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Interview: LF Markey

Modestas Mankus
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Interview: LF Markey

British fashion label LF Markey develops modern and feminine women’s clothing inspired by workwear and utility clothing. Every collection includes bold colours and high quality fabrics supporting the strong image of the label. Founder ex-Burberry designer, Louise Markey is the key of the success that the label has had. This is our interview with her.

Hello, how are you?
I’m great – thank you!

So, how did LF Markey start?
I launched LF Markey after finishing my master’s at Central Saint Martins. For many years it was a side business / expensive hobby! In 2014 I started to focus on the label full time.

What is your background and when did you decide to go into Fashion?
My background is in fashion and I studied my BA in Sydney and my MA later in London. In between the two I worked as a designer at Burberry.

How long does it take to design something from scratch?
It takes a long time to set up a new design- from sketch to finalised sample can take a few months. LF Markey is all about slow fashion, the evolution and perfecting of an idea over the course of many seasons and even years. So I only launch a few completely new designs each season.

“LF Markey is a vibrant, bold and exciting label. Providing us with the look that is so NECESSARY in our lives”

Do you have a favourite design?
I always love boilersuits! I have several different variations in each collection.

What is your key focus when designing something new?
I’m very conscious to keep to the LF Markey philosophy of simplicity, geometry, utility and bold colours. I also try to keep a level of femininity to the clothing.

What do you think makes a good design work?
The most important things are proportion, quality, fabrication and colour choice. But then the details can make a big difference to, such as thread colour and weight of stitch. Hence the long development process and continuous tinkering with existing styles!

If you could give any advice for a person that wants to go into fashion design what would it be?
It’s a long road, stick with it and try to carve out your niche from day one.

Describe your work in one word.
I can’t!

Describe yourself in one word.
Pragmatic.

How would you define culture?
The wonderful product of collective consciousness and a reasonably long period of human existence.

Find out more about LF Markey here via the official website.

A posthumous Prince EP of unreleased music is just around the corner

Modestas Mankus
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A posthumous Prince EP of unreleased music is just around the corner

A new Prince EP featuring six never before released tracks will be released on April 21st to remember the one-year anniversary of the pop legend’s death.

The EP features five new tracks: ‘Deliverance’, ‘No One Else’, ‘Touch Me’, ‘Sunrise Sunset’ and ‘I Am’.

However, Paisley Park has filed a federal lawsuit against sound engineer George Ian Boxill for control of the Deliverance EP. The lawsuit estimates the value of the music at around $75,000.

Odesza hints new music

Modestas Mankus
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Odesza hints new music

The Seattle based duo Odesza have found a unique way of teasing their fans about new music. Recently, the duo have created a new playlist named “. . . . _ / . . _ _ _ . . . . .”. It might seem like random characters however, upon further examination, it seems to be morse code for 4.25, which supposedly means April 25.

The playlist is empty at this moment of time. However, it seems that new music will follow very soon. They have been teasing over the past 12 months about realising new music. Let’s hope new music will follow soon.

 

Interview: Longshaw Ward

Modestas Mankus
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Interview: Longshaw Ward

Whether you’re into fashion slightly or simply live in Fashion, you must know about Longshaw Ward.

British label Longshaw Ward is a vibrant womenswear & accessories label run by husband and wife duo Kirsty Ward and David Longshaw. The British duo have had very successful solo careers prior the merge that made the wonderful Longshaw Ward label happen – the latest collection SS17 defining the great the talent between the two. This is our interview with them.

Hello, how are you?
Great thanks we’re just back from China where we were flown over to do a fashion show.

What is your background and when did you decide to go into Fashion?
We are Kirsty Ward and David Longshaw and together we are LONGSHAW WARD!

Kirsty and I met designing in Italy for Alberta Ferretti It was our first design job after uni- Kirsty’s from Oxfordshire, she studied on the fashion MA at St Martins.

I’m from Manchester, I went to St martins BA (fashion womenswear) then the Royal College of Art (MA womenswear course).

After Ferretti I went to Max Mara then we returned to England to launch our own separate labels which we had of about 5 years.

We decided to merge our labels as we thought it would be more fun and that we could create more exciting, stronger collections together.

What is it like at Longshaw Ward?
Our studio is full of our collections hanging from rails that come out from the walls(our ceilings are quite high). With lots of book selves full of our sketch books and books to inspire us. Dotted around the studio are various pieces from store windows we have designed including props from Kirsty’s Selfridges ones and my Matchesfashion.com fashion week windows(including our upstairs desk covered in my drawings that was in their Marlybone High St window).

“EXCITING FASHION LABEL COALESCING TWO EXCEPTIONAL STYLES”

How long does it take to design something from scratch?
It depends what it is- whether it’s a full collection or a special project for a brand/celebrity we are collaborating with. Some projects/ collaborations we have to turn around quickly, but usually we like to take our time to develop from research and experiment with cutting. We like to develop the collection from season to season so our style evolves – taking certain details from one collection to the next and pushing it forward.

Do you have a favourite design?
It changes all the time, but we are a big fan of our super impractical parkas – one’s made out of net, the other from sequins!

 

What is your key focus when designing something new?
Will it be fun to wear.

What do you think makes a good design work?
Something that works for the wearer, that has it’s own style or twist/attention to detail- so it doesn’t look like a poor copy of another design already out there.

If you could give any advice for a person that wants to go into fashion design what would it be?
Only go in to fashion if you feel you have to- there is a lot of competition, lots of highs and lows and a lot of late nights.

But if you really want to and you believe you have the passion and talent then don’t let anyone stop you, you have to have a fierce belief in your self and your vision.

But it can be great if you do and give you amazing experiences and meet incredible people.

How would you define culture?
Essential – culture is one of the thing that elevates us from being like any other animal.

To find out more about Longshaw Ward click here for their website.

10 Must see Game of Thrones fanart pieces

Klaudijus Mankus
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10 Must see Game of Thrones fanart pieces

Game of Thrones has been a huge success worldwide with viewership in over 170 countries it has attracted a huge international following. Loved by fans for its great cast, writing, and production value made possible with its huge production budget (spending an average of $10 million per episode for season six) every episode feels like a movie.

The only downside to this is that making such a great show takes a lot of time leaving the fans eagerly waiting for a period of 9-10 months for the new season to air. Giving fans time to speculate on the next season and joining many other fandoms in the culture of fanart. For which they do not disappoint with many artists and enthusiasts joining in and putting their own spin on their favorite GoT characters and storylines there’s so much out there that there’s a little something for everyone. 

So we decided to put a short list of must see Game of Thrones fan art to help you wait out the long months before the new season will air.

1. Robb Stark – by Mike Wrobel

This is just one of many pieces Mike Wrobel has created based on Game of Thrones. We found his mashup of Got characters and 80’s and 90’s culture to be quite refreshing and fun take on the subject. His works really make you think what if GoT was a set in the 90’s and instead of a fantasy drama between the different Royal houses of Westeros it was based on a rivalry between gangs or sports teams from differents schools.

2. The Maid of Tarth – Rory Phillips

This is a great character piece done in a fun comic style depicting the Brienne of Tarth perfectly. From first glance you can tell that she’s strong but if you look more closely the artist gives us more than just that but also grants an inside into her character by giving detail of her background by depicting the sigil of the House Tarth and a broken heart with ‘a beauty’ written above referencing to her childhood struggles and her romantic past.

3. Arya and the Hound – Matias Bergara 

Beautiful illustration by Matias Bergara. This is so well done it looks like these two could be a heroic duo from a graphic novel going on adventures and fighting bad guys. The ink and watercolour combination works beautifully creating a lively and nostalgic atmosphere.

4. Hardhome – Robert Ball

This is one of many posters created by Robert Ball in a very graphic style based on different Got episodes of the show. What’s really thrilling about this series is how the artist conveys a whole episode in one picture and how atmospheric and well thought out his these posters are. Really recommend having a look at more of his work if you’re interested in storytelling and compositions.

5. Sam Tarly – Nikolas Ilic 

Nicolas has also made more than one piece on Game of Thrones characters. His style seems really cute and fit for children’s books. One of the reasons we decided to choose this image is because there really doesn’t seem to be much fanart of Sam and this is a great depiction of him. Even though it’s quite stylized the facial expression fits his character perfectly and the ravens were a really nice touch in reference to the night’s watch.

6. Starks – Asiulus

This piece stuck out as it had all the little Starks with their dire wolves. We thought that this was a really cute style of illustration and the artist did well to depict each of the characters and their wolves as individuals.

 

7. Mother of Dragons – Barbara Tarr

Based on the finale of season one this illustration beautifully depicts the turning point in Daenerys character and storyline. The three small dragons and the determined expression while in a setting of burnt wood and ash screams to the viewer that a badass has been born. What’s more is that the style of this illustration seems so appealing that it makes the idea of an animated Got series or a comic seem quite possible and exciting.

8. Game of Thrones Prince and the Hound – Phobs

Game of Thrones Prince and the Hound by Phobs

The juxtaposition in this piece between prince Joffrey Baratheon and Sandor Clegane (the Hound) is genius this piece perfectly depicts that you should not judge a book by its cover. The subtle use of the crossbow in reference to the show is brilliant and really conveys the message that while the Prince might seem young and sweet from the first glance his character is really not that kind. While the big, ugly and intimidating Hound is actually of good and kind character, depicted taking care of birds.

9. Bran Stark – Richey Beckett 

A truly magical piece by Richey Beckett. This one stood out quite a bit with its rich detail and the way the artist has used the colours and the composition and placement of the crow and the weir wood tree to convey the feeling of the north and symbolism to Bran and his storyline.

10. Wildfire – Fernando Reza

Fernando Reza: "Wildfire"

This was an interesting piece to come across it’s quite decorative and based on the Game of Thrones however not on any of the characters but on a fictional substance within the GoT universe. Wildfire. The artist made few more posters on a similar theme like valyrian steel we think these posters are a great idea and a delightful alternative to the well know Got posters based on the different house sigils.

We hope you loved this little selection of works as much as us and remember there’s much more fanart left out there to find. If you think we should have included any specific piece tweet us at @OurCultureOC . 

Interview: Bontan

Modestas Mankus
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Interview: Bontan

After reaching No.1 on Beatport Top 100 there has been a lot of talk about Bontan and his emergence in the dance music world. Here is our interview with the very talented music producer.

Describe how you are feeling in one word?
Hungry.

Electronic Dance Music or EDM?
Electronic Dance Music.

Fire or Water?
Water.

Top 1 for a year or Top 100 for ten years?
Top 1 for a year.

Favourite BPM?
126

Favourite film?
The Mask

CD or Cassette?
Cassette

Define yourself in one word?
Overexcitable

What do you think culture needs more?
Unity.

You can get his latest EP “The First Time” here.

Interview: Jonas Mekas

Modestas Mankus
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Interview: Jonas Mekas

Jonas Mekas is considered one of the most important filmmakers in the alternate cinema world. Lithuanian born filmmaker, poet and artist is often regarded as the “Godfather of American avant-garde cinema“. If one was to define pure cinema, one of the first names that would come up would be Jonas Mekas.

Furthermore, he has made films such as Walden (1969), As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000), Lost, Lost, Lost (1976) and many more. Mostly, he is known for documenting his own life in his films but equally known for introducing Andy Warhol into cinema and documenting his life from around 1963 to 1990 in the film Scenes from the Life of Andy Warhol: Friendships and Intersections (1990). This is our interview with Jonas.

Hi, How are you Jonas?

I am doing very well. No complaints.

So, when did you realise you wanted to be a filmmaker?

I never wanted to be a film-maker. But at some point I discovered that I was making films! It was a surprising discovery.

Who or What influences your work?

Absolutely everything under the sun — and beyond – influences me and my work.

If you could give any advice to a person that wants to be filmmaker what would it be?

Get a camera!

Do you have a favourite piece of work you have made?

No. I like several pieces. No one favorite.

How do you decide what to make next?

I make no decisions. I never know what I’ll film/tape/record next. I like to be surprised. Things keep coming at me.

Do you have a favourite film or filmmaker?

Hundreds. From different countries, periods, styles, formats, genres etc.

How do you feel the world has changed since you began as a filmmaker?

The world changes drastically almost every day.

Describe yourself in one word.

A soul.

How would you define culture?

Culture is the soul content of humanity.

To get more info about Jonas and his work you can watch, read and learn about him on his website here.

 

Interview: Bella Singleton

Modestas Mankus
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Interview: Bella Singleton

Bella Singleton is one of the newer well-developed designers in the fashion world. The young British designer provides “prismatic accessories to the style conscious for whom personal expression trumps fashion trends “. Bella herself studied Printed Textiles at Leeds College of Art where her passion grew to develop and create an accessories brand. Her playful personal designed scarves and other beautiful accessories can be acquired at places like Tate, Young British Designers and her brand website. This is our interview with Bella about her and her exciting brand.

When did you realise you wanted to become a designer?
Bella: I always knew I wanted to be a designer, which is why I did an art foundation course to find out what sort of design I was suited to..it turned out I was most drawn to a degree course and job I had never really even considered existed!

What made you start designing scarves?
Bella: Scarves are a great blank canvas for print designers, it allows me to work on what I am best at – the digital printing process is so simple so I get to focus on the print design and illustration.

Do you have a favourite scarf you designed?
Bella: Yes the one I am wearing in this photo which is called Losing My Way. It has so many patterns rolled into one, and I am drawn to prints that are feminine but have a sporty edge.

If you could collaborate with any designer who would it be and why?
Bella: I would love to do collaboration with a garment designer to create a simple line of dresses with my prints one day.

Describe the style of your work in one word.
Bella: Playful

Describe yourself in one word.
Bella: Contemplative

Where do you see your work going in the next decade?
Bella: To continue designing to produce a truly unique and electic group of collections under one brand name. I love designing for other brands too so I hope to continue working freelance.

We love your Instagram page. Which social media do you love using most?
Bella:Instagram is definitely favourable only because so many people use it as a picture library, if you want to get a feel for a brand you go to their Instagram page immediately.

If you could dress any person who would it be and why?
Bella: I would like to see British actress Naomie Harris wearing a scarf from the upcoming AW17 collection, she wears a lot of colour. Emma Stone wearing the current collection, it would look amazing with her hair. They both are amazing at what they do and have a great sense of self style.

How would you define culture?
Bella: Culture is a certain way of living, no single one the same. It is subjective and unique.

For more info on Bella Singleton, check out her website.

10 Akira Kurosawa Films You Must See

Modestas Mankus
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10 Akira Kurosawa Films You Must See

Akira Kurosawa films are admired by filmmakers the world over. Here’s a brief list that will give you a good overview of his work.

The late Japanese director Akira Kurosawa is considered by many critics to be one of the most important directors of all time, influencing countless directors from Tarantino and George Lucas to Tarkovsky. His films tackle themes including morality, crime and family. He has made films period based dramas (jidai-geki) and contemporary dramas. So, here is a list of films that you must see by this hugely important director.

The Hidden Fortress (1958)

This striking drama famously influenced director George Lucas in the making of Star Wars (1977).

Seven Samurai (1954)

Probably his greatest film, Seven Samurai has influenced countless western films such as The Magnificent Seven (1960) & (2016)

Yojimbo (1961)

A Fistful of Dollars was the unofficial remake of this film directed by Sergio Leone. A huge lawsuit followed and it was finally resolved out of court, even though Sergio Leone did not get the rights to remake the film.

Ran (1985)

Beautifully cinematic as expected from Kurosawa, Ran is a true iconic film that adds to the list of great films Kurosawa has directed. The film itself barely made the money it cost to be made in the Japanese box office. However, it still remains a classic.

Dreams (1990)

Funded by Warner Bros. this film was supported by George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Copolla. The film isn’t the usual Kurosawa type of film, however I feel it’s important to have it in this list as it is inspired by real dreams of Kurosawa.

Sanjuro (1962)

Sanjuro is a sequel to to Yojimbo. Another classic by the legendary director.

Ikiru (1952)

Ikiru by KurosawaIkiru is classic drama film by Kurosawa. The actual film was going to be remade with Tom Hanks in 2004 but never saw the light of day.

Stray Dog (1949)

Stray Dog is considered a precursor to the contemporary police procedural and buddy cop film genres. A must-watch for any Kurosawa fan.

Drunken Angel (1948)

This is the first film where Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune collaborated. Mark Schilling cited Drunken Angel as the first film to depict post-war Yakuza in his book The Yakuza Movie Book : A Guide to Japanese Gangster Films

High and Low (1963)

High and Low is loosely based on the novel King’s Ransom by Ed McBain. As usual the film was filmed at Toho. This isn’t one of the biggest films of Kurosawa but yet very important.

To find out more about Akira Kurosawa check out this website dedicated to him and his work.

 

British guitarist Allan Holdsworth dies aged 70

Modestas Mankus
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British guitarist Allan Holdsworth dies aged 70

Known best for his work in Jazz fusion British guitarist Allan Holdsworth has died of unknown causes at the age of 70. Over his career he has released 12 studio albums and has had a career spanning over four decades.

Allan Holdsworth’s daughter Louise confirmed the news via Facebook

“It is with heavy hearts that we notify everyone of the passing of our beloved father. We would appreciate privacy and time while we grieve the loss of our dad, grandad, friend and musical genius. We will update close friends and family when service arrangements have been made and will notify the public of an open memorial service, which all would be welcome. We are undeniably still in shock with his unexpected death and cannot begin to put into words the overwhelming sadness we are experiencing. He is missed tremendously.

Louise, Sam, Emily & Rori”

Fellow artists also shared memories via Twitter.

Allan was a true pioneer in his art form. The world will miss him.

Article Photo by Anil Prasad.

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