While some mixtapes just manage to scrape a shot of the cover, track list and a few kind words published on music blogs, The Weeknd (21-year-old Canadian, Abel Tesfaye), with the mysteriously missing vowel, rushed up to internet fame with his nine-song mixtape, sparking regurgitated debates over how the ‘made for indie crowd’ tracks change the form of RnB today-just another way of saying there’s nothing quite like it at the moment.

Regardless of whether the music is RnB or “indie RnB,” House of Balloons is still an impressive mixtape which plays like a true album. “What you need” is my favourite track and opens with a line from Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat (2001).” It’s the most seductive and pretty much represents what this new slice of RnB is all about.

The theme? Creepy vocal samples and ghostly beats against spaced-out electronic synths. Lyrics sung by the intense vocals of Tesfaye, call for a drugged-up and overly sexual mood especially during the extreme early hours of the morning when a house party refuses to end. Production-wise, there are traces of Frank Ocean and The Dream. With references to sexual indulgences and drugs written all over it, signs of shyness is non-existent in this mixtape. What you hear is what you get.

By Jemelyn Yadao

Now in this list of wealthy famous celebrities, what is the one thing that they all have in common? Not one of them has a university degree to their name.

That’s right, despite what your teachers say, you can achieve huge success without a strong academic portfolio.

In the past few weeks we have seen British students take to the streets in protest as the new coalition government raises the country’s tuition fees up to £9,000. This announcement has brought anarchy to the streets as everyone becomes a target to the wrath of the undergrads.

But what will the students really achieve from all this protest. The decision has been made and however much we shout and scream the decision is not about to be revoked. This is the harsh reality that we face. With a country that holds a debt in billions, and is in danger of seeing many more face unemployment the concern on how to pay back our tuition fees will eventually become the least of our problems.

So why not follow the footsteps of our American greats mentioned before us. In America attending university and paying for higher education is a luxury for most. Unless you excel and gain an education scholarship, the chance of working class parents sending their children off to University is minute.

So now is the time for British students to become creative. If we can’t get the government to reduce the tuition fees, then we must demand an alternative. Provide paid internship opportunities, encourage companies to take on enthusiastic entrepreneurs’ with a PHD in street smarts.  Learn the trade as you work, it beats spending the rest of life drowning in debt. By working you build up an impressive portfolio of work and contacts that you are unable to do behind your desks at university.

So before we start our own French revolution and turn against our authoritarians, think about how we can take full advantage of this situation. On my search for a job, I have found my university degree has been little help, but the work and experience I have achieved after that has pushed me over the top.

This is our time to be creative and step out, with internships and starter jobs we can achieve so much more then wasting three years at uni. So before we trash the country lets grab all the opportunities we can, before the world becomes too afraid to hire us.

Last Friday, London Fashion Week started off with a bit of heart as Gail Porter hosted a fashion show showcasing collections and accessories from a range of designers, all in aid of the charity Hauser Bears.

‘Diverse’ would be an understatement when describing the collections at the show. Designers showing off their stuff included David & Goliath, Florian Jayet, Loulou Bontemps, Nicole de Carle and Tour de Force. All of these distinctive brands collaborated in supporting Hauser Bears, a charity passionate about the welfare of bears worldwide.

David & Goliath started things off showcasing limited edition Tees designed by the quirky brand. The bear themed tees-specifically for the Hauser Bears charity-feature comical and cutesy designs and slogans.

Things took a dramatic turn as Nichole de Carle’s presentation of what the boyfriend described as ‘BANGIN’ lingerie models took to the runway. So glad I brought him along.

The beautifully structured lingerie takes inspiration from the four architectural masterpieces from around the world: The Lourve in Paris, The Duomo in Milan, Westminster Abbey in London and the Chrysler building in New York.

Next up, something for the ladies! Men in kilts?! The English Kilt Company brought out a variety of men’s kilts with the unique, patriotic designs created by Stephen Jacobs.

Loulou Bontemps showcased a range of whimsical and unique clothing and accessories by the upcoming designers from Loulou’s Boutique. It was great to see Loulou’s vintage-inspired clutches again complementing the couture pieces including an amazing, quirky teapot handbag. The studded gold leather clutch and amazing feathered purple suede clutch are my favourites. Customised jewelry by Gemma Dane, H&G Jewellery, Still Remains and hand-made feathered head bands were key to the collection.

The show arguably saved the best for last as avant-garde designer Florian Jayet raised the stakes with an exciting display of futuristic pieces. Dresses, inspired by armour, are designed to give that perfect silhouette for a woman who means business. The combination of ‘fierce structure and dramatic curve’ is dominant throughout the collection, and so is the woman who wears it.

A real unusual mix of distinct collections, but they pulled it off still. Great show. Great night.

Check out more from Loulou’s boutique of  up and coming designers here.

Visit www.hauserbears.com to find out more info about the Hauser Bears charity.

I met the lovely Loulou Bontemps at an exciting showcase event in Soho House on Wednesday night. Loulou joined forces with fellow London designers MYSMUT and The Ugly Kids Club to show-off their new releases and to ofcourse share some bubbly.

Before entering the scene, Loulou was unknown to me until all things bright and beautiful from her side of the room grabbed my attention and showed that this designer is big in the game herself. Loulou showcased her gorgeous collection of vintage-inspired, leather clutches each hand made by her.

Textured leathers mixed with vintage fabrics or satin dominate the collection giving the bags a luxurious and time-less style. Over-sized bows and contrasting gunmetal spikes are also key to the exclusive collection. The spikes update and harden the look, a look which I’m sure Rihanna would approve of.  Each clutch is finished off with a touch of embellishment or a handpicked antique trinket.

My favourite bag from her collection had to be the Batlow Clutch. Loulou collaborated with Mr. Batlow from UKC and the results were dope! Batlow gave Loulou’s clutches some much needed patriotic and neon-coloured spray paint in true UKC style and creates a masterpiece (a few of them actually). These customized chocolate brown clutches have the power to liven up any outfit.

Loulou doesn’t stop at handmade bags. She also buys vintage jewelry and customizes them to create real one-off pieces. She also promotes impressive pieces made by undiscovered designers who I believe are the real hidden gems.

I saw this statement piece by Gemma Dane at the showcase event and couldn’t keep my eyes off it. It’s original. It’s gorgeous. It’s beautiful. I bought it. Done.

Check out Loulou Bontemp’s collection and blog:

http://www.loulousboutique.com

Norooz, Newroz , Noruz or Sultan Nevruz (depending on where you’re from) literally translated means new day. It is the New Year as celebrated by people of the Middle East and Asia including Iranians, Kurds, Afghans, Tajiks and Azeris, as well as some countries in Europe such as Albania.

Unlike our celebrations, their New Year does not start on January 1 but rather at the moment of the spring equinox, when the sun passes over the equator. This year that day falls on March 20.

In the run-up to the celebrations a lot of spring-cleaning is done and efforts are made to get things looking presentable. This is extended to personal attire and it is customary to buy at least one new set of clothes and shoes – the perfect shopping opportunity.

You could say that the celebrations are split into three parts: before, during and after. The first part is known as charshanbe soori and is on the last Wednesday of the year. Bonfires are lit and people take turns to jump over them. It is believed that jumping over fire on this day will cleanse you of your sins.

During the New Year it is tradition to visit friends, relatives and neighbours to wish them a happy New Year and custom for the elders in the family to give the younger ones presents. These gifts are called ay dee and are often money.

An important aspect of the New Year is the table that is laid out on the eve. This is called the haft seen and comprises of seven things beginning with the letter ‘s’ in the Farsi language. Each item on the table represents something different, for example, a bowl of vinegar is placed to represent age and patience and apples laid out to symbolise beauty and health. Hard-boiled eggs are colourfully painted, sometimes one for each member of the family, and goldfish are placed in a bowl to represent life. It is said that at the exact time of the New Year, the goldfish will flinch.

However the celebrations don’t end there. 13 days later is what is known as sizdeh bedar this translates into ‘throw out the thirteenth’. Houses are left empty as people leave for the outdoors to picnic until the evening. In the past it was believed that leaving the house on this day meant that all bad luck and misfortune left with you and did not stay in the family home.

The New Year is a national holiday spent with family and friends away from the daily stresses of life. At its end, school and work resumes and the New Year is commenced with a clean house, new clothes, strengthened family ties, and with the joy of renewal.

Sale no mobarak/happy New Year.

painted eggs

This show could not have been more different than his now infamous SS 10 show last year where his models were resplendent in all white ,ultramodern pieces, save for the occasional fleck of gold.

As the lights went out we were greeted by the tinkling of classical music and a troop of four models decked out in beautifully draped knee length dresses in rich earthy brown, finished off with dove grey opaque tights and futuristic oval sunglasses like something out of a Clockwork Orange. Unlike the towering sculptural heels of his last collection his models stepped out in flat tan and black suede loafers.

These were swiftly followed by models in angular cut coats in big checks worn with billowing wide legged trousers in dove greys, lilacs and royal blues. Osman even showed us he could do ladylike ,presenting us with garments with a simple yet sophisticated edge like bright coloured high waisted trousers teamed with light, airy nude coloured shirts.

Luckily for us over the knee boots are still on trend this season and Osman added a fresh twist by moving away from the black and patent leather seen in shows last season and the models walked down the runway in taupe, nude and beige creations.

The collection was also accentuated with flashes of coral throughout whether it was peachy pink bandeau bras tucked under chocolate brown cropped suits or in the form of a comfy looking midriff bearing polo neck poncho it complemented his primarily nude colour scheme beautifully.

Osman really added the X-Factor to his collection with the unexpected bursts of colour with pieces encrusted with over-sized jewels. The flashes of red yellow and blue gems on super high beige wedges as well as eye popping jewel covered dresses and intricately bead embellished tops really stole the show.

Bryce Aime, who is known for designing Rihanna’s fearless dress in her music video ‘Hard,’ displayed an innovative collection which echoed his loyalty to the theme of contrast. Soft, fluid fabrics combined with contrasting sharp cuts and shapes. Tailored waistcoats and jackets pieced together using soft satins against rusty metallics were seen throughout.

Towards the finale, the catwalk took a dramatic turn as shapes got bolder and more futuristic. An example would be a black one-piece dominated by blocks. It triggered a mass of flashing lights.

Inspired by ancient Egypt, Bryce featured models wearing head turbans and digital prints resembling bandages. Black, deep plum, purples, draping capes, layering, panels, and overstated zips also dominated the catwalk and showed us once again Aime’s trademark attention to detail.

Bryce Aime’s catwalk show kicked off day two of London Fashion week at On|Off, Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square.

Catwalk exhibition pictures below. Great day. The term ‘dress to impress’ was never taken more seriously.

Invictus

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went to see Invictus. Was it a sports film or a political drama? Well it’s both and the two genre’s work surprisingly well side by side.

Actor turned director, Clint Eastwood, once again proves himself as a competent storyteller with his film about Nelson Mandela’s struggle for a united post-apartheid state having just been elected South Africa’s President.

Nelson Mandela, played by Morgan Freeman, uses the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a tool to promote racial harmony across South Africa with the aid of the national rugby team, the Springboks. A bulked up Matt Damon plays the team captain, Francois Pienaar, whose conservative outlook is cracked by Mandela’s optimism.

Mandela invites Pienaar to tea, joins the rugby team in training and famously strides on to the pitch at the South Africa v New Zealand final wearing the same Springboks shirt that a year earlier was a divisive symbol of the old nation.

He writes out a copy of ‘Invictus’ (the poem by WE Henley that helped to sustain Mandela during his 27 years in prison) to Pienaar in his bid to boost the team’s morale. Its lines declare: “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.” Words that surely bring hope to even the most cynical and leaves Pienaar astonished at the idea that they can dare to dream about winning the World Cup.

Matt Damon employs, at least to an outsider’s ear, an impressive accent, and manages to blend in beautifully with his fellow players.

Critics have called it “naïve” in its belief that sport can unite or heal a nation, but I see it as a moving tribute to a genuinely great humanitarian. It’s not often that a film can move and inspire so much even after leaving the cinema. A must-see.

Robert Downey Jr as Sherlock Holmes

Guy Ritchie’s latest blockbuster is doing very well in the movie charts currently at number two in the UK, beaten only by James Cameron’s massive hit - Avatar. However if you are expecting to see something similar to Snatch or Lockstock, you may be disappointed.

Guy Ritchie - famous for his nonchalant approach to narrative - adopts a more conventional storytelling style in Sherlock Holmes. Only when he flashes a trademark freeze frame do u realise that this is his film.

The classic British detective, played by Robert Downey Jr, is given a new lease of life in a medium which has previously been accused of cheapening the original books. Credit is due to Ritchie for his unconventional portrayal of Holmes and his successful attempt at broadening his usual demographic - even though this may come at the expense of his gangster-loving fans.

Sherlock Holmes seems to be an attempt to branch out and attract a wider audience and it looks like it’s working, given the amount of money it has already made in ticket sales. It is probably safe to say that many of those tickets were bought by women – a new audience that Ritchie has gained thanks to his aesthetically pleasing male leads. That is not to say that Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr just provide eye candy, their performances are also worthy of a mention. Jude Law is particularly good as Dr Watson.

The film has a restless quality that keeps you on your toes and makes the 128 minutes fly by. Ritchie proves to be a competent teller of this classic tale and does well mixing danger with humour making it a film worth seeing.

Munoz/Reuters

From Tuesday 12th January, the destructive earthquake that hit Haiti-a nation already crippled by debt and corruption-put the rest of the world at a stand still. Televised news reports of homes turned to rumble and photographs of parents carrying their dead children and wondering orphans in Port-au-Prince, have forced viewers at home to come to terms with the uncensored aftermath of the earthquake and the truly devastating price innocent people have to pay.

For the last 15 days, news headlines have made sure we remember Haiti’s devastation:

“Haiti: a long decent to hell”

Haiti earthquake victims: ‘You still see dead bodies trapped under rubble’

Haiti Earthquake Death Toll ‘Nears 170,000′

But, amidst all this is a belief that spirit and strength will conquer all. Today, 15 days after the quake, news broke out that a teenage girl was rescued alive from under a house. She was dehydrated and had a broken leg but was conscious. It’s a miracle.

Last week, on BBC news, a reporter reporting from Port-au-prince met a heavily pregnant woman and her family whose home like thousands of others was destroyed by the quake. The woman, who was 9 months pregnant was in labour and fainted. The BBC crew drove her to the nearest hospital where doctors experienced complications because she was too weak to give birth. But, after an hour or so, she finally gave birth to healthy new baby boy. It a was a great story with the illuminating message of hope in the form of a new born amid Haiti’s despair. 

With the global response to the Haiti earthquake being so incredibly generous, nothing but strength and hope should come now to the suffering nation.