Style Birmingham Issue 48

BIRMINGHAM

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THHELLO E ULTI MATE S HOP P IMING NG D E STI ATI ON BI R H ANM Our beautiful new Introducing flagshipLiverpool’s store is themost ultimate indulgent shopping beauty experience, offering experience the very offering best inthe fashion, finest beauty, in makeup, foodskincare and wine. and treatments alongside a destination Champagne Bar

Style / Editor’s Letter

Editor’s Letter

T

GO BE HIND THE SCENE S OF I S SUE 48 ON LINE A T ST YLE BHAM .C O M

he spring issue, our very first of the new year is always one of my favourites. It’s a time of discovery as we see what’s new, what’s fresh and what will make us even happier in the year to come. For many of us (me included), that’s finding a better life balance and focusing on wellbeing. And this issue has a whole host of fitness and food inspiration to help you reboot for a fitter (and tastier) 2016. Our resident foodie Priti Modi delves into the diverse culinary landscape of Birmingham to find the best restaurants for healthy eating. Festival season will soon be upon us and if you are more into your food than music, then Birmingham’s biggest food and drink festival should definitely 46 be on your radar (see page 70). We have also introduced a new fitness page with an edit of the best new workouts to the healthy nibbles you should be snacking on.

Our shopping edit is filled with new season trends and styling tips that are sure to lift your mood: from relaxed romantics to power prints and how to wear denim for S/S16.

Speaking of fashion, our leading lady Pixie Lott never puts a fashion foot wrong and has a sunshine attitude to life to match. Find out why life is so good for Pixie now and her latest venture into acting over on page 18.

Elsewhere in the issue, our beauty writer Rose Gallagher has experienced every possible beauty eventuality as make-up artist at all of her friends weddings. So who better to ask about how to look amazing in your wedding photos?

Plus she shares some her favourite (and very funny) wedding stories.

Enjoy the issue!

SPRING ESSENTIALS Editor’s Picks

Left to right: COS denim earrings, £19, Whistles panel sandals, £185, H&M cut-out top, £24.99, Finery London peg trousers, £55, John Lewis

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 5

60

Style / Contents

BIRMINGHAM

Unit 606B, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street, B18 6NF 0121 769 2808 • contact@stylebham.com

Editor-In-Chief Andrew Riley andrew@stylebham.com

Editor Elle Sixsmith

Creative Director Mike Raven mike@stylebham.com

Designer Simon Konaszczuk

Designer Paige Goddard

Special thanks to

Daisy Holden, Ally Head, Kirtey Verma, Sarah Unes, Laura Smith, Hannah Burgess, Tara Tomes, Priti Modi, Bethany Lee, Rose Gallagher, Bookings Models, Diana Stoencheva, Sarah Poulsom, PJ Ellis, Bal Kooner, Alex from Harris Gibbs hair salon, Emma Strawbridge, James Tissman

Style Birmingham is created by RileyRaven • www.rileyraven.co.uk • hello@rileyraven.co.uk

The Edit

008 Style Chart The hottest products right now 009 Trend Update From stripes to romantics, here’s what to wear 012 Spring Wardrobe Update Your everyday staples revamped with key picks 017 The New Romantics Elegant femininity takes centre stage this spring 018 A Whole Lotta Talent Why life is so good for Pixie Lott right now 025 Fashion News The latest collaborations and collections 026 Candy Crush Sugary shades to add a touch of femininity 036 My & My Style We chat to jewellery designer Sophie Davis of Oh My Clumsy Heart 038 Meet Finery London The brand on a mission to re-inspire our wardrobes

Beauty

043 Beauty Bulletin From the top glowgetters to instant hair fixes 044 Love and Lipstick Rose Gallagher on funny wedding

stories and looking picture-perfect 046 The New Elegance Take inspiration from spring’s baked palette with Hourglass 054 Hair Refresh Inspiration to transform your look

Men

057 Style Chart The hottest products now 058 Spring Style Edit Update your wardrobe with bomber jackets and retro styling 060 A Fresh Start New season pieces and how to wear them 065 How to Wear The suede jacket four ways 066 Trend To Know New season designs to hit the high-street

The Insider

070 Foodie Heaven Birmingham’s hottest culinary festival comes to town 072 Poignant Melancholy Intimate and intriguing — Janet Mendelson’s Varna Road exhibit 076 The Queen of Soul The ‘Proud’ singer celebrates three decades in the industry

077 Out & About Where to be, what to see and what to do in Birmingham 078 The Best Thrillers of 2016 The books to get your heart racing 079 Blast From The Past TV classics making a welcome return

ON THE COVER TO SEE OUR SPRING FASHION SHOOT, TURN TO PAGE 26

Life

081 Nice and Natural Create your own woodland hideout at home 083 Prairie Chic Welcome a feminine touch with pastels and rustic finishes 084 Pared-Back Take things back to basics with shades of grey 085 Foodies Rejoice The most exciting openings of 2016 087 Recipe Beetroot and quinoa bowl 089 The Best Restaurants for healthy eating in Birmingham 092 Come Dine With Me A new dining experience in the comfort of your own home 096 Health Kick Get fit quick plus the fun new classes to try 098 WIN A chef-cooked three course meal at home and a luxurious stay in Brindleyplace

Photography: Mike Raven, Stylist: Elle Sixsmith, Hair: Alfie at Bad Apple, Make-up: Rose Gallagher, Model: Annabell @ Bookings Models, Assistants: Paige Goddard and Sarah Unes Off-the-shoulder top, £39 Pink trousers, £35 Buckle mid shoes, £48 All available at Topshop

A DIGITAL EVOLUTION! Download our Spring issue for iPad to access extended content & your chance to win!

AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD APRIL 2016

All information is correct at the time of going to press. Please note that prices for items are subject to change so may vary from those mentioned, contact individual stores for definitive pricing information.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, without prior permission. We make every effort to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, however, we can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations in all circumstances. Contributors’ opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or of Style Birmingham Ltd. Any material submitted is done so at the owner’s risk, and the company can take no responsibility for the safe storage or return of such material.

6 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

DISCOVER THE SPRING COLLECTION

PANDORA Grand Central 0121 643 9608

PANDORA Bullring 0121 633 3093

PANDORA High Street B’ham 0121 631 1911

Women / The Edit

The Style Chart

From smart eating to perfect spring scents – here’s what we’ll be lusting after this season Words: Sarah Unes

GO GREEN

Forget plant pots, even your greenery deserves to grow in style.

Enter, terrarium. £30, Urban Outfitters

HOP TO IT

Put a little spring into your home with these adorable bunny salt and pepper shakers, the perfect for your table, £17, Oliver Bonas

ALL YOU CAN EAT

It’s always hard to cut carbs out when you’re dieting and thanks to Davina, now you don’t have to. £16.99, Waterstones

JUNGLE BOOK

A blend of feminine florals and woody under tones, Gucci brings you the perfect spring scent. £49, Gucci Bamboo EDP, 30ml, The Perfume Shop

LUMINESCENT

The 3-in-1 palette doubles as a bronzer and highlighter making strobing seem like child’s play. £28, Laura Geller bronzer, House of Fraser

SIMPLY CHIC

Delicate feminine jewellery can easily elevate a simple look and this Thomas Sabo bracelet is high up on our list. £160, Thomas Sabo

PERFECT PEEPERS

Prepare for the sun with these retro tortoise sunglasses. We love the embellishment detailing. £240, Miu Miu sunglasses, Sunglass Hut

SLIP UP

Usually a bedroom favourite, the slip dress is making an appearance into our daytime wardrobes this season. £35.99, Mango

EDITOR’S PICK

CLEAN AS A WHISTLE

Treat your make-up brushes to a little bit of TLC with this new brush cleansing palette from Real Techniques. £12.99, Boots

8 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

WHITE HOT

Keep your manicure in shape with this fresh, milky-toned nail polish in limited edition White Horse Street, what’s not to love?! £14, Nails inc

SEEING RED

Stand out from the crowd! This vibrant Alexander McQueen cape dress is sure to get you noticed for all the right reasons. £375, Harvey Nichols

FLORAL FINISH

Get yourself out of that winter rut and look fabulous this spring with Pandora’s floral dainty ring. Perfect for all occasions £65, T.H. Baker

Women / The Edit

John Galliano

Christopher Raeburn

Trend Update Chloé

Issa

Vionnet

Michael Kors

Balenciaga

Jasper Conran

Chloé

Vionnet

Yuzzo London

Michael Kors

DKNY

Yuzzo london

Stella McCartney

Michael Kors

Less is most definitely more. Go feminine or go sporty, just make sure it’s unfussy and all-white. There’s a welcome sense of calm that sensible clean white dressing brings, from delicate lace and analgise teamed with flats at Balenciaga to oversize mannish tailoring at Michael Kors. The reworked white shirt is a key piece for this trend, worn back-to-front or off-the-shoulder to show a glimpse of skin.

Dior

A Clean Slate

From acid stripes to relaxed romantics and eccentric styling, this season brings a new wave of options. Here’s what to wear now

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 9

Issa Stella McCartney

Dior Chloé

Gucci

Jasper Conran Roksanda 10 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Issey Miyake

Chloé

Max Mara

Go For thick, thin, vertical or horizontal, bold or pretty pastels – the joy of the spring version of stripes is zero rules. For a bold graphic statement, look to Roksanda and Jasper Conran’s candy lines and pair with black accessories for an officeready take. Floaty chiffon dresses in a kaleidoscope of rainbow colours at Chloé offer a more flirtatious option and is the perfect choice for festival chic.

Yuzzo london

Fine Line

Max Mara

Women / The Edit

Jasper Conran

Miu Miu

Miu Miu

Gucci

Fendi

Christopher Kane

Gucci

Topshop Unique

Gucci

Valentino

Women / The Edit

Miu Miu

Miu Miu

Style Magpie Stand out from the crowd as individuality reigns and anything goes. From Miu Miu to Gucci, our S/S16 heroine is an eccentric queen. A playful dresser, her wardrobe is a treasure chest of vintage-inspired delights with clashing colours, opulent prints and a sprinkling of ladylike jewels. Go head-to-toe eclectic but opt for mules or backless brogues for a contemporary edge.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 11

Women / The Edit

Spring Wardrobe

UPDATE 2016

Relaxed tailoring, bold colour blocking and the new ways to wear denim. Give your everyday staples a revamp with these key picks for an effortless transition into spring

Fendi

River Island fitted blazer, £60

Roksanda

Style Tip

Stella McCartney

lours will suit Unsure which co and cobalt blue you? Tomato red ering primary are the most flatt instantly lift shades and will your look.

BOLD & BRIGHT 12 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Karen Millen suede jacket, £499

Dune court shoes, £85

Gianvito Rossi pumps, £400, Harvey Nichols

Ditch the bland suits in favour of punchy pops of colour for a confident take on work wear

Zara slim-leg trousers, £25.99

Michael Kors shoulder bag, £285

Women / The Edit

Warehouse floral shirt, £35

Links of london diamond necklace, £198, Goldsmiths

Ditzy floral prints on luxe fabrics and bold stripes in rainbow shades add polish to a casual look.

Just don’t wear them all at once

Mango textured dress, £35.99

Dior

Karen Millen jumpsuit, £235

POWER PRINTS

Monsoon suede skirt, £119

NEW SEASON STAPLE

Marks and Spencer limited edition bomber jacket, £65

L.K.Bennett court shoes, £210.

Topshop Unique

A bomber jacket will be your new wardrobe staple for spring all the way through to summer. We love this Marks and Spencer version – extra style points for the oriental influences

Gucci

Ted Baker stripe clutch bag, £89

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 13

Women / The Edit Roksanda

Balenciaga

LOOSE TAILORING

River Island sleeveless coat, £80 Stella McCartney

Michael Kors

From Stella McCartney to Victoria Beckham, this spring comfort is king. Tailoring is soft, loose and oversized

Style Tip Try wide-leg trousers in a neutral shade and pair with a silk cami and gold accessories a la Balenciaga.

Topshop wide leg trousers, £55

Sophie Webster cut out pumps, £335, Harvey Nichols

Mango blazer, £59.99

Ballet Softies

Chic and oh so comfortable – say hello to the shoe of the season. As seen at Celine and worn by all the trendsetters, we love these purse-friendly alternatives

Mango suede shoes, £49.99

14 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Topshop mid shoes, £59

Zara leather ballerinas, £39.99

EDI

TO R

SP

ICK

Office softie ballet, £65

Fendi

Women / The Edit

Thomas Sabo earrings, £99, T.H. Baker

FEMININE TWIST

H&M lace top, £17.99

Mango platform shoes, £79.99

90S COOL GIRL

Whether it’s mini or midi an a-line denim skirt is your new weekend staple. Swap ankle boots for socks and heels in warmer months for a fashion edge.

The new wide-leg jeans should go over your shoes and sweep the floor. The only rule – don’t go oversize on top. Tuck in shirts and pair with chunky platforms.

H&M leather jacket, £149.99

Topshop patent boots, £89

m DeniHave Must River Island mini skirt, £35

Whistles T-shirt, £45

MODERN DENIM

Hobbs wide leg jeans, £42

Fendi

Skater girl jeans to ladylike dresses and polished skirts, this season’s denim has no rules Love Moschino bag, £135, House of Fraser

Zara ruffle top, £22.99

Diesel sunglasses, £29.99, TK Maxx

Whistles suede sandals, £160

OFF-DUTY COOL Dorothy Perkins jumpsuit, £38

McQ Alexander McQueen scarf, £100, Harvey Nichols

Go head-to-toe denim and accessorise with playful feminine accents for a new season update.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 15

I AM SPRING I AM ALL THE THINGS YOU COULDN’T WEAR IN WINTER

bullring.co.uk

New Look sheer blouse, £17.99

H& ea M rri dro ng s, p £5 .99

Women / The Edit

River Island sheer bralet, £16

STYLE TIP

Ted Baker ballerina dress, £279

Ted Baker cut out sandals, £135

: If you’re feel ing bold, wear a prett y bralet underneath a sheer blouse to m ake a statement.

THE NEW s c i t n a m o R

Michael Kors bucket bag, £260

With ballerina skirts and sheer silhouettes in abundance, elegant femininity takes centre stage at Bullring this spring Boss

Zara waistcoat, £49.99

STYLE TIP: Pair your outfit with stone and blush coloured accessories for a subtle hint of colour.

River Island frill shirt, £35

STYLE TIP:

Reiss high-neck shirt, £120

Don’t want to bare all?

Keep it modest with lace sleeves or a sheer panelled shirt.

COS suede bag, £69 Olivia Burton watch, £70, Goldsmiths Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 17

Women / Interview

18 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

A

Women / Interview

Whole Lotta Talent She conquered the charts and became a staple of our Saturday night TV — all while never putting a fashion foot wrong.

Singer-songwriter, dancer and now star of the stage, no wonder she is always chirpy. Life is pretty good for Pixie Lott

P

ixie has ‘literally just rushed back’ to her apartment in Leicester to speak to me during a gap in her schedule in between rehearsals.

Lucky me. She’s currently wearing black Versace jeans, an American Apparel bomber jacket and … ‘these bunny trainers from Minna Parikka – they are like the little trainers with these little ears and a little tail!’ she says sounding completely smitten.

If she’s trying to convince me that she’s anything other than her sugar-sweet pop princess persona then she’s failing miserably.

But the fact is, she’s not trying to convince me of anything. She’s just being Pixie, as I find out later on.

We’re here to talk about her debut play, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which will be touring between March and June and is another string to her already extensive bow – singersongwriter, dancer, model, fashion designer and beauty entrepreneur (she launched her range of pastel hair colour in October) just to name a few. But this isn’t her first venture into the acting world, she is an Italia Conti-

trained actress after all. As a teenager, she appeared in the West End musicals Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Sound of Music.

‘I did lots of acting at school and it was something that I really enjoyed but I’ve never done anything like this before and there are so many lines to learn. I love all sorts of performing and I always want to be as rounded a performer as possible,’ she says in her distinct husky voice with an unmistakable Essex twang. Whilst she’s a high-flying performer and a bonafide singersongwriter, I admire her desire to branch out and it’s another smart career strategy on her part – you certainly couldn’t call her a one trick pony. She’s clearly twigged that the key to career longevity is to diversify.

Another bold career move was taking part in the 12th series of Strictly Come Dancing, and it certainly paid off. Despite being one of the favourites to win (the odds were a favourable 15/8) after her triumphant ‘waltz-a-thon’, she was knocked out in a shock exit at the quarter-finals. A controversial result that left Saturday night

viewers dumbfounded and Twitter in uproar.

Many put it down to Pixie’s prior dance experience which left her victim to the ‘she could already dance’ gripe or perhaps it was the illegal (but impressive) lifts in her routine with pro partner Trent Whiddon.

But which has been the biggest challenge for her so far? ‘I think they’re quite equal (Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Strictly) because I’m so used to singing and being myself that both of them were out of my comfort zone.

What I’m doing now is amazing because you get a live audience and just going out there and being on stage is my favourite thing.

Strictly was with a live audience but it’s not like you’re in a theatre, it’s a different feeling.’

She was propelled to pop stardom in 2009 whilst she was still in her teens, at around the same time as La Roux and Duffy were storming the charts with their distinct sounds. Pixie found her own niche as pop-soul singer and soon made her way to pop diva domination with her signature raspy vocals and catchy hits. She even wrote music for other artists, including a song for Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 19

Women / Interview

‘Audrey Hepburn is amazing.

I don’t want to be too closely compared and I really want to make it my own’

Alexandra Burke’s debut album. But her career started by less than honest means – she lied about her age. Much like the Spice Girls, Pixie – real name Victoria – responded to an advert in performing arts bible, The Stage, looking for the ‘next hot pop star’ between the age of 16-21. The fact that she was just 14 at the time was of little importance. ‘I had always wanted to be a singer and make my own album and write my own songs.’ She auditioned and was soon snapped up by The Island Def Jam Music Group (whose roster includes Mariah Carey and Iggy Azalea) and soon after, to Mercury Records in the UK. 11 years and three number-ones later, she’s established herself as one of the nation’s favourite pop stars. Yet, despite her years of experience and the fact that she has just celebrated a quarter of a century, there is something innately innocent and youthful about Pixie that goes beyond the cute bunny trainers. It’s more that there is no pretence or agenda with her. Pixie’s happy-go-lucky attitude, matched with her warm, cheerful 20 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

and unassuming nature is endearing. Despite the disappointment of her last eponymous album in 2014 which failed to reach the Top 10 chart, I imagine that there is very little that gets her down. In fact, I get the feeling that she is being completely herself – refreshing for a celebrity, which only adds to her charm.

If it feels like Pixie has gone off the radar since Strictly, it’s because she has been working on new material for her 4th album in America, which she plans to drip release over this year and next. ‘It definitely has a soulful sound just because that’s the style that I like to sing but the music is much more fresh and contemporary. I love singing something that has a bit more beat and soul to it and it’s really fun to experiment with new sounds and have fun with the production.’

Taking on the iconic role of Holly Golightly, made famous by Audrey Hepburn is brave for a somewhat ‘new’ actress. Emilia Clarke’s broadway adaptation of Golightly in 2013 was a flop with critics describing her

performance as ‘lacking warmth’ and some even labelled her as ‘miscast’ and the play closed after just one month. Eeek. To say that the pressure is on is an understatement, but this version is quite different to the film script, as Pixie attests. ‘I’ve stayed away (from watching the film) because our version is different to the movie and I didn’t want to copy anything because Audrey Hepburn is amazing. I don’t want to be too closely compared and I really wanted to make it my own.’ She even admits to a likeness between herself and Golightly. ‘We have quite a lot of similarities really. She’s very free spirited, loves to travel and she loses everything, she’s a bit forgetful, and she obviously loves fashion,’ she giggles. And boy does Pixie love fashion, particularly the 60s: ‘It’s fun but classic, the best of both.’

She’s no stranger to the F-ROW at Fashion Week and to this date she has produced four very successful collaborations with Lipsy, well before Michelle Keegan and Ariana Grande were on the scene. Not to mention her supermodel beau of six years

Women / Interview

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 21

Women / Interview

Uli Weber

WIN!

Sean Ebsworth Barnes

Oliver Cheshire. The 27-year-old started his career much like Pixie, as a teenager, after being scouted by top agency Select Model Management at 17. He has fronted major designer campaigns for Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana and was most recently cast as the face of M&S Autograph, having modelled for their menswear collection for the past two years. Pixie confesses, ‘I definitely have the most clothes but he does have a lot for a boy.’

They both live together in Shoreditch but have recently swapped shopping for house-hunting because Pixie’s fashion habit is getting a little out of hand… ‘I think it will always be the case (of not having enough room) because we both have a lot of stuff. I’m looking to get a new place but I’m so busy at the moment.’ Which is not surprising given that she’s been rehearsing for a solid six days a week leading up to her debut at Leicester Curve theatre.

So does this new move mean we could hear wedding bells in the not too distant future? Who knows, but being the fashion 22 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

lover and girly girl that she is, you would have thought she’d have her perfect wedding down to a Tee by now. Not quite as it turns out. ‘I’m not a very organised person to be honest,’ she confesses. ‘I love big parties and I would definitely love to have a massive wedding but I would also like to have a little quiet one somewhere really hot with just my family so then you get the best of both.’ And the dress? ‘I have no idea yet! she says, shutting down my cheeky line of enquiry. ‘But I guess it depends when it happens. I want to go for something classic so I don’t look back at the pictures and think, ‘what was I thinking!’

With a back-to-back schedule of rehearsals, meetings and interviews it’s a surprise that she gets any time to herself. ‘I’m so busy at the moment but in general, I’m always doing something, so whenever there’s time to chill I use it so when I’m back working I’m at my best.’ So what is chill-time for a pop princess? ‘I love massages and facials and shopping – you know, normal things.’

That’s Pixie for you.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the classic tale of Holly Golightly written by Truman Capote and so memorably portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film, is being given a new lease of life as a stage play with music in a sparkling, sophisticated production starring the multi awardwinning Pixie Lott as Holly.

Adapted by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony and Olivier Award-winning playwright Richard Greenberg and directed by Nikolai Foster, this tale of vivacious, good-time girl Holly Golightly and her fantastical existence in 1940s New York City, is told through the eyes of a young writer named Fred, played by Matt Barber (Downton Abbey), who is completely fascinated by this exquisite extrovert who every woman wants to be, and every man wants to be with.

We have a pair of top price tickets for one lucky reader to win. To enter visit stylebham.com/win Prize tickets are top price tickets and are valid for the evening performance on Friday 22 or Saturday 23 April 2016, strictly subject to availability.

Tickets are non-transferable. No cash alternative is available. Travel is not included. For more infomation visit breakfastattiffanys.co.uk New Alexandra Theatre, Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham, B5 4DS 0844 871 3011. Breakfast At Tiffany’s is showing between 18-23 April 2016.

Make memories last – with your complimentary engraving.

WWW.THOMASSABO.COM

House of Fraser Corporation Street | B2 5JS Birmingham

Selfridges Bullring Upper Mall | East Bullring | B5 4BP Birmingham

Bullring Shopping Centre Level 3 | Unit SU 324 | B5 4BA Birmingham

Auctioneers & Valuers Antiques | Jewellery | Watches

The Designer Collection

Lots 204, 377, 384 & 388 featuring in this auction

A timed auction of over 400 lots of designer handbags and accessories by Chanel, Hermès & Louis Vuitton

Tuesday 5th at 10am - Sunday 17th April at 7.30pm Visit www.fellows.co.uk for further details on how to bid We invite you to view all items in this auction on the 12th April 12 - 8pm at the Marco Pierre White Champagne Bar, The Cube Birmingham

VIEW THE FULL AUCTION CALENDAR WWW.FELLOWS.CO.UK Jewellery Quarter Saleroom | 19 Augusta Street, Birmingham, B18 6JA | 0121 212 2131 Mayfair Office | 2nd Floor, 3 Queen Street, London, W1J 5PA | 0207 127 4198

fellowsauctions

Women / The Edit

Fashion News ECO BRIDE If you’re a bride-to-be and you haven't bought ‘The Dress’ yet, then don’t panic as H&M have got your back. Inspired by the Louvre in Paris, the Swedish retailer has introduced three bridal gowns into its latest Conscious Collection which will be available from April 7. You won't have to delve too deep into your purse either with the dresses in the collection starting at just £149.99. Did we forget to mention that they’re also eco-friendly? Speaking with Vogue, AnnSofie Johansson, the creative advisor at H&M said: ‘The collection is a layering of references, shapes and textures topped of by intensely decorative accessories and deco-inspired bijoux.’

’S EDITOR! PICK BIONDA CASTANA X L.K.BENNETT Two of our favourite British brands have launched the ultimate shoe collection. The collaboration is L.K.Bennett’s the first with a fashion brand and features 20 colourful pieces. ‘We looked to the Fifties and Seventies and sought to mix this feel with signature elements of L.K.Bennett and Bionda Castana. L.K.Bennett is known for its polka-dot print and lowheeled offering, while we are known for our graphic prints and subtle use of mesh. Once we identified these signature traits we found a natural synergy that made for an exciting collection.’ Bionda Castana designers Natalia Barbieri and Jennifer Portman said to Vogue. The collection is in-store at the Mailbox and online at LKBennett.com.

High impact sports bra, £29.50

Wrap cardigan, £35

Shorts, £16

MODEL BEHAVIOUR

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley doesn’t disappoint with the recent launch of her brand new activewear collection for Autograph at Marks and Spencer. Inspired by ballet, the range is perfect for yoga or pilates classes, and consists of romantic crop tops, mesh insert leggings and pretty wraps, all in muted pink and neutral hues. We love this grey body with beautiful floral panelling and a keyhole back — ideal for a gentle workout.

Alexa pink leather courts £295

Thomas Sabo infinity bracelet, £90

Jackie black flat sandals £275

Betty leather courts £325

Bridge a Gap Perfect for a gift or just as a treat to yourself, Thomas Sabo’s Love Bridge ‘Heart Infinity’ bracelet comes in three colours; gold, silver and rose gold. Intricate heart and infinity charms adorn the chain and the bracelet comes with a complimentary engraving so your memories can last a lifetime. The delicate design wraps around the wrist perfectly and will make sure that you always have a special message with you.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 25

Women / The Edit

THE IND NE AT H E B LI GO ES ON .COM M N A E SC LEBH ST Y

CAndy crush

Spring’s fresh sugary shades adds a touch of sweetness to the new season

Photography: Mike Raven Styling: Elle Sixsmith Hair: Alfie at Bad Apple Model: Annabell Ratter at Bookings Assistants: Paige Goddard and Sarah Unes 26 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Women / The Edit

Three Floor culottes, £230, Sophia Webster pastel leather sandals, £525, Fallon cluster earrings, £155, Lola Rose set of three rings, £85, all available at Harvey Nichols

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 27

Women / The Edit

Valentino cape mini dress, ÂŁ1,195, Harvey Nichols

28 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Women / The Edit

Pinko top, £165, Pinko trousers, £170, Stella McCartney platforms, £625, Meli Melo micro bag, £315, Lola Rose set of three rings, £85, all available at Harvey Nichols

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 29

Women / The Edit

Funnel top, £42, high-waisted stripe shorts, £36 buckle mid shoes, £48, stripe neckerchief, £8, all available at Topshop

30 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Women / The Edit Anna Cammish top, price on request, (annacammish@hotmail.co.uk), Topshop knickers, £10, River Island socks, £6, Topshop platform sandals, £52

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 31

Women / The Edit

Topshop belted trench coat, ÂŁ85

32 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Women / The Edit

Tux blazer, £49, bra, £18 both available at Topshop

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 33

Phase Eight lace dress, ÂŁ169

Women / The Edit

34 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Women / The Edit

Off-the-shoulder top, £39, pink trousers, £35, buckle mid shoes, £48, all available at Topshop

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 35

Women / The Edit

&

Jewellery designer Sophie Davis of Oh My Clumsy Heart based in the Jewellery Quarter talks the importance of quality and going against the high-street

What first drew you to jewellery making?

Oh My Clumsy Heart started because I couldn’t find anything that was good quality and with a minimal aesthetic. A lot of the high-street shops had really overpriced cheap metals, and I wanted something in the middle ground that was high quality but not luxury and not super cheap. I just started making it because I wanted to wear it. I started a little shop on Etsy as a hobby and when the pieces started selling, I used the money to invest in high quality metals and I realised that if I worked hard enough, I could make this a job. I’m celebrating four years in August.

time. My boyfriend, Jack Spicer Adams takes all the photos of the jewellery and does a lot of photography for in the city for restaurants and bars.

Did you have any formal training at all?

How would you describe the aesthetic?

No not in jewellery making. I have a degree in media and popular culture and I did a lot of branding and advertising and I learnt html when I was really young so I put those skills into the business. And I had a job in marketing before I made this my full-time job so that definitely helped.

The style is minimal, classic but in a modern design so the pieces are timeless. I get inspiration from everywhere. I visit museums, galleries and architecture and take inspiration from that.

Apart from design, do you do any of the other elements yourself?

I do everything from contacting stockists and packaging to marketing, customer service and social media. It’s tough and there are moments where I wish there was another pair of hands to package orders or do the jobs that take a lot of

36 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

How do you go about designing a new piece?

I do fashion season launches so spring/summer and autumn/winter and I look at creating 8 to 15 pieces.

I’m constantly drawing basic ideas because they’re just simple shapes, then I note down all the materials I want to use and draw them. I speak to existing suppliers and then if the suppliers can’t produce them for me, I look for new suppliers and build relationships with them to create what I want. And then that’s the easiest part of it, once I’ve got the

Women / The Edit

pieces its photography, producing content, marketing and creating all the graphics.

I give myself three months for design, a month for finalising and ordering, and a month for planning all of the marketing content and photos.

What would you say was the most important lesson you’ve learnt from starting up your own business?

You have to believe that you’re the best at what you do. If you are making jewellery, you need to believe that your minimal jewellery is better than anyone else’s, its all about having faith in yourself.

Could you tell us about your spring/summer collection for 2016?

Last year I had a gemstone and geological collection and those were really popular, but I feel like it’s fallen out of my branding. I want to take it back to basics for spring/ summer. We’ve got needle point necklaces in silver and gold, small disks and horse pendants which are new but I just wanted to go back to how the brand started; minimal, clean lines and really simple. These are the sort of pieces that you can wear all the time.

Do you think that jewellery is often a little under-rated?

I think it’s under-valued. Partly because you can buy it everywhere and it’s often made from really cheap metals. Many people consider it as disposable, but I really hate disposing of anything and being wasteful. If I buy something, it’s going to be in my life for a long time and I want

my jewellery to be like that. I think people have a similar attitude towards jewellery as they do with the fast fashion on the high-street with trends that change with every season – I definitely don’t want to be a part of that movement.

What tips and advice would you give to people wanting to start a jewellery collection?

It’s all about understanding metals and being educated about the difference between 14 carat gold plated over the sterling silver and the jewellery you find on the high-street which is plated over copper or brass and that will literally turn your skin green. It’s the same with clothing, you’d look at labels to see what material has been used and judge the quality and how long it might last you.

ohmyclumsyheart.com

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Our Top Oh My Clumsy Heart Picks

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S/S16 AVAILA BL ONLIN E E!

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“The style is minimal, classic but in a modern design so the pieces are timeless”

Silver circle earrings, £25

Gold needle necklace, £35 Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 37

Women / The Edit

(We LOVE this dress!)

MEET Finery

London

Chic, considered and affordable, Finery London is the fashion label on a mission to re-inspire our wardrobes. We meet brand director Caren Downie to talk slow fashion and the new concession at John Lewis Birmingham Words: Bal Kooner

T

he womenswear brand which was launched last spring has quickly become a street style favourite for its luxury concept-led pieces that come with very reasonable price tags. After only a year since going online, it has now made its way to the high-street in select John Lewis stores including Birmingham.

Finery is the creative brainchild of highstreet royalty: Caren Downie former fashion director of ASOS, Rachel Morgans former head of buying at Topshop and Emma Farrow who was buying director at Topshop for an impressive 14 years. Clearly a fashion force to be reckoned with, yet with so many years between them in the world of fast fashion, Finery seems to be doing quite the contrary.

Why? ‘We were uninspired with the offer out there and we just thought it was time,’ says Caren, whose thinking was to bring back love to the high-street and cater to women who felt disenchanted by the increasingly younger looks on offer.

Their collections are about ‘having a voice and the confidence to express it’. It seems they have cleverly picked up on how idly we fill our wardrobes with throwaway fashion each season. Finery isn’t interested in fleeting catwalk trends; instead, the focus is on quality and considered pieces that last and importantly, aren’t wallet-destroying expensive or suspiciously cheap.

‘People want to make more considered choices because everyone is feeling that 38 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

NEW BRAND A L E RT

they have too many clothes,’ says Caren.

Along with their well-cut trench coats and minimal shirts with a twist, Finery is into slow fashion. The thought is that women should own capsule wardrobe pieces with more permanency — a reflection of themselves, rather than the catwalks. Now that’s a fashion investment we can all see the sense in. ‘We don’t want to be a brand that dictates that you have to wear this with this to make it look like that,’ says Caren.

The S/S16 collection showcases colourful floral prints, pleats and ruffles through to razor sharp clean lines in a minimal palette.

Whether you want a statement piece or something to quietly enhance your wardrobe, there’s something for everyone. At the heart of Finery is the idea that you make it work

for you. You won’t find these collections sold under categories such as ‘workwear’ or ‘going out’. Instead, they are illustrated through chapters/stories such as Wild Flowers, Down to Earth, Refined Lines and New Traditions, showcasing aptly chosen inspirational women who capture that particular style or mood. An authenticity that the high-street seems to be missing in their catwalk carbon copies.

In turn, craftsmanship is a key aspect of the Finery concept with all embroidery and beading on garments done in India. It is such quality which has got some of Finery’s pieces rubbing shoulders with the likes of Isabel Marant, Prada, Manish Arora and Hermes at London’s V&A New Fabric of India Exhibition. Divia Patel co-curator

Women / The Edit Circle earrings, £25

Print trousers, £59

Brand Caren Director, Down ie

‘People want to make more considered choices because everyone is feeling that they have too many clothes’

Croc boots, £125

of the exhibition said: ‘It was important to us to include Finery because they bring Indian craftsmanship to a broader audience.’

What is this level of craftsmanship going to cost you? Finery seems to be about happy contradictions and the price range sits comfortably between Zara and COS with perfectly tailored trousers starting at £49.

So why John Lewis and why make the jump to a physical store considering their global online success? ‘The store experience is still important to us and allows the customer to personally connect with the product and ensure it fits them properly.’

Yes, the aesthetics are pretty but practicality is a crucial aspect to Finery’s creations.

They want their clothes to work. Which is why they consider how they will be worn

Spring wardrobe staple!

WITH

FINER

Knotted top, £45

Patent croc trainers, £75

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TO ENTER JUST VISIT STYLEBHAM.COM/WIN

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Embroidered shirt, £65

WIN £250 to spend with Finery London We’ve teamed up with Finery London to offer one lucky reader the chance to spend £250 on the collection at John Lewis in Grand Central Birmingham. The SS16 collection is packed with stylish pieces to seamlessly fit into your wardrobe from chic separates and shirt dresses that will enhance your workwear, to modern lace and wrap dresses for a feminine statement.

in everyday life — from the office to the train, it’s geared to work with the woman whatever her situation. As for John Lewis being the launch pad for the year old label, Caren reflects that, ‘John Lewis has lots of values that are aligned to ours and we felt they were an ideal partner for us.’

With Vogue’s seal of approval hailing Finery London as ‘shockingly affordable, chic and very well designed’, it has instantly changed our high-street fashion landscape.

Finery has successfully plugged an amazing gap in the market in an incredibly short length of time. So what are their plans for the future? ‘Ultimately, a store for ourselves would be very nice!’ exclaims Caren but up until then, John Lewis will certainly be top of our hit-list.

Terms and Conditions: One winner will be drawn at random from all valid entries received to win. The prize includes one £250 voucher to spend exclusively on the Finery London collection at John Lewis in Grand Central Birmingham. Competition closes: Friday 13 May at 23.59pm. The winner will be informed between Monday 16 May-Wednesday 18 May. The winner will be contacted via the email. The winner has five working days to claim their prize, no response after this time will result in another winner being selected.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 39

Terms & Conditions: Gift Cards may only be redeemed at Primark branches in the UK. The card balance will expire 2 years after the last card use. The gift cards may not be exchanged for cash or vouchers. Primark will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged cards.

Women / Win

WIN A £500 GIFT CARD To be in with a chance of winning a £500 gift card simply tell us: How many floors of fashion does the new Primark store at The Fort Shopping Park have?

To spend at The Fort’s new Primark store!

EXCLUSIVE TO STYLE BIRMINGHAM READERS! The Fort Shopping Park recently welcomed a new Primark store.

The hotly anticipated store is home to two floors of fashion across an impressive 44,970 sq ft of retail space.

The store’s design and layout creates a relaxed and contemporary shopping experience showcasing the latest trends in women’s, men’s and children’s fashions including footwear, accessories as well as lingerie and homeware.

Centre Manager of The Fort Shopping Park, Marjan Horne said: “This is a very exciting time for the shopping park. We are delighted to welcome Primark to The Fort, it is a fantastic addition to our existing retail offer and one that we know will be very popular with our customers. ”

Enter online at stylebham.com/win Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 41

P U R E T R E AT M E N T O I L | T H E U LT I M AT E H A I R R E STO R I N G E L I X I R

FA B U LO U S LY D E CA D E N T H A I R CA R E W WW. S H OW B E AU T Y. C O M

Beauty / Shopping

GLOWGETTER Get that perfect glow and capture your skin in its best light with Laura Mercier’s Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation (£35, Harvey Nichols). Thanks to its blend of radiant-pearl mica, this light-reflecting foundation creates the look of a soft-lit candle being held against the skin. Blends of purified water hydrate the skin without making it look too greasy, whilst lightweight oils help balance your skin.

Beauty Bulletin Words: Sarah Unes

REA EXCL DER 50% USIVE o Appl ff at Bad e Hai r!*

HAIR FORECAST

Aid Tams, from Bad Apple talks Kate Moss and how to achieve an effortless look Hair has gone through a revolution in recent years with dip-dyes, chalky colours and bed head styles, making it easy for those with long hair to add a feel cool style to their look. This progressed onto ombre and two-tone dip-dye, a more mature variant and something which is still totally current. Braids, wet slicked hair, curls and pressed shapes were all over the S/S16 catwalks.

The Kate Moss effortless hair look is always a great style, but sometimes ladies can be so fast to wash and blow-dry their hair, that all the natural movement gets lost. TIGI’s dry shampoo ‘Oh Bee Hive’, £14.50, is a quick fix for day old hair to retain that much needed volume and movement. TIGI’s ‘Superstar’, £14.50, is another fantastic product which will add definition. Better still, plait the hair in a couple of big sections, leaving a bit of root out so it sits flat to the head, then dry the product very naturally in the hair without using masses of heat or speed. This will give a beautiful natural looking wave. Less is more and you can always add the tiniest amount of shine at the root with TIGI’s ‘Blow Out Balm’, £16.50, for texture. The simplest looks are not always the easiest but are always the most beautiful when you get them right.

To book a consultation call a Bad Apple salon.

Birmingham- 0121 663 0612, Wallsall - 01922 235901, Solihull - 0121 663 1314, Wolverhampton - 01902 213 604 *Day and stylist restrictions apply, offer available on all services for new customers only. Contact salons for full details. Offer valid until 30/5/16

Saviour Products!

Highlighter is a girl’s best friend.

It sculpts, defines your best features and literally makes you look like you are a glowing angel. Here’s our top three:

ILLUMINATORS

MODEL MAKEOVER

Rosie Huntington Whitley has teamed up with Autograph at Marks & Spencer to bring us the make-up collection of our dreams. The debut collection has a massive 51 pieces to choose from in universally flattering soft pinks and browns. Get Rosie’s natural glow with the Amazing Radiance Cream (£18, Marks & Spencer), which seeps into the skin seamlessly to brighten and illuminate, whilst smoothing over any pores to create a flawless base for your foundation. Rosie’s personal favourite, Lady Rose lipstick (£14, Marks & Spencer) contains argan oil and aloe vera to condition and hydrate your smackers to perfection.

Benefit High Beam, £19.50 Cult classic High Beam enhance gives the skin a subtle yet shimmery highlight, and can be built up to provide as much or as little emphasis as you like. Use it on your cheek bones, brow bone and cupid’s bow for a supermodel look.

Stilla One Step Illuminate, £24 Stilla’s One Step Illuminate mixes natural colours into a highlighting formula to create a natural dewy glow that isn’t too shimmery. It’s embedded with Stilla’s Youth Revival Bio-Available Mineral Complex which works to improve the skin’s overall appearance by reducing imperfections and controlling oil build-up.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlighter, £19 This is a great start for first time users. The chubby stick promises easy application thanks to its curved stick shape. Just scribble onto the face and blend for a natural glow; this longwearing highlighter is a definite win for subtle definition.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 43

Beauty / Confessions

LOVE AND LIPSTICK:

The Art Behind The ‘I Do’ From concealing bags to tidying nervous tears, there is no make-up eventuality our beauty writer Rose Gallagher hasn’t experienced as the make-up artist at all her friends’ weddings. So who better to ask about looking picture-perfect on your big day?

44 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

e si d e nt m a k up

guru R o s

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here are pros and cons to being ‘the one that’s good at make-up’ in your friendship group. On one hand, you can’t just have a glass of wine before a night out without someone asking ‘can you just quickly do my eyes?’ But on the other hand, your skill means that you end up playing a huge part in the most special day of someone’s life – your friend’s wedding day.

HANNAH

The night before Hannah’s wedding, at 11pm to be exact, I had just finished a big beauty event at work when I got some dreadful news. Another make-up artist was helping me with the wedding make-up because the bridal party was so large, and was mortified to tell me that she had broken her arm and wouldn’t be able to come. This was where I practised one of the ultimate rules in wedding planning: do not tell the bride about any disasters. Turning up at the crack of dawn the next morning with a leather-jacket-clad, tattooed cheeky boy, I played it cool and assured them I had enlisted an even more fabulous make-up artist – which I had. My good friend Jack saved the day at the eleventh hour (quite literally), and after dazzling them with his full Chanel make-up kit they loved him so much that they even invited him to the wedding with me!

BRIDGET

WEDDING MAKE-UP SPECIAL!

Then there was Bridget’s wedding. In my opinion, if your wedding coincides with

New Year’s Eve you are simply asking for a raucous party. After popping to the pub to see in the new year, half of Bridget’s bridal party, including me, rolled into bed at 5am. For the record, I would argue that Bridget herself was the instigator in all of this. With two hours of sleep under our belts, we embarked upon the unsavoury task of completely resurrecting everyone’s complexion and colour correcting the biggest under-eye bags you have ever seen.

Note to party people: in this scenario, all you need is a multi-pack of croissants, a can of Coke and a Charlotte Tilbury Retoucher concealer to perk up an entire bridal party.

KATE

the two things you’ll need through the day.

Now this next rule is crucial and goes for everyone: be sure to select a foundation with no SPF in it. Sunscreen will bounce light from the flash photography on the day, leaving you with a white face and a darker body. Not a good look.

For me Perfume is one of the single most important parts of any wedding. Choose your scent carefully – you can even create your own bespoke blend at Jo Malone – because whenever you smell it again you will be taken back to your special day.

And finally, if you are helping your bride to get ready, be sure to leave the room when her father comes to get her from her dressing room. The first time he sees her in her dress is a moment of two very strong extremes – happiness and loss. It is a moment that will stay with both of them forever, so leave them to enjoy it in peace.

I am so grateful to have shared so many funny and special memories with my brides along the years. I can’t wait to hear what my make-up artist (which will without doubt be my best friend Kate) will say about me one day.

On the way to Kate’s wedding my eyes just wouldn’t stop streaming. I was doing my own make-up in the back of a minibus filled with all of my best friends, juggling a mascara wand in one hand and a paper cup of Prosecco in the other. Don’t you just hate that, when your make-up is perfect but then one eye streams? So we pulled up to the services and after Jay Begs and I had had a leather chair massage for £2 I tried taking a hayfever antihistamine. In 30 mins my eyes had completely stopped es The Brid streaming. Now? A pack of Piriton is Essentials an essential in my make-up artist kit.

Brides, ensure that your bridesmaids are armed with the essentials for quick touch up. Give someone a great touch-up powder (the ultimate bridal powder is Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light) and your chosen lipstick – these are

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, £38, Harvey Nichols

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede cologne, £42 for 30ml

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 45

Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher, £25, Selfridges

St y

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Beauty / Confessions

Beauty / Hourglass

D THE G O B E H IN N LI N E AT S C EN ES O M.C O M A H S T Y LE B

THE NEW ELEGANCE Luminous and highlighted with a touch of subtle strobing.

Take inspiration from spring’s baked palette for an flawless finish with Hourglass, exclusively at Harvey Nichols All jewellery previously sold at Fellows Auctioneers All fashion from Harvey Nichols

Photography: Mike Raven Model: Dijora at Bookings Models Make-up: Carla Wall for Hourglass Hair: Alex from Harris Gibbs Stylist: Elle Sixsmith Assistant: Paige Goddard 46 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Gel Eye Liner, £36,

Beauty / Hourglass Ambient Lighting

DKNY satin-trim jumpsuit, £335, Georg Jensen 1970s foliate necklace, £3,300, Ruby and diamond earrings, £360

Bronzer in Luminous Bronze, £40, Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent Strobe, £34, Modernist Eye Shadow Palette in Infinity, £56, Femme Nude Lip Stylo in No 1, £22, Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, £45, Veil Mineral Primer, £52, Ambient Lighting Palette, £59

FELINE FLICK

A playful flick a la Brigitte Bardot adds a seductive edge to an evening look.

Apply with confidence against a flawless complexion for maximum impact.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 47

Beauty / Hourglass

SHINING STAR Harsh contouring has had it’s day, flawless skin with that ‘post-facial glow’ is where it’s at. For the most flattering look, add a pop of peach to the cheeks.

48 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Finders Keepers crepe top, £100, Tiffany & Co. ‘Atlas’ pendant, £600

Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, £45, Veil Mineral Primer, £52, Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Fawn, £22, Modernist Eye Shadow Palette in Infinity, £56, Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light, £38, Ambient Lighting Blush in Ethereal Glow, £32, Femme Nude Lip Stylo in No 1, £22, Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light, £38

Alexander McQueen eyelet jumper, £940, Diamond ear pendants, £1,500

Beauty / Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, £45, Veil Mineral Primer, £52, Ambient Lighting Palette, £59, Gel Eye Liner, £36, Femme Nude Lip Stylo in No 1, £22, Modernist Eye Shadow Palette in Obsura, £56, Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze, £40, Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent Strobe, £34

BRONZE AMBITION

A stroke of metallic brown across the lid is a playful alternative to black or grey. Deepen a smokey look for evening with kohl liner on the lower and upper lash line.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 49

Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Beauty Hourglass in Infinity, £56, /Femme Nude Lip Stylo in No 1, £22, Ambient Lighting Blush in Ethereal Glow, £32, Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze, £40, Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent Strobe, £34, Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, £45, Veil Mineral Primer, £52

Michael Kors embellished dress, £185, 18ct gold crystal ear pendants, £320

THE GOLDEN AGE

50 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

A golden glow matched with carefully placed highlighter can give a fresh feel to the face and subtly enhance your bone structure. Blend a touch across the bridge of nose, at the top of the cheekbones and on the cupid’s bow.

Beauty / Hourglass

PRETTY MINIMAL

Alice + Olivia blouse, £265, 18ct gold diamond ear pendants, £800-1,200, Diamond dress ring, £620

This season’s most flattering colour palette is baked nudes. Pair shimmery beige tones over the eyes with a rose gold sheen on the lips to create a luminous effect. Just remember to keep brows strong and groomed.

Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, £45, Veil Mineral Primer, £52, Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Fawn, £22, Modernist Eye Shadow Palette in Infinity, £56, Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light, £38, Arch Sculpting Brow Pencil, £26

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 51

Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze, £40, Ambient Strobe Lighting Beauty / Hourglass Powder in Iridescent Strobe, £34, Modernist Eye Shadow Palette in Infinity, £56, Femme Nude Lip Stylo in No 1, £22, Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, £45, Veil Mineral Primer, £52, Ambient Lighting Palette, £59, Arch Sculpting Brow Pencil, £26

LAID BARE

Create that light from within effort with luminous powders in a pearl sheen rather than sparkly shimmer. Spot apply on the places where light will hit for instant radiance.

Finders Keepers belted jersey coat, £155, Van Cleef & Arpels 18ct gold 'Alhambra' mother-of-pearl pendant, £1,700, Pearl and diamond pendant, £380-480

52 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

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Beauty / Hair Hacks

Desperately need a change-up? We went to the experts Royston Blythe for some serious hair inspiration and the new styles to transform our look

54 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Jasper Conran

Hair esh Refr

IP: HOT T is

SWAP SIDES

try th Never e! at hom

Jessica Alba

Side partings have been making a subtle comeback over recent months but for Spring/Summer 2016 they are absolutely back on the beauty agenda thanks to the runways of Christian Dior, Balmain and Topshop Unique. Whilst centre partings are perfect for oval shaped faces, the deep-set side parting is not limiting and suits everyone.

Beauty / Hair Hacks

Dior

DKNY

HOT TIP:

There is no reason not to try it – you can go softer for daytime but for a night out you should become more daring and take your parting deeper. This is an easy to achieve look and will work for every length from dainty crops to super-long locks.

THE EVERLASTING LOB

The over-the-shoulder bob isn’t going anywhere this season! This gorgeous style is long enough to work in with any trend (wavy, smooth and skinny, braids, fringes or side-partings) yet it is also the perfect length to make a subtle statement and is so much easier to manage than super-long locks. Think Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Emma Stone. Their lobs are carefully crafted to flatter their face shape and bone structure, yet super feminine and sexy. The lob can be tailored to suit every face shape and hair type.

Each season the lob gets better with texture, multi-dimensional colouring and a variety of waves – it is more luscious than ever.

Emma Stone

Fringe Benefits

HOT TIP:

If you are slightly over-committed to your long locks, visit your stylist for a faux Lob to test out the look. A stylist will cleverly underpin your hair to create a soft bob with gentle waves that will add a subtle texture to the style.

GO BRONDE

Bronde is ultimately a subtle fusion of sun kissed blonde highlights and brunette lengths. The bronde look is created using a balayage (freehand) colouring technique and offers a natural, multi-dimensional hue that uses a variety of colours that can be adapted to flatter any skin tone. The beauty of bronde is that you can have a bespoke and personalised hair colour that flatters your individual complexion.

Fendi

The important thing is to visit a truly professional stylist who will consider your face shape, hair texture and personal style before they pick up their scissors. A new fringe can make an enormous statement and can completely alter your look.

A cleverly-cut, well thought out fringe can disguise and highlight HOT TIP: your most flattering features. A Never opt for a fringe with a side-swept fringe will perfectly side parting. It will not sit right. complement a round face whilst Any good stylist will show you a heavy block fringe is the ideal how to style your new fringe. disguise for someone conscious of Listen to them and take advice their forehead. Remember that a if they recommend a specific fringe shouldn’t be hard work. This product or brush to use that season we love the grown-out look, will ease styling. it adds interest and should be sculpted around the face to soften and highlight.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 55

Men / Style

The Style Chart

From smart technology to exotic beard oil – here’s what we’ll be lusting after this season Words: Emma Strawbridge

EDITOR’S PICK

BAGGAGE CLAIM

Perfect for a weekend away, this suede camel duffle bag will get you wherever you need to go. £49.99, Zara

SILKY SMOOTH

Keep your beard looking great by using Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino beard oil with vitamin E. £40, House of Fraser

GET SMART

Monitor your training with this smartwatch complete with GPS technology and exercise apps to keep you moving. £279.98, John Lewis

MUST-SEE

Get your fix of all things Westeros before series six of Game of Thrones hits our screens in April. £24.99, Amazon

COVER UP

A staple of the season, this collarless Whistles shirt will see you all the way through to summer. £75, Whistles

BRIGHT EYES

Sick of those dark circles? Clinque’s eye gel will instantly brighten tired eyes so you can feel like yourself again. £24, Harvey Nichols

SOUND OF SILENCE

These new Bose headphones feature noise reduction technology to banish any background sounds. £269.95, Bose.co.uk

STATE OF THE ART

Another reason to love IKEA. This work lamp with a built-in charger means no fussing with plugs and wires. £50, IKEA

ZIP UP

Update the classic Harrington jacket by going for an on trend burgundy colour. We love this one from Pretty Green. £85, Resorts World Birmingham

THE ART OF SEDUCTION

OdeJo is the first scent from GQ Fashion Director Jo Levin. Playfully modern with Tahitian rose and sea kelp. £75, Harvey Nichols

MONO MAGIC

Step out in these COS leather trainers, perfect for daytime and chic for evening paired with a suit. £79, COS

THRILLER

Bestselling author James Patterson is back with another jaw-dropper; filled with murders and high stakes robberies. £20, Waterstones

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 57

Mens / Style H&M blazer, £39.99

Spring Style Edit

H&M trousers, £24.99

H&M denim bomber jacket, £29.99

Words: Daisy Holden

The key to updating your wardrobe for spring/summer?

These simple yet stylish twists will help you transition out of the winter months and into the new season

BECKHAM X H&M Men, if you are going to take style advice from any celebrity, David Beckham is a safe bet. One of the best dressed men in the world has created a capsule collection in collaboration with H&M. Sitting alongside his Bodywear collection, the Modern Collection features key wardrobe essentials that every man needs. Perfect to freshen up your wardrobe, Beckham notes “each piece is a new wardrobe classic that will update every man’s spring wardrobe with great style”. What to look out for? Linen bomber jackets, crisp blazers and that perfect white shirt.

INVESTMENT PIECE

There is nothing more sleek than a muted tone suit. A neutral colour worn head to toe screams dapper dressing, and is perfectly on trend for this season. Pair with a lighter toned shirt to the office, and swap to a round-neck t-shirt for those after-work drinks. Grey and navy are also a good choice, but make sure to pick one with a good quality fabric to avoid looking like you are wearing your school uniform. Steer clear of black this season, and pick a lighter touch.

Burberry bomber jacket, £365, matchesfashion.com

Burton

BOMBER JACKET THE SPRING ESSENTIAL

COS oxford shirt, £55

The classic Oxford shirt is making a comeback. Dress it up or down, this is a key item to have in your wardrobe. A pale blue shirt is the colour of choice. Wear with chinos, jeans or under a suit –this shirt will easily adapt to any outfit. We love this classic pale blue shirt from COS. 58 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

With the English weather ever unpredictable, a lightweight jacket is essential for spring. This was an essential item for last Autumn and proves that this style is here to stay. Invest in a simple slim-cut style in a dark shade to avoid buying a high-fashion piece. This way your jacket can transition between seasons. We love this one by Burberry as it combines the sporty nature of the bomber jacket with a smart navy style.

Mens / Style

READER EXCLUSIVE 50% off at Bad Apple Hair!*

A CUT ABOVE THE REST

Their cutting edge styling and passion for rebellious looks have made them the Midland’s best loved salon, and now, Bad Apple celebrates the opening of their 4th branch. The new Wolverhampton salon and academy was opened by industry master Anthony Mascolo, international creative director of TIGI and threetimes winner of British Hairdresser of the Year. To top that, Bad Apple’s award-winning director Aid Tams has created a stunning new hair campaign with a fresh twist. The story called ‘Born’, narrates the life of the salon and how it has evolved over the years. The ‘Born’ campaign has also just been featured in the newly launched online hair magazine Infringe, which is dedicated to celebrating the world of hair through art, culture and fashion.

A FRESH

To celebrate the new salon — every Style Birmingham reader can take 50% off cuts, colours and treatments at all Bad Apple salons. To redeem this offer, just quote Stylebham at the time of booking. This offer is exclusive to readers and new Bad Apple customers.

NEW LOOK

*Available in all salons, day and stylist restrictions may apply.

Call salons for details.

ATHLEISURE

MCQ Alexander McQueen mesh cotton trousers, £285, Harvey Nichols

The sportswear trend exploded on the catwalks last season, and it has proved it is here to stay. We are not talking about tracksuits or lycra, but smart crossover pieces that can take you straight out of the gym, to the bar. This trend not only looks good, but feels good too. The skate shoe or leather trainers are sporty staples and should be a signature piece in your spring wardrobe. White, navy, grey or black are the shades to pick from, and keep the sole crisp white.

March marks a distinctive period in the life of tailors Clements and Church, with a very exciting re-launch on the horizon. The new website is a window into the world of the refreshed brand with unheralded attention to detailing, stories from behind-the-scenes and a showcase of the latest styling options. With a focus on fine detailing and using only the very best fabrics available, Clements and Church is as far removed from the ‘big sell’ as you can get. They are all about giving the best service and educating and guiding customers in their quest for a beautifully bespoke suit.

Visit the new website to find out more clementsandchurch.co.uk

Topman harrington jacket, £45 Adidas originals tubular nova, £100 SKAGEN watch, £185

THREE OF THE BEST: MINIMALIST WATCHES Sleek and sophisticated watches are the essential item to pair with your new seasonal style, and we have picked the best three for you! Last season welcomed the chunky watch, with a face full of dials and numbers.

This season it is all about sleek accessories with a minimal design.

Larsson & Jennings watch, £215, Harvey Nichols

Thomas Sabo chain-link watch, £205 Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 59

Men / Style

A Fresh Start

Our guide to the best new season pieces and how to wear them now

Reinvented Classics  The classic white trainer just got an edgy update and is anything but basic. Wear these perforated white trainers dressed up or down for a cool nod to the Brit pop trend and celebrate the return of the 90s.

Photography: Mike Raven Words: Sarah Unes

New Look trainers ÂŁ19.99

60 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Men / Style

Armani Exchange reversible jacket, £270

Two In One This reversible jacket doubles up as a waterproof and a lightweight cotton jacket making it a great addition to your wardrobe.

In super wearable navy, this jacket will fit into any man’s closet. Branded Armani buttons add subtle detail to a basic essential.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 61

Men / Style

River Island canvas backpack, £35 canvas shopper, £35

Tan Essentials Earthy tones are brought to life with hued tan leather finishes to keep it contemporary. Sturdy canvas and plenty of pockets mean these heavy duty backpacks can easily handle all of your everyday essentials, from your gym wear to your tech, while the holdall (left) can be used as a tote or a backpack.

62 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Men / Style

The Minimal Jacket Clean cut, straight and flattering for all, this box jacket looks like a shirt but keeps you warm like a jacket. Functionality meets style; with multiple pockets and its earthy colour, this beautifully cut tan number from River Island adds instant sophistication to any look.

River Island jacket ÂŁ55 Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 63

D E L I V E R I N G S A R T O R I A L E XC E L L E N C E clementsandchurch.co.uk

Men / How To Tom Ford Venetian Bergamot EDP, £145 50ml

WEEKEND

chelse a boo

7 , £1

D un e

irt t-sh

H&M cashmere knit, £59.99

CO Ss t ri

pe

For the perfect off-duty look, style the jacket with some tapered ankle grazers and preppy accessories.

SEIKO watch, £129, T.H. Baker

ts, £99

How To Wear: Suede Jacket

Zara trousers, £39.99

DATE NIGHT If the date’s casual, don’t wear anything too dressy.

You can’t go wrong with a lightweight jumper and chelsea boots.

River Island faux suede jacket, £65

WORK

Fossil wakefield watch, £229

Opt for warmer, spring colours and match with tan shoes; a crisp white shirt will smarten up the finished look.

A key transitional piece you need in your wardrobe, the suede jacket is a spring essential and here’s how you should be styling it T IM E L E S S S TA P L E S

EVENING

Reiss wool trousers, £115

Clements & Church tassel loafers, £449.95

BOSS leather shoes, £260, Hugo Boss, Mailbox

A greyscale colour palette screams sophistication; pair with a stylish watch and you’re good to go.

Noose and Monkey shirt, Topman, £40

New Look light-weight knit, £17.99

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 65

Men / Style

THE MINIMAL JACKET

Turn to page 63 to see more!

Trends To Know For Spring Words: James Tissman 66 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

River Island

Get ready for a new season of designs soon to hit the high street

Men / Style

C

ongratulations, if you’re reading this it means that you have managed to survive two of the dullest months of the year. Yes, skint as you might have been in January and lonely as you were on Valentines, spring is finally beckoning us as the light appears at the end of a very long and dark tunnel.

Hurrah for spring, hurrah for the new trends hitting the high street, and a stiff hurrah for me helping you achieve style righteousness for the next coming months (we hope).

Now, I’ve done my research, I’ve flicked through the shows and I have to say it’s going to be a bit all over the place these next coming months. However, I’ve managed to nail four trends including fashion and accessories to get you heading in the right direction - now follow closely.

BACKPACKS

When it comes to accessories, it’s all about the boardroom backpack.

Clean cut, leather bags that give a whole new meaning to smart casual; it’s the must-have accessory to get you through the coming months.

EAS INSPI TERN R AT I O N

Spring brings with it an influx of oriental animal prints such as koi carp, dragons and tigers. Designers are also rolling them out in embroidery form on baseball jackets, offering a slight subversion for the casual jock amongst us.

As for silhouettes, kimono-inspired designs and raglan sleeves are set to be high-street favourites. If this is for you then keep it plain and tailored for a contemporary edge.

Forget dipping into your parents’ wardrobe for some 70s clobber; it’s time to have a rummage in Granddad’s for some must-have 50s style. This time, we’re whipping out the 50s inspired shirts.

Make sure it’s tailored, wear it baggy, but make sure your gramps, at least, sees it tucked in.

Also, on a side note, silk shirts are back.

Whether that’s good or not is another matter, all I suggest is that you shop around and see if you can source the right one.

New Look bomber jacket, £29.99

THE 50S JACKET JOCKS IC O N IC ST YLE Channel James Dean and Marlon Brando wih Topman’s new 50’s inspired spring 2016 collection

As I mentioned before, bomber jackets are back; however, we want to see you taking them up a notch. You’ll be able to have your pick of them from off the high street, but make sure you keep it contemporary by choosing ones with a tailored edge or in a less obvious fabric to put a great spin on this classic.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 67

chefs

tasting

SHOPPING

2 for 1

with top chefs

tickets with showguides quote SB241

birmingham CANNON HILL PARK 3-5 JUNE

foodiesfestival.com 0844 995 1111

Insider / Spring

THE INSIDER ISSUE 48

RETAIL | MUSIC | CULTURE | LITERATURE

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 69

Insider/ Food

STAR CHEFS Nadiya Hussain

Nadiya has honed her skills as a baker for over 10 years and produces fabulous bakes and desserts every day. However, it’s not just bakes that make her family and friends’ mouth water, it’s her amazing cooking in general.

Brad Carter “Every day, I challenge myself to excite people with my cooking and to serve up food you can’t get at home. I want my passion for cooking to come through with every mouthful and for every dish to take you on a culinary adventure.” Carters of Moseley has just been awarded a Michelin star in the 2016 Michelin Guide.

Foodie Heaven Grazing over bowls of deliciousness in the sunshine, what could be better? If you’re looking for a fun weekend minus the lukewarm wine and greasy pizzas, head to Cannon Hill Park on 3rd to 5th June for Foodies Festival, the UK’s biggest celebration of all things food and drink The biggest foodie names will be there and top-of-the-bill is 2015’s Great British Bake Off winner, Nadiya Hussain, who will be whipping up a storm and showing visitors how to create a showstopper (no soggy bottoms here). If chocolate is more your thing, master chocolatier Fiona Sciolti will show you how to cook with chocolate and recreate a beautifully decorated coco creation at home. Those who shun both cake and chocolate should enjoy talks from

70 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

healthy living experts who will be on hand to champion superfood, feel good food and vegan recipes that will boost your energy levels and help keep you fit all year round.

Not to be outdone, Masterchef are also out in force with Dhruv Baker, winner of MasterChef 2010, and there’s a host of Birmingham’s culinary elite - Nathan Eades, Aktar Islam, Richard Turner and Brad Carter – all cooking live in the Chef ’s Theatre to showcase their Michelin-starred skills and

Nathan Eades Now head chef at Simpsons, Birmingham, Nathan began his culinary year as a catering student at Worcester College and spent two years working as an apprentice at Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire. Prior to setting up his own restaurant Nathan spent more than a year working as senior sous chef at Fishmore Hall Hotel in Ludlow.

Richard Turner Multi award-winning, Michelin-starred Patron Chef, Richard Turner runs Turners Restaurant on Harborne High Street. His food has been described as ‘modern British with French influences’; he specialises in the freshest produce.

Dhruv Baker Winner of MasterChef 2010, Dhruv was born in Mexico where he lived until he was 4 when his family moved to India. He’s spent time in some of the best kitchens in the UK and Europe, learning the skills he needs to put his passion into practice.

Aktar Islam The chef director of Lasan Group, spearheaded by Lasan, his Birmingham restaurant where he serves modern Indian food using the finest British produce. He first shot to fame in 2009 when Lasan won Best Local Restaurant on Gordon Ramsay’s F Word.

Insider/ Food

share their insights into 2016’s food trends.

Drinks are also on the menu with rum, champagne and gin masterclasses courtesy of experts Charles Metcalfe and Neil Phillips, or learn how to match craft beer and foods with beer sommelier and writer, Melissa Cole. Blindfold whisky challenges are a new feature this year, testing your sense of smell and taste to identify ingredients, age and origin, plus – a great opportunity for connoisseurs and novices to learn more about whisky.

For more information and to book tickets visit foodiesfestival.com

A WORLD OF FLAVOUR

READER OFFER!

GET 2-FOR-1 TICKETS WITH SHOW GUIDES Take a world tour of flavours on Street Food Avenue by sampling Japanese, Thai, Malaysian, Argentinian, Turkish, Indian, Korean, Mexican, French and African food.

There’s a special focus on Brazilian street food this year to celebrate the Olympic host’s cuisine, including traditional Brazilian BBQ and Rio’s favourite dish Feijoada, made from black beans, salted pork, smoked sausage and jerk beef. You can also try Brazil’s national cocktail Caipirinha - a mix of lime, sugar and cachaça – as well as the finest quality Brazilian coffees.

Far more down-to-earth, there will be a huge array of award-winning artisan producers showcasing their wares to sample and kids can learn to cook too in the Children’s Cookery Theatre. With over 120 stalls selling everything from seaweed seasoning to champagne-infused fudge, you’ll be spoilt for choice for what to eat at the festival and take home to enjoy.

Also new this year is a Vintage Tea Tent that will hold daily tea dances and a Chilli Food Market for those who love spicy foods.

There will be a range of chilli growers and artisan producers of sauces, sweets and jams, and for those who can handle the heat, a Chilli Eating Challenge will take place at 5pm daily.

Finally, at the heart of the festival will be a new Feasting Tent, a social hub where visitors can enjoy eating with the chefs, friends and family at long banqueting tables.

After a day of feasting, soak in the atmosphere with award-winning bands from around the Midlands playing live music at the Entertainment Stage hosted by the Unsigned Music Awards. Then enjoy a glass of bubbly or a refreshing cocktail from the Giant Pimm’s Teapot or double-decker BarBus. And if you are still hungry, there’s always the famous Chilli-Eating Challenge or Bug-Eating Competition to take part in.

To apply, simply quote Style241 at foodiesfestival.com. The offer applies to adult day tickets only.

Excludes VIP tickets. Children 12 and under go free with an accompanying adult.

Offer ends 5th June 2016.

OPENING TIMES:

FRI 3RD JUN: 12pm – 7pm SAT 4TH JUN: 11am – 7pm SUN 5TH JUN: 11am – 6pm For more information visit foodiesfestival.com

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 71

Insider / Culture

Janet Mendelsohn, Kathleen and her newborn son L (c.1968). Black and white photographic print. Courtesy Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham.

Kathleen’s unequivocal love for her children is a recurring theme of the exhibition, achieved with a poignant subtlety. The sentimentality of this image humanises Kathleen, defining her as more than just her occupation.

It stands as a firm reminder that above anything else, she is a loving mother, an admirable and responsible caregiver and a reliable partner. Mendelsohn proves that there are endless heart-warming instances of humanity, even amongst the most demonised and seemingly dehumanised of communities.

POIGNANT MELANCHOLY Intimate images, intriguing canvases and the spectacular power of the human story; Ally Head explores Janet Mendelsohn’s Varna Road, her largest exhibition to date at Ikon Gallery

72 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Insider / Culture

It is undeniable that the poverty of the area and disposition of the sex workers go hand in hand.

Standing alone on a dark street corner, Kathleen is pictured waiting for potential customers. The darkness of the image paints Kathleen in a vulnerable light, which prompts a subtle feeling of empathy. This is only heightened by Kathleen’s gloomy silhouette and the slippery pavement spattered with rain.

Janet

Mend Varna elsohn Road

Janet Mendelsohn, Pimps and a cop on the street (c.1968). Black and white photographic print.

Courtesy Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham.

N

Pimps mingle with the local authorities in a calm and chatty fashion. Balsall Heath was clearly home to a diverse, varied community, with controversial professions such as this occurring as a result of unstable lives and tough financial situations.

estled deep within the neo-gothic buildings of Brindley Place is the internationally and critically acclaimed Ikon Gallery. This spring, the art house will be making history, hosting the largest exhibition to date from American academic and filmmaker Janet Mendelsohn. Back in the late 60’s, Mendelsohn was a student here in Birmingham and Varna Road showcases what she refers to as a ‘photo essay’. She collated the exhibition, named after what was commonly referred to by the media as ‘the wickedest road in Britain’, for a university project.

The intimate images transport you back to a troubled Balsall Heath, which was renowned as one of the largest red-light districts in the UK at the time. Its notorious slums were being cleared as Mendelsohn started her project, providing an intriguing canvas for the budding photographer. Within two years of the start of Mendelsohn’s project, the Labour government’s slum clearance scheme meant that Varna Road and much of the surrounding area completely ceased to exist. The breathtaking black and white prints provide a stirring picture of pimps, poverty

Janet Mendelsohn, Untitled (c.1968). Black and white photographic print.

Courtesy Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham.

and prostitution, with an underlying and unavoidable theme of unity. Tin baths, beehives and brothels showcase the humbling humanity behind a defaced and dehumanised slum, revealing Mendelsohn’s personal intrigue with the ‘power of the human story’. The moody portraits and mysterious landscapes of tainted Varna Road capture the tender strength of a community in social turmoil. The photographs allow a heart-warming and humbling insight into the close-knit society of the time, documenting a working class district in flux.

Kathleen is the pseudonym for a sex worker from the innercity district, with whom Mendelsohn formed a close and unique friendship with throughout the course of the project. Despite there being around 200 prostitutes working in the slums at the time, the photo essay revolves predominantly around Kathleen and her story. This gives the audience a truly remarkable feel for both the social ties and domestic relations of the women and reveals an extraordinary insight into the nature of the controversial profession. The exhibition is not one to be missed.

Be sure to catch it while you can, running until 3rd April 2016.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 73

Insider / Culture

Reminiscent of wartime Britain, the enigmatic themes of desolation and despair paint a dark picture. It’s hard to believe that the image is from 1968, with once majestic Victorian buildings crumbling in the background onto streets littered with waste. However, Mendelsohn’s images are a defiant reminder that despite the turbulent setting and inauspicious scenario, the slums have not adversely affected the individuals. Children play seemingly happily amongst the waste, unaffected by the less than favourable situation.

g at Showin llery Ikon Ga of April until 3rd

Janet Mendelsohn, The street (c.1968). Black and white photographic print. Courtesy Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham.

Janet Mendelsohn, The street (c.1968). Black and white photographic print. Courtesy Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham

Mendelsohn was encouraged by her lecturers to use her photography as a ‘tool for cultural analysis’. This image reveals an insight into a transforming community. It is a solo shot of Kathleen’s partner, Salim, who was a young man of Asian ethnicity and the father of Kathleen’s second child. The city itself was changing, with steadily increasing numbers of immigrants from the Caribbean and South Asia diversifying the social ties linking the community.

Janet Mendelsohn, Kathleen hanging out (c.1968). Black and white photographic print.

Courtesy Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham.

The old Varna Road high street was the centre for much social activity. Although Kathleen is undoubtedly an individual in a dark place, Mendelsohn’s photography is not sentimental or searching for sympathy. Rather, her images paint a picture of power, of a woman defiant of her ability as a responsible mother, devoted friend and valuable community member. Mendelsohn makes clear that she finds the tenacity and defiance of the community remarkable; all leading normal lives against the odds. There is no request for pity, or condolence; rather an indubitable ‘live and let live’ fatalism.

74 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

AD

Insider / Interview

Her voice was THE sound of the 90s and her track ‘Proud’ has become somewhat of an national anthem.

And now, as Heather Small celebrates three decades in the industry, and fresh from her performance at The Jam House, she’s back with a nation-wide tour – and you guessed it, she’s feeling pretty proud

The Queen of Soul

E

ven after 30 years, it’s still pure nerves before I go on stage. My standards are very high and you always want to meet you own standards.

And unless I do, I’m not happy. Before I had a reputation, and now I have a reputation that precedes me and I want to keep it intact.

I always knew that I loved singing.

Whether anyone thought I was any good was another matter. I used to sing with my friends in the school playground and I was always the smallest but the loudest one there. They would say to me, ‘Heather you’re too loud, you have to get to the back’. I’d go to the back but I would still be the loudest.

I asked the Head of Music at school if I could join the choir and he just looked down his nose at me. I was quite shy as a child so it took all my strength to ask him and he didn’t think I was capable so I thought that I would show him. I looked

EVENTS

Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath - 9 April, £14.50

up to people like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Luther Van Dross so they were my teachers.

I’m most proud of the fact that people still want to hear me sing. That’s honestly the greatest gift of all. People are still willing to spend their hard earned cash and come out to see me perform. For me that has to be the biggest award.

‘Proud’ seems to have taken on a new life of its own, it feels like a separate entity to me sometimes especially when they used it for the Olympics. They said they wanted to use it as part of the Olympic Bid video and the director said he would only do it if they used ‘Proud’. That felt so humbling.

I’ve always enjoyed singing live but now I’ve got more tools in my tool box and I have the experience and there’s no shortcut to experience. I know what to expect when I walk out on stage and I understand that

an audience will forgive anything except for a half-hearted performance and I never do that. Singing live with a group of musicians on stage makes me the happiest. When I was younger I had struggled to find my feet in the studio environment but I’m in my element with a live band. I love my craft but there’s always room for improvement and that’s why I’ve come back. I want to show that there has been a level of improvement.

The last performance I did in Birmingham was at The Jam House and Pride last year which was amazing!

Birmingham has such an amazing sense of community and there was real love and warmth, and not just to me on stage but for each other.

Visit ticketmaster.co.uk for tickets to see Heather Small live

Capital Radio Presenter, Katy Poulsom’s top picks for April EDITOR S PICK!

A GUY CALLED GERALD & NIGHTMARES ON WAX

SNOWBOMING IN AUSTRIA

For a gig out of the city centre, get to the Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath.

On the 9th of April, ‘Leftfoot and hsob present A Guy Called Gerald and Nightmares On Wax.’ It will be a night of acid house, hip-hop, drum and base and electronica. With both acts having years of experience producing and performing they know preciously what a weekend crowd desires. Book early to avoid disappointment.

If you’re looking for a party a bit further a field, then grab your pals and head for the snowy slopes of Mayrhofen, Austria.

‘Snowboming’ is a snow festival that’s not for the faint hearted. By day you hit the slopes, stopping occasionally for a beer at chalets where music is boomed out across the mountains. Then join thousands in a forest to let loose, and try an Arctic Disco where you can sip on a cocktail in an igloo while Fat Boy Slim smashes out the tunes.

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Mayrhofen, Austria 4-9 April, from £349

Insider / What’s On

&

Out About Words: Bethany Lee

FLATPICK FLICKS

Flatpack Film Festival. April 19-24. flatpackfestival.org.uk 2016 marks the tenth year for this festival which orginated from a short film night at the Rainbow pub in Digbeth. Spanning a week, Flatpack offers a variety of screenings, installations and performances. The festival’s hub is Birmingham Museum’s Gas Hall but will include venues all over the city, such as Birmingham’s oldest cinema, The Electric.

The ‘Celluloid City’ event will be held there and features a recently discovered company scrapbook. Look out for unique offerings like ‘Blind Cinema’, in which audiences are blindfolded by schoolchildren who then whisper descriptions of the film to you through ear-trumpets.

HEY NOW!

Ben Haenow | 21 April £26.75+. ticketmaster.co.uk He’s gone from gigging with his brother to becoming 2014’s X Factor winner, and is now taking to the stage for his first UK tour. Following his big win, his debut single Ain’t No Sunshine was the Chrismas number one and he then went on to release his self-titled album in November 2015. Ben will be performing a range of tracks and covers across the country this spring.

BOTTOMS UP

Midlands Whisky Festival | 1 & 2April Standard ticket £35+ Stourbridge Town Hall | whiskyfest.co.uk Perfect for whiskey lovers, this event features around 100 different whiskies from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and further afield. Stroll around the stalls, learning about different whiskies from industry experts – as well as having a tipple of course! The festival boasts a selection of over 200 drams, including high quality “Dream Drams”. Look out for a range of masterclasses to top up your knowledge.

TWIST AND SHOUT

Let It Be | 23-30 April £13.50+ Birmingham Hippodrome | birminghamhippodrome.com This world-famous show celebrates the music of The Beatles. Let It Be turns back the clock and takes audiences on a musical journey from The Beatles’ origins in Liverpool through to international success and twelve studio albums. The show squeezes in over fourty of the rock’n’roll band’s biggests hits, including: Hey Jude, A Hard Day’s Night, She Loves You, Come Together and Twist and Shout.

JOG ON BRUM

The Birmingham Great Run | 1 May £25 greatrun.org/great-birmingham-10k The Great Birmingham Run is back again for its second year. The 10k course takes runners on a tour of the city, including the Bullring, Edgbaston Cricket Ground and Cadbury World. Last year saw 6,500 feet pounding the pavements of Birmingham, and this year promises to be better than ever with the addition of some top tunes.

Enjoy a choice of tracks from your favourite musical era to warm up to and upbeat music from live bands to keep you motivated while you’re running.

PRIDE AND JOY

Birmingham Pride| 28 & 29 May Weekend ticket £18.70+ | Birmingham Gay Village |theticketsellers.co.uk Last year saw 60,000 festival goers and 75,000 spectators, but as 2016 is the event’s twentieth year it’s set to be bigger and better than ever with sets from Fleur East, 99 Souls, MNEK, The Venga Boysand headline act Katy B. Get ready to sing and dance along to some of the UK’s top music acts as well as raising money for local LGBT causes.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 77

Insider / Books

The Best Thrillers of 2016 We all love to curl up to a gritty psychological thriller – here are this year’s next ‘The Girl on the Train’ novels BEHIND CLOSED DOORS £7.99, WATERSTONES

Jack and Grace live seemingly perfect lives. He has his looks and wealth whilst she is beautiful and charming but peel back the layers of their ‘perfect marriage’ and there’s something very dark that lies beneath. There’s a reason why Grace never answers the phone and why there are bars on the bedroom window. A chilling and gripping debut that you won’t want to put down.

THE WIDOW £7.99, WATERSTONES

We’ve all seen the monster staring back at us from the front page of the newspaper, accused of an imaginable crime. But what about the wife? What does she really think and more to the point, how much does she know? When Glen Taylor is killed in a road accident, his widow Jean is finally free to tell her story surrounding Glen’s actions the day two-year-old Bella went missing.

THE MISSING £7.99, WATERSTONES

When fifteen-year-old Billy Wilkinson goes missing in the middle of the night, his mother, Claire Wilkinson, blames herself. There isn’t a single member of Billy’s family that doesn’t feel guilty. But the Wilkinsons are so used to keeping secrets from one another that it isn’t until six months later, after an appeal for information goes horribly wrong, that the truth begins to surface. Packed full of twists and turns, this will get your heart pumping.

YOU SENT ME A LETTER PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON

On the morning of her fortieth birthday, Sophie wakes in the darkness of her bedroom and finds a stranger watching her from her bed. The stranger hands Sophie a letter and issues an ultimatum: the message is to be opened and read at her party, in front of family and friends at exactly 8 p.m. And if she refuses? You don’t want to know.

An unsettling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

78 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

PJ’S HIT LIST OUR MAN ABOUT TOWN PJ ELLIS TAKES US THROUGH HIS SPRING CULTURAL CALENDAR I’ll be attending the Speed Networking event with LoveBrum at Geisha in the Cube and the awesome Signature Awards at Edgbaston Stadium. It’s all to raise money for local Birmingham projects.

Adams

I will not/can not miss the rendition of Welch’s classic Trainspotting at the Mac in sunny April, followed by a riotousnight-meets-Shakespeare with Birmingham Rep’s version of Twelfth Night.

Citizen Khan

I’ll round off April by taking the kids to Moseley Village Green for the Farmers’ Market. These five-year-olds love cheese, wine, pies and beer. Promise.

May will see in my 6th wedding anniversary, so what better way to celebrate than a mix of fine dining, drinking, laughing, and chasing eggs. Adam’s restaurant is my first stop (can’t wait) followed by a bit of BYPY at the ICC, Citizen Khan over at Resorts World and Easter Egg hunting at the Botanical Gardens.

I cannot wait.

PJ Ellis is Director at leading SEO and Social Agency, Ricemedia; and Co-Founder and Trustee of local Charity, LoveBrum

Blast From The Past

Insider / Culture

Words: Bethany Lee

GAME OF THRONES | SEASON 6 | SKY ATLANTIC | APRIL 25 Here’s the big question: is Jon Snow really dead?

The end of the last season saw him being stabbed repeatedly, so you’d think so, but all is not as it seems. A recent teaser trailer features the Hall of Faces, where we see dead characters’ faces return to deliver a hauntingly ominous line. Ian McShane has been cast as a new character, a priest who’s an ex-warrior that nurses an injured graveskeeper back to health – but who might this mystery graveskeeper be? Whilst creators remain tight-lipped over details, the message is clear: forget what you think you know - nobody is safe!

PEAKY BLINDERS | SEASON 3 | BBC2 | APRIL Our favourite Brummie gangsters are back for their third season which is now set in the 1920s. All our old favourites are back, including the whole of the Shelby family and Tom Hardy’s Alfie Solomons. Sink your teeth into six new episodes which open with Tommy Shelby’s wedding day, but it’s not certain whether it’ll be Grace walking down the aisle with him. The show is set to air in April.

Get ready for some of your TV favourites to return and buckle up for some big blockbusters over the coming months!

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK | SEASON 4 | NETFLIX | 17 JUNE The series follows the lives of the inmates of a women’s prison in Connecticut. Season 4 sees leading lady Piper take a backseat; however, she’s on a journey and may become someone that we don’t want to root for. We’ll see group dynamics changing, and different people coming together to form unexpected alliances. There’s a lot going on for Poussey, and actor Samira Wiley hinted there might be a romance in store for her character. OITNB isn’t going anywhere as Netflix has renewed the show for three more seasons!

COLD FEET | ITV | 2016 The ITV comedy series following the lives of three couples in their thirities was a firm favourite among viewers when first broadcast from 1997-2003. We last saw James Nesbitt’s character, Adam Williams, mourning the death of his wife Rachel who’d been killed in a car crash.

Now Adam has found new love, and wedding scenes with his new co-star Karen David have been filmed. BBC Radio 1 presenter Ceallach Spellman plays Matthew, Adam and Rachel’s son, who was only a baby in the last series.

MUST-SEE MOVIES!

THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR

Released 22 April This action-adventure sees Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron star as The Huntsman and the evil queen Ravenna. However, this film is both prequel and sequel.

Before the events of Snow White and The Huntsman, Ravenna causes the death of her sister Freya’s baby, which prompts Freya to unleash her icy magic and take off to another part of the kingdom. Many years later, Freya learns of her sister’s demise and sets out with her army of Huntsmen to recover the Magic Mirror. Only The Huntsman and his lover Sara (Jessica Chastain) can challenge the sisters’ fued that is destroying the kingdom.

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE

Released 19 May Based on the Marvel Comics, this superhero film is the sequel to 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past. Apocalypse is an immortal and invincible mutant who has been worshipped like a god since the start of civilsation.

He’s been dormant for thousands of years – until now.

Apocalypse, along with a team of powerful mutants, including Magneto (Michael Fassbender), wants to instigate a new world order under his control. Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) and Professor X (James McAvoy) lead a squad of X-Men to fight their biggest foe yet and, hopefully, save mankind.

BATAMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE

Released 25 March The fate of mankind hangs in the balance as Batman (Ben Affleck) begins a vendetta against Superman (Henry Cavill). As expected from a $200 million budget, there’s a star-studded cast, including Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White and Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth. The film boasts the first live-action theatrical appearances of Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and Flash. When it’s justice versus justice, it’s hard to know whose side to choose. Whilst the two heroes are at war, the greatest threat mankind has ever known is emerging from the shadows.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 79

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Life / Interior

IKEA cow hide, £180

STYLE TIP

Statement lighting and woodland ornaments add interest and give the room a strong focal point.

Nice and Natural Create your own woodland hideout with a mash-up of natural tones against graphic monochrome

Dunelm stags head, £9.99

Oliver Bonas marble trivet, £26.50

French Connection armchair, £396 Next antler pendant, £160

H&M wooden pot, £9.99 Houseology marble table, £349, Houseology.com

Habitat ceramic bowl, £40

STYLE TIP

Work in natural elements and fluffy textures to soften hard graphic monochrome. It will create warmth and make the room feel welcoming French Connection charcoal candle, £12

Very faux fur rug, £35, Very.com

Modern Pastoral by Niki Brantmark, published by CICO Books (£19.99) Photography by James Gardiner Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 81

NATURAL BEAUTY…

PHB AT

PLUS CHAR WALLAH.H&M L’OCCITANE.LAURA ASHLEY LITTLE GERTIES.M&S.MOSS PRETTY GREEN.THORNTONS AND A 700 SEAT FOOD LOFT

Next mirror, £185

STYLE TIP

Pops of hot pink, purple and lemon florals work well to lift a cool colour palette.

BHS hydrangea bulb vase, £30

IKEA armchair with cushion, £70

Prairie Chic Laura Ashley side table, £262.50, Pavilions

Welcome a feminine touch with soft pastels, rustic furniture and vintage finds Seletti candelabra, £200, Amara.com

Next painted lantern, £40

STYLE TIP

George at ASDA floral bed linen, £12

Contrast soft and rugged furnishings for a romantic rustic vibe. Think delicate paisley prints and vintage fabrics against brass accessories and faded wood furniture.

Liberty floral cushion, £95, John Lewis

French Connection Home wire bowls, £27 Romantic Prairie Style by Fifi O’Neill, published by CICO Books (£19.99) Photography by Mark Lohman © CICO Books

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 83

Life / Interior

H&M cushion cover, £3.99

IKEA map picture, £65

Homesense chest of drawers, £399.99

Pared-back

Take things back to basics with a mash-up of textures and every shade of neutral.

Whoever said grey was boring?

Marks & Spencer lamp, £30

STYLE TIP

Habitat side table, £35

John Rocha glazed vase, £36, Debenhams

A grey concrete floor could look stark and cold, but paired with rustic woods and layered textiles, it creates a comfortable and inviting space.

Jo Malone dark amber & ginger lily candle, £50

STYLE TIP

If you’re nervous about making a bedroom too dark, then add pops of colour. Pastel textures work well to lighten a room.

BHS pineapple lamp, £50

Made caterpillar day bed, £449, Made.com

84 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Shades of Grey by Kate WatsonSmyth, photography by Jan Balwin, Polly Wreford, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£14.99)

Life / Food

Park Regis

Foodies Rejoice: The Most Exciting Openings of 2016

Adams

Food is something that Birmingham definitely does well, and the opening of The Grand Hotel later this year will add to what we already have to offer. Living Ventures Group are now opening their second and third venues. The bar and restaurant group is taking over 10,000 sq ft of space on the ground and lower ground floors for their Italian restaurant Gusto and cocktail haven The Alchemist.

This is big news for the city… especially food and drink lovers like me. Gusto is inspired by traditional European cafes and will be

on the corner of Colmore Row and Church Street. The Alchemist, which specializes in cocktails, has the neighbouring unit fronting Colmore Row, and both venues are due to open this summer.

The Alchemist

New hotel openings seem to be the trend – and by the time you read this, the new Park Regis Hotel at Five Ways will have opened its doors. As well as 253 bedrooms and the usual high-end hotel offering, I can’t wait to visit Rofuto Restaurant, which is located up on the 16th floor of the building. The “Asian Funk Fusion” (their line, not mine) concept sits alongside the Kurabo cocktail lounge; there’s a stunning dining room with 360-degree views of the city and a seven metre long central dining bar and ‘yakatori’ counter. This is going to be one of the city’s new hotspots, and the menu already sounds delicious!

There is so much happening when it comes to the city’s food scene and Colmore Food Festival makes a welcome return on 8-9 July. This event is a great way to sample some of the city’s finest eateries and last year’s event welcomed 32,000 people across the two days to enjoy food

from 26 venues, including the likes of Purnell’s, OPUS, and Pure Bar. If you do business in the city, you will already be familiar with the places to host meetings and business dinners, but have you heard about the two new private members’ clubs that are due to open? The Colmore Club is located in the Grade II listed 85-89 Colmore Row, in the heart of Colmore BID, and looks to be the perfect place to socialise and network. If you join as a member, you’ll get to enjoy the grill, a la carte and buffet menus, and you can even hone your wine skills with the help of a sommelier at private functions.

The business community will be spoilt for choice for private members’ clubs this spring, when Lexicon also opens on Fleet Street.

Situated beneath Fleet Street Kitchen – and owned by the same people, who also give us awesome bars, Apres and Mechu – this is set to be the city’s professional hangout. If you’re there to do business, there are four meeting rooms, but if you want to network, the main area offers all-hours food and drink, and there’s also a private dining room, Boswell’s.

If you’re not a member of The Colmore Club or Lexicon, make sure you find a friend who is, and check out two new additions to the city’s business scene. London, eat your heart out.

Colmore Food Festival

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ince moving EAST VILLAGE to the Colmore Business District, the team has definitely been spoilt for choice when it comes to après work watering holes. As we move towards summer, we’re going to have even more to choose from, as Birmingham continues to add to its dining offer.

Earlier this year, the city welcomed a new-look Adam’s to Waterloo Street. The husband and wife team have taken over three floors of New Oxford House and now offer a 36 cover dining room on the ground floor, a private dining room for 16 guests, and a Chef ’s Table located within the kitchen. If you haven’t sampled Adam’s contemporary British menu yet, be sure to head down there when you’ve got something to celebrate.

Words: Tara Tomes

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 85

Enhanced & Interactive

Download our digital edition for iPad on the AppStore BIRMINGHAM

stylebham.com

Life / Recipe

Beetroot and Quinoa Bowl INGREDIENTS: 2 medium beetroot, weighing around 400 g 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 170 g quinoa 480 ml water 70 g sunflower seeds, shelled, rinsed under cold running water and drained 1 tablespoon umeboshi vinegar 1 small onion, finely chopped 4 tablespoons olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, to taste 4 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste a pickle press (optional) a 1-litre preserving jar

Simple, brilliantly pink and surprisingly satisfying, this dish is ideal as a fresh spring lunch. Once made, it can sit in the fridge for two days – the flavours will develop and it will become even more delicious over time SERVES 4

1

4

2 3

5

Wash, peel and finely grate the beetroot. Put in a bowl, add the salt and squeeze really well with your hands until the flesh starts ‘sweating’.

Cover with a small plate that fits into the bowl, top with a weight, and allow to rest for 24 hours. If you have a small pickle press, use this instead. If there isn’t enough juice to cover the beetroot, add just enough salted water to cover. Drain off most of the pickle juice before using.

Put the quinoa in a sieve and rinse well under running water. Drain. Put the drained quinoa into the preserving jar covered with 480 ml water.

Loosely cover the jar with a lid or with muslin with a rubber band tied around it. Soak for 24 hours at room temperature.

Put both the quinoa and the soaking water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, add a few pinches of salt, lower the heat to its minimum setting, half-cover the saucepan and cook for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa absorbs all the water. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Put the sunflower seeds in a frying pan over a medium heat and dry-roast, stirring vigorously until the seeds start sizzling and turn golden brown. Pour into a clean bowl and, while still hot, pour over the umeboshi vinegar and stir until absorbed. If you don’t have umeboshi vinegar, dissolve 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt in 1⁄ 2 tablespoon hot water and pour over the seeds. Stir until absorbed.

In a large glass mixing bowl, gently mix all the ingredients except for the parsley and season with the olive oil, some lemon juice or cider vinegar, salt and pepper. Garnish with the chopped parsley. Refrigerate before serving.

Power Grains, published by Ryland Peters & Small Power Grains is available for Style Birmingham readers for the special price of £7.99 including postage & packaging (rrp £9.99) by telephoning Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting the reference GL1

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 87

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Life / Food

WAREHOUSE CAFÉ

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Situated behind the Bullring is an alternative eco-friendly venue, dedicated to the best in all matters vegetarian.

Boasting ethically-sourced drinks like lemon and mint alongside specialities like hazelnut lattes and mulled wine.

Maggie, my charming waitress, was proficient in translating unusual ingredients such as tempeh (fermented soy) as well as explaining the benefits of chia seeds and how they aim to offer the freshest dishes in the city. With 50 covers and a contemporary yet slightly hippie décor, prepare your taste buds for some seriously well thought out food. Some of our favourites here are the cassava fried (think oven chips made from a wholesome source) and the deconstructed raw cheesecake. Mains wise, if you want to up your protein game, opt for the daal, a warming and gently spiced lentil dish served with brown wheat flat bread. The café offers a pleasing commitment to sustainable food and Maggie advised that they are even looking into having their own allotment to grow vegetables from. An innovative spin on modern day vegetarian cuisine, watch out for their food events and collaboration with local schools.

THE BEST

Restaurants For Healthy Eating

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Our obsession with wellbeing has meant that eating out has become a pleasurable minefield of willpower and indulgence.

With that in mind, Priti Modi ventured into Birmingham’s culinary realm to discover whether eating out can be tasty and healthy

FUMO

Authentic and modern Italian fine food served in opulent surroundings, Fumo offers a fine selection of specialty seafood. Based on an Italian eating style called Cicchetti (pronounced chi - ket - tee) and similar to the Spanish tapas, several medium-sized dishes are meant to be ordered per table; the true way to eat. As imagined, each dish is served piping hot and full of flavour.

Cold dishes like carpaccio and tartare are also on the menu for a lighter lunch option. Street food (high end obviously) including Sicilian arancini (filled rice balls) and gamberoni (king prawns) are a nice alternative option for those looking to try something a little different. Expect the usual pasta and pizzas but the menu is so varied, it includes many specialty dishes such as Piadina (well-dressed flat breads) and vegetable sides doused in the finest olive oil. The quality of ingredients was clear and the service style attentive. Fumo is all about aroma, taste and presentation.

Look out for the seasonal menus and yummy toppings on the mini bruschetta.

1847

BES VEGETA T RIAN

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This successful chain was established by a vegetarian culinary guru, Mr. Damien Davenport, so even before trying the food, you know it’s going to be something rather wonderful. Recently refurbished, 1847, situated within the Great Western Arcade, offers everything from tasting menu evenings to fixed price and lunch menus. Staff here are polite and helpful and the menu offers a spin on the conventional vegetarian options. I sampled the squash and whipped feta appetiser (dusted in sumac) which was packed full of flavour. For mains, I opted for winter veggies with coconut, which was both visually appealing and filling. It’s a good way to get your five a day and to see so many colours on your plate is delightful. Sides include superfoods such as wilted kale and fresh savoy. Other mains were dressed in the likes of fennel, dill, chicory and harrisa which I think allows diners to source these at their local supermarkets and attempt to incorporate them into home cooking. Even the desserts include fruit from the tropics such as burnt pineapple and pomegranate. Overall plenty of healthy choices, try the nuts to nibble on which were spiced in a delicate manner (get your good fats in.) A truly inspirational place to dine.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 89

Life / Food

VIVAANTA

EDITOR’S PICK

SIMPSONS Set in leafy Edgbaston, Nathan Eades and his flamboyant team have made this Michelin-starred restaurant not just a place to eat, but a place to be.

Simpsons is an experience, stylish with simplistic interiors, a windowed kitchen area (where the magic happens) and pristine bar area. Menus are both a la carte and tasting, offering beautiful palate cleansers such as blood orange and impeccable attention to detail (who doesn’t like gold leaf on their mini dark chocolate dessert?) Each serving is handcrafted and everything is locally sourced. My server advised, “in Simpsons there are no rules”, each request is catered to (subject to 48 hours for more specialist requirements). Everything from dill oil, chestnut to pearl barley and sea herbs are used to create a visual feast and with dishes that are relatively small, the expense and the time taken to prepare each plate really makes the diner savour the flavour. Look out for lacto fermentation dishes which are to be introduced by Chef Eades (dishes infused / procured with healthy bacteria – think probiotic drinks).

4

Located riverside of the Mailbox, Vivaanta (meaning to live well gracefully) is a premium Indian restaurant headed up by chef and owner Shah Alam (who also runs the award-winning Malabar in Walsall.)

Interiors here evoke a sense of luxe with bejewelled seating areas, chandeliers and plentiful space. The Bar Manager and resident mixologist brings a wealth of knowledge and individuality. A former trailblazer at the likes of Nuvo and Bank, he prides himself on being accommodating and loves it when people are open to try new drinks. The food is predominantly south Indian, however Alam brings in other Indian influences from his time spent traveling. Expect everything from sizzler dishes, 100 per cent fresh (not powdered) garnishes and seafood cooked in the most sumptuous bases minus the use of ghee (clarified butter). Specials like quail, venison, rabbit and game are available and all food is lovingly prepared in oils such as coconut, rapeseed and groundnut, for flavour and nutritional purposes.

Expect top-notch sauces including scallop bisque puree and spices handpicked to heighten taste and cleanse the palette. Definitely no mango chutney needed here. Vivaanta is all about fine dining and depth of flavour. Portion sizes are ample and the lamb chops were the highlight of the evening, not fatty just seasoned to perfection. Look out for seafood specials and friendly staff who can’t do enough to enhance the dining experience. To date, it was the best Indian restaurant I have been to in Birmingham!

HARVEY NICHOLS Looking for a decadent place to dine in the city? Look no further than the newly refurbished Harvey Nichols restaurant in the Mailbox. Think huge open spaces and marble and gold details with a minimalistic edge. The menu focuses on dishes such as scorched squid with oxsprings ham and Himalayan pink sea salt seared steak. There is a hint of eastern influence, which can be seen in the sashimi, yellowfin tuna, pak choi and Thai green salad. The food is delicate and well-orchestrated in its presentation. If you want a light but filling option, pick from a selection of finely curated small plates such as terrine, oysters and scallops. After your meal, pop into the Harvey Nichols specialty Food Market behind the dining area. There’s a wonderful choice of chocolates, books and all in the latest food trends (Kitkat with sweet potato is worth a try). On Friday and Saturday nights, Harvey Nichols plays host to a resident house DJ in the bar area – it’s the perfect place to start your night.

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Life / Food

PHO

OPUS

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A grand central gem, Pho brings you authentic Vietnamese cuisine and as the name suggests, there is no lack of Pho dishes (noodle soup) on the menu. They offer house specials such as “pho bo nom trung”: brisket, enoki, mushrooms and egg yolk accompanied by either vermicelli or ho fun (fat wheat noodles) as the base.

Whether you like your broth meaty or hot and spicy, Pho offers both and there are plenty of vegetarian options too. Each Pho dish is served with an adorable herb and seasoning side plate (containing shaved peanuts, bamboo shoots, fresh herbs etc) which allows the diners to amend their Pho to their own taste; the food becomes interactive which is something I appreciate. The Pho comes with a traditional oversized wooden spoon (think mum’s kitchen staple) which was rather endearing.

Starters here are hearty and feature delicacies including pork and lemongrass meatballs and rice paper rolls with a peanut dip. Side dishes such as morning glory (a type of water spinach) and lotus stems capture the East well and all the dishes here are made to order. Zero prepackaging is allowed. All the servers are well travelled and fluent in the cuisine. The open kitchen allows diners to marvel at the skilled chefs at work. Take time here to intoxicate the senses, each dish served is full of aroma and piping hot. A great place to try something new.

Check out the chef’s specials which change every few days, the monthly themes and the website for details on nutritional content of dishes at Pho.

Serving up fresh and local produce in their grand venue, Opus is currently offering a wine and meal pairing as part of their Dinner Series where diners get the chance to meet the restaurant’s suppliers.

Opus is ethically reactive, for example they now serve stone bass in the place of sea bass as the latter has been deemed as endangered. The menu here offers everything from pigeon to porcini risotto. My server Gabriella was very sweet and attentive with a host of opinions on the place she works for (all praises) and how involved Opus gets in the training and development of staff, who are encouraged themselves to visit suppliers and develop their culinary interests. The head chef here is relatively young (30), leads a team of 11 and is very hands on when it comes to developing menu choices. I enjoyed the pork medallions and pea puree here along with the olive breads baked at the premises which were very light.

LOCAL E C PRODURITE U FAVO

Nick Hook

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THE STABLE From a quick look at their website, you can see just how much thought has gone into making this chain a foodie haven. Originating from a Dorset dream, this venue is all about pizza and cider. Set in (as the name suggests) a warm, candlelit replica stable, choose from pizzas such as the novel “Smethwick scorcher” heaped with fresh naga chillies or filling pies made from filo pastry and squash. Food allergies and gluten intolerances are openly catered for and fries are not even an option on the sides menu. The food here is seasoned for flavour as opposed to drowning in sauce. The cider selection is vast, and my server explained that the drier the cider, the lower the sugar content – it’s definitely worth a try without the guilt. A lovely place to catch up with friends, the Stable proudly showcases fresh and local produce and with dishes like stout and horseradish pies to local smoked salmon, what’s not to love? Check out the live music nights and website for the full story behind Stable.

Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 91

Life / Food

Come Dine with Me Birmingham’s food scene is stronger than ever, with a dizzying array of restaurants to sample, but for a different dining experience, why not bring the chef to you in the comfort of your own home?

W IN !

A m e a l fo r fo c o o ke d in y o u r u own home! r TURN TO PAGE

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aura Smith talked to top chef Mike Whitehurst from Midlands-based catering and private chef company takefood to discover the benefits of re-locating the restaurant to yours for the evening, or to help create your personalised special event. And in the name of research we spent an evening with Mike in the lovely SACO apartments sampling his delicious menu; it’s a hard life…

What got you into the catering side of the profession rather than within a restaurant?

After moving back to the Midlands from London, I worked around various pub and restaurant kitchens, always landing the role of Head Chef. After about 10 years I started to get bored of being hidden out the back churning out customers’ meals so I quit work and became a freelance chef. I signed up to a few agencies which allowed me to just about survive and carried on with that for a few years trying to figure out my next move. I then bought a laptop and camera, built my

92 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

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Words: Laura Smith website, found a unit on an industrial estate and kitted it out as a kitchen and bought a van, and it all went from there.

What do you think are the benefits of getting in a chef like you rather than people creating their own dinner parties?

I have catered for some parties in the past where the host has told me that the last time they tried to cook themselves it was a disaster or they just didn’t have a very good time.

I think people under-estimate what’s actually involved in cooking for more than just their family meals. Having me in for the party/event takes away the stress for them and allows them to simply enjoy the party. I’ve done a few family parties myself and just never really felt a part of what was going on because I was too concerned with making sure the food was ready on time. For a client’s party I do all the planning, prep and serve all the food and drinks with waiting staff and then we wash up and clean the kitchen at the end of the party. The client doesn’t have to do a thing apart from focus on their guests and enjoying themselves.

And why not just go out to a restaurant?

You don’t have to make sure you’re ready on time for the taxi,

Life / Food

you can enjoy just relaxing, having a drink and being served food when everybody’s ready. You can choose a menu that suits everybody and the food is freshly prepared just for you, meaning a lot more care has been taken with it. I think most people find it a real treat having a chef in their kitchen - it’s definitely something to remember the night by, even if you do have one too many to drink! You know what it’s costing you and dietary requirements are more easily dealt with.

You supply your own drinks so are saving a lot of money on that. I think people would be surprised to know it doesn’t actually cost that much compared to some restaurants, unless you have a really small party!

What’s been your best experience?

The best experience I’ve had was being flown over to La Rochelle for a week to cook for a family in this newly renovated chateau - it was stunning. I was given a car and 1,000 euros for the week to head off without a satnav or being able to say any more than a few phrases in French, to go to the markets and find food to prepare for the evening meals. I cooked for 12 people each night and so had all day to travel and explore with my camera. Once I had cooked the meal I was invited to sit and eat with them and drink wine. It was a really lovely experience to go and cook for such a nice family.

Cook like a pro chef at home, turn the page for an exclusive recipe from Mike!

Due to a last minute change of arrangements Mike only had 5 hours to plan a menu, shop, prepare and cook for the Style Birmingham crew, and in an open plan kitchen/diner environment there was nowhere to hide! Despite this, he put together a beautifully balanced and excellently executed three-course meal, with empty plates at every round and a slightly obscene amount of appreciative ‘mmmh-ing’.

Imagery: Jas Sansi

THE MENU: Roasted beetroot with figs and goat’s cheese • Carved beef fillet with croquette of shin with gratin dauphinoise, buttered asparagus, vichy carrots and tarragon beurre rouge • Lavender honey plum tart tatin with sweet cheese and honeycomb

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ne of the advantages of having your own chef is you can choose a menu that suits everybody and the food is freshly prepared just for you - Mike prides himself on sourcing top quality produce and ingredients. His cheery, can-do attitude made for a very relaxed dining experience despite having him preparing and cooking around you. In many ways this is one of the advantages as you effectively end up dining at the chef’s ‘top table’ sneaking a peek at the expert at work and asking a few questions to get a few handy tips yourself. At the same time his service was unassuming and perfectly timed to allow you to get properly into your dinner party chat and forget he was there, while being very grateful when he reappeared with the next delicious course.

Another benefit of this kind of dining experience is choosing and sourcing your own wine to match the menu, and not having to pay restaurant markups.

You can also put together your own playlist and create your own ambience; no dodgy easylistening tracks, though in our case perhaps a few too many Ministry of Sound classics…

Also add in the fact you don’t need to worry about taxis or a babysitter and in many ways it’s a no-brainer.

At the end of the evening Mike insisting on doing all the clearing up and even loading up his van with all his equipment solo, despite our protestations (although we don’t blame him for not letting a slightly inebriated Team Style Birmingham anywhere near his expensive Magimix). This really was restaurant quality dining in your own relaxed environment with no fuss and no cleaning up – 5 stars.

takefood offers buffets, canapés, bowl food, afternoon tea, and dinner party private chef service for private or corporate guests, to find out more visit takefood.co.uk Spring 2016 | Style Birmingham | 93

Life / Food

Serves 4

Goat’s Cheese & Roasted Beetroot INGREDIENTS

• 400g of fresh beetroot • 100g of goat’s cheese • 100g of mascarpone • 2 ripe figs • 2 whole walnuts shelled and bashed up a bit • a pinch of dried rose petals and crushed coriander seeds • 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds • half a lemon • a bunch of pea shoots • organic local clear and runny honey • fresh flat leaf parsley • 1 bottle rapeseed oil

YOU WILL NEED:

A food processor - a nutri-bullet is good for this if you have one otherwise any processor with blade attachment.

IN!

W r four A m e a l fo y o u r c o o ke d inm e ! own ho TURN TO

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METHOD • Trim the stalks off the beetroot and wrap each root with kitchen foil then roast in the oven for about an hour. Once cooked, take out of the foil and allow to cool enough so that you can peel them. Once peeled set aside 600g and blitz the 400g in a food processor with a dash of oil and a few drops of fresh lemon juice to help the process.

• You need to achieve a nice smooth beetroot puree so pass it though a sieve then put it in a bowl in the fridge until needed.

Blend goat’s cheese (rind removed) and mascarpone until smooth in a food processor then chill in the fridge until needed.

• Quarter the figs, place on a baking tray and drizzle with a little clear runny honey. Set the tray of figs aside ready to be grilled later on.

• Heat an iron frying pan and add the bashed up walnuts, pumpkin seeds, rose petals and coriander seeds, quickly tossing around in the pan to prevent burning. Once browned a little turn that out onto a tray to cool.

• In a food processor, blitz the leaves of the parsley, gradually adding rapeseed oil until you have good liquid motion. Now leave that blitzing for a few minutes, the colour will intensify over time.

PLATING • Smear the beetroot puree across the plate.

Place your sliced, diced beetroot in a row across the puree.

• Boil a kettle, pour hot water into a cup and heat a teaspoon in the water, then carefully scoop the blended cheese towards you hopefully creating a nice oval shaped cheese quenelle.

• Grill the figs for a minute to get the edges burning a little then place the cheese quenelles in-between the beetroot with two pieces of fig next to them. Top with the walnut mix and garnish with pea shoots.

Spoon over the parsley oil and drizzle a little rapeseed oil.

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Life / Fitness

Health Kick How to get fit quick, kick your sugar cravings with these healthy snacks, and the fun new classes to try now

ACTIV8 TRAMPOLINING

SNACK HAPPY

“The buzzword at the moment seems to be ‘clean eating’. Sugar has become the enemy and fat no longer is. But what are the best healthy snacks?” asks Birmingham-based health and fitness expert, Kelly Ravenscroft (keepfitwithkelly.com).

AT WORK “Almonds are one of the highest protein nuts, high in manganese and Vitamin E; a handful when peckish is a good choice.”

PRE-WORKOUT “Make your own mix of nuts and seeds to fuel your workout. Pumpkin, chia and sesame seeds are all great choices.”

POST-WORKOUT “Try a smoothie made from spinach, kale, avocado and almond milk.”

On the move Whether you want a quick morning workout or lengthy jog, here are Birmingham’s best parks for your next run.

96 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016

Sutton Park

8.5km

1

Fancy bouncing your way fit? No one ever outgrows a trampoline and that’s why adult trampolining sessions at Activ8 in Erdington are the new thing.Perfect for those who are bored of the gym and want to have fun while working out. Sessions are £5 for an hour.

CLUBBERCISE

Dance your way fit at Clubbercise in Erdington.

Don’t just expect a normal dance class – Clubbercise lets you dance in the dark, with your very own glow stick! Enjoy a 90s rave while burning calories and toning your muscles. Classes are available every Tuesday at St Peter & St Paul Church Hall.

2

NUFFIELD HEALTH GRIT Add a Grit workout to your life with Les Mills classes at Nuffield Health in Birmingham. The group sessions combine short bursts of high intensity training with periods of recovery. The workout will increase your fitness levels, tone your muscles, shape your body and burn off calories.

Woodgate Valley Park

5km

3

Cannon Hill Park

2km & 5km

Beyoncé and Blue Ivy

Words: Hannah Burgess

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Terms and Conditions: You must submit your entry by answering the question. One winner will be drawn at random from all valid entries received to win. The prize includes a three-course meal for the winner and three friends at their own home and one night’s stay at the SACO apartments in Brindley Place, Birmingham. The prize must be redeemed in the month of June 2016. No cash alternative. Competition closes: Friday 13 May at 23.59pm. The winner will be informed between Monday 16 May-Wednesday 18 May. The winner will be contacted via the email. The winner has five working days to claim their prize, no response after this time will result in another winner being selected.

98 | Style Birmingham | Spring 2016