Le Bonbon - Central London - March 2016

THE WORLD IS YOURS

CENTRAL LONDON

March 2016 - n째 1 - www.lebonbon.co.uk

Photographe : Flavien Prioreau www.flavienprioreau.com flavienprioreau@hotmail.com Modèle : Zarina

EDITO

Founder Jacques de la Chaise Director Charles Guillet Business Development Vuk Levkovic Editor Taylor Viens Art Director Joseph Belleville Contributors Sonny Syah, Alicia Streijffert, Carla Salber, Ana Haya Sauvage, Chloé Hunt, Margaux Décatoire, Alexandre Terry, Anneka Williams, Emma Gagnon Photographers Romain Forquy www.romainforquy.com Zac Dimitrov www.zdravkodimitrov.com Ella Hermë www.ellaherme.com Sarah (Mez) Merrett www.ezphotography.format.com Partnerships & Events margaux@lebonbon.co.uk Contact us hello@lebonbon.co.uk Le Bonbon Limited 21 London Terrace Hackney Road E2 7SQ – LONDON

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Le Bonbon Central London, and how happy we are to have you with us. In fact, we’re ecstatic to be the new kid on the block. There’s something very exciting about being new– a new dawn, a new day, a new lease on life, a new neighborhood. We’re hoping we can share our enthusiasm with you.

At Le Bonbon we’re all about the new: new ways of doing things, new takes on old ideas and meeting new people. We love to spread out and make new friends. We embrace our novelty, and our new neighborhood.

We spent February talking to a selection of our lovely new neighbors; some doing completely new things, some bringing fresh takes to old ideas.

In this issue you will find a piece on a recent graduate of the School of the Damned, and Ben Pearce discusses some of his new music. We talk to some young companies making waves in our community: Huckletree announces their beautiful new co-working space; and Seesaw Studios gives us an inside view on some of their projects, breathing new life into listed buildings. Vinterior offers a new way of finding that perfect piece of furniture, and Strip Wax Bar offers many ways to present a new you.

The month of March brings us a nice sense of newness. The Vernal equinox promising new flowers and new hours of sunlight. We hope that you can harness the power of the new, after all, it’s a new life... and we’re feeling good.

Taylor Viens

Advertising and enquiries Vuk@lebonbon.co.uk 079 8365 1644 Charles@lebonbon.co.uk 079 8365 1643

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CONTENTS

03

2016

6

8

Seesaw Studios

Buds

10

12

14

Huckletree

Ben Pearce

The Hawksmoor Bar

24

26

28

Benjamin Edwin

The Creative Society

Lord Bonbon

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IT'S BEEN A YEAR. IN YOUR FACE LONDON !

LET'S CELEBRATE. 8TH OF APRIL 2016.

LE BON TIMING

Paul Strand: Photography and Film for the 20th Century @ V&A Starting this month, the Victoria and Albert museum is hosting the first UK exhibition showcasing work

Christine & The Queens @ Koko

by American photographer and

A heartbroken Frenchie crosses the Channel

film-maker Paul Strand (1890-1976)

and meets five Soho drag queens who ignite

since his death. This retrospective

a fire– later translated into Michael Jackson-

will focus on the way his work

esque vocals mixed with deep electronic bass

has influenced our practice of

lines: Christine & The Queens is born. Six

art nowadays, particularly within

years later, half-lady Héloïse Letissier returns

the fine art and documentary

to the capital with her gender-neutral project

photography sphere, featuring 200

for her first big London gig following the UK

pieces of his work.

release of her debut album Chaleur Humaine

Where? V&A, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL When? from 19th March until 3rd July How much? £10

Where? Koko, 1A Camden High St, London NW1 7JE When? 15th March, doors 7pm How much? £19

Regression Sessions 4th Birthday - The Hippy Trippy Shakedown @ Fire & Lightbox This year, celebrate Easter by unleashing your inner hippie as the start of Spring provides you with a handful of good reasons to be happy about life: flowers, budding trees and, if you get lucky enough, sunny London. Don’t neglect your partying and join Regression Sessions as they blow their 4th candle with the Hippy Trippy Shakedown at Fire & Lightbox on Good Friday’s eve.

Where? Fire & Lightbox, 39 Parry Street, London, SW8 1RT When? 24th March, from 10pm until 6am How much? from £12.50 to £20 5

LE BON STUDIO Text Taylor Viens Picture Romain Forquy

Seesaw Studios

London is their playground Seesaw Studios, born out of East London and quickly taking over the capital, specializes in converting listed buildings. Led by company director Tuba Korkmaz, Seesaw’s projects provide a breath of fresh air into the aging heritage sites, not to mention helping people build the homes of their dreams.

The Dalston native started

around its diverse clients needs.

Seesaw only four years ago, and

The young and enthusiastic team

has seen the studios grow with

Tuba has cultivated at Seesaw

the London real estate boom.

has worked on two-hundred-

The dynamic firm immediately

year-old conversions alongside

made a name for itself thanks to

new builds.

its innovative approach toward making architectural projects

Whether the project is creating

happen. By including all the

apartments out of an ancient

diverse design facets in-house,

mansion house, or building a

all the way through the physical

restaurant and rooftop bar

construction of the building, Tuba

perched above a ground floor

has given birth to a one-stop

business, Seesaw Studios has

Tuba Korkmaz is a professional

shop for transforming an empty

envisioned and realized dynamic

at getting things done. With

lot or dilapidated structure into a

architectural undertakings.

Seesaw Studios, she has created

modern masterpiece.

an architectural firm that helps clients through every step of the

The Studio consults from start to

designing and building process.

finish, building up an extensive

By integrating multiple aspects

portfolio with both residential

of design into her studio, clients

and commercial clients.

can consult with interior and

Conferring with archeologists

landscape designers within the

and heritage organizations,

firm, streamlining the frequently

Seesaw’s philosophy is founded

convoluted process and giving it

on understanding each site’s

a more manageable feel.

unique history and tailoring it

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—

Seesaw Studios 9:30AM to 6:00PM 3 Stanford Mews, London E8 1JA Phone : 020 7254 5671 www.seesaw-studios.com

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LE BON CREATIVE Text Will Cox

BUDS “That corpse you planted last year in your garden, “Has it begun to sprout? Will it bloom this year ?”

controlling it.

beautiful flower lithograph John

“What is it you’re doing in there

had gotten her years before, she

Poppy ?”

peeked behind the curtain on

“Nothing, darling. Of course

the front door. Were those rays

nothing.”

of sun? The Earth remembers.

T. S. Eliot, The Wasteland

Now was her moment. Fast Poppy was happy today, “despite

hands slid on her slicker and

John’s best efforts,” she quipped

boots. Were they already muddy?

“Poppy did you put two tablets of

to herself.

There was no time to spare as an

Sweetex in it?”

“Well he can just go about being

overwhelming sense of urgency

“Of course I didn’t, darling. You

grumpy. I’m going to enjoy this

came over her.

think I don’t know how you take

beautiful day.”

your tea ?”

“Poppy ?”

“You don’t seem to these days.”

There hadn’t been a day like

“Not now John.”

“How you say things like that to

this in months. Poppy had been

“What is it you’re doing back

me I’ll never know.”

enduring his miserly attitude in

there ?”

close proximity for a long, grey

“I’m going for a walk.”

Poppy bustled around the

winter. Or was it forever? Today

“Why are you going for a walk ?”

kitchen under a galaxy of glow-

the benevolent clouds had

in-the-dark stars. Making as

parted for her, and she was not

The last two words slithered out

much noise as possible, she

going to miss her chance at a

of his mouth contemptuously.

reached in for one of those cute

walk before the rains came back.

John did not go for walks. John did not understand going for

little spoons John refused to use. Her mind was elsewhere.

Feeling impunity, Poppy set

walks. John watched football.

She didn’t feel like she was

off for the hall. Walking past a

John hated thinking of Poppy

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getting lost, with her aimless sauntering. John thought it very unreasonable for her to make him worry like this.

“And where is it that you’ll be going ?”

“I’m going to do the church loop.

It is so lovely out today John.”

His name was a full-stop as she opened the door. The church loop was something Poppy had been experimenting with.

She had been reading too much Ackroyd, John would say.

Pschyogeography. Emphasis on the psycho, John would say, thinking he was clever. It was just an excuse for her to get outside, and feel connected to the city.

Poppy left unruffled. She may have even had a spring in her step, to an unfamiliar observer.

She set out toward St. George’s, Bloomsbury, her first stop.

“It’s so nice out I think I’ll do the big loop,” she said to no one.

Had she even stopped to look at it? Poppy couldn’t remember.

And what about Saint Mary Woolnoth, did she not even pass it? She had been on autopilot until she snapped to in the garden at Christchurch. Had the sacred geometry taken control of her?

Poppy didn’t know. What she did know was it was far too early for the bloodroots to be sprouting.

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LE BON SPACE Text Taylor Viens Pictures Huckletree

Huckletree Shoreditch

Co-work in style

Huckletree is the brainchild of Gabriela Hersham, a London-native, creative professional and veteran of New York’s film industry. In 2011, when co-working was a largely an unknown concept, Gabriela was a partner at a film production company working out of a shared space, one of the very first in New York. Dissatisfied with her workspace, she searched for communal, collaborative co-working offices—but the options were limited!

Gabriela finally found her utopia:

The Clerkenwell office embodies

a shared office space where she

the principles behind Huckletree:

met other professionals with

an environmentally-sustainable

whom she could share skills and

workspace for professionals of

collaborate. The benefits from

the 21st century. This network

this shared workspace struck

formed Huckletree’s first

Gabriela as brilliant, not only for

community, a melting pot of

its collaboration potential but

creativity; and the start-up

because of the structure and

aimed at helping start-ups take

social element it brought into

off was born.

the lonely day of a freelancer or entrepreneur.

As London's tech and start-up ecosystem exploded, the demand

Moving back to London, Gabriela

for spaces like Huckletree

recognized the potential this

followed. Huckletree’s unique

collaborative platform could

take on co-working puts it in

have in her hometown. Starting in

the perfect position to grow and

Clerkenwell with 35 desk spaces,

expand, and the response from

Huckletree came from the simple

members and investors alike was

belief that co-working offices

enormous.

should form around a community

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of entrepreneurs and evolve with

Huckletree is enthusiastically

the changing requirements of the

opening a second co-working

modern work space.

space in the Alphabeta building

in Finsbury Square. Straddling the financial centre of Bank and the creative-hub of Shoreditch, this building will offer the best of both worlds to its members.

Huckletree’s new offices can support 300 professionals. There are meeting rooms and classrooms available, not to mention workshops on topics ranging from professional to personal development and wellness for Huckletree members. Yoga will be held weekly. The foundational idea

roof terrace, indoor basketball

keypads, members of Huckletree

behind these services is to

court, and cycling ramp that

enjoy a work-life balance all

create a family of workers in an

allows cycles to be ridden into

under one, well-designed roof.

atmosphere that contains all

the building’s indoor cycle park.

aspects of member’s lives and

Amidst competing co-working

personalities in one place.

spaces, Huckletree stands alone.

Each employee works together

Huckletree is at home in the

with the community to create

Alphabeta Building due to

a cohesive group of members,

their shared communitarian

trouble-shoot problems, and

philosophy. Members of the

source sustainable materials.

new co-working space share

While most co-working spaces

convenient amenities like the

are filled only with the buzz of

— Huckletree Shoreditch : 8:30AM to 8:30PM Alphabeta Building Triton Court, Finsbury Square, London www.huckletree.com 11

LE BON ETOILE Text Carla Sabler Picture DR

Ben Pearce On Music, Food and Jesus Christ You probably know him for his massive tune “What I Might Do,” but Ben Pearce is much more than that. Ben made his much anticipated return to Moda Black electronic label with the release of his EP Pomelo earlier this month. The new 3 track release sees the Mancunian producer deliver heavy, club-focused house-meetstechno cuts. 2015 was a fulfilling year for Ben Pearce, encompassing an extensive global tour schedule, monthly radio shows on Rinse FM and his summer residency at Ants in Ibiza – all whilst working on a wealth of new original music to be released over the coming months. We caught up with him and talked about his music, his passion for food, and Jesus Christ.

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You’ve released a new EP

Who’s your partner in crime, in

‘Pomelo,’ how long have you

life and on stage ?

been working on it? What made you choose the name ?

This guy (Pointing at his mate

A.K.A Citizenn), we’re always

I’ve been working on it for a while

together!

actually. I probably started it beginning of last summer, but it’s

The media have been saying that

nice to finally release something!

London’s clubbing scene is slowly

The name is a private joke with

dying, what’s your opinion ?

friends. And ‘12407’ is a mathematical number that,

It’s certainly struggling, but

for a while, was considered the

I wouldn’t say it’s dying. It’s

smallest and most uninteresting

obviously being oppressed by the

number, so I thought it was cool!

government and the regulations and stuff, but I think it’s just

When did you first fall in love

finding its feet again. I’m figuring

with music ?

out how to move forward I guess.

When I was really young my dad

You’re also pretty active on

used to play classical music.

twitter, do you think that DJs

There’s a video of me when I was

should have more outspoken

4 years old dancing around the

opinions about certain issues ?

living room. By the time I turned 18 I was more into heavy metal

I think you should be honest,

and hip-hop. Yeah.

and twitter allows you to do that. Obviously I wouldn’t advise

offending anybody really badly

According to your Instagram,

the rest of the world… hopefully

(laughs).

you’re a real food lover. Could

it won’t get me arrested.

you give our readers your 3 favourite restaurants in London ?

What’s next for you?

–Escocesa in Stoke Newington,

There’s this EP. Then I’ve got a

it’s Scottish tapas.

couple of remixes coming out

I’m not religious, but there’s a

–Tamarind, an Indian restaurant,

in the next couple of months,

song called “Brand New” by one

they’re amazing!

another one with a friend on his

of my favourite bands, Jesus

–Adam Handling at Caxton, that’s

album and a few more original

Christ. It’s about death and the

actually my favourite restaurant.

things before the summer I

If the world was ending in a couple of minutes, which song would you listen to ?

think. I’m also making music with

struggles you might go through.

It’s about 6 minutes long, so I’d

If you were stuck in a lift with

Citizenn at the moment, it’s going

probably listen to half of it! It’s

Donald Trump for 24 hours, what

very well!

really good though, you should

would you do ?

Thanks Ben, we love you very

check it out.

God knows! I would try and get

much.

What are your 3 favourite clubs

sensible answers out of him

in London ?

even though it would probably

Don’t forget to buy his new EP

be completely fruitless ’cause

available on itunes store, this

I don’t go out much when I’m not

he’s a psychopath. I’d try to save

is definitely something we’d

playing but I’d have to say Fabric,

humanity and squeeze the life

recommend: it’s easy for your

Tobacco Docks and XOYO.

out of him, before he does it to

nerves and ears.

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LE BON COCKTAIL Text Taylor Viens

Moody drinks for a moody basement Bar Manager and Cocktailier Ali hosted us at The Hawksmoor Bar, Spitalfields to enjoy their selection of “Desert Island Drinks,” a rotating selection of five drinks curated by a different member of the Hawksmoor staff monthly.

After the long slog of a biting

their toes. If you do find yourself

February maybe being stranded

lost on a desert island, we

on a desert island might appeal

have no doubt these drinks will

to you. However, you won’t find

increase your chances of survival!

warmer climes in this former basement strip club. Instead, you

However, this may be the last

will find: wooden floorboards

rotation of “Desert Island

reclaimed from the Natural

Drinks,” soon to be replaced in

History Museum, teal glazed

favor of twelve cocktails, which

brick ‘tiles’ that make you feel

we have no doubt will be as

like you’re drinking in a swanky

tasty as all of the Hawksmoor’s

underground station, lights

creations.

salvaged from a retired fishing vessel, and, of course, an enticing

—

selection of cocktail creativity.

In addition to the classic mainstays (cue: The Full Fat Old Fashioned and Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew), these handpicked

The Hawksmoor Bar, Spitalfields 157 Commercial Street, London Phone : 020 7426 4850

cocktails keep the Spitalfields Bar constantly reinventing its repertoire, and its clientele on

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Hours : 12–2:30pm, 5–10:30pm

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LE BON DESIGN MARKETPLACE

Vinterior, a home for beautiful design exchange When Sandrine Zhang Ferron moved house a couple of years back, she was shattered to find her beautifully designed corner unit sofa didn’t fit into her new home. Whereas before it fit snug against a backdrop of exposed brick, her new living room was thinner and longer and the unit stuck out into the centre of the room.

Upon deciding to sell the sofa Sandrine posted ads on Gumtree and EBay, but soon found that she had to trawl through a mass of junk responses filling her inbox.

In the end, the sofa ended up sitting dormant for a while as she found alternative options for selling the piece.

Zhang Ferron decided that

Launched in November 2015,

she would create a website to

Vinterior has already amassed

connect design lovers across

a beautiful collection of

the capital and make it easy for

vintage design objects. The

Londoners to buy and sell quality

website is a wonderfully simple

vintage furniture to one another.

tool that offers an easy and

Sandrine hoped that Vinterior

comfortable alternative to

would not only facilitate the

design exchange outside of

transaction, but connect people

independent showrooms and

in the city around a common

stores across London and stuffy

passion!

auction houses. As it becomes

For shoppers, Vinterior carefully

increasingly common for people

curates the collection to offer

to move from apartment to

only the best choice of modern,

apartment across the capital

vintage and antique furniture.

amidst the steadfast rise in rent

And not to worry, this all comes

prices, Vinterior is a platform

with the guarantee that delivery

that allows gorgeous design to

and returns will be effortless and

suit the shift in interiors, gifting

The process gave Sandrine a

reasonably priced. The website

the beautiful pieces of furniture

clever idea, and Vinterior was

can also help people sell their

a new lease of life where they

born! With a view to streamline

high-end furnishings when they

may have otherwise been left

the awkward course of not only

move or redecorate, offering

behind.

selling designer furniture but

both collection and delivery

lighting, art and textiles,

services everywhere in London

— Advertorial Benjamin Harvey

whilst handling secure payments.

www.vinterior.co

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LE BON WALL

Welcome to the family baby Bonboners!

To my Lizzie Pickle.

I may be slightly autistic at times but I

Lukasz morda, come to Paris, Anton wants

am always fixated on you…

to catch up with you Come home please Austin, I miss you and your stupid fart blanket head thing…

Emma, Thank you for everything along the way. It couldn’t have been done without you.

TV

Baby we could be smooth as butter but you playing.

I AM INTO M&S S&M

A blowjob is better than no job

VIVA Frank Van Luigi Pele Harvey Sutton – you are so loved our little bunny.

We did it bro!

Jennifer

Benjamin Edwin Slinger - making omelettes with leftover KFC xxx

Justice for Dave #bringbackdave

Sweetheart, put down the damn phone –

£1200 in a week feels like we’re Eddy & Bacon in Lock, Stock.

Juliette & Stew, I'm feeling so lucky to be part of your family! Love you.

Cha

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LE BON SURPRISE Text Fifi Brin d’Acier Picture Aurélie Lagoutte & Deividas Buyvida

Say What?!

Appestat's a chilling spot in the heart of Angel perfect for working, watching the world go by and dreaming.

It’s a great space to meet people that work in the same field as you, make friends and network– whilst listening to a good tune, eating tasty brunch and washing it down with a beautiful cup of coffee.

nudes. Sticking her precise

Gaining a strong reputation in

and traditional trigger finger

the fashion world, this man has

up to digital, before clicking

also photographed the likes of

the shutter, the photographer

Jourdan Dunn and Katie Perry for

carefully choses her "old-timer

the H&M Vs Balmain Campaign!

camera," akin to the gun-slinging cowboy reaching for his old

Scale and intimacy also play

faithful pistol in a western. The

a consistent role in his work.

results are effortlessly painting-

Through this exploration, there

like. Pure yet grainy, powerful but

is a poignant dynamic created

flawed, symbiotically ethereal

that perfectly balances edgy

and tangible; in a quest for our

and effortless cool. From the

true inner purity. "Lilly's Library,"

isolation of the Arctic, evident in

On one Friday a month, between

is a powerful and versatile series

his beautiful short documentary

8pm-12am, Appestat opens

that enables us to connect with

"Svalbard," to the intimate

its doors to carefully selected

a pride and vulnerability only

experience of loss and space, not

emerging artists, photographers,

obtained through experience.

dissimilar to the feeling you get when you’re walking around New

musicians and filmmakers to showcase their work in a wicked

Also on the horizon is the work of

York, the feeling of being an ant

celebration of creativity. If

Liam Cushing. The truly brilliant

surrounded by giant buildings.

you decide to stay a bit later

and charismatic photographer/

This duality between the vast

on, resisting to dance is near

film maker originally from Canada

and the deeply personal flows

impossible- so be prepared to

(with roots in Spain) relocated

throughout his work. He searches

sweat out your demons and soak

to London in 2011, after living in

for authenticity in all his subjects

up all of the good vibes.

New York City. With the mind of

and has a vulnerable, analytical

a philosopher and a pin point

and edgy eye that cuts through

Look out for the opening of "Film

precision in his eye, his captures

all of his shots.

photographer" Aurelie Lagoutte,

challenge our overall perceptions

who takes us on a journey

of reality. His extensive portfolio

—

of self exploration through

covers fashion, cultural icons,

portraits, trips and her work in

landscapes, and portraiture.

Appestat 102 Islington High Street 23

LE BON ART Text Taylor Viens Picture Ben Edwin

Benjamin Edwin Slinger & The School of the Damned

Benjamin Edwin Slinger is an artist on a rampage.

With a BFA from Goldsmiths University and an ‘Alternative MA’ from the School of the Damned, the artist operates in a realm of “faux intellectuality, stupidity and science fiction.” The writercum-artist-cum-curator embraces tensions within himself, and the growing contemporary art scene.

multi-media artist who embodies

postgraduate program that

all those uncomfortable-to-

is completely student run.

broach-at-dinner-party topics.

Currently in its third year, Ben

His work can best be described

was in the School’s second class

as an irreverent self-examination

of students. It is constantly

of the modern artist, with himself

reinventing itself, as defined

as artist and muse.

and redefined by its current students– who even choose

Slinger started at the Leeds

the class of pupils to replace

College of Art where he founded

them. Existing as a website,

The Institute of Jamais Vu, a

students engage with each other

gallery/ collective in Leeds

through unconventional methods

that stages and hosts exhibits

like inviting academic advisors

and publishes on variegated

to oversea their self-led work,

and interesting topics, with a

in addition to student critiques

Ben’s work, which will be shown in an upcoming exhibition at Assembly Point Gallery opening March 16th, “is confused and aims to alienate you and your cool friends.”

heavy eye on design and visual

and reading groups. The program

aesthetics. Over the course of

hosts several exhibitions

three years at The Institute he

throughout the year, culminating

exhibited in and curated over ten

in an end of year show.

Allow us to introduce you to

The School of the Damned

He jumps between mediums

Benjamin Edwin Slinger, the

is a year-long unaccredited

and his exhibitions jump

exhibitions, building his portfolio for the alternative School of the

Much like The School, Ben is

Damned.

self-initiating and constantly reinventing himself and his art.

24

around the world. His works are frequently very political, despite his reticence to use the word.

Drawing his inspiration from self-critique, it is easy to see why Ben is so humble, but less easy to understand how he is so prolific.

Ben is constantly scheming on new possibilities, new manifestations for his art, and new self-interpretations. Drawing upon inner-tensions, such as adult - child, man - masculinity and feminist - meninist, Slinger exists in a state of in-between that frightens most.

For example: The Institute of Jamais Vu that Ben co-founded worked on a comic and graphic reinterpretation of the Star Wars franchise, well before Disney caught on. A recent show in France placed a neon kebab take-away sign

interruptive exhibitions at the

in a sandy chamber as an

Victoria & Albert Friday Late

interpretation of a sci-fi novel

and the New Gallery London.

he himself wrote. His current

The curatorial collaborate has

show, ironically titled “How it is

asked ten artists to customize

to live in a world with such great

basketball hoops. The ever-

history,” deals with conspicuous

inventive Benjamin Edwin Slinger

consumption in the art tech

will be drawing on his background

world, stenciling the Makita

in construction and his penchant

logo onto a fake boulder within

for performance to produce

the Gallery, reminiscent of the

something truly interesting– we

Lascaux caves in Southwest

guarantee it.

France. He describes this as

—

an attack on alpha vs. beta

Find it at:

masculinity, and equal parts a critique on capitalism, masculinity and blind corporate consumption.

His latest exhibition is hosted by curatorial duo Millington l Marriott, who have hosted

Let It Rain!

Assembly Point London 16 March - 23 April 16 PV 15 March 6-9pm millingtonmarriott.com benjaminedwinslinger.co.uk 25

LE BON CHARITY Text Emma Gagnon

The Charity Formerly Known as New Deal of the Mind What do Margaret Thatcher and Franklin D. Roosevelt have in common?

Well, not much. But they did, technically, lay the groundwork for a Londonbased charity that is here to help get you a job in the arts. Emphasis on the ‘technically.’

an adaptation of two erstwhile

of the creative industries.’

initiatives. The Works in

Additionally, they are finding and

Progress Administration (WPA),

promoting spaces across the UK

was introduced by Roosevelt

to become ‘incubator centers,’

during the Depression to

which would support and advise

promote artistic endeavour

people that are setting up on

in difficult times. Artist such

their own.

as Pollock, Rothko and de Kooning benefitted from this

They also produce some

policy. In later years, a similar

pretty helpful literature for the

project called the Enterprise

autodidacts among you. The

The Creative Society (formerly

Allowance Scheme was promoted

organization researches, collates

known as New Deal of the Mind)

by Thatcher. It gave creative

and self-publishes well designed

is an arts employment charity

entrepreneurial people a chance

PDFs on their website. Their

that helps young people find their

to set up on their own while

informative PDF entitled, ‘Make

way into jobs in the creative and

profiting from government help.

a Job Don’t Take a Job: Building the Creative Society’ investigates

cultural industries. The Society sprung out of necessity in 2009

In essence, the Creative

the practical frameworks

when the Recession threatened

Society borrowed and adapted

which support and encourage

the next generation of talent and

these initiatives to promote

creative talent and enterprise.

intellectual capital in the capital.

government policy that

Interestingly, it proposes a

encourages self-employment and

change of culture if we are

Based out of the Somerset

free lance opportunities, which

to build a ‘genuinely creative

House, the Creative Society is

were considered ‘the lifeblood

economy’ built on enterprise.

26

But what are these ‘Creative

currently work in partnership

Industries’ we’re talking about?

with Creative & Cultural Skills,

Well, the Creative Society defines

who deliver the Creative

these as industries that are based

Employment Programme which

on ‘individual creativity, skill and

is supported by Arts Council

talent,’ but are also interested in

England, a £15 million lottery-

those that have the potential to

funded programme. If you’re

‘create wealth and jobs through

an artist, entrepreneur or work

developing intellectual property.’

in the creative industries (see

They include, but are not limited

above) they can help you with

to: advertising, architecture, art

work placements or, perhaps

and antiques markets, crafts,

offer a space, or practical help

design, designer fashion, film and

like mentoring and skill training.

video, music, performance arts,

The new scheme will create up

publishing, software, television

to 1,600 traineeships, 2,900

and radio.

apprenticeships and 2,000 paid

— The Creative Society Somerset House, South Wing Strand, London WC2R 1LA thecreativesociety.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 1134482 —

internships before the project If you recognize yourself in any

ends this month.

of these, the Society encourages you to get in touch. They

27

LORD BONBON Text Taylor Viens

The return of Lord Bonbon Dear Diary,

ancient trees was instead muted

terror. A lovely coterie of young

by the low growl of Lamborghini’s

damsels, who would previously

It is with great satisfaction that I return to London, and Le Bonbon, after an extended trip in search of wealth and taste. I’ve been around the world many a time, and come back with reports of grace.

latest monstrosity. The streets

have been enthralled by a chance

I would amble and saunter with

to cuddle the lovely Louis, quickly

little Louis are now replete

skirted out of our line, squeaking

with photo-snappers and eyes

indiscernible outrage! Our

transfixed to glass screens.

suspicions were confirmed when

Indeed, it seemed to be the case

a troupe of juvenile garcons

that I was becoming out of place

pushed one of their comrades

in my own home.

toward our Louis, who was met

Before I tell of my journeys,

It was as these musings were

verve and, most palatably,

however, I should like to relay

muddling up my thoughts that I

horror! You must understand our

a story, as it occurred to me

noticed something quite peculiar.

alarm.

upon my return to London. How I

My petit pooch Louis seemed

missed the cold breeze and grey

to be having a similar epiphany.

I confess some despair upon

concrete of our capital. Most

Where once he was the belle

remarking that perhaps there

delighted by my arrival home was

of the sidewalk, attracting

may not be room for Lords in

my little hound Louis. I thought

attention from even across the

London, of my variety or that of

it a nice idea to reciprocate his

wide boulevards, now it seemed

my trusted Louis. However, this

enthusiasm, and take him for

he could not find a sympathetic

was only momentarily, for while

a petit promenade down one

hand. Indeed, no one seemed to

the thought bounced around my

of our frequented commercial

view Louis with anything but one

mind I decided this surely could

streets. This was as much an

unmistakable regard: fear.

not be the case, as London is

by a flailing boy full of energy,

the city of Lords, and of Lord

effort to reacquaint myself with my home, which has been so

Thinking myself momentarily mad

Bonbon. Unfortunately, I fear

missed of late I must confess.

for such a line of thought, as

the changing cityscape may be

you see our little Louis is just as

too volatile for little Lord Louis,

Oh how our boulevards and

dapper and refined as his Lord

however, as he seems somewhat

avenues are changing!

companion, I decided to put our

averse to learning new tricks.

hypothesis to the test. It seemed My once prized pastime of

that not only was our furry friend

stopping to enjoy the hum of the

evincing such reactions, but

Yours,

wind through the church garden’s

those emitting them bordered on

Lord Bonbon

28

29

LE BON MYSTIC

Aries

Cancer

Indulging in a little retail therapy never did anybody

You have a trying month ahead, and the stars will

any harm, but don’t let your extravagant urges get

not always be in your favour. You will ask all the right

the better of you. You’re after the quick fixes this

questions but it will take time to find the answers

month but you need to dig a little deeper in to your

you are seeking. But it’s nothing a resourceful soul

mind, rather than your wallet, to find that long term

like you can’t handle! Avoid driving down narrow

satisfaction. A new dress or a cool car won’t prove

lanes, you could find yourself with nowhere to

anything to anybody, so don’t be such a try-hard.

turn. Always check the ‘reduced’ aisle of the

Your real friends love you for who you are inside, so

supermarket; you never know what you might

stop flashing the cash and

unearth. And remember, that permanence you seek

just learn to be happy with what you do have in life.

is not always all it’s cracked up to be.

Taurus

Leo

The most depressing month of the year is finally

Do you recall the story of the grasshopper

over and you can feel it in your bones. Shake off

and the ant? Well, they both ventured out of

a grim February by getting active. Try something

their respective environments and become

new like rock-climbing or an intensive self-defence

an amalgamated smudge on someone else's

class. You’ve got too much pent up energy and

windshield. But that shouldn't concern you one iota.

the only way to feel better is to harvest it into

This month is all about the rest of the astrological

something positive. Push yourself the extra mile

cosmos hearing you roar. That's right Leo. It's time

this month and you will be amply rewarded with

to dig in those claws and get back some of that

personal satisfaction and exterior gratification. Be

March mojo. With the mornings becoming lighter

a go-getter.

and the evenings milder comes more time to let that mane flow fierce and free.

Gemini

Virgo

Beware the ides of March, dear Gemini. You are

The great street poet and urban philosopher Ol'

fully aware of your duplicitous nature, using to your

Dirty Bastard once said: 'Off on a natural charge,

advantage your mastery of hot and cold. While

bon voyage…' For you, Virgo, the words couldn’t ring

you are mostly soft as a kitten, you also know that

more true. If indeed you want more pep in your step

sometimes, to get your way in luuurve, you got to

for the Spring then it would be wise to refrain from

be bad… Just make sure you don't sting so bad that

unnatural food colourings and additives through

your honey needs to swim in Tiger Balm to get over

the month of March. But that’s not to say you need

it.

to relinquish on those other insatiable delights. Be sure to keep an open mind for what may come your way midweek. It may have you looking at 2016 in a new light.

30

MARCH 2016

Libra

Capricorn

This month, take a step back from what you are

Fresh air is good for the body, and boy oh boy,

doing. The Universe has been in touch and let

don't you Leos know it this month. As the sun starts

us know that you’ve been too involved lately.

to stay out longer, the urge to flaunt your lion bod

Take some much needed time off and gain some

via London pavement runs gets stronger. Whether

perspective on just what it is you want to be

this sudden health kick is to work off winter flab or

doing. Reach out to people you might have been

increase your Happn hits, we won't tell… Just make

neglecting lately and invite them out for a pint or

sure you don't avoid cultural activities so much you

two, or three… You won’t regret it. Someone in your

start to think Pavarotti is a type of pasta.

entourage needs a little attention, give him or her some heart-felt advice– and mean it! It will make both of you feel better.

Scorpio

Aquarius

So it’s March and springtime has just begun so don’t

Don’t be disturbed by your lack of Valentines this

forget to loosen up. Despite a depressing February

year because love will find you in March. Maybe not

there are brighter times ahead. You’re probably the

love in the traditional sense, but you will have some

type to have given up something you truly love for

of the best sex in your entire life and you will LOVE

lent - chocolate, wine, meat, sugar… and fair play

it. But beware; just as life in the bedroom is working

to you, total respect for breaking through to the

well for you, the roads become a treacherous place.

other side, nothing perturbed your determination.

As you bungle across the road awash with sexual

Just make sure you really let loose this Easter, peel

healing through passing cars, buses and cyclists, you

back that silver foil, pop that cork, sizzle that bacon

may well find yourself in danger, so pay attention.

because you deserve it.

Sagittarius

Pisces

March is all about movement. So go on, move that

Ah, finally! March has arrived. You’ve been thinking

ass! Move house, move city, maybe even move

“I need to calm down” all February long after your

country. The world is your oyster so get your skates

mates have told you several times how wild you go

on, pick up the pace and stop wasting time; you’ve

when someone hands you a gin tonic, scaring every

got to do all the things that you’ve always wanted to

other person in the room with your half-slurred

do. Jump in at the deep end and start ticking a few

declarations of love. Fear no more, March is all

things off that bucket list. Kiss the people you love,

about embracing love and feelin’ yourself. Be fab

and move on from the people holding you back -

and glam and flush your dark thoughts down the loo

they’re only jealous of you anyway. Spring is in the

because they’re so last month. It’s time to realise

air and it should be in your step too! Life is good,

the world needs your energy - and envies it madly.

my friend!

31

LE BON SNAPSHOT

32

LE BON SNAPSHOT

ŠRomain Forquy - Shot in Soho on a sunny afternoon

33

LE BON WAX

Treat Yourself at Strip Wax Bar

Strip Wax Bar has specialized in luxurious hair removal for over a decade.

Their seventh, and newest boutique has opened in Islington boasting exclusive designer waxes, the latest laser technology and highend intimate retail all within classically themed rooms.

pain-free experience. The slogan

But don’t feel left out men, ultra-

“Pamper Your Puss,” best defines

luxury is also available for you in

the décor– and service– you can

the Manifico Suite! The wax used

expect in the gorgeous suites.

in this suite is strong enough for even the thickest hair follicles,

Strip Wax Bar has been voted

The Lavender Suite is outfitted

and a model of the erstwhile

London’s premier waxing salon,

with sumptuous lavender walls

cockerel from Trafalgar Square’s

and their boutiques have

and finished with a bespoke

Fourth Plinth adds a nice feel of

continued to grow and evolve

painting of a lavender cat being

ironic London humour.

with their expanding clientele.

carried on a palanquin through a

In response to popular demand,

field of lavenders. The attention-

Personally, I have always been

co-founders Danielle and Maria-

to-detail is so careful you can

proud of my manly fleece.

Louise Featherstone are pleased

practically smell the fragrant

But I must admit a few steps

to announce their newest

luxury.

in the Strip Wax Bar with its exclusive waxes, award-

installment in Islington– along In the laser treatment suite,

winning services and the

you can expect a pain-free

extravagantly comfortable rooms

Each of the new branch’s 5 suites

experience thanks to the Wax

have decidedly changed my

are themed after the type of

Bar’s grade 4 medical laser, the

perspective.

wax used, with complimenting

highest grade laser system on

art created for the boutique–

the market. The suite houses a

Text Will Cox

showcasing the brand’s tongue-

clever play on Botticelli’s ‘Birth

in-cheek wit. In each of these

of Venus’ with a full-wall mural,

suites you’ll find refreshingly

only in this version a feline Venus

aromatic wax and a virtually

emerges from the sea.

— Strip Wax Bar 164 Upper St London N1

with its bold new style. .

34

LE BON AGENDA Sponsored by Dice

Grimes Grimes is back. With 2012’s Visions, Grimes shot to fame and critical acclaim. With playful and imaginative production, hooks that come at you from every angle, lyrics bursting with imagery, and an undeniable but intelligent pop sensibility, tracks like Genesis and Oblivion were soon occupying every playlist under the sun. Add to that her stunning creative prolificity, her strong and independent voice online, and always incredible visuals, and Grimes is pop star perfected. Returning earlier this year with the banging Realiti, anticipation for this album is nearing desperation. Live, we have no idea where she’ll take the show. With Grimes, anything is possible. We just know that if you’re not in the room at Brixton Academy this March, you’re missing out.

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35

LE BON ADDRESSES

AIDA

SEESAW STUDIOS

133 Shoreditch High Street

3 Stanford Mews,

Shoreditch | E1 6JE

Hackney | E8 1JA

Phone: 020 7739 2811

Phone: 020 7254 5671

ERBOLARIO

STRIP

106A Upper Street

164 Upper Street

Angel N1 1QN

Angel | N1 1US

Phone: 020 3601 8130

Phone: 020 3651 3600

HUCKLE TREE

THE CREATIVE SOCIETY

87 Charterhouse Street

Somerset House,

Clerkenwell | EC1M 6HJ

South Wing Strand

Phone: 020 7336 8634

Covent Garden | WC2R 1LA www.thecreativesociety.co.uk

OUI MAMAN

36

Lighterman House, 26-36 Wharfdale Rd,

DICE

King’s Cross | N1 9RY

www.dice.fm

Phone: 020 7313 6582

Buy Tickets with no booking fees!

LONDON IS OUR PLAYGROUND: SEESAW STUDIOS. www.seesaw-studios.com