RIP GIL The Godfather of rap.

Hard to put into words just what Gil has meant to many of us. Black political activist, poet, singer, musician and author. Through his honesty both in his work and his private life I am truly humbled and changed.

Gil will be sorley missed in this realm. RIP Mr Heron.

Bacchanalia Presents Alter-Ego for Notting Hill Carnival

Saturday saw the launch of new mas band Bacchanalia, this new addition to Notting Hill Carnival presents Alter-Ego Through the looking glass. A theme which encourages you to delve into your Alter-Ego.

Bacchanalia was formed in 2005 as a fun mas band, we then saw them re-enter into Notting hill carnival alongside Bachanal Mas. Kelly and Andrew Rajpaulsingh are dedicated to keeping carnival culture alive here in the UK.

"We want to raise the profile of carnival and all the elements associated with it- from what carnival is to making the mas, the history of carnival and the true mas men of our generation, costumes and more"

We arrived at the venue after 11 and was please to see that the show had not started yet, the crowd was friendly and not clicky. The 4 front line sections had us in ore from the moment we stepped in. The oversize feather head pieces, back packs and jewelled bikini lived up to the teases they had been feeding us through Facebook.











The show started with a poetic introduction dissecting the historical elements and creativity to carnival which was a nice personal touch.














This band captured a new vibe and energy which we had not felt in a while, this is essential to creating a great carnival road experience. As long time Notting Hill masqueraders for over 14 years we liked that the band is medium with a capacity of 200, and focuses on good customer service.

On a negative side we felt that the costumes did not have any literal relation to the theme and therefore we could not make any connection to costume and section name (however this is true off so many carnival bands). The biggest deal breaker for us is the price, with Premium Leaders coming in at £295 and £350, Premium section Female £225.00 and males £195.00, which so far makes this band the most expensive for Notting Hill Carnival.

Overall the band gives you stunning costumes and looks very promising for the coming years.

We would like to say thank you to Kelly and Andrew for making us feel welcome.

Check out their Facebook and website for more pics and hype.

"What does a woman want?"

The great question that has never been answered, and which I have not yet been able to answer, despite my thirty years of research into the feminine soul, is "What does a woman want?"
Sigmund Freud







Freud rediscovered by Lucy Freeman
80s Sculpted Jacket
70s Floral swimsuit
80s High waisted leather shorts
Reworked vintage military necklace

All from Pelicans & Parrots

Brown Skin Lady

We just got news that Black Star's Mos Def and Talib Kweli reunite in the UK for the first time since 1999 and we can't wait. Blackstar is on current rotation in Pelicans & Parrots.

Here is our tribute gig outfit



80s crop top
High wasted leather shorts
80s Yellow shoes

All from Pelicans & Parrots

URBAN GAUCHO Duro Olowu A/W 2011

Sunday saw London designer Duro Olowu debut his A/W 2011 collection for the first time in New York. The collection is inspired by South American gauchos and Harlem photographer James Van Der Zee.

Tweed Suit

Via Pelicans & Parrots

We are making a concerted effort to cater for our ever growing male customer base. Today we welcomed this stunning three piece tweed suit from Sweden. Gilbert & George eat your heart out!

NKWO HAPPY LIVES HERE

Last year we were invited to take some behind the scene shots for the new NKWO 2011 look book.










Here are some images from the look book








The NKWO collection has something for every girl. We love the use of colour, column shapes, African prints and braided textiles, which accompanies the intricate hair sculpture from Angela M Plummer.

Model Symara Templeman
Make up Valerie Saint Amand
Hair Angela M Plummer
Stylist: Angela Plummer and Nkwo
Photography 2shooters

Black Barbie

Barkley L. Hendricks

We were given this Barkley L. Hendricks program by Duro Olowu. This is an original program from Hendricks solo exhibition at The Studio Museum in Harlem, which ran from January 20-March, 30 1980.







His work was also featured here in London as part of the Back to Black exhibition at the Whitechaple Gallery in 2005. The exhibition featured Black Arts Movement in the US, Jamaica and Britain in the 1960s and 70s. Read more

The Duro Olowu Scarf

A couple of weeks ago we were invited to the Gilbert and George exhibition at The White Cube gallery, before we went, we popped in on our old neighbour Duro Olowu.


We instantly fell in love with this geometric cashmere scarf in golden yellow from his A/W 2010 collection which was featured in vogue. With a little styling from Duro and a little deliberation over colour I knew I had to have it.



The three colours sit nicely next to an immaculate Hermès handbag that you would just die for.


Now a staple in my Dalston Pelicans & Parrots shop wardrobe

Skirt 60s suit Pelicans & Parrots
80s purple blouse Pelicans & Parrots



To read a more on the Duro Olowu shop click here

Inventive Braids

Braids by CuldeSac and Studio Marisol







via yatzer

Birdseye

via Pelicans & Parrots

Happy 2011

Once again Happy 2011 from Fred Butler Style, this year she has collaborated with Rosy Nicholas for the pick, make up by Megumi Matsuno and Seema Chopra for this sharp angular fro. She was also kind enough to write this review of our shop Pelicans & Parrots. Click Here




Last years 2010 and behind the scenes pictures.

Charlie Allen

Last week we had the pleasure of having dinner with Charlie Allen Tailor to the stars at the Paradise in West London. Never will you meet a more humble and sartorial elegant fellow.



Via Pelicans & Parrots

Black Pineapple

We love the work of Facebook Friend Adee Roberson Black Pineapple.


EXPLODE INTO COLORS


TWINS


LION SPIRIT




ROOTS


HORSES