Friday, 4 June 2010

Tim Walker at The Wapping Project...


Late last evening, I took a trip to the very intriguing area of Wapping to attend a talk with fashion photographer Tim Walker. I have been an devoted admirer of Walker's work since picking up a very special edition of Vogue at a dentist last year (of all places! and yes, I politely asked to keep it). This was Vogue's December 2008 issue, with Kate Moss lounging across the extensive pull out cover in a lavish Dior gown like so;


The editorial, titled 'Tales of the Unexpected' featured the likes of Tim Burton, Helena Bonham-Carter, Karen Elson, and Georgia Jagger among its glossy pages. These images, taking inspiration from Roald Dahl stories, struck a chord in me and has fuelled my imagination ever since, and has left me endlessly searching for new Walker photos.

On the night, Walker spoke extensively about his craft, happily answering questions throughout,whilst his beautiful images were projected on a large screen behind him. He said how he believes fashion photography is 'the only type of photography that allows you to be a fantasist', and I could totally see why. I was also able to meet him personally and he singed my copy of his 'Pictures' book for me, which I will cherish forever! It is a total feast for the eyes and utterly recommendable for any Walker, fashion, or photography fan...

Tuesday, 1 June 2010

The Monster Ball Tour at The O2 Arena...

Turning up a couple of minutes late, I ran up the tiny steps to my seat finding myself being surrounded by hundreds of other avid Lady Gaga fans who were already rocking out to the sounds of 'Dance in the Dark'. This could only be The Monster Ball Tour, with Lady Gaga, if I haven't made it obvious already.

I heard about the shows when a friend of a friend mentioned the extra London tour dates a couple of months ago, and I knew then that I just had to see this this incredible female live. Saying that, I have seen her perform before, at Take That's The Circus Tour last summer as a support act. Even before that show, I wouldn't consider myself a fan; I firstly found her music much like the factory farmed pop hits that every other female solo act was churning out, and it was only when I saw her sing in the flesh that I came to believed that this Lady was truly one of a kind, and a queen compared to her musical counterparts. I remember running down to my local record shop 'Slipped Discs' the next week to buy her album... I was hooked!

This time round, Gaga has her own stage, support act (Semi Precious Weapons, which I sadly missed) and a brand new dazzling set list, stage concept and of course, fashion! 'Haus of Gaga', her creative team, pulled out all the stops, and my most favourite outfit of the night was 'The Living Dress': an angel-like creation which includes fluttering wings and a headpiece;

..The Living Dress in action..

Also, my favourite songs of the night had to be 'Telephone', with its incredible dance routine as featured in the video with Beyoncé, and her new single 'Alejandro' where she sang whilst frolicking in a fountain of fake blood! Only Lady Gaga could get away with something as ensanguined as this! All in all, the show really was a feast for the eyes, and a total honouring to the fans. I had the most glorious time and loved it when she introduced herself, screaming 'I AM LADY GAGA!'.
Oh, and of course, I bought myself a beautiful program and t-shirt to remember the glorious occasion. In celebration of the Lady, here's her brand new single 'Alejandro'...