ULLI LUST - TODAY IS THE LAST DAY

Pretty hyped on this. Austrian cartoonist/graphic novelist Ulli Lust has released ( and translated ) 'Today is the Last Day of the Rest of Your Life'. Lust is pretty renown in European comical literature and Illustration so as well as the visual recommendations of her release it's now nice to understand the story! The book is based in 1984 and follows the 17 year self with punk aesthetics, hitch hiking round Italy which leads this to be worldly known as 'A powerful debut graphic memoir' of Lust's experiences. 

"Universally considered one of the very finest examples of the new breed of graphic novels coming from Europe, Today Is the Last Day of the Rest of Your Life won the 2011 Angoulême “Revelation” prize, and Fantagraphics is proud to bring it to English speaking readers"- Fantagraphic 

Ordering now. 

THE HIVE X CHARLES BURNS VOLUME 2

I should have known about this release late last year but having not got all my Burns books out of boxes ( since they've been packed away for over a year ) it was hard to track down the second instalment to X'ed Out. 'The Hive' carries on from X'ed Out where we are still trapped in the netherworld of 'nitnit' and Burn's compiles us into his triply, illusive dream of strange cries and misunderstandings. I'm yet to read the 2nd volume but after the notorious Black Hole series and the confusion from the initial X'ed Out I'm hesitant to comply and stick with this this. Black Hole holds such a landmark in graphic novel history and it's almost hard to beat his 90's work. With a two year wait as well, many Burns fans are asking if it'll be as long till the next volume 'Sugar Skull', or is that his idea?

GNARWOLVES X UPRAW MAGAZINE

So I have just started my new position for being a co Music Editor for Upraw Magazine ( As well as Teenbook and all my other projects!) This is really exciting. Upraw Magazine was created by a few Bournemouth heads and the magazine is now on Issue 4! I will be interviewing bands each month to introduce you to new sounds and artists circulating the scene. This month I interviewed Gnarwolves, a Punk band based in Brighton. This was really good for me as it got me listening to loads of nostalgic sounds again. Growing up I surrounded myself with Bouncing Souls, Against Me! and some Tom Delonge, post Hardcore influences and my sixteen year old road trips to Winter Gardens in Blackpool for Rebellion Festival in the old summers. Gnarwolves immediately took me back and I'll never grow too old for true Punk and skater culture vibes. To read the whole magazine ( and a little interview with myself, pulling faces) click here: http://issuu.com/uprawmagazine/docs/uprawmag_print_issuu_res

Upraw is published and distributed to small businesses on the south coast and is set to head to mainland cities such as Brighton, Bristol & London this year. The magazine has received outstanding recognition in such a small amount of time that it's growing to attract thousands, so keep your eyes peeled for more each month from the team!

MUSIC & CULTURE EDITOR FOR TEENBOOK MAGAZINE

  

So I am now the new official Music & Culture Editor for Teenbook magazine which I'm pretty stoked about. I'm seriously looking forward to getting involved. Teenbook was created by Editor-In-Chief Sara Quaddoura and has released x3 successful issues over the last year and half. The magazine is aimed at an age bracket of around 13-19  but the motive of the publication is that it's not like any other teenage girl magazine and it highlights a range of interests, digging deeper into an alternative world of Current trends, Musicians, Beauty and Culture. Previous issues have had the likes of Lauren Conrad gracing the cover as well as interviews with Louise Roe and Gemma Cairney. 

When I met Sara in London the other day we were discussing that there is a lack of magazines that circulate for today's teenage generation. I used to subscribe to American publications such as Seventeen and in the UK, Shout and would read them over and over again, in awe of Freddie Prinze Junior and Ryan Phillipe pull-outs. However, other than One Direction fanatics there does seem to be a huge gap for younger girls in fascination with  non-mainstream cultures as proved by the increased interest in blogs. 

Tavi Gevinson, founder of Style Rookie( when she was 13 years old!) Is a great example of what, globally, the adolescent world of media was missing. Nylon is a huge inspiration for me too ( I still buy it when I can find it in WHS - with it's NYC HQ it's hard to find here in the UK) however even that is aimed at a much older audience but with such a broad consumer friendly target they have achieved successful recognition of holding an independent yet youthful title. 

We are in the process of our January Launch with a fresh re-brand so keep a look out!

http://www.teenbookmag.com/

Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/teenbookmag

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To have a read and buy previous issues click here:

Issue 1- http://issuu.com/teenbook/docs/issue3

Issue 2- http://issuu.com/teenbook/docs/teenbook_issue_2

Issue 3- http://issuu.com/teenbook/docs/issue3

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

ID Presents: Youthful

The Just Kids Issue: Twigs

“As the warm light of our friendship, washed over us, we began to understand that this could also mean that every possible action was pregnant with possibility and creative potential.”

Matthew Stone in The Just Kids Issue, Pre-Fall 2012. I-D ONLINE

The bottom two pre-fall issue of ID photographed by Terry Richardson introducing Charlotte Free & Cara Delevingne representing young models in the industry for a fresh twist on graceful cover stars. 

BIBI LYNCH- THE BIG VEGETARIAN DEBATE

Bibi Lynch can suck it.

The media is completely swarmed by useless articles, dated, dry and a wave of confusion. Writer for The Guardian, Bibi recently published an interesting article for Social Voices on the vegetarian culture. Lynch, nicely as she did- said we vegetarians are not be trusted. I have not eaten meat ( fish, chicken anything with a face is my moral) since I was 5. The only one in my family, I just decided it was never for me. For the last 18 years I have had to succumb to cliche questions and nearly everyday queries as to my choice. I don't think I will ever sit through a dinner without hearing the ' So what made you not eat meat?' like it's 2012 and it's such a shocking lifestyle. It's like asking someone why they are gay- from the perspective of it's on common grounds and it's not 1800. I spoke to a vegetarian recently and they pointed out that it's becoming boring to be asked such questions all.the.time. If I have do endure another confused look when I try and explain that I don't eat meat I will actually give up. You can't really explain it. I still do not know my exact reasons, I attended some Peta fairs a couple of years ago and signed petitions about KFC keeping chickens in poor conditions ready to be slaughtered for Mums Night in bucket (yuk) but except from this, it's just normal for me.

This is just how I see it. Onto Bibi, I don't really understand her intentive desire on the article. Is she trying to spark debate? Or just to dabble in some light humour? Either way, if she was joking - it undermined a lot of readers. You think that MSN Social Voices could push and create a more relevant piece of writing to today's vegetarian cultures. Lynch is making us out to be like criminals then contrasting us saying we are too 'Zen' for life, a load of hippy bullshit, Lynch then follows on to say that it we were in an Apocalypse we would basically die for being weak etc etc you get me? Was she high when she wrote this article? The view from the public is similar, many have commented stating it's weak humour. However, one person actually said that vegetarians are on drugs, and Paul McCartney is our influence.

Saying all this, it did spark up some conversations and it is intriguing to understand other peoples opinions- only if they have a worthy response. Read here and see what you think :

http://style.uk.msn.com/socialvoices/blogpost.aspx?post=0693118a-8dce-4937-a35e-a2ce505c971f&_nwpt=1

BJORK/DAZED & CONFUSED GUEST EDITOR

To celebrate Dazed & Confused 200th issue this August '11 , the magazine is collaborating with Bjork as their guest editor. Set to be pretty influential, it'll be interesting to see how the artist works within the media production and editorial aspect. Also, headlining Bestival this year, she is set with a pretty nice comeback and her new material sounds just lovely. To me, Bjork is one of those beautiful icons that weirdly imprinted a historical concept of music back in the 90's and will forever be timeless, yet not favoured by all. Bjork is Tankgirl, obsessive fans and a robotic/ futuristic outlook on music philosophy. In the D&C issue out in a couple of days, she talks the future, musicologists and science. Brain explosion.

X'ED OUT

the book cover (above ), taken from Burns inspiration of TinTin ( see below )

BURNS BURNS BURNS

Just ordered Charles Burns latest release ' X'ed Out'. It's a bit cliche and exaggerated to say a book can change your life. But Charles Burns 'Black Hole' really did.
I've been wanting to write about Black Hole for a while now. I begged my mom to get me it for Christmas one year and a Daniel Clowes 'Ghostworld' Phenomena, I was desperate to witness more of this closed, almost forgotten but distinctive culture. When I was sixteen, I read the graphic novel back to back for days- urging to create a following story in my mind. It had the be the best thing I had ever read. You look at everything in a new light after something like this. For the remainder of my teens I craved to be a 1970's grunge child from Seattle suburbia with typical high school flings and weird boys to surround my time with. Burns had created a community of dreamers, escapists from this dull, mediocre world-a real experience, like a nightmare that's too intense- it can't end so you close your eyes for it to carry on.

VICE interview Burns, in their latest literature edition-

On the myth of the long awaited supposedly Paramount Pictures Black Hole Movie ( which, by the way- I was worried they had idea's of making it into a cheap horror although, Slither did come to mind):

Burns simply stated that when he was done with Black Hole, he went through a period where if he wanted to make an initial script for Black Hole, he could of- but he decided not too. A part of me agrees that maybe a movie, although it could be a great success- it could damage the purity of the tale. Most movies tend to trail off from it's original storyline and cater to a specific audiences needs. If this movie was proposed to be released in a theatric yet independent or even an area of world cinema, it could work- but to alter and over expose the creation- exclusive as it seems, it's best to maybe keep it to the real fans.

'Black Hole is like the golden ring. Everyone wants to make a script of it.' - Charles Burns

On X'ed Out:

'This time, Burn's own rememberings as a punk rocker / prentencious art school kid alternate with a surreal complementary story line in which a TinTin-ish character wonders the Burroughs-esque city of monsters, intrigue and paranoia.'

I didn't think anything could top Black Hole, However this seems to be a creation of something entirely different. Released in a series of volumes, X'ed out Vol 1 is out now.

LOVE BLOGGING

I just watched a short made by Vice on today's blogging culture. Richard Nicoll ( whom, Ive worked with backstage at LFW a/w 2010) stated that when he first got asked to blog online for Vogue he almost felt embarrassed to make a diary, however professionally he decided to go ahead and says it's creating a lot of opportunities in the fashion industry. A lot of kinds use tumblr in a more visual way of expressing idea's and interests but I like to write. I'm not exactly 100 % capable of understanding technical methods of communication ( I still resist the iPhone fad, though starting to crave one, especially for navigation). After volunteering for London Fashion Week and blogging for marketing purposes covering the specific fashion sector, I can't guarantee that's the right industry for me. I find it hard to just focus on one area of interest. I know Nylon, Vogue, Bubble & Tavi do feature other art form's but as a focal area I just ramble about anything on this marble.

As for Disney Roller Girl, she stated she never meant to be ' anonymous'. It's kinda cute I guess. Leading this mysterious double life, secretly out of reality- hidden from fashion crowds who in some sense, could alter her beliefs and strong idea's.

I would keep hush but I'm not good at keeping secrets. And the way my events degree is heading, I think I would like a career behind a laptop.

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To watch the video ( I can't paste, I need a technical guru) click.

http://vicestyle.com/en/loveblogging/profile/disneyrollergirl

HOME

Ambush reality for a while and escape to far levels of exploring the earth.

I rarely feel at one with this path.

My head is in the clouds, I don't want it to come down.

GIMMEE MORE.

So I won a competition with UK favourite 'More Magazine' to blog for them at Graduate Fashion Week next week in Earls Court! I never win anything, so this is too good to be true. The brief was to write up to 500 words on a current trend, so I kinda chose denim. Sweet. Check it out >>


Fashion Blog// More Magazine
Anna Jenkins

Summer 2010 Trend: Denim

Following House Of Holland’s bad boy S/S 2010 Collection, the streets are washed with denim for the summer season. Holland has inspired a liberal, younger and fresh look within the fashion scene from eccentric, fine prints to varsity school-prep style pleats and overalls. Inspired for the likes of Leigh Lezark and Atlanta De Cadenet Taylor, old school denim teamed with the likes of floral and buckles can creates a feminine look to dress up or down. The new denim collections are said to be inspired by 80’s New York cultural street clothing and can look effortlessly chic from European beach and boutique festivals to the dance floors in the club’s in the capital.

L-R House Of Holland’s S/S 2010 Collection at LFW & Model/DJ Leigh Lezark modelling HOH’s Levi Collection
A while ago Double Denim may have seemed like a definite no no for our wardrobes but now, thanks to flattering cuts, easy and applicable accessories; an overload of denim couldn’t look any cooler. From the Hollywood Hills to the British streets, this look is being customised from every angle. Jacket shirts, hot pants, corsets, crop tops, biker jackets and now even dungarees!

How to Do Denim

· Customise! There’s no better way to create your own unique denim than to involve badges, brooches, corsages you name it! And there’s no limit, think vintage meets Westwood (Vivienne, not Tim)

· Try and stick on one wash of denim, a patchwork of colour may seem too much

· Stick casual with pastel floral pumps or dress up with wooden 70s style clogs

· Venture out, explore the different styles out there, there’s so many to choose from!
Model and Cobrasnake Muse Atlanta De Cadenet Taylor teams a waistcoat with bright & bold florals to create a cute yet casual look.
www.thecobrasnake.com

As Denims taking over the streets of the Kingdom, look at some of the other trends to collaborate and work with your chosen style. Polka dot crop tops and high waisted denim shorts can pull off a 50’s pin up attire, while studded Holland inspired Biker jackets can team up with innocent, pastel floral jumpsuits and satchel’s. Time to hit the stores.

VICELAND

Explore The Unknown

Totally syked about being part of the Vice Magazine Blogging network. Vice is one of those magazines I have followed for years, it's completely unique, independent and caters for a range of audiences. Vice digs deeper into cultures and reviews everything from sex, fashion, interesting and weird human beings, just about anything. Go back to last year and I reviewed Lesley Arfins 'Dear Diary' she worked with Vice too and the book was published with Vice Books. Another favourite is the Vice Guide to Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll, I purchased this beauty a while back and it's actually insane. My favourite article includes a Canadian who does too much acid one evening and has a year long trip. Vice manages to explore and discover the wonders of this tiny planet with the most engaging subjects and isn't afraid with brutal and honest, hilarious humour.

www.viceland.com

BACK TO THE GARDEN

The story of Woodstock.

Just read this book. It's a written documented vision of 1969's summer of love in Yasgur's farm, New York. The historic festival that set the eyes of over 400, 000 unexpected people for a weekend of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Weir, anti war supporters and a culture shifting movement of music, ethics and a new generation of american civilization in the youth. That weekend of august 15th '69 changed music forever, it has gone down in history as being a ' seminal event that epitomized the ways that the culture, the country and the core values were changing'. Written by Pete Fornatale, a radio broadcaster from New York, he interviews and collects the most interesting stories and experiences of the weekend, from journalists, band members, audience members, producers, groupies etc etc it goes on forever. The book features every detail; such as Country Joe Mcdonald creating the controversy ' F-Bomb' when kids of the 60's were shouting ' Fuck' at the American nation from the muddy fields and being able to voice their opinions from decades of traditional and linear manners. It's amazing to see how most festivals have adapted to become corporate, money eating, commerical music affairs of vulnerable people rather than a spiritual intake of a true love for inspiring music and freedom. It's quite cliquey to say I wish i was 20 years old in 1969, however, after reading this book I think everyone will wish they were too. If not, just for that weekend.

' The myth of woodstock is something in my mind that is very close the reality.' - Richie Havens

STONED, NAKED AND LOOKING IN MY NEIGHBOUR'S WINDOW

GROUPHUG.

This is one of those books which you flick through, stop at a random page and choose the funniest or attractive quote. This book was published by Gabriel Jeffrey, the creator of a website called Grouphug. You anonymously submit confessions of dark, hilarious, embarassing or just stupid content so millions of people don't feel alone and can read them too. I could say it's following ( or being followed ) by the Post Secret community phenomena, although Post Secret is more based on an art project, this is simple, two sentence quotations, by really scared. guilt trippin, funny, insane humans. Hidden identites, but you only wish you knew who it was.

Random: " I try to watch movies that make me cry. Most of the time I don't. I just want to feel human "

http://confessions.grouphug.us/

DEAR DIARY

SEX, DRUGS AND VICE MAGAZINE.

OK so I've owned this book for a few years and I love it, It's all real. Arfin who originally started writing a column for Vice Magazine USA on extracts from her diary which she kept pretty much her whole life throughout junior to senior then to college and up to Vice times, produced her own book which MTV are now in collaboration on making a scripted television series on? Arfin's entries sum up your whole teenage life in a nutshell. Ok she was like 18 in the early 90's, dressed like an old Juliette Lewis, lived in rich suburbia on the East Coast and fell into the hole of a deep heroin addiction and amazingly survived to bring her life and stories together and publish it. I could criticise and say what an easy task it is to get your diary and VICE be there at the right time to invite you in on the magazine but there's something about Arfin's stories which are emotional and compelling to read over and over as if it's fictional. Brave has been a noticeable word in many reviews which I agree on completely.

My favourite part? The dedication at the beginning of the book clearly states..... 'Dedicated to my Parents- Please don't read this'

Arfin goes on a rollercoaster from writing about her virginity to watching subcultured punk bands, moving to college and falling into the crowd of drug abuse. Many critics slate the publication for being too dark and not funny enough as they probably assumed it from her Vice connection but it's definatly not just a girl talk, innocent book about first kisses and being grounded. From illustrative content and an introduction by Chloe Sevigny ( which is ironic as the book reminded me of a Larry Clark conceptual film like Bully or Kids) this book is worth reading.

CASSETTE FROM MY EX

STORIES AND SOUNDTRACKS OF LOST LOVES.

Along side FOUND and DIRTY FOUND Bitner has also produced this lovely. ' Cassette From My Ex' is a selection of the best nostlagic stories over heartbreaks and musical dedications. So before itunes and texting if someone was into you they made you a mixtape? Dead cute. Bring on decades ago of true love and some Van Morrison and Smashing Pumpkins.

Advance Praise for CASSETTE FROM MY EX:

"Anyone who understands the obsessive attention to detail, the time it took to collate, select, and edit the content of a perfectly executed mix tape, or just someone who appreciated the rhythms and nuances of such extraordinary artifacts will treasure this collection of stories, comfortable and secure in the knowledge that such exquisite efforts were not made in vain and indeed there was a time when a humble cassette tape was perhaps the greatest gift of all."

- Shirley Manson, lead singer of Garbage

http://www.cassettefrommyex.com/

DIRTY FOUND

UH OH.

The sister of FOUND magazine created by Jason Bitner, Found is a famously published magazine which let's people submit the most random findings of scrap notes, postcards, love letters and shopping lists which either make you laugh or cry. Distributed on Amazon and the occasional Ebay sale Bitner has now produced ' Dirty Found' which is a little raunchier and naughtier than the original FOUND articles. Hidden identities and cute love polaroids, kinda hilarious, just glad it's not you. Or your parents.

NUDE MAGAZINE

BOO YEAH.

Nude Magazine is beyond the counter-culture good reading. Fuck Heat, Fuck any crap magazine about Kerry fucking Katona. This is good good published creative banter. Fantagraphics seem to ignore the UK comic fans so this is the closest response we have to articles on Daniel Confidential Clowes and Charles Burns. Vice occasionally include the personal interest of contemporary graphic novel designers but NUDE fully explores the world of Vince Ray and digs deeper in to the underground world of music, deviant art and independant film. Best kept secret. I buy bulk, as only the cool places distribute. This months issue involves tattoo style illustrator Angelique Houtcamp, Depeche Mode madness and my favourite..American Diners in the UK, where can you find a really surreal 50's diner setting in the kingdom that hasnt got a Lidl nextdoor? Nude.

http://www.nudemagazine.co.uk/index.htm