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ART ATTACK

Piluca turns me into a walking piece of art . https://www.pilucaworld.com

https://www.pilucaworld.com

ART ATTACK

https://www.pilucaworld.com

Become a Walking Piece of Art

It is not often that my expectations are blown completely out of the water. I attend enough launches, private views and glittering gatherings to think I’ve seen it all. But when one of my favourite artists offered to transform my rather ordinary jacket into a luminous, wearable work of art, I genuinely could not wait.

https://www.pilucaworld.com

The artist in question, Piluca, is nothing short of an explosion of style, colour and expressive beauty. Her work has always carried an emotional charge — bold, fearless and deeply personal — so the idea of that same energy being transferred onto clothing felt thrilling.

On the day my jacket arrived, it did not simply emerge from its garment bag — it flew. Butterflies in radiant, molten hues seemed to lift from the fabric itself. The colours shimmered; they danced. What had once been a safe, neutral piece hanging quietly in my wardrobe was now something entirely different: unapologetic, vibrant and uniquely mine.

https://www.pilucaworld.com

I debuted it at the Firepit Art Gallery, and the reaction was immediate. Conversations stopped mid-sentence. There was an audible gasp — the kind that cannot be choreographed or faked. People did not just glance; they stared. And then they smiled. In a world saturated with fast fashion and predictable trends, this jacket felt alive. It was not simply worn — it was experienced.

https://www.pilucaworld.com

Many artists attempt to translate their canvases into clothing lines, and some do so very successfully. Yet too often the result feels commercial, diluted or mass-produced. With Piluca, there is no dilution. She paints her soul. What makes her wearable pieces so compelling is that they are not reproductions or prints — they are one-offs. Each jacket is individually hand-painted, making every commission entirely unique. You are not buying fashion; you are investing in a singular artwork that happens to move with you.

Of course, I had practical concerns. “What if it rains?” I asked, imagining colour running dramatically down my sleeves. Piluca reassured me that the materials and finishing processes mean the jacket can be worn in all weather conditions and even professionally cleaned. This was not delicate theatre costume — it was durable, living art designed for real life.

https://www.pilucaworld.com

The following evening, I wore it to a party. I barely made it through the door. Guests stopped me repeatedly to ask where it was from, who had created it, and how they could commission one of their own. It became a conversation starter, a connector, a declaration. The jacket did what great art always does — it sparked emotion.

In an era where personal style can sometimes feel algorithm-driven and predictable, becoming a walking piece of art feels quietly revolutionary. With Piluca, fashion is not about blending in. It is about standing tall, telling your story, and wearing your individuality with pride.

https://www.pilucaworld.com

Price Guide

Jackets

  • Custom paint on a jacket you provide (simpler designs):
    From £250–£400
  • Sourced jacket with a medium-complexity painted design:
    From £450–£700
  • Highly detailed statement jackets, leather pieces, large back artworks, or designs with stones and embellishments:
    From £650–£1,200

Other Garments and Accessories

I also create custom hand-painted pieces on bags, shirts, trousers, boots, trainers, and hoodies.

  • These commissions generally start from £150, increasing depending on the size of the piece, level of detail, and materials used.

Pricing & Quotes

All prices are indicative. Each piece is quoted individually once I understand your concept, the garment, and the level of detail you’re looking for.

If you’d like a personalised quote, please let me know:

  • What item you’d would like customised
  • Whether you already have the garment or would like me to source one
  • The design style, theme, or overall feeling you have in mind

I’m always happy to discuss ideas and explore creative options before confirming a commission.

https://www.pilucaworld.com

Categories
Columns

In memory of the Queen of Punk .

“God Save the Queen of Fashion: Vivienne Westwood”

Back in London after several years in Los Angeles, my dear friend, the late journalist Lester Middlehurst, could not wait to take me out on the London party scene. It was all a little overwhelming on our first outing — the launch of Naomi Campbell’s first album.

As we pushed through the excitable crowd onto the red carpet, Lester whispered, “You’re not actually invited. I only have one invite — we’ll just blag you in.” In true Lester style, blag me in he did, leaving my face as red as the carpet and my hands shaking. Blagging is not my forte, and I stood there clutching my glass of champagne, feeling far less confident than I looked.

It felt like I was the only person among the assembled celebrity guests I had never heard of.

My nerves were soon eased when a lovely woman with a soft Yorkshire accent asked, “How are you tonight? You look great.” It was none other than the wonderful and grounded Vivienne Westwood.

Unlike many of the politely named “meerkats” I encountered over the years — people constantly looking over your shoulder to see if someone more important had arrived — Vivienne was genuinely interested. When I told her I’d owned a pair of her bondage trousers at just seventeen, she laughed and listened. Several people tried to interrupt us, and she politely told them she was talking to me.

That first London social event is one I will never forget, thanks to Vivienne.

With her down-to-earth, no-nonsense charm, she didn’t just change fashion — she changed how we saw designers. Outrageous, camp, fun, and fearless, she was arguably the woman we all wished could be our friend.

In my teens, I once took my mum for a treat day out to King’s Road when I was sixteen. We sat opposite the famous shop Sex, run by Vivienne and Malcolm McLaren. My mum was not ready for the vibe. Spotting what she thought was a giant tampon in the window, she let out a small scream — and that was the end of our day out.

Whether telling Kate Moss that she’d fancy her if she were gay, challenging older generations with “We don’t accept your values,” promoting the Green Party, stripping for PETA, or mocking then–Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on the cover of Tatler, Vivienne was never afraid to stand on the front line.

Her origins lay in slogan T-shirts. With Malcolm, she designed provocative clothing that led to prosecution under the 1959 Obscene Publications Act. They responded by rebranding the shop, and later opening Seditionaries. Around the same time, the Sex Pistols — managed by Malcolm — released God Save the Queen, a chart-topper banned by the BBC.

Punk was born, and Vivienne led it.

Long before “fifty shades” became fashionable, she brought taboo, fetish, and fantasy into mainstream culture. She inspired artists like Madonna and helped people express themselves boldly through clothing.

Despite her anti-establishment views, she became one of the world’s top designers. She won Fashion Designer of the Year in 1990 and 1991 from the British Fashion Council. She received an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 and was made a Dame in 2006.

In 1992, she introduced wedding gowns into her collections. One of her designs famously appeared in Sex and the City, when Mr Big gifts Carrie her dress.

It shocked many when her death was announced in December 2022 — and that this ageless woman was 81. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in Clapham, South London.

Many people enter this world hoping to leave their mark. The soft-spoken Yorkshire girl left her mark on everyone she met — and an indelible stamp on global fashion.

God save the Queen of Fashion.

Categories
Columns Health and Fitness People

Mike’s Tips for Great Men’s Hairstyles This Christmas

Expert barber Mike Edde

The festive season is calling — champagne receptions, late-night parties, and the kind of photos that live online forever. Whether you’re raising a glass at the office do, wrapping up warm for the Christmas markets, or stepping into the New Year in style, your hair deserves to look the part. Here’s how to stay sharp, confident, and camera-ready with seven expert tips from your barber.

✂️ 1. Get Your Christmas Cut Early
December is crunch time for barbers — and the best styles belong to the men who plan ahead. Get in early and give yourself room for a final tidy-up before the big night. A fresh fade or refined shape-up is the difference between “I just rolled out of bed” and “leading man energy.”

Style it up and look more James Bond than Brooke Bond

💈 2. Refresh Your Style for the Season
The holidays are the perfect excuse to evolve your look. Try a modern textured cropclassic side part, or sleek pompadour — timeless, confident, and effortlessly photogenic. Ask your barber to tighten the fade, add volume on top, or sharpen the outline. A small change can transform your entire presence.

Love Island Star drops into get that clean cut look with Mike ,,

🪮 3. Keep It Clean and Conditioned
Cold weather is brutal on hair. Upgrade your routine with a hydrating shampoo and rich conditioner to combat dryness and static. A touch of argan oil or leave-in conditioner keeps everything smooth, polished, and party-ready. Healthy hair always styles better — no exceptions.

💨 4. Master the Blow-Dry
Great hair doesn’t just happen — it’s styled. Use a blow-dryer to add lift and structure before applying product. Always direct the air in the direction you want your hair to fall. It’s a small move that separates the men who “have good hair” from the men who know how to use it.

Champion make over by Mike ready for the holidays

🧴 5. Choose the Right Product
Your summer styling cream won’t cut it in December. Cold air, central heating, and long nights call for matte clays, pomades, or grooming creams with extra hold. Go matte for natural texture or add a hint of shine for an evening edge. Either way, make sure your product works as hard as you do.

🧔 6. Don’t Neglect the Beard
A well-kept beard is the ultimate accessory to a strong haircut. Keep it shaped, hydrated, and defined. Use beard oil for softness and a subtle, masculine scent — the kind people notice without quite knowing why. Precision is everything.

🥂 7. Style It Up for the Big Nights
The calendar’s closing parties call for extra polish. Add a little shine, slick it back, or go bold with volume — whatever gives you confidence. Remember: a great cut isn’t just about the hair. It’s about the energy you walk into the room with.

Final Word: Confidence is the best product in your grooming kit. A sharp cut, clean lines, and effortless style tell the world you’ve got it together — no matter how late the night runs.\

Michael’s Barber Shop, located at 54c Kenway Road, London SW5 0RA. It is a long-established barber shop known for its experienced staff and quality cuts at reasonable prices. You can contact them at 020 7370 6983

  • Address: 54c Kenway Road, London SW5 0RA
  • Phone: 020 7370 6983
  • Reputation: Known for being a leading barber in Earl’s Court with experienced and personable barbers
  • Details: The shop has a quaint feel and offers quality haircuts at reasonable prices 

Categories
Columns Health and Fitness Uncategorized

How to Grow, Maintain & Style Your Moustache

By Mike the Barber

Listen, up Mike is back . You’re thinking about growing a Moustache? Maybe for November  Good call. Nothing changes your look quicker than a solid ’stache. But here’s the thing: if you want it to look sharp and not like you’ve just crawled out of a cave, you’ve got to know how to grow it right, keep it clean, and style it like a pro. Lucky for you, I’m here to give you the lowdown . https://uk.movember.com

Step 1: Growing Your Moustache

Be patient

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a proper Moustache. Depending on your hair type, it can take three to six weeks before it really starts to take shape. Don’t rush it — let nature do its thing.

Barber’s Tip: Forget that old wives’ tale about shaving making it grow back thicker. Doesn’t work. What does help? Eating well, getting sleep, staying active, and keeping your skin clean. Healthy body, healthy hair.

Grow the tach  first

Here’s the trick: instead of letting just the lip fuzz sit there looking lonely, grow your whole beard out. Once the mustache thickens up, then shave the beard. That way, you dodge the awkward “half-grown” look.

Invest in a trimmer

Trust me, a good trimmer is worth its weight in gold. Scissors are fine for touch-ups, but if you want precision, get yourself a rechargeable trimmer with adjustable guards. Or come see me once a week 

Celebrity client Nick Nevern

Define the shape

Most Moustaches run to the corners of your mouth and stop there. Keep the lip hair, shave the cheeks, chin, and jaw. Once you’ve carved out the shape, leave it alone and just keep the rest of your face tidy.

Keep it clean

Facial hair traps oil, sweat, and the crumbs from last night’s sandwich. Wash it a couple times a week with a mild shampoo and conditioner. Softer hair = less itch. If you’re fancy, a little beard oil won’t hurt. After all that tach can bring all the boys or gals to the yard but if it isn’t clean they will run right back 

yes thats 70’s who’s your daddy ? looks is back and Mike here to show you how to get it and maintain ,

Step 2: Maintaining the ’Stache

Keep it neat

Even the wildest Mustache needs a little discipline. Snip stray hairs with scissors or lightly buzz the ends with your trimmer. How often depends on your style — could be daily, could be weekly.

Wash and groom

A good foaming face wash in the morning and before bed keeps your skin clear and your mustache fresh. Nobody likes a greasy upper lip.

Train it with wax

If you’re going for anything beyond “basic lip rug,” you’ll need wax. Warm a little between your fingers, rub it through, then comb it from the middle outward. Beard combs work best — small teeth, good control.

Mikes work the ultimate in 1920s tach

Step 3: Styling Ideas

Now for the fun part. What kind of moustache guy are you?

  • The Pencil: Thin, sharp, clean lines. Think old-school film star or John Waters.
  • The Boxcar: A neat rectangle above the lip, stopping before the corners. Straightforward and tidy.
  • The Fu Manchu: Hair extends down past the jawline. Bold move — not for the faint-hearted.
  • The Handlebar: Grow it long, curl the ends up with wax. Victorian gent or modern hipster, your pick.
  • The Walrus: Big, bushy, covers the top lip. Think Teddy Roosevelt chopping wood.
  • The Selleck: Full, strong, classic. You’ve seen it a thousand times — it never goes out of style.

And here’s the truth: you don’t need to stick to just one. Mix, match, experiment. Worst case? You don’t like it, you shave it off. Best case? You find your signature look.

Looks like a star .

Final Words from the Barber’s Chair

A Mustache isn’t just hair on your face — it’s a statement. Take the time to grow it right, keep it clean, and wear it with confidence. Remember: a man doesn’t just grow a Mustache. He earns getting to ask “Who’s Your Daddy? “ 

Find Mike at .

https://share.google/xzxh5GAkjy1gich9s

Sign up for November at https://uk.movember.com

Categories
Columns Health and Fitness Lifestyle People Poetry Uncategorized

Michael Edde looks at the top men’s hair styles at the GoldenGlobes 2025 .

Michael’s Info
54C Kenway RdLondon SW5 0RA
020 7370 6983

At the 2025 Golden Globes in Los Angeles, male celebrities showcased a variety of standout hairstyles that combined classic elegance with contemporary flair. We asked Leading London’s men hair stylist Michael Edde what are the top five men’s hairstyles from the event: By Steven Smith.

  1. Sleek Side Part: Many attendees opted for the timeless side part, exuding sophistication and complementing their formal attire. This polished look remains a red carpet favourite for its versatility and elegance. Our own 007 Danielle Craig sleek look took the crown 

.
Classic Pompadour: The pompadour made a notable return, with several actors sporting voluminous, swept-back hair. This retro-inspired style added a touch of vintage charm to the evening’s fashion. Timothée Chalamet rocked the look brining style and class to the red carpet ,

    1. Buzz Cut: A few celebrities chose the minimalist buzz cut, highlighting facial features and offering a clean, bold statement. This low-maintenance style stood out amidst more elaborate coiffures.Jake Gyllenhaal really suits the look that is so popular and brings out his features/

    1. Curly Afro: Embracing natural curls, some attendees showcased well-defined afros, celebrating texture and individuality. This style added diversity and a fresh dynamic to the red carpet looks.  Tyler James Williams brings the ultimate style to the red carpet

    These diverse hairstyles at the 2025 Golden Globes highlighted personal expression and current trends, setting the tone for men’s grooming in the upcoming year says Michael Edde one of Londons leading barbers .

    Michael’s Info
    54C Kenway RdLondon SW5 0RA
    020 7370 6983