Really...

Florian’s jewellery aims to ‘set its wearer free from the bonds of banality, to explore new dimensions of fantasy, imagination and physicality.’ Ok, well I am a young, fashion-conscious, modern man, yet I am really struggling here... Ropes? As a fashion accessory? Jewellery... Seriously? 

Born in 1967 in Austria, designer Florian Lastaetter graduated in Advanced Metal Design from the University of the Applied Arts in Vienna and also achieved a Degree in Philosophy at the University of Munich. His work represents a combination of his cerebral and material interests, evident in this collection, and has won him great international acclaim. 

This range of rope-wear is truly engaging, mainly because what are you going to be thinking when you see a guy wearing one of these glamourised dog-leads? They possess the qualities of a piece of abstract sculpture, which admittedly is cool! But, that said, I just can't see such fashion catching on, especially not for £150+ a pop?! 

Although, that said, the subtle colour contrasts used make the pieces desirable and appealing, whilst the malleability and creative, playful nature of the ropes add an element of fun, a mischievous sexualness. 

Florian. Beautifully outrageous, but not for me! 

A disgusting sport.

In a court of law, if evidence is found that could change the outcome of a verdict it is generally listened to, adjudged, and then a suitable conclusion is made accordingly. Right, so with this basic grasp of judicial practice in mind, why are such processes, vital to decision making, not replicated more so in everyday life? In this instance, it would appear that football is the culprit of a crime...

I am not a obsessive football fan, nor am I any percent Irish, but I was disgusted and appalled at how the Republic of Ireland were left helpless last night, to crash out from their opportunity (a rare one at that for Ireland) to participate in the World Cup finals next June.

The story. 1-0 down from the first leg, Ireland at least needed a goal to stay in the tie away from home at the Stade de France, Paris. This was always going to be difficult. However, Robbie Keane got said needed goal after about half and hour. Ireland looked dominant within themselves on the pitch, and agonizingly pushed for a second goal during normal time, whilst France (with there abundance of megastars i.e. Benzema on the bench) offered up nothing creative.

So, with 90 minutes up, the tie headed for extra-time, with a somewhat expected conclusion to be drawn from the penalty spot 30 minutes later. Not if Thierry Henry had anything to say about it. I mean this is a player who has been about the game influentially for a good decade, always in my mind, as a prolific and honest striker. His skill alone has tormented defenders and goalkeepers alike, and has meant that he has played for important teams in both England and Spain. You could say he is an ideal ambassador for the game...

Well, this reputation, for me, has been left in tatters (which I no Mr. Henry will not give any sort of a dam about). He worked within his gamesmanship means to help blatantly cheat France to the World Cup by handling the ball, keeping it in play, from which he cut back to Gallas to head into an empty net! Outrage! I hear you cry...

Yes, it truly was outrageous. You could say Ireland should've done more, but they were robbed. With no consultation of the linesman, the referee asserted the legitimacy of the goal, which ultimately condemned Ireland to a highly undeserved loss. Two post match comments read like this:

Dunne (Irish defender) said: "Henry admitted afterwards he handled it, but it doesn't make me feel any better. We were cheated."

Henry: "I will be honest it was a handball, but I'm not the referee."

From a personal point of view I am thinking this:

1) If Thierry Henry has made this admission straight after the game, then why did he do it in the first place?

2) Seriously, why are there not replays offered if there is a suspicion that something has been allowed to take place illegally?

3) Why were Shay Given and Damien Duff penalised when protesting their point that they had blatantly been cheated?

4) What sort of an example does this set to anyone who looks up to Henry as a honest professional player?

5) And ultimately, why is the result allowed to stand?

Unsurprisingly, the Irish manager, Trapattoni, maintained that it was sickening to not qualify for the World Cup in such a bizarre and unjust manner: "We are angry. It is a bitter evening for me".

But, for me, I think that the wider disappointment of the manor in which the winning goal was scored infects fairness. "I am upset for fair play. We talk many times about fair play, I go to schools and talk to young children about the importance of fair play, and this happens" said Trapattoni. Truly baffling and simply unfair!

Enjoy.

Ronnie Wood.

Anything but a boring bassist!

Me. Ha. Humor.

^ Gorm right! Ha. I suppose what I am saying is, matching the Winter theme in my previous post, big woolly hats are definitely not a fashion faux pas! Warm heads are far more important!

Humor Clothing have the best bobbles around in my opinion! Humor’s philosophy is to create a style which through materials, designs, and colours creates an overall look that is both new and long overdue but mainly wearable and warm, which is the most important detail right!

I would tell you where to get these beauties from, but...

I already have both colours. Sorry.

Not Philippe Petit. Better.

I woke up at 8:00 AM this morning. It was misty and uninspiring outside, but intriguing all the same as I lay there looking out of my window. Whilst being entertained by the charisma of Kelsey Grammer, my main thought was that it certainly feels Wintery now. I mean any weekend that entails one of the key Autumnal definers, the garden-gracing bonfire, kind of indicates that we are now Christmas-bound!

Reflection aside. I picked up the Culture magazine, a regular Sunday supplement that I divulge in, and headed to the music section for some inspiration... Maybe this could kick-start my day! The only warming salutation I received was seeing that the latest Robbie Williams (drug-fuelled?!) effort scored a lowly 2 stars, which at least reassures me that The Times critics are still on the ball. The other reviewed albums featured were all equally as unimpressive. Take That! Ha.

Thinking "Oh, once again Culture magazine how you have failed me". Alas, turning to the start page of the music section I was saved from another weeks audio drought! If (devoted readership) you're unfamiliar, there are usually four short summations of potentially enchanting new singles. For me, one stood out! Faith restored.

The band in question are called The High Wire and hail from the British capital. Yep, they be Londoners and... they be bloody brilliant. Not being able to find them on iTunes, I then discovered that they haven't yet released the single in question 'Odds & Evens', which is due out at the end of this month. Shame really. It is a proper trip to the psych-pop. A chilled out track perfectly suited to Summer lazing!

In essence, the track reminds me of hanging out in a park with a pretty girl. Well hmm... At November now, I suppose at least I have a few months to try and find one! A girl that is, not a park.

Soul searchers...

Wimple Winch - one of the finest British Freakbeat/Psych combos ever!

Lily Allen.

Love & Sexuality - Francis Bacon

1965. Julian Jebb (w/ David Sylvester and Richard Cork) interviewed Bacon about his contemporaries in the art world, his working practices and his personal philosophies, such as his belief that true abstract painting is nothing more than 'lyrical, charming and decorative'.

For me, it was his philosophy on 'love and sexuality' that got me.

Bacon's thoughts on the subject, somewhat surprisingly, seem to truly resonate with me. I am unsure why, but I feel that his explanations are clear and seem familiar.

With relationships you attach, but not infinitely? To what strength? What commitment? What about marriage? There has to be a dynamism somewhere, but it is unlikely to be limitless?! Bacon captures this. Furthermore, he manages to deliver such frank and upfront words almost poetically... (hence why I will write his dialogue in verse form)

He states:

"How can you be satisfied,

because everything escapes you...

You know that even if you are in love with someone,

everything escapes you.

You would want to be nearer that person,

But how can you cut your flesh open, and join it with the other person,

It's an impossibility to do...

So it is with art,

It is almost like a long affair...

With objects, and images, and appearances, and sensations...

And passions.

You may love somebody very much,

But how near can you get to them?

Your still always unfortunately... sort of strangers"

Two figures lying on a bed with attendants (1968)

Don't mistake me for someone who is cynical about 'love', I mean I am only just coming to the end of my twenty-first year, I have not experienced divorce... yet, and I very much appreciate female company.

Looking inwardly for a moment. Sure, I have loved - and I think that is why I can relate to his words, due to the 'have'...

I believe that Bacon merely drives a penetrative reality. He addresses the conclusive nature of relationships - love and sexuality. You can love, and he asserts this favourably (plus I long intend to do so too!) But, it comes at a cost. An entwining of two figures will not last forever. A relationships terminus will bring ruin, leaving sadness to prevail.

So... live and love for now! Thanks all the same Mr. Bacon.