Latest news with #Autograph
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Secrets of the hair salon, from high street to high rise: Eileen Perrier/Dianne Minnicucci review
The art world is obsessed with the idea of 'being seen'. In a culture of lookism, being seen is understood as tantamount to existing, even to survival. But being seen is complicated. Both the current exhibitions at Autograph grapple with this through photographs by two women of the same generation working in portraiture. Eileen Perrier's A Thousand Small Stories occupies the ground-floor gallery. Since the 1990s, Perrier's work has centred on setting up temporary photographic studios, in homes, hair salons, on the streets of Brixton and Peckham in London, and at a metro station in Paris. Her 2009 exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in London displayed large-format Polaroid portraits taken in pop-up studios at Petticoat Lane market and in the nearby 23-storey tower block Denning Point. The travelling portrait studio has been a device Perrier has used for 30 years, to take photography into diverse communities and tackle the politics of beauty and identity. This is the first survey of her work. Perrier makes portraits that don't rely on beauty but find it everywhere. She doesn't flatter – in fact the lighting and poses in her pictures in some series are direct references to school photographs, such as Grace (2000) in which her subjects, including the photographer and her mother, share the physical trait diastema (a gap between the teeth). Perrier's subjects are mostly regular people, commuters, passersby. In these quick encounters with ordinary lives, Perrier gives glimpses of beauty where you don't look for it. An image of two women on a leather chesterfield, from the series Red, Gold and Green (made between 1996 and 1997 in the homes of three generations of British Ghanaians), scintillates with shining confidence, from the women's style to the polished ceramics gleaming on the dresser behind them. The makeshift red cloth Perrier has hung up behind them is a reminder that this is a studio, too, where an unexpected moment of beauty, through the alchemy of the camera, becomes an eternity. There's an unresolved paradox in Perrier's pictures, between the artifice of beauty and the photographer's constant quest to find it. Perrier acknowledges this, between celebrating beauty and critiquing it, right from the start of her career. One of the earliest works in the show belongs to her documentary portrait series, Afro Hair and Beauty Show. Between 1998 and 2003, Perrier photographed women attending the annual show at Alexandra Palace, one of the venue's biggest events of the time. It's a document of evolving styles, creativity and the importance of self-expression through hair. While making the portraits, Perrier also began collecting and photographing products for black hair and skin from London shops and photographing them. She turned these grooming goods into a wallpaper that also charts a controversial side of the beauty industry: Dear Heart promises skin lightening, hair relaxant for children is marketed as Beautiful Beginnings. Perrier is positioned through this show as an important counter to a Photoshopped, retouched reality, in a culture of beauty and image worship. Upstairs Dianne Minnicucci's small exhibition of new works – made as part of a residency funded by Autograph – picks up on the impact of white-centric beauty standards on women of colour. Minnicucci confesses to not being comfortable in front of the camera herself – she has portrayed her family and domestic scenes with an intimate, autobiographical tenor but had never ventured in front of the lens herself. Her show, Belonging and Beyond, is about a personal struggle with self-image, compounded by photography, and now using photography as a means to unravel and understand it. Like Perrier, Minnicucci began by dismantling and reconstructing her studio – bringing it into the classroom of Thomas Tallis school, south-east London, where she is head of photography. Working alongside her students for six months, inviting them into the work as collaborators, Minnicucci was forced to practise what she'd preached – to embrace discomfort. A series of wistful black and white self-portraits sees Minnicucci try to break through this awkward confrontation, all of them shot in Lesnes Abbey Woods. We see her figuring out what to do with her body, her hands, her gaze. Half-masked by spiky shrubs and trees, thesepictures have a quiet, self-conscious grace. Minnicucci dressed in white in this misty atmosphere looks shyly away from the camera, tentative, uncertain. This is not really about the images but what the process reveals. In a film accompanying the images, Minnicucci realises where her trepidation in taking self-portraits as a black woman might come from: 'Because I haven't been exposed to those images, maybe that's why?' Eileen Perrier's A Thousand Small Stories, and Dianne Minnicucci's Belonging and Beyond are both at Autograph, London, until 13 September
Calgary Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Parker: Hospitality industry veteran Ostrem eager to take helm of new Element hotel in downtown Calgary
Article content Tim Ostrem has enjoyed three decades of experience in hospitality, an industry he is passionate about, and he is excited to take on the role of general manager of the Element by Westin Calgary Downtown that is expected to open next month. Article content Ostrem has gained a wealth of knowledge with managed, franchised and independent properties, holding senior roles in hotels where he delivered exceptional results. They include the Algonquin Resort, the former CP hotel at St. Andrews by-the-Sea in New Brunswick, after it became the first Autograph by Marriott hotel in Canada. Article content Article content The opportunity to manage a brand-new property has kindled his flame into a roar — he is in his element in the Element, super busy putting together his team. Leadership is in place and he currently has around 60 staff, with an expectation of 90 to 100 full- and part-time workers when the hotel is fully operational. Article content The Element is at 833 4 th Ave. S.W. in the former Canadian Centre office tower, a cornerstone conversion under the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program. Owned by Calgary-based PBA Group of Companies, it is a partnership between PBA and Concord Hospitality — the same relationship that brought us the Dorian, the 27-storey, dual-brand Marriott Autograph Collection and Courtyard Marriott hotel on 5th Avenue S.W. Article content Article content Occupied for many yeas as Mount Royal College, people will be shocked to see how the 12-storey, 170,000-square-foot office tower has been transformed into a modern, eco-friendly hotel featuring 226 spacious suites. Article content 'Being a refreshed and exciting new offering to Calgary's Downtown West neighbourhood is an incredibly rewarding experience — one that's only just beginning,' says Ostrem. 'We look forward to introducing the Element brand to Calgarians as the ideal place to stay, with many wellness features — as a place they can confidently recommend to friends and visitors.' Article content Atop the concrete construction is the rooftop level Bow & Bend restaurant — so named for its great view of the bend in the Bow River by Prince's Island. It is designed as an inviting social and dining experience, with space to seat 150 guests with indoor and outdoor seating and private dining room options.
The Star
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Tamil music legend Bharadwaj all set to rock it up for his 'Live in Malaysia' concert at Mega Star Arena on June 14
GET ready for a night of timeless melodies and electrifying energy as City Production proudly presents 'Ready Set Go – Bharadwaj Live in Malaysia' featuring the Tamil music legend on stage at the Mega Star Arena in Kuala Lumpur. This musical spectacle marks a grand celebration of Bharadwaj's most iconic hits, taking fans on a nostalgic journey through his unforgettable compositions that have shaped Tamil cinema's musical landscape especially in the late 90s and beginning of the millennium Known for his soul-stirring melodies and foot-tapping hits, Bharadwaj's live performance promises to leave Tamil music fans mesmerised. The concert is brought to life in collaboration with One Visual Production, renowned for their impactful event executions, and supported by Social Culprits Malaysia as the official event partner, known for their creative event marketing and youth engagement across Malaysia. The Legend himself Ramani Bharadwaj is an Indian music composer and singer-songwriter, who is predominantly known for his work in Tamil cinema. He was a recipient of the Kalaimamani Award in 2008 from the Tamil Nadu State Government. He started his career composing for the television series Vizhudhugal and Telegu film. His breakthrough came with the Ajithkumar-starring Kadhal Mannan (1998). Bharadwaj composed the songs "Satham Illatha Thanimai Kaeten" (Amarkalam), "Avaravar Vazhkayil" (Pandavar Bhoomi), "O Podu" (Gemini), "Apple Penney" (Roja Koottam), "Unai Naan Unai Naan" (Jay Jay), "Gnabagam Varuthey" (Autograph), "Kaadu Thirandey, "Siruchi Siruchi Vanthan" (Vasool Raja MBBS), "Oru Vaarthai Ketka" (Ayya), "Thaiyatha Thaiyatha" (Thiruttu Payale), "Meendum Palliku Pogalam" (Pallikoodam), "Margazhiyil Kuluchiparu" (Onbadhu Roobai Nottu), "Hey Dushyantha", "Totadoing" (Asal), and "Azhagazhagey" (Kalavaadiya Pozhuthugal). In 2014, he and Karthik Raja won admiration with their collaboration for the super-hit movie Aranmanai. His composition "Ovvavaru Pookalume" in the Tamil film Autograph won the National Award for Best Singer and Best Lyric writer in 2004 About the Organiser – City Production City Production is a premier event management company with a strong footprint in the Malaysian entertainment scene. With a proven track record of delivering high-impact concerts, City Production is known for curating experiences that bridge international talent with local audiences including last year's hugely successful Hip Hop Tamizha concert in KL. Ticket Sales Ticketing details and exclusive pre-sale announcements will be released soon. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official platforms for updates and early bird deals. For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact: socialculprits@ or phone at 014–618 2815.
Telegraph
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Lisa Armstrong's verdict on Marks & Spencer's spring collection
The new-season M&S collection is about to arrive in store. On Thursday, they unleash their fashion campaign on TV. It's safe to say, you'll be seeing a lot of the brand over the next few weeks, if not months, assuming they can deliver some big hits. But will they? I went to their showroom at the Marble Arch flagship store on London's Oxford Street to preview their key pieces. Here's my verdict. First thing to say is that if, like me, you're a stickler for good quality fabrics and balk at the amount of slimy polyfibres in so many clothes today (including from brands that are far more expensive than M&S), then you may be pleasantly surprised by what you see – or rather touch, because we all know that it's possible to make just about anything look good in a campaign image if the lighting's sufficiently magical. A word of reason: the uptick in fabrics may be because these are spring/summer clothes rather than any overarching ambition at M&S to leave synthetics behind altogether. It's much easier to find reasonably priced summer friendly materials than it is wool and sheepskin, so let's enjoy them while we can. The polyfibres will be back come winter. And let's be clear, there are also some this summer. I wasn't mad on a lizard print synthetic shirt (the organza silk one from Autograph on the other hand was excellent). I wasn't mad on the lacy number here either – seductive in the picture. IRL, not so much. Achieving net zero polyester is as realistic, M&S say, as achieving net zero emissions – or it is at these prices. Sigh. Surely it wasn't always like this? Or are we looking at the M&S of yore through rose-tinted specs? The 1970s were, after all, a bonanza of Crimplene. Drip-dry was King. I'd love to hear from those with reliable M&S-related memories. For now, linen rules. As does cotton, including some unbleached trousers. They also seem to have mastered the super-soft Armani-worthy suede jacket – M&S have several suede jacket styles, cropped, wrap and slightly longer in Per Una, Autograph and core. They top out at around £269 but look and feel far more expensive. Autograph Suede Jacket, £279 They've clearly been working on their blocks, as their cuts look much sleeker and luxurious. If your conscience won't allow you to wear real animal skins then you might be tempted by M&S's microfibre iterations. Until recently fake suedes and leathers have tended to disappoint IRL, but this microsuede is really very good. Synthetic, it nevertheless feels breathable and drapes well. Suede is everywhere in 2025 – because it strikes that balance we're all seeking between relaxed but sleek. I would seriously consider their microfibre jacket. Also welcome are all the British spring-friendly layers, from a sleeveless cream parka to an array of jackets in taupe, sand, chocolate and soft-khaki (very Max Mara). Included in this group is a cropped shower resistant 'trench'. You can tell there's an increasing amount of attention paid to quiet but well thought through design. The colours are the right shade, whether they're cherry red or lemon. Whole groups work together, and where individual items are meant to be layered, they're actually compatible or matching lengths. You can tell the design team are feeling confident – critical and commercial success will do that to a department. They're not just going for showy editorial pieces (easy wins if you have the barest clue what's in fashion) but really drilling down, focussing on details. They've gone wholeheartedly for co-ords, from this lovely balloon-hem skirt and matching top – perfect for summer parties, or style with denim on weekends – to stripy cotton and linen shorts, shirts and trousers which will be perfect on the beach or at balmy barbecues. Balloon? You read that correctly. After the success of barrel jeans (at one point, their most popular style) and carrot jeans (less exaggerated than barrel, but a similar shape), M&S have realised that women of all ages are not interested in wishy-washy frump wear, but want to look current and are happy to try out fresh ideas and new styles provided they're intelligently presented and look flattering. Denim is a highly competitive category that's steeped in mystique and snobbery but increasingly, M&S seem to have broken down the considerable resistance that some customers had to wearing M&S jeans. It's now, just about, cool to own some of their denim. You can't argue with the VFM, at around £29 for some pairs. There's plenty of choice too, as there is across all their trousers. There are many more skirts too than previous seasons, including this polka dot mini and the pencil silhouette (also red – there's quite a bit of it around) with white stencilling which makes it easy to pair with a white shirt as well as this stripy one. Tailoring is still a feature, 'but we've been looking at modern ways to be feminine,' says Lisa Illis, Brand Director. 'There's more emphasis on the waist, but it's all very gentle and comfortable' (note that this is also reflected on the catwalks). A word or six about those balloon hems – in layperson's terms, they're modified puffballs. Not 1990s style, but more subtle and sophisticated. I wouldn't be surprised if the M&S design team hadn't been looking at Sophie d'Hoore, an if-you-know-you-know Belgian designer whose understated avant-garde meets earthy aesthetic produces quietly striking, timeless clothes. I remember a long time ago a very highly paid consultant working for a rival brand telling me that M&S's avowed intent to appeal to all people was ridiculous. But I think they might be cracking it. It's not yet a rival to Zara, but for the moment, it has something Zara doesn't: the unexpected factor. If a stylish woman finds something terrific and fashion forward in Zara, no surprise. If she finds it M&S, kudos to her. These ballet-teacher shoes are a case in point: at £29.50, they're potentially this summer's equivalent of that 2019 Zara polka-dot dress. Ballet-teacher shoes, £29.50 For more classic customers, Jaeger is getting better. This summer they have a version of their hit winter kilt, complete with a matching shirt – more co-ord action and a good option for special occasions. Bags are squishy, sandals are flat or mid heel. There's a distant relative of The Row's jelly shoe – and some lovely little silk scarves which should appeal cross – generationally. They haven't forgotten the boho crowd either, with some pretty tops that look quite Sezane. That stylist who thought it was impossible to appeal to a wide range of ages couldn't be more wrong. These days, mothers, grandmothers and daughters often buy the same item – but wear it differently. As for those bikinis, I mentioned earlier. M&S has lots this summer, plus co-ordinating cover-ups in the form of oversized, breezy shirts. As a colleague remarked when I told her, 'isn't their swimwear known for being a bit staid?' That's all in the eye of the wearer. Others might call it supportive and concealing. That will still be there, but as Maddy Evans, previously from Topshop and now head of fashion at M&S says, 'we're finally seeing younger and younger customers coming in and we want to make sure we have what they're looking for'.
Associated Press
14-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters and Royalton Blue Waters Lead the Way in Sustainable Hospitality in Montego Bay
Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters and Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay are proud to announce their Green Globe recertification. SANTA MONICA, CA, UNITED STATES, March 14, 2025 / / -- The recently opened Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, together with Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort are proud to announce their Green Globe recertification, an internationally recognized standard for sustainable tourism. This milestone underscores the resorts' dedication to minimizing environmental impacts while delivering world-class all-inclusive experiences in the heart of Montego Bay. At the forefront of their sustainability efforts is a monthly beach cleanup initiative, which has successfully removed over 600 kg of inorganic waste annually. These cleanups engage staff, guests, suppliers, and local communities, fostering environmental awareness and preserving Jamaica's stunning coastline. Complementing these efforts, the resorts' comprehensive recycling program, in collaboration with Recycling Partners of Jamaica, has resulted in the collection and recycling of over 37,000 kg of cardboard, 270,000 kg of plastic, and 400 kg of cans each year. The resorts also operate a tri-generation plant, which integrates cooling, heat, and power systems to significantly reduce their energy footprint. This advanced technology not only lowers carbon emissions but also enhances operational efficiency, ensuring consistent comfort for guests. The resulting energy savings allow for reinvestment in guest experiences, blending luxury with eco-consciousness. Beyond environmental initiatives, the resorts actively support their communities. In 2024, they donated linens, clothing, school supplies, toys, food, and toiletries to local organizations, reinforcing their commitment to social responsibility. Staff training programs and awareness campaigns further drive a culture of conservation and engagement, extending the impact of these efforts beyond the resort's boundaries. Green Globe certification reflects the highest standards in environmental management, community development, and conservation. By achieving this recognition, Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters and Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay continue to set a benchmark in sustainable tourism, offering guests the assurance that their stay contributes to meaningful environmental and social initiatives while delivering the exceptional luxury they expect. This accomplishment underscores Blue Diamond Resorts, the management company behind these properties, for its leadership in sustainable hospitality and its mission to create positive change through innovative practices that align with the values of modern travelers. About Blue Diamond Resorts Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, DreamBed™, and the Sports Event Guarantee™. To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star™ with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity. Contact Blue Diamond Resorts Email: [email protected] Carretera Federal 307 Cancun Tulum, No. Mza 03 Lt Int. 332+150 Tel: (52) 998-283-3939 Bradley Cox Green Globe + +1 310-337-3000 LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer:
