avec
art director/features editor lauren cooper lauren@avecmagazine.com
beauty editor katrin rees katrin@avecmagazine.com
fashion editor elizabeth curtis elizabeth@avecmagazine.com
editorial assistant katie mcgoldrick katie@avecmagazine.com
info@avecmagazine.com
With Thanks To.... andrea pun www.andreapun.com
sarah:pandoras box www.pandorasboxblog.com caitlin bellah www.caitlinbellah.com liv lundelius www.blushless.com mark “the cobrasnake� www.thecobrasnake.com alli webb www.thedrybar.com chic little devil style house www.chiclittledevilstylehouse.com purple melon www.myspace.com/purplemelonspace wildfox www.wildfoxcouture.com elite model managment LA elite model managment london next model managment photogenics model managment
Contents one bright day...page 6 inside pandoras box...page 18 castaways...page 24 the cobrasnake...page 34 on the streets NYC...page 40 caitlin bellah...page 42 romance is...page 48 lost love...page 50 love letter...page 60 being liv...page 61 where the wild things are...page 71 the perfect escape...page 72 if you go down the market today...page 74 welcome to the dry bar...page 76 purple melon...page 78 discomposed...page 82
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elcome to the first issue of avec magazine. We have put this together across the globe from Los Angeles to New York and of course our hometown of London. Over the past three months we have been designing, styling, interviewing and shooting non-stop to bring you a collection of the fashion we love, the places we can’t wait to go back to, the bands we are listening to and the interviews that inspire us. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed making it. Please let us know what you think by emailing info@avecmagazine.com.
Lauren, Katrin, Elizabeth and Katie.
One Bright Day
Photography: Andrea Pun Styling: Elizabeth Curtis Hair & Makeup: Katrin Rees Model: Nikki @ Elite Model Managment LA All Styling Wildfox Couture unless stated.
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Bandage Skirt: Pleasure Doing Business Boots: Stylists Own
Dress: Stolen Girlfriends Club Boots: Stylists Own
Bandage Skirt: Pleasure Doing Buisness
Leather Jacket: Topshop Boots: Steve Madden
Denim Shorts: Topshop Shoes:Steve Madden
avec interview
Inside Pandoras Box interviewed by elizabeth curtis
Sarah is one of California’s blogging sensations, her blog www.pandorasbox.com is known around the world for her interesting style. I chat to her about her why she started, her style and her favourite internet reads. 18
What made you start blogging? There was no epiphany moment where I thought, I must start a blog! I think it was good old boredom and the opportunity to channel my thoughts into a new (to me) creative outlet. Why do you think blogging has became so influential to the industry? I think this is a great, multidimensional question that can be answered a million different ways! Basically, my take is this... I think blogs make fashion REAL and approachable. Fashion magazines are just fantasy, as they should be. Bloggers however, take the sometimes overwhelming, unrealistic world of fashion and bring it down to a human level. Instead of feeling like you’re being dictated to about what’s in, what’s out, and what you should look like, a blog makes you feel as if you’re getting style advice or inspiration from a very stylish friend. I think the fashion industry recognizes this and sees the opportunity to earn “real life” credibility with those of us who are fed up with having the traditional “this is in, this is out” format shoved down our throats. I also feel that they’ve realized blogs aren’t going away, so they might as well jump on the bandwagon! Describe your style in 3 words Bohemian meets badass meets tomboy? I never have a proper answer for questions like this.
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Who are your favourite designers/brands? I see A LOT of amazing fashion come through my place of work. Judging by that, I’d say that right now I’m very much in love with Twenty8Twelve, Elizabeth and James and Isabel Marant. Don’t get me wrong though, I love nothing more than digging through Forever 21 and H&M. They’re the absolute best. Who is your fashion icon? Edie Sedgwick is and always will be an endless well of inspiration for me. Her clothing, her life, her spirt. Jimi Hendrix also makes the list. And of course, the almighty Kate Moss. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t adore her. Whats your best styling tip? Wear your clothes, don’t let them wear you. Is there an item you think everyone should own? A pair of heels, preferably 5 inches or higher, that make you fee like you could eat a man alive. Do you have a favourite city for fashion? I’ve yet to do enough international travel to make a true judgment on that, but as far as the US goes New York is the ultimate. Hands down. Whats your favourite trend for next season? For the upcoming F/W 2010? Fur, fur, fur. Fake or real. Anything else…? THANK YOU! And I’d like to say also say thanks to my amazing boyfriend Ryan Vanderheyden who does all the photography on my blog!
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Sarahs favourite reads I’m a TMZ junkie. Let’s just put that out there right away! The Cut is amazing for industry news. (www.nymag.com/daily/fashion) Karla’s Closet (karlascloset.blogspot.com) because her style is so unique and she’s a fellow FIDM alum. Fashiontoast (www.fashiontoast.com) simply because she’s head bitch! Previously Inaudible (previouslyinaudible.wordpress.com), my friend Ashe’s amazing blog. LoveMore (http://lovemoreblog.blogspot.com) 5 Inch and Up (http://5inchandup.blogspot.com) becauseimaddicted (www.becauseimaddicted.net) The list goes on and on!
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castaway
Photography: Andrea Punn Styling: Elizabeth Curtis Hair and Make-up: Katrin Rees Models: from Nastassia @ Elite and Alex Next models (LA)
waistcoat by sheri bodell, dress by topshop dress by jerell scott
cardigan by topshop, socks by american apparel
dress by kate moss for topshop
dress by h&m and necklace by left turn.
top by Poleci, cardigan waistcoat by sheri bodell skirt by pleasure doing buisness, necklace by h&m
cardigan by h&m jumper by sheri bodell, socks by american apparel, vintage hat dress by isabel marant, coat vintage, necklace by left turn
dress, waistcoat and cardigan by sheri bodell, top by isabel marant, skirt by pleasure doing buisness, necklace by left turn
avec interview
In the middle of Hollywood in the Hollywood and Highland shopping centre there is a pop-up shop set up by the photographer The Cobrasnake, aka Mark Hunter. We popped in one day to have a little browse through the vintage clothes and knic knacks that are all over the place and bumped The Cobrasnake himself and after a quick fifteen minute meeting in Starbucks we sat down on the homely sofas set up in the shop in front of a wall of TVs (Spiceworld and The Lion King playing) to have a chat about the shop, his amazing life and friends.
A: Is that where is all started, where everything you do is so naturally posed? C: Yeh I’m really scared of people, so I would never ask to take photos, I just take them, and so it just ends up very natural. A: When you first started did you have a strong influence from fashion? C: Yeh, every since I was young I was an only child so my mum sort of treated me like a girl, cause I was the only kid she had and so I always went shopping with.her and I started to like shopping and then I really liked vintage so I was always going and getting crazy clothes and reading fashion magazines and learning about the whole world and stuff, so it was natural for me to always to photograph girls and shoes and handbags and all that stuff cause it was just exciting for me to see.
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A: Can you tell us about the store? About the style and why you decided to open it? C: Well, its one way of the website coming to life, its like some of the things that you see on the website you can now come and touch and feel, and experience and so its a lot of my friends like Jeremy Scott, who I’ve shot his fashion shows, everywhere from Paris to London to New York and traveled extensively with… And TheSelby is another close friend of mine and we’ve got his book. Everything in here is part of the Cobra Snake world and so that’s really exciting for me to be able to help support my friends and to have that in the store. A: How long is it open for? C: It’ll be here probably for a year. A: You’ve obviously traveled loads, what’s the best place that you’ve ever visited? C: It’s so hard, I mean, I think I love LA the best, I was born here, it’s kind of my home and as I’m always happy to be here and then traveling just takes me to see the world and then I come back and I’m happy to be here. A: Who’s the best person you’ve ever photographed or you’re favorite job that you’ve ever done? C: I mean like, I’m paid to shoot like bikini models, I’ve been flown to all different parts of the world but I’m pretty lucky and fortunate
to have such a great job and its always like changing and growing and its exciting to see all the different things that happen. A: If you could photograph anyone in the world, who would it be? C: Umm I don’t know, I’m still bad with any kind of big names, if anything it would be to just like continue to photograph; to be photographing for years and years. A: Do you have a favourite designer? C: I love Jeremy Scott and I love Alexander Wang. A: Can you tell us something random about yourself ? C: Umm I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life, or done any drugs. A: Good one! How would you describe yourself in three words? C: Hairy….Jewish…uhh…Man A: And finally why The Cobrasnake? C: It’s intriguing, it doesn’t mean anything, it has endless potential and possibilities, umm it’s not just about photography, it’s the whole lifestyle and it just gives you an enormous potential to do whatever; I can open a store, I can have a drink, I can make a perfume, I could do anything.
interviewed by lauren cooper, katrin rees and elizabeth curtis
Avec: What made you start taking photographs? The Cobrasnake: I was inspired by all the creative people around me, and living in LA; speaking of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs who are playing on the radio, they would play shows in small venues, like smaller than this room; and I would be there and be like, this is awesome, to see such a creative thing happening and so I just started taking pictures all the time and it was really before many people were doing that. So it was great because no one had a camera, and I did, and then I’d put them online and the band would share them with their fans and it just sort of like really grew.
www.thecobrasnake.com 35
On the streets 1. Broadway, Soho 2. Bedford Av, Brooklyn Blogger www.Fadetoblackny.com 3. Broadway, Soho 4. Mercer St, Soho
NYC
avec showcase
Caitlin is a 22 year old photographer from San Francisco, She currently resides in Los Angeles. We chat to her about beginnings, favourites and inspiration. Interviewed by Lauren Cooper. http://www.caitlinbellah.com/
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What made you want to become a photographer? I was really terrible at painting. One day my art teacher, after seeing how frustrated I was with painting, came up to me and handed me a stack of Camera Arts Magazines. He said, “Here, you can do this for sure.”
work is amazing. If you could work with any stylist in the world who would it be and why? Olivia Crouppen or Erlinda Denise! I’ve worked with them on my favorite shoots. As far famous stylists I have no idea.
How would you describe your photography When did you first pick up a camera? I was 16. My Mom had a 2 megapixel point style? Wannabe paintings! and shoot camera lying around the house. It was bro- ken though so I had to tape the bottom. Want do you want people to get out of your photography? Did you study photography? I want people to see what I see when I look at No, I’m self taught. the world. Why LA? LA is full of creative people. Everyone is un- What is it about fashion that inspires you? I love getting to integrate other people’s art derstanding and its easy to feed off the excitement, into my own. motivation, and creativity that’s always around. What has been your favorite shoot? I will always love my pet cemetery shoot. I swear there’s a ghost in one of the photos. If you could work with any photographer in the world who would it be and why? I would love to intern for Tim Walker. His 44
What has been the most exciting moment in your career so far? Going to NYC to work with Leanne Marshall from Project Runway was pretty exciting! Also, I just got my first cover so that was exciting too! Where do you see yourself in five years?
Still taking photos hopefully! If you weren’t doing photography what would you be doing? I would love to be a historian. What is your favorite image that you have captured? & why? I will always love the photo of the hippy girl on the bus. It is the epitome of the kind of photographs I want to take, nostalgic and colorful. If you could work for any magazine what would it be? Right now I’m really loving Frankie & Lula. I love their whimsical feel and I’m no good at serious fashion photography though I really do love it. What magazines do you buy and read? Lula & Frankie What do you not leave the house without? My little butterfly notebook. I put all of my favorite quotes in it. What do you look for in people that you work with? I look for friendly, laid back, people that are involved to make art! What is a weird fact about yourself ? I have an alien finger! At least that’s what my boyfriend calls it. My middle finger curves a bit.
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avec musings
Romance is...
Romance doesn’t have to be all big gestures and exotic trips away. Romance is when you are walking down the street with a smile on your face for no reason. Its when you feel down after a bad day and you have that someone that you can call and they’ll come straight round with your favourite take-away in tow. Its looking at someone and thinking that this is your perfect moment. It’s the song that reminds you of all the giggles and that minute that wipes away all the bad moments. Its knowing that after being with someone you will never be the same again, it’s a big change but in the subtlest of ways. It’s being completely content with the way you are and not being afraid to laugh and scream and be a bit crazy. Its happiness at its best and wearing your favourite shoes around the house doing the cleaning because they make you feel beautiful. Its knowing that no matter what happens you will always be able to find a smile. It’s the phone call you make in the middle of the night just because you care and the grin you have on your face when you see someone. It’s the person that cares about everything they don’t know because you do. It’s being yourself and reaching all your dreams. It’s never letting go of your fantasy world but keeping a grip on reality. It’s knowing that you will be ok.
l o s t l o v e Photography: Hannah Beth-Todd Stylist: Lauren Cooper Makeup/Hair: Katrin Rees Model: Andrea Lausevic @ Elite Model Managment London Location: Valmont Club. Fulham Road. London
top by american apparel, necklace stylist own
skirt by lipsy @ asos, bracelets by melissa lo, bralet by topshop, necklace by alex monroe
top and bralet by topshop, bracelets from top by thomas sabo, links of london, tiffany, stylists own
jacket, shorts and shoes by topshop, bralet by h&m
dress and bralet by topshop, necklace by alex monroe
jacket, shorts and shoes by topshop, bralet by h&m
avec story
Love Letter When I was sixteen I fell in love. It consumed me like a disease, taking up every part of my existence. It was so powerful it hurt and sometimes I felt like I couldn’t breathe and I was going to explode with the emotion I felt. I never believed that I would ever love anyone as much as I loved him, and I still don’t believe I ever will. There will never be a day that goes past when I won’t think about him, as fleeting as that thought may be. In my daydreams he is the knight is shining armour that runs up to me as I am marrying the wrong guy and admits that he never stopped loving me. In my head my life is a chick flick. The relationship died after nearly four years, the all-consuming love is still there. The memories of the good times, the bad times, the laughs and the tears, the days out and the nights in still live on within my mind. My dreams were all in his hands, the cards of my life his to deal but he tore them apart, scattering the broken pieces of my heart throughout my present existence, waiting for the impossible to place them together again. Memories wander through my thoughts, making me smile, making me cry. The shouting matches, throwing things across the room, me storming out his house, swearing that I will never look back but knowing fully well the only place I wanted to be was lying with his arms wrapped round me. The way we fitted together making the perfect shape of love, how he would look at me when I was falling asleep, the way that whilst I was with him I felt like nothing could ever hurt me. The pain comes in waves, and his face is still prevalent in my thoughts. Memories of the taste of his kiss, the feel of his thick eyelashes on my cheek, the sight of him walking towards me, the smell of him on my skin and the sound of his voice on the phone after tears have been shed are still locked in
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my mind, placed in the box to which, as much as I want to, I know I will never be able to throw the key away too. Since we fell apart my lifeless soul has wandered through the treacherous seas of existence, the tears glistening in the corners of my eyes like empty diamonds. The unspeakable desire to hear his voice haunts me in my dreams and sometimes I have to remind myself to breathe as a waterfall of emotion threatens to drown me. He told me he would love me forever, now he tells her that. He moved on and he left me behind, trailing miles behind wiping the tears from my face. I will never stop believing in him although my faith in myself has failed me since. He is the one and he always will be. No one will ever take my breath away the way he did, and no one will ever tear me to pieces like him. He was my fairytale and giving up on him would be giving up on a lifetime of dreams. It is impossible to get over him and every time I think that I might be getting close a memory of him comes swooping through my mind taking my breath away and transporting me back to the beginning all over again. No amount of hurt will ever tear me down as much as he did. I am scared of ever loving that powerfully again and I have sworn to myself that I will never be as vulnerable. He broke the person I was but he made me the person I am, and although that person might contain traces of cynicism I am a hell of a lot stronger. He may have knocked me down but one day I will come back fighting…I’m just trying not to drown before then. A heart never stops beating, you can still carry on even if it is pieces, you may never feel whole again but you are still there, a ghost of the happiness you once felt.
avec interview
Being Liv
Liv Lundelius is a designer with a story far from the average. Born in Germany the twenty-six year old studied fashion in Berlin, then moved to NYC where quickly the visions of her own brand emerging so in 2009 she came to London and launched her ethical wedding dress brand BLUSHLESS. I chat to her about inspiration, aspirations and love. Interviewed by Lauren Cooper.
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Hi Liv, Hi! Firstly, have you always wanted to be a fashion designer? Always, Anytime, 24/7! What inspired you to become a designer? Its my way to visualize and create the things that are in my head. If I had a better voice, I would be a singer...But for me sculpturing dresses is the best way. Have you always been interested in fashion? Yes. Where do you take your inspiration from? Really strong women, life, real love stories, old things, broken things and big Cities, everything that has a story to tell. Movies inspire me a lot as well especially the weird characters in David Lynch films. For the last collection it was David Lynch, and all my really great wild girls. Right now it’s more emotions and lifestyles that create strong images in my head. Have you always wanted to set up a wedding dress label? I love designing wedding dresses, because I know they will be worn with pride and consciousness on a very special day. It feels like it’s worth it to put all the effort in a single piece and it also gives me more freedom as a designer than I would have in creating daywear. I drape my dresses and work them as sculptures 62
and I love this process of creating extraordinary shapes.I also strongly believe in marriage even or maybe because it’s such a crazy thing to do. If you take this commitment seriously its for sure the wildest craziest idea ever. It’s a choice for life. Its brave, and its a beautiful idea. I love weddings of cool couples and this whole idea is the engine that really keeps me doing my business. What are your aspirations for your future? Where do you see yourself in 5years? Working in a nice studio, making a living from my designs, expanding my label, adding new lines, surrounded by good people. Having a good time, travelling! Being Liv. What has been your biggest challenge so far as a designer? Oh, it’s an ongoing challenge. The biggest challenge is being and staying a designer itself. How do you incorporate your sustainable lifestyle into your designing? I make all decisions for my business with the same consciousness then for my own life. It’s always tricky to make right sustainable decisions, because there is not one golden way. I do my homework and researching and keeping myself up to date with the news from the industry. I try to follow the idea of not harming humans, then animals and wherever possible the wider environment in my designs. What has been the highest point of your career so far? It is yet to come. Who is the clientele that your label is aimed at? Brides that are wild at heart and who want to be weird on top. Strong women with individual style. 63
What advice do you have for anyone hoping to get into fashion design? Hoping to get into fashion is not the way. You have to do it, because you feel that you don’t have any other choice. Because it’s crazy out here. I always trust luck. And I believe in happy endings. Non, je ne regrette rien! Why Blushless? Blushless means shameless, but sounds better! I was looking for a sexy word with a strong meaning! Especially when it comes to weddings, women often feel pressure to fit in this stereotyped old fashioned bridal-princess model, I wanted to say: be blushless; don’t be ashamed of being yourself; Be daring, be different, be you! Its about love, its about time, about rhythm and beat, art and vibrancy. It’s about you and me and about great love stories. Be blushless- I really mean that! Don’t try to be perfect, it’s boring! Blushless is about personality, edge, and being wild. How would you describe yourself and your design process? I work really conceptually and start at a very abstract point. It’s a gradual realisation. I start to collect
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things and images that seem inspiring at first without judging them. Then usually this puzzle becomes a strong idea and shows the concept that is really reflecting what I am into at that time and then: Bang! It becomes very clear all of a sudden. From that point I am unstoppable. How would you describe your personal style? Wild at heart and weird on top. Who would you love to work with in the fashion industry? Stella McCartney because of her sustainable forward thinking and intelligent way to work, and Viktor & Rolf because of their endless fabulous and arty ideas. Can you tell us a random fact about yourself ? Aren’t there enough in this interview already? Thank-you!
Check out Livs beautiful designs on her website www.blushless.com
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Los Angeles
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where the wild things are... written by katrin rees
As soon as you arrive in sunny Los Angeles you become aware of the beautiful talents surrounding you. A place where keeping up appearance and images are essential and simply part of living; though it does mean it remains easy on the eyes! Admittedly slaving away at the gym hasn’t always been my forte, but being enveloped by models and up-and-coming actresses is certainly intimidating and does encourage one to begin a more health conscious lifestyle. I managed to discover a far more social and inspiring form of exercise, ‘Runyon Canyon Park’ a 160 acre urban park in Hollywood, consisting of different treks in the mountains ranging to heights of 1,320 feet. For beginners there is the first trek leading from Mulholland Drive along a gentle uphill walk to the first viewpoint named Inspiration Point which will definitely whet your appetite as it offers a panoramic view over all of Los Angeles and even Santa Catalina Island in the distance on a good day, I would have to recommend this at sunset or sunrise when the burnt oranges and candy pinks light up the sky.
Following this is the next stage of the journey consisting of steep wooden steps, guaranteed to warm up the calves and rise your body temperature, all spread over the dusty trails but at least your mind will be occupied taking in the views of the ever glamorous mansions residing in the hills surrounding. Reaching what’s known as Clouds Rest is an achievement in itself shown by the convenient bench located as a perfect excuse for a little rest and the opportunity to socialise with the ever mounting amount of people with their pet dogs. This in itself is a temptation as although there are many varieties of people on this trek there is the perfect opening to indulge in some harmless celebrity spotting with such starlets as Jessica Biel and Matthew Mcconaughey as guests there. From this point there is always the winding scenic route down to Fuller Avenue exit, tightening the abs and warming down in the process; but for the more adventurous the journey has only just begun and can continue to the next peak, following round the mountain giving a perfect opportunity to catch up with friends or simply enjoy the view as you creep 71
higher the more impressive the houses becomes, jutting out precariously over the steep hills and the brightly coloured paints standing out against the desert background. As you reach the following car park at the North end of the range by Western High Way, pay mind to the enlarged ‘Beware Rattlesnakes’ sign, though I’ve never heard any horror stories as of yet. This second peak slightly further up is the quietest of the three allowing time to simply take in the view as the lights of the city begin to twinkle invitingly. From here you can always take the gentler route down the way you came, but the more adrenaline seeking enthusiasts will want to try the steep trek down, involving giant rocks and slippery dusted ground underneath, this part of the trek is the most exciting jumping from one foot placement to another and climbing certain areas, though I was impressed and baffled to see so many people running the route and have now become determined to manage it by the end of my stay. The third and final view point up Indian Rock allows the uppermost height to view Los Angeles, encapsulating both sides of the canyon and by this time the lights of the bright city are simply glowing; at this stage you can see just how popular the trek is as there has been a box created with ‘take a prayer, make a prayer’ tattooed on the side and paintings by people passing by. Once you’ve been satisfied by the view it’s the last downward slope (though it’s the longest) of the journey but by now you might even feel a little more confident on your feet and manage an impressive but gentle jog, in time you’ll reach the much more gentle decline and if you’re lucky, as it depends on the time of day, you may even get the treat of free flavoured waters offered by some companies for the fanatics to try. As you arrive back down at the bottom you might omit a sigh of relief thinking that it’s finally over or you might be encouraged to try one the free yoga classes offered at set times of day on the green next to the entrance. But if the hike has defeated you, it might be far more tempting to stagger back out the entrance collecting a bottle of water or fruit from the free stand outside for a small donation and make your way home through the star spangled avenues which is LA.
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the perfect escape written by katrin rees
I stumbled upon Cuvee when, half way through an immense shopping trip on Robertson, I became very aware that I was in need of sustenance to enable me to carry on shopping, whether this was a good idea to encourage my bad habits I’m not sure. On entering I was pleasantly reminded of Parisian deli’s where everything is so fresh and bright white, standards it very much lived up to, and an inviting shabby chic interior complimenting its delightfully coloured dishes all on proud display in a shining glass cabinet at the side of the entrance. In my state of self-prescribed malnourishment, everything in the cabinet looked divine and my mouth began to water as I read the menu, from the freshly cut seared tuna and salmon fillets to the ridiculously tempting slices of newly baked cakes in the corner of my eye on the opposite side of the restaurant, and that is coming from someone who doesn’t even possess a sweet tooth. By the time the friendly staff had finished enticing me with options of different salad, sandwich and meat options which were extras to the menu, I
was ready to order everything and force it down just to say that I tasted it all, though I’m proud to say that I resisted this urge and went with my instinct choice of salmon fillet with three bean salad and mushroom pesto and spinach pasta. After scraping the empty plate I can safely say it was a good choice and would definitely recommend it, though I unfortunately had no room left for a desert, I was quite content to relax in the beautiful outside courtyard, which undoubtedly would remain hidden unless you knew the fashion spots and shops of Robertson. Its chic white wrought iron tables and matching chairs shielded by unimposing parasols, allow the perfect getaway lunch with friends or a romantic date whilst surrounded by beautiful brightly coloured flowers all in bloom and the lovers bench bordered with pristine white flowers, with so much detail that fairy lights have even been plaited through the vines creating the perfect mood as the evening draws in, or in my case as I realise I should collect my last purchases and safely take my diminishing bank cards home.
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written by lauren cooper
if you go down the market today...
On the second Sunday of every month the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California turns into a buzzing flea market with stalls covered in absolutely everything you could ever wish for. The serious shoppers get there early, firstly to avoid the midday heat and crowds but also to bag the best buys. From vintage fashion and furniture to toys and keepsakes this flea market is truly a vintage lovers heaven. For eight dollars a ticket it is a never-ending oasis of treasures, one of which you can spend hours getting lost in. Set out in easy to find sections of furniture, clothing, collectors items and jewellery to name a few the flea market although huge is easy to navigate through with refreshment stalls set out throughout, which in the midday sun are much needed. Although I have never been a lover of vintage or second hand shopping (I just don’t have the patience or a knack for it) the Rose Bowl flea market had me excited about what I could find while digging through over flowing stalls. Favourite finds were a stall that sold everything from baby 1940s cameras, old greetings cards and photos to vintage suitcases, along with a beautiful jewellery stall, K Bird Designs, selling fine gold chains, bracelets and rings for very very decent prices. All in all a day at the Rose Bowl Flea market is enjoyable and guaranteed to be full of good buys, so if you find yourself in California on the second Sunday of the month definitely make sure you pay it a visit.
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welcome to ...the dry bar
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Walking into the Dry Bar on San Vicente Blvd was a welcome oasis to the hustle and bustle of the outside world, greeted by the happy staff and offered immediate refreshments, which were more than welcome, we were introduced to the stylists that would be taking care of us for our treatment, always a comfort when they look well groomed themselves! I must admit that I had confidence in the stylists already as they had previously been asked to style at Los Angeles Fashion Week which must have been a great experience! Although the salon was busy it was a great atmosphere with women chatting away, just the right level of music and the perfect addition of Sex in the City playing on a big screen to entertain while being pampered (does it get better?). We were shown through the ‘lookbook’ to choose our style from of which there is a great choice for any occasion inclusive of beach waves, volume, loose curls or simply a great straight blow dry with the option of combining the looks for your own individual taste; I decided to go for the volume with beach waves. From here we were taken into a more private area where we could lay back, relax, have our hair washed, without the worry of looking soaked from out the window by passer-bys, and an optional head massage in the process, by now I was ready to pitch up tent and stay there for treatments everyday! On being seen to our seats we were offered
refreshments once more consisting of delicious mimosas or your choice of light non-alcoholic beverage; the stylists were great with a gentle hair drying process leaving me able to chat with Alli Webb the owner of The Dry Bar who told me all about the process of running her own mobile hair styling business which developed into the Dry Bar through its popularity and the great pricing of only $35 for the wash and blow dry, allowing everybody to have that lovely pampered feeling as frequently as one chooses, especially with the great idea of ‘memberships’ where you can book a number of sessions and they are simply taken off your tab, or the choice of booking a certain amount and receive discount on the booking. By now my hair was already feeling soft and luxurious leaving the curling process to begin, which also seemed to take no time at all and soon enough I was handed a mirror to see the back of it so as to make sure I was completely happy with it, and I was not disappointed, it was exactly how I wanted it soft, natural with plenty of bounce and it lasted all day and into the evening, ideal when one has plans to look good for and simply to feel great when shopping! They also have 2 new locations opening, one in West Hollywood and another in Studio City. I have no hesitation in saying that I will be back to the Dry Bar for more, even if its just for the mimosas!
Visit the Dry Bar: 11677 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049, (San Vincente & Barrington)
avec music
purple melon Interview by Lauren Cooper
In the middle of the glittering city of Los Angeles is the Beta Records studio decked out with vintage recording gear that has been hunted down from all over the world. It is here that we met
British band Purple Melon for a relaxed
chat to find out what inspires them to make the music that they do and why they upped and left
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London to live in the City of Angels.
From left to right: Tom, Eric, Owen and Jason The story behind the band name is enough to get you laughing and it definitely made us feel comfortable around the boys as they are in fact named after one of the member’s genitals. An icebreaker for the beginning of an interview to say the least not to mention one that left us feeling slightly speechless. After a few nervous giggles we move swiftly on from more talk of genetalia… The band met in a much more normal manner than in which they named themselves. Tom and Eric went to college together, Owen knew their original drummer and soon joined to play bass, and Jason who they found on ‘adult friend finder’ came with high recommendation, replaced their drummer, after he apparently went a bit crazy, a couple of years later. Behind the un-deniable musical talent of the band lays what Tom calls ‘A musical roadmap’ of inspiration and aspirations. They make music because they love it, and they enjoy inspiring others in the way in which their heroes inspire them. Depending what they listen too they guys take different ‘vibes’ from; they describe themselves as ‘big vibe processors’ ‘we can take positive vibes, negative vibes, medium vibes…we’re just big vibe processors.’ There is no doubting that these guys love their music and when you listen to their classic rock n’ roll sound you can tell their main musical influences come from the greats like The Beatles, The
Who, Humble Pie, The Faces and Bass player Eric’s personal favourite Bobby McFerrin ‘You know-the be happy guy’, whose name he likes to get into pretty much every interview answer much to our amusement. The guys although brought together by the music they make are very different and sitting talking to them you can see that not only do they all have different personalities but different dreams. Although they are united in their wish to have a long career as a band, Eric would like to go back to university, something that the other members don’t doubt he will end up doing, and Tom ultimately would like to end up on a yacht in the Mediterranean. The boys would all love to do a world tour and hope to see themselves doing that in the near future. As Owen explains to us, they are all slightly geeky about music; ‘I suppose because none of us got into playing instruments or wanted to be in a band to get girls’. Tom locks himself away and writes songs for the band and Jason’s one wish is to be the best drummer in the world ‘-that’s all I practice for’. Over the years that the band has been together, they have matured as not only as a band but as young men as well. Through working with British Producer Paul Stacey along with recording their debut album their sound has become more defined and is no longer diluted by their influences. It was ul-
‘
We play like men now… you can literally hear the stubble on our faces.
‘
timately Stacey that showed them what was needed in their music and what wasn’t. As Tom describes it ‘We play like men now…you can literally hear the stubble on our faces.’ Purple Melon have been based in Los Angeles for just under two years and made the big move because; ‘Tom heard there was a better music scene out here’ and as anyone who lives in England can tell the boys don’t fit into what the music scene here sees as trendy at the moment. It was a huge change to the guys but one that they all knew would be good for the band, as Owen puts it ‘Moving to America was like the Birth for us…Being from the UK you can probably tell that were not Razorlight or Vampire Weekend or Dizzee Rascal or whatever the f**k is cool in London’ the boys are making real music-old fashioned like classic rock and in LA ‘people still go out and watch bands it doesn’t have to be a proper trend thing’ which suits them down to the ground. Along with this there is the attraction of a massive US tour, which is not, only exciting for the band but their fans as well of which there are quite the following of. You only have to take a look on their twitter and facebook pages to see that what was once a challenge getting people to gigs is getting much much easier with over 15000 fans on facebook and nearly 7000 followers on twitter, numbers that are literally growing overnight, their following is now much more than just a handful of friends; ‘Generally we are really lucky we have a good vibe crowd, a good bunch that come to our gigs’. Although they are loving living in LA they have not forgotten their British routes-‘We love England but its just not right at the moment-we’ll be coming back one day…If we get accepted and it goes well out here then we will be able to go back-its just the way music is.’ They have of course got caught up in the LA bubble, which is far from difficult, and are out of touch with what is happening in England and with us being English this leads onto a good ten minute conversation about Robbie rejoining Take That, who is currently in Parliament and whether Vernon Kay is still on Television… They are being followed by a film crew for an up and coming pilot TV show which they describe as a mix between ‘Spinal tap, The Hills and The Monkees’ which their fans should definitely keep their eyes open for. They have already had a dose of reality TV fame with an appearance in the sixth series of The Hills, (as an avid Hills fan I got very over-excited about this leading to some odd looks from the band), when Audrina went to see them play at The Viper Room (the same night she saw Justin Bobbys band play.)
TOM
THE BAND... Tom Hill-vocals and guitar Owen Barry-guitar Eric Joyce-Bass Jason Ganberg-Drums
Along with ambition and passion they work extremely hard; ‘We live off the band but we don’t have an extravagant lifestyle’. Of course they go to parties and rub shoulders with celebrities, it is LA after all, in fact the day we met them they were full of stories about a party at Serena Williams’ house and meeting Mini Me, but they are the most down to earth British guys. They end with some good advice for new bands that are trying to get their music known; ‘Unless you are one hundred percent committed don’t do it. It’s not just about music you have to put effort in. if you have doubts that you have the wrong people or the wrong person in your band you are probably right, you know when you have found the right people…. it also just takes time.’ Purple Melon have clearly got this right as when we went to see one of their gigs at The Viper Room it is obvious that whilst on stage they have great chemistry as well as undeniable talent. We here at avec have no doubt that they will go far and hope to see them back on British soil one day soon.
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discomposed Photography: Andrea Pun Styling: Elizabeth Curtis Hair & Makeup: Katrin Rees Model: Chelsea @ Photogenics Model Managment LA
dress stylists own
dress by twenty eight twelve
jacket by urban outfitters, top vintage, skirt by emma and sam
bra by allsaints, sunglasses by rayban, jacket by topshop
hat and denim waistcoat vintage, top and tights by topshop, pants by american apparel
dress by helmut lang, waistcoat custom.
dress by mark fast for topshop
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