“These photos were taken on a Holga, on expired film which was older than me. My name is Stanislav. I’m 22 years old. On the one hand, I was pleasantly surprised, on the other, upset: that out of 36 shots, I only got 10. Once I went in the woods. I saw the burning car. I sat in it and burned.”

Stanislav

7 (Halloween)

&#8220;Ashes to Ashes. Dust to Dust&#8221;

Masha Mel

Yusuke Maegawa

My London Babe

After amazing Versace collaboration H&M announced a new Spring collection with……MARNI! We all are really excited.

Marni for H&M

Alena Jascanka

Crosses on Acid

Street Looks

Carlos Monleon Gendall

Sasa Stucin

9 (Reproduction)

Pan y Lirios

Alexander Alekseenko

Alina Senchuk

6 (Community)

Self Destructive Women

Tess Yopp

CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS –  AW12 MA FASHION SHOW

Lace shirt by Nakia, jumper by A-fed, Demonia creepers, Bunmi Koko mask, skull necklace – stylist’s own.

Swimsuit and skirt by Rainbow Winters, Dr Martens shoes and Umbro socks.

Swimsuit by Rainbow Winters, vintage Riders denim shorts, Reebok trainers, belt by Darkest Star.

Photographer: Mike Lin
Styling: Nickque Patterson
Make Up: Philipp Ueberfellner using Illamasqua.
Hair: Jay Zhang
Model: Andrea Chovanova

Jay Zhang

Mike Lin

Nickque Patterson

Philipp Ueberfellner

Heads I win, Tales you lose

The mood for the AW12 show was subdued and sophisticated, as it always is at the Parisian label, but what stood out was how the clothes were concocted for ultra-feminine, nay, historical appeal even. Appliqued flowers, jacquard and ornate brocade were just some of the salubrious offerings at Louis Vuitton’s AW12 collection while Doctor Seuss’ ‘Cat in the Hat’ squashed hat by milliner Stephen Jones made an extremely covetable show piece.

The inspiration behind Marc Jacob’s designs was simply ‘things looking like they were from another time.’ What was certainly loved on every hand-crafted Louis Vuitton piece was the ornate gatherings of fabric: patch-work kangaroo leather, bejewelled dress-coats with reflective mirrors woven into patterns, one need only to watch the show in motion to marvel at Louis Vuitton’s powerful combination of slick theatrics and craftsmanship as the clothes came to life.

Hologram colour-forms and laser-etched plastic stone were some of the accessories that brought gusto to each outfit as did steel appliques, heavy metal yarns and afghan blanket fabric. There was an array of choice the eye could devour, every detail helping to bring together the threads of illustrious LV heritage.

The girls even had personal porters to carry their bags for them as they left the train to walk on the platform, showing how the idea of travel (and leaving) had taken flight in Marc Jacob’s imagination. As Louis Vuitton is a name conspicuous with elite monogrammed luggage suitable for every season and decade, these would be a delightful addition to any luxury hoarder’s archive.

Li Yin Soh

Press DAY LV

The soundtrack to Oscar De La Renta’s Pre-fall show was ‘Ain’t Nothing But the Real Thing’ by Marvin Gaye, which seemed particularly fitting for the season as it sometimes seems that pre-fall collections are something of a novelty, Oscar is certainly the real thing and he isn’t messing around. Starting off with pastel pinks, moving into emerald greens the colour palate was bold and classic. Print, pattern, texture, patterned tights peppered through the show. Evening gowns in light yellow, embellished aqua and black and white polka dots finished off the smart collection from one of fashion’s staples, Oscar – the real thing, is going nowhere.

Maggie Duffy

OSCAR DE LA RENTA PRE FALL 2013

Here is our favourite selection of Spring-Summer shoes. All illustrations are drawn by our favourite artist Ulian Goldman.

Ulian Goldman

VRAG ♥ shoes

Circus on the wheels or 70’s disco style, call it like you want, but this season Meadham Kirchhoff presented a different and unique story. The blast of colours, glitter platforms, appliquéd denim flared jeans, fur, long transparent dresses were seen on the disco catwalk. Our little spy Kit did amazing backstage snaps. Enjoy!

Kit Shyrixina

Meadham Kirchhoff Backstage

11 (The Body)

No Pain

A mix of heritage, nets and leather bold silhouettes were presented at John Rocha catwalk.

Backstage JOHN ROCHA AW12

Jumper with flowers and neck flowers Beyond Retro.

Big thank you to the Vintage Basement store for providing clothes for the shoot.
Vintage Basement
Cheshire st, London

Hoxton Candy

VRAG: What does ‘reproduction’ mean to you?

 My favourite version of reproduction is editions. I love art that is almost one-of-a-kind–it rides the line between a precious artwork and a product. That’s probably because I was originally trained as a printmaker.

What is your definition of a ‘low-commitment project’? How did the idea come about really?

For me, a low-commitment project is one that doesn’t require too much time, money, energy, or thought. Also, an important factor is that it doesn’t have to relate to a larger body of work. Some commenters have mentioned that my project, ‘House Paint’, wasn’t very low-commitment, but it only took a couple of days and isn’t permanent. That’s good enough for me.

Tae Kitakata (my Low-Commitment Projects collaborator) and I knew we wanted to start a project-based website for 2012, but we couldn’t come up with a catchy title. Over the phone, we kept trying to think of something clever that conjured up the idea of low-commitment projects. When we came up empty-handed, we decided to stick with that as a moniker.

The plan to start a website began last summer when Tae visited me in Portland for a day. We hadn’t collaborated in years and really missed the co-generation of ideas.

What do you think it means to be an artist?

I only get to define that for myself, and not for anyone else. For me, it means that I actively work on creative projects as part of my profession.

Do you think you have a style of art? If so, how would you describe it?

I don’t know if I have a style because my work changes so much from piece to piece, but I think I’d describe it as very earnest, sometimes funny, Oregon-inspired, food-driven art, based on things I see around me every day.

Do you think being an artist or having a specific occupation requires a lot of commitment?

Definitely. I still work part-time as a receptionist to support my art career and that’s not unusual for anyone trying to make it in a competitive occupation.

Do you think all humans are artists in a way? What about animals? Can they be artists?

I don’t feel qualified in any way to decide whether another person is an artist. Anyone could be, I suppose, and that doesn’t mean they’re automatically a good or well-received artist. Animals? I’m not sure they’re self-aware enough to consciously be artists, even if they perform artistic acts. Our dog, Gretta, does crazy, entertaining things on a daily basis, but I think they’re probably only artistic because we perceive them that way.

I don’t keep up with too much current artwork, but I admire Jon Rubin, my former teacher from California College of the Arts, very much. I do sometimes wish I could be as brave as he is, but I think I’m too shy. I also love Wayne Thiebaud’s paintings and Martin Parr’s photographs.

So you’re in Bulgaria now, travelling. What inspires you about Bulgaria?

So far, my favourite thing about Bulgaria is that every town has a fresh produce market. There are rows upon rows of beautiful vegetables right now and they’re accessible to all income levels.

Is a bucket list stuff you want to do or see?

Just like most people, my list is huge. A few top items are:

Be able to support myself with my artwork and quit my day job

More of the same–more cooking good food, spending time with my husband and dog, seeing friends, hiking, jazzercising, etc.


Do you remember Jazzercise from the 70s and 80s? Back then, everyone dressed up in leotards to work out together in set routines to music. Now we wear what we want. I have a weakness for kitschy exercise because it distracts me from the actual work of it.

Finally, do you think the world is going to end soon if not one day?

I think we humans are digging ourselves into a hole that will be hard to climb out of. Who knows–maybe the world will go on without us.

Brittany Powell

Trousers Courtney MC, black boxer shorts model’s own.

Vintage jacket stylist’s own, lace tank top and silk tank top worn underneath both Courtney MC, Adidas tracksuit trousers stylist’s own.

Cameron Alexander

David Motta

Jake

Daniella Maiorano (www.daniellamaiorano.com)


 Laura Chatterton (http://laurachatterton.com/)


 Nohelia Reyes (http://www.noheliareyes.com/)


by Nicholas Kirkwood for Meadham Kirchhoff


Socks by American Apparel
Shoes Stylists own by 


Dress stylist’s own
Silver Cross Tiara by

5: Pink fur jacket stylist’s own
Sunglasses photographer’s own

I’m a photographer (and sometimes stylist) based in east London, but originally I am from Canada. I’ve lived here for 3 years. My favourite things are travelling, hanging out with friends, shooting on film, eating good food, my kitten Luna, and adventures!

Daniella Maiorano

Laura Chatterton

Nohelia Reyes

Roadtrippin’

I expressed two images : the Holy Virgin , which embodies good and light; and the lustful girl who lures into the dark world of evil.

Paintings which depict girls with dogs – are holy images.

(‘holy girl’, ‘holy dog’, ‘dogs in the park’, ‘the red dog’)

Dogs are their bodyguards, they are the embodiment of kindness and faithfulness.

There are transitional paintings, which depicted the absorption of innocent souls by dark force . (‘untited- 1 ‘, ‘untitled- 2 ‘, ‘nude’, ‘the same nude’). The images of evil arising as glitches (‘pain’, ‘paint’).

Inevitably evil side absorbs the good, so dark creatures are born and create your powerful dynasty. (‘fury’, ‘virginia’, ‘virginia’s sister’, ‘virgin fury’). At the head stands the queen (‘maiden’), it has enough power to manage a living people. It leaves its marks on them, and they are completely under its authority.

The video shows a dancing fury before the council of the saints. They can not be terrible force , and finally submits to them mad fury .

Sculpture is the holy head of the Board . Sincere kindness and light forever.

Goldman Yulia Exhibition: MAIDEN

I dream of holding things that are invisible. I dream of wearing clouds instead of my raincoat.

I End Where the Clouds Begin

time to wake up

5 (Landscape)

My Garage

Alessandro Di Giampietro

Mask

This season Paul Smith introduced sexy bearded sailors with a touch of elegance. Electric yellow, bright orange and of course strict black was the mix for this collection. The knitwear almost looked like seaweed, high collars and stormy designs. Well, hello Jack Sparrow!

Waves. Waves. Paul Smith AW12

Jenny Murray

Rylan Cutting

8 (Baroque)

Cirque d’Amen

Medusa

13 (Trip)

New Road

 – white top and leather shorts, vintage silk jumpsuit,
Noemi Klein jewellery (rings, earring, heart shaped pendant)

This story appeared as I was shooting my final project for university. I was trying to create visuals responding to traditions of my country, Russia. While living in London, I developed a certain nostalgia for home. My main inspiration for creating this story was
the Tsar family sisters, gorgeous “kniaginias” who where killed during the revolution in Russia. From here is the white color, lace, and jewellery.

Anastasia Ivanova

Nastya

Potato and Socks

My friend Ulian is an illustrator and co-founder of Vrag Mag. Her dreamy paintings are absolutely beautiful. The variety of colours and brush techniques make these pictures so unique that i can’t take my eyes from them. Ulian has a great imagination and i just love the titles of her paintings.

ulian goldman  ♥♥♥

We have a special next issue and special guest editor Kit Shyrixina. The theme for Spring Summer issue is reproduction

Next issue. Reproduction

My name is Carlos Cancela Pinto. I´m a self-taught photographer from Portugal, and I shoot photos with analogue cameras. Film is for me the best medium.

I always seek beautiful natural light, and I try to make the best fit with the surround nature (in a most pure state as possible) and people in order to capture a good photo. The interaction between nature, light and man is my recurring theme.

Carlos Cancela Pinto

Diary

Olya Avstreyh

High tea of Highgate is a cute cafe located on the hill in Highgate Village. The cafe offers a large selection of interesting and unique teas: from almond tea to lavender with rosemary. Also on the menu, one can find a selection of freshly baked cakes and scones. The interior has that classic country kitchen style, and is filled with interesting items for sale including beautiful cups, colorful warm woolen throws and birthday candles.

 50 Highgate High St,
Highgate Village
London, N6 5HX,
020 8348 3162

High Tea of Highgate

Massive hair, colourful make up and wearable clothes with lots of knitwear, draped dresses and fabulous tailoring!

Vivienne Westwood Red Label SS12

‘one two three four five six seven eight nine ten … i will find you and eat you.’

Dark Side

Photographer: Masha Mel
Fashion stylist: Tess Yopp
Model: Alena Johnson

Alena Johnson

Iris

The Art of Shoes

To Care

Marfa Ilinichna

Girls and Drunk Cars

Mani is a Moscow based neo-expressionist artist. The first time we met was on a photo shoot where she had brought her paintings for the set. From the start, I think we found something in common with this long haired girl. For the trip issue we decided to chat with her and discover the secret to her amazing art.

Straight away Mani confessed to us that the process of painting is her addiction. She paints constantly every day. She can’t stop. She paints during every idle moment & she even paints while she is doing other things! It is amusing to see her painting. We are in her room, your eye starts to follow the shapes, the colour, experience the tension and emotion. At first you might think it is a mess but come to realise that every detail was thought of as interesting characters appear on the paintings.

How does she come up with such amazing unplanned frames?

Mani explains that when she draws she doesn’t think about anything and just draws as she feels. She doesn’t use any help, no music or references. She would remember interesting characters that she saw somewhere and depict them in her style in her portraits. “Generally, I like people with problems, weird people.”

Not really into it. I did sketchbooks only for school.

Sometimes. Many of my friends are interested but as you know not everyone has money for art. Someone like a young musician could’t really afford haha. But once I sold my painting to the guy who was in love with me and on those money I went to Berlin.

The average I would charge is £600 or more for a painting. But I really do have problems with rating my art.

Obviously Winston Chmielinsky, Morteza Zahedi, Francis bacon, Basquiat and David OReilly. Should be enough for you.

To Monkey Island in China. The path to the island lies through the ropeway, that is very high. And if you’ll look down you can see how the pearls are obtained. The island is not really interesting, and the monkeys are very aggressive, but I remember this pathway very clearly. It was scary and very exciting.

It is time to go for a burger in Stoke Newington.