As the final moments of 2013 draw to a close, this humble Blogger would like to take a few moments to look back at an incredible year and just say a massive THANK YOU for the time that you have spent with me over the last 364(.75) days. None of the amazing experiences would have been possible, were it not for the time YOU took to visit and volunteer your interest in what goes on here at ESP HQ.
Proof positive is, as always, in the features that you visited the most, and so in honour of you, here are your Top Ten favourites of the past year, in reverse order:
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| Les Nubians - 'Princesses Nubiennes' (2006) |
The month of March was all about the music here on the ESintheP blog; 4 focal weeks on different aspects of how music influences and shapes us, and how we then present musical products to specific audiences as a result. This particular feature looked at the effect of Language and Communication on the music we make and consume. Sade's 'Sweetest Taboo' was the 'Spotlight Example' - find out why with a little help from Les Nubians...
All about trying new things, and breaking new ground, this year saw the introduction of movie reviews to the mix, and where better to begin, than with a connection to a childhood favourite, that also just happened to tie into March's 'Music Month' theme?! Recently premiered on UK satellite TV over the holiday period, see if you agree with my 'unconventional' take...
8. ESPspotlight Review - Lulu Liu Catwalk Presentation, London Fashion Week AW13
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| Lulu Liu Catwalk Invitation AW13 |
You know what they say: 'You never forget your first'! Looking back at Lulu Liu's catwalk presentation now, the wonderfully talented fellow London Lady made an everlasting impression on a blogger entering an entirely new world for the very first time. An experience to cherish, my first catwalk outing will take some knocking to be replaced as my favourite! Relive the outing in this nostalgic flashback...
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| Lily Rice with Lexie investor, and BBC3 Presenter, Richard Reed |
When I attended last year's StartUp Fashion Event, I was introduced to an entrepreneurial young woman, who gave a brilliant mock pitch for buyers from some of the world's largest department stores. Don't take the word of Yours Truly however; after impressing the panel, Lexie Sportswear company founder Lily Rice, found her label gracing the pages of Vogue magazine. FindOut what made her so dynamic in her January interview...
6. ESPspotlight Review - Fresh Laces at Harvey Nichols
One of my favourite events to come out of this year, self-starters Nathan Massiah and Louis Daniel have had a phenomenal start with their Fresh Laces Sneaker and Lifestyle Fairs in 2013. My second outing, the organising team, which also includes Mrs Massiah - better known as jewellery designer Elisha Francis - have quite clearly found a niche in today's market by appealing to every demographic, from novices like Yours Truly, to well-known celebrity connoisseurs. Look out for bigger and better events from these guys in 2014, but for now - here's a look at just one of this year's success stories...
In joint sixth place, London Edge was yet another first, that opened my eyes to a long-established, phenomenal fashion culture right on my own doorstep! Entirely out of my natural comfort zone, I gladly received some of the best and worst educational lessons, that I valued the most throughout the year. This event also gets my personal prize for favourite photo album of 2013 - but don't take my word for it, browse the images from Day One and let me know what you think...
5. ESPspotlight Interview - Anavae
Already familiar with the photographic talents of Rebecca Need-Menear; I was honoured to be introduced to the musical side, as lead singer of record-breaking Rock duo, Anavae. If you missed them earlier this year, here's your chance to meet the pair yourselves!
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| Junya Yamada, DRUMCAN Fashion Show Producer |
I first encountered Japan's most sought after Fashion Show Producing maestro, Mr Junya Yamada, at Hyper Japan Christmas 2012. Completely enamoured with the level of information about Japanese fashion, and how the culture has filtered back to the UK - where it apparently emanated from in the first place! His fresh views on fashion, and how to translate the message of thinking about the fashion we select, and interpreting it back through our own personal filters. That and much more came out of one simple question - 'What is Kawaii to YOU?' An intriguing interview, that remains one of my favourites to date; and I'm thrilled to see that a few of you apparently shared my sentiment!
3. ESPspotlight on Manic Panic
At the earlier-mentioned London Edge, I chanced across a stand that left a lasting impression on me. Always a sucker for a good backstory, I fell instantly in love with the rise of Tish & Snooky. These New York natives - who also happened to be singing sisters - started their now world-famous cosmetics company, whilst backing the likes of Blondie, and many more, at the legendary 'CBGBs', during the gamechanging times when Punk music was born. If you haven't met them already, introduce yourselves now...
One of the biggest moments of the year was almost as much of a favourite of yours as it was mine, it would seem! Kristal Lyndriette, the first recording artist to be signed to Voltron Records, the label owned by everyone's favourite bus-singing, fast car driving, alien-car serving funny man. In case you haven't guessed, I'm talking about Mr Tyrese Gibson. The first of a two-part special (tele)meeting Kristal was an honour, and talking just about everything under the Sun with the big man himself in the second part, was an experience that I will never forget...
And for your final favourite? The Most Read Feature of 2013? Drumroll please...
1. ESPspotlight Review - StreetFest
The first really sunny Sunday in May signalled the tentative start of Summertime in Britain. Though it would be another two cold months before our full 'mini-heatwave', London Town got a taster of what was to come, and I can only assume it was in celebration of the massive StreetFest lineup. Live music, poetry readings, live street art, skateboard and BMX stunts, street dancers, DJ battles, market stalls, sneaker designs stands, nails bars, food stands with every possible cuisine under that aforementioned Sun and so much more; Raw PR did Shoreditch proud that day; and from what I recall, it seemed every attendee came away ready and waiting for the next round. Flashback to warmer climes with this little reminder of the most read feature of the year...
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And there you have it - we've reached the end of another jampacked annum on the ESintheP blog! Though I've said it before, I have to repeat the sentiment, I cannot Thank You enough for taking your time to spend with me, and for the feedback I've received from you throughout the year. You are truly appreciated, and all that's left to say, is I hope to see you back here in 2014! So to every single one of you regulars, and every newbie too - CHEERS TO YOU!
Happy New Year Everybody - be safe and responsible on your travels (you won't make it back here otherwise)! See you in The Next Chapter...
ES ;)
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