INTERVIEW : SMOKIN JO

Do you remember your first gig?
Yes it was at my house in Finsbury Park that I shared with about 5 other people, I got my mate Ashley Beedle (X-press2) to play and bring his sound system it was awesome, I had practiced for weeks for hours everyday a special eclectic set of hip hop and house with some very cool mixes, it was good fun. I rocked it!

What’s your new material like?
It is dark electronic pop, very cool, with amazing vocals and songs, with a little bit of house thrown in.

Do you think we need more female DJ’s?
Yes, why not, I think as long as you have a passion for music anyone can do it, it seems a shame that the scene is still dominated by men.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I think it was a piece of technical advice from Mr. C another DJ, he said to keep the volume very low in the headphone so you can still hear the feeling on the dance floor, this improves your mixing and really makes a difference. I am always complemented on how good my mixing is, it is second nature to me now and I always try to make a new record out of two old ones, which I think these days DJ’s don’t really bother to try that hard.

What was the last album you’ve bought?
It was a while ago but it was Massive Attack - Heligoland, which I absolutely love, but since I joined Spotify I don’t buy as much non-house music.

What advice would you give to up and coming female DJ’s?
Just to do the job because you love it, don’t use your sexuality to get on in the business, be great at what you do, start your own night, start your own label and have your own crew of DJ’s and producers, be a leader not a follower.

Who’s your hero?
Grace Jones, Love her, love her attitude and style.

How does it feel to be the only woman to have won the prestigious title DJ of the year?
Very humbling, I am very proud about it, and part of me thinks it will never happen again for another female DJ, it really is a boys club.

Who is your favourite designer?
Martin Margeila, I love the edgy quirky designs and the understated approach. I prefer clothes that are not so sexy but just cool and individual.

Favourite city?
That is a tough one, Barcelona, Buenos Aires or London. All very exciting

Catch SMOKIN JO this week-end @ FIRE!

STYLE CRUSH: SOLANGE KNOWLES

Queen B's little sister SOLANGE is my new style crush. Her style is what I call retro-ecclec. I love the natural beauty of her afro-hair combined with african prints, turbans and ethnic jewellery. She embraces fashion identity and has definitely found her niche for style.

jil sander

I love jil sander, I like the simplicity of cuts and that boyish masculinity of clean lines in simple cotton or wool. Simon's spring summer 2012 collection is unique, we see white layers and 90's art inspiration printed on knits, and pattern dress and trousers with sharp lines.

AJAK DENG + GIVENCHY

Riccardo Tisci's resort collection for Givenchy 2012.

MADE WITH LOVE IN NAIROBI

This is probably my favourite post to date; I remember reading this month issue of iD magazine, which featured a 4 or 6 page spread of the Vivienne Westwood Accessory campaign. I thought it was so cool, a great juxtaposition of Vivienne's accessories and the raw and harsh reality of Africa.

I wanted to gain an insight into the correlation of such a campaign, and what the brand were trying to achieve or draw awareness to. I wondered if it was just another exploitation of Africa and I am very thrilled that its purpose is to empower and inspire the women of Africa who have a strong desire to improve their lives.

In partnership with the International Trade Centre; in the Ethical Fashion Programme Westwood has created a collection that will aid over 7,000 women enabling them to raise the standard of their lives by creating jobs, assisting with medical expenses and the education of young children.

LFW: SASS AND BIDE SS"12

Sass & Bides spring/summer 2012 collection is all about embracing colour and making bright statements; with beautifully embelished dresses and silk biased cuts, the collection has a new silohuette that of previos collections from designers Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton. I love this collections East African influences of the tribal beading and prints. j'adore

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

I remember seeing Mary Katranzou's spring/summer collection of 2010. I felt rather overwhelmed by the by prints. The marmite effect; you either love it or hate it. However autumn/winter "11 blew me away, the shifts are beautifully tailored, the silk blouses are easy to style and the silhouette and structure are intensified heightening the originality and uniqueness of Kantranzou's pieces.

The collection for SS"12 is beautiful, inspired by nature; it maintains the brands identity and ethos, elevating the creative genius Mary. This season plays with strong palettes, architectural designs with asymetrical cuts, working with and away from the body for that desired fit.

I heart Mary Karanzou :)

SHALA MONROQUE: HOW TO WORK DENIM

One of my favourite trends this season is denim. I love wearing denim on denim as seen above on the beautiful Shala Monroque; who combines high street with designer accessories to create a easy chic look.

WANTED: MULBERRY BAG SS 2012

I'm not really a "bag" fanatic, but I've always wanted a Mulberry tote. I love the simple update to the ALEXA and the range of pastels added to the classic BAYSWATER. THOU SHALT COVET A MULBERRY BAG FOR SUMMER 2012