ILLAMASQUA INSTORE SHOW

Good eve all!
As you must know by know I am HUGE fan of Illamasqua- it is the makeup for my alter ego and I am in love with their ethics, originality, quality and personal approach. I am lucky enough to be sponsored by this amazing brand and when I first received some kit from them I gushed about it here.
Anyway needless to say I'm besotted with their products and when I was invited to do a pre Christmas instore I couldn't refuse.
I hadn't actually had to chance to visit their flagship shop in Dean Street until this day and knew it would be chic and beautiful as everything they do is but I had no idea how inspiring it would be - the first thing I saw was a black and white vertical stripe PVC curtain behind a shiny black perspex counter. It really is a gorgeous shop- I was so happy to be singing there!
Another thing I like about Illamasqua and something that I really relate to is there charity side they have a whole range dedicated called S.O.P.H.I.E to Sophie Lancaster ... here is a short tribute to her commissioned by Illamasqua (featuring one of my favourite songs- 'Roads' by Portishead):



I hope you don't mind me bringing down the mood- but this really effected me and I always want to help spread awareness - we are lucky to have brands like Illamasqua help educate young people about tolerance and promoting individuality.

*before I get tearful let's change the subject*

Everyone in the store were so friendly and welcoming and I have noticed this from everyone that works for Illamasqua which makes a nice difference from the snooty staff at some makeup shops that I am almost scared to go in... I will say no names!
I had my hair and makeup done by an incredible artistse -Claire Lille ... I think you can agree she did a pretty good job (you should have seen me when I went in!!)

All Illamasqua makeup

I'm wearing a beautiful black vintage dress from Beyond Retro

 Stephen (Ellis) joined me for the gig and we played in the shop to a very appreciative audience and some milling around the makeup who stopped to listen. The snow began to fall whilst we played 'We're All In This Together' and it was pretty idyllic!

All these fantasmagorical photographs were taken by the super talented and lovely lady, Gem Hall who we've all grown very fond of and is our official photographer now so expect so see a lot more from her!

I hope everyone had a lovely christmas and are enjoying the beginning of the 2011... I'm busy in and out of studio, plotting a new music video and getting ready to tour the world! I leave for Japan in 3 weeks then to Australia, Canada, America and Europe! Exciting times here- I need a new word for excited in fact, answers on a postcard please!

I will leave you with a video of a session we did at Green Man Festival - I am all decked out in bespoke beautiful Bonzie dress and wrap and yes, we DID need those wellies!
Oh and I URGE you to vote for Bonzie to be Ireland's Most Influential Designer 2010 there are only a few days left and I can't think of anyone more deserving than this lovely, talented duo.




Green Man Sessions 008 // Gabby Young and Other Animals - We're All In This Together from Green Man on Vimeo.

Nighty wighty kittens!
Xox Gab - up xoX

PS- Some people like to know when our next gig is and so I will use that excuse for a plug:
SATURDAY 29TH JANUARY
GABBY YOUNG & OTHER ANIMALS + THE IRREPRESSIBLES
AT THE BARBICAN, London
Details here
Tickets here

Fashionable Times

Hello merry ones!
The snow and proximity to Christmas day has made me like an excited puppy- I keep on leaping about and blurting out cliches like 'isn't this magical?' But it is... I went tobogganing on Hampstead Heath the other day and watched a christmas movie with friends and I can honesty say I haven't had so much fun since I was 5 years old!! I just love the snow... I hope everyone gets home OK though- there are a few family members coming from afar and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will make it.
As I am a ridiculously christmassy person and have been known to be named 'Mrs Christmas' by my closest friends I have 3 things to share with you of that vein... consider them presents from me to you but online, with no wrapping paper and probably not that exciting...
1) A CHRISTMAS PODCAST - For 'Different Class Radio'
2) A CHRISTMAS COVER with REVERE
3) A CHRISTMAS CARD FOR YOU ALL:

Photo (without Gabby-added Santa hat) by the marvellous Gem Hall, dress by Beyond Retro and hair & makeup by the 'never fails to amaze me' Jennifer Nash

OK Gabby... we get it ... you LOVE Christmas!

So anyway...
I was in The Financial Times last week- which was nice!
You can read the article by lovely David Honigmann HERE and see the main picture by the talented Michael Hughes at the top of this post...
Which leads me onto nicely onto what I was wearing for the editorial shoot:
Skirt and shirt were very cheap purchases one from Ebay the other Battersea Car Boot - together they cost me £7!! And yes check and stripes DO go together... or so I think!!
Then I got to wear some brilliant TABIO tights which is beautifully documented HERE and my new favourite IRREGULAR CHOICE boots- which should be arriving on my doorstep any day now!!

Another time I was 'papped' in another fantastic pair of Irregular Choice boots was at Elizabeth Lau's amazing pop up shop where Stephen and I performed an acoustic set for a lovely press evening she was having. Elizabeth's designs are incredible- kooky, cute (or kawaii as she and the Japanese would say!) and original- I got given the choice to take something home  and I can honestly say I would be happy with any of her garments. The shop itself was SO well displayed - with half fish bowls with real fish, gorgeous illustrations by Little Doodles - http://little-doodles.blogspot.com/ and lots of warmth, character and love! Below I am wearing an Elizabeth Lau dress (from her stunning new collection) and a pom pom bolero that I fell in love with and now has pride of place in my wardrobe along with a similar style dress! THANK YOU ELIZABETH!

  


             


I think that's me up to date apart from my excitement about being in a very cool Japanese fashion magazine:

It's called Fudge, in the main photo I am wearing an amazing piece by Kumiko Tani . I can't wait to go back to Japan in February - for many reasons... but I admit I'm looking forward to delving deeper into Tokyo's shops- they are so 'me'!

So happy happy Christmas peoples. I hope you have a wonderful time and get a chance to relax at least! Help your mum out with the cooking and pretend you LOVE all your presents!

With plenty of joy and awesome tidings,

Mrs. G Christmas

xoxoxooxoxoooxo :o) xoxoxooxox

Gabberdashery and Supermarket Sarah!

I am very proud to announce that the wall we created with Supermarket Sarah is now live, so you can start your Christmas shopping from the comfort of your sofa! We had the most amazing day making the wall; its inspired by Alice in Wonderland as you can see from the tea cup and watches in my hair!Merrimaking Hoods made us some special Alice themed hoods, and Love from Hetty and Dave made special 'Drink Me' necklaces and brooches, whilst Alice Gabb made some gorgeous clock, key and bottle props.

We'd also like to welcome newcomer to Gabberdashery, Dot your Ts and Cross your Eyes who made the amazing rope necklace, amongst other pieces.

Thanks to Sarah and her assistant Annette, fabulous photographer Bruno, my makeup and hair artist Jennifer Nash,Inbar Spector for the loan of the amazing dress and Katie Antoniou, my Gabberdashery partner who co-curated the whole thing with me.
Also, The Guardian have reviewed my album- its in the paper today, so go and buy it!

Supermarket Gabby
xxxx

The Tabernacle

Last night I was doing a radio interview (which I happily seem to be doing a lot of these days!) and I was asked what the highlight of my year was...
I had many options including playing in Japan, Glastonbury, Womad, BAFTAs afterparty but my choice was clear it was the show at THE TABERNACLE the Saturday before last (20th Nov) which was our London tour date and Gabby Young and Other Animals brought the whole schebang to town!

Firstly we were joined by a brass band, a string quartet and stalls (more on that later) but most importantly a load of people gave up their Saturday and XFACTOR to come and dance, sing or just stand still and lend us their ears and clap wildly- it was amazing!
Before I ramble on about it (as I could do all night!) we must remember that this is a style blog so I will tell you all the visual elements that made it a very special night for all involved.

Firstly we had a lovely set designer working with us on this tour - Susan Lawson- and we got a chance to use all the pieces she had put together for us. There was an amazing backdrop with vintage style cogs and clocks surrounding our logo and a big red perspex cog to hang our bits of percussion on - as we use a lot! It looked amazing and I am so thankful to Susan- it definitely wasn't the easiest job without a ladder for a start!!

Jennifer Nash spread her usual magic on my red locks and pale skin (just a different way to say face and hair - prententious? Moi?!) We went with a backcombed afro which took ages but fully worth it -by the end it was laden with birds of all types, including Jen's own origami made ones! The makeup by Illamasqua was bright and bird inspired too which fitted brilliantly with...

THE DRESS
- which needs it's own title for sure!
For those of you that read my blogglings and I excitedly met a big fan of it at this gig which made me beam all night! You will know that I am a GIGANTIC fan of Inbar Spector who this night, lent me a masterpiece of a gown- light blue and fluffy layers of tulle with black lace and other embellishments. It was like wearing a cloud and I LOVED the way it fitted and moved. We are due a chat for some new pieces for next year and I can't wait!!

I also have on board a brand new wonderful sponsor - TABIO tights who have given me a pile of beauties to cover my pins- they are great. Go visit their flagship store on Kings Road or in Convent Garden - its full of the best tights and socks I have ever seen and made in Japan- who are brilliant for being unique and thinking outside the box and very apt for me! I wore a pair of cream lacey tights at at the Tabernacle. Thankyou Tabio!


The whole night was a dream come true and the truly amazing Gem Hall has captured the whole thing with stills and video in this short film! Gem and I have been plotting for some amazing photo shoots very soon and they are extreeeemely exciting!

Here is her take on the night:

Of course we had a wonderful array of Gabberdashery stalls which included Alice Gabb, Dot your Ts and Cross your Is, Rosa Bloom, facepainting from The Dressing Room and arts and crafts from Hunga Munga.

Here's a pic of the Gabberdashery stall where we were selling the winning poster designs and the new album as well as gems from our usual sellers...

The team worked their little tush's off for this gig and we got some great press from it, including these:
INTERVIEW -http://www.mienmagazine.com/style/original-style-interview-with-gabby-young-avant-garde-musician-and-rising-star/

REVIEW - http://www.musicomh.com/music/gigs/gabby-young_1110.htm

MENTION (alongside a little known band!) - http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/11/24/beatles-week-1-2-million-singles-sold-but-which-classics-endure/


I've also only just got any decent pictures of a wonderful dress I was able to wear for the gig in Swindon- made for me especially by CorinaCorina who specialise in upcycling and customising vintage pieces. See me on their blog here.

Swindon Photographs by Chris Fay

 

I love it!

And that's all folks!

I'm an extremely busy bee this week- interviews, photo shoots and recording so I will bid you adieu!

More love than is humanly possible,

Xox Gabbernacle xoX

Levi's Shape What's to Come travelling Journals

Levi's contacted me a few months ago to put together a 'travelling journal' for them alongside 15 other young ladies that were doing something different and inspiring- of course I was honoured and delighted to be a part of this and this is my one.

A HUGE THANK YOU to Katie Antoniou for all your help with this!

Love ya!

Xox Gabjournal xoX

KONICHIWA TOKYO!

Helloha!
I'm afraid this is another 'better late then never' blog... mainly cos I've been in the studio working on the next album but also because I lost the lead for my camera and having no photos for my blog is like having a main meal without meat- not complete!!

ANYWAY (sorry vegetarians for that -don't hate me!)

My trip to Tokyo was AMAZING! I went there for a very special show with a brand new non profit organisation 'Tokyo Tomorrow' which is run by some rather exciting Japanese musicians including, our host, Fumio Ito who was actually a mega famous rock singer from the band Kemuri and luckily for us a wonderfully generous and supportive guy- he chose me to go out and perform at his launch party and I am very thankful that he did!

I have wanted to go to Japan for ever...and it didn't dissappoint!
Tokyo girls are colourful, playful and a bit like me on stage so naturally I LOVED it!

The shops were all amazing and everyone put so much time and energy into the way they looked it was very refreshing to see personal style everywhere!

I was there just in time to see Halloween in Tokyo and they had some great costumes- there was Mr & Mrs Santa, Vampires, Fairies, lots of cartoon characters and the cutest kids all dressed up with toy pumpkins!!!

My manager and I found out where they had got all their costumes- 'Tokyu Hands' -the strangest mall in the world...

These are SPEAKERS!! YES!

And these are mushroom and radish costumes!! VERY YES!

Oh and the gig was great- I wore a bespoke piece by the incredible Kumiko Tani made out of recycled products such as crisp packets and a giant butterfly in my hair!

Now my favourite thing to do in Tokyo is KAREOKE!They have small booths with cheap, drink, food and Stevie Wonder & Queen singalongs!

I became rather fond of a few great Japanese sing-a-longs too!

A little birdy tells me we are going back in February and I can't wait!!!

In other news- back in my home town of London we are preparing for the climax of our UK Tour which is going to be a HUGE show at THE TABERNACLE, Notting Hill
Not only am I playing with the whole lot of my lovely animals but also a big brass band and a string quartet, also Hungamunga are DJing and have a craft area to get stuck in AND we have a very special extended Gabberdashery area too!
I hope to see you there and its ALL AGES so bring some kids (discounted tickets)- I have treats for them too!
TICKETS HERE

We got some nice press recently too that I'm posting in case you are interested- its mainly for Gabberdashery and this week we did a Supermarket Sarah wall which I will talk about when its up very soon...

Le Cool - 11th Nov

Time Out - 17th Nov

Making Magazine- Issue 2

 Also I fully suggest you have a gander at this BEAUTIFUL magazine (have a look for yours truly in there!)



And that's it folks!
Love and lots of sushi
Xox Gabyo xoX

View from tour...

A very merry unbirthday to you and you and you...
Oh wait- it might actually be your birthday - if so- get off the internet and go and have a great day!!

I'm officially on tour so its busy times between shows which means this will be a short blog.

I just wanted to pass on a few things to you all...
Firstly those beautiful tour posters (that I still owe a whole blog too and I will!)

are now for sale online along with an end of summer merchandise sale with TShirts designed by the brilliant Twinkle Troughton

CLICK HERE FOR SHOP

A lovely new friend and amazing photographer Gem Hall put together a lovely video of us on tour and some gorgeous pictures of the Tamesis Dock '"boat gig" - I love her!!


There is lots more but I can't think right now- I'm too hungry!

If you are around at any of these dates it would be great to see your lovely face at a tour date:

Love and lunch!
Xox

Gabless