Arts & Culture
Originally published on Tuesday, 9th November 2010
The Culturist - NOVEMBER
Nothing makes a November tick by slicker than a medley of booze, fashion, art and a smattering of great nights out at a few cracking gigs. Sure now, with Christmas already beating on our radars and the nights drawing tightly in, might seem like a good time to snuggle down with a deadly combo of sofa and remote control… But wrap up warm and treat yourself to this month’s UJ cultural recommendations and your efforts will be richly rewarded. 
BOOK AHEAD: DRINK
A Fluid State
Secret Central London venue
Dec 2-5, £15-£35
www.afluidstate.com
If you made it to last year’s extravagant multisensory Fluid State alco-experience, then you’ll know there’s so much more to tastings than some old booze-hound waxing lyrical about ‘notes of fresh cut grass and mouldy oak'. I mean, where’s the fun in that? And this year promises to be even bigger, better and more bizarre – expect something along the lines of Punchdrunk. But more, well, drunk. With sessions throughout the weekend and a special brunch on Sunday, book now before tickets disappear!
ART
Drawing Fashion
Design Museum, Shad Thames, SE1 2YD
Nov 3 – Mar 11, £8.50
website
It’s a little too easy, sometimes, to overlook fashion illustration in favour of its three-dimensional fabric brethren. Which is why we’re relishing this new exhibition at the Design Museum, celebrating some of the finest industry illustrators from the last century, collections from Chanel to Lacroix and McQueen to Victor & Rolf, and iconic styles from the sharp ‘50s through fun-loving ‘70s into the reflexive modern era. Trust us: those Vogue sketches will never look the same again.
MUSIC
LCD Soundsystem + Hot Chip
Alexandra Palace, Way Wood Green, N22 7AY
Nov 10, £30
Not only do you get LCD Soundsystem dropping their latest material for a reasonable £30, but a free Hot Chip of One Life Stand wonderful-ness with every order. Bargain! Ally Pally has some great live music gigs coming up before the end of the year (and those views are pretty magical to boot), so if you don't make this one, do keep your eyes peeled. Like you’re gonna miss this. Pah.
TALK
An Audience With Mr Nice
Union Chapel, Crompton Avenue, N1 2XD
Nov 12, £17.50
website
There’s legends, there’s legends, and then there’s Howard Marks. Sure he’s most renowned for his legendary drug exploits and outspoken liberalism – and of course the chronicles thereof in his book, Mr Nice. But with the forthcoming bio-pic starring Rhys Ifans in the eponymous role, this is a rare opportunity to hear the man himself discussing his refreshing views and jaw-dropping experiences with an honesty that will humble and a refreshing sense of humour. A night to cherish, for sure. But be quick – tickets are falling fast.
MUSIC
Ninja XX
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Nov 14, £35-£60
website
For the highlight of the seminal Ninja Tune label’s 20th anniversary (and are we the only ones who can’t believe it’s been that long?), Jason Swincoe’s awe-inspiring Cinematic Orchestra are hooking up with fellow Ninja icon, Amon Tobin, for a very special one-off performance. Also joining this fabulous line-up is electro/jazz producer/performer, Dorian Concept. If you were there for any of the label's last two decades, this is definitely one to catch!
SHOP
Hermès Pop-Up
Spitalfields, 117 Commercial Street, E1 6DW
Nov 17-25
You know East London has fully gentrified when… well, it could be a million things really, but this is one that we kind of don’t mind at all (read: see you at the front of the queue on opening night). Set in that corner store of Spitalfields that’s hosted its share of pop-ups of late, it’s now going all luxury with a dedicated Hermès temporary store packed with its trademark scarves and neckerchiefs. Just in time for the festive shebang too.
NIGHTLIFE
Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange
The Troxy, 490 Commercial Road, E1 0HX
Nov 27, Free - apply via Facebook
www.facebook.com/SmirnoffGB
While one of our lucky number is off tackling Mumbai and Bangkok with the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange programme, the rest of us are heartily looking forward to the London leg of the great international club-switch. Featuring N*E*R*D rocking it in the headline role, the Smirnoff crew are bringing a full-on Miami experience to East London, with Zane Lowe in the DJ slot and a stable full of Miami-themed cocktails (fingers firmly crossed for some serious cocktail-umbrella action!).
ART
Pam Glew: Circus
Red Bull Studios, 155-171 Tooley Street, SE1 2JP
Nov 26 – Dec 2
The artist Pam Glew finally returns to London with Circus – her long-awaited second solo show – armed with a bold swathe of her layered trademark flags, awash with bright portraits of celebrities both beautiful and damned. Her work is certainly eye-catching and entertaining, technically exact and aesthetically enjoyable… and the gods alone know we want one of her pieces on the walls here at UJHQ. Oh yes.
