INTERVIEW: Top Model Rachel Joy Shares Her Music

Having followed Rachel Joy's progression over the last 4 years, from her early steps on the runway to her current status as a highly successful international model, Fashion Beat TV caught up with her to talk about life on the road and the importance of music.

To see Rachel in action check out film maker Ray Moody's video of her on FBtv.

Rachel Joy

Fashion Beat tv: Where in the World are you at the moment?

Rachel Joy: I'm currently in Sydney, Australia for 2 more weeks then I will be in New York.

FBtv: How has working in different countries and being exposed to their cultures influenced you as a person and in your work?

Traveling is one of the main reasons I enjoy my work so much! I have learned a lot by spending time in different countries. Each city has its own unique flare from the history, fashion, food and the coffee! I've picked up the basics from many languages which helps a lot when it comes to working with the clients.

FBtv: How important is music to you?

RJ: I love music! But not a particular genre..my music taste ranges from classical to reggae and even some cheesy pop if the mood is right... yes its very important to me, I listen to music all day, everyday!

FBtv: Which tracks are on your playlist at the moment?

Ray Charles - I got a woman

Led Zeppelin - Babe im gonna leave you

Gyptian - Hold yuh

Nicki Minaj - beam me up scotty

Kanye West - Monster

FBtv: Does music influence your persona and style in any way?

Music has influenced me to dance. I'm learning Tango and Street urban, but i think i have my own personal style that doesn't relate to music, its just me!

FBtv: Where can we see you next?

Keep your eye out for various things, I'm about ;)

Rachel Rocks Out

FASHION: A Model-Perfect Stumble & Fall

During London Fashion Week's Burberry Prorsum show a model stumbled in the impossibly high-heeled shoes. She was hardly the first to struggle with these shoes as several spills in Burberry's recent shows around the World this season have proven. But here at Fashion Beat TV we felt this image was as if taken straight out of a campaign, with the model in question looking forever graceful in her dynamic saving-pose.

Can you name the model?

FASHION: Jean Paul Gaultier, She Died of Beauty and Anthony Peto @ London Fashion Week

Jean Paul Gaultier for La Perla

We took a stroll around the Designers' Exhibition at Somerset House and took a closer look at Jean Paul Gaultier for La Perla's lingerie collection, featuring some very Madonna/Lady Gage-esque shapes! (Check out the "Bum-Enhancer"!)

Super model Erin O'Connor's new, ethical t-shirt range "She Died of Beauty" was among those present at the Esthetica showcase. Here's hoping she does a menswear collection -though if not, I may just put on one anyway! 

Funky chapelier Anthony Peto wowed us with his English style top and bowler hats with funky, fresh colors straight from the French Riviera. His latest collection is inspired by the Kama Sutra and features printed images of various "situations"...apparently the "Spanking"-model is the most popular in the UK...

Check out all the interviews and more on our Live Stream. More edited videos to come soon!

Erin O'Connor - She Died of Beauty

FASHION: London Fashion Week - Betty Jackson

On the third day of London Fashion Week, Fashion Beat TV's gang viewed the Betty Jackson show. Inspired by London as a dynamic city in general and often citing places such as the V&A, The Photographers Gallery and National Theatre as sources of new impressions, for this collection the connections to the spring awakening was evident with fresh greens reminiscent of the first buds of the season. For more images from the show check out the Photos.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jonathan Lappin -Not Your Typical Fashion Shot!

London-based photographer Jonathan Lappin, who recently won the Daily Telegraph Fashion Week Photo Competition, took the time to share some thoughts on the process of capturing the moment with Fashion Beat TV.

“I am very much attracted to performers of all kinds and I get real satisfaction when I capture a great image of them. I have no interest in taking pictures that the subject would not like be seen.”

The competitions curator Kate Day explains she was “looking for images with a real sense of style that have captured a mood, a feeling, a look, even if they’re nothing like traditional fashion shots.”

Jonathan's Winning Shot

In his winning image, Jonathan Lappin managed to do just this while attending a burlesque ball, capturing two performers who provided him with a natural openness of expression. The atmosphere and ambient lighting of the venue provided the icing, which suited Jonathan’s style of bright contrast and a slightly over-exposed look perfectly.

As a result of winning the competition Jonathan will now take the opportunity to focus more on his fashion-inspired photography during London Fashion Week where he will be shooting in the pit at the Betty Jackson show.

FASHION: Creative Collective "Junction" Present Fashion as Art.

The Shimmy Shakers & Heartbreakers

On the eve of London Fashion Week, the new creative collective "Junction" showcased a host of upcoming designers from London College of Fashion and Central St. Martins at a gallery space in Camden, London. Curators Samuel Morton and Natalie Long said that their aim was "to present fashion in a different way to the typical, commercial runway shows of Fashion Week and instead focus on the connection between art and fashion." Among the names being showcased were the much hyped Ara Jo with looks from her "Vampire" collection and Jess Sayers with her light and shadow inspired sequined pieces. As well as playing host to numerous installations, film projections and art work the event featured a burlesque performance with live band accompaniment by "Shimmy Shakers And Heartbreakers." We will soon be adding an edited video from the event. For now, check out the live stream video and photos from the event.

VINTAGE: The Pattern Market

Vintage umbrellas and bags

We took a stroll through Dalston and came across the new pop-up vintage/art/fashion boutique 'The Pattern Market". Curated by the London-based style guru Amechi Ihenacho, the boutique features an art gallery, selected high-end, vintage fashion, which Amechi hand-picks from around the World, hand-made wall paper, selected vintage art and fashion books, hand crafted lamps and much much more. The shop is open from Thursday to Sunday and can be found at 242-248 Kingsland Road. Check out our live streaming video where we interviewed Pinky about the concept of The Pattern Market. For more photos go to the Photos page.

Amechi Ihenacho

ART: Introducing Estonian Artist Küllike Pihlap

Küllike Pihlap at her latest exhibition "FOLK".

Having just finished a slew of exhibitions in Estonia with her series of images being described in the media as representing "The Landscape as a Concert Hall" Küllike shares her thoughts on Artists' Creativity and their Audience.

 - Musicians and artists both have the ability to generate innovative ideas and manifest them from thought into reality. The process involves original thinking and then production. Some use instruments, others colors, canvas, pencils, crayons etc.

"Rhythm II"

The process of creation was historically reserved for deities creating "from nothing" in Creationism and other creation myths. But there are others who don't have  the capabilities or desire to create themselves. However, this does not mean that they do not enjoy music or the arts. The audience is important to the artists for generating feedback. Listeners and viewers enjoy the emotional charge, atmosphere and they get a sense of joy from the creative output by for example musicians.

Creative people have a need to create something all the time. It is a need that wants to get out and can not be suppressed. To live a full life, Creatives need to develop their work, deal with it, to experience, to see the results and to communicate with their audience. - Küllike Pihlap.

FILM: Introducing Guest Blogger Karim Boubker

Karim Boubker

Fashion Beat TV invited 21-year-old, Moroccan photographer and film maker Karim Boubker to share some of his thoughts with us.

- It is not every day that we are given the opportunity to live out our dreams. It is quite the contrary actually. Every single day millions of people from all around the world are somewhat forced to go to a job they don’t feel the slightest bit of passion for. I don’t blame them, because in life, we must make a living for ourselves in order to survive. Many people are pressured to conform to the higher authorities in order to just get by… unappreciated, under paid, and under respected. This is wrong. I believe that life should be lived your way. I believe that every single person on earth has a dream. I believe that every single person who has a dream can make it come true with enough hard work and patience. Success today is measured in status and money. I believe that success should be measured in happiness. What I am trying to say is that anyone in this world can be whatever they want to be. All we have to do is dig deep down into our hearts and try to figure that one thing that excites us more than anything else and work for it. It will not be easy, in fact, and I am sure that it will be the hardest thing you have ever done, but hell, I am sure that you will love every single minute of it. So please, for anyone who is reading this… do not conform, but rather, out perform! -

Check out Karim's beautiful, stop-motion short film "Nanu" right here on FBtv. For more from Karim Boubker visit his blog. If you would like to be featured on Fashion Beat TV just drop us a mail! :)

MUSIC: Kashmir video "Pursuit of Misery" World Premiere!

Today, the Danish rock band, Kashmir, premier their new video for the single "Pursuit of Misery." Much of the footage was sent in by fans who had been asked to contribute footage of themselves being creative and incorporating the orange and blue arrow logo featured in Kashmir's artwork. Fans could download the stencil to print out and 200 people from across the World did! We interviewed the band at the Roskilde Festival in July, where they talked to us about this project and of being multi-artists. Check out the two-part interview here and here.

FASHION: Lyrics, Sex & Politics - it's all about the logo!

We took a stroll around town and came across several "Logo Bags." Lyrics, Sex and Politics never go out of style. If you have seen any funny, fashionable, quirky or just downright weird bags and photographed or filmed them, please do share them with us by dropping an e-mail or commenting on this post.

Lyrics

Sex

Politics