Testing the best of the rest

Another magazine is hitting our shelves and inbox's...is that a sigh I hear? Hang on and listen up... I think this one is a little different. Test Magazine is sure to make you sit up. According to their website, 'Test is a visual platform that fuses a combination of new and established artists on a constantly changing series of image-led projects. Its name is derived from the concept of a “test shoot”, where creative teams are formed to show the best of their abilities.' These 'creatives' vary from models including Clara Settie, fashion designers such as Dr Noki (see his shoot above) and styling by Leith Clerk. All are here to show what they do best and excel in their own fields without any restrictions. The results are quite special.

The evolving website is a haven for most of us searching something that is unique and quite simply, clever.

www.testmag.co.uk

Happy 9.02.10 day!

Dennis is Worth It!

Dennis Lye is the most adorable magazine editor. By day he works in the marketing department at River Island and by night he squeezes in the time and creates an online magazine called Were Worth It Too (WWIT). Seriously, it is a wonder how this boy breathes, let alone sleeps!

Dennis came in to see me last week...

What are you doing right now?

Currently brainstorming my life! Haha..i have a list for a list to juggle my
day job, the magazine and personal life..to keep on top of things I
definitely need to keep it tight and know exactly what needs to be done..

I love to edit a magazine because...

It gives me a creative outlet, I am an artistic person and just so happens
I've found something that I can channel it through and everything I'm doing
and have done are related to where I want to do. So editing a magazine lets
me exercise my eye, and fine tune my skill that is going to be invaluable to
me in the future especially in the industry. Having touched on all these
skills will give me an edge.

What is your proudest moment in life so far?

So far, getting a job at River Island due to honest hard work, and having
been recognised for my potential is really good to know. I got HERE all
because of me, and only me.

What are your vices?

Snack too much, eat when I'm happy, eat when I'm stressed! Olives, crisps,
Nandos...other than that..i have a insane collection of magazines..i like a
good read..they speak to same language to me.. I need it for inspiration.

Best music track to listen to to get the creative juices flowing...

Currently it's Magic FM...makes me feel like there's no rush to get anything
done.

What does 2010 hold?

Everything and anything! On a realistic note, I do hope for big things, the
magazine to get better...more readers more experiences, meeting more
talented people and getting to do what I love..and to earn a little bit
more...

http://wereworthittoo.blogspot.com/

It's official...clogs are BACK!

Wow- Chanel clogs have graced the front cover of March's edition of British Vogue. The beautiful Alexa Cheung certainly knows how to wear them and looks elegantly sexy. I on the other hand will most likely resemble a Dutch milk made. The Olson twins and 90210 star Shenae Grimes are already working it. I remember buying a pair of white clogs from Topshop when I was about 10. They were amazing and I was completely obsessed with them then....I feel a similar urge now. I need them in my life. Ill wait a little longer to purchase a pair. I feel Chanel may be way out of my price reach. For now I'll just dribble and fantasise over these ones...

The sound of Zarif

According to The Guardian, 'Zarif is the next big thing in British soul', a major accolade for a major young lady. Having featured on the festival circuit and supported Chris Brown and Beyonce (!!), North Londoner Zarif truley is one to watch. Her songs are influenced by anything from Stevie Wonder to 80s pop Cyndi Lauper.

Zarif is a true lady and has a lot to give. I believe we have a new music and style icon upon us...Here are her 911's.


What are you doing right now?
Right now I just got home from being in the studio with Danny Byrd and I'm about to settle down to watch Glee, my new guilty pleasure. It's such feel good tv!

I like to sing because...
I like to sing because it's the most fun thing anyone can ever do in the whole world ever! I've done it forever and it's all I've ever wanted to do.

I like to illustrate because...
Sometimes a picture can tell much more much quicker than writing a whole paragraph of explanation. I love the immediacy, plus I love any excuse to get out the felt-tips and feel like a kid again!

What is your proudest moment in life so far?
I think it would have to be getting picked to support Beyonce on her UK tour. I had actually bought myself a ticket to the concert already, having no idea that I would ever be supporting her! So that was amazing, the whole tour was a surreal and brilliant experience.

What are your vices?
Coffee and chocolate! I'm not much of a bad girl so I guess those vices aren't that bad, but I do exist on caffeine and sugar especially if I'm writing, I need to be hyper.

Best music track to listen to to get the creative juices flowing...
Ooh that's a hard one. I find listening to new music always gets me going, it doesn't even matter what genre. When I listen to songs I've loved for ages I just get bogged down in thinking "how could I ever write anything this good??!!" so I end up not writing anything! New exciting music definitely helps.

What does 2010 hold?
I'm really excited because it's the year I will finally be releasing my first album! I did so much touring last year that it was hard to find the time to finish it, but now it's all done and I'm literally bouncing off the walls, I can't wait! The first single is called Box Of Secrets which is the title track of the album, and it's out in April.

www.myspace.com/zarifmusic

Louisa Gray

Since I met Louisa, I have always been transfixed and mesmerised by her illustrations. Scrap that, I would say slightly obsessed. I absolutely adore her work for their collage approach to illustration. The illustrations and graphics that Louisa creates are beautiful, kitsch and clever. Using vintage photographs layered on acidic coloured paper makes something that simply makes you smile to look at.

Louisa has just completed a Masters in Communication Design at Central Saint Martins School of Art. Her work centres around appreciating the bizarre in an attempt to escape the banal. She loves saturated colour, cutting and pasting, and collecting things; to produce work with an eclectic and handmade approach.

I saw Louisa last night at her gorgeous little house in Clapham Junction...

What are you doing right now?

Not doing what I should be.


I love to illustrate because...

It takes my mind of things. It is a form of escapism.


What is your proudest moment in life so far?

Seeing my work on the wall at the Mall Galleries for my St. Martins MA show.

Seeing my illustration for Lolita in print.



What are your vices?

Talking, markets, anything Mexican, lace, leopard print, old photographs, Thai food and my new riding boots.


Best music track to listen to to get the creative juices flowing...

At the moment I'm listening to Florence and the Machine, The XX and Temper Trap.

Too hard to choose a single track...


What does 2010 hold?

Fun times.

www.louisascarletgray.co.uk

Double Denim rules...

The double denim look has been sweeping over London town since the summer. The kids at Work It certainly know how to (ahem) work it when it comes to layering denim. Now it has well and truly established itself on the catwalks and high street too. For me, as soon as a trend hits Topshop, that is when you stop embracing it. But if you follow the rules carefully, you can still look hot for SS10.

If you have a boyfriend then try not to look like Britters and Justin circa 1996...Ha! That full length denim dress is too much.

Do look to Chloe's SS10 collection but with a hint of the 80s double denim super look. Et voila. Hot to denim trot.