Lewis Vs Jenson

In surprising move Mclaren have signed up Jenson Button to join Lewis Hamilton on the Formula 1 team.
Button was previously with Brawn GP in 2009, the year he won the championship for the first time.

Mclaren say the drivers will not be pitted up against each other and no preferential treatment will be given to either.

Stylebible Swap Shop

Private member concierge club Stylebible have arranged a festive designer fashion swap with the promise of Birkin bags, Michael Kors clothes and Marc Jacobs handbags.

On November 25th from 6pm till late, there will be a host of gorgeous designers giving you the chance to buy their stunning ranges at special prices, exclusive to Stylebible, as well as music and entertainment from burlesque girls.

You can also have hair consultations from stylists to the stars, mini manicures, be transformed with fake eyelashes, have your make up done and much more!
Goody bags worth over £200 will also be available for guests to take home. Some of the goody bags will have special “prizes” in them - so if you get lucky you may just win your own designer handbag, stunning jewellery and much more!

The event will be held at Eight (EC2), one of the hippest private members clubs around, you will be some of the first non-members to enjoy this newly opened high profile establishment.

Tickets cost £20 for Stylebible members and £30 for all others (including a three month trial Stylebible membership).

Email amy@stylebible.com for ticket requests.

Interview with Pacha dancer Neringa A

It’s like something out of a R&B superstar’s concert; state of the art flashing lights possess the huge space, pulsating electronic beats whip the, some beautiful, some wild-eyed crowd into a frenzy.

Welcome to Pacha Ibiza, the most famous club in the world. Many a superstar DJ has played here and David and Cathy Guetta hold their infamous ‘F*** me I’m Famous’ clubnight here every Thursday during peak season.

A ‘havin’ it large’ type tries to cross the thin barrier between VIP, where tables average €2000, and the dance floor. Within seconds, a snarling bouncer stalks over, literally picks him up and throws him back into the plebian crowd. The troublemaker’s friends look on in awe then slink away.
The centre of attention is not so much the music but the dancers. Look in amazement as a rotating stage ascends with a highly professional pole dancer, who seems more like a Cirque de Soleil contortionist, voguing and posing.
Adding to that excitement are the much-feted Pacha podium dancers. Outrageous sexy costumes, photo-shoot maquillage and hair, they excite even the most jaded and help set the Ibiza party atmosphere.

Neringa A (above) is a student based in London, for the past three years the 22 year-old has been exclusively dancing for Pacha Ibiza. The blonde beauty also features in the video of David Guetta and Akon’s club smash-hit ‘Sexy Bitch’.
She breaks down her ‘summer life’ for Starbright.

How many other dancers work at Pacha?
We have two main groups of dancers. One has six and the other, the one I am in, has 17.

Is there rivalry amongst the girls and especially newcomers?
Of course there is, more between the two groups rather than with the girls inside of the each group. There is always tension in the beginning between the newcomers and the girls who have been there for a couple years already. But in the end, we all get together pretty well.
Some say eight nine years ago, the girls were such a drama queens: competing all the time, fighting heavily and once, even the police was called to calm them down! 


Did you have to audition and is there annual auditions?
Actually I was really lucky! I got introduced through a friend. They gave me a chance to dance one night, they liked me and I stayed! Pacha don‘t do auditions, they keep most of the same dancers every season. Of course, every summer, we have some new dancers. Some have been offered a job because a Pacha rep had seen them dancing and liked them or some contacted Pacha and they were selected.

Did you work in clubs previously or work in Ibiza or London?
Now I think about it, my first work as a podium dancer was in an Ibiza club called Amnesia back in 2005. I did an audition in Lithuania (I still was living there at that time) and I was one of the chosen ones who made through the audition and went to Ibiza to work. Imagine, it was my first job, it was outside my country and I was pretty young too! I experienced a lot and it started to change my world.
After my first summer there I started to get many jobs not just in Lithuanian clubs, but also outside Lithuania as well. Now I already have worked in clubs in France, Egypt, and UK.
How did you get into it?
I‘ve always loved dancing. I used to break dance, from there I moved to “Studija M” where I was learnt hip-hop, street-style moves, but only when I joined a newly opened street-style dance studio called “F.U“ it got serious.
Here I found what it really feels like dancing from your soul and giving all you can.
Our coach was Kestutis Baranauskas who is incredible, he gives this inexpressible energy from himself when he moves which inspires you to move like you never did before.
We formed a new group called “Dance Factory”, training twice a week, performing at some shows and competed in various competitions. At the time when I was dancing there I used to see other girls working as a podium dancers and earning some money while going to school.
So when I got an invitation to casting for podium dancers in Ibiza I didn’t hesitate and from there, it started my experience as a podium dancer.
Sadly I when started to travel and I couldn’t stay in D.F group anymore. I really miss it, we had good times.
Before I joining university, I doubted whether I should go to study Dance or Design. A friend of mine got a leg injury at that time and he had to stay without dancing for almost half of the year, and dancing was all he had
Seeing how much he suffered made me study Design, something safer, although I’m still attracted to design.

Who does the amazing artistic hair and make-up?
The hair is done by two hairdressers: Carlos, a Spanish senior, who is working in Pacha for many years, and Luca Rossetti, a young Italian guy who started just this year but has an incredible talent.
Our make-up is done by the fantastic artist, Elvira Vila.
What is a typical night at Pacha?
We all have a week’s schedule for when we have to be in. The rota changes so everyone is treated equally.
So let’s say this is Monday, so I have to be early in at 11:30 pm. When we arrive, we get make-up and the hair done. Nancy, who is responsible for all of us, makes the list of dance sets for the night: the first set starts at 1:30 am with the last finishing at 6 am.
Everyone gets four or five 20 minute sets over the night. In between the sets you can do whatever you want as long as you ready to do your next turn.
If I’m feeling up for a party I’ll go outside the dressing room to see my friends or make some new ones.
What do you love about being a Pacha dancer?
I love working at Pacha! We’re all are like a big family.
Pacha’s not like other clubs where you dance one year and the next, you’re swapped with a bunch of new girls.
At Pacha, everything is so well organized: the working hours, our appearance (make-up, clothing, and hair), in the dressing room everyone has their own chair and cupboard with their names on it.
Also the parties in Pacha are amazing, with great music and atmosphere. So all in all working becomes more of a pleasure.
How long do dancers usually stay on for and do you see yourself there in 5 years time?
Depends. Some girls have been dancing for more than nine years tat Pacha and some don‘t come back anymore after one season.
Personally I had my third season in Pacha this year and I am thinking to be back next summer again. Not sure what will happen later on, but I definitely do not see myself still working as a podium dancer in five years time! 


What is it like having to work all night?
I don’t get to see much of the summer as you work six times a week.
To work over the night means you have to sleep over the day.
I always try wake up early - which is not very easy - and hit the beach with friends or alone. I get to do most of my errands until I go to work, but I always keep in mind that afterwards, I have to go to work fresh, ready and full of energy.

You must have met some interesting and famous characters; who have you met at work?
Every year we get some famous people in the club. This year we had Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, Kelly Rowland, Naomi Campbell, Will.I.Am and Apl.de.ap from Black Eyed Peas, the list goes on.
But the most exciting point was meeting Dr. Dre. He’s a hip hop legend! Another thrilling experience was to meet Akon and be part of the ‘Sexy Chick’ video that also starred DJ David Guetta.

 Is there any time for romance or boyfriends?
(Smiling she says) The time you spend together would be very limited, as we only have one day off. But if you really fancy someone you can work around it…

What advice would you give to someone looking to work for the summer in the Ibiza club world?
Well if you are looking for work in a night club prepare yourself that most of the days you’ll spend sleeping, accommodation isn’t provided so you have that to think about, also you will have to deal with the fact that everyone is partying around you while you have to work, but if you really want it - be strong and go for it and you’ll succeed!

What time of the season do you recommend clubbers come to Ibiza?
August is the busiest month! Some nights gets so overcrowded that you have to squeeze through people and it feels as if you are in sauna. In August the temperature is the super hot as well. I recommend end of July and beginning of August.
The weather is great and you still do not have that much people on the island. Personally, the openings and closings parties/clubs are always very special and great fun.

All images are copyrighted to Neringa and Pacha.

Breakfast at Tiffany's darling?

After a long hot summer I'm back.
Thanks for the emails and comments requesting posts but I was indulging in sloth. High-end, luxurious sloth.

I could regal you with stories about St Tropez, getting lost in Ibiza, planes, trains and sexual automobiles but there's a recession going on... It wouldn't be right to flash my excess.

The 9th of September saw the first night opening of Breakfast at Tiffany's featuring a delightful blonde Anna Friel as Holly Golightly.
The auditorium was packed including booths, with a mixed audience of men and women. Some of the latter dressed in black dresses, pearls and Chanel bags. Not quite pulling off the chic simple look as populated by Ms Golightly with the help of Hubert De Givenchy.

The stage was resplendent in recreating the infamous set where the audience is sat as if inside Tiffany's, looking out onto the street, with the Tiffany blue square mirrored back to the stage.
As I sat down I was looking forward to seeing the famous scene where the central character strolls up to Tiffany's, munching on whatever it was she was popping, wearing the LBD and pearl ensemble-which was part of the dress, not a separate entity as some imitators think- and huge black sunglasses.
It wasn't shown but my disappointment soon moved to rapt enjoyment. The first two or three scenes were a little uncomfortable- nerves perhaps- for Anna Friel and Joesph Cross who plays William 'Fred' Parsons.

However they soon got into it with Miss Friel pulling off a great American accent sometimes marred with a touch of Lincolnshire English. All eyes were riveted as Friel, and Cross, appeared nude onstage numerous times. She embodies the role as Holly Golightly; the flighty vivacious Tinkerbell all women want to be and men want to possess, but I sometimes saw Audrey Hepburn in her acting.

The stage version sticks to the Truman Capote's book version but whether a fan of the film, this is a must-see play for both male and female.

**** out of 5

http://www.trh.co.uk/
Breakfast at Tiffany's
From 9th September 2009- Janaury 2010
Theatre Royal Haymarket, Haymarket, London SW1Y 4HT

Shows Mon-Sat 19.30

Michelle Cooper

Michelle Cooper writes about the jet-set, the fallen and everything in between.

The London based former model can usually be seen at all the latest hot spots around the world, with a glass of champagne in one hand and a handsome man in the other.

Website coming soon
www.michellecooper.co.uk
Image copyrighted to Michelle Cooper

Interview with Burlesque star Catherine D'Lish

Was it Dita Von Teese infiltrating the fashion pack that announced burlesque to the masses and creating an explosion of mediocre acts, who perhaps felt an affinity to the glamour and excitement of old school stripping.
Who was this creature? What does she do? What is burlesque? And why is she going out with Marylyn Manson?

The simmering arrival brought an avalanche of questions and intrigue.
Burlesque is universally known as a series of acts of parody, cabaret with the main attraction being a striptease or two.

I went to a burlesque show earlier this year at Raymond’s Revue bar that promised titillation, fun, glamour! The top billed ‘star’ was inept, unattractive and out of shape. I kept looking for the cameras, humouring my companion that it was a reality show called ‘Made’ by MTV, in which a person is given four weeks to train up into what they’ve always wanted to be.

I’m tired of these new unskilled wannabes gyrating awkwardly, fair skinned with vulgar tan lines. Or the overtly sexual ones, verging on porn, with no sensual seduction, possessing no actual sexual allure.

I caught Catherine D’lish at the Immodesty Blaize’s show at Koko in May this year. I had seen Ms Blaize in action four years before somewhere in Soho and had since been a fan of her thoroughly entertaining camp extravaganza.

Amongst the over top entertainment, including Marc Almond, one stood out.
Catherine D’lish undulated and seduced her way through her acts. Her finale, involving a martini glass and lots and lots of bubbles, brought the house down. Her style was polished and graceful, reminisct of Dita Von Teese.

Born and raised in San Diego with dreams of becoming a surgeon, Catherine first started out in burlesque after answering an advert as a teenager for nude dancers at a strip club.

“The strip club I started at was small, dark and seedy - I had never seen anyplace like it before. The club didn't care what kind of music you danced to, just as long as you played three songs.
To entertain myself I played all kinds of ridiculous music. Out of all the music I would dance to, my favorite songs to strip to were always the classic burlesque style pieces and that hasn't changed to this day.
It wasn't long after that I discovered the world of competitive stripping, and competing with classic striptease seemed perfect for me. I began making more elaborate costumes and props as I delved deeper and deeper into the world of stripping.
As I began collecting titles, I started to build a reputation for myself performing the classic burlesque-style striptease.”

You move gracefully and are flexible, were you trained in ballet?

"Thank you for the compliment. I was not trained in ballet, the way I move is a result of just hanging out with myself in front of a mirror and rehearsing in the mirror.
I'd spent years of my life studying music and horsemanship, so training and practicing were a way of life for me already- that's just what one does, isn't it?
I set up mirrored walls at home, and spent time stretching and practicing- I thought it was fun! I never did the dancing-in-front-of-the-mirror-singing-into-a-hairbrush thing as a younger girl, so I think this was my way of making up for lost time."


Your moves are in a league of their own, fluid, sensual and effortless, did you teach yourself or learn from a 'master'?

"All of that time spent in my home studio resulted in the way that I dance, and the things I do are just what I think work best with my particular body type. I spent hours of fun getting very groovy with some pretty entertaining music."


What are the good and bad sides of burlesque?

"I would have to say that my favorite thing about burlesque is the fun of putting a show together. I have a great time conceptualizing acts, designing props, doing the costumes, choreographing the numbers, it's a great hobby, and then to also have the enjoyment of performing it.
There are always shows-to-do-lists swimming around in my mind.
I like to travel, and always enjoy meeting new people.
I'd have to say that if there was a "bad side" of burlesque, it's that they have not all yet come to fruition! I have met many sweet and enthusiastic people in the ‘burlesque world’ and if there is any negative side to it, I don't let it interfere with my good time."

What made you branch out into costume design?

"When I first started stripping, I began making silly outfits to dance in. It was a great hobby. It still is!"


What do you think of people who see burlesque as merely stripping?

"It doesn't bother me at all if people blur the lines between what is perceived as ‘merely stripping’ and ‘burlesque.’
I've been doing basically the exact shows these days in beautiful theaters as I once did in the strip clubs so I'm definitely not one to hop on a soapbox and sanctimoniously proclaim the virtues of pure burlesque over the evils of the stripping world!
If you are looking for a definition of what burlesque is, or what the differences are between strippers and burlesque performers, I will happily steer you in another direction. There are many people that will happily pontificate on the subject, I will only under duress."


Do you feel a sexual tension between you and your audience?
"Um... yes... of course I do. It's very hot. H-O-T."


Where have you performed?

"I have been lucky enough to have performed across North America and Europe. There are still many countries to explore..."


Do you see anyone as your direct rival?

"Do you mean like a 'War of The Super Strippers'? No, I don't consider anybody as my "rival"..."


I saw DVT in Paris and I think you both have the same seductive feline moves, did you train together? How did you and DVT become friends or work partners? What do you think is the secret to her success?

"Dita and I met some time ago. I was working with a nightclub on their grand opening and invited her to come and perform.
I had a nasty knee injury (which sadly sidelined me for months), and as she quite liked my glass number, I plopped her into my glass and taught her the ‘moves’. We became pals and I began working with her on her shows and doing her costuming. That sort of thing seems to happen with any girl I spend time with!
The martini glass she uses was made to match my champagne glass, and we performed together a bit- a ‘dueling glasses’ act. I was there for years as her career took off and saw how one thing led to the next and again and again to higher levels of success.
She has always had a strong desire and determination to succeed that has served her well."


How did the connection with Immodesty Blaize come about and what do you think of her book, Tease?

"I received an email inviting me to perform in the Tease show in London this year and I was absolutely delighted to accept.
It was a fun-filled week working with a great group of entertainers and a live band, which can be the best, so that was part of the appeal for me.
I made some great new friends and we all enjoyed the experience. I have not read Immodesty's book, but I wish her great success with it."



Have you ever thought about writing or producing a book?

"I have been asked about this before, but I just don't think it's my time yet. Perhaps someday..."



What about workshops? And how come I didn't know about the workshop in London! I would have loved to go, same with anyone who attended the show after seeing you.


"I've been acting as a burlesque guidance counselor/ creative director/ costume designer/ choreographer/ coach for many ladies for so long now, that the segue into the workshops was just a natural progression.
I've been having a truly marvelous time with my new students and feel like a burlesque den mother now. It is really fun for me to travel and teach and I couldn't ask for nicer or more fabulous pupils."


Any spicy antidotes of ‘mad rich Russians’ wanting to sweep you off your feet and live happily ever fabulous in a Serbian castle?

"I am sorry to report that I have yet to have my feet swept out from under me but I like the idea!
I have met many "mad rich Russians", and many many mad/ not-so-mad and rich/not-so-rich potential suitors from different countries, but not the one..."

Are you always in character as Catherine D'Lish all the time?

"Well, yes- I am Catherine, and I don't see myself as a ‘character.’
It's just me.
All the time.
Whether I am on stage or not, I'm not the type to put on an act, although I generally keep my clothes on in public."



How do you think men like to see women dressed?

"There are many different types of men with many different kinds of taste in a woman's appearance. I think that the term ‘there is someone for everybody’ idea is based in reality.
I've heard men say that they think a woman looks best in an old t-shirt, is there really a guy that gets all hot and bothered by a baggy t-shirt? Then the world must be a wondrous place for him!
On a similar note, every woman has a different intention when she dresses herself.
I do quite like the notion of dressing to attract, of making irresistible bait out of oneself..."

Are you a natural red hair, why the change from blonde to red? It suits you by the way, sets you apart.


"Thank you for the compliment. I am a natural blonde, but have not had a natural hair color since I was a kid. I have always had a soft spot for redheads, so I suppose that had something to do with the transition to my appearance now. I have no desire to change it again, and I suspect that I will remain a redhead for a good, long time."


It doesn't look quite right for a burlesque star to have a 6-pack, what do you do to stay in shape?


"I don't think that I am in any danger of ever sporting a six-pack (or drinking one!)
Dancing and yoga are my preferred ways to exercise and I have a pretty healthy diet. Occasional recreational eating, but mostly I like to stick with fresh and nutritious food."


Have you had any plastic surgery to perhaps reach a certain aesthetic goal or would you rule it out?


"I am often asked whether my breasts have been surgically enhanced or not. They are home-grown, but I have sometimes thought that they could be improved upon and at one time seriously considered having them done.
I think I was influenced by the cartoons in Playboy I loved as a child. When I started to mature, I thought that my breasts were not as attractive as what I believed to be standard.
I found that I wasn't the only person that felt that way- I once had a stunning girl come up to me, saying that she couldn't/shouldn't/wouldn't expose her breasts on stage because they were freakish. Naturally curious (can you blame me?), I asked her to show them to me.
To my delight, she unveiled two of the most perfect breasts I have ever seen.
I told her:
"Of course they look weird to you, breasts that beautiful don't come along every day!"
It is strange and sad that very beautiful people can find themselves repulsive.
Back to plastic surgery, I've known people that have had it, and as a result, greatly improved their self-esteem. If it really makes a person feel better, and they go to a very good doctor, I can support it..."


Where can we find you nowadays?

"Nowadays, I am doing plenty of traveling to perform and teach. I will be in Europe doing shows for most of the rest of 2009. As for what I am up to, I am looking forward to developing some new shows for myself as soon as I possibly can!"

For events, workshops and more info on where you can find Miss D'lish go to
www.cdlish.com

All images belong and are copyrighted to Catherine D'lish.
You can read more of Miss D'Lish on Starbright by going to the May article 'Immodesty Blaize and the fantastic 8!'

Diamonds on the Beach- A Do or a Don't?

Having returned from St Tropez and seen a cheap ex-stripper (with crass prison tattoo's on her chest) turned millionaire's mistress, drip in diamonds whilst flaunting her sagging leathery 30-something year-old body by the Byblos pool... I have to write this.

For all you nouveau riche or wannabe nouveau riche listen up and take note; from Marbella to Miami, St Barths to St Tropez, the beach or pool is a time to have fun, catch jokes with friends, get that all important tan and chill.
We know, we totally get it. You have money now, Tiffany platinum buckets full but to avoid looking like the girlfriend of a Balkan state stealing thug, tone it down a touch and read below.

DO wear gold jewelery in moderation. Large gold hoops with a long thin gold chain will glisten against your oiled tanned skin and kaftan, heighting your haute hippe ensemble and making the men drool.
DO wear toe rings; now is the time to get away with it.
Keep it simple, your engagement and/or wedding ring is ok as is a small rock but NOTHING else.
If the strap marks don't bother you, DO wear a large masculine watch. It toughens up the girlish bikini flowing hair look.
Bracelets Rock: The Cartier string love bracelet, thin gold or coral coloured bracelets, an evil eye or/and whatever charity you are 'supporting' in the shape of a beaded bracelet.

DON'T wear all your jewelery at once; it's so painfully obvious to anyone and everyone that you are; insecure, obsess on how you are perceived by the real wealthy glossy posse, and, the worse, new money classless.
DON'T stack all your diamond tennis bracelets on one wrist. If you must, wear one on the same wrist as your watch.
Divorcee's, pro hunters and gold diggers; DON'T think, by flashing your gold Rolex Daytona and Graff rock, that the decrepit old man in the next sun lounger is going to find you attractive. Confident elegant gentlemen find that sort of thing a turn-off, keep it simple. It's only women who care about that kind of thing and we're not going to buy you that new £4000 Cavalli dress you saw for tonight's party, sweedie.

xoxo

Illustration by Catherine Wong
http://fashionartandeverything.blogspot.com