‘Flower Child’ by Russh Magazine

Shot by Daniella Rech

Model: Alexandra Agoston 

Hailing from London, Anna Victoria Best is a young fashion photographer on the rise. She’s already shot for the likes of Used Magazine, Fucking Young Magazine and the notorious i-D Magazine. She’s also worked with Baartmans and Siegel, Lazy Oaf for their SS13 collection and Nigel Cabourn. At such a ripe young age, it’s refreshing to see that she keeps an open mind about her craft, beauty and women’s and men’s fashion. We had a chat to her about her shoots for i-D, Japan and the thrill of universal style.

Hall of Furs: Firstly, can you tell me a little about yourself? 

Anna Victoria Best: I’m 22, I live in London and I am a photographer. I grew up in Newcastle (way up north of the UK!) on a farm and I love cars and my scooter.

How do you define beauty? Where do you find it? 

You can find it everywhere but a laugh is the easiest way. 

In your opinion, what makes a successful image? 

If an image is cool and the model is wearing the right clothes [that are] on trend [as part of a] season then that would be a successful image. I guess, however, if it is missing the natural expression, ‘coolness’ just doesn’t cut it.

Do you aim to tell a story through your photo-shoots? 

We all aim to tell a story. Having good relationships with the stylist and hair and make-up artists are crucial. The story will be told if you all have your part as the writer. 

Do you prefer to shoot men or women? 

I couldn’t say one or the other as I go through fazes of shooting more of one then switch when I get itchy feet. I think if you are going to specialize it should be one or the other. I haven’t decided yet if I should go one way or stick to both. I have drifted towards menswear recently but the girls [I shoot] are always a ‘tomboy’ kind of girl. 

Who are some of your style muses? 

My friends! Every single of one of them has unique style and a positive aura around them. 

Do you have any favourite labels or designers? 

Amber and Wouter, the designers at Baartmans and Siegel, amaze me every season. I woke up one morning before going to photograph one of their shows and for some reason the minute I woke up I had the Long Good Friday theme tune stuck in my head. I then went to their show and lights came up and guess what song comes on! Yeah, I’ve loved them both ever since. Menswear at it’s best.

Who are some of your artistic icons? 

Anton Newcombe plants seeds in the mind.

Let’s talk about your shoots for i-D. 

We shot ‘One of the Lads’ last season with i-D’s five favourite breakthrough boys of the season. Each boy was so different; it was good to define [these differences] in each one of the films.

Is there anything that makes their publication unique? 

;)

What have been some of the best moments for you on the job? 

New York Dolls

And the worst? Any unfortunate moments? 

Headaches 

Where do you find inspiration and motivation in regards to your work? 

I’ve known what it’s like to have everything and I’ve known what it’s like to have nothing. If you don’t ask, you won’t get!

Is travel a major component of your work? Where is one place you’d love to visit? 

I’ll live in Japan soon!

You’ve shot for a number of well-known publications. Are there any other publications you’d love to work with? 

Everyone wants the cover of i-D. 

Do you see a difference in the fashion and style in the United Kingdom than other parts of the world?  

London is more acceptably far out there with style and I think people feel they can push their creativity more over here. But everyone out there is going to find someone [who is] stylish, there’s that many to love! 

If there were one person in the world you could photograph, who would it be?

My mum at my age 

For more information on Anna Victoria Best, visit her website and her blog

Words: Sophie Flecknoe

Images courtesy of Anna Victoria Best  

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD (also known as Winter Depression) is defined as a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience an unnerving depression during the colder months… Is there anything more fitting that could be described as ‘the blues’? In my opinion, a good pair of shades can transform any outfit and give you the confidence to face the day (they hide our bloodshot eyes, right?) Thankfully, designers definitely agree. Karen Walker anyone? She’s never one to disappoint, and her designs will make any icy-cold day that brighter shade of happy. It’s fitting then that one of her designs is titled ‘Optimist’? (Never mind that another is titled ‘Deep Freeze’…) So, don your shades and greet the day with a (however false) smile. 

Karen Walker, Optimist (peach) frames, $349.00 

Karen Walker, Deep Freeze (clear) frames, $329.00  

Karen Walker, Northern Light (fluro yellow) frames, $349.00 

Karen Walker, Orbit (clear) frames, $349.00 

Karen Walker, Orbit (crystal turquoise) frames, $349.00 

Karen Walker, Intergalactic (clear) frames, $399.00 

Karen Walker, Northern Lights (crazy tort) frames, $349.00 

Karen Walker, Eclipse (black) frames, $349.00 

Words: Sophie Flecknoe

Images via Karen Walker Eyewear 

Talisa Sutton (along with Rohan Peterson) is the mind behind Badlands Studio, a creative consultancy specialising in fashion, graphic design and fine arts. The pair provide creative and art direction, branding advice and blog development as well as a range of other services and Talisa is also a talented stylist and photographer. As well as managing Badlands, Talisa blogs for Vogue.com.au for their Spy Style segment and can boast clients such as Net-a-porter, The Corner Shop, My Chameleon, Brace Magazine and Amy Kaehne. A model of natural beauty and an individual of considerable talent, Talisa is definitely one to watch. The fashion world is her oyster, and what a stunningly beautiful pearl this young woman is. On another note, we’d also like to say a big congratulations to Talisa and her partner on their engagement! All of our love… x

Hall of Furs: Firstly, can you tell me a little about yourself? How would you define what you do?

Talisa Sutton: I’m 23, I’m engaged and I love fashion, art, design, film, travel and literature. It’s tricky to put one title on what I do! I’m primarily a graphic designer & social media coordinator; this is what I do four days of the week. Then I also work on freelance design, art direction, illustration and styling projects and blog for both my personal site, Badlands, and Vogue.com.au

What is your definition of beauty? Where do you find it?

The first thing I think of is aesthetics; I love very natural and organic shapes, being surrounded by nature, light, white, and greenery…

Let’s talk about Badlands. It’s such a beautiful blog. When did you start it?

Thank you! Badlands started as a little visual inspiration diary for me when I was studying graphic design at TAFE. My fiancé Rohan and I both liked the idea of sharing our work and inspirations, it’s been more than 3 years since then and I can’t think of anything I enjoy doing more.

What’s the overall basis of Badlands? What do you aim to do through your work? 

I suppose what I love about it is the complete creative freedom, there are no restrictions or limitations. Some weeks I might feel like focusing on personal style, others it might be posting recent styling and design work or sharing a new label, books, magazines etc. that I have found with my readers. Really, I just love creating things and having a little space of my own.

How would you describe your personal style? Is it a reflection on your styling work? 

My style is quite classic and minimal but with feminine details. I love a trench coat, denim and sneakers but then with a beautiful bag and delicate gold jewellery. I think you can get a good idea of my style through my styling work.  

Who are some of your style icons? Any favourite labels or designers?

I have so many… My favourite designers are Phoebe Philo at Celine, Dries Van Noten, Isabel Marant and Phillip Lim. My style icons are Jane Birkin, Sofia Coppola, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexa Chung and Ashley Olsen. 

You were at the recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Carriageworks in Sydney. What were some of your highlights from the week?

I had such a great week; there were so many beautiful collections. My favorites were Christopher Esber, Kate Sylvester and Karla Spetic.

I read that you also blog for Vogue. Can you tell me about your work there?

I started blogging for Vogue Spy Style last year. My work for them focuses on fashion through my personal style, mini-editorials, outfit posts and flat-lays. 

Where do you draw inspiration? Who or what influences your work?

I draw inspiration from a lot of places; beautiful artwork and galleries, nature, fashion, cinema, photography, and literature.  

Is travel a component of your work? Where is one place you would love to visit?

Not so much, I have been lucky to travel overseas twice in the past two years, most recently to New York and prior to that my first trip to Europe. I would love to see so many more places though, at the moment I would like to go back to Europe in Summer (it was freezing when we were there!) and I would also like to see South Africa as it’s a strong part of my family heritage.

Have you always been based in Sydney? Where are some of your favourite places to visit in this city?

I grew up between Sydney and Canberra. My favourite places in the city are Parsley Bay, Elizabeth Bay Marina, Rushcutter’s Bay, The Botanical Gardens, The Art Gallery of NSW, the MCA and Verona Cinemas.  

What is the importance of social media in today’s day and age for the work that you do?

Social media is incredibly important; it’s such an integral part of blogging and any creative business. It allows your readers to interact with your content in terms of commenting and reposting and in my case it allows me to update more frequently. I update my Instagram almost daily whereas the blog is closer to weekly.

What do you keep in mind when you style a shoot? Do you aim to tell a story?

I have an idea of the mood I am trying to create before shooting; I also love deciding on the name for the editorial and researching references and inspiration. Usually I will do a run through and style the clothes on hangers so I can see all the looks next to each other, and I’ll also create a mood board in Photoshop. What I love though is how things naturally evolve on the day, the addition of an extra accessory or a whole new look, which seems so perfect… I love to get carried away with this feeling and there is often a little bit of nostalgia and romance to my work.

What are you listening to at the moment? 

Vanessa Paradis, Daft Punk x Pharrell, The Virgin Suicides soundtrack and Serge Gainsbourg.

And watching? Any shows or films to mention?

At the moment it’s Mad Men Season 6 and Game of Thrones Season 3, my partner and I almost always have a TV series going. I haven’t been to the movies in a while but I’m hanging out to see the new Star Trek.

Where do you see yourself in five years time? What’s next for you?

At the moment I’m really happy with where I am and how things are going. Next year Rohan and I will be getting married but that’s as far ahead as I’m thinking! 

For more information on Talisa’s work, visit Badlands Studio or the Badlands Blog 

Words: Sophie Flecknoe

Images courtesy of Talisa Sutton, sourced from Badlands Studio 

Karl Lagerfeld once famously said, “You cannot fake chic, but you can be chic and fake fur.” In recent years, the fashion world has experienced a shift in its stance on the wearing of fur, but with incredible efforts in the production of textiles and fibers, it has never been easier to find faux furs that emulate the sophistication and luxury of the real deal. Young Australian label, Unreal Fur, understands the sumptuous appeal of a beautiful garment; yet hold the possession of a clean conscience as their highest priority. Their designs are made using the highest quality fake furs, to make you look and feel beautiful… inside and out. Millions of animals are killed each year in order to fuel the fashion industry, something that here at Hall of Furs (don’t let our name fool you) we are completely opposed. It is inspiring to see labels such as Unreal Fur protecting animals from suffering as well as creating beautiful garments for the industry to enjoy. So be ever chic and go faux.

Hall of Furs: Firstly, can you tell me about how the label was developed? What’s the ‘once upon a time’ story of Unreal Fur?

Unreal Fur: Our mother company has been around for over 30 years, 15 of which we’ve been developing faux fur accessories for major Australian retailers.  Our head designer has been nurturing her own creations over many years and as a result, Unreal Fur came to life.

While still a relatively young label, you’ve gained an impressive amount of press. What are your overall aims for the label? 

Just like our collections, the opportunities are endless!  With a successful launch this season into the UK, Europe and Japan, we’ve got some exciting new developments in the pipeline with further global expansion.

What is the company’s idea of beauty? Where do you find it?

Beauty is not about wearing someone else’s coat.  Be comfortable in your own skin and let animals keep theirs.

In your opinion, what is the importance of developing faux furs? What is your mantra?

Our mantra is simple – Go Faux.  We provide cruelty-free, on-trend, stylish fashion to allow for the modern woman to clean her conscience and look great doing it.

Our humble blog is completely inspired by your work, and we want to do anything we can to support your label. In your eyes, what is the importance of a clean conscience?

We all want to live in a kinder, cleaner world.  Everyone can make a difference, whether it’s lobbying for a cause or simply smiling at a stranger in the street.  If we all do a little bit every day to create a kind and clean society we’ll build a better world for all humans and animals alike.

As noted on your website, your label is very much about luxe. What is your idea of luxury? What should luxury mean for someone?

Luxury doesn’t have to be a yacht, a fancy car or a dream vacation.  For some, a lazy weekend can be the height of luxury.  Luxury to us is a means of indulgence or enjoyment; it has nothing to do with your bank balance.

Who are some of your style icons?

Charlize Theron, Olivia Munn, Isabel Lucas and Jessica Chastain, all women who have pledged fur-free.

Any favourite labels or designers?

Stella McCartney.

Is travel a major component of your work in the company? Where is one place you’d love to travel?

It is!  We source inspiration from all over, and combine our buying and sales trips in destinations such as Berlin, Amsterdam, London and Tokyo.  One place on the bucket list has to be Norway in the peak of winter to see the Northern Lights.

Do you have a favourite item from the Unreal Fur archive?

The Furry Floss Jacket in black which has run for two seasons now is a wardrobe staple.

How do you develop your fake furs? Where do you source your materials?

All of our faux furs are sourced offshore; they are rigorously tested and are 100% man-made materials (with the look and feel of the real thing).

What is the process from initial idea to finished product?

How much time do you have? It takes about 1 year to develop a collection, with long development windows and lead times for faux fur manufacturing; we are working on a range all year round.

Where do you source inspiration for your designs and aesthetic? 

From street fashion and blogs to Paris and New York fashion week.  With so much access to global fashion these days, inspiration is everywhere.

We at Hall of Furs wholeheartedly believe in ethical designs and fabrics and in no way support the ongoing process of killing animals for the manufacture of their fur. We also believe that people in the industry should look towards your work for inspiration and moral engagement with fashion. If there were one word of advice you can give young people hoping for a career in the fashion industry, what would it be?

Get experience and work your way up. Unreal Fur comprises of a fantastic team who collectively has many years of experience in the industry.  Their experience and knowledge is paramount to the brand’s early success.

Where do you see Unreal Fur in five years time? What’s next for you?

With exciting developments in the pipeline, we see Unreal Fur expanding into new and exciting categories including spin-off collections. Watch this space.

For more information on Unreal Fur head to their website and visit them on Facebook! 

Our warmest thanks go out to the beautiful team at Unreal Fur for their commitment to this cause. Be chic and go faux! 

Words: Sophie Flecknoe

Images courtesy of Unreal Fur 

Alicia Chon is the wonderful mind behind The Raw Book, an online journal of original conversations. On a daily basis, Alicia talks to creative individuals who divulge details of both their personal and professional lives, Alicia then curating them into incredibly informative posts on her minimalist, and stunningly aesthetically pleasing website. Based in America, Alicia is connected to artists in countries all over the world and has spoken to notable people such as Ryan Kenny, Gadir Rajab, Kimberly Gordon and Rebecca Manson. Considering her impressive list of conversations so far, it seems there’s no limit to where Alicia can take her interests… in all their raw and beautiful splendour.

Hall of Furs: Firstly, tell us a little about yourself. Who are you and how would you describe what you do?

Alicia Chon: I’m an 18-year-old student, first and foremost. In my spare time I curate The Raw Book. I also find myself reading Proust Questionnaires on Vanity Fair.

You always ask your subjects their idea of beauty, so we have to ask, how do you define beauty? What is beauty to you?

This is a common question people ask me and I find that the answer changes for me. Simply put, beauty is in the subtleties.

Who are some of your icons, artistic or otherwise?

Beyond my parents, both of whom inspire me daily, I also admire Haruki Murakami for his writing, Ben Gorham for his Byredo perfumes, and Rei Kawakubo for making the color black cool.

You often interview models and designers. How would you describe your own personal style?

I dress fairly simply. My friends always ask me when I’ll start wearing colors beyond black, white, or gray.

Tell us about The Raw Book. What is the underlying idea behind the website? What influenced you to embark on this project?

It was my experience working backstage during New York Fashion Week in 2011 that inspired me to explore the concept of beauty. The models and garments were undeniably beautiful, but it made me wonder, where else does beauty exist?

How did you get started in the industry?

I wouldn’t consider myself a part of any industry at the moment. The website itself was a project that was launched from my bedroom during the summer of senior year in high school as a means to satiate my boredom.

What have been some of your favourite moments on the job?

People have a lot to say, but often there isn’t a platform for people to do so. By asking the right questions, you can often elicit a very contemplative response and I always enjoy that moment. It may be a strange analogy, but that moment I’m describing is like when you poke a needle into a water balloon and the water slowly seeps out.  I also am continuously grateful and surprised that people are willing to talk to me – most often a stranger – and yet divulge much about their creative, professional, and personal lives.

Any particularly fascinating interviews?

I particularly enjoyed speaking with David Pearson, because as someone who is guilty of judging a book by its cover, I found myself mesmerized by his thoughtful designs for Penguin Books. Our conversation reinforced my appreciation for a well-designed and equally well-written book.

And the worst? Any unfortunate moments?

None. One challenge, I admit, is coordinating interviews with people who live outside America, due to time zone differences.

Who are some of your favourite designers or labels?

Right now I’m really into Proenza Schouler, Rick Owens and Carven. And Phoebe Philo of Céline, of course.

Do you have any other projects or interests/hobbies? 

I’m in the talks of potentially making a print coffee table version of The Raw Book, but it’s hypothetical and in elementary stages right now.

Is travel a component of your job at this point in time? Where is one place you’d love to visit?

My “job” is being a student, so no. But I traveled around the world growing up and would like to take a year properly traveling to locations I’ve yet to visit, like Fes, Copenhagen, and Luzon.

If there were one person in the world you could sit down and have a conversation with, who would they be?

Evegny Kissin.

What are you reading or watching at the moment?

I’m currently reading Pitch Dark by Renata Adler and Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm.  I just started watching Mad Men – hopefully I’ll finish the entire series by the summer’s end.

And listening to?

It’s impossible for me to sift through my library and generalize my music because I listen a wide range of genres. But, I put my music on shuffle and the first few songs that showed up were as follows:

Lofticries / Purity Ring
Memorized / Wiz Khalifa
Que Sera / Wax Tailor
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence / Ryuichi Sakamoto
Your Hand in Mine / Explosions in the Sky
Shuggie / Foxygen
Money, Cash, Hoes / Jay-Z
Righteous Hit / Polographia

What are some blogs you visit daily?

It changes daily, but my friend Tuan-Khanh recently shared a brilliant find: What Ali Wore (www.alioutfit.tumblr.com).

What is next for you and your work? Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I’m in the process of launching a new layout for The Raw Book, which will consist of a separate blog and comments feature, among other things. We’ll also be visiting people’s studios for our new “Workplaces” aspect, so keep an eye out for that! As for five years later, who knows?

For more information visit The Raw Book

Like The Raw Book on Facebook 

Follow The Raw Book on Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram 

Words: Sophie Flecknoe

Images courtesy of The Raw Book

American artist, Ryan Everson, approaches his art with the crucial play of words in his head. Raised in Portland, his work is never limited by restrictions of materials or processes and instead examines states of human consciousness, fame and the unknown. He often considers elements such as sincerity, fear, inward reflection in both his solo efforts and collaborative works. With a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sculpture, and a Masters in Fine Arts, Everson is well versed in the history of art, and it seems there is nothing that he cannot do. He often uses lights in his text-based sculptures, and they’re not dissimilar to mechanisms of advertising and the bright light allure of Hollywood or New York. While he has exhibited both in his home country and internationally in countries such as Japan and China, he is yet to come to Australia. We had a chat to him about his practice, and we sincerely hope he hits our shores soon! 

Hall of Furs: Firstly, can you tell me a little about yourself? How would you define what you do?

Ryan Everson: Well, I was born in the Midwest and my family is from Chicago. I was raised in the Northwest and did my undergraduate in art at The University of Oregon. I did my Masters at The University of Colorado, Boulder in Sculpture and Post Studio. I recently moved back to the Pacific Northwest and currently like in Portland, Oregon. I am currently a full time artist and full time artist assistant working for an international public artist, based in Portland and New York.

I like to think of myself as a jack-of-all-trades, but I am continuously meeting people who fit that description better than I, so I still have a lot to learn. I build, photograph and draw, all to create experiences. I don’t know if I could define what I do, I try and remain flexible so that my work stays fresh and exciting.

You work with a variety of different media, but what is the story behind your first camera? Do you still have it?

My first camera was a Minolta 35mm that my mom gave me when I was taking a film class in high school. I believe it was hers when she was in college. It was the first time I shot anything on film, and digital cameras were still clunky and expensive. It was a basic film and photo developing class where I learned dark room techniques and experimental film photography. 

I think its still around, although I have moved so many times since then, that I don’t know where.

What is your definition of beauty and where do you find it?

For me, beauty isn’t just about aesthetics but extends to thoughts, emotions and ideas. The feelings that emerge when we look at a powerful piece of work are much more beautiful than the work itself. I find beauty in memories and experiences. The smells that trigger a specific moment in time, the feeling of being lost or alone, are places I find beauty. 

Do you prefer to shoot on film or digital when you’re taking photographs?

It all depends what the work calls for. I try to never let a medium dictate my work. Its true whether I am making 2D or 3D work, a lot of work suffers when artists try and fit their ideas into a specific medium that they are comfortable with, instead of doing what’s best for the work. I try to remain unlimited by materials and methods in order to allow the work to be unrestricted.

Is travel a component of your work? Where is one place you’d love to visit?

Travel is a huge aspect of my work. Putting myself outside my routine provides the material for a lot of my work and traveling does that every time. I am traveling to Taiwan on Sunday and have a motorcycle tour lined up for the end of June. I need time to reflect on where I am and gain perspective of where I have been, which all ends up manifesting into new works.

I would actually love to travel to Australia. I have never been, but hope to find myself there someday. I have always enjoyed traveling to islands, whether large or small. I think there is an amazing sense of adventure but also a lingering isolation that can provide a real sense of desire, which I am constantly trying to find through my work.

For you, what makes a successful image or work of art?

One that triggers an emotion. Whether that’s a memory or a feeling depends on the work. I don’t consider myself a photographer, and for a long time photography wasn’t a part of my practice. But I have had to adapt and learn what the best ways were to capture my pieces, and lately a large part of it has been through the lens. 

What have been some of your best moments on the job?

I love to work collaboratively and bonding with friends while out setting up work is always great. I like talking about art and experiences and hearing other artists and friends stories, desires and opinions is always inspiring. 

And the worst? Any unfortunate anecdotes?

When we were out setting up and shooting “Alone Out There” it was below freezing. There was a crew of three of us and we were all very unprepared for the temperature. The initial plan was to set up the work and float it on the lake, however by the time we set it all up, the edge of the lake was frozen and we all couldn’t feel our extremities. As the sun set we kept having to run back to the car to warm up in-between shooting. My friend Evan Blackstock is a much more experienced and dedicated photographer than I and luckily he pushed us to keep shooting in order to get the perfect shot, which really made the image. I’ve learned a ton from him and owe him everything for keeping me going on that shoot. However, we all bonded and I really love the memory of that day on the edge of the frozen lake. 

You use a lot of text in your work… why is this? Does the use of text hold a certain power?

We are constantly bombarded by text in advertising. In my most recent use of text, I look to re-approach script and signage and point it in a more personal and sentimental direction. I love the indication of the human hand in text and really connect with handwritten letters and notes. I hope to pull those feelings into my work.

Who are some of your artistic icons?

I will always love early Jamie Hewlett illustrations. There is something really edgy and raw about his style. I love clean, bold lines paired with text. In more recent years I have been following Tom Sachs work, which I connect very strongly with. I recently read Patti Smith’s book, Just Kids and have been re-listening to all her songs. I pull from a really wide source of artistic icons.

What are you currently listening to? What are you currently reading?

I’ve been listening to Polica and The Divine Fits a lot. I also pretty much constantly listen to Tim Armstrong stuff, either from The Clash or The Mescaleros eras. I am currently re-reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, which I have not read since I was a kid. 

What is the process behind your art from initial idea to finished body of work?

All my work starts out as a sculpture generally. I build out the work and then take it out into the environment to shoot it. Photography is just an element in the lifecycle of the work. Often the sculptural pieces are shown in conjunction with the photographs and create a dialogue showcasing the lifecycle of the work.

Do you aim to tell a story through your art? Or perhaps you aim to make a comment?

I aim to create an experience for the viewer. It may be to evoke a memory or pull at a feeling or sentiment, but it all depends on the specific work. All my works spark a memory or an experience for me and become like a collected journal. It is my aim for these pieces to stir up similar feelings for the viewer.

What is your preferred choice of subject? 

As of now, I have only photographed my sculptures. Like I said earlier, I don’t think of myself as a photographer. It’s just another piece in the bigger life of the work. I think as a visual artist in today’s market, you have to do it all.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years? What’s next for you?

I am working on setting up more shows abroad and I hope to see myself living and making work that is inspiring and fresh. I will forever have a fear of getting trapped within one style or body of work so I am constantly looking for new and exciting opportunities to challenge myself.  I am currently working on a new body of work that draws off a lot of work from my show “Long Lost” at Gildar Gallery in Denver, which I am really involved in and excited about. 

For more information on Ryan’s work, visit his website. 

Words: Sophie Flecknoe

Images courtesy of Ryan Everson

We Tumblr folk are no strangers to famous cats, but this one is a little different (as we’re sure you already know!). Lil Bub was the runt of the litter, who has surpassed any expectations to become an Internet sensation! It is due to her unique and undeniable cuteness that has landed her the title of Cutest Cat on Earth. 

Unlike most cats, Lil Bub was born with highly deformed bones, stunting her growth, shortening her height, and even giving her a sixth toe! Her condition also gave her a deformed jaw that bares no teeth, causing her mouth to constantly hang open… which makes all those in her presence tilt their head and say “dawww”. But despite this poor feline’s unfortunate physical deformity, Lil Bub has proven herself to be a personality that onlookers around the world have shamelessly fallen in love with. Here at Hall of Furs, we’ve already developed a soft spot for the gorgeous Lil Bub, and we hope you all do too!

This little darling even debuted in her first feature film, Lil Bub and Friendz, which follows other famous cats and their stories, as well as giving insight into when Lil Bub met and befriended celebrity baller Robert De Niro. On top of that, she also has a book, Lil Bub’s Lil Book, housing hundreds of photographs of this friendly feline, and which has seen her embark on a national tour, along the way raising upwards of $2000 for the PSPCA. It seems this little kitty can do it all, so show her some love!

You can purchase a copy of Lil Bub’s book here.

Follow Lil Bub on Tumblr, Twitter and Instagram and give her a like on Facebook!

Words: Esther Yann 

Images via Google and Facebook

This is not a cheap shot… but our style icon for the moment is none other than Lisa Simpson! Not only does she sport a complexion a shade the sunny side of yellow, but she can also boast a huge list of extra-curricular interests. She’s a raging feminist, animal rights activist, environmentalist and a supporter of gay rights. She’s also a poetry and cat enthusiast, an aspiring jazz musician, has a killer vocabulary and intellect, and not to mention has friends in very high places (Richard Geer, anyone?). And who could forget that 4^th of July when she hung out with the ‘cool’ kids, looking like Blossom?… One of the few episode when she abandoned her uniform of her timeless strapless red dress and pearls! She was strong enough to leave a mainstream religion to pursue Buddhist enlightenment, she’s a strict vegetarian, she’s had a heap of boyfriends despite her geek-chic demeanor, and she does it all at the ripe age of just eight. A dedicated sister and loving daughter, she’s everything you could ever hope for (in a cartoon character). Lisa, forever! 

Words: Sophie Flecknoe

Images via Google 

The Billy Bride crew have done it again with their latest campaign, aptly titled Wake N’ Bake. 

Shot by Ryan Kenny and styled by Ruby Heery, this lo-fi series complete with pinkie rings and bags of the goods, stars the ever-glorious Teresa Oman, and stands testament to BB’s commitment to the exquisite advertisement of their image. 

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Images courtesy of Billy Bride