House of Fraser, ,Jenny Robins, ,John King, ,Julie Christie, ,Macy’s, ,Natasha Thompson, ,Saks, ,South Kensington, ,twiggy

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Amelia’s Magazine | In praise of the Mooncup.

by

ThumbnailMooncup Natasha-Thompson-Mooncup-Illustration

Illustration by Natasha Thompson

The Mooncup is a menstrual cup. Yep, order a rubber cup that collects period blood. To the uninitiated I accept that this sounds a little gag-worthy – but before you slam your laptop shut in disgust, allow me to explain why I, and thousands of other women like me, have fallen in love with the Mooncup.

Firstly, a few facts about sanitary waste. Did you know that 200,000 tons of sanitary towels, panty liners and tampons are thrown and flushed away, ultimately ending up in landfill every year? Normal tampons and pads are pumped full of pesticides, bleach and toxins which have been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome and all sorts of health related nasties too. The Mooncup eliminates all sanitary waste, and it’s made from medical grade silicone rubber. It is latex-free, hypoallergenic and contains no dyes, bleaches or toxins…but…

I’ll get back to waxing lyrical about the benefits a little later but, for now, I’m going to get right to the ‘but’. The biggest challenge of the Mooncup is getting to grips with your own blood, your own bodily fluids. Bodily fluids. It even sounds gross. In fact, lots of women (and most men) are pretty grossed out by periods. Stiff upper lip. The less said the better. But this slightly squeamish automatic gag reaction does nothing to help women develop a healthy view of their period and does a very good job of lining the pockets of the sanitary protection manufacturers. Periods are a totally normal, actually quite amazing, occurrence that half of the population deal with at some point. I’m not saying it makes them easy. Or pleasant. Try telling me about the beauty of periods when I’m curled in the fetal position in the throes of bad cramps wishing to rip my own womb out. No, they are not easy. But I have to remind myself sometimes that periods are in fact a brilliant thing, part of a miracle of human biology, and I think lots of women would do well to occasionally remember that.


Illustration by June Champoomidole

It may sound odd but the Mooncup has helped me feel better about my period. You see what it actually looks like. How much there is. And it’s not so bad. It makes periods more comfortable and cleaner too. I don’t feel as grossed out by it. In fact, I’d go as far as to say I actually feel more empowered. And the language I use when I talk about it has improved as a result. When I talk about language I don’t mean the euphemisms for period (Aunt Flo, jam rags, etc,), I mean women who are on their periods referring to themselves as ‘crazy’ and ‘mental’. Most women who refer to themselves as ‘mental’ are perfectly sane, thankyouverymuch. Hormones increase, yes, making feelings more intense, but the large majority of women are not ‘mental’. Women have been peddling back from being labelled as crazy for the last 100 years, and likening period- related hormonal changes to a serious psychological illness reinforces the ‘crazy’ stereotype and, along with the squeamish period-related gag reaction, is yet another way that women put themselves down. I know that when women say these things most don’t actually mean that they are having a mental breakdown, or want to section themselves. I’m just not sure about the latent, or not so latent, message that this language portrays, and I wish that there was some more positive, self affirming views in the mix too.

Illustration by Faye West

So, in summary:

• The Mooncup helps lots of women feel better about their periods.
• Its cleaner. More hygienic…there are no pee-soaked strings hanging down to deal with. Its neater too – all tucked away inside until you’re ready to empty it.
• Less chance of DEATH. Not that I’m scaremongering or anything…but there is much lower risk of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome.
• It’s greener. It saves 200,000 tons of sanitary waste from going to landfill every year.
• It’s more comfortable. More attuned to your actual vagina: inserting a wad of dry cotton in a soft, moist vagina is pretty counter-intuitive. Rubber is a much more normal material associated with your nether regions. Rubber + vagina= happy vagina, less likelihood of dryness and thrush etc.
• It’s cheaper. Its costs £21 and lasts for years. The average woman spends £90 a year on sanitary protection.
• It forces you to get to grips and understand your own bodily fluids – in a good way. Don’t gag. Be a grown up.
• The Mooncup people were responsible for the recent brilliant ‘Love your vagina’ ads that caused a bit of stir recently (pro vagina but not in a porno way, hurrah!).

For those still uninitiated, here are some FAQs that I’ve received from friends in the past.

How often do you empty it?
Depends on your flow. Some women are fine emptying it twice a day, some four times a day. It doesn’t need changing as often as a tampon.

What do you do with the blood?
You empty it down the loo, wash the Mooncup under the tap with soap and water then put it back in.

What if I’m in a public loo?
Washing your Mooncup in a public sink might not go down too well, but if you really need too you can wipe it with toilet roll or use a bottle of water to rinse it instead.

Um, isn’t it gross?
It sounds gross but, trust me, you get used to it very quickly and the benefits FAR outweigh any perceived grossness.

How do you put it in, it looks enormous?
You fold it up to about a third of the size to insert it. Yes your fingers go inside a bit. It’s not that bad. To pull it out there is a little tail attached to make it easier (which you can trim to a length that works for you). You can use your pelvic floors to push it down a bit first if that makes it easier. Just a word of warning: when pulling it out, be sure to bend it in at the side to break the suction and then it slides out easily. The first time I tried to use it I didn’t bend it in at the side. Panic ensued and I swear I nearly sucked my insides out. Never. Again.

How do you clean it?
You wash it with soap most times you take it out, and then every couple of periods you boil it in a pan of boiling water or, yes, you can even stick it in the dishwasher (boils any germs away, very hygienic). Another word of warning though, don’t forget about your Mooncup boiling in the pan, or it will explode all over your kitchen, as tweeted by Amelia!

What does it look like?

It looks like this, which is pretty frightening, but once you’ve folded it, it’s about a third of that, not much bigger than a tampon and much smaller than the average penis. Once in it opens up inside it forms a vacuum meaning that leakage is vastly reduced.

So in summary, I’d say that yes, the Mooncup is worth any initial gagging. It really is good.

I may live to regret this, but if you’ve any passionate thoughts (love, hatred, bemusement) do share below…

Written by Hannah Bullivant on Wednesday September 15th, 2010 10:41 pm

Categories ,Amelia, ,earth, ,Faye West, ,Hannah Bullivant, ,Juneune Champoomidole, ,Mooncup, ,Natasha Thompson, ,Waste

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Amelia’s Magazine | In praise of the Mooncup.

by

ThumbnailMooncup Natasha-Thompson-Mooncup-Illustration

Illustration by Natasha Thompson

The Mooncup is a menstrual cup. Yep, order a rubber cup that collects period blood. To the uninitiated I accept that this sounds a little gag-worthy – but before you slam your laptop shut in disgust, allow me to explain why I, and thousands of other women like me, have fallen in love with the Mooncup.

Firstly, a few facts about sanitary waste. Did you know that 200,000 tons of sanitary towels, panty liners and tampons are thrown and flushed away, ultimately ending up in landfill every year? Normal tampons and pads are pumped full of pesticides, bleach and toxins which have been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome and all sorts of health related nasties too. The Mooncup eliminates all sanitary waste, and it’s made from medical grade silicone rubber. It is latex-free, hypoallergenic and contains no dyes, bleaches or toxins…but…

I’ll get back to waxing lyrical about the benefits a little later but, for now, I’m going to get right to the ‘but’. The biggest challenge of the Mooncup is getting to grips with your own blood, your own bodily fluids. Bodily fluids. It even sounds gross. In fact, lots of women (and most men) are pretty grossed out by periods. Stiff upper lip. The less said the better. But this slightly squeamish automatic gag reaction does nothing to help women develop a healthy view of their period and does a very good job of lining the pockets of the sanitary protection manufacturers. Periods are a totally normal, actually quite amazing, occurrence that half of the population deal with at some point. I’m not saying it makes them easy. Or pleasant. Try telling me about the beauty of periods when I’m curled in the fetal position in the throes of bad cramps wishing to rip my own womb out. No, they are not easy. But I have to remind myself sometimes that periods are in fact a brilliant thing, part of a miracle of human biology, and I think lots of women would do well to occasionally remember that.


Illustration by June Champoomidole

It may sound odd but the Mooncup has helped me feel better about my period. You see what it actually looks like. How much there is. And it’s not so bad. It makes periods more comfortable and cleaner too. I don’t feel as grossed out by it. In fact, I’d go as far as to say I actually feel more empowered. And the language I use when I talk about it has improved as a result. When I talk about language I don’t mean the euphemisms for period (Aunt Flo, jam rags, etc,), I mean women who are on their periods referring to themselves as ‘crazy’ and ‘mental’. Most women who refer to themselves as ‘mental’ are perfectly sane, thankyouverymuch. Hormones increase, yes, making feelings more intense, but the large majority of women are not ‘mental’. Women have been peddling back from being labelled as crazy for the last 100 years, and likening period- related hormonal changes to a serious psychological illness reinforces the ‘crazy’ stereotype and, along with the squeamish period-related gag reaction, is yet another way that women put themselves down. I know that when women say these things most don’t actually mean that they are having a mental breakdown, or want to section themselves. I’m just not sure about the latent, or not so latent, message that this language portrays, and I wish that there was some more positive, self affirming views in the mix too.

Illustration by Faye West

So, in summary:

• The Mooncup helps lots of women feel better about their periods.
• Its cleaner. More hygienic…there are no pee-soaked strings hanging down to deal with. Its neater too – all tucked away inside until you’re ready to empty it.
• Less chance of DEATH. Not that I’m scaremongering or anything…but there is much lower risk of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome.
• It’s greener. It saves 200,000 tons of sanitary waste from going to landfill every year.
• It’s more comfortable. More attuned to your actual vagina: inserting a wad of dry cotton in a soft, moist vagina is pretty counter-intuitive. Rubber is a much more normal material associated with your nether regions. Rubber + vagina= happy vagina, less likelihood of dryness and thrush etc.
• It’s cheaper. Its costs £21 and lasts for years. The average woman spends £90 a year on sanitary protection.
• It forces you to get to grips and understand your own bodily fluids – in a good way. Don’t gag. Be a grown up.
• The Mooncup people were responsible for the recent brilliant ‘Love your vagina’ ads that caused a bit of stir recently (pro vagina but not in a porno way, hurrah!).

For those still uninitiated, here are some FAQs that I’ve received from friends in the past.

How often do you empty it?
Depends on your flow. Some women are fine emptying it twice a day, some four times a day. It doesn’t need changing as often as a tampon.

What do you do with the blood?
You empty it down the loo, wash the Mooncup under the tap with soap and water then put it back in.

What if I’m in a public loo?
Washing your Mooncup in a public sink might not go down too well, but if you really need too you can wipe it with toilet roll or use a bottle of water to rinse it instead.

Um, isn’t it gross?
It sounds gross but, trust me, you get used to it very quickly and the benefits FAR outweigh any perceived grossness.

How do you put it in, it looks enormous?
You fold it up to about a third of the size to insert it. Yes your fingers go inside a bit. It’s not that bad. To pull it out there is a little tail attached to make it easier (which you can trim to a length that works for you). You can use your pelvic floors to push it down a bit first if that makes it easier. Just a word of warning: when pulling it out, be sure to bend it in at the side to break the suction and then it slides out easily. The first time I tried to use it I didn’t bend it in at the side. Panic ensued and I swear I nearly sucked my insides out. Never. Again.

How do you clean it?
You wash it with soap most times you take it out, and then every couple of periods you boil it in a pan of boiling water or, yes, you can even stick it in the dishwasher (boils any germs away, very hygienic). Another word of warning though, don’t forget about your Mooncup boiling in the pan, or it will explode all over your kitchen, as tweeted by Amelia!

What does it look like?

It looks like this, which is pretty frightening, but once you’ve folded it, it’s about a third of that, not much bigger than a tampon and much smaller than the average penis. Once in it opens up inside it forms a vacuum meaning that leakage is vastly reduced.

So in summary, I’d say that yes, the Mooncup is worth any initial gagging. It really is good.

I may live to regret this, but if you’ve any passionate thoughts (love, hatred, bemusement) do share below…

Written by Hannah Bullivant on Wednesday September 15th, 2010 10:41 pm

Categories ,Amelia, ,earth, ,Faye West, ,Hannah Bullivant, ,Juneune Champoomidole, ,Mooncup, ,Natasha Thompson, ,Waste

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Amelia’s Magazine | My Best Friend’s (Eco) Wedding

by

Hannah Marshall by Naomi Law

This September London Fashion Week enters it’s third season within the courtyard of Somerset house. To enter the spirit of things Amelia’s Magazine will previewing on, sildenafil off schedules and the presentations, abortion naming the designers we think you should be keeping your eyes firmly on.
Here are Amelia’s Magazine’s ‘on schedule’ ones to watch.

Hannah Marshall – dark bold shapes, holding the tickets in our hands to HM’s SS10 collection (September 09) my colleague and I could barely contain our glee. Sitting down in the old post office building in Holborn Hannah’s models stalked through the space the inky blue errevensent in the dim lighting. AW 10 saw …. and …

Mary Katrantzou

Meeralee

Michael Van Der Haam’s Andy Warhol inspired designs influence were easily spotted in some of this year’s MA crop. For SS 11 Van Der Haam is presenting at ….

Louise Gray

I love Louise Gray – I love how her stalls in the New Gen exhibition section start off almost bare and before you know are infected with riotious colour as the exquisite detritus from her presentations take their place. For SS10 Gray presented both women and menswear occupying a small vault in Fashion East’s installation spaces. I am more than excited for her SS11 Catwalk Show.

Holly Fulton sharing a catwalk at … with David Koma, a designer Amelia’s Magazine was privy to his first two seasons presenting off schedule at ones to watch. (see previous coverage here and here)

Fashion East

Felicity Brown and Simone Rocha by Gareth A Hopkins

For the last six years Fashion East has reliably spotted recent graduates who go one to become sought after designers. This year’s crop sees Heikke Salone, Simone Rocha and Felicity Brown.

Heikki by Gemma Randall


Mr and Mrs Collingham, what is ed illustrated by Krister Selin

When my oldest pal Lydia announced her engagement and subsequent wedding, I struggled to imagine her having a generic do with a meringue dress and posed pictures. Her list of likes include folk and rock music, vintage fashion and living a sustainable day-to-day life. So it was no surprise when she declared that her wedding would take place in the woods.

I apologise in advance if this article may seem a little self-indulgent, and the truth is, it probably is. Well, sod it.


Lydia and Nathan


Photograph by Paul Saxby

Lydia and Nathan’s day began at the local town hall, with a low key ceremony. I had been so nervous about my continous blubbing throughout, but as The Beatles’ Love Me Do skipped on an old portable CD player, my tears turned to laughter. Lydia entered in a floor length Grecian-inspired dress with an artificial pose of sunflowers. Blimey, these civil ceremonies don’t last long do they? Before I knew it, they were Mr and Mrs Collingham and we were ushered outside to pose on the lawn. (Is it a civil ceremony when you get married at a registry office? I hope so).


Camping! Illustrated by Natasha Thompson

Anyway, the festivities began. Car-sharing had been arranged prior to the day (unfortunately there isn’t any easier way of getting around our small network of tiny villages) and guests had been discouraged from travelling from overseas. We arrived at the reception, set in our friend Alice’s beautiful garden. Lydia and Nathan are really fortunate to have such lovely friends who already take sustainability and climate change very seriously. The newlyweds had tried to create a festival vibe, whilst keeping carbon emisions to a minimum. We were all camping! A little camping area had been set up at the entrance to the woods, where tents had been pitched, and for a split second I could have been at any of the summer festivals – coloured tapers adorned the trees and homemade signs with directions had been painted.

Next up – food and booze. The food was incredible, and all locally sourced to reduce environmental impact. Organic elderflower champagne was provided as a reception drink, served with delicious vegan canapés. A delicious hog roast, provided by local butchers, was layed on for the meat eaters, but the menu was, by and large, vegan. Lydia’s mum had made a gorgeous mushroom en croute to accompany Ecoworks’ delicious selection of salads and nut roasts, and some of the vegatables had been sourced right here from the gardens!




The food! Illustrated by Kayleigh Bluck


Every method of recycling was taken care of!

Ecoworks is a community organisation based in Nottinghamshire with ‘the interests of people and the environment at its heart’. They work on conservation and restoration projects and run the FRESH project, which champions regeneration, education in sustainability and health.

They also run courses that encourage people to grow the good stuff and eat sustainably. Their Harvest Café van (a gorgeous converted vintage Citroën H van, no less) caters at festivals and events and specialises in vegetarian and vegan food, They provided spuds in the evening, with chilli or dahl, and a veggie breakfast the following day. I didn’t manage any of the latter because I had the world’s worst hangover, but I’m told it was a delight…

Lydia and Nathan’s dog Polly even managed to get in on the action, dressed to the nines in a ruffle of sunflowers…

Illustration of Polly by Naomi Law


I’m always hot for a Stella McCartney shoe – especially sourced on eBay at a bargain price. You can put the girl in the woods, but she’ll still wear hot shoes. AND Stella would have been proud. Sorry, I couldn’t resist… arrrrr!


Illustration by Michelle Urvall Nyrén

And so, very quickly, the afternoon turned to the evening and it was time to party, after taking a visit to one of the garden’s many eco loos. A total shock for many, this was. Wails of ‘Is that really where I go to the bloody lav?’ could be heard in the camping area, but just about everybody got used to it pretty quickly. One guest, who shall remain nameless, was even caught photographing down one…

Hay bales covered in vintage blankets created space for guests to mingle, while the epicentre was The Dome.

This recycled space appeared like a vision of the future from the 1960s, and Alice’s mum kindly informed me that it used to operate as a swimming pool cover. It was in here that local live bands played, including the wonderful 10 O’clock Horses – a suitable blend of folk, rock, roots and punk. Lydia and Nathan had their first dance to this band’s first song (as I stood aghast) and then we all had a good ol’ jig.


10 O’clock Horses, illustrated by Jaymie O’Callaghan

Candles lit the gardens, which was a bit of a struggle to begin with but we all soon got used to it and danced into the small hours. And so after a few too many organic beers and far too much shameful dancing on my behalf, it was time for bed. What a fabulous, fabulous day.

We retired to our tents, and Lydia and Nathan skipped off to their tepee to consumate their marriage…


Lydia and Nathan in front of their teepee, photographed by Paul Saxby

I have no idea if they did or not.

Written by Matt Bramford on Thursday September 16th, 2010 2:04 pm

Categories ,Autostitch, ,camping, ,eco, ,Eco-loo, ,Ecoworks, ,environment, ,festival, ,Food, ,Halina, ,Hipstamatic, ,Jaymie O’Callaghan, ,Krister Selin, ,Michelle Urvall Nyrén, ,Naomi Law, ,Natasha Thompson, ,Nottinghamshire, ,Paul Saxby, ,Polaroid, ,Stella McCartney, ,Sunflowers, ,Teepee, ,The Harvest Café, ,vegan, ,vegetarian, ,Wedding

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