MAN ABOUT TOWN #10 Barking Mad—The Dog Issue from mmparis on Vimeo.

FEATURING: Azzedine Alaïa, Pierre Bergé, Benjamin Bruno, Cédric Buchet, Julie Burchill, Colin Field, Samuel François, Erwan Frotin, Katy England, Christian Ferretti, Haidee Findlay-Levin, Paul Gilligan, Anthony Haden-Guest, Jamie Hawkesworth, Stella McCartney, Alasdair McLellan, Niall O’Brien, Grayson Perry, Stephen Rose, Olivier Rizzo, Paolo Roversi, Dries Van Noten, Willy Vanderperre, Philippe Venet, Donatella Versace, Bruce Weber, William Wegman… and art by m/m (Paris).

Buy it online.

How and when did you come up with the idea for The Village Bicycle?

The name came about when I was 14, it was a joke that me and my best friend thought would be a perfect name for a clothing label or something along those lines so my dad registered the company for me for Christmas. I had always wanted to own my own boutique from an early age. There used to be this shop around the corner from my house called “Frog Hollow” that my friends and I would spend hours in! It sold furry stickers, dressing up clothes and penny sweets so I think that’s where I really fell in love with the idea of having my own store.

When did the store open? What were you doing before and how did you get the project started?

The doors to The Village Bicycle first opened 15 months ago but it took around a year to get it up and running. I had worked in retail, PR and buying for around 5 years, but I never had the business skills so I decided to do a six month course at Portobello Business Centre, which taught you everything by the book and offered you one on one tuition should you need it. They were so helpful and resourceful.

What does the site offer? What’s unique about it, if anything?

I’ve actually learnt so much from this site, about the psychology of people and their shopping habits! Our original plans were to have just product images, but I’ve actually learned that people prefer to see the clothes on people before they buy it. We studied our shop clientele and dressed and styled our models to a particular look. Our customers don’t take “fashion” too seriously, so we have made sure we show that. We’ve got so many other things going on with the site as well; it’s not your typical online retailer. We have a section called “VB World” that features exclusive interviews with celebrities, new talent and downloadable DJ and model curated playlists as well as VIP gigs and festival tickets. Village Bicycle is urban, youthful and sexy, so we really wanted the website to reflect that.

How are you looking to expand the brand further?

Our brand isn’t all about clothes, it’s about music and the culture around us, too. We have just launched a project called “Off Roader” where we take up and coming bands to different hotspots around London. The tickets are sold through NME and the money goes towards a charity called “Strummerville” which helps young, unsigned bands buy instruments, get to gigs and get noticed. I believe that music has a massive impact on fashion, for me the two go hand in hand.

What do you love most about working in fashion? The worst?

I love meeting creative people- and I don’t necessarily just mean the designers. The window dressers have incredible imaginations, there are so many creative aspects of the industry. I love brainstorming round a table- that’s got to be one of the best aspects!

Words: Jack Mills

Video by Rhys Frampton
Styling by Way Perry
Find the collection at: OriginalPenguin.co.uk
@penguineurope

The Best:

Probably one the best and funniest auditions in Britain’s Got Talent history. Boyle’s aspirations of becoming as famous as Elaine Page and cringe-worthy hip thrusting made her endearing from the get go. Boyle’s 2009 audition of Les Miserables’ “I Dream a Dream”, became an instant internet sensation – its view rate currently stands at a gobsmacking 92,222,375.

America’s younger, cuter Susan Boyle would have to be Jackie Evancho. The ten year old amazed the judges with her powerful operatic voice in 2010. Now somewhat of an opera sensation in America, she has released two albums and appeared in High School Musical (duh).

When car washer Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. auditioned on AGT he had a big dream, quite big teeth, and a very big voice. His rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” won over the judges and lamped him the 2011 winner’s prize.

Worst:

Talent shows have that funny effect of making people think they have what it takes to sing, dance, and generally parade themselves in front of a nation’s people. Unfortunately, more often than not their audition doesn’t have the desired effect. Take a look at Eugene, the librarian who fancies himself as “…the white night on the stalion of poetry”.

Probably one of the most pointless auditions on America’s Got Talent was last year’s Mr Splash. His act was essentially belly flopping into a paddling pool. He could have died, but still, why? As one YouTube comment puts it: “this is not talent…this is stupid as fuck”. We couldn’t agree more, sir.

Candy and Cat make up Double Take, two angry timbrel players (not tambourines) who auditioned on Britian’s show in 2010. For those who don’t know what a timbrel is, it’s basically a large tambourine with tinsel hanging from it. Not only do the duo play a rather pointless instrument, they aren’t particularly good at it either. It all makes for rather sad viewing…

Words: Eleanor Mackay

Who did you grow up listening to and who are your current favourite singers?

Thanks to my mum and grandparents, I grew up listening to Stevie Wonder, John Holt, Johnny Cash, Barry White, Tom Jones, Freddy McGregor, Debbie Glasgow, SWV, Xscape, Jade, Mariah Carey, Jodeci, Mary J Blige, John McLean, Cheryl Lynn, Anita Baker, Jim Reeves, Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline, UB40, as well as a lot of old skool garage, jungle and from time to time Soca classics and lots of pop. Current artists I listen to are New Look, Daley, Szjerdene, Lianne La Havas, Gotye, Little Dragon, J*Davey, Selah Sue, Laura Marling and Karima Francis.

How long have you been a tattooist? What do you love about the job?

On and off since November 2010. As I’m not yet professional, I really appreciate the fact such a large number of people have trusted for me to be a part of a moment that is for life. I love the fact the people I have tattooed really got them for special reasons, it makes me feel a part of that importance.

PURPLE FERDINAND // Wonderland from Wonderland Magazine on Vimeo.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in east London: Stratford, Newham.

Of your many tattoos, what’s your favourite and why?

I don’t really have an actual favourite, but I’d say a very special one is my hand piece. It was designed by an amazing Dutch artist Angelique Houtkamp. I came across her work and fell in love with her line drawings which led me to immediately find out who she was and order a book of hers. The piece I chose to get done on my hand is called “Emilia”. It’s special to me because I love Angeliques story and her humour. She didn’t get her real break in the tattoo industry until she was 30 which gave me this realisation that things don’t always happen as you might expect, however the outcome can be beyond what you were seeking in the first place. Emilia is a reminder of that for me.

When did you first discover the ukelele?

I spend an awful lot of time on YouTube watching new music and acoustic covers, I came across a few songs where the singers had ukuleles. This would have been 2009 and that Christmas my mum got me the loveliest blue ukulele that I still use now.

What’s next? Any tour dates or releases planned?

This is all very new to me, I’ve only played about seven gigs so far and have been in a studio for the first time just this March. So I’m really focused on making more music, experimenting with my sound, playing more gigs and just finding my feet!

Words: Jack Mills

1. Joaquin Phoenix

Phoenix’s mokumentary film I’m Still Here documents his apparent career change from actor to rapper. Despite help from Diddy, this was the result…

2. Louis Theroux

Bless him…

3. Kobe Bryant ft. Tyra Banks

Who knew Kobe had a rap career? It lasted one song…

4. Chet Haze (aka Tom Hank’s son)

Chet rips off Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” in an ode to his university days.

5. Tila Tequila

Not quite sure what her profession is, but it surely can’t be rapper…

Words: Eleanor Mackay

METAL – Wonderland from Wonderland Magazine on Vimeo.

Directed by Smith & Read
Fashion Editor: Francesca Prudente
Director of photography: Stephen Price at LOVE HIGH SPEED
Colourist: Houmam Abdallah at THE MILL
Original Music by Adam Martin
Make Up: Veronica Perez Diaz using CHANEL
Hair: Brady Lea using KIEHLS
Models: Farah Holt at UNION and Elliot Stevens at SELECT

(1) Mother breast feeding her son

Top of the list? A three year old suckling on the exposed breast of his mother. Brushing aside the most obvious argument that really he should have stopped breastfeeding quite a while ago, the most disturbing thing is perhaps the fact that his eyes are locked on yours – making you feel like a voyeur into some kind of bizarre, sexual act. Weirddd.

(2) How man began

Any reflective surface. That’s what we vain human beings check ourselves out in numerous times throughout the day. So when faced with the ugly truth of where we came from, it’s kind of unsettling. Ape man on the March 1994 issue of The Times cover reminds us: it’s truth over beauty.

(3) There can only be one

If ever there was an argument for Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton to have a child together – this cover would be it.

(4) The Genius Problem.

What appears to be part porcelain, part child – baby Einstein stares blankly through us from the August 2007 issue of Time magazine. Moustache, bow tie, waistcoat and mussed up long, grey hair on a baby make the cover one of the weirdest ever.

(5) Why main street hates wall street

As if “occupy wall street” wasn’t enough to let investment bankers know how we feel – lets just scrawl on their faces with black marker. Why not, ay?

Words: Alya Mooro

How did the band meet?

Paul our bass player and I live really near each other just outside of Brighton. He has a lot of contacts, musician-wise, so him and I recruited the rest of the band. I couldn’t be happier; the guys are awesome.

Your name is a nod to the John Lennon-penned Beatles song. Who else inspires the sound you create?

It’s actually more the Siouxsie and The Banshees version that inspired me, but it’s a great song written by a great man. The Cure and Depeche Mode have also been very influential for us lyrically and sound-wise.

How would you best describe a Dear Prudence fan?

I’m not sure really?! I Wouldn’t want to stereotype or generalise, but basically people that love dark pop music, music that has depth and meaning as well as a hooky chorus. We’re gathering an amazing assortment of fans.

You recently did a performance in a tattoo parlor. Do you prefer impromptu intimate gigs to large scale dates?

That night was awesome. Phil Kyle – of Magnum Opus Tattoo’s and London Ink – and I were having a drink together one evening and we discussed it. I played there with my old band but we did it acoustic downstairs in their gallery space. Equally, we’ll be excited when we earn the right to play some bigger shows and festivals.

How would you describe your sound?

I’d say it’s very British, alternative, dark pop.

Your first single “Valentine” offers up a diverse range of sounds, from guitars to melodic pop riffs. What was the inspiration for the song?

I love Tim Burton, so for me it was [about] imagining a love story that he would write. A sort of misfit version where the two people are outcasts. The main theme is that they have each other and that’s enough. It’s a great first single for us.

What are the band’s plans for the remainder of the year?

This year is going to be an amazing one for us. We’ve got a few more dates on our mini tour and some festivals too, so we’re all excited about that. Really looking forward to touring more – it would be great to get out to some different countries!

Words: Shane Hawkins

How did you become a model?

When I was 17, I sent a picture to an agency in Prague. They asked me to come in and do some test shoots that they sent me to London over the summer break to do castings and go-sees which all went pretty well. When you’re a new face, it’s really exciting as everyone’s keen to see and work with you.

What were you doing before modelling?

I was at school and just doing normal stuff that 17 year olds do. I played the violin, my older sister is a professional musician but even though I enjoyed playing, I knew it wasn’t the career I wanted to pursue.

What do you like to do when you’re not modelling?

I love to exercise: I run, do yoga and like indoor rock climbing.

What’s your favourite film?

Recently I saw The Artist, I wasn’t keen on seeing it because it’s a silent movie but my boyfriend is studying film so I went along and I’m glad I did. I also like the film There Will Be Blood.

What books do you enjoy reading?

Right now I’m mostly reading non-fiction. Though I got The Hunger Games for my birthday and am pretty into that.

Do you have a particular photographer you would like to work with?

Yes, there are so many! Of course, I would love to work with Mert & Marcus. I’m interested to see how they work together.

Is there a person that inspires you?

I love Woody Allen. I love his movies and the way he shows life. I really enjoy his humour.

What’s your favourite item of clothing?

I like to feel really comfortable. I love my Philip Lim evening pants, as they’re comfy and classic.

What’s been your favourite fashion moment so far?

I really enjoyed shooting with Mario Testino for American Vogue and the Versace campaign.

What would you like to do in the future?

In the near future I would definitely like to study and learn as much as possible. I would like to learn new languages. I really like modelling, so hopefully I will be able to do both. I don’t know when I will start studying yet, for now I am using my spare time to read and prepare. I don’t intend to quit modelling yet, but it’s not forever.

Photographer David Adams
Fashion Editor and words Francesca Prudente
Hair Lotte O’Shea using BUMBLE & BUMBLE
Make up Emily Mergaert using M.A.C.
Model Jana Knauerova at MODELS1
In main image Jana wears v-neck jumper JANA’S OWN & floral print trousers by MARY KATRANTZOU
In three images Jana wears striped jumper by PAUL SMITH & floral print trousers by MARY KATRANTZOU