Roving Reporter . . . Identity Solved

I've been told that apparently I don't do 'branding' very well.
Which I suppose is because, shockingly, though I could most definitely talk for England, possible a small - medium sized continent, I actually am rather shy.
I dislike being in front of camera's, hence why it's normally Bleu, or some other poor unsuspecting person that I snap as evidence of work, rather than pop into the pic myself. However now in the name of all things blog like and fashion, I am coming clean and revealing my identity, all be it still without the picture, after all I can't divulge everything at once!
So who is Roving Reporter and why does she get the inside scoop?

Real Name: Rivkie Baum

Job: Fashion Stylist / Fashion Journalist and most importantly, the
Editor at RANDOM MAGAZINE, the best and quirkiest fashion/art magazine around.

Favourite Past Time: Finding Fashion Scoop and gossip, tracking trends, sourcing new designers and watching runway shows!

Well there you have it, I am Roving Reporter and I shall continue to Rove and Report, but now I'm no longer CID, I'm laid out bare in my fashion threads!

Roving Reporter . . . Fash-Pack Fav Rocks at Wireless!

'LET'S GET EXCITED!'

Back in April, AFW appeared and like magic I found myself with a whole new load of young designers to work with. If you cast your mind back, you will remember that Bleu Flats and I raved about new talent NAJLAA JABRI and her pearly button leggings. Well it seems like the music world caught on as a very excited Alesha Dixon wore them for her performance at Wireless Festival at the weekend! How FAB!

Fash-Pack going to the ends of the earth to find you the best talent around!

Picture: OK magazine

Roving Reporter . . . Irregular Choice Shoe Party!

Tonight was party night! We headed to the flagship 'Irregular Choice' shoe store on Carnaby Street to chat, munch sweeties and drink the classic choice of 'Lambrini!'

The fashion pack were treated to yummy cartons of Um-Bongo, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, sherbet sweeties, jelly beans and mini-mini cupcakes by Ooh La La! (just so you know it was scrummy, and a perfect choice, there was plenty a mad dash to the cakes and never have I seen fashionista's enjoying their food so much! Don't tell them that the doughnuts are 500 calories a pop or they will never eat again!)

(Bleu Flats and her new BFF - The designer of the greatest shoes on earth - Irregular Choice obv!) We love him and his beautiful shoes! I wore my favourite, purple ankle boot with gold bow in honour of the party and was chuffed that he picked up on them! I love, love, love them and I also love how much people point at my feet when I wear them!

Entertaining the crowd was Laura Dockrill a.k.a 'Dockers MC' with her tales and poetic lyrics, while 'It' chick of the moment 'Polly Scattergood' - (hot name right?!) Charmed the socks (or should that be shoes?!) off the room with her delicate voice and a sneak preview of her much anticipated album.

On arrival we were stamped with a smiley bear and it wasn't long before our grin matched his and we left the party full of glittery goodness, sweeties and Lambrini, we tottered off to find 'real food'.

I wont name the 'Italian' that gave us shoddy service, but poor heels had to wait a good half hour for her meal, only for the waitress to arrive with a small plate with one slice of bread! (see image below).

 No this was not a new 'fashionable' diet, but a mistake on our waitresses part!  - After much explaining and a few more moments all was resolved, but our faces when she placed down one piece of bread 'to share' was priceless!

We headed home, as we are out partying for the next two nights, don't worry, your fash-pack chicks will keep bringing the gossip!

Roving Reporter . . . Celeb Spotting

I was back in Shoreditch today (it felt like forever ago since I last went to Brick Lane) and having finished an early morning meeting, I headed to Flats and mines favourite hangout 'Cafe 1001'. In true Flats style, she was late as anything and I head to suffer some poor prats attempt to make conversation. Though not paralytic, he had evidently had more than one and suddenly sat at my table. After explaining that I was not about to leave the cafe with him and indeed, not head off anywhere with him, he proceeded to tell me my eyes were 'cool' several times, before remarking that I even had curly hair - he was a real catch right! I turned on my usual anti man device, which is to stare them out and sit in silence, (freaks guys out) and he eventually moved on, when the pain of deathly silence and me staring at him like he didn't speak English got too much. (Just a life tip for you girls)

Flats turned up and we went for a wonder, where we spotted none other, than Primrose Hill chick (now that's my side of London) 'Keira Knightley' stepping backwards out of 'The Lazy One's' just off Brick Lane, saying she 'didn't want the dress, as it doesn't fit me' (must be too big as surely it could never be too small!) She looked gorgeous, with long, loosely curled locks, big sunglasses and a waisted, black mac, we approve!

She was also with a hot boy, who looked a little bit like Robert Pattinson from Twilight!

Roving Reporter and Flats . . . Together in one post!

Having pranced about London checking out gigs and parties, we decided that what we really wanted to do was curl up on the sofa with hot chocolates and tell you all about it!

So off we went back to my pad where I cracked open the Cadbury's to make us hot chocolate. 

Tonight we went off to see Sam Loaker play in Camden. We love Sam! He was fabulous and funny - plus he gave me a free CD so I could sway to his crooning at home. Though he did seem nervous, his humour shined through and he entertained the crowd with not only clever and witty lyrics but also cute and entertaining stories to match them too!

He is definitely one to watch . . . We will put up pics and video of the gig tomorrow, until then feast your eyes on his myspace! SAM LOAKER

Roving Reporter & Flats . . . Just Chilling

(Bleu with her hot new Blue accessory!)

Well today, Bleu and myself had a chill day . . . sorry I mean an official blog meeting. Well the truth is Bleu and I are rubbish at having serious meetings with one another. Mainly because we tend roll off on to tangents and funny stories. We decided to ditch Shoreditch on this occasion and head over to may spiritual home of Camden. Having scoured the vintage shops for brown, ankle boots to fit Bleu's enormous, clown proportioned feet, we finally settled for a drink and chips in the Lock Bar, so we could pretend we were on holiday and wave to passing canal boats!
Whilst in Camden Mollie and I also almost (literally) walked into Kate Moss's boyfried Jamie Hince, see Camden is cool!
Following Camden, we headed to Soho and popped into Nico-D on D'arbly Street to say hey, where Bleu and Nico tried to get me into a wet-look playsuit, seriously I love it, but on me hun? No way. See I feel Nico was being genuine in his belief I could carry it off, where as Bleu was just doing it for pure amusement . . . I declined!

Bleu and myself have big plans for this blog and with an exclusive Kings of Leon interview this weekend and a chat with funny man Matthew Horne still to come, you know that you are tuning in to the hottest blog around!
The colour has changed again and there maybe a bit of deja vu when I re-post the Zane Lowe interview (its to get us linked so we can keep getting bigger and better) but all in all Fash-Pack is developing and you lot are so part of it!

xx

Oh and I forgot! We were having coffee in Kingly Court at the cute cupcake place (sometime much after Camden) and who should sit behind us but Matthew Williamson! I nearly died! I was tres excited, but sadly too shy to go up to him and confess my love! ahhhh another day!

Flats talks to . . . Jamie Delaney from Blighters

I head to the back of a little pub, totally indie’esque to find a skinny jeaned boy and pot of tea awaiting me.
With my usual hour delay, the first time ever the band or for this instance Jamie (singer and guitarist of 'Blighters') is on time, I find him, waiting, sitting comfortably, for my grilling.
To me he is quintessentially a totally English boy; I first saw 'Blighters' play at the waterfront in Norwich several years ago, when they were then called 'Monroe’s'. They have a great sound, of which many of my musical friend rave about.
Bleu: So what have you been doing with yourself recently? With the band that is? As I can clearly see you have been shopping he he.

Jamie: Oh well, yes, I went charity shop shopping today I bought an amazing jumper!

Bleu: Wow that’s awesome. Anyway so what have the band been doing?

Jamie: We are solidly writing at the moment, stopped being in London so much and moved back to Norwich now spending loads of time recording with Mike Crossly.

Bleu: Who do you think the best British band is at the moment?

Jamie: God that’s hard, there’s so many and I flick between a lot, um .... I love 'The Magistrates’, and 'The Virgins', who we played with a while back, they were really cool.
Bleu: If you could pick anyone, who would be your mistletoe kiss? (Random but all boys I’ve asked normally say another boy or band member!)
Jamie: In that case, it would totally be Lenny (the drummer)

Bleu: God no! Pick another!

Jamie: He he ok, um Ramallah, she’s an actress I filmed a movie with a while back, I don’t know why, but it would be her.

Bleu: Oh I forget your an actor in your spare time.

Jamie: Yes I really enjoy it, I had my first proper speaking part recently in a film. I really would like to do more.

Bleu: Who are your musical influences?

Jamie: It's always evolving, from the past and changing. But Michael Jackson and, at the moment, (after searching through his shopping bag he finds some Mj records –B-F) Late David Bowie is a definite, Japan and Abc.

Bleu: What influences your sound and lyrics?

Jamie: Well I take influences for lyrics from different places. But we changed our band name a few months back and that was because our sound had changed and 'The Blighters' felt like it met our new material well.

Bleu: What are you hoping to achieve this year as a band?

Jamie: Hopefully do a couple of festivals in-between recording and writing. Get an album out and get a really good single from it to.

Bleu: How did you find your manager?

Jamie: He kind of found us, came to a gig we were playing and it all just started from there.

Bleu: Lucky you, most bands strive to find a good manager. If you were an object what would you be and why?(he looks totally confused) so I give examples? Sofa, a camera etc. (a table? - RR)

Jamie: A pillow so I could smother you. (Funny of scary?! - RR)

Bleu: Oh cheers love, I'll remember that when I do a review on you!
If you could spend a day doing anything what would you do?

Jamie: That's so hard, many things (he sits thoughtfully thinking through so many ideas). Lots of things, but one would be bringing back the musical geniuses from the past, e.g. Freddy Mercury etc. and make a record with them.

Bleu: Would you invite rest of your band?

Jamie: No I'd be selfish, just me.

Bleu: What’s your favourite snack? (It's just a filler question . . . I assume it will be haribo as he’s been tucking in to a big bag)

Jamie: Today it would be haribo.

http://www.myspace.com/blightersmusic

Flats talks to . . . Francis and Louis

Bleu caught up with Francesca from Francis and Louis:

Bleu: So, what's your inspiration, as far as the lyrics and the sound are concerned?

F & L: Personal experiences mainly. From being stuck in a car on the way to Spain (never do it), to a lover being unfaithful.
(Lucy is the lyrical genius behind Francis and Louis.)

Bleu: I love it! There's never a right way to form music, yet always an interesting way.
How long have you been together? How did the band come about?

F & L: It will be 2 years this summer that we've been together. It started in the summer of 2007, after Lucy was bought a guitar for her 15th birthday. We used to sit in her bedroom for hours playing songs we loved. Then the idea of a band seemed right.

Bleu: Bedrooms seem to be the place where all deep, subconscious, moments happen they say.
If you were a super hero, what would be your super hero name and why?

F & L: I'd be called Night Hawk - soaring through the sky at night capturing (or rescuing - RR?) innocent victims of violence under my Mama Duck wing. Lucy would have to be Super Legs and her legs are truly cracking. Even the Dutch think so.

Bleu: Legs she does have! and I bet you would have a mean mama duck wing!
What record could you drift of to sleep listening ?

F & L: Oh God, there are too many. I have a play list on my iPod called 04:59. It consists of around 200 songs I could fall asleep to easily.

Bleu: But out of all those...

F&L: Scott Matthews - Earth to Calm, Modest Mouse - Perfect Disguise (BBC Radio Session), or a song by a local band Vanilla Kick called 'The Escape' www.myspace.com/vanillakick - They are beautiful.

Bleu: Who is your fav British band at the moment ?

F & L: Bombay Bicycle Club, or Metronomy. Though, I'm concerned about the departure of Gabrielle from Metronomy. I'm not sure what's in store for them. Another upcoming talent has to be Peggy Sue (formally known as Peggy Sue and The Pirates) We'll be playing alongside of her this Friday in Norwich.

Bleu: If you were an object what would you be an why?

F & L: That's such a hard question. There are too many objects in this world. But I think I'd have to be a camera, I'd see so much.

Bleu: Where are you hoping to go with your music this year? Any plans?

F & L: We're planning on recording a new EP this summer, which will consist of 5 brand new tracks. It'll include a full band, unlike our previous EP.

Bleu: Where can we catch you playing?

F & L: This Friday! Come holla down to Wensum Lodge, Norwich, where you can catch us playing with Peggy Sue. Or July 6th at Norwich Arts Centre, as part of the Hot City Sounds week.

Bleu: Who is your music icon? and who is your fashion?

F & L: Nick Drake and Lovefoxxx.

Bleu: I'll leave you to decide which is which.

http://www.myspace.com/francisandlouis

Flats Tells Us . . . The Maccabees & Mumford and Sons @ Electric Ballroom last night

This just a more detailed review of last night with some pics too!

With a last minute rush over to Camden, I met Kie Kie (Roving Reporter) at Camden Town tube. All we had to do was follow the mass of indie kids heading over in their checked shirts and plimsolls to know we were in the right place.After picking up our very “Important”, press, guest list tickets we headed inside, to have a little snoop and wander around to see what was going down. The Venue itself wasn’t really, shabby chic enough for me, but was a good, big, gig space regardless. After grabbing a beer and heading to the main area, we got a good spot up front, to see support band 'Mumford and Sons'.They are actually incredibly good, with old school, mixed with bizarre instrument choices, their sound was amazing! I loved it! I would go and see them again most defiantly. 

(Ben from the Mumford and Sons! - bad shirt, fantastic face! - RR)

The lead singer had a sort of folksy style, indie voice, and deep, meaningful lyrics, it was so perfect. (I felt like I was in a cool barn dance - but cool, really cool! At perhaps a slightly wacky boarding school - RR).

Look who we met in the loo! - she was sooooo nice!

With Ben Lovett on the keys, he was really going for it! But the geek chic instrument of 2009, has to be the double bass! I have never seen anyone rock one before!
We headed outside for a sneaky fag before the Macs played and grabbed a quick chat with Matt Horne about his latest escapades, he promises us an interview soon. 

We spot Felix sneaking behind us for a quick sing along to the support. I grab Land for a second, forgetting to mock his bad choice of headwear! I just got a quick peck and wished good luck for the set, after (finally -RR) introducing all to Kie Kie “your kooky curly haired friend” (is that really my description?! - Not sure if honoured?! - RR)  We settle back into our spot ready for The Maccabees to start. 

Within about 5 seconds of them walking on stage, the sold out crowd were going crazy! 

Most indie bands, really don’t have such great voices, but this band are different in so many ways (you are such a groupie - RR). 

Not only are the songs catchy and well written, but Orlando’s voice is incredible, Felix pours his passion for music onto the floor every time he walks onto the stage, and his solo escapades, fronting the band are becoming more regular. As Felix (shyly) sang his heart out, me and Kie Kie whooped crazily in support (I felt silly, I should drink more, it was however VERY good and worth a good whoop - RR). 

They are, genuinely, an amazing band to see live, even listening to the record, you can feel the buzz . . .

 “We want the record to sounds like the best live gig you could go to” said Felix.
I loved it, Kie Kie loved it, the huge crowd loved it! 

Yet again an unforgettably great performance from them!

Kiss Kiss Bleu flats x

Roving Reporter . . . Popping my gig cherry!

It's fairly obvious by now that Bleu Flats is the music mogul of our duo, but tonight she tried to make me cool, but taking me along to see a fash-pack fav, 'The Maccabees'. 

Not knowing what was gig attire, I turned up in my 'Vice' photographed boots (purple with gold bows) and a sequined tee. What I should've pulled on was some jeans, a check shirt, stripey tee and a hoodie, well I'll know for next time!

As Flats downed some snake bite, I chilled in the corner, watching in awe as the room filled with kids from the age of 14 to grown ups! This was some cult following! Naturally we made our way to the front, it's all about the view you know!

A more detailed review will follow from Bleu, but lets just say . . . The Maccabees -  The energy was outstanding, the vocals (both Felix's and Orlando's) were fantastic and the playing of the accordion suggests that there maybe no end to Orlando's talent!

Though I was the only person (beside the huge, hippy looking bouncer) who didn't know every single word, I did my best to whoop and 'indie shift' (it's a move apparently) with the rest of them!

Spotted: 

*Miquita Oliver (of T4 fame) who was super friendly and chatted to Flats and I in the loos and posed for a picture!

*Matthew Horne, throwing some shapes! 

*Naturally we saw The Maccabees, but we actually spoke to Felix and Orlando too!

Roving Reporter . . . Shooting again!

We were up again ridiculously early to shoot Nico D's look book! Gathering in trendy Shoreditch, we were ready to rock. As you can see from the pics below, as usual we worked incredibly hard!

http://nico-d.com/

Paul doing some work!

Liss rocking the Nico LBD!

www.myspace.com/eddiemusicuk

Bleu-Flats and Pants Man doing a lil dance, well you have to brighten up the day don't you!

Bleu pulling a face . . . again! Have you ever seen anyone look good on no sleep . . . (enter Pants Man).

Inga our gorgeous MUA!

Liss and Paul rocking it and working, while the rest of us munched crisps, sandwiches, brunch bars and oh yeah, fruit!

http://nico-d.com/

Roving Reporter . . . Shoot Shoot Shoot

Goodness me, it's Bank Holiday Sunday and I have been up since seven! It is now 10pm and I'm just tucking into some dinner having spent the day shooting in Dunganess.

Where, I hear you cry?! Well it's in Kent, on the coast, it's kinda full of stones and a few randomly placed little houses, so totally not London! 

While I reveled in being out in the sticks, gushing at the cute little cottages, the quaint steam train and the general beauty of the peace and quiet, Bleu-Flats was falling into full scale panic mode! Having never been too far out of Shoreditch, my little Flats was actually having an allergic reaction to our surroundings and spent most of the day in the prep B&B room, eyes watering and tissues at the ready!
We were off to shoot a knit campaign, so while the crew froze to death, on the sunny but cold day, the gorgeous models were kitted out in the most lovely cashmere coats, jumpers and skirts! Damn!
The look was New York - London, Prom Grunge. Perfect really, as London has a punk reputation, while the Big Apple is famous for its pretty, prom style.
Featured are some clips from the day! Enjoy! xx

When we saw sheep, that's when we knew we were very far away from a Starbucks!

(Our gorgeous model Ulla, pulling a face! - how cute is she!)

The models rocking the doubles shots in stunning purple! We all loved these wool coats!

(Tom doing some work, everyone now . . . 1 2 3 READY, 1 2 3 READY, 1 2 3 READY!)

(Tom working again, here with Sarah, does he ever stop?! 1 2 3 READY)

(Ulla and the mitten puppet, definitely the most hilarious model I've ever worked with, she had us all in stitches!)

TOM! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? . . . Oh, the sun is too strong to see the pics on the camera, RIGHT, UHU, YEAH WE BELIEVE YOU!

Bleu-Flats, rocking her Kenny from South Park impression.

Tim sweetie, it's so not your colour!

Me in the Kenny South-Park hat, with Ulla, girls in pink!

Flats ... Chats to Zane Lowe

Well after literally walking straight in to Zane Lowe, it seemed it was the perfect opportunity to interview him.

Zane is an interesting character, he doesn’t do many interviews and so remains some what elusive to the public eye, always on the fringes and in fact causing new waves of band success, yet somehow remaining in the background. This made me determined to get an insight into the man, who introduces us to some of Britain’s best and upcoming bands.

The Radio One DJ and influential music mogul, was up for answering a few questions. His accent is quite strong and it took me most of the interview to understand what he was actually saying (thank goodness for dictaphones.)

Bleu Flats: So you showcase some of the best British bands via your show, How do you find them, Do you go to a lot of gigs?

Zane: I love music, always have and want to put out there the less known artists and give them opportunities. I am always listening to demos from bands and also going by hearsay of other people’s opinions of unsigned artists.
Gigs are a great way to find new, unsigned bands.

Bleu Flats: Who do you think the most influential British band are at the moment?

Zane: That’s hard and I don’t want to pick one, I love so many and like so many varieties and genres. But The Maccabees new material is so great , they’ve developed so much since there first album I know everyone’s excited to hear the rest of the album. White Lies are really cool too, but everybody is talking about I AM KLOOT and they are fucking awesome.

Bleu: Your favourite WWF wrestler?

Zane: Fuck, What a man am I ? I don’t know any, (pauses) I have no idea! (he blushes and looks around for reassurance).

Bleu Flats: (laughing), It's a random question, although Felix was quite excited to answer it!

Zane: Well thats because he's more of a man than me.

(He winks across the room, like he's found his long lost love! We are all convinced something is going on there . . . shhhhhh!)

Zane: Oh, I also love 'Kids Love Lies' and Bombay Bicycle Club. 'BBC Introducing' is so ace for the new bands in the festival season to, give them a place to play at the biggest UK festivals.

Roving Reporter . . . Party Time Again!

Having spent all morning watching the shows, scouting for up and coming talent, we went back to Bleu Flats, to rifle through her draws. This was not an episode of 'What to Wear', but more a case of, 'What Not To Wear'. . . and as a trained personal stylist, I was only to happy to rugby tackle Bleu Flats to the floor to relinquish some hideous, fashion faux pas from her paws! 

We headed over to town to hit up the latest fashion party, this time taking us to a little known store on D'Arbly street, that belongs to our favourite, Italian, fashionista, Nico D. Nico D (who's Fash-Pack interview will go live shortly), designs both menswear and women's wear, tonight hosted a little shindig to display his collections. As usual, we came, we saw, we pouted, we conquered! Oh and naturally had a chat and drink too. 

Nico's summer collection, housed some brilliant dresses, really A-Lister glam!

Obviously one fashion party is never enough, so we popped into the Lazy Oaf, drawing party in Kingly Court. All I can say is, FUN FUN FUN! With professional illustrators making master pieces on the walls, with little more than felt tip pens, the mere mortals were left to make little A5 pics, that were then stuck up on the wall. We blatantly scammed the chance to spread the fash-pack name and scribbled our name up everywhere.

Well that's it for now, plenty of pics over the weekend, plus some of the best band interviews EVER done!

Roving Reporter . . . Alternative Fashion Week Day 4

Today saw, what was, over all a fairly decent day of fashion. Though I must admit nothing floored me, on the whole, we felt that most collections deserved applause and seeing my call sheet littered with notations and scribbles, I obviously felt that there was a lot to take down!

Cherrie Camplin kicked off the excitement factor with her incredibly well constructed, structural and sculptural collection. Though the colours were at time, headache inducing. The outlandish collars, sleekly draped jumpsuits and pleat detailing, made up for some scary fabric choices. There has been far too much in the way of holographic fabric this week, it is however, just, so, Halloween! Not my dears, a fashion look!

Holly Dutton then carried on the weeks theme, for vintage, nostalgia and child inspired collections with a muted, coffee cream look that was very RTW. We loved the styling of knee high socks, very Pollyanna.

Rosie Boycott Brown's collection did not start well but, by the end Bleu Flats and I were OBSESSED with her knitting needle accessorised, patch work dresses, just so original, quirky and cool!

Our special mention however, goes to . . . Lucy Majerski for her beautiful grey and powdered pink collection, that was both rock chick couture, with a softer, more feminine edge. We loved the cuts on the floaty dresses and added the pink, structured, biker jacket to our wish lists!

Roving Reporter . . . Alternative Fashion Week Day 2

I am loving this summer sun! (Bleu) Flats and I turned up ridiculously early to nab front row seats, then tried to act fashion cool, lets be honest, when are fashionistas early! Flats opted for a truly summer, candy stripe play-suit while I somehow ended up in head to toe black?! Having not been blown away yesterday, we weren't expecting too much today. But we were proved wrong! There was tones of redeemable things today. 

It started with fabulously, purple, swingy, velvet coats by Hackney College. They had big sleeves, oversized collars and military and Victorian detailing. 

Other things worthy of note were Penny Baker's jersey creations, surrealist shoulders, panelling and general awesomeness that was very Sports Luxe with a futuristic edge; Sarah Punter's 'concealed and revealed' collection that had delicate prints, sheer panelling and spectacular slashed and shredded fabrics. It reminded us of a cross between the latest Jil Sander and Louise Amstrup collections. Futuristic, modern and unstated cool. Menswear was a treat too and our new crush is with Nelly George Hipkin. 

Her fun and fierce collection had a 50's come 80's vibe. There were polka dots, fluorescent acid, plastic macs and the most wackiest of man bags. Colour was clashed, prints were loud and cuts were excellent and perfectly mixed the traditional with the out there, for the most dapper and showy of gentlemen. Pics, interviews and further reports to follow!