Andrew Logan – The Boy who never knew the word ‘can’t’

Andrew Logan... never did like to blend

I was not aware of the ‘Alternative Miss World Competition’ until recently and it feels like it should be something I learned about at school, albeit a very bohemian lefty school where cross dressing, outrageous make-up, sexual cheekiness and crazy loud eclectic music are the norm.

The Alternative Miss World Competition first took place in 1972 when maverick artist Andrew Logan put on what is basically the anti-Miss World, taking the elements of the better known version but subverting it so that anyone could enter regardless of age, sex, size, shape, sexuality and talent, it was all about expression and inspiration. Maybe the best part of the contest was that it was not so much about winning but celebrating diversity, creativity and fun, Logan created something amazing and all because he never knew of any reason to not express himself

Every entrant created wonderful home made costumes in the theme of morning, day and evening wear. Each had weird and wonderful names and walked the catwalk to fantastical music and no little amount of camp draggy theatre.

Andrew Logan... still blending

Andrew Logan was both host and hostess with his half and half costumes, usually created by 60’s design legend Zandra Rhodes, each year he would have a variety of co-hosts ranging from Devine to Julian Clary to Richard O’Brien to the latest with Ruby Wax. The likes of Leigh Bowery took part, Andy Warhol was a judge and it was so popular David Bowie could not even get in.

What made it even more interesting was that it was always a family affair with his 4 brothers mucking in to build, manage and even drag up for the show. His sister has been the only contestant to enter every time it has been staged.

Tea anyone?

The tiny screen 2 at the ICA was the perfect setting to watch The British Guide To Showing Off with fellow dress fancy fans, we were even in the company of two people who had attended many of the events throughout the years as contestants. If you missed it then gutted darling!

Every guest gets their own hot man to carry you too

It puts to shame the fancy dress parties I go to… although my 30th is around the corner so maybe not…. watch this sparkly space!

I could carry this off...

Trainer Porn – Converse

Converse porn

I have not bought new shoes for about 3 weeks now and no new cons for a long time… think this might need to change. Nice colour, semi waterproof and quite preppy but not in a A&F obvious way

Props to my fave porn site HypeBeast

The trainer that made me a trainer freak – Remixed for 2012

Nike Air Huarache 2012 - Swoon

I was about 9, when I spied for the first time a shoe which was better looking than the offspring of Brangelina could ever threaten to be. It was unlike any other trainer I had ever seen and I had to have them, despite my mum saying she would never spend so much money on a trainer I would ruin. It is amazing what a 9 year old can do when he puts his mind to it. I believe it took 3 weeks of badgering, offering to mow the lawn, sulking, begging and making cups of tea before it was mission accomplished.

Nike Air Huarache circa 1990 - Swoon

I think I must have re-laced them about 100 times and wore them as house shoes for weeks, such was my love for them

Now for 2012 we have the new version, subtle changes in colours and finish ensure it is as beautiful as the first time I saw it. For me it has to be the shoe version but all three on display on Hypebeast work for me.

Berghain…..

This weekend I was away in Berlin for the umpteenth time this year. Bloody love that place, from the amazing art, the open minded people, the bars, the random food stores, the amazing (if a little confusing at times) transport system and Berghain. I am in recovery mode from Berghain even though this time I only spent a total of 10 hours in the massive building which features The Lab, Panorama Bar and the main Berghain area… my pb is a mere 22 hours.

Berghain queue.... be prepared to wait, but it is worth it

For those who have never been, it is Berlin’s worst kept secret, a huge sprawling former power station in Friedrichstain which has been open since 2004 in the wake of Ostgut closing in 2003. It is a gay club that the breeders love too, it hosts parties that go on for days rather than hours and inside it is a den of iniquity including a darkroom and a fetish club as well. To get in is an achievement, where you either need to be off your box, fancied by the fussy door queer or just damn lucky, I have had plenty of friends who have made the journey to Berlin just for Berghain and then been turned away.

What I like the most is that there is virtually no guest list, absolutely no tosser like VIP room and that what happens in there is never photographed as all cameras are banned. So any of my weekend’s activities will remain between myself and those who witnessed them or were appalled by them.

My German friend who is a regular at all three rooms of Berghain has informed me that there is talk that it may have to close soon due to the development of local superstores nearby…. With that in mind I am booking in another trip for December and another in March

Coloured Casio digi watches….

Technicolour Casio

Small things make me happy, such as simple Casio digital watches be available in an array of colours. I am buying one a week from here on in so I have something to look forward to for the next 11 weeks. Like I said… small things….

Because they are one of the coolest things ever. FACT.

Tri-colour not try-hard

I loved them, I simply loved them. It is not usual that something so damn stylish manages to also be amongst the most useful things in the word but bum bags managed it, of that there can be no doubt.

Clearly uni-sex

Our elasticed-waistband-jean-wearing cousins from over pond call them, fanny packs

Snakeskin chic

It took real flair and the need to carry a lot of essential items to go for two

Double bumming

Mr Motivator was never seen without one

Words are not enough