Editor's Log 022
The Face ends, a few good nights, and London keeps moving
Hi all,
Welcome back to the Editor’s Log - late again, I know… sorry everyone.
Monday
We got our first glimpse at the branding direction for the 2028 Olympics. It draws on the “superbloom” phenomenon in Southern California, those bursts of wildflowers that take over the landscape, and translates it into bright, almost neon palettes and loose, abstract graphics. I actually think it works really nicely. It feels flexible, recognisable, and built to move across formats.
The Face released what might be its final Introducing section, featuring some of my favourites like Mya Nicoll and 3Stacks. As ever, the curation was spot on. And, while we’re here, feel free to revisit my interview with 3Stacks…
Tuesday
Mr Benn is set to return in a live-action film directed by Kirk Jones. I’m equal parts intrigued and cautious, it’s one of those properties that feels quite delicate, but I’m definitely curious to see how they approach it. Casting starts later this year, with filming slated for 2027.
In the evening, I went to an intimate Saint Harison show at The Lower Third. His voice is incredible, really rich and controlled, but the music itself isn’t quite for me.
Wednesday
The final album from Lee “Scratch” Perry, made in collaboration with Mouse on Mars, is due out in June. I’m usually a bit sceptical of posthumous releases, but this one feels like something he wanted to put out there. I still need to pick up a copy of the Black Ark book as well.
Riz Ahmed’s new show Bait is out now. I watched it across two sittings, and it’s funny, slightly surreal, and pretty sharply written. It follows Shahjehan, a struggling actor trying to land the role of James Bond. Definitely worth your time.
Hurvin Anderson was interviewed by Zaineb Abelque for EE72, coinciding with his major survey now open at Tate Britain. I love his work, and while the interview doesn’t necessarily reveal anything radically new, it does a great job of situating his practice.
Later on, I went to the premiere of Guvna B’s short film at Curzon Mayfair, which accompanies his upcoming album. It tackles some heavy themes, especially addiction, and while parts of the writing felt a little flat, the intent is clear and sincere. I’m still really looking forward to the album itself. Also properly met Deema for the first time, who’s lovely.
I was meant to head to Amzzino’s headline show afterwards, but logistics got in the way. London transport strikes again…
Thursday
Christopher Kane is set to take over at Mulberry, with his first collection due at September’s London Fashion Week, the brand’s first runway showing in nearly a decade. He’s one of the more interesting British designers of the past couple of decades, so I’m keen to see where he takes the brand.
The MOBOs! Highlights: Jim Legxacy winning Best Male Act (and accepting it with a bottle of Henny and no speech), Olivia Dean’s sweep, SHERELLE’s first win, and Wiley’s performance. No invite for me this year, maybe next time.
In the evening, I went to drinks for Ablondi, then the Kindred x Carhartt showcase featuring Lauren Duffus and Jawnino. Both sets were short but good. The venue was a church in Stoke Newington; I don’t think I’ve ever seen Jawnino perform in a normal venue. Also met Danny L Harle properly for the first time, really nice guy.
Friday
Lulu Bullock curated a list of her favourite designers for The Face. As expected, great taste: Jacek Gleba, Ewusie, Ellen Poppy Hill, Aminat Seriki (who I hadn’t come across before, but now very much on my radar), and more!
And then… The Face announced its closure.
It’s hard to overstate how much that magazine has meant to me. The team consistently backed interesting people and ideas, and they were the first major publication to really take a chance on me. Being published by them, then featured in print… those were huge moments for me. I won’t drag this out, but yeah… that one hurts. Long live The Face. It’s shaped more of what I do than I probably realise.
Saturday
I went to the House Against Hate protest rave in Trafalgar Square. It was packed, and honestly quite moving to see. Ben UFO and Celeste were the standouts for me.
After that, I stopped by the National Portrait Gallery to see the Lily Allen cover in person, and spent some time with the Claude Cahun works they have on display; I love their work, so that was a highlight.
I ended the night at a Tempa party at Gaffe in Tottenham, a huge, slightly intimidating space tucked away in an industrial estate. Proper soundsystem, proper energy. It was my first Tempa night, and hopefully the first of many. Met a lot of good people, including Carré, and heard some favourites exactly how they’re meant to be heard.
Sunday
Kept it low-key. My friend Nav launched a pizza collab, so I went down and had a few slices. His work rate is kind of insane.
Until next week,
Sik
P.S. Who would you want to see me write for, work with, or interview next?