The Painted Veil

WE'RE SUPPORTING

We checked in with Los Angeles-based photographer, Matthew Scott, and asked him how his recent move from San Francisco has impacted on his career: ‘Work-wise, it’s been a very positive move. There’s a lot more going on down here, not that San Francisco doesn’t have things going on as well. It’s just a simple fact about the size of Los Angeles. There’s a lot more editorial assignments to shoot here, and that has been good’. Read more

WE'RE TRAVELLING TO

While the Belizean Islands are some of the most beautiful and tranquil in the world, Belize City is one of those uninspiring places that most people travel in and out of very quickly. However, if you do find yourself stranded there, as I did, the city does have one redeeming attraction. Approximately twenty kilometres west of the centre, you’ll find the Belize Zoo — which the founders call the ‘best little zoo in the world’. It relies on charitable donations and has gained huge respect for housing native Belizean wildlife, such as jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, ocelots and toucans, in natural, tropical surroundings. If you’re there on the first Friday in April, you can even join hundreds of visitors in celebrating the birthday of the zoo’s resident tapir, April. The zoo has an awesome rasta-vibe, and the hand-written information posts are guaranteed to make you giggle.

WE'RE WEARING

I was initially drawn to Belgium-born Christophe Coppen’s jewellery before discovering that he produces two mens and womens collections each year, consisting not only of jewellery, also of but couture pieces and home accessories. With seven interior collections to his name, and a past history as both a theater director and an actor, his work is an expression of his creative brilliance.

WE'RE THINKING

New York-based Japanese artist, Chichi creates elaborate illustrations that are both colourful and exotic. Read more

WE'RE READING

We got the inside word from Josh Diamond of New York experimental group, Gang Gang Dance, on the music that is moving him right now and he started off by propping the beautiful Ryuichi Sakamoto track, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence: ‘It’s just an amazing piece of music — serene, austere (in a heavy, beautiful way), emotional, a great mix of electronic sounds, patient, and a wonderful melody, with a quality of yearning for a better place. Every time I listen to this song, it puts me in a trance’. Read the rest of Gang Gang Dance’s Secret Playlist.

In my next life, I want to sing like Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison. Oh, and grow a lush beard, so I can play in their band. Better start cracking.

WE'RE LISTENING TO

I’m totally addicted to a tape I downloaded from Awesome Tapes from Africa by Onipa Nua. The Ghanan street musician has since passed away, but hopefully he’s somewhere smiling knowing that his tunes make me smile as well.