Always wanted to write for a magazine...

I’m not a massive fan of change at the best of times. I’m only just coming to terms with the fact that Tesco’s cheap stuff doesn’t have a blue stripe on it any more. Therefore facing an issue of FRONT without Alex Sim-Wise in her usual position as columnist was a little daunting; never the less I soldiered on and embraced the brave new world with optimism. It didn’t hurt that Rosie Jones was on the cover either, a lady that’s been everywhere of late and someone I intrinsically link with FRONT thanks to the early regularity of her involvement with the magazine. There still was trepidation however; I was uneasy thinking about how FRONT would treat Sim-Wise’s departure, and not giving her the cover was a negative for starters. Here’s what I thought of this months FRONT anyway, see if you agree or not.

Let’s start with the cover, and the righteous Rosie Jones. Fresh from her number 4 placing in FHM’s 100 sexiest women in the world 2012, Rosie has had a lot of exposure of late. Along with her regular stints in Loaded and Nuts etc new FHM (and old FRONT) editor Joe Barnes has opened Rosie’s modelling talents up to a more mainstream audience, and she’s been a huge hit. Issue 169 marks the return of Rosie to FRONT after nearly a year away from the magazine. While in her absence FRONT has gone in some very different directions with certain cover stars, it was nice to see an “old” favourite return. I have followed Rosie’s career ever since her first stints in FRONT, her cover shot for issue 169 is a cracker, although it did remind me of a cheerleader shoot she did with another magazine not so long ago. Rosie’s face and hair are what grabbed me about this shot, if I didn’t know it was Rosie on the cover from internet chatter, I would have had to look twice to indentify her. I love her pose though, nimble and oh so sexy, the playful twirl of her chewing gum draws the gaze, and her gorgeous brown eyes take over from there. Another great cover shot from Rosie, if a little same-ish alongside her previous work. I really like the colour scheme also; it’s something different and a little jubilee-esque/patriotic with the red white and blue.

The letters page is my first stop, and again a picture of Rosie. It’s a lovely shot from the feature set, and I’m glad it was included somewhere in the issue. The kind playful shot that Rosie does throw into her sets from time to time, a lot of fun and personality, and of course an inventive source of raunch. Just a little detour before we jump into the rest of the photographic content in this month’s issue.

It didn’t take long to get into Sim-Wise’s final feature, as she takes over the “Full Frontal” section in order to say ta’ra. The first shot on page 14 is classic Sim-Wise, sexy as hell but with an attitude and sense of fun that Alex has had a monopoly on during her tenure at FRONT. The vision of a strong and empowered woman, Alex stands arms a-flex, showing hints of her wonderful inner forearm artwork. I like that FRONT gave in to this departing goddess and let her say goodbye in her own words, it would have been awkward if FRONT tried to muscle in on her last feature with puns and a curtailed history lesson. I don’t know how much input she had with the images and format, but there are some excellent choices of photographs from Chico Willard. Page 16 is a very cheeky shot, awkward pun intended. Mid baking, Alex’s shock at a handprint of flour on her butt is perfect, and the story of the shot in no way detracts from its visual appeal. To be honest, and this is just a personal preference, I was a little disappointed that the decision was made to rehash Alex’s previous column content in a kind of “clip show” motif. I’ve never been a fan of clip shows, and I would have much preferred to see pages 17 and 18 used to showcase new images of Sim-Wise, as well as what she’s moving on to in the future. On page 19 Alex signs off in style, a glorious picture again filled with the Sim-Wise signature character and guile. It’s an image I’ll be saving for display, and a great way to remember this special lady. I just wanted to say here, that I have enjoyed Alex’s column immensely over the years, and she really brought entertainment to the pages of FRONT. I’m not sure what’s gone into her decision to leave, but I hope she’ll be happy in her future endeavours. I have never commented on Sim-Wise’s column in these reviews, as I found her input in FRONT to speak totally for itself. The magazine will not be the same without her, and I just hope FRONT can progress in a meaningful way without this livewire on the staff. An impressive and inspiring person, who I’ll sadly miss. It was a nice touch giving Alex this send-off in the magazine, while I would have loved her to have been given the cover; I guess it was never going to be feasible.

I have to mention in this section of the review, that issue 169 is very man-tastic indeed. There are a lot of articles featuring the male of the species, what with the NOFX piece, and Jason Mewes’ twenty questions, along with Blake Williams, Randy from Pennywise, Liam Gormier, Andrew WK et al… It’s very much a sausagefest between the pages, and while I did enjoy Mewes’ interview, I think the powers that be over at FRONT could have eased off the throttle with the fellas. I guess there needs to be something for the ladies in the readership, and from some accounts the male eye candy has been appreciated.

Gladly, we next come to the Alt Girl section, and Gemma Stafford’s stint in the feature spotlight. Gemma’s debut begins on page 54, with two shots that immediately reminded me of Alysha Nett’s work. That’s a complement by the way, as I’m a huge fan of Miss Nett’s and while Gemma bares a slight resemblance, it’s only in certain shots and acts merely as a familiar start to her four pages of pictures. I love Gemma’s ink displayed in her first two images, very nice choices indeed, and from the pictures, they look expertly executed by the artist. On page 55 Gemma makes the shoot her own, while the “arched pelvis in the air” is a classic for a reason, at the top of page 55 it’s dealt with in a great way. At the bottom of 55 Gemma gives us all a very coy shot, with a gorgeous playful smile and an almost careless flash of breast. It’s my favourite image from her set, and really is a unique image Gemma can proudly point to.

On pages 56 and 57 Gemma’s picture bombardment continues, in the top left-hand corner of 56 she’s on all fours looking into camera with a very inviting gaze. Below that, the striptease continues, and Gemma removes her ill advised stars and stripes leggings. I say ill advised for a few reasons, with Gemma being from Yeovil I felt she could have played up the British angle more, seeing as the issue covers the Jubilee weekend. Also, I think the stars and stripes didn’t help her visual similarities to America’s own Alysha Nett. Just an opinion. The final page of this month’s Alt Girl feature keeps up the lovely shots of Gemma, but there is a slightly unwelcome theme running through the shoot. In exactly half of the pictures (4 out of 8) published from the set, parts of Gemma’s body are out of focus. I know this was a conscious decision from photographer Rob Jamieson, and the pictures look good. But I felt so many being soft focussed left me craving clearer images of the model. Her face was the focus in many instances, and her face is stunning. But she’s also got a very lithe body, and she uses it well. I just would have liked to see the whole picture more often. Gorgeous body art though, and from the miniscule interview I would love to know more about Gemma and her work as a freelance makeup artist.

The Alt Girl DIY section this month is the best it’s been in my view. So many absolutely enchanting ladies feature. On page 58 we are greeted by an insanely amazing looking girl called Chelsea. I love her ink and her hair is out of this world! Chelsea has taken some wonderful images for this spread, and I’d love to see her gorgeous features in the magazine again. Moving on to 59 and the magnificent Edie D, such sublime photographs, and a variety that hints at a natural flair for modelling. Fun as well as sexy, I am confident that Edie will make another appearance in FRONT, and I am thrilled to say she’s also very visible on the FRONT forum lately. Lastly on 59, Abi Lucas deserves a mention for her fantastic showing and back tattoo. Page 61 continues the stellar DIYs this month. Lola at the top of 61 has already been featured on this blog to rave reviews. In this month’s FRONT she shows off her versatility and her glamorous visage. Lastly, Alice Cat pops up in the bottom left corner of 61. I made initial strides to feature Alice on my blog just after Christmas, so while her inclusion was a surprise, it has also rekindled that contact. Here Alice shows off a pelvis in the air shot, and a picture where she looks longingly into camera, showcasing her beautiful features. A truly blinding DIY section this month, and without exaggeration, I think we could see four or five ladies returning as Alt Girls proper.

I have to stop and mention page 66, where readers are treated to a picture of Elle Richie modelling for Broken Girls Club. It’s always awesome to see Elle in FRONT in any capacity, and I can understand her involvement with Broken Girls. Without doubt, this company works with some of the most stunning models in the business. A visit to their website last year prompted me to apply for a job immediately. The unsuccessful nature of that application only goes to prove that Broken Girls hires only the most beauteous individuals. Their site took my breath away let me tell you!

Pages 70 and 71 sees Alex Sim-Wise’s replacement make her debut as a columnist, that being the incandescent Arabella. To start with, it looks like an exact continuation of Alex’s work, with a large main image on one page and a mixture of cuttings from the month on the other. I think this may prove to be a misstep, as any reminder of Alex’s previous column will no doubt bring with it comparisons. For the most part, I found Arabella’s output interesting and also discovered she was a fire performer. I think it’ll take some time for Arabella to get the right blend of humour and special interest comment. She’s got a lot to live up to following in Sim-Wise’s footsteps, but it’s a very good appointment by FRONT, and someone I’m surprised they were able to temp into a regular column. Good on them I say!

Rosie time starts on page 84; first of all I have to say that Jay Mawson has done an incredible job with this shoot, there are just so many magnificent pictures! While I’m thrilled to see Rosie back, I was a little irked that FRONT didn’t make a bigger deal of her return after so long. In my view it cast a little shadow over FRONT, after all they described Rosie as the “fittest women in the world” a fact that I’m sure was cemented by her high placement in FHM’s sexy list. Not mentioning or alluding to her absence seems to put FRONT in a seemingly oblivious position. Rosie is all over the place at the moment, and FRONT “fronting” like they’ve just decided not to use her for nearly a year is a little ridiculous. On to the pictures…

84 and 85 kick things off with a classic Rosie shot. Her hair over one eye and a mid-exhale expression has been seen before, but it’s always welcome in my opinion. A nip slip gives us all a hint at what’s to come, and get’s those pages a-turning. Page 86 is my second favourite shot of this set. I love how Rosie has been captured in full length perfection in front of a beamingly bright window. The angle of her body and the way the light plays off her skin is immense, and I love how she is framed amongst everything that’s going on in the room. Page 87 is a little bit of a wasted shot for me, especially when you look at the fantastic shots on the other pages. We see Rosie, back to camera, showing off the perfect bottom we all knew she has. I would have enjoyed seeing Rosie utilising her posing repertoire instead of just letting someone snap a picture of her bum.

88 and 89 shows us a new body positioning from Rosie, and almost a lot more due to the outfit and camera positioning. Blurring conserves Rosie’s modesty a little, but it is what’s above the equator of the pages that intrigues. I love how her eyes are slightly closed, and the gritted teeth and shine to Rosie’s bronzed skin utter glamour. My favourite shot of the series comes on page 94. I just love Rosie’s body against the light from the window, and sucking marshmallow off her middle finger is a choice that elevates this set of pictures to another level. I am in awe of the curve of her back, and the way her pert bottom sits on the wall showcases that portion of Rosie’s body even better than the rather wasted image previously discussed on 87.

Pages 96 and 97 end Rosie’s feature wonderfully. I would love this image on my wall, the same size but without the page divide. Rosie seemingly emerges from a washing machine, again her hair lying across her face with those bedroom eyes and ever so delightful lips; it’s a shot that looks like it was a lot of fun to shoot. It’s also an image that oozes confidence, and when I think back to Rosie’s first inclusion in FRONT, it’s awesome to see that progression in a model.

Lastly, I wanted to mention the back cover. I don’t usually, but I had to highlight how awesome Danielle looks and how well put together the ad is. Perfect positioning of the shoes on her breasts and the look on her face is sheer temptation. A very good audition for future inclusion in the magazine proper.

All in all, this issue was very enjoyable. Seeing Rosie back kind of tells me we could see Vikki Blows return in the near future, as well as the likes of Mel Clarke etc. We’ll see when the next issue is released I guess. All I will say is that I hope serious consideration is given to including some of the ladies from issue 169’s DIY section. I think there are definitely future Alt Girls in the DIY this month, and I’ll be watching out for their reappearance in future issues. I’m assuming next month with be Olympics-ish, so it’ll be interesting how that is dealt with. Thanks for reading if you did.

 

The above image was taken from google.

Issue 169 of FRONT has definitely been an inspiration for me. I’ve discovered some wonderful women within this month’s magazine, but my next interviewee is included in that group quite by chance. The interviewee in question is the lovely Lola, who I began talking to about featuring on this blog last month. Again by chance, she told me she had a Suicide Girls set about to be published at the start of May, so we decided to hold off on the interview and coincide posting this piece with the release of her SG set. While I was planning the piece, and waiting to conduct Lola’s interview, she was told she would be in FRONT issue 169. Amazing timing or what! During the completion of this article, I found Lola to be a bubbly and very gracious person indeed. She was so excited about being published in two bastions of alternative beauty, and completely down to earth. It is a joy and a privilege to feature this lady at the start of what I know will be a very fun and very fruitful future career.  

 

Q: Welcome Miss Lola. It’s brilliant to have you on my blog. How have you been of late, busy I take it?

Lola: Hi Rich, thank you for having me! I’m a massive fan so I’m really excited to be doing this interview. Yeah, I’ve been super busy trying to reply to all the lovely messages and photo shoot offers I’ve had recently!

Q: You are just starting out on your modelling adventure, but already have some exciting projects you’re involved with. We’ll talk about your Suicide Girls set and your FRONT inclusion later in the interview, but for now could you tell us how you got into modelling, and why?

Lola: I first started modelling in my first year of college, I had loads of friends doing photography in college and uni who asked me to model for them. From then on I had friends of friends asking me and people began to tell me I should start modelling more, and that I should apply for Front/SG. So the second I turned eighteen I set up an online portfolio and the offers starting rolling in, I was so shocked!

Q: The modelling industry is many different things to many different people, but what is your personal view of the business? Did you know what to expect going in? Or has being part time meant you can keep some distance and not get sucked in to the more stressful/negative aspects?

Lola: Being part time has definitely helped me; I haven’t found it stressful at all. I think it’s the best way to get started rather than jumping into the deep end and trying to arrange a ton of shoots in one go. To me modelling is all about having fun, I haven’t had a single photo shoot that I haven’t loved!

Q: Would you say modelling is a hobby right now with the hopes of turning it into a career, or are you just enjoying your time and seeing where the work takes you?

L: At the moment I’m just seeing where the work takes me, I’m really loving having it as a hobby for now. I think that maybe in the future I’ll look into doing it more full time but that won’t be for a while.

Q: Do you have any women in the industry that you particularly admire? Is there anyone that inspires your desire to model, or even influences you in terms of approach?

L: I have a massive girl crush on both Bridget Blonde and Alysha Nett, they are both so gorgeous! I love how they can both pull off so many styles and that’s what I want to aim for with my modelling, so I would definitely say they’re inspirations! 

Q: Your images to date have been splendid; there is always a flood of light and an airy quality to the pictures. It’s a brave style to shoot in, as any imperfection is out there to be seen, but you pull it off wonderfully! Have you had much input into the way you’ve been photographed so far? Or is it all about finding the right collaborations that work for you?

L: I’ve had a bit of input, I’ve put out casting calls for different styles I want to shoot in and I’ve had loads of responses. It’s nice that I can put forward an idea for a shoot and find a photographer willing to shoot me, but I also love new ideas. My favourite shoots have been ones where photographers have approached me with an idea I would never have thought of.

Q: By the way, you don’t have any imperfections in my eyes, you are a stunning individual. I love the energy and changing emotion you can bring to a shoot as well, one minute you can portray intimately beautiful soulful gazes, the next its brassy sassy attitude laden glamour. Do you enjoy the challenge of creating different looks from frame to frame, and how do you do it so well?

L: Ha-ha, thank you. You’re making me blush! I love creating different looks, I’m a terrible actress but pulling faces seems to be my forte which works to my advantage!

Q: I really like the more fashion based stuff you’ve done with the likes of Ollie Bell; you’re incredibly photogenic in many different styles of photography, but what would you say is your favourite? Would you like to get into more glamour modelling, more alternative and fetish modelling, or more fashion stuff? Or are you happy mixing things up right now?

L: Ollie Bell is a great friend of mine, he was one of the people who got me into modelling, I love working with him! I’m enjoying trying out the different styles for now, seeing which get the best responses. Ideally I’d love to do alternative fashion, maybe do some modelling for clothing lines too. But for now I’m happy to try a bit of everything.

Q: How do you most like to work on a set Lola? Do you like direction from a photographer, or are you more comfortable being improvisational? What’s the perfect atmosphere for you when shooting do you think?

L: I like some direction from the photographer so that I can give them the shots they want, but I do love to improvise. The perfect atmosphere for me is laid back, chatting and having a laugh. I personally think I perform better when I get on really well with the photographer.

Q: We’ve got to talk about your tremendous recent debut as a Suicide Girl. Congratulations first of all, it’s very impressive to have shot with such a well known group of glamorous gals. What does it feel like having a set on their website?

L: Thank you! At first it was a bit daunting having my photos up on a site with hundreds of beautiful girls. But the feedback I got from both members and SG girls was amazing. Everyone had such lovely things so say and were so supportive. It’s encouraged me to submit a new set soon!

Q: I loved your work for the SGs, and really think you fit into what they’re trying to do over there. Could you talk us outsiders through the process a little please Lola, how did it all come about for you and what was the shoot like?

L: It’s really straightforward; to apply all you have to do is submit a few DIY shots of yourself and a scanned copy of your ID. If they get back to you and they like what they see they’ll ask you to submit a set to them. They have photographers you can get in contact with on the site but you can also submit a DIY set or one that a friend has done for you. I actually did a DIY set as I was having a lazy day at home when I got their email, so thought it would give me something to do! I would recommend any girl to apply; everyone on the site is so supportive and friendly. 

Q: You’ve had rave reviews for your pictures already, it must be a tremendous boost for you this early in your career. You’ve already reached a pretty impressive milestone shooting with the Suicide Girls, but what are your further ambitions with regards to modelling? Where would you like to see your career go in the next few years?

L: Hopefully my SG set will get me some more shoots, a big ambition is to do some alternative modelling for magazines. I think it’s every girls dream to see their face in a magazine really. I’m hoping my career will pick up in the next few years and I’ll begin to make a name for myself!

Q: Yet another achievement you reached recently was inclusion in FRONT issue 169 how did that feel when you heard the news? Have you been a FRONT fan for long?

L: I was amazed, I really didn’t think I would get chosen! Although it’s only the DIY alt section, to me it’s a massive deal! I’ve bee a FRONT fan for ages now, it’s definitely my favourite magazine, so it was so exciting to find out I was going to be published.

Q: Much like the Suicide Girls, FRONT Alt Girls are an impressive bunch. You’re in the DIY section this month, but what would it mean to get a full feature in the magazine?

L: It would be the highlight of my modelling career! I think if I was offered a full feature I could die happy ha-ha!

Q: Finally on FRONT, how many copies of the issue you’re in will you be buying?

L: Just the one, but I have told everyone I know to go buy a copy too!

Q: Another topic I really wanted to talk to you about in this interview Lola is your lovely tattoos. You have very vibrant and eye-catching pieces on your right thigh and left shoulder in particular. I know you must get asked this a lot but could you please talk us through those two designs in particular, and the decisions behind the imagery and the style of tattoo.

L: Thank you my lovely boyfriend, Akira Newland, has done all of my tattoos. The one on my thigh is my all time favourite! The inspiration came from a painting I found floating about on the internet of a woman with a deer in her hair; I loved it so I asked my boyfriend if he could design me a tattoo in his style using that painting. It took about 9/10 hours all together and it was worth every minute of it! My rose on my shoulder wasn’t as well thought out as my thigh, my boyfriend is well known for his amazing roses and I thought my shoulder would be a nice placement!

Q: Do you have any desire to get more artwork done on your body in the future? If so, is there a particular placement where you’d most like to get something?

L: I have so many ideas for new tattoos I wouldn’t know where to start! I would really love to get a chest piece at some point in my life. My plan is to save up some money and get it done by a big name.

Q: What other creative influences do you have/enjoy? What have you been watching and listening to of late, and have you got any plans for gigs or festivals this summer?

L: Recently I’ve loved listening to James Blake, I go through phases of genres but currently I am in love with his voice! I haven’t planned any festivals as of yet as I’m going on holiday with my best girls. But most likely I will be going to Hevy Fest! But I really hate camping!

Q: Back to your modelling finally if we could Lola. Have you got any projects coming up that you’re particularly looking forward to? Where can people that admire your work see it next?

L: I have a really exciting shoot lined up with a photographer called Raj Chitnavis (rajphotography.co.uk) which I’m really looking forward to!

Q: Can we please finish with Bernard Pivot’s questionnaire?

What is your favourite word? Sequin

What is your least favourite word? Snog

What turns you on? Men with facial hair

What turns you off? Feet!

What sound or noise do you love? Dripping taps

What sound or noise do you hate? Cotton wool being pulled apart

What is your favourite curse word? SHIT!

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Animal care! Something like RSPCA

What profession would you not like to do? Bin man, bins make me feel sick. Yuk.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Smoke?

 

I found it very interesting talking with Lola at this early stage in her career. She’s done magnificently already to achieve acceptance with both FRONT and the Suicide Girls. I am so intrigued to follow her career from this point, and really wish her all the very best. If you haven’t seen her SG set yet then I’d suggest you head over there asap, or hit up her tumblr at the link below for Lola’s posts and thoughts.

http://mica-cloe.tumblr.com

 

All images were sourced by me, and used with Lola’s permission.