Girls Who Read

You may remember I was involved in the production of a Roundhouse-funded short film called 'Girls Who Read', directed by a former BAMMJ student, Guy Larsen. The film was released last Friday, and it has been an overwhelming success. In less than a week, 'Girls Who Read' made the front pages of Reddit and BuzzFeed, and it had received more than 2,000,000 views on YouTube. Suffice it to say, I am immensely proud to have been part of such an amazing project.

'Girls Who Read' is based on the namesake poem by Mark Grist, who stars as the narrator. The film truly brings his poem to life in a beautiful way, and I cannot offer more praise to Guy Larsen, producer Mike Histon, editor Martyn Graham, the wonderful actress Amy Burrows, and the many talented individuals who made the film happen. Full credits can be found on the Roundhouse website.

VIDEO: What Alice Found x ASOS Marketplace

'What Alice Found' has relaunched its ASOS Marketplace boutique, featuring a brand new look book and themed photo shoot. Nicki kindly invited me to film behind-the-scenes at the beautiful Shelley Theatre in Boscombe, where the characters of Alice in Wonderland were brought to life in vintage attire.

What Alice Found vintage boutique can be found at 805 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset. Nicki Grainger is available as a freelance stylist, having worked on numerous shoots and theatre productions. See more at: www.whatalicefound.co.uk.

VIDEO: Menswear in British Culture

Since the introduction of the Savile Row suit in the early 19th Century, men’s fashion has held an important position in British culture, albeit one which is less-than-acknowledged by today's consumers. This three-minute feature serves as the principal report from my final-year major multimedia project, which explores the prominence of British menswear, its two-hundred-year history, and the changing attitudes to men's style.

This video features interviews with Dylan Jones, Editor-in-Chief of British GQ, and Hilary Rushford, Dean Street Society personal stylist. Extra content and additional interviews coming soon. Please feel free to post your thoughts.

Interview with Joshua Castro

During the next four months, Unlimited by JK shall serve as a platform for a multimedia feature, focusing on the rise of the British menswear industry. Dylan Jones, Chair of the 2012 Menswear Committee, described menswear as a "sleeping giant", but the relatively recent addition of 'London Collections: Men' to our fashion calendar suggests that the giant has finally awoken from its slumber.

My first interview was with Joshua Castro, store manager at Wolf & Badger. The Ledbury Road and Dover Street boutiques hold a wealth of fashions from independent designers, including menswear collections by Lou Dalton, Fox Hunt Menswear and Serge DeNimes. Having been familiar with the Wolf & Badger brand for some time, it seemed a good place to officially begin this journalistic venture. You can watch my interview teaser below.

adidas NEO: What's in my bag?

Having decided that my "NEO face" was sufficiently wonderstruck, Adidas NEO have put me through to the second round of their Miami competition. Two lucky bloggers will win an all-expenses paid trip to Florida to meet the face of Adidas NEO, Justin Bieber, and the chance to report on the entire experience.

For this second task, I have been set a "what's in my bag?" challenge, for which I should present creatively the essential items I would take to Miami. To help me out, I have been generously sent a plaid rucksack from Adidas NEO's autumn collection.

Thinking outside my usual parameters, I decided on a stop-motion video. I will admit the final result isn't the pinnacle of perfection, but the desired illusion of my essential items crawling into the bag proved successful. And although it involved six hours of shooting, editing and uploading, the potential prize is worth every minute.

Miami essentials include (in order of appearance): laptop computer, Sony α DSLR camera with Carl Zeiss 28mm lens, Minolta 100-300mm lens, Sony α 18-55mm lens, Adidas NEO notebook and pen, shorthand pad, wallet, passport, phone, Spitfire sunglasses, business cards, Amazon Kindle, Fish Soho styling gel and wax, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Of course, there is so much more I would take with me to Miami, but these are the items I would be sure to take for reporting duties, networking, leisure, and maintaining a decent appearance. I just hope the means of presentation succeeds in impressing the team at Adidas NEO Label - wish me luck!

(P.S. You can equally try your luck at winning an all-expenses paid trip to Miami, in the 'Find My Gold Shoes' competition. Visit the Adidas NEO Facebook page to learn more.)

Vote for Unlimited by JK [VIDEO]

As you may have heard, Unlimited by JK has been shortlisted for "best established fashion blog" in this year's Cosmopolitan Blog Awards. Although the initial euphoria has since died down, I am still chuffed to see my blog gain some well-deserved recognition.

Funnily, I am the only male blogger and street style photographer in my category, which just goes to show that Cosmopolitan are not just looking out for the traditional, female orientated, personal style blogs. Is this an advantage for me? Maybe.

Please share this blog post, or the video below, and do also remember to vote, which you can complete via the following link: www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/blog-awards-2012-vote

(P.S. It would appear I pull odd faces when I talk.)

Pokesdown documentary [VIDEO]

Despite having lived in Bournemouth for a year already, I did not venture to nearby Pokesdown until September/October of last year. But since that first trip, I have come
to love the village for its vintage vibe, wonderful people, and - as I have said often - its genuine community spirit.

Roxanne Kapperud, Chair of the Pokesdown Community Forum, said those who visit Pokesdown "feel all the enthusiasm and the love that people have here for each other", and for me, this is entirely true. It is by far one of my favourite places in the world, and hence why this mini-documentary, filmed over the Jubilee weekend, is dedicated to the community that makes Bournemouth's Vintage Quarter so special.

Interview with The Effect [VIDEO]

The evening of Friday 3rd February, I saw up-and-coming band 'The Effect' headlining at the 100 Club on Oxford Street, London. After their gig, the guys were kind enough to offer me some interview time, which I have incorporated into a photo slideshow.

So a big thank you to The Effect for the interview, but especially to Thomas Deehan for inviting me to the gig. If, after watching the video, you have any further interest, do see the band's Facebook page for details about their album and upcoming gigs.

Kaotichandbag interview [VIDEO]

Coinciding with Pokesdown's festive celebration and late night shopping event this Thursday is the launch party of new vintage shop 'Kaotichandbag'. Aptly described as a "geek boutique", the shop will sell a variety of retro and sci-fi themed clothes, homewares, toys and accessories, from pocket-money fancies to upcycled designer jackets.

Last month, I interviewed co-owner of Kaotichandbag, Debbie Ward (pictured above), at the Tattoo Parlour Café. Debbie said she was really looking forward to opening the new shop and helping to promote Pokesdown as the vintage quarter of Bournemouth.

(Play the video below for the full Kaotichandbag interview!)