#ESPNEWS: Are you following all things ESP on Bloglovin?

Did you know that you can now follow all things ESP on Bloglovin?

The latest addition to the ESP Social Media Catalogue, that means in addition to G+, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Soundclound, Twitter, The ESP Website and YouTube - you can now keep up to date with all the latest blog posts straight away, or even save them for a later date!

So what are you waiting for?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin!

ES ;)

#UPCOMINGEVENT: STREETS OF PEACE, BRIXTON JAMM, 18 JULY

Thursday, 18 July will determine the winner of STreets Of Peace Rapstar - who will go on to support Conscious Rap and Spoken Word Artist, Akala at Club Colosseum in Vauxhall this August. 

Amongst the final five competing in this round, headlined by the phenomenal talent that is Angel - is none other than North West London Actress and Hip Hop MC, Laughta. The only female in a category dominated by ferocious male talent, venture South West for an evening, to support all of these brave contestants as they face off in the name of a good cause. Not just entering a competition to clash their superb skills; the real purpose of this  'Clash of the Titans' round, is to bring Londoners in support  of charities as varied as the musical genres of each category. 

The Star of the DJ round has already been crowned, and we'll have a Rock Star Winner to add to the set before this week is out. If you still want to know more about the show, here's some immediate information, straight from the venue's website...

When: Thursday 18th July

Music: RnB, Hip Hop, Comedy and more

9pm - 1am

£10, £8 concessions - Over 18s Only / ID Required

The STreets of Peace Competition tour comes to Brixton. The brainchild of Mark-Anthony Abel, this guys dream to put on a peace event with a difference has gained fantastic support and very much come to life with events already a success in both East and West London. 

Singer Songwriter Mark-Anthony Abel was inspired by the feel good atmosphere of the Olympic Games and the Queens Jubilee of 2012. Working with Roy Cooper (Daily Mirror) and BIG PROMO, STreets Of Peace gives a diverse mix of artists, DJs, urban acts and comedians the opportunity to get noticed. 

"It is about inspiring people to want something better, to appreciate art across different genres and to think about what peace actually means. No one needs to preach about peace, but just having a great time in an environment with cool people, can be a real positive experience." 

STreets Of Peace will be doing just that with the likes of Comedian Axel, and headlining chart-topping singer songwriter Angel, DJ Roy Cooper playing retro hip hop whilst Local artist JayJay Born2Sing will represent. Also expect great and talented rap newbies performing to be crowned STreets Of Peace Rapstar 2013. 

This is an awesome line-up of acts and with all profits going to charity, whether it is local talent, comedy, a sensational headline act, the love of live music, or the fact that your attendance will be doing some good in the wider world, this event is for you and not one you can miss.

Visit the STop Rapstar Facebook Event Page

The Line up:

Angel 

Angel is what the music industry would indelibly mark as a triple threat. Singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer, 22 year old Angel is quite possibly the UK Pop and R & B industry's best kept secret. 

West London bred, as a young artist, Angel drew his main influence from his father, former manager and talented musician Tendai Charles, a professional keyboardist who accompanied an array of Reggae music talents including Bob Marley and Dennis Brown. "My dad was and still is my biggest inspiration" Angel asserts, "from a young age I saw him fulfilling his passion and the prospect of doing music everyday for the rest of my life didn't seem out of my reach." 

Taking it upon himself to study music in his own time, Angel took to listening to Donny Hathaway, from whose music he picked up lessons in song writing, R & B singer Brandy Norwood, whose vocal arrangements and delivery Angel would revel in, plus the record production expertise of maestros Quincy Jones and Rodney Jerkins. 

Angel's knack with words has seen him pen songs used by UK urban acts such as Roll Deep and Devlin, as well as him composing pop pieces for the likes of JLS and Cheryl Cole.

When conceptualising his own songs, Angel draws heavily from his own experiences and his strength lies within his ability to make music that resonates with peoples' lives. Angel's eagerly anticipated debut album 'About Time' is out now. 

More About STreets Of Peace...

When there is a common need for positive change, great things can happen. Singer Songwriter Mark-Anthony Abel and Roy Cooper (Daily Mirror, Departmental Editor) came together in a hope that they could promote something positive for 2013. Something exciting whilst giving a new opportunity to the very many gifted individuals in our great city of art and culture. With support from BIG PROMO www.2rype.com and following fast on the heals of a year of pride with the Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee, we now have ST.O.P an event organised to showcase new talent and celebrate others.

Check out our great list of acts all ready to support a fantastic campaign for something positive. Navigate our website and see all the great events we have lined up for Summer 2013. We will be crowning our STreets Of Peace Rockstar, Rapstar and Supastar DJ and they will all be performing at our event at the Colosseum Club in Vauxhall in front of over 800 people. You're not going to want to miss our opening act The Soul Mavericks, our Hot DJs spanning decades of fantastic dance music. Then we have the piece de resistance, the superbly talented artist Akala who brings his own brand of Rap that shows once again how diverse the art form really is. STreets Of Peace has everything from Rock to Soul to Rap Cool. We have comedians who’ll be making us all split our sides. It’s that simple, but where does the peace come in? ST.O.P is about positivity and having a great time. Ours is a simple example.

See all our finalists and book a date to support STreets Of Peace. STOP, LOOK and LISTEN to the Voice of the People.

All our events are 18 + and we have a no hoods, no hats policy unless authorised by club management. For more info on our competition please email your enquiries.

NB. AKALA will be performing at the MAIN EVENT on the 9TH AUGUST only.

Follow the daily  updates on Twitter at: @st_o_p

All profits will to go to Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund, The  James Whales Kidney Cancer Fund and The Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Come and be a part of something different.

See more via the STreets Of Peace website.

#UPCOMINGEVENT: UNSIGNED HYPE LIVE CISTYCHOV, MISO BIELY & MILLIONAIRE MOTIVES LIVE, 11 JULY

Come and catch the super-talented Laughta at the Lockside Lounge in Camden next Thursday; where she will be performing alongside a list of serious UK Hip Hop and RnB talents...

For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

If you haven't listened to Laughta's new EP 'Most Wanted' yet - first of all, why not? Did you not read my review? Second, I urge you to elevate your music libraries with it IMMEDIATELY, and third, I suggest you check out this video and see why you should NOT wait get on the Laughta Wagon...!

Be sure to come and say Howdidoo to us both next week!

ES ;)

#UPCOMINGEVENT: LIVE SHOWCASE, RHUM JUNGLE AT COTTONS ISLINGTON, 5 JULY

It's hump day, which means you've already been planning your 'end of week blowout' for two whole days...am I right? This Friday will be an Affair To Remember...but only if you find yourself down at 'Caribbean Central' aka the Rhum Jungle Bar, in the basement of Cotton's Islington!

The next LIVE Showcase takes place from 7PM and is FULL of talent who deliver exactly what it says on the tin. Details straight from the Event's Facebook Page:

'The Legendary "LIVE" music showcase and party extravaganza IS BACK!!

COTTONS / RHUM JUNGLE, ISLINGTON

70 Exmouth Market EC1R 4QP

Admission £8 ALL NIGHT

DOORS OPEN 7:00PM

HAPPY HOUR

from 7pm to 9pm

(On selected cocktails)

SHOW STARTS 8PM

Performances from

CHARM

KITTY

GHETTO LUV

SHANEY BOY (Team Live)

Special guest performers include H20, KORUS, LAUGHTA, DAMIEN, TSEGA and GAMAL JOHN

PARTY VIBEZ on da night provided by DJ D1 and DJ YOUNG K playin the very best in RnB, Hip Hop, Funky, afrobeats and Oldschool Party done 2am...'

For a taster of what's to come, or if you plain can't wait that long, why not check out this little number from Laughta and Gamal John - two of the artists on the night...

Looking forward to seeing you there!

ES ;)

#UPCOMINGEVENTS: FRESH LACES POP-UP AT HARVEY NICHOLS, 20 JULY

What: Fresh Laces pop-up 

When: Saturday 20 July 

Where: Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge 

Step to it as Harvey Nichols exclusively hosts a Fresh Laces pop-up; the sneaker heads heaven. 

Converting the menswear department into an underground market, Harvey Nichols and Fresh Laces bring together secret sneaker sellers, to offer customers the chance to snap up a pair of limited edition kicks, customise their favourite pair and marvel at Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan X1’s the pair he wore in the animated movie Space Jam.

Nathan Massiah, Fresh Laces Founder

The one day event, held on Saturday 20 July, will run from 1pm-8pm, with a press and VIP preview held at 11am – 12pm, in the menswear department at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge. Specialist sellers include: ‘I Want Your Sole’, a collection of mini sneakers keychains and iPhone cases, ‘Custom Eyes’ pairing your Snap Back to your sneakers, ‘Save Our Soles’ the restoration man and of course Fresh Laces, offering hats, T-shirts and jewellery. Sneaker Sellers for both men and women include, ‘Dimension Sport’ and ‘Mr Sneaker’ amongst others. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FRESH LACES POP-UP PLEASE CONTACT:

Holly Whitman 020 7201 8404 

About Fresh Laces 

The brainchild behind Fresh Laces is Nathan Massiah who has been a huge sneaker collector since the late 90s. His passion for trainers and love for hip-hop culture was sparked during a family vacation to New York in 1994 where he acquired his first pair of Nike Air Hurarche’s. Today Massiah own’s over 100 pairs of exclusive trainers and has become known for his unique street style and keen eye for emerging trends. Fresh Laces has been a dream of Massiah’s for many years the idea is to create a sneaker and lifestyle exhibition that would incorporate sneaker re-sellers, street wear clothing brands, art, photography and hip-hop culture incorporated within a unique pop-up exhibition. 

For further information please contact Nathan Massiah at Fresh Laces  

Tel: +44(0)7597 411 063 Website

About Harvey Nichols 

Harvey Nichols was founded in 1831 as the first fashion lifestyle boutique. Today it represents the ultimate fashion experience, renowned both in the UK and internationally for its edited selection of brands across fashion, beauty, fragrance, lifestyle and food. 

Harvey Nichols currently has stores in London, Leeds, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol in the UK, Dublin in the Republic of Ireland and internationally Riyadh, Hong Kong, Dubai, Turkey and Kuwait. The London flagship store is located in the heart of Knightsbridge, London’s most fashionable and exclusive shopping district.  

In addition to its fashion retailing business, Harvey Nichols successfully redeveloped the top floor of the London flagship store to create a Restaurant, Bar, Café, Wine Shop and Foodmarket which have become destinations in their own right. A similar concept operates from the top floors of all Harvey Nichols full-size stores. 

Harvey Nichols launched its first stand-alone restaurant in 1996, the highly successful OXO TOWER Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, with spectacular views of the River Thames. A further restaurant, Prism Brasserie, opened in the financial district of the City of London in 1999. 

November 2012 saw the opening of Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols, a globally innovative concept that provides the ultimate luxury beauty experience and the UK's first, one-stop beauty destination. Utilising 22,000 square feet of retail space, the store extends across three floors in the heart of Liverpool's fashion hub - Liverpool ONE. 

In April 1996, Harvey Nichols obtained a full listing on the London Stock Exchange and for the subsequent period of almost seven years remained as a listed company.  February 2003 saw the return of Harvey Nichols to private ownership and Harvey Nichols Group Limited is now owned by the Hong Kong based retail magnate, Dr. Dickson Poon whose retail businesses extend to North America, Europe, Japan, China and South-East Asia. 

Further information on Harvey Nichols can be found on the website.

And if none of that convinces you this is going to be a brilliant event, there's always my review of last month's Fresh Laces Sneaker and Lifestyle Fair at Dray Walk Gallery to jog your memory...

ES ;)

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: THE JEWELLERY SHOW & WATCH SALON LONDON, 11-12 JUNE (PART ONE)

Now I'm not going to pretend to know diddly squat about watches, beyond picking one for an appropriate occasion, as well as the best universal wardrobe selection. That's really it. I don't even own one; a fact that comes as no surprise to those who really know me well...

Somerset House Courtyard

That's why I honestly wasn't overly excited about visiting The Watch Salon at Somerset House. But as one of the main events during Jewellery Week, I wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to experience an event I wouldn't otherwise take much notice of under normal circumstances. After all, the events so far had already taught me that nothing about JW13 was what I had expected it to be. Not to mention, I fell head over heels in love with the absolutely gorgeous landmark when I visited for the first time during Fashion Week. There is little to no chance I would ever pass up an excuse to immerse myself in it's historical beauty and elegance.

My very first stop on the Embankment Galleries ground floor, was the Seiko Room, where a very friendly representative put me straight on exactly how big the watch business really is worldwide. I'd had no idea! Ok now my interest was piqued; we were in the land of learning, that place I called Home. Lead on to the next!

Daniel Wellington

The diversity between the Daniel Wellington and Bering brands fuelled my knowledge thirst. Event contributors bqw had stands housing so much net worth, that I couldn't even begin to estimate the cost in that one room. I would have enquired more about the trading company but unfortunately the glum, unwelcoming staff took one look at my camera and name badge, then proceeded to busy themselves elsewhere - specifically, with the people who at least looked like they came to spend money. Message received loud and clear, moving swiftly on...

And wasn't it just as well. Like a well taught lesson in life, there was no time to dwell on the frosty reception I had just received, when right next door was my favourite room throughout the entire exhibition! The Kenneth Cole and Ted Baker collections not only had the nicest, most welcoming staff I had yet to meet, whom I had a great conversation with; but also the most creative, interesting and visually stimulating layout of the entire wing. The Ted Baker display literally told a tale. At first, I actually didn't realise I was looking at an exhibition stand; it was so homely that it was out of place; and yet that was it's appeal. It stood out because you initially dismissed it as a working corner, with it's antique desk, books, perfume bottles and coat stand, until you looked closer, and saw the various pieces and products interwoven with this beautiful corner story full of character. Whoever came up with their display is most definitely my kind of person - truly magnificent!

Ted Baker Armoire Exhibit

Eventually dragging myself away (with brute force), I next found myself in a room full of assorted brands, housing everything from Puma to the label that earned the award for biggest jawdropper of the entire Jewellery Week event. More about them in a moment...

Annette Allen's London Skyline Strap - Source Watches, O.W.L. Collection

Again, the diversity of those in the room was it's biggest appeal. You had every style from neon youth, to 'Maverick-style' aviation, to Landscaped London Ladies, to the decadence of Monaco.

Jorg Gray, Adriatica, Espirit, Torgoen Swiss (complete with a Top Gun-like, aviator mannequin in proper breathing apparatus) and Jacob Jensen all showcased enticing designs with welcoming representatives only too happy to engage, network, and speak in depth about their brands (take note bqw, that is how you exhibit). But it was O.W.L. collection designer and Managing Director, Annette Allen, who really stopped me in my tracks. A year in the literal making; I was fascinated by the imaginative strap designs - the London cityscape in particular. A lovely lady with an interesting story to tell, I was glued to her designs as she explained the inspirations behind them. Do look out for her if you're visiting this week's London Watch Show (trade event). Ms. Allen is definitely One To Watch...(every pun in the world, intended).

But it was the next two stands that brought about the  aforementioned biggest jawdropping experience of London Jewellery Week. This was when I met Cos Costas, representative for David Mason Watches. Thee watch of Racing car drivers; we struck up an instant brilliant conversation, where he not only talked me through his own brand's serious mechanics - but also introduced me to his neighbours, the AOS Watches brand. I have so much to tell you about the Arthur Oskar Stampfli, one-of-a-kind brand, that it's going to require a post all of it's own. In this 'short' round up however; let me just say that I have never come across designs like those in my life and if I had a spare £30k, I would absolutely drop it on one of these timepieces in the comfortable, secure knowledge that 'One of a Kind' is no throwaway turn of phrase. Roland Stampfli's design is based on the Tibetan 'Wheels of Time'; with futuristic engineering to a degree that I not only had no idea even existed, but couldn't begin to fathom sitting on your wrist!

Whilst I can show you pictures here, it's only right that I leave the proper explanations to the genius himself, as I would only be doing his amazing work a disservice by trying...

As if that wasn't enough, the endearing Mr Stampfli and his equally charming Marketing and PR Manager Jonathan Kopp, then turned my attention to a few luxurious tastes of The Med in a rainy London backyard. A genuine pink crocodile skin iPhone case worth somewhere around of £4,000 and, the Pièce de résistance: an iPhone case, covered in almost nine THOUSAND diamonds! Naturally, the phone fascias cost somewhere in the (upper) region of £400,000 and was so delicate, that Mr Kopp had to handle it with velvet gloves. Before you declare that madness, please take into account that when I returned the following day, my new friend Mr Costas informed me that one of these diamond fascias had been purchased in their Monte Carlo hometown since my last visit!

Almost nine THOUSAND diamonds in total - feel free to count them!

Quite possibly the most captivating thing I'd ever seen - hey, I'm female, and you know what Marilyn said about us girls and diamonds - as I made my way out to the drinks reception taking place in the next room, I realised I was already giddy before I touched a drop; I'd been holding my breath around all that sparkle. After all, if I knocked even one diamond out with a stray huff or a puff, it would cost more than my life's actual net worth to replace, and I just don't have that kind of insurance. Now I'm sorry to lower the tone, but as I sipped on a glass of sparkling white and let my mind digest what I had just seen, all the sensible version of myself could think of, was a conversation I had overheard earlier in the day. A jewellery designer was lamenting over the mobile phone she dropped in the toilet a few days before her collection début at the Treasure trade show, taking place later that week. I think you all know where I'm going with this but if not, let me catch you up: Mobile Phone + (almost) 9000 diamonds + Toilet Bowl = ? Well you do the maths...

Be sure to return for Number...I mean, Part Two!

Until the next...
ES ;)

View The Watch Salon photo album on the ESP Facebook Page. And as always, don't forget to Like, Comment and Share!

#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 ;)

#UPCOMINGEVENTS HYPER JAPAN 2013 - EXCITING PERFORMERS CONFIRMED!

           

HYPER JAPAN 2013

Friday 26 – Sunday 28 July 2013

Earls Court Two, London

www.hyperjapan.co.uk

HYPER JAPAN the UK’s biggest celebration of Japanese culture, cuisine and cool is back for another year, transforming the venue of Earls Court Two into a bustling hub of excitement where diverse exhibitors, workshops, performers and fans come together to bring traditional and contemporary Japan to the heart of London.

A dynamic blend of traditional and modern Japanese culture, HYPER JAPAN offers something for everyone, whether you want to discover the hot new J-Pop sensation, play dress up with the latest kawaii fashions in the Tokyo Style Transformation Area, hear from Geishas about their secretive world, judge the very best sushi chefs in the UK, or sample the delicious sake on offer – HYPER JAPAN is a truly unique event that offers something for both the dedicated Japanophile, and those not so familiar with Japanese culture.

First held in 2010, HYPER JAPAN has shown huge growth over two
 years, quickly establishing itself as a must-visit destination in the events calendar.

Visit HYPER JAPAN: 

Food & Drink - The Eat-Japan section of the show is a must visit for any foodie. Playing host to the Eat-Japan Sushi Awards, and the much-anticipated Sake Experience you’ll be invited to taste and learn more about these delicious and quintessentially Japanese delicacies. Alongside Eat-Japan shows enticing Japanese street food stalls give you the option to sample authentic tastes. Whether you want to indulge your sweet tooth with quirky confectionery or have a penchant for Japanese curry, the options are endless.

In the TASTE JAPAN area seminars, demonstrations and tastings run alongside each other to expand your knowledge of the country's gastronomic offerings.

Japanese Culture – For three days only a selection of diverse artisans and practitioners will be descending on HYPER JAPAN to give visitors a glimpse of long-established traditions kept alive in modern Japan. Ranging from traditional Geisha culture, to current pop trends, this bustling area aims to entertain and immerse you in Japanese heritage. Be sure to visit the tatami booth for a unique insight into the daily life of a geisha, from their training to the art of getting ready, talks and demonstrations guide you on this secretive culture. Special guests include Sayuki – the first western Geisha.

Fashion – From classic kimono, to current kawaii trends, the exhibitors in the fashion zone are a must-visit for those with a passion for Japanese style. Watch dedicated street fashion followers take to the catwalk as part of the Tokyo Fashion Story, or try out a new look of your own in the Tokyo Style Transformation Area.

Entertainment – Big gaming brands, anime, manga and cosplay come together to provide an entertaining experience you’ll never forget. Special guests include futuristic technodelic performance troupe Siro-A.

J-music – Whether you’re a traditionalist or a J-Pop fan, come and check out some of the hottest artists from Japan who will be taking to the stage throughout the event. Special guests include J-Pop sensation Yun*chi. 

Technology – Japanese technology is synonymous with innovation and quality and the robotics from ITK on display won’t disappoint even the most discerning technophile.  

Stage shows run throughout the day, with exciting performances from the aforementioned futuristic technodelic performance troupe Siro-A and J-Pop mega star Yun*chi

Whether you’re a fashion fanatic always looking for the latest trends, a foodie looking to sample the very best in Japanese cuisine, or simply a gaming and tech enthusiast, HYPER JAPAN really does have something for everyone.

Tickets cost £12 in advance (£15 on the door)

Children under 10 go free

To book tickets and for more information visit the Hyper Japan website

Facebook / Twitter / YouTube

Email for press enquiries

HYPER JAPAN 2013 

Date: 26th-28th July 2013

Address: Earls Court Two, Earls Court, Lillie Road, London, SW5 9TA

Nearest Tube: West Brompton or Earl’s Court

Opening Hours: 

·         Friday 26th July – 14:00-20:00

·         Saturday 27th July – 09:30-20:00

·         Sunday 28th July – 09:30 –18:00

HYPER JAPAN is organised by: Cross Media Ltd

HYPER JAPAN’s sponsors include: British Airways, DAISUKI.net, InsideJapan Tours, JEM Group, JP-BOOKS, Lycamobile, Namco Bandai Games, NHK WORLD, Nintendo, Onitsuka tiger, SIRO-A.

Eat-Japan Sushi Awards sponsors include: Kikkoman, S&B, Yutaka.

HYPER JAPAN’s partners include: Japanese Auto Extravaganza, Japan Publications Trading Co. Ltd, Kyodo Public Relations Co. Ltd.

HYPER JAPAN’s supporters include: Embassy of Japan in the UK, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan Foundation, Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR, London), Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), The Association of Japanese Animations, The Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Visual Industry Promotion Organization, Digital Content Association of Japan.

HYPER JAPAN c/o Cross Media Ltd.

Address: Unit 13, Europa Studios, Victoria Road, London, NW106ND

E-mail: press@hyperjapan.co.uk

URL: www.hyperjapan.co.uk

© 2013 Cross Media Ltd., All rights reserved.

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: LONDON JEWELLERY WEEK 2013 - JEWELLERY TASTER COURSE, MORLEY COLLEGE, 10 JUNE

Made In Morley 2013 was one of the longest running events throughout London Jewellery Week, running from 4th of the month until today, affording the everyday person the opportunity to get handsy with their choice of metals and their (artistic) imagination...

After a great deal of confusion surrounding the exact location of an educational institution I'd never heard of, and the obvious conclusion that the majority of London Bus Drivers have absolutely no knowledge of the areas surrounding their routes; a live episode of 'Challenge Erica' (minus the helpful helicopter), resulted in my eventually finding Morley College, just in time to progress from the copper practice session, to the real attempt with slivers of silver sheets with very patient tutor, Lina Patterson.

After a crash course bringing me up to speed, I set about choosing my pattern for imprinting onto my silver piece. At once, I was taken back in time to my GCSE Technology class in a certain North London school, with my good old Textiles teacher, and her trusty, clear and odourless liquid friend, masquerading in a water bottle. Ah, good times...

The making process was decidedly easier than expected under (a very sober) Ms Patterson's guidance; so much so, that some students who, like me, were not regular students but (unlike me), were seeking practical confirmation that they had the skill set and competency to do a full, paid course. Some of the ladies in attendance were such naturals, that they succeeded in completing more than one design during the 3-hour course.

Once finished, I left quite pleased with my little achievement, and confirmation in the knowledge that should I choose to explore it, I have one more creative string to add to my bow. If one as accident prone as I can manage it, then rest assured, just about anyone can, so do take the time to visit the College website and have a look at what's on offer in the shape of September courses.

For the proof in my pudding, visit the album on the ESP Facebook Page for a step-by-step picture diary of the making process. Don't forget to comment and share!

Until the next...

ES ;)