Say YA! To crazy socks.

The Anglia Flag motif.

Up until recently I always used to play it safe with socks. At the tender age of 14 I was teased for wearing white socks. Unbeknownst to me, white socks were, and quite possibly still are, 'sad'. I never got the heads up on what was cool and what was sad, but to avoid any future judgement on my feet attire I simply stuck with black socks for 20 solid years. Although my socks were bland and predictable, I developed an affinity for the garment and would always struggle to throw a pair away, no matter how many holes they accrued. In fact when my socks were comprised more of holes than fabric, I would always give them to my dad as he loved using socks to polish his car. I would say to the sock, 'don't worry sock, you're being put out to pasture. Polishing the hood of a Daimler Jag Super-eight is a noble retirement for your active sock duties'. 

From the mind of a 10 year old.

But recently I have been looking to mix it up a little in the sock department. I have just received the latest release of Bjorn Borg socks. I can't believe Bjorn Borg, 'The Iceman' himself, would be seen wearing these as he smacked one past an ill tempered Mcenroe. One design looks like it was plucked from the mind of a ten year old that had just entered it as a joke to some art competition on Wacaday, the other looks to be lifted from the Anglia Flag that was prevalent throughout the late 80's. Bjorn Borg clearly says 'Ya!' to design ideas from prepubescent children and plagiarism. However for just 10 quid for a pair, it's a cheap ice breaker. It's classic peacocking. Finally for those that have lost loved ones (that’s what I call my socks, my loved ones) during a laundry cycle, here are some words of comfort from the great Andy Warhol. ”No matter how carefully I sort my socks, whenever I do my laundry there are always some missing. It seems to be a law of physics.”  

What inspired Bjorn.

These socks are available at..

@thepeterbrooker

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What to look for when shopping for Jeans

When you're shopping for some denim jeans, you may already have something in your minds eye that you think looks cool on you. I would advice you to follow your gut if you're a happily married man, or someone that is crushing ass on a regular basis. However if you're a single man and only own 2 pairs of denim, one of which only gets worn when you head out to the greyhounds for a christmas work do, then it's time to shake up your denim etcha-sketch.

Kanye In Levi's

But where to begin Pedro I hear you cry as you put the pot noodle to one side and take a break from the one-handed yoga. Well the good news is that you have an infinite amount of brands out there. You even have a brand called Kangaroo Poo. But don't buy Kangaroo Poo, they're literally, sh*t. 

You may get baffled by the denim geek sales guy that wants to shower you with denim jargon. What the devil is he on about when he tells you that the jeans are distressed? Were they beat up as child? Are they behind on their credit card payments? Why can't we just go back to the good old days of Levi jeans and their adverts with great guitar music? The original Levi's looms are housed in Japan, home to the best denim artisans in the world. The factories are family owned and passed down from one generation to another. Kanye was rocking a pair of Levi's at a french tennis club last week, 300 nicker, but they looked so hacked up it's like someone had thrown them through the propeller of the Memphis Belle. 

So here is a quick idiots guide to some of the terminology that the sales guy might try and dazzle you with.

Raw - Is a denim fabric that is not washed after being dyed during its production. 

Distressed or Abrasions - Artificial stresses are made during production, often with sandpaper or similar abrasive tools to give that pre-worn look.

Honeycomb Fades

Honeycombs - Artificial fades given to the back of the knee. 

Whiskers or moustaches – Faded streaks that surround the crotch area of the denim.

Stretch denim - Stretch denim usually incorporates an elastic component (such as elastane) into the fabric to allow a degree of give in garments. Only a small percentage is required within the fabric (approximately 3%) to allow a significant stretch capacity of around 15 percent. But this will reduce the life span of the product.

Selvage - Created using one continuous yarn. A mark of premium quality. When worn with a turn up the two selvages are visible rather than an unattractive overlocked edge. 

TIPS 

Ok if you have legs like a woman and you're over 6ft, then yes, you will look the part in skinny jeans. Are they cool? no.

If you are a rugby player, or wider than you are tall, don't even look at the skinnys. Boot cuts are out, tapered are in. You're best off with a roomier jean round the thigh or possibly one with a torquered seam to follow the contours of your leg.

G-Star have launched a very exclusive range that do just that. They have always been typically dark, a huge backer of the RAW jean. They also pay the chaps from Kasabian to be the face of the brand. So if you're into your Raw jeans and you're rock n roll?..

Kasabian front G-Star

Yes turns ups are ok and don't ever think forking out 100 nicker is too much for a pair of jeans. Chances are if they're worth their salt they'll last you 10 years, if you only have 3-4 pairs on a weekly rotation thats roughly twice a week you'll be wearing those, not counting the amount of times you'll sleep in them drunk. That works out about 100 times a year you'll wear them, which means on average, you'll be paying 10p each time you put them on. Is that right?  Do you know what I've completely lost my train of thought. Someone else talk for a bit.
Lastly.If in doubt just go for something clean, straight, unwashed and abrasion free. But know that your jeans will fade with every wash, even if they are pre-washed. So just air them on the line or hose them down in Febreeze once in a while. 

Luke 1977

There’s no getting around this, men are the fussier sex when it comes to clothes shopping. Women will have their moments too, but will more often than not, settle for cheaper imitations of the brands they like, whereas the men will accept no substitutes. I have no scientific survey to back my views, but as a manager of an independent fashion store I have gauged over time how the sexes shop when it comes to dressing himself or herself. Men will stay loyal to a brand; even champion it, evangelizing their logos like a walking sandwich board. Unfortunately the days where all our clothes are manufactured on the streets we live, are long gone. At best we can hope for is the owner of the brands and their designers are home grown, and embraced by the culture from which they are founded. 

One brand that could fit this description is LUKE 1977. The name is taken from the founder Luke Roper who developed the brand from its humble beginnings in the West Midlands in 2001.The philosophy of the brand is ‘Foundry worker meets Fashionista’.

The brand has a very classic look, which wouldn’t look out of place on a 60’s Steve McQueen, propped nonchalantly against his dune buggy. It isn't going for the generic on-campus Jack Jones, Hollister post-grad Uni look. It’s one that would look as good on the English gent, as well as the Weekend Warrior.

I managed to get a quick interview with Luke Roper about the brand that he founded. (Pictured right).

 

Coming from the West Midlands, do people from the area buy LUKE to support one of their own? 

There is a certain degree of support and I am very grateful for that and very humbled. However, at the end of the day guys are not going to spend there hard earned cash on something they don't like or is bad quality so I think initially maybe but now hopefully people buy it for what it is.

Is it true that the brand was launched on 9/11? If so how best do you remember the day? 

We started the brand in May 2001 but registered the company on 9/11. Without doubt it was one of the saddest days I've experienced. Days like this put things in perspective for us all.

Were you named after Luke Skywalker from Star Wars? Also released in 1977. 

Good story but not true! 

Do you wear anything but LUKE?  

Never! I really love the clothes and footwear we create and enjoy wearing new developments (I'm working 12 months in advance).  This gives me an opportunity to gauge peoples reactions to them prior to them being released.

What's your handicap on the course? 

A proper 28! I only play a handful of times a year but I'm hoping to give more time to it next year and improve!!

Have you ever struck up a conversation with a stranger wearing LUKE, and felt inwardly chuffed knowing you're the anonymous catalyst for his taste in fashion?  

In the early days I got pretty excited seeing someone in the brand and yeah over the years I have had the odd chat with people but thats more because I like to chat to everyone and have a bit of banter but it was good to see what the people were like wearing the clobber and where they were coming from. As the brand has grown I certainly see it about a lot more and am still as excited but leave the chats as I'm normally pushing the pram!

Ever thought of doing a LUKE onesie?  

Not a chance we don't make baby clothes!!! 

Do you think the High Street will make a come back?

In terms if the individuality of High Streets I am worried. Not only independent fashion stores but independent stores across the board are struggling. I'm hoping it's cyclical and the high street can come back stronger but it is all down to the public supporting them and doing this with their wallets. If all high streets become harmonogised it will lead to a pretty dull place. This will have a follow on impact across the board, which will not be good for anyone!

Can you remember who bought your first shirt you designed back in your teens? Have you tracked him down at all since? 

An old friend called Andy Bagley. Haven't seen him for some years as he moved to Cheshire and started a family. I still have his number so one of these days we will catch up for a beer!  

Luke 1977 available at Traffic clothes store in Ramsey.

Q&A Nicole Waterman (Masterchef)

Have you ever devoured a whole catering pack of after eights in one sitting?

I can’t say I have, although I’m no stranger to polishing off an entire box of chocolates. I am only human after all.

Do aphrodisiacs work? 

I’m not sure chillies or chocolate have ever increased my sexual desires… personally i think it's all over hyped. You're either in the mood or your not!

If your other half ate an entire pack of rolos without offering you the last one, would you chin him?

I’d probably be a little miffed, but chinning the poor fellow may be overreacting slightly. Besides, I’m not a massive fan of rolos. On the other hand, if he guzzled my last glass of red wine I’d consider grievous bodily harm.

Have you ever been on a date and halfway through the meal they go to the toilet and never come back?

A few months back, I had a string of fairly disastrous dates; I considered doing this myself! There’s nothing worse than sitting through a horrific date.

Have you ever stood at the bar waiting for a drink, noticed an abandoned half eaten sausage swimming in baked beans on a plate beside you, waited a moment, then picked up the half eaten bean juice riddled sausage, stuck it in your mouth and swallowed it?

Ewwww, that’s disgusting! Although, I do love baked beans!

When you were at primary school, did you ever flush your prawn mayo sandwiches down the toilet, only for them to clog up the entire sanitary system? 

Prawn mayo sandwiches? Do you think my mum was made of money? It was peanut butter all the way for me. My brother and I used to eat the entire contents of our lunch-boxes on the walk to school. The naughty little rascals that we were!

What quote is this film from, 'I recommend the peanut butter soup… with smoked duck and mashed squash. New York Matinee called it “a playful but mysterious little dish.'

I'm blonde, let's leave it at that!

If you own a gravy boat, are you middle class?

Most definitely, I use my Pyrex measuring jug and hope that no one thinks I’m trampy!

Do you own an apron that has a picture of naked breasts on it? 

Why, is that middle class? No, in all honesty I don’t, but I've always wanted one! I imagine I’d look rather fetching!

Where can people read your recipes?

My recipes are available at: www.missfridaysfeast.blogspot.co.uk

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Q&A Phil Hepworth (The real life James Bond)

Have you ever done an Olly on a skateboard and simultaneously shat yourself?

That's an unusual one to start... Not even a 'Hello'... I have dabbled in the art of wood pushing, however, I gave up when Tony Hawk stole my signature '900'. Even though I had perfected in on the notorious ramps of Somersham. In answer to your initial question... No.

Does your girlfriend wax your eyebrows?

I'm afraid I'm a single pringle these days and the wax is kept purely for my legs.

So we can't talk about your job as a spy, but have you ever chinned a girl in a bid to obtain information from her relating to the disappearance of a Russian Satellite?

Well in the echo of the recent UKIP fiasco... Women don't belong in the work place, so a cheeky slap on the arse and nut to the face shouldn't have been an issue, but HR still strung me up by my balls about it. You will discover however my methods of interrogation are normally more subtle, usually involving water torture and cobras (not the popular lager).   

You play guitar and Snowboard too. Ever done both at the same time?

No that would be silly... Ukulele however yes.

Ever bought or worn women's clothes by accident?

I've worn women's clothing yes... however ...never by accident.   

You have a lustrous head of hair. Ever thought of doing hair modeling?

I actually have lol... My hairdresser entered a competition and used me and two others.

Where's the best place to eat in Cambridge and what would I wear?

Well I'm very partial to a Wagamammas (or however it's spelt). I would definitely recommend the Firecracker for both of us, THE most amazing dish I have ever eaten. You would wear something slutty so I could shout "YOU EYE-BALLIN' MY WOMEN BITCH?!" Proper Jesse from Breaking Bad style.

Do you find it impossible not to laugh when a young child face plants the pavement or runs into a glass door?

I managed the glass door one as a kid, since then the Grandparent's conservatory doors have had a strip of tape over each door.... Only yesterday I nearly wrote off a two year old throwing him onto a sofa not realising the arms were solid... With a loud 'THWAK' (Just like in old skool batman) he starts crying. However Dad rushes over tickles the crap out of him distracting the tears... Only to hear... "Again, Again" ... Kid's a beast. 

Look it's obvious you're a spy, ever had a fight on top of a train?

Yeah but some bitch with a sniper riffle shot me off it then I fell for like forever ...But wasn't dead and the film carried on... Wait... No that's Bond ain't it...

Anything you want to plug?

Errrr...Not overly ... Actually yeah, there is a shop in Ramsey called Taffin or something? Think Pierce Brosnan runs it... Good man.

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Q&A Cambian (founder of Super Scratch Sunday)

Q&A Cambian (founder of Super Scratch Sunday)

Cambian - I search out & mix music made by other people. I also run Super Scratch Sundays. For free mixes & info - www.iamcambian.com

Was Soulwax right, Are there too many DJ's? 

Probably: Djing in the last few years or so has become a lot more affordable & accessible, which is no bad thing, don't get me wrong. But some of the technology has made things some what easier and so its inevitable certain people are happy to cut corners and not learn the craft properly. My flatmate often reminds me "everyones a dj!".

Do you own a Tshirt with a picture of a turntable on it? 

No. I don't plan to either.

How important is it to look good behind the decks? 

I don't think it matters any more than most scenarios, I'm more bothered about being comfortable. Having said that, at my last gig I did wear my favourite Ted Baker shirt, and I always freshly shave my head.

Best nightclub in the UK to DJ in? 

Not that I have done, but I'm gonna say Fabric or Ministry of Sound. As you'd expect they've done things properly and the sound system / dj equipment is the best money can buy.

Do you take requests? If so ever get asked to play 'DJ Culture by the Pet SHop Boys? 

I might at a house party if I have the track (which means i'll like it anyway). Overall I've been lucky in that department tho and I've been left alone. I had to google that Pet Shop Boys track... I wouldn't play it.

Why do most DJ's look like they could do with a decent meal in them? 

We can be an obsessive bunch and priorities shift.

A brand you would endorse for free? 

It'd have to be one I already use/wear alot or something useful. I'm open to offers...

Ever had a girlfriend threaten to smash up your record collection? If so did you chin her? 

Luckily not. I think they've always known how much it means to me. Worst comes to worst i'd apply a bear hug until she calmed down.

Has anyone ever come up to you and said, 'I heard you're the best' ? 

No, and if they did I'd assume they'd be taking the piss.

What is Super Scratch Sunday? 

Its a session for djs to meet up, talk, share ideas, and most importantly scratch together. The scratch scene can be quite internet based sometimes so it's a good excuse to get away from a computer. It's been going about 2.5 years now, and we've been lucky enough to have djs from all over the world pass through. Check out www.superscratchsunday.com for all links concerning though.

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Q&A Nicky Cook

NICKY COOK

Band Manager, Song Writer, Producer, 

Founder of KillaVista

So lets clear this up once and for all, did you write 'Who let the Dogs out'?

Who, who who who who me?

In 10 words or less, what's the secret to looking cool?

Wear black!

Do you talc your balls in warm weather? If so do you throw the talc direct onto the balls or do you put your pants on and throw the talc in after?

I'm holding them most of the time!

What band has got it right 'fashion wise' right now?

Missing Andy of course!!

You've travelled with the band 'Missing Andy' on many a tour. Who currently tops the list on personal hygiene?

No one is skanky, but Steve would go the longest without a shower

to avoid the frizz! Alex would use the most aftershave!

What brand of clothing are you sick of seeing?

Anything chav orientated!

So you've dabbled in celebrity soccer, what would Olly Murs say about your goal keeping skills? 

I'm unstoppable with banana gloves!He would say "WOW the banana man is a wicked Goal Keeper!"

Have you ever ripped off your own shirt in the midst of passion?

Of course but it never panned out the way I intended it to.....In my head I was Arnie ripping a silky smooth shirt off, clean and simple....It turned out to be more like Danny Devito trying to rip a bed cover that had been super glued to my chest!

You're invited to a Superhero costume party, who do you go as?

Supermanager!!

What is Killavista? 

It's something that isn't music, which means you can possibly make

money from it! KillaVista is a 'In House Media / creative think tank' company specializing in creating visual content, i.e. videos, photography, graphics and advertising concepts for the corporate and fashion world.

www.killavista.com

www.missingandy.com

@hollywood_nicky

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