#ESPnews: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show & British Fashion Awards 2016

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Another year, another drama filled show! Taking place in Paris, in the year when the show becomes legal in it's home town; a total of 12 'Angels' graced the runway, supported by 39 VS models, with their amazing walks and to-die-for bodies.

Elsa Hosk opened the show

Kicking the show off with Elsa Hosk and a cultural infusion for the 'Road Ahead' theme; the show paid homage to Chinese New Year, with beautiful costumes and wings dedicated to the Asian Orient. After a video montage by a handful of the models on what it's like to be walking in the Paris show; Lady Gaga gave us her 2 Euros on what it's like to be one of the show's three performers (the others being Bruno Mars and The Weeknd), inducted into the "Angel family".

Performing 'Million Reasons' in a black lace see-through gown, covered in red roses with green stems, with an Eva Peron-worthy chignon, thick, black winged eyes, bright red lips, and blood red nails; she interacted with the 'Angels' perfectly during the start of their 'Mountain Romance' theme; without an Ariana Grande à la 2015-style mishap in sight.

After her stellar delivery, Bruno Mars was up next. We saw him fixing his gold rings as his entourage joined him en route to the stage. Someone should probably have warned him that amidst the world's crème de la crème of models, performing 'Chunky' in that mink coat was probably gonna be a bad idea - especially with all that jheri-curl juice; 1. It makes the runway hazardous, and 2. There's not a dry cleaner's in the world who can get rid of all that drippage...thankfully, they're all professionals, and as a result, there were no casualties during the PINK label segment.

Next, new 'Angel' Josephine shared what it was like the moment she got the news that she was moving up the echelon of a Victoria's Secret model, and what happens on the journey from 'model' to 'Angel'; before 'IT' Girl Gigi Hadid took her turn. Giving an emotional speech about wanting to be an 'Angel' since she was a child, and her breakout show last year, before introducing baby sister Bella. The two shared a beautiful moment crying for each other, and celebrating being the first sisters to ever walk the show, before cutting to a nervous Bella's debut.

She shouldn't have worried though, she knew the next performer pretty well - it was ex-boyfriend Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. Performing his latest hit 'Starboy'; Hadid walked beautifully and as one tweet described it: fulfilled every woman's dream about running into her ex, by looking as flawless as possible!

The VS 'Angel' sisters then waxed lyrical in a montage about the super perfect Adrianna *moment of silence* Lima, and her ultra perfect walk, with a few even impersonating her - including the equally perfect Alessandra Ambrosio. It's truly a moment to behold.

Before we see the 'Dark Angel' segment, we are introduced to a responsible montage from the 'Angels' talking about their fitness regimes, and what it takes to make it onto that runway. I don't know about you, but they certainly inspired me to get my fitness level to peak excellence. I need to speak to somebody about that...stick a pin (for now). Back to the show, and Gaga was back for a triple way ensemble with a jacket change between her mashup of 'A-Yo' and 'John Wayne' that saw her don her own 'Angel' wings at the close of the number. In the tallest boots of the night, with a killer walk to rival the models, she even earned the right to rock the Fantasy Bra in my humble opinion. We also saw Kendall Jenner for the second time during this segment.

Hearing from show Executive Producer Ed Razek next; we heard about the literal global domination of the brand and the 'Angels', learning of their achievements over the past year, before Jasmine Tookes displayed this year's Fantasy Bra, in the 'Bright Night Angel' segment, which closed the show.

Phenomenal and droolworthy as ever, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was most definitely a night to remember...

To watch the show in full, visit the Victoria's Secret website where, all of the pieces in the show are now available to purchase (except that Fantasy Bra...).

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British Fashion Awards

This year's nominees were shared with you right here on 26 October from the hospital bed of Yours Truly; and every fashion pundit went into overdrive, trying to guess who was going to take the Swarovski crystals home. Well as promised then, here are last night's winners in the main categories:

International Ready-To-Wear Designer of the Year:

Alessandro Michele for Gucci

Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga

Donatella Versace for Versace

Jonathan Anderson for Loewe

Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy

International Accessories Designer of the Year:

Alessandro Michele for Gucci

Anya Hindmarch MBE for Anya Hindmarch

Johnny Coca for Mulberry

Jonathan Anderson for Loewe

Stuart Vevers for Coach

International Model of the Year:

Adwoa Aboah

Bella Hadid

Gigi Hadid

Kendall Jenner

Lineisy Montero

International Urban Luxury Brand of the Year:

Adidas

Gosha Rubchinskiy

Off-White

Palace

Vetements

International Business Leader of the Year:

Adrian Joffe for Comme Des Garçons & Dover Street Market

Christopher Bailey MBE for Burberry

Guram Gvasalia for Vetements

Marco Bizzarri for Gucci

Stephanie Sassi for Valentino

British Brand of the Year:

Alexander McQueen

Burberry

Christopher Kane

Erdem

Stella McCartney

British Womenswear Designer of the Year:

Christopher Kane for Christopher Kane

Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson

Roksanda Ilincic for Roksanda

Sarah Burton for McQueen

Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha

British Menswear Designer of the Year:

Craig Green for Craig Green

Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner

Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson

Tom Ford for Tom Ford

Dame Vivienne Westwood for Vivienne Westwood

British Emerging Talent of the Year:

Alessandra Rich

Charles Jeffrey

Faustine Steinmetz

Molly Goddard

Self Portrait

Well now, how many did you call correctly? I must admit, I got several less right than usual, even the International Model of the Year, which I was certain was going to Bella Hadid - I must be off my game!

That's all for this week folks, I'll see you back here next week for my last but one post of the year!

Until the next...
ES

'Joanne' by Lady Gaga - THE BIG REVIEW in the ESPspotlight on MusicMonday

So here's something I never thought that I'd be doing...

Up there with dying my hair green and professing love for Elvis Presley; I never thought that I would be reviewing a Lady Gaga album...the things we do to grow, eh? Joanne is apparently the singer's fifth studio album (huh, thought there would've been more - kudos on the success). I checked out the deluxe version (natch), and found...well, pretty much what I expected from a Lady Gaga album.

Don't get me wrong, no disrespect to the Lady, I thought that she was pants until I saw her perform live once at the piano, and she blew my mind with her performance. And let's not forget her recent defence of alleged sexually abused star Kesha - for that, she will always have my respect; but if I suddenly professed to be her greatest fan, I think we all know that I would be lying through my pearly whites. That said - let's get into this thing...

The set opens with Diamond Heart, a rock song about a young, gogo dancing female who appears to use her body to survive after being raped. The story isn't pretty, juxtaposingly, it's quite gritty in fact, as she talks of no longer being a good girl, after finding out that they get nowhere. A fast-paced opener it is, and if you played it loud - which I did not - I'm sure that it would make you sit up and pay attention. The grit in Gaga's voice matches the sentiment of the song perfectly. A-YO - definitely a future single - is a funky rock track that talks about not being able to contain the desire to get a lucky guy going, before testing out the mirror on his ceiling. It's actually quite catchy, and you can hear the potential hit in the making.

The title track Joanne is a folksy guitar plea to choose life at the brink of death. A somewhat strange song for an album lead, it's a letter to a loved one to let them know how much they are needed and will be missed. Now John Wayne, hmmm, what can I say about this...It took me several listens, and I must say, that I'm still not sure that I really got the essence of this Pop-Rock song? I'm going to try to grab it before it floats over my head one more time...

So essentially, a couple are on the road and he's her 'John', but he's not really what she's looking for, she craves a strong man that she just hasn't come across yet, so she ditches him and tries some other literal 'Johns' ie. customers, on for size; but none match up to the ideal that she's looking for in her mind, and so she carries on her search, into the sunset? Have a listen someone please, and do tell me - does that about sum it up? Who knows; the one thing that I can tell you, is that this is another potential single, and I see a pretty decent video following to boot. The production is also pretty good, with a strong guitar hook taking the lead throughout.

Dancin' In Circles is the Pop equivalent of RnB singer Tweet's massive hit Ooops (Oh My), in my humble opinion. Singing about 'touching herself', pretending she is her object of  interest, this isn't something that we haven't heard before, but because of the mainstream name, I can see it becoming a lot bigger than its predecessor. To give the track its dues, it does have a catchy beat, and the production on it is nice and tidy - on a good day, it would almost be my cup of tea (but not today). Lead single Perfect Illusion caused intense chart heat when it was released in early September. The 'little monsters' went cray for the Pop song lamenting over being fooled into thinking that she was in love, when in reality it was...well, what it says on the tin. Again, catchy; easy to see why it was selected for the lead single.

Million Reasons is the next track to take the charts by storm, currently sitting comfortably at number 34 in this, its first week of entry. A nice change of pace, it's a big ballad, end of the road, break up song, pining over the million reasons to leave a relationship, whilst not really wanting to; instead wanting to be given one to stay. The piano backing, strings and guitar are a nice touch after all the Pop Rock we've been inundated with up to this point. Sinner's Prayer feels like something straight out of a Western. I honestly cannot decide whether this is a make believe moment, or just one of the padded bar lunacy-like type I attributed her with before I knew she had talent. Gaga is the Sinner and she wants to unburden her conscience to one person only; her travelling companion, who doesn't realise that he's travelling with a tramp (her words), and has hedged all his bets on her, unlike her little sister, who is the marrying kind that he's looking for. Her word in general isn't worth much, but her Sinner's Prayer? Well that's good as gold...

Come To Mama is a Gaga-esque equivalent to We Are The World. It's a plea to 'love one another, and stop telling each other how to live'. She begs that we stop pigeon-holing each other to a Folksy-Country beat, and that sisters and brothers should return to the times when we all loved one another; after all - it's not that long since we all lived in a jungle...she says. Featuring Florence Welch (of Florence and the Machine); Hey Girl is surprisingly listenable! An ode to friends that you can rely on, the song talks about knowing you can rely on each other to pull your hair back when you're upchucking, and get you home when you're not in fit state to do the job yourself. Soulful, with an almost RnB tinge; it's the most palatable song of the album so far, by a mile!

Angel Down is another decent offering. A balladic political reference to those losing their lives on the streets due to indifference and a general lack of respect for human life. It's hard to dispute a socially conscious, sensible Gaga (when she's not implying that we're Tarzan and Jane). Grigio Girls is a salute for those who have graduated from Lambrini. Celebrating the option of drinking your cares away, it's an ode to getting drunk with your mates when times get tough. Honky tonk Just Another Day is a love song with a difference. She sings of being the emotional woman that he knows, but that doesn't negate how much she loves him on this, Just Another Day.

Album closer Angel Down (Work Tape) is a more acoustic version of the earlier song, that actually works better than the original, because her voice is gritty, and the emotion conveyed sells the song much better than on the polished original. This is the Gaga that made me sit up and take notice on that awards show. She emanates a pain in the single verse that also further emphasises the narrative and makes the song a winner.

I reiterate, I'm not going to pretend to suddenly be Gaga's biggest fan; but Joanne has a few rare moments that demand you respect her as an artist, and after listening to them a few times over - I finally do.

Joanne is available from all independent retailers now.

Thanks for reading folks - this was a tough one to write! Let me know if you share or dispute my thoughts, but don't forget to explain why! YOUR stage is below.

Until the next...
ES

#ESPspotlight on: BEATNIK & DRASSICK DIGITAL: MTV'S #BRANDNEW UNSIGNED FOR 2014 ENTRANTS - Presented by Emporio Armani Diamonds!

Regular readers of this here stop in the blogosphere, will know that the ESP name is synonymous with supporting exceptional new talents, and providing an equal platform for you to discover them alongside those who are more established. So when I learned that some special friends of mine were vying for the title of MTV's Brand New Unsigned Act for 2014 - Presented by Emporio Armani, the competition responsible for catapulting the likes of Lady Gaga, Tinie Tempah, Justin Bieber, and Adele to International stardom; well it was only fair that I spread the word on both, and ask you, my social media comrades, to spare a few moments of your voting time to help them both get one step closer to the finish line. Both familiar names on the ESP blog, it will only take a moment for me to reintroduce you...

Meet Drassick DIGITAL

Download Rise'n'Grind from www.drassickdigital.com 

First up, Drassick is a North London MC with a flair for the current. With an unwavering Grime style that is at once charming and dynamic; don't be fooled into thinking this laidback, fashion-friendly, RnB Pretty Boy, is one to be ignored. The kinetic energy of his Hip Hop lyrics belie his calm, unassuming delivery. Unrestricted by the confines of any one genre - he has the capacity to do them all (and much better spelling and grammatical abilities than the in-house author of his MTV Profile, whom I believe is still 'out to lunch'...) - Drassick remains a stealth contender for the Top Spot.

Vote NOW for Drassick to become MTV's #BrandNew Unsigned Act for 2014! 

Get to know the hazel-eyed boy better in this Once Upon A Time #FindOutFriday interview with Yours Truly, before visiting his website and getting connected. For a snapshot of Drassick DIGITAL at his finest, you're most welcome to give his 'Best Of' playlist a whirl:

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Meet BEATNIK

When 'People Start Talking', they're most likely buzzing about BEATNIK - the hottest new Songwriting / Production team from this humble part of the globe, with one formidable twist - they also happen to be siblings! Whether you realise it or not, you're already familiar with this primo pair. Nikki and Statis have been making you move in your bedrooms, and on the dancefloor, for several years now! You can even hear their track 'It Came From London' on the ESP Website. Their signature electronic undertone is evident in every genre they play, because they have worked with so many of the best in the Music game. From the grimiest Hip Hop, to the rawest Dancehall, to the most syncopated Drum & Bass - Nikki and Statis Beatnik have that 'Good Music Formula' on lock...

Click here to purchase 'People Start Talking' by Beatnik feat. Terri Walker from Google Play 

Being my favourite DJs, I can personally attest to them leaving me hobbling for many a day after one of their Deck vs. Deck performance sets (Ladies - wear flats, just...trust me on this one; when they start taking you round the world and through the eras, heels are an added weakness against these merciless DJ Spartans). Their individual CVs are prestigious and long, with many an A-lister to call on for corner-cutting assistance if they so chose. Being the honest, relatable pair that they are however; rather than call on those big names to make the ride that little bit smoother, they are embarking on this new, joint phase all on their own, starting again from the bottom up, by building on the vast support network of admirers that they have worked so hard to earn over their illustrious careers.

Vote NOW for BEATNIK to be your MTV #BrandNew Unsigned Act for 2014! 

Get to know Nikki and Statis better, by connecting with them via the BEATNIK website.

All three are not only supremely talented and deserving of the opportunity, but also some of the nicest people you will ever meet, so I'm taking this opportunity to crown myself their Resident Cheerleader, and wish them both the best! Whichever you choose, voting closes in thirteen days time, on the 18 November - visit the MTV website for more information, Terms & Conditions.

There's nothing more for me to say, beyond GET VOTING (and thank you kindly on their behalf)!!!

Until the next...
ES ;)

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: Coldlilies AW13 Collection Private Press Launch, 11 June

'Intimate' isn't the first term you would automatically think of when the words 'conference room' come to mind; but when I arrived at One Aldwych Hotel on a grisly, wet Tuesday afternoon for the Coldlilies AW13 Collection Private Press Launch, I can assure you that  there is no description in existence that could be more fitting.

If you're unfamiliar with the Irish online boutique brand, never fear, so was I until a few weeks ago - here's a little introduction to their splendour...

Greeted by warmth from more than the climate control in the swanky surroundings; Ciara Davies and Kim Knowles - Co-Directors of Coldlilies coveted and curated online jewellery boutique, were the antithesis of what I was expecting when I read about the company's London launch on the Jewellery Week website. Down-to-earth and funny from the get-go, these ladies put on an excellent informal gathering, in a formal setting; presenting 22 hugely-talented designers to a new London audience in the cosiest of settings...with delicious tea and bewitching cupcakes that, had I not resisted until after my camera trigger finger had been holstered, would most definitely have made me forget my purpose...

Fortunately pour moi, I arrived during a lull, enabling me, my camera, and the many, many pretty trinkets to some 1:1 time, more precious than half the stones in the room. Having the designers stop in to meet the press was a crucial part of setting the ambient tone. I got the chance to not only speak with Úna Burke and Charlotte Valkeniers on my favourite subject - the inspirations behind their designs, but also quietly observe how well the company looked after their clients. The Co-Directors and university friends put the designers at ease by simply listening to the business issues first and foremost in their minds, then offering unobtrusive suggestions where necessary.

The sheer variety in the selection of designers caught my eye long before I set my camera up. With all that sparkle and shine, it was hard to know where to begin but fear not, the collections from each designer are sitting comfortably over on the ESP Facebook Page, awaiting your enjoyment. See for yourselves why this was one of my personal highlights from JW13 and as usual, don't forget to like, comment and share the album once you've revelled in all the splendour that Ciara and Kim had to offer...

You can keep up-to-date with all things Coldlilies via their website and social media catalogue below:

Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter / YouTube

I'm not done with Jewellery Week; be sure to keep stopping back to continue experiencing the events through my eyes.

The next instalment? My High Time at The Watch Salon...make sure that you don't miss it!

Until then...
ES ;)