Behind The Seams | Idol Shoot | Model Oscar Spendrup

The Idol shoot for collection 9 that's out in shops in the first week of June was heaps of fun yesterday. The shoot took place at Snap studios on the outskirts of Hoxton and everyone arrived bright, albeit a little weary at 9:00am sharp. After a bite to eat and plenty of strong coffee the two models, Oscar Spendrup & Elena Sudakova got down to some serious transformation with top hair and beauty creatives Gow Tananka and Eli Wakamatsu. Between lighting tests, changes and dog playing (yes Lily, photographer Derrick Santini’s dog was back on the shoot) Idol had a good old chinwag with half Swedish – half English model Oscar on the sofa. Oscar is not only extremely handsome, fun and very intelligent he also has the best i-tunes collection for an action-packed shoot and in-between takes even managed to play everyone’s requests!

What do you enjoy about working as a model?
Meeting people is the highlight of modelling. Its not exactly what you’re shooting, it's about the people. I am not too keen on the travelling so much…I like to arrive at the destination but do not enjoy the getting there so much! You get to experience people from different backgrounds: models, photographers, stylists, bloggers and dogs who come from all over the globe! As a young person you come from a protective environment, so being a model means that you can meet people from all over and share their life-stories.

What do you think will be the hottest trend for summer?
For the festival season I will try and stud my Acne leather jacket (as seen in the pic). I am definitely going to wear my studs this summer it's a stud summer…I’m going to have a rock ‘n’ roll time. I will be going to the festival Roskilde in Denmark, there’s around 120,000 people and it has different musical genres from Country to Cuban, Reggae, Metal, Indie, Electronic to House.

My style really depends on my mood…on how I wake up, I never go for the same look I like to mix it up. I’m a person who likes change, everything is so boring if you wear the same style everyday…so I’ll wear whatever catches my eye in that moment.

What makes you happy?
Good music, I also love food. Also meeting a person who is very down-to-earth and easy to talk to.

What are your three wardrobe staples?
My Acne leather jacket, I have very many jackets! Also my Hope boots from my hometown, they are Swedish and traditional handcraft…they won a fashion award for Swedish heritage. I also have a cool leather bag its black ostrich leather with a skull on it from Francesca Romana.

Which artists do you admire?
I really admire Tom York (singer of Radiohead), he's a genius, he does his own thing, no bullshit and he’s not affected by the bad music of today. His music goes directly to your heart it’s very hypnotic. Just amazing...can't put into words how good he is. All musicians respect him, he’s truly ground-breaking. You could compare him to the Beatles, as his music inspires many people, all the modern musicians today are inspired by Radiohead, thousands of people try to copy them.

I also admire Freddie Mercury - because he’s himself-so true, he did what we wanted from the heart. I would have liked to have been his friend, I could see we could have been very good friends. He loved to put on a show, I am amazed how is lyrics are always in your face, you cannot listen to his songs without knowing the words. I could probably sing all of his songs (laughs). You cannot sit still to his songs. The only time I cry is when I see the Queen musical I have seen it 6 times and I cry every-time!

What would you be doing if you were not a model?
Music obviously. I spend all my free-time playing music. I play the piano and I sing, I was in a Prog Rock band with my brother but I got kicked out because I was too busy with modelling work. I have a few projects going on with music at the moment and I’m going to study music at college after modelling. I’m happy to have something other than modelling, it's a fun job but if you don't have any other goals after modelling its kinda sad. Especially those people who have an ego about it, where would they be if they were not modelling? I personally believe that nobody in the world has the right to be arrogant...and if they are, they should think where they would be if they were not doing what they were doing.

Who inspires you?
Meeting new people inspires me. Meeting different photographers, artists and vibrant creative people...I like to do weird shit that's out of the box. I did LOVE magazine and got completely spray- painted white and greased-up like a pin-up doll, that was kinda fun. The shoots I prefer are the rock ‘n’ roll ones with all the studs and stuff as I feel I’m being myself rather than something I'm not. Modelling is like acting you get given a plot and act around it, a good model can do that!

I WISH PEOPLE WOULD TAKE MORE NOTICE OF…the things that you walk past everyday that are always there. If you think everything is the same and dull then take a closer look.

I’M GOOD AT…listening

I’M BAD AT…keeping things to myself, I always say what I think about people.

I RELAX BY…being home in-front of the fire with a beer in my hand.

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE…festivals

MY NEXT AMBITION IS TO…create and work with music.

Have a peek in the next few day at our blog where we’ll be interviewing Idol’s female model Elena!!!

We heart Garance Doré!

Not only is Garance Doré a super talented illustrator, photographer and blogger, she is part of one of the most stylish couples on the planet. Garance is the girlfriend of Scott Schuman, AKA The Sartorialist; the man who paved the way for street-fashion photography with his world-famous blog.

Garance, who lives in Paris, produces beautiful illustrations of the fashionable people she encounters on her travels, as well as taking photographs of inspirational street style. Garance’s work is elegant and her attention to detail is exquisite. She captures her subjects as they go about their lives, picking out stylish quirks that make each person unique. Already becoming a front-row regular at Paris Fashion Week, we reckon Garance is a blogger to watch.

Quick Fire Questions | Derrick Santini

Idol caught up with legendary photographer Derrick Santini who has been responsible for some of the most iconic images and campaigns in music and fashion over the years.

Derrick Santini is the man behind the camera responsible for the most recognisable photographs of music stars like Lady Gaga, Thandie Newton, Duffy, Taylor Momsen, Jarvis Cocker, Jamelia, Bianca Jagger, Gilbert & George and the late Alexander McQueen. He is also the campaign photographer for the new Idol collection True Romance that launches in New Look stores on the 6th of April. Check him out here on the latest shoot with his gorgeous dog Lily!

His latest project ‘I Want To Fuck You’ features unique ‘lenticular’, moving photographic artworks and has extended to the Scream gallery. Idol says: GO SEE!!! Now it’s over to Derrick:

What’s the best thing about your job?
Its so much fun and I love it and you get paid for it too.

Tell us about your recent exhibition ‘I want to fuck you’
Well… it’s all about lines – of confusion and convergence.


What’s your favourite place in the world?
Brazil as a future reality, London as a present and as The Base. I also love Paris, New York and Shanghai is banging!


Describe your style
Getting involved, very involved.


Who is your Idol?
Marilyn.

Who is the most fascinating person you have ever met?
Manuel – an itinerant black farmer in Alabama.

What is the most outrageous thing you have ever done?
Gosh…



I would never...wear leather shoes with blue jeans.

10 years from now I’ll be…in Brazil


I’m lovin…the modern world and the prevailing chaos that technology has liberated.

Style Icon: Jameela Jamil

Not only is Jameela Jamil a model, photographer and a TV presenter, but here at Idol we reckon she’s a bit of a style icon too. Having shot to fame as the face of T4, Jameela instantly became known for her funky dress sense and quirky ensembles, grabbing the attention of the fashion pack.

At London Fashion Week Jameela could be seen at shows such as Betty Jackson, William Tempest and Jaeger, as well as being one of the most fashionable guests at the Elle Style Awards (and that’s saying something!) in a stunning Hussein Chalayan maxi dress, bang on trend for this spring.

Jameela prefers to style herself than have someone pick out clothes for her, but says she doesn’t consider herself to be “a naturally stylish person.” We’d have to disagree with you there Jameela! Our favourite look of Jameela’s has to be her cute bowler hat, perfectly styled on her statement long locks and heavy 60’s style fringe. Effortless chic!

All Hail King Colin - The Man Of The Moment

British actor Colin Firth has finally reached royalty status after his clean sweep at the Baftas and Oscars and didn’t he look the part. Dressed in an organic Dinner Suit by Tom Ford, Firth was the epitome of suave; we think he has upped the ante in his fashion game after his role in the beautifully aesthetic ‘Single Man’ and his role as King in ‘The King’s Speech.’

His beloved friend Tom Ford considers Firth as his muse, the perfect gentleman. Through Colin’s career it is evident he carries class naturally; his ‘Pride and Prejudice’ character reflected Firth’s fiercely smart persona; as he was more than romantic in the Edwardian costume. Whereas in ‘Love Actually’ his casual clothes remind us this iconic man is only human and sometimes prefers jeans.

Not only are Designers falling at his polished shoes but also so are high-end food chains! Burger King has extended Firth’s Royal invitation by requesting this newly knighted King create his own burger…er a bit bizarre. What would be in it, we wonder?

Artwork by Lawrence Yang

With the tagline “Because We All Suck at Life Sometimes” Lawrence Yang’s stunning and whimsical artwork is just the ticket if you’re lacking in inspiration or simply want to brighten up your day.

Based in San Francisco, Yang is inspired by graffiti art and traditional Chinese paintings, using a variety of mediums to create each individual piece. We love his stunning use of colour and his fun illustrations, which accompany his creations. The artist mostly focuses on nature in his work, but adds little touches to make the paintings come alive, such as quirky cartoon figures or abstract shapes.

We hope Yang brings his talented self over to the UK soon so we can see his wonderful work up close!

Wunmi Wears It Well!

Idol was very happy to catch up with Wunmi, an amazing singer and dancer who was part of the legendary band Soul II Soul. Just look at how she rocks our Idol jacket, seen here on her recent trip to Sydney. This gal has serious style and we’re feelin’ her pure lyricism and true vibes. LOVE!

Soul 2 Soul is still one of our favourite bands what was your experience like in the early 90’s when the band was making it to the top?
My experience with Soul II Soul as the bands popularity grew was like I was on a roller coaster ride, with the funkiest music being played as we climbed higher and higher....at one point I could have sworn I touched the sky surreal and real all in the same breathe.... lol!

We loved your track' for the fun of it ' what do you do for fun?
Fun....I love going to African Dance classes, my favourite right now is SABAR dance a wikkid Traditional dance from Senegal...

How has your style changed since the early days of Soul II Soul?
Since my early days with Soul II Soul, my style has matured... style have always been Afro Fresh lol!..I continue to push the envelope! Afro Fresh is a state of being.....the streets have always been my catwalk.... and I love being in my skin....

We love way you have styled our Idol jacket, what do you like about our threads?
I like my Idol because it is very NOW yet has a vintage feel to it so blends well with my eclectic wardrobe!

What is your favourite place in the world?
Been around the world yeah yeah yeah... still can't find my baby..lol...honestly my favourite place in the world is when I am on the plane going somewhere with the one I love...lol! I have no distraction from enjoying the moment !

What music do you like to dance to?
I love dancing to all types of music It is all to do with where I am...as long as I feel it I shall be dancing like it’s 1999 all over again lol!

Who is your favourite artist and why?
I don't have one favorite artist ..but I do love me some Prince, Sade, Bjork because their sound is unique to them

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
My dads mother (Grandmam) THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME............

What is the most outrageous thing you’ve ever done?
OH LAWD..Sorry too much information not good for the nation..hehehe!

What makes you happy?
I am truly happy when folks around me are happy...it is contagious...

Holly Throsby

Holly Throsby is a singer/songwriter from Sydney, Australia. She is one of the country’s best kept secrets but we think that’s about to change with her new album, ‘Team.’ Having played classical guitar since she was tiny, Holly began composing music from the age of 11, inspired by her Cello-playing grandmother.

‘Team’ will be the fifth album from Holly, who has been performing around the globe since 2004, but has stayed mostly on the underground scene. Holly’s lastest single, ‘What I Thought of You’ is laid-back, with beautiful lyrics and plenty of that chilled-out, Aussie vibe. If you love the likes of Imogen Heap and Lissie, Holly Throsby is right up your street. And if her music wasn’t inspiring enough for you, check out her quirky, boho-chic style.

Feels like summer already!

The Enchanted Palace

Thought Kensington Palace was just for tourists? Think again, as this month the Palace undergoes a spectacular transformation, with the help of fashion designers Vivienne Westwood, Zandra Rhodes and Boudicca, who have created stunning installations with a fairytale theme. The collection of historic dresses held in the Palace has long been an inspiration to designers such as Westwood, who has drawn on the idea of opulence and aristocracy in many of her designs.

The installations will combine contemporary fashion with ceremonial dress to bring the stories of the people who once lived in the palace to life, creating a magical, never-seen-before experience. For anyone looking for some inspiration, or simply a chance to step into a fairytale, complete with one-off fashion creations and striking visual displays, the Enchanted Palace is definitely worth a visit.

Why not dress the part by channelling Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette?

‘The Doomsday Papers’ Exhibition – By Mysterious Al

Idol urge all of you to check out this amazing exhibition at The StolenSpace Gallery, Brick Lane E1. Artist Myserious Al explains that this dark and farcical work is loosely inspired by ‘Mesoamerican Gods, the doomsday calendar, Drum & Bass, demonic intervention, Grafitti culture, Wicca and the Occult’. Whoa, we are intrigued! So what’s the story behind this elusive character? Well Mysterious Al gained notoriety as one of the first street-artists, alongside D*face for the much revered ‘Finders Keepers’ illegal art events. He has also gone on to work with some seriously heavy global brands like Adidas and Volvo!

‘The Doomsday Papers’ exhibit uses mixed media techniques and we are drawn to the parody on celebrities, particularly the cartoon-like demonic portrayal of Amy Winehouse! Genius…go see!

'The Doomsday Papers'
By Mysterious Al
04.03.11 - 27.03.11