FEATURED ART: WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF 2012

For almost 50 years the Wildlife Photographer of the Year  awards has graced London’s Natural History Museum, showcasing an array of artistic talent whilst inspiring and encouraging us amateurs to pick up a camera. The first contest, in 1964, had just 3 categories and 600 entries. Today, however, there are 19 categories and entries come in their thousands from all over the world. The exhibition has grown so popular that it now tours Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, South Africa, Switzerland and The Netherlands.

All entries at the exhibition this year were breathtaking, incredibly detailed and others so dangerous close to wildlife that you simply cannot believe your eyeballs. The photographer’s courage and dedication to their craft is so captivating and exhilarating that’s it’s a struggle to believe that non of the photographs are digitally manipulated.

The exhibition is one of the artistic highlights of the year and if you haven’t already been then relish the chance before it closes in March. The beauty here is how each image exhibits iconic, nature photography that’s exceptional to almost an unfathomable level. We’re totally enamoured by the craftsmanship here that we’d probably give our right arm to have one of this eye-grabbing images emblazoned on one of our modal t-shirts.

Here’s the list of categories and winners/commended photographs from this year’s exhibition:

* Nature In Black & WhiteSpecially Commended- Lookout for Lions by Charlie Hamilton James (UK) [above]

Wildlife Photojournalist of the YearWinner: The Tiger’s Tale by Steve Winter (USA) [below]

The Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered WildlifeWinner – Dog Days by Kim Wolhurter (South Africa) [below]

The World In Our Hands AwardWinner – Ice Matters by Anna Henly (UK) [below]

Behaviour: BirdsWinner – Frozen Moment by Paul Nicklen (Canada) [below]

Animal PortraitsCommended – Relaxation by Jasper Doest (Netherlands) [below]

Urban Wildlife
Specially Commended – Midnight Snack by Alexander Badyaev (Russia/USA) [below]

Animals in their Environment
Winner – Living On Thin Ice by Ole Jørgen Liodden (Norway)

Tickets prices 
Adult  £10, Concessions/Children £5, Free for members and children under 3.
The exhibition runs until 3^rd of March 2013 

STYLE ME: ARTEECOLLAGE PRINTED LEGGINGS

For those akin to us who are battling with their wardrobes each morning to dress according to the outrageously chillier climate, then look no further than Arteecollage’s resident clothing Agony Aunt. Each week Emma Salter, of the blog Miss Baigent, will be sharing her tips on how to look hotter than a lit fireplace on Christmas Eve. With the aid of Arteecollage’s basic apparel range the possibilites of a chic aesthetic are endless so take a peek at this week’s instalment. 

‘Arteecollage: Urban Style’, by Emma Salter 

Stockists:

Long white leggings with artist detail: Arteecollage (via amazon) £10 sale
TIMELESS black suede boots: Pret-a-Beaute £34
Mac Pink Lipstick: £16.50
Hive and Honey chain necklace: piperlime.gap.com £24
Animal print top: Buckle.com £11 (Available now)

Today I’m wearing my favourite animal print top from Buckle.com that was an amazing bargain at £11. It goes great with my long white Arteecollage urban leggings which I got at an even better price on theirAmazon website for a crazy £10! What’s so great about these printed leggings is that they are affordable for such a high quality Modal fabric. The material of these leggings also sculpts my physique in a soft, non-irritable way, which is perfect for my sensitive skin.

The durability of the leggings is top notch too, so much so that the garment’s colour and quality sustains for up to 400 washes! Not only do these leggings look great but they also adapt to the seasons by being naturally cool in the summer and by generating warmth in the winter. This is all ideal seeing as Autumn is coming to an end and my legs that are getting colder.

I’ve teamed this outfit with my new suede boots from Pret-a-Beatue, they were a steal at £34 and can turn every outfit casual to smart! No outfit is complete without a bit of accessories, and this Hive and Honey long chain necklace completes my outfit. It’s a bit pricey at £24 but it’s gold tone and extra long length means it can be worn with just about anything.

These urban chic white leggings from Arteecollage are the perfect staple to this outfit, a garment so simple but with an artistic feature that can be compared to no other kind of legging. This beautiful artwork featured on the right leg is by contemporary artist Paul Engeris and adds a definitive urban edge to the outfit. It’s surrealistic approach and colours make it easy to co-ordinate with the rest of my wardrobe. The modal fabric is what lures me in every time. Arteecollage’s basic range uses the luxurious fabric in most of its designs, making it a staple you want in your wardrobe! Nothing compares to its elegantly simplistic touch.

If you’re enjoying the blog then don’t forget to check Facebook and follow Arteecollage on Twitter for up-coming new events and garments that they have to offer. Also if you fancy bagging yourself a bargain, head over to their Amazon site and fill up your basket!

For additional insights into Paul Engeris’ art work then please see his webite: www.paulengeris.com 

- Emma Salter, of Miss Baigent blog fame

SPANKING NEW MUSIC MONDAY: DISCLOSURE

It may have only been published two weeks ago, but the video for Disclosure’s ‘Latch’ has rapidly accumulated nearly half a million views. Wowzas. Whether it’s down to the serious amounts of beautiful people kissing, or the seriously seductive vocals of guest singer Sam Smith, they’ve got us hooked. Call us voyeurs, but heck, who doesn’t like looking at beautiful people during 4 minutes and 17 seconds of euphoric electro?

The track begins all blissfully chilled, and then, true to Disclosure form, kicks into a funky beat. ‘Latch’ also marks the first single release on Disclosure’s new label PMR Records (also home to Jessie Ware, Two Inch Punch and Julio Bashmore).

With raw talent, distinctive sonic flare and a sophistication that belies their 19 and 21 years, these two brothers from south London are rapidly becoming synonymous with making inroads within the ever-evolving realms of electronic music. The track also climbed nine places in the UK Top 40, reaching no.17 last night!

The duo recently announced their first London headline show at Plan B on December 6^th, which sold out before you could even Tweet the deets. Needless to say that these chaps are hot property in electro at the moment, so it’s no wonder they have now lined up their debut tour, culminating in a show at Heaven in London.

Listen to more Disclosure here, see tour details via Disclosure official and download the track on iTunes here