Joy Expands Beyond the Capital

Joy, the retailer that likes to offer something a tad different, is expanding its presence outside of London. Currently, Joy has six stores in Putney, Greenwich, Fulham, Chiswick, Clapham and Brixton. Next up Joy hits Manchester, due to open this month the brand new store will be located at the Triangle Shopping Centre. The expansion doesn’t stop there either - by early 2005 other openings are planned for Birmingham and Leeds. Joy offers an eclectic mix of inspirational designers, vintage pieces, accessories, homewares and gifts and has been described as “the Biba of the 21st century,” by Elle Magazine. www.joy-ful.co.uk

Clotheshow 2004 - A Big Hit

Clotheshow Live has been pulling in the crowds over the past week reaching maximum capacity. The annual six-day fashion feast featured catwalk shows organised by top model Erin O’Connor. Erin said: "This is great with Birmingham being my home. All of the designers really came through for me. I wanted to show how to wear clothing from the high street alongside designer items, because I know how expensive it is." At the show you could see International designers such as – Jean Paul Gaultier, Matthew Williamson and Moschino combined with boutique and high street finds. Catwalk model – Bonnie commented: “I really enjoy doing the Clotheshow event, you walk out on stage and the audience goes wild, it’s an amazing atmosphere.” The stalls also proved popular with eager shoppers ready to spend. 18 year old visitor Rachel said: “I’ve really enjoyed it I have bought lots of Christmas presents, plus a few things for myself as well!”

For Denim Addicts 

Denim has a fashion cycle all of its own, one minute Earl Jeans are it, then its Seven, rapidly followed by Chip & Pepper, honestly, it’s quite a job to keep up. If you take your denims seriously then there’s a new store just for you - Etienne Ozeki's Indigo Collective. Just opened over Notting Hill way, owner Etienne Ozeki stocks all those exclusive and hard to find denim collections including: Denim Artisan, Ellus and Blue Guru. There’s also a bespoke service to ensure to very best fit from hip to heel.

Etienne Ozeki's Indigo Collective, 228, Westbourne Grove, London W11

Going Out?

Tonight’s the night for a bit of DayGlo Dickens dress-up fun. Black is banned and a full-on UV experience is something to keep in mind when compiling that ‘anything goes’ outfit. There’s DJ’s, live music, performances and outrageous dressing all round.

Where: Kash Point, DayGlo Dickens at the 'knock me down a dram’ gin shop - Central Station, Wharfdale Rd, Kings Cross, London N1.
Between York Way & Caledonian Rd - Kings Cross Tube & Buses

Cost: £10 new pounds   

When: Friday December 10th 2004 - 9pm - 4am

www.kashpoint.com

Staying In?

Too knackered for a bit of DayGlo Xmas fun? Then check out ITV tonight (Friday 10th) at 23.30 and watch the hectic run-up to Jean-Pierre Braganza’s catwalk show at London Fashion Week. Braganza showed men’s and womenswear off-schedule last September at Britannia Garage, SW1 and will be seeing the programme for the very first time himself tonight!

Friday 10th December – ITV - 23.30: Big Night Out (Jean-Pierre Braganza S/S 2005 show preparations and more.)

To check out his latest collection on Fashion Capital visit: http://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/content/view/1831/27/ 

Graffiti Galore…

Santa’s Ghetto is back and this time it’s located on Charing Cross Road. Showcasing some of the finest guerilla artists you can find there’s works by the likes of – Banksy, Chris Cunningham, 3D, Mode 2, Sickboy and Shok 1. Pop in for a nose, there’s also prints available to buy. 

Santa’s Ghetto – (Opposite Borders) Charing Cross Road, London W1. www.picturesonwalls.com

Gilles & Cecilie

Also opening from 7.30pm tonight is Gilles & Cecilie's exhibition at 17 Space Gallery, East London. Gilles and Cecilie have travelled the world creating outdoor murals, interiors and handmade colourful clothes working with silkscreen, drawing and graffiti.

 The exhibition, showing examples of their work, will be open the
10th to the 14th December 2004, at 17 Space Gallery, 17, Kingsland Road, E2 . All artwork is for sale. www.gillesandcecilie.com   

By JoJo Iles