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Check FAQAbout Lara
Lara Johnson-Wheeler is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.
Feature Stories
Fact Checking
Cultural
Fact Checking
Portfolio
Queering Couture
The article explores the concept of 'queering couture' by examining how designers like Martin Margiela and Alexander McQueen have disrupted traditional notions of couture. It highlights Margiela's use of found objects and deconstructed garments to challenge the high/low fashion binary, and McQueen's use of unconventional materials and performance art to push boundaries. The text also critiques the fashion industry's slow adaptation to progressive ideas, such as the CFDA's 'non-binary' Fashion Week category, and calls for a more inclusive and fluid understanding of what couture can be.
Maggie Shannon’s Humanising Portrait of a Late-Stage Abortion Clinic
Maggie Shannon's photo series at a late-stage abortion clinic in Baltimore captures the compassionate and tender moments of care during procedures, challenging preconceptions about abortion. The series, titled 'A Safe Haven for Late Abortion,' highlights the individuality of patients and the dedication of clinic staff amidst ongoing debates about abortion rights. Shannon's work emphasizes storytelling through imagery, aiming to illuminate and celebrate those preserving reproductive rights while acknowledging the complex emotions involved. The article also critiques the Republican Party's stance on abortion, underscoring the importance of bodily autonomy and healthcare access.
Queering Couture
The article explores the concept of 'queering couture' by examining how designers like Martin Margiela and Alexander McQueen have disrupted traditional notions of couture. Margiela's use of found objects and deconstructed garments challenges the elite status of couture, while McQueen's innovative materials and performance art pieces push the boundaries of fashion. The text critiques the fashion industry's slow adaptation to progressive ideas, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and fluid approach to fashion. It calls for recognition of past rule-breakers and encourages new disruptive minds to redefine what couture can be.
One Model’s Intimate Exploration of Sleep and Dream States
Model Zenobia Voegele-Downing collaborates with Paris-based photographer Laura Marie Cieplik on a photo series titled 'Zenobia’s Dreams,' exploring the vulnerability and intimacy of dream states. The project, shot in London and Dorset, captures haunting and personal moments, with Voegele-Downing taking on a creative director role to portray herself authentically. The series features both black and white and color images, emphasizing the emotional depth and vividness of dreams.
Sinéad O’Dwyer Is Creating Truly Inclusive Fashion
Sinéad O’Dwyer, an Irish-born designer, is revolutionizing the fashion industry by creating inclusive designs that cater to larger bodies. Her work challenges traditional body dysmorphia in fashion, focusing on emotional responses and innovative techniques. O’Dwyer’s designs prioritize comfort and subversive aesthetics, starting with the model rather than the garment. Her Spring/Summer 2023 show at London Fashion Week featured a diverse cast of models, emphasizing unity and empowerment. O’Dwyer discusses the mental health impact of luxury fashion's exclusionary practices and her commitment to offering unique options for different body types.
A New Cookbook Explores the Rich Diversity of Parsi Food
Farokh Talati, driven by a desire to share Parsi food with the world, has published his first cookbook, 'Parsi: From Persia to Bombay.' The book combines traditional Parsi recipes with influences from Talati's community in London. Highlighting the rich history and unique flavors of Parsi cuisine, Talati emphasizes the importance of preserving these culinary traditions amidst a dwindling Parsi community. The cookbook features a mix of food imagery and personal anecdotes, celebrating the cultural heritage and humor of the Parsi people. Talati's work is supported by contributions from notable figures like Homi K. Babha, ensuring the continued spread and appreciation of Parsi cooking.
In ‘Mezcla,’ Ixta Belfrage Offers a New Take on Fusion Cooking
Ixta Belfrage's cookbook 'Mezcla' offers a fresh and compelling take on fusion cooking, blending Italian, Mexican, and Brazilian cuisines. Drawing from her diverse heritage and experiences, Belfrage reclaims and celebrates the term 'fusion' despite its criticisms. The book, developed during the pandemic, reflects her emotional journey and meticulous recipe development process. Belfrage encourages readers to experiment with her recipes, emphasizing the joy of creative cooking. Her background includes working at Yotam Ottolenghi’s test kitchen and co-authoring 'Ottolenghi Flavour.'
A New Cookbook Dives Into the Weird and Wonderful World of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are gaining popularity across various fields, from fashion to wellness. Andrea Gentl's new cookbook, 'Cooking With Mushrooms,' explores the culinary potential of fungi, offering diverse recipes and cooking techniques. The book features innovative dishes, mushroom powders, and detailed photography by Gentl and her husband, Martin Hyers. Gentl sources mushrooms from local markets and online services, emphasizing their health benefits and environmental importance. While the book avoids the topic of psilocybin mushrooms, Gentl acknowledges their personal benefits. The cookbook aims to provide a comprehensive guide to cooking with mushrooms, excluding commercial wellness trends.
A new recipe book explores how lockdown has changed our relationship with cooking
The Quarantine Cookbook, an online culinary resource launched by Carmen Hall and Layla Alter, aims to bring people together through cooking during lockdown. Featuring contributions from professional chefs and food enthusiasts, the cookbook supports food bank charities like Food Bank for NYC, Trussell Trust, and World Central Kitchen. Contributors express the joy and relief cooking has brought them, emphasizing the importance of meals in creating structure and routine. The project has raised $9k and continues to grow, with plans to add more features and opportunities for donations.
Mark Peckmezian’s Intimate and “Utterly Simple” Portraits of Strangers
Berlin-based photographer Mark Peckmezian delves into his debut photobook 'Nice,' which captures intimate portraits of strangers. The book, published by Roma Publications, explores the philosophical aspects of identity and self-perception. Peckmezian, known for his work with brands like Gucci, Hermès, and Bottega Veneta, describes his ideal portrait as 'utterly simple' yet detailed. The selection process for the book was rigorous, resulting in a collection of 115 portraits from over 1,200-1,500 shots taken over four years. Peckmezian's approach involves collaborating with local assistants to find and photograph subjects, emphasizing the unstable and ambiguous nature of identity.
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