Editor's Log 013

Annual leave culture, 'Marty Supreme' discourse, and 'Midnight Request Line' as a public holiday

Hi all,

Welcome back to the Editor’s Log. I’ve barely been outside this week, and seemingly everyone I’d normally write about is on annual leave, but there are still a few things worth covering.

Let’s get into it.

Monday

WWD interviewed the ‘Marty Supreme’ costume director. Super interesting insight into how each character’s wardrobe was constructed - particularly Gwyneth Paltrow’s, which drew inspiration from Marlene Dietrich and Grace Kelly. I also had no idea there was a complete shortage of green wool in London during that period.

I watched Joya Berrow and Lilith Piper’s ‘BIRD.’ The concept - mapping avian instinct, particularly migration, onto human physicality and movement - is compelling, but I don’t think it fully landed. The costumes felt a bit cheap, and the level of abstraction ended up holding it back rather than elevating it.

Tuesday

Greta Thunberg was arrested protesting outside the offices of Aspen Insurance, who provide insurance services for Elbit Systems - a manufacturer of weapons produced in the UK and sent to Israel. As far as I’m aware, she didn’t actually break the law, so I doubt she’ll be held for long. Still, it raises questions about how far the government is willing to go in suppressing protest and free speech before something meaningfully shifts.

One of my favourite writers, Jesse Bernard, announced that his new book, ‘Escaping Babylon,’ is now open for pre-orders. Described as “an intimate history of Black British music,” it explores the impact of Black British genres on British society from the 1970s onwards. It’s out in May, and I’m very excited. Definitely check out Jesse’s Substack.

Rama Duwaji, award-winning artist and incoming First Lady of New York, was interviewed and shot by The Cut. One of the most flattering shoots I’ve seen all year; she looks incredible. I also really appreciated that she was dressed largely in New York designers: Diotima, Peter Do, Marc Jacobs, among others.

Akala teased a new snippet. I am a MASSIVE Akala fan; one of my favourite Fire in the Booths ever, and just a legend full stop. The snippet sounds great, and I’m very excited for the next album.

Lauren Duffus, North London ethereal music extraordinaire, was interviewed by Sabukaru. I’ve always loved her music, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen her speak on camera before - she comes across very cool and very grounded. If you’re new to her, start with ‘N.U.M.T.E.’ and let me know what you think.

Wednesday

Christopher Nolan released the trailer for The Odyssey. It looks cool, I’ll definitely watch it, but I’m not as hyped as some people seem to be. Not entirely sure why there’s so much uproar over historical inaccuracies in the costumes either; it’s a sci-fi film, not a period drama. That said, I did love Oppenheimer.

James Massiah released a new track with Fredwave. Literally anything he touches turns to gold.

Thursday

Christmas Day - or, for the more dubstep-inclined among us, Midnight Request Line Day. Twenty-two years ago, a bored 17-year-old Skream made ‘Midnight Request Line’ while everyone else was doing Christmas. I was planning on writing something about it, but DaMetalMessiah beat me to it. To be fair, he made a great video.

Friday

i-D interviewed Koto Kawaguchi, who plays Endo in ‘Marty Supreme.’ It was quite grounding to hear from someone so far removed from Western pop culture, he didn’t even know who Timothée Chalamet was.

My friend Sammi held a pop-up for his brand, Real Life Studios. Sadly couldn’t make it down, but he’s really doing bits at the moment. Definitely tap in.

Amy Leung dropped her 2026 calendar. Big fan, though I do slightly prefer last year’s. Still very much worth a cop.

My dear friend and favourite photographer, Patrick Sear, is hosting an event on February 19th. Literally be there or be square.

I went to the cinema to watch ‘Marty Supreme.’ I really, really liked it, despite having a headache for most of the film, and for about an hour afterwards. Still, absolutely worth the watch.

Saturday

James Massiah published new poems for Nike’s Substack. Not particularly sports-focused, but still excellent.

Sunday

Happy birthday to one of my favourite musicians ever, Black the Ripper (RIP). If you don’t know his music, watch this, this, and listen to this. I genuinely think he’s one of the greatest artists in British history.

Dylan O’Connor, one of my favourite painters, teased a new work while his solo pieces are still showing at Jumbi. I love his work, so anything new from him is always a treat.

Also added a few tunes to my 2025 favourites. Final ones going up this eve!

Until 2026,
Sik

P.S. Early Happy New Year, everyone.