Latest news with #AlexJames
Perth Now
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Blur's Alex James suggests ABBA-style avatar show as he talks future of Britpop legends
Blur's Alex James has suggested their future could look like an ABBA-style avatar show - or "respectfully" dipping in and out of playing together. The Britpop legends reunited in 2023 for the new album 'The Ballad of Darren' - their first in eight years - and a series of shows, including two sold-out nights at Wembley Stadium in the July, for what marked their first UK headline gigs since 2015. As for the future of the 'Parklife' band, bassist Alex had two suggestions. Speaking to Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio, he said: "We got back together in 2023, made a new record and I think did our best ever run of shows. It's incredible how the music has endured and it was the first time we'd ever got to the end of an album or tour without at least one of us saying 'that's it, never again.' We didn't do many shows and I think that was probably a good place to leave it. There's two ways to go either the ABBA thing and stop at the top and just let it take its own course and make avatars of yourself when you were 27 and beautiful. Or treat it respectfully and dip in and out occasionally and it's a really wonderful thing to be able to step back into – that all those years of playing together is a gift actually. As long as you don't overcook it or annoy the guitar player or singer too much…" Elsewhere, Alex said he was thrilled former Britpop rivals Oasis are reuniting for their 'Oasis Live '25' Tour, though he's unsure if he will attend on of the gigs. He said: "I look back at [Britpop] now and just think 'what a brilliant time. Two brilliant bands, if I say so myself, both really at the top of their game. I look back on it now with nothing but just really, really fond memories and I'm so delighted that they're getting back together. I'm not sure I'll be going [to see them] but I'm delighted for them…" Greatest Hits Radio airs Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm.
Forbes
04-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
L'Objet Marks 20 Years With The Opening Of Its First U.K. Flagship
L'Objet, Sloane Street L'Objet L'Objet, the luxury design and fragrance brand known for elevating everyday living, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion the brand had opened its first London flagship on Sloane Street. This milestone reflects the brand's dedication to craftsmanship, sophistication, and immersive luxury, and with ties to the city, having occupied spaces in Harrods, it was a natural move to expand in London. As shared by founder Elad Yifrach, 'London has long embraced L'Objet, from our early presence at Harrods to the launch of our beauty counter. Now, we bring the full universe of L'Objet to the heart of the city, a world where design and artistry converge to create something truly extraordinary.' L'Objet, Sloane Street L'OBJET / Alex James The new flagship strengthens its presence in the city, offering an expanded selection of its most sought-after designs. Visitors can explore the full range of L'Objet's collections, including home décor, tableware, fragrance, and apothecary, alongside exclusive retail-only pieces available solely at this outpost. L'Objet, Sloane Street L'OBJET / Alex James A location synonymous with sophistication and luxury, Elad says of the location, 'London with its elegance and vast sensibility for art and design has long been a big source of inspiration for me, I had been searching for the perfect location in London for several years until this opportunity presented itself on Sloane Street.' He continues, 'From the first moment I entered the space I knew exactly how I would like to transform it and felt completely right for L'Objet. The beautiful daylight washing the wide façade, the organic movement of the space inspired the design flow and experience I wanted to create.' Donning an aesthetic that balances the classic with the contemporary, the boutique's interiors by Los Angeles-based studio Anno Mille in collaboration with Yifrach is a stylish amalgamation of natural materials, rich textures, and bold design elements to channel modern luxury. L'Objet, Sloane Street L'OBJET / Alex James Seconded founder and creative director, Elad shares, 'More than a boutique, this space reflects our vision where uncompromising craftsmanship, timeless design, and a profound appreciation for the art of living come together in harmony. Every detail has been meticulously considered, from the terrazzo floors to the velvet upholstered walls and shelves and the sculptural limestone tables to hand-gilded metalwork, creating an immersive and tactile experience.' A grand black metal door with cast bronze handles sets the tone for the experience within, welcoming visitors into a curated 1,300 sqft designed space that showcases L'Objet's artisanal creations L'Objet, Sloane Street L'OBJET / Alex James Remaining true to the brand's commitment to luxury, standout architectural details include a central column wrapped in stainless steel, anchored by a cast bronze chain base plated in antique nickel. There's also a bespoke fragrance island, crafted from limestone, stainless steel, and deep chocolate lacquer which adds to the boutique's refined atmosphere. To add a warming tone, the natural materials are set against rich cognac velvet on the walls and shelves, and these are set against a statement chocolate mohair sofa backwall that enhances the space's plush appeal. This goes hand in hand with a state-of-the-art lighting system that casts a celestial glow throughout the space. L'Objet, Sloane Street L'OBJET / Alex James For further luxury, at the center there's a one-of-a-kind 24kt hand-gilded metal art piece, created in collaboration with renowned Portuguese artisan Sebastião Lobo, which serves as a focal point. Embracing fluidity and organic forms, sculptural Bianco Real Portuguese limestone tables and curvaceous shelving reflect L'Objet's signature balance of nature and artistry, complemented by terrazzo flooring. L'Objet, Sloane Street L'OBJET / Alex James With its debut U.K. flagship, L'Objet invites guests to experience its chic heritage while embracing the future of design and craftsmanship, among beautiful ceramics, fragrances, and objet d'art, 'Marking our 20th anniversary with this opening feels especially meaningful. It is both a celebration of our journey, showcasing our earliest collections to the bold, new ceramics designed in collaboration with Ruan Hoffmann, and an invitation to explore what lies ahead,' says Elad. A destination for those who appreciate the finer things, the founder continues, 'This space is designed for discovery, where each piece, from our signature tableware to our apothecary and fragrance universe, is crafted to inspire the senses.' Address: L'Objet, 162A Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9BS. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm.
BBC News
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Faithless and Furtado set for Alex James' Big Feastival
Blur bassist Alex James has announced he will headline his annual festival alongside Faithless and Nelly 14th Big Feastival, which combines live music with food attractions, is due to take place at James' Cotswolds farm near Kingham, Oxfordshire, from 22 to 24 musician and cheesemaker will lead a Britpop classical set, with a live band alongside a full orchestra, on the Sunday James said it would be "a unique and fitting way" to close the event. "I'm absolutely thrilled to be welcoming everyone back to the farm for our 14th year of Big Feastival," he said."We've pulled out all the stops to create a weekend packed with incredible music, top-notch food, and something for the whole family to enjoy."He promised a "star-studded Britpop classical, where Blur, Oasis, Pulp, Supergrass and the entire host of Britpop big hitters get the full orchestra treatment".I'm like a Bird singer Furtado will headline the event on Friday, with Faithless, known for dance classics Insomnia and God Is A DJ, taking the top slot on The Wombats and Sophie Ellis-Bextor will also feature as special guests. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
