The Book Of Skulls

Prêt à Porter by Télégramme

 From the beautiful and the colourful to the cheeky and downright disturbing, Faye Dowling's 'The Book Of Skulls' takes us on a pictorial skull-fuelled journey, depicting the various meanings, interpretations and portrayals of this timeless human symbol. 

From the crystal skulls of Aztec civilastions to Shepard Fairey's controversial 'Obey' skull, and everything in between, Dowling explores the iconic status that the skull has acheived via a pletheora of expressive realms. Fashion, oil paintings, sculpture, tattooing or street art; skulls of all shapes and sizes are still representing themselves the world over, and you don't need a shovel and help from time team to discover to them.

Miss July by Paul Insect

Depths by Craig Robson

Nom Omnis Moriar by Stephanie Henderson

Damien Hirst All Over My Body by Miss Bugs

Le Visage de Vanitas by James Hopkins

The General (Hungry for Unrest) by Richard Fairhead

Mathis Rekowski

Ace of Spaces from the Plura Culture series by Wolfe von Lenkiewicz

Listening to... 'TRUE LOVE FANTASY' - Unicorn Kid

This week Scottish teen Unicorn Kid gave us the first taste of his up and coming 'Tidal Rave' EP with the release of its first single, 'True Love Fantasy'.

The unicorn rave horn's sound has matured since his last EP, with steel drums and shouty vocals (c/o Talk to Animals) bringing a tropical, nu-wave 'gamewave' element to his trademark 8-bit electro. A digital trip that should please fans of Hadouken!, Crystal Castles, Digitalism and err, space invaders...

Tasty summer treats to feast your eyes on: JONATHON KAMBOURIS' latest Portfoilo

It's summer's last Bank Holiday and tourists everywhere will find an excuse to champion the great must-have holiday acccessory that is THE ICE CREAM. A symbol of sweetness, happy satisfaction and sunny vacations, come rain or shine or destination; it holds all the key ingredients to make it a summer staple worldwide. Popular without question, but who would've thought our favourite treat in a cone could be so, well, fashionable. 

Jonathon Kambouris' latest photographic portfolio is so beautifully tasty that I defy you not to have a sweet craving for the good stuff.  This series sees the Brooklyn based photographer present us with lavish frozen delights dripping in sparkling sauces and sprinkled gems; a fair cry from your 'one scoop vanilla and a flake please'! Each ice cream shines with its own decadent uniqueness, with the inspiration for the ingredients and nail design coming from different countries around the world.

India: Mango ice cream, gold and silver sugar crystals, orange peal, cinnamon stick

 
Despite retaining an ice cream/cone/hand brief, the bright colours, gorgeous summer nails, geographic influences and decandent simplicity that Kambouris uses to portray this summer staple via the medium of art, soon turns the ordinary into a deliciously extrodinary display of summery indulgence.

As a result the culinary porfolio goes a long way in demonstrating the importance of presentation and art through food. As a food lover himself, Kambouris firmly reiterates the powerful ability of art and photography to manipulate consumer appeal. Hungry yet??

Morocco: Strawberry and lavender ice cream, mixed berries berry syrup drizzle, turmeric mint leaf garnish 

South Africa: Cinnamon and chocolate ice cream, fudge caramel chocolate toffee, cookie crumble

Greece: Pistachio ice cream, fresh chopped pistachios, honey drizzle, lemon peal

Japan: Green tea ice cream, black sesame seeds, ginger syrup drizzle, candied ginger

Food Stylist: Ed Gabriels
Manicurist: Honey
Producer: Sally Berman/Run Red Creative
Hand Model: Lareysa Smith


For a darker insight into JK's culinary works, check out his 'Last Meal' portfolio, which visually documents the face and last meal of convicted killers.

INTRODUCING...Converse Bags and Accessories

Back to school, back to uni, what better time than August for Converse to launch its FIRST ever dedicated bag and accessories collection. However you don't have to be a student to appreciate the iconic brand's latest offerings, no no, DJs, stylists and celebrities are already cooing over the stylish new arrivals. In line with Converse's footwear collection, the bags all offer a versitile simplicity in design, with the infamous Chuck Taylor All Stars logo dominating the range to give this fresh collection a somewhat vintage feel. Yet with a wide range of styles on offer, from retro duffels, street-smart messenger bags and gym sacks to the classic backpack, reflecting the diversity of the brands huge following, there is definitely something to suit everyone.

Converse's debut bag and accessories collection goes on sale this month and can be found at Schuh, Blackleaf and JD Sports. Having been fortunate enough to get a sneak preview of the collection last month, the white duffel (a perfect nod to A/W 11's American College trend) and the retro blue messenger are my personal favs...but don't take my word for it, scroll down and have a look for yourselves!