Back from the brink

Sorry for falling off the radar I have been momentarily out of action *(sickness related)./ But have no fear I'm back! This evening there are two openings of interest to report on...



My friend Vikrum who looks after the Apiary Studios on Hackney Road is hosting an exhibition entitled 'Come meet the strangers' a collection of works, live performance and installation by photographer Iulia Filipovscaia who explores the interplay between different mediums as a reflection of our increasingly technological based reality. With live photography, screenings and new developments in her 'o' project, the evening appears intriguing.


Iulia's images are from past works

39-39 open there doors this evening a fun shop with a concept store ethos, located 2-4 Old Street. The 'made in the uk' leather gloves featured on their blog look great. And I’m pleased to report I've made it onto their site in the style pages, good choice my friend. Must make sure I don't wear the same outfit tonight. With Gareth Pugh behind the decks there is sure to be some dancing involved.

Oozing hearts, pierced nipples, spots and all...

Eat your own heart out at Maiden was resounding success with people queuing down the road on the opening night and following days, alas its all over now, fingers crossed for next Halloween.

The launch was quite a racous affair with metal band The Defiled opening the shop, they smashed up a massive cake and hacked into a finger with a cleaver.

Oozing hearts by Lilli Vanilli

My pals, Matt and Natalie represent, loving the gifts on offer

The after party was held at Electricity Showrooms, gotta love the light up dance floor, (they filmed common people here, way back when).

Complimentary pre-tox potions (with added vodka) courtesy of Alibi, although unsure as to the effectiveness of the pre-tox, perhaps it was the tequila forced down my throat by Matt tipped me over the edge.

Love this bath boobie massacre sponge by Holly Andrews

Take a chill pill coz somebody loves you

Yesterday was a big day for me I woke at 6am and styled a shoot 4 models, numerous looks and two locations. Quick refresh then out to Video Vision for Pump up the Volume, one of more popular 90's nights that have popped up over the last few years and darling Julie's birthday party. Do you think the people regard 90's nights in the same way we regarded 80's nights when we were growing up or has fashion and music caught up with itself? Yet hungover and tired, I'm sat at the desk in Maiden on Shoreditch High Street, watching the water fall from the sky and people hurry by. As a birthday treat for my housemate who works seven days a week, i've stepped in to run the shop.

For your pleasure and convenience I have selected the top five items to catch my eye. Perhaps an indication of my current financial situation you'll be pleased to discover they cost no more than a £9.99.


Lily Vanilli in a zombie ate my cupcake, £9.99 - a delightful book from east london's self-styled master baker. Favourite cupcake recipes include, shattered glass, mutant ears, blood stained brains and undead gingerbread. Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming pop up shop happening in the basement of Maiden - just in time for halloween the countries first over 18's cake shop.


The original Chill Pill ice tray, £6.50 - what more could you want, just take a chill pill with any drink and you'll be right as rain.


Mini desktop sandcastle set, £9.50 - absolutely adorable, I love this, great fun especially with all the accessories. Comes with 2 small sandtools, castlemolds, sailboat, seashells and the sand obviously, the only downside is having such a nostalgic item on your desk would inevitably lead to you wanting/booking more holidays.


Somebody loves you and it's not just your mum card, £2.50 - they're rather popular i sold a few whilst working. Perhaps it's important these days for message to get across?


Fake (joke) parking ticket, £2.50 - personally speaking there is no escaping the inner child, I played out with glee the fun you could have, golly it comes in a pack of six.

Maiden Voyage

Noah and I first met on the floor of trailer trash a now de-funct east London nightspot where the gays, straights and discerning fashion folk would come together and have a moderately unpretentious dance off. Space was limited (the club was usually heaving) so if you wanted to dance you had to really mean it. Noah's Lamé shoulder pads shone out to me like beacons complete with tractor beams, our eyes locked and as we shimmied in sync, friendship bloomed.

Noah is the proprietor of Maiden, a shop born out of the recession, off the back of redundancy. It sits unsuspectingly just opposite the old T buildings (now Pizza East) on Shoreditch High Street. Clientale have been slowly building, returning after each purchase for more of the quirky stuff, Miffy lights, solar powered royal highnesses, giant playing cards, Keith Haring wall transfers - they just can't get enough.

Maiden also stocks loads of thoroughly entertaining products, things you love to give and receive, novety cards, full english breakfasts on a plate, giant pencils, russian dolls, spacehoppers, gnomes, lucky cats etc. They have cool blue stripey walls and vintage books entitled 'Charles and Diana: The Royal Wedding Album', Whitney, the wonder years' as well as contemporary fashion and lifestyle titles.

Noah also sidelines as a member of Sandi Sirocco a pop act come eurodance troupe you can check out his work below.

Watch this space for an upcoming interview maiden maiden maiden maiden shop maiden shop sandi sirrocco maiden maide maiden shop maiden shop sandi sirroco

From Bath With Love

When your friend relocates to the buzzing metropolis that is Bath you have two options to face, either bite the bullet spend your Bank Holiday in Bath or vow never to see each other again. Needless to say I found myself wandering aimlessly around the streets of Bath, scouring the charity shops for a provincial bargain, there were none (too many other savvy shoppers), are the days of charity shop bargains slowly dying? Instead, I discovered (with a little local guidance) a shop called 'Appy Daze', after a good hour of second hand jumble sale rummaging (there was a lot to get through) I left £50 lighter, armed with a black leather biker jacket and a heavy silver crucifix, London prices you say, it is a tourist spot. Tired from the morning’s efforts I collapsed in a heap on the grass and woke up drooling, dazed and decidedly tramp like. Alas I never made it to the Fashion Museum, which I'm told is quite good, still there is always next time.