I was 13 years old when I discovered Vivienne Westwood. The music came first. From the moment I heard the album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, I was hooked. Within a few months, I was spending my pocket money on a knock-off Westwood design – tartan bondage trousers. My punk look was… Continue reading Fashion, sex and drag: Vivienne Westwood’s queer legacy
In an unexpected turn of events, BBC’s University Challenge has found its way into the music scene, with its new presenter Amol Rajan becoming an unwitting icon for DJs and music producers. During an episode of the quiz show, Rajan, known for his journalistic prowess, sparked a viral sensation after he made a comment about… Continue reading “Can’t except drum and bass, we need jungle I’m afraid” – how University Challenge went viral on the rave scene
Tucked away just off The Kings Road, in Duke of York Square, Polpo is a hidden gem that effortlessly blends the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with a modern flair. From the moment you walk through the door, the atmosphere envelops you in a warm, welcoming embrace, striking the perfect balance between casual and refined.… Continue reading A Taste of Venice: An Exceptional Culinary Journey at Polpo
Fashion has a notorious environmental footprint, accounting for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide output. This is exacerbated by a fast fashion business model which encourages the frequent purchase of low-priced and non-durable items. Around 30% of online purchases are subsequently returned, much of which goes to landfill. In 2020, an estimated 2.6 million tonnes of returns were disposed of… Continue reading Fast fashion: why your online returns may end up in landfill – and what can be done about it
In the age of digital assistants, chatbots, and generative AI, we’ve all had the occasional encounter with a machine that seems almost human—until it inevitably messes up your grocery list or misinterprets your sarcasm. But here’s a question you might not have considered: should we treat these non-sentient entities with the same manners we use… Continue reading Should you say please and thank you to AI?
From Nazi Germany to the Pinochet regime in Chile, the burning of books has been a potent symbol of authoritarian control, cultural repression, and the systematic elimination of dissent. While the act of burning books might seem extreme, it is a deliberate and strategic move by fascist regimes to consolidate power and eliminate any threats… Continue reading Why fascists burn books: a history of censorship and control
A new initiative aimed at supporting art professionals from working-class backgrounds is launching in London. The Working Arts Club, founded by Meg Molloy, Head of Communications at Stephen Friedman Gallery, is an independent organisation designed to bring together those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who work in the UK’s visual arts sector. The club’s focus is… Continue reading The Working Arts Club: breaking down barriers for working-class creatives in the Art world
Nestled in the heart of Holland Park, Belvedere offers a dining experience that effortlessly blends historical grandeur with the vibrant culinary traditions of Italy. The building itself, dating back to 1638 and once a glamorous ballroom frequented by figures like Charles Dickens, exudes an air of timeless elegance. Recently reimagined under the leadership of George… Continue reading Belvedere: A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Holland Park
Hours before the 2024 MUBI Fest in Istanbul was set to begin, the festival received notification from the Istanbul Kadıköy District Governorship that Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, scheduled as the opening night film, had been banned in Turkey. The official government statement cited the film’s “provocative content that could disrupt public order” and said the ban… Continue reading MUBI cancels Istanbul 2024 festival after Turkish government bans Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’
Bastille have unveiled their fifth album, &, a beautiful and ambitious synchrony of sound and storytelling. This 14-track record weaves together narratives of both real and imagined figures, such as the biblical Eve, the mythological Narcissus, the painter Edvard Munch and the lesser-known Chinese pirate Zheng Yi Sao. & is a treasure trove of lyricism… Continue reading “&” (ampersand): Bastille’s beautiful symphony of storytelling
