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Meeting Landon Cube over Zoom was like stepping into a moment of calm amidst the noise. Despite the distance between London and Los Angeles, the screen bridged the gap, allowing us to share in the simplicity of the moment. His happiness and energy came through effortlessly, much like the first time I’d come across his music, it was easy, unforced, and inviting. It’s that effortless vibe, where you sense the person behind the art, unguarded and comfortable, that makes you want to listen even closer. As our conversation unfolds, it’s clear that Landon’s approach to music is just as laid-back as his demeanor. When asked about his creative process, he speaks with a quiet confidence, not rushing through the details but letting them come to him naturally. “I don't like to force it,” he says, his voice calm but purposeful, as if each word is part of the rhythm he lives by.  Landon’s music career officially took off when he began posting covers on social media, but he has been experimenting with music for a long time. “The first time I wrote and recorded was because my dad had recording software in the house,” Landon recalls. “One day, I just started messing around with it. I probably wrote my first song, ready to release, when I was 18, and from there, I’ve been writing and recording ever since.” When asked to describe his music as a movie or colour palette, Landon paints an idyllic picture, “It’s the kind of music I listen to when I drive from my house to Malibu,” he says. “You pass through the mountains, everything’s green, and then you hit the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), and the ocean appears. My favourite album for that drive is ‘Mariposa’ by Felly , it just fits the vibe perfectly. So, if I had to describe the music I’m making now, that’s it. The kind of sound you’d want to play on that drive, when everything feels wide open and full of possibility.” For Landon, music comes when it’s right, when inspiration hits, and not a moment sooner. “I try to make music when I’m really inspired, when I’m living more and experiencing more,” he explains. “I don’t try to force myself into the studio if I’m bored or not feeling anything. I definitely don’t make music every day…sometimes I just don’t have anything to say. But when I do make it, it flows so much easier, and it doesn’t feel like work.” It was this desire for creative freedom that eventually led Landon back to his roots. “I started in indie/alternative music when I was 18 or 19, and then I ended up in the hip-hop space because that’s where things were working at the time”. Although Landon “loves [his] fans and those that listen to [his] music”, he believed it was time to focus on what he wanted to create rather than what he thought he should be making. He states that “with this project, I didn’t focus on what others expected. I just made music I loved, and it felt like a true reflection of where I’m at currently.” And this sense of freedom is evident in his latest release, ‘ Name In The Sky . These tracks offer a glimpse into the complexities of Landon’s emotional journey, marked by vulnerability. “‘ 25’  is about reflecting on where I’ve come from, especially after struggling with addiction. It’s been a couple of years since I got sober, and the song was born out of gratitude for being alive. On the other hand, ‘Emerald Isle ’ represents the darker moments, the hopelessness I felt at the time and how it felt living that daily.” Landon acknowledges that ‘Emerald Isle’  is tied to one of the most emotionally challenging chapters of his life. He wrote the song during a time when he was grappling with his own demons, feeling isolated and overwhelmed by his struggles. Writing and recording it was a deeply emotional experience, one that required him to confront his darkest thoughts, but also to channel them into something beautiful. When he first listened back to the track, it moved him to tears, and he recalls sending it to his family, who shared the same emotional response. There’s an undeniable rawness to the track that speaks to the depth of what Landon was going through at the time. It wasn’t just a song about sadness; it was an open letter to himself, a way of processing everything he had been through, “it's like my own form of therapy.” In a way, the song was both a release and a reflection—an acknowledgment of the darkness, but also a step toward healing. And even now, listening to it still carries an emotional weight for him and that journey is woven into the music he creates today. Looking back at ‘ Emerald Isle,’  he can see how far he’s come, both in terms of his personal growth and his musical evolution. The song itself has always had a special place in his heart. Despite it being one of the oldest tracks on the project, Landon and his team held onto it for a long time before releasing it. They wanted to make sure it was introduced in the right context and when the time felt right. As it turns out, that moment arrived later than expected, but it was still worth the wait. The balance between the uplifting energy of ‘25’  and the sombre tone of ‘Emerald Isle’  encapsulates Landon’s ability to move from darkness into light, and the way music has been a tool for him to process, heal, and express his growth. What started as a cathartic release has now become an anthem of resilience, and a testament to his strength in facing both the highs and lows of life. Cube’s approach to navigating fame and his relationship with his fans is refreshingly down-to-earth. He shares that he doesn't feel the pressure to maintain a certain image for his fans, instead choosing to focus on authenticity: "I think, usually, I just try to be myself. And I think my core fans appreciate that." For Landon, staying true to himself is key, even when it comes to something as simple as his wardrobe. "I wouldn’t go out and create a gimmick or anything like that, but maybe go out and buy clothes so I look good or whatever... but it's still clothes I like." It’s clear that, for him, being genuine to his personal style is more important than meeting any external expectations, also shown throughout his music. The admiration Landon has for his fans is evident in every word he speaks. He sees them as integral to his success and doesn’t hesitate to express his appreciation, when expressing “I love my fans and I don’t think I’ve ever not taken them seriously." Landon acknowledges that, having been a fan himself, he understands the emotions that come with fandom. “I’ve been there, in middle school and high school, going to concerts... I’ve been in awe of my favorite artists, so I definitely understand it.” One of the most heartwarming stories he shares is about a family of fans who have become a part of his personal life. "They come to my shows, and actually keep in touch with my mom. She gets Christmas cards from them every year." This genuine connection is a testament to the meaningful relationships Landon fosters with his supporters. “It’s not like a crazy thing. My mom trusts them and actually gave them our home address because they’re a good family.” It’s moments like these that showcase the real, human side of his fanbase.  When discussing his fans’ influence on his music, Landon reflects on a powerful moment he had when he was unable to attend a show due to illness. Watching a video from Summer Smash 2024, he was moved to tears when he saw thousands of fans screaming the lyrics to ‘ Red Roses ’ during Lil Skies’ set. "I was just in my room watching the video, and hearing everyone screaming my part, it was insane.” Having written that song when he was nineteen in his childhood bedroom “seeing so many people singing along was just a surreal moment." As for the future, Landon’s creative evolution continues to take centre stage. "I’m always trying to create something new," he says, emphasising that while his sound remains familiar, it’s constantly evolving. “I don’t think I’ll ever repeat the same project blueprint over again, but I’m always trying new things.” It’s this ongoing journey that fuels Landon’s passion and propels him forward, as he looks to create music that resonates with his ever-growing audience. As our conversation winds down, Landon takes a moment to acknowledge the profound impact his fans have had on him. “Honestly, just thank you,” he says with genuine warmth. “They’ve changed my life, and they’ve changed my family’s life.” He shares how his mum, in particular, has felt a sense of purpose through his journey. “After my brother and I graduated high school, she didn’t feel like there was anything to look forward to anymore. She used to go to all my brother’s sports games, my choir shows, and my tennis matches, but when that was over, it was like there was nothing else. But this whole experience with me; touring, meeting my fans, seeing their support, has been the highlight of her life.” Landon laughs, clearly touched but a little shy about sharing something so personal. “She gets emotional sometimes, like when I bring her to a show. Afterward, she’ll tell me, ‘You’ve really made my life so meaningful.’ And I’ll be like, ‘Mom, stop!’” It's clear that for Landon, the connection with his fans isn’t just about the music, it’s about the deeper impact it’s had on him and his family. “It makes my life exciting. It’s something for me and my family to look forward to,” he says with a smile. “And that’s honestly one of the best parts of all this.” I greatly admire Landon Cube's openness throughout our conversation. His genuine approach and willingness to share honestly about his journey and challenges reflect a depth of character that’s rare in the industry. This authenticity not only enriches his music but also fosters a deeper connection with his audience. I’m excited to witness his continued growth as an artist and see what he achieves next. All photo credentials go to Landon Cube, Sam Mcgrath & Precedent Failure

Prepare to witness the awakening of fashion's sleeping beauties as we step into the timeless garden of the 2024 Met Gala. In a celebration of style transcending eras, this year's dress code 'A Garden of Time' invites us to explore the ethereal realm where fashion meets the passage of time. Join me on an enchanting journey as we unveil the spellbinding creations that bring this garden to life, each garment a masterpiece waiting to awaken from its slumber and captivate the world with its beauty. "The Belle of the Ball" All eyes were undoubtedly on Zendaya as she made a triumphant return to the star-studded carpet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday. The actress graced the Met Gala carpet not once, but twice — first as one of the esteemed co-chairs of the event, and secondly, as a distinguished guest. As one of the evening's official co-hosts, Zendaya took centre stage as one of the early arrivals to deliver a memorable fashion moment at the 2024 Met Gala, themed 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion' - and she did not disappoint! The A-list star stunned in a lamé and organza fishtail Artisanal Maison Margiela gown reminiscent of a stormy ocean, featuring hand-painted metallic accents, tiny hummingbirds and a satin corset. She styled her hair in a tousled up-do and accessorised with a feathered plume-like Philip Treacy veil, playing perfectly into the 2024 “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” theme and “A Garden of Time” dress code for the decadent evening. This fabulous ensemble included several nods to nature and appeared to draw inspiration from the surrealist spring 1999 Christian Dior Haute Couture collection, also designed by John Galliano, notably featuring grape-adorned tulle gowns famously worn by celebrities such as, Nicole Kidman. To accentuate the drama of the Met Gala, Zendaya completed her look with dark eyeshadow and a crimson pout created with makeup from beauty icon Pat McGrath — who created a similar viral look for a recent Margiela runway. Dressed by her beloved stylist, Law Roach (who despite announcing in 2023 that he was “retiring” from the industry; yet continues to work with Zendaya, as his longest-running and dearest client) the fashion mogul never seems to shy away from the drama. This was emphasised later, when she made a surprise return to walk the red carpet a second time wearing another Galliano design — this time wearing a never-worn, archival black taffeta Givenchy couture gown from its spring/summer 1996 collection – one of two collections that John Galliano designed for the house (this also happens to be the same year Zendaya was born). Once more, the star gave a grand gesture to this year's "Garden of Time" dress code, wearing a massive bouquet headpiece filled with multicoloured roses, also created by Philip Treacy as part of Alexander McQueen’s spring/summer 2007 collection. The Mystery Guest As the evening progressed, each arrival brought a new wave of excitement and anticipation. Yet, amidst the garden of fashion statements, one particular ensemble stood out, captivating my attention as a worthy contender alongside Zendaya's remarkable appearances. This next look, which left an indelible mark on the night's festivities, was none other than Mona Patel's reinvention of a butterfly. Despite her anonymity to many, Patel's presence commanded attention, casting a spell of curiosity and wonder among onlookers and all throughout social media. Patel, 43, made her debut down this year's green carpet in a stunning nude floor-grazing sculpted Iris van Herpen gown that included a corset bodice designed to resemble butterfly wings and a scalloped train that pays homage to the theme 'A Garden of Time’. This delicate detail was not limited to just the gown; it was intricately woven throughout, complemented by an arm piece crafted by Casey Curran in collaboration with Patel herself. The arm piece, adorned with animatronic flower petals cascading down its length, added an enchanting touch to Patel's ethereal ensemble, bringing her fairy-like persona to life in a mesmerising display of artistry and innovation as she elegantly graced up the steps of the Met Museum's infamous staircase. According to Vogue India, Patel said “I wanted my debut look to be something that celebrates my heritage and also combines my love couture, and when I heard of the theme, Iris Van Herpen seemed like the obvious choice". In order to create this one-of-a-kind gown, the business mogul partnered with esteemed stylist, Law Roach - ultimately leading them to a factory visit in Mumbai with members from the Iris Van Herpen team. Not only did Law Roach work his magic on bringing Mona Patel's vision to life, but the duo managed to perfectly intertwine both the Dutch haute couture designer’s alien aesthetic (which takes inspiration from nature in the most unique and extreme ways) as well as having parts of the gown crafted by Indian embroidery houses that the brand has often partnered with, enabling them to create spectacular, one-of-a-kind artisanal outfits. In order of minimal distraction from the gown, Patel opted for a simple, yet elegant slick-back bun, and a pair of classy white/yellow diamond drop earrings to complete her exquisite look. Tyla made a striking entrance at the Met Gala, latching onto "time" as the operative word from "The Garden of Time" dress code. Named the "Winner of the Met Ball" by many, the South-African singer wore a custom Balmain creation made entirely of sand, fitted to the millimetre based on a cast of her body. The creative director of Balmain, Olivier Rousteing, was intrigued by the idea of ephemerality for Tyla's dress, suggesting that the inspiration stemmed from the desire to redefine boundaries and transform a transient material into an everlasting masterpiece. The dress, made with three colours of sand mixed with micro-crystal studs, shone with Tyla's every move, showcasing her elegance and making her one of the standout appearances of the evening. With true attention to detail, the gown featured the illusion of sand on her bum cheeks, as though she had been seated on the beach, emphasising the precision and artistry involved in creating this stunning piece. Adding another nod to the night's theme, she carried the Balmain hourglass clutch, completing her look with a perfect blend of innovation and sophistication. Once inside the Gala, Tyla's ultra-fragile sand dress underwent a dramatic transformation into a chic minidress. Olivier Rousteing, the mastermind behind the delicate look, captured the moment on Instagram. The video shows Rousteing kneeling before Tyla, carefully using scissors to remove the bottom portion of the original floor-length gown. This impromptu alteration added a surprising and dynamic twist to the evening, showcasing the innovative and adaptable nature of the design. Paying homage to her renowned portrayal of Aurora in Maleficent, Elle Fanning brought fairytale to life at the Met Gala. Draped in a transparent, sculptural Balmain gown and accentuated with Cartier jewellery, the actress embodied the very essence of the red carpet's theme with grace and allure. The gown adorned with sculptural birds delicately affixed to each shoulder of the bodice, exuded an enchanting aura reminiscent of iconic Disney princesses, bringing the gown to life, as if they were attending her in getting dressed, much like those in fairytales. With high expectations set due to her iconic role, Fanning's appearance at the Gala did not disappoint. As she ascended the stairs, the ensemble shimmered gracefully, echoing the tranquillity of flowing water under the soft glow of moonlight. The actress, expressed her desire to embody the fragility and luminosity of glass or ice, evoking the image of a delicate glass statue nestled within the garden. This ethereal aspiration subtly alluded to the beloved fairytale of Cinderella, whose story features the iconic glass slipper. Through her interpretation, Elle Fanning seamlessly blended elements of fantasy and whimsy, further enhancing her mesmerising presence on the Met Gala red carpet - a Sleeping Beauty frozen in time. After Aurora's ethereal presence, Maleficent emerges anew, embodied by Kendall Jenner. The model made a striking entrance in a never-worn archival Givenchy gown by Alexander McQueen from 1999, igniting the red carpet with vintage allure. Jenner took a figurative interpretation of the theme of 'time,' describing the creation as "a sleeping beauty" itself, having been in archives for the past 25 years. The stunning gown featured an exquisite design made with 100,000 black and chocolate brown beads and sequins, meticulously sewn over 500 hours. With a plunging neckline, beaded tassel sleeves, and a subtle squiggly beaded pattern, the gown exuded elegance and boldness. Additionally, it showcased a daring V-shaped cutout along her hips and lower back, adding a touch of seduction to the ensemble. Jenner's confident demeanour and striking presence completed the look with effortless grace. On the red carpet, Jenner revealed that she was the first "human" to wear the gown — it had only been fit on a mannequin before the Monday of the Met Gala. Despite initial speculation that Winona Ryder had worn a similar gown, it was later proven that Ryder had worn a remodel of the original dress. Jenner's look sparked a flurry of comparisons, with many likening her to a young Maleficent or drawing parallels to characters from Game of Thrones. With her makeup more subdued and paired with her retro hairstyle, the ensemble achieved a subtle medieval aesthetic, further charming all who beheld her bewitching presence. A Diamond in Victoria Beckham Phoebe Dynevor made a flawless impression at the Met Gala, shining in a custom Victoria Beckham gown. This romantic silhouette was crafted from archival lace and adorned with over 300 lace appliqué flowers, each meticulously hand-cut and sewn onto a delicate tulle base. The flowers, dyed to a "faded rose" hue to harmonise with Dynevor's complexion, epitomised the fashion house's dedication to intricacy and sophistication. Their attention to detail served to underscore the theme's essence of fragility and elegance, all while ensuring that Dynevor remained the captivating focal point of the evening. The gown, described by the brand as "at once fragile and delicate," perfectly encapsulated the evening's theme. Dynevor, at 29 years old, likened the ensemble to something out of a fairytale, aligning seamlessly with the Costume Institute's spring exhibition, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. The gown's ethereal quality, complete with a beautiful train adorned with cascading flowers, added to its enchanting allure. Beckham's dedication to accentuating the actress' true eloquence and beauty when sharing the inspiration behind the curation of her gown. The use of vintage lace was chosen for its romantic appeal, symbolising a revival akin to that of a sleeping beauty. Beckham also expressed her admiration for Dynevor's talent and beauty, emphasising her desire for the gown to be an extension of the actress herself. The meticulous hand-dyeing of the flowers further personalised the creation, ensuring it harmonised flawlessly with Dynevor's radiant presence. Amidst the array of glamorous luminaries, Ariana Grande radiated her trademark elegance and charisma. Despite its simplicity compared to other attendees, her Met Gala attire exuded timeless beauty reminiscent of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, a role she recently portrayed in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. Clad in a Loewe bustier gown meticulously crafted entirely from Mother of Pearl, Grande's ensemble epitomized understated glamour. The hand-pleated, multi-layered silk chiffon skirt with subtle hues of blues and pinks peeking through, artfully designed to emulate the iridescence of nacre, added a captivating dimension to her ethereal presence. Additionally, the cascading drapery placed elegantly across the waist mirroring a waterfall, added another element of natural imagery to the gown. Anderson and his atelier's dedication to 'sensorial craft techniques' resonated in every aspect of the gown's construction and shimmering finish. Notably, the bustier, showcasing a mosaic-like detail, inspired by the natural world and contributing to the ensemble's enchanting allure, culminating in a truly mesmerising masterpiece. A finishing touch to elevate the singer's makeup artist, Michael Anthony, ingeniously opted for small, opalescent wings delicately placed around her eyes. This subtle yet captivating addition added an angelic touch, enhancing Ariana Grande's already stunning appearance with a dash of celestial allure. Last but certainly not least, Gigi Hadid graced the carpet in a truly notable Thom Browne gown. The choice of designer was unexpected for the model, known for often opting for a more feminine look. However, It is rumoured that the model's gown will find a permanent place in the Thom Browne archive, symbolising its significance beyond the confines of the Met Gala 2024. Remarkably, Hadid’s ensemble comprised two distinct pieces: a sleek white figure-hugging column dress embellished with a single yellow rose, serving as the foundation for the ensemble. Layered atop was the playful overskirt and train, intricately designed to resemble a tuxedo jacket cascading down over the 29-year-old's hips. This innovative interpretation of Browne's signature suiting-inspired aesthetic exemplifies the designer's penchant for reimagining traditional motifs in a glamorous and unexpected manner, and may just be the most fascinating iteration of his signature motif yet. The tuxedo jacket portion of the gown showcased the majority of the detail, featuring a voluminous skirt bursting with hand-beaded thorns, vines, and yellow roses adhered to a multi-layer train trimmed in black duchesse satin. For the finishing touches, Hadid accessorised with pointy yellow pumps, accompanied by a diamond necklace and dangly diamond earrings from Chopard. For her glam, the model opted for a timeless look with a side-parted, Old Hollywood-style blonde bob and a bold red lip, adding a touch of vintage glamour to her overall ensemble. By Maddie Lainchbury

Dystopian utopia, a contradiction in itself, is an up and coming style in the fashion world. From whimsical dresses to sultry heeled boots, we take a look at the contrast between dystopia and utopia. Vivienne Westwood Westwood will always be known for her part in the creation of punk. But in the 30-plus years since her split from partner and collaborator Malcolm McLaren, she has forged a rebel aesthetic that is truly her own. throughout the 1980s, Vivienne Westwood's designs underwent prolific change. At the beginning, her work explored post-punk androgyny and, influenced by 18th century men's clothing she created her iconic "Pirates" collection in 1981. As the decade progressed her silhouettes because more feminine and tailored. Westwood's designs today are still full of bizarre and expressive silhouettes such as this dress she designed for mezzo soprano Joyce DiDonato for her performance in Alcina. The exaggerated shoulder pads throughout designs, and the flamboyant skirts carefully conducted for the etching dresses, Vivienne Westwood is very much a designer that that continues to thrive through going against norms. The perfect combination of masculinity and femininity. Susan Fang Utopian thinking challenges our perception of reality and it is fuelled by desire - desire for a better life, desire for a world where our dreams come true. Fashion, like utopia, is also permeated by desire, fashion inspires and has the power to transform the way we feel about ourselves and the world around us. The vision of SUSAN FANG is to not be led by trend or style or even an aesthetic, but to surpass the realm of design to express a mirage of artistic illusions. FANG is inspired by concepts relating to the perception of beauty and the instinctive allure of nature-the-ever-present fractals. These precise mathematical formulas of repetition and rhythm create the most beautiful chaos with understandable geometrics. For W/A 2018 Susan developed an entirely new weave of techniques she named as "Air-weave", which allows the fabric itself to float between two and three- dimensional realms, allowing the silhouette to capture the designs' unusual and whimsical look accompanied by imagination through its fluid movements.

When we think of Hollywood Glam, we most often tend to think of one of the most well-known names in the fashion world, Marilyn Monroe. But glam has since taken a turn in the modern age of the 21st century, from sultry elegance to elaborate creativity. We take a look at the theme of ‘Hollywood Glamour’ over the ages. The Making of an Iconic Style True to its name, the glam style dates back to the 1930s, a time considered by many to be the “Golden Age” of Hollywood. Also known as, Hollywood Regency or Regency Moderne, Hollywood Glam is what it sounds like: a decor that embraces the decadent and fabulous from top to bottom. At the beginning, “Hollywood Glam” was sleek and elegant - from little black dresses, delicate jewellery and the small intricate details such as petite diamonds and natural makeup. Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Louise Brooks were upon the many names essential to this lavish lifestyle. Hollywood became an illusion to your average person, like me and you, since red carpets and luxury cars only seem to be in the movies. Ladies and gentleman treated like royalty and decoratively dressed. The Woman That Started It All Being one of the main faces of Hollywood Glam, Marilyn Monroe gave us some iconic looks. She had a certain elegance whilst still becoming one of the industries most popular Hollywood stars and a major sex symbol. She began her career as a wholesome girl-next-door gracing the cover of magazines, America’s sweetheart. However, the foundation of Marilyn, was her unique blend of child like innocence and provocative feminine sexuality. In the 1950s Marilyn influenced the fashion industry by bringing body-conscious designs to the forefront of fashion, a feat in an era of Peter Pan collars, matching gloves, handbags and propriety. Perhaps one of Monroe’s greatest contributions to fashion and beauty was how she embraces her curvy, seductive figure. Marilyn Monroe lit up a red carpet with her silk evening gowns and white fur stoles. She stole scenes in movies with her sequinned gowns and designer duds, and started new trends just by wearing them. 21st Century Hollywood Glamour Today's glamour is far different from the original “Hollywood Glam”. The original glam majorly being focused on true elegance and the rich unlike the 21st century and it’s almost ‘the more elaborate and larger the dress, the larger the impression’ motive. This shows a substantial switch in what is considered as glam. For instance, we have had looks appear on the carpet that imitate meat plates and shadow monsters, when on the carpet in 1930s we only saw sleek silhouettes that highlighted the star’s beauty. From Lady Gaga’s meat dress designed by Franc Fernandez to Billy Porter’s Tuxedo dress designed by Christian Siriano, the idea of glam has clearly had a drastic re-vamp. The looks vary from barely-there to full, extravagant skirts and head pieces as though in competition for best dressed and what’s more likely to get a reaction from the world. For instance the ongoing themes of the Met Gala that differentiate from Camp: Notes on Fashion and Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, where the rich showcase their individual flamboyant outfits have definitely moved far away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood, evidently taking away the original meaning of Glamour. Digging deeper into the costumes of today, the carpet seems almost to be a playground of the rich, with looks from Kim Kardashian in an all leather catsuit that covers all except her pony-tail and Zendaya’s Cinderella look, that emphasises the different views towards real glamour, with garish colours and textures that you would not have seen on red carpets between 1930s and 50s. One of the most dramatic and daring looks of its time was the black Versace dress designed by Gianni Versace and debuted by English actress and model, Elizabeth Hurley in 1994 at the Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere. The dress was held together by several oversized safety pins and was one of the first dresses to grace the Hollywood scene that didn’t follow the typical protocol of dresses worn by 1930s+ movie stars. Although the black dress was made from pieces of silk and lycra fabric, the dress was wide open at the front, from the neck down to halfway across the bosom, with two slimline straps on the shoulders. Each side of the dress featured a cut-away part, held together with six gold safety pins along the side, and one at the top of either cut-away, connecting it to the bosom section. This was the most shocking part about the dress since it had never been done before at this time. The dress is said to be punk-inspired, "neo-punk", and something which "emerged from the sari development" according to Gianni Versace himself. Despite a large number of celebrities going against the authenticity of the traditional glamour of Hollywood, there are still a few, such as Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston that grace the red carpet in what I would consider the true identity of Hollywood. With their silk slimline dresses and simple hair styles accompanied by fine jewels and subtle makeup that accentuates their beauty. Influencers, like Kendall Jenner modernising one of fashion’s most beautiful dresses worn originally by Audrey Hepburn to suit today’s society and Billie Eilish’s Oscar De La Renta gown worn as an ode to Marilyn Monroe, honouring one of history’s most beloved icons back to the forefront of the fashion world at the 2021 Met Gala.

Have you ever wanted to know the truth behind songwriting, and what it's like to be the opening act for some of your favourite artists? Áine Deane tells all, in this Q&A based on her rise as a musician in today's industry. Meeting Áine Deane over zoom was a true testament to the new world created as consequence of Covid-19. Although not the traditional way, the comfort of both homes ensured my first official meeting with Áine to be a relaxed one. By bonding over our copious tea addictions and the simple expectation that making a cuppa should only take a minute, but the kettle prolonging itself when you have to be somewhere, Deane was as pleasant and charming as she was when I first saw her on stage. My initial introduction to the 23 year old was on the stage of New Rules' (British-Irish Boyband) Bush Hall performance in August 2022. From then on, she has captivated me and so many others, not only through her impeccable songwriting abilities, but her capability of creating a safe space for her listeners and making you feel at home, even in a concert venue like the Royal Albert Hall, surrounded by hundreds of strangers. Áine Deane is a singer/songwriter from Cambridge, currently based in London. Her writing journey began within the comfort of four walls in her Exeter uni accommodation. Whereas her love for music started all the way back as a little girl. Inspired by Taylor Swift's authentically, unapologetic self, Ed Sheeran - since being gifted his sheet music after her piano exams by her mum, and within recent years, Noah Khan's ability to incorporate his raw emotion & folk into his pop music, Deane had no trouble when finding her own sound in her adult life. Although, never specifically dreaming of being a singer/songwriter when she grew up (in fact it was never an option in her mind), she was surrounded by music practically all her life. Growing up as a theatre kid, Deane went on to university to pursue the dream of drama school, but she never put the two together until her later life, and with the helpful wonders of TikTok after posting a video of an original song. Áine Deane tells me about her family, and how they have enthusiastically supported her throughout her whole career as a musician. No matter the size of the show, they're always stood amongst the crowd, watching their little girl/ sister shine the night away. Since graduating, Áine Deane has supported some impressive artists in her career already, artists like James Bay & one of her most prideful, opening for Sam Smith, where she performed to a sold-out audience two nights in a row at the Royal Albert Hall. Deane has also performed to her own crowds, selling out her first headline show at OMEARA London in late 2022, ultimately leading to her SELL OUT headline show at Lafayette this past May. The amiable young women proves that she can always count on her brothers to keep her grounded and humbled when she insists that, despite being a respectable artist, they still disapprove of her belting Taylor Swift lyrics throughout the house or taking spotlight during carpool karaoke and singing over their favourite artists. Even if you have your own songs out, they will keep on insisting that they listen to nothing else but the voice on the track! When asking Áine Deane how she maintains her true and honest self in her daily life and when it comes to work, like photoshoots, she informs me that she becomes "a control freak" when dealing with the creative directions and that everything, even the smallest of detail, has it's reason for where it's placed. Deane also states that she only works with a trusted few colleagues that understand her need of being herself and those that enable her own creative artistry to be captured. Emily Marcovecchio is a beloved photographer who Áine Deane has worked with for some time, shooting many things from live performances to album covers - one being the cover art of 'If You Called Me Today, I'd Come Back Tomorrow' as well as Deane's latest EP release "Nothing Left to Say". After performing two sold out shows at the Royal Albert Hall, as the support of Sam Smith earlier this year, Deane has decided on regaining the intimacy of small shows endeavouring on a bookstore tour around England this October. Áine Deane's fanbase tends to be a mixture of fellow "Swifties" (a large and devoted fanbase of Taylor Swift), whom Deane, as well as many other musicians, take as inspiration for their own musical creations. Hence why on her own setlists, Áine never shies away from a cover from the admired artist. The crowds communal karaoke of 'Love Story' felt like a wholesome moment that enabled a sense of belonging and familiarity, not only within myself but clearly throughout the entire crowd that stood inside the small space of Bush Hall in Shepard's Bush. The sea of other concert-goers, where strangers no longer remain strangers but become friends, all screaming the infamous lyrics to people you either just met in the queue a few minutes before or simply someone who came to see the same show as you that you caught in the midst of their enjoyment. Thanks to music the boundaries were all broken, advanced by Deane's beautifully put lyrical expressions capturing everyone's feelings and mirroring them to relate to their own situations. No one was left out, and that was truly visible when watching Áine Deane take the stage. As someone who says she's a "control-freak", Deane continuously has to remind herself that "all that happens leads to a reason that will only benefit in the end", which explains why her songs are all so emotive since she never shies away from the reality of life, the good and the bad. Deane's songs consist of real anecdotes of her life, and growing up, even if it "always gets [me] into trouble" like when she practically serenaded her song 'Hopeless' to the guy it was about whilst he was stood in the crowd at one of her shows. Her personal favourite and most honest song being '19', a song that depicts her time through university and all the moments she often wishes she could go back to. "As you get to each stage of life you wish for the next one, but you should really enjoy the one you are currently living, because to this day any part of uni i'd love to go back to and wish i'd appreciated it more". To most, University is known to be the place where you make loads of incredibly valuable memories and where you meet the friends you'll have for life, and for Áine Deane, this was completely true. In fact these memories wrote the lyrics, when going through old photos from her time at Exeter Uni with those forever friends, Deane disclosed the discovery that every line in her song '19', is captured in a photographic "list of memories" from each moment in real time. The song itself is a testament to her nineteen year old self and who she was at that time, and with these lyrics it's easy to go back and reminisce over the innocence of life back then. 'Hopeless' is my favourite off Deane's discography due to the openness of the lyrics. Released on 15th September 2021, 'Hopeless' is a raw, romantic and tearful ballad that captures the essence of what a hopeless love feels like. Within this song, the honest outpour of longing and apprehension to move on proves relatable to everyone, with over 1.4M streams on Spotify to date. As a self diagnosed hopeless romantic, the relentless question of "what if?' plummets into the depths of my heart, almost creating a sense of guilt since I know I should move on but can't. Consequently, the lyrics keeps that question poignant, thinking of all the possibilities you'd be leaving if you move on from the one person you hoped would want you back in the same way. Thus the song providing comfort, simply because the words are from someone else that has experienced a similar type of love. The most painful, unrequited love. 'Hopeless' gives warmth to those like Deane, that despite the dread of thinking you'd never be able to overcome, what seems to be, an endless cycle of missing someone you wish was yours but isn't, you can. Often individuals believe they're the only ones going through certain situations, but with someone like Áine Deane, whom exquisitely puts into words exactly how you're feeling, it is gratifying to finally feel seen and heard. I believe that Áine Deane, as such a courageous and compassionate female, she will leave a large mark on this industry, and I am really excited to watch where her next steps take her. I am always rooting for you sweet! All photo credentials go to Emily Marcovecchio & Áine Deane.