Sommaire pour September 2016 de Attitude Magazine

Shooting Prince William two months ago was a smoother process than attempting to pin down Miss Campbell. Trying to secure time with her between her constant travels to London, New York and St Tropez is tougher than finding Pokémon in Antarctica. Seriously, it was easier to pencil in Prince William for his cover shoot than find a spare hour in Ms Campbell’s crazy schedule for this shoot. And the main reason for that? This woman does not stop working. And in the past three decades she has achieved more than most people do in an entire lifetime. Naomi has broken down racial barriers in the fashion industry. Between continuing to work as a model, her ongoing charity work and an acting career, her energy is relentless. She is a living,…

{ BOOK } STRIKE A POSE! In 1945, Bob Mizer began taking photographs of young men on Muscle Beach, California. At the end of that year he founded the now-legendary Athletic Model Guild and physique photography was born. Five years later he launched Physique Pictorial, America’s first undeniably gay magazine. Now, Taschen have produced a two-volume edition of prints from Mizer’s negatives. AMG: 1000 Model Directory is a collection, with a DVD featuring 18 films. taschen.com { FASHION } A/W ’16 HOLIDAY MUST-HAVE If you’re heading to the southern hemisphere to chase the sun this winter, it’s worth noting that Dan Ward not only have a plethora of sophisticated swimwear, but have also branched out into clothing, accessories and fantastic flip flops. danwardwear.com { THEATRE } SPITTING IMAGE As part…

“DANCING IS SO VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE I’VE FOUND IT TO BE THE QUICKEST WAY TO HAPPINESS” After 15 years away — and having lived in places from Barcelona and Rome to an abandoned hilltop monastery in the Italian region of Umbria, esteemed dancer, mime, teacher and artist LINDSAY KEMP is back in the UK. Born in Cheshire, the man credited with teaching David Bowie to dance as well as inspiring his look, interest in make-up and his stage shows, first left Britain in the Seventies. He spent the past five years in Livorno, a little seaport town near Tuscany, where he’s continued to dance and draw at the age of 78. Why break the habit of a lifetime? I WAS BORN A DANCER and I liked it. When I was…

“THE LAW WAS WORDED TO SCARE TEACHERS INTO NOT SPEAKING ABOUT GAY PEOPLE AND RELATIONSHIPS.NO ONE SAID IT WAS OK TO BE GAY” I DON’T THINK I’ve ever been more excited than the morning Mrs Smith, the head of science at my comprehensive school, pulled down the blackboard and wrote: “Naughty bits” in big letters. This was it. Finally. The hilarious, awkward, fascinating moment we’d been waiting for: sex ed. Sadly, as titillating as the diagrams of ovaries and sperm were, it did next to nothing to prepare me for life as a sexual being. In junior school, we’d watched a cartoon telling us that when we were older we’d need to wash our feet and armpits because they’d get smelly — not to mention our genitals, which, by the…

What’s the first song you ever bought? Inner Circle’s Sweat. Which song reminds you of falling in love? Feel Like Makin’ Love, by Roberta Flack. I am trying to record my own version but it’s tough to do it justice. Do you have a song that makes you cry? Joni Mitchell’s A Case Of You. The lyrics are incredible. What album changed your life? Dangerous. It could have been any Michael Jackson album, but this one opened the door into a world of electronic soul music. What song changed your life? One More Time, by Daft Punk. This is the moment where I realised guitars, vocals and house music could all live together in beautiful harmony. If your life was a song title, what would it be? AC/DC’s It’s A…

NAKED IBIZA Dylan Rosser/Bruno Gmünder This handsomely produced coffee-table book delivers a range of fit — and mostly nude — male models splashing about. Funded by his fans in less than 48 hours on Kickstarter, this is Rosser’s first book to be shot outdoors and showcases an array of generously proportioned men shot against a variety of Mediterranean costal settings. It’s a striking blend of black-and-white and colour photos that captures the male form to glorious effect. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW FAQ Dave Thompson Re-perfect your pelvic thrust with this in-depth compendium of the cult stage show and hit film. This is the full story of its creation, including a discography of Richard O’Brien’s classic work, as well as a unique timeline chronology. Tim Curry, who shot to fame…

SHE CAME THROUGH TO FINISH UP AS QUEEN BEE in a series full of fashion queens. And Violet Chachki, season seven winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has taken to fashion like a supernova that shows no signs of burning out. Talking to her, there’s a mix of eagerness and someone who knows all her designer references. Violet — real name Jason Dardo — has charming warmth and humility, coupled with a resolve that matches her talent. She tells us about working with photographer Steven Klein, the scene-stealing finale dress from season eight and that waist. After you won Drag Race, you said in interviews that you wanted to be taken seriously in the fashion industry. Do you think you have achieved that? I think that I’ll always be in tune…

Just imagine yourself with a rugged, sexy beard. You run your fingers through it, and it’s smooth and silky soft to the touch. It is easy to style and doesn’t itch or scratch. That’s all possible with a beard care kit from Napiers Beard Club. Their beard care is blended by herbalists, handmade in small batches and delivered directly to your door. Napiers have been taking care of the best beards in Britain since they were founded in 1860, and your beard deserves the best. Founder Duncan Napier had quite the beard himself and they still use his original ingredients today. Their signature scent is a masculine blend of cedar wood, Roman chamomile, sandalwood with a hint of zesty lime, which is subtle but lasts throughout the day. Not only…

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“Naomi Campbell is our generation’s Cleopatra. There’s no one she doesn’t know and there’s no one who doesn’t bow at her feet the moment that she walks into the room” “WHAT IS MY RELATIONSHIP WITH NAOMI? Let me tell you something, Naomi Campbell is our generation’s Cleopatra. There’s no one she doesn’t know and there’s no one who doesn’t bow at her feet the moment that she walks into the room. “I’ve built this up and made it very, very big, but with that said, she is one of the sweetest, most delicate little flowers. You just want to hold her. She’s very generous with her information. She’s wonderful. I hang out with her on a regular basis now. She’s super cool. I flew to New York to go to…

“MOST OF US DON’T DRINK ENOUGH WATER. IT’S DULL BUT THE BENEFITS ARE WORTH IT” EATING RIGHT: BANISH YOUR BELLY! Your training is only ever going to be as effective as the fuel you use. Supplements are a great way to get more from your training, but they should accompany a healthy, balanced diet — not be a substitute for it. Throughout my career, I picked up some food tricks to help me maximise every session. SPICE AND SEASON, DON’T SAUCE Something our favourite diver Mr. Daley also pointed out recently: sauces are full of hidden non-essential carbs and fats. Instead, use spices such as turmeric and ginger for tackling inflammation, garlic for a boost to your immune system, and cayenne chili to fire up your metabolism. QUINOA NOT RICE…

What was your motivation behind launching Muscle Bull Gym (MBG)? When Paris Gym in Vauxhall closed its doors in June 2015, I missed the community that I’d been a part of for so long. I wanted to give this community a new and improved home that met not only their physical needs but also provided a focal point for the social element of going to the gym. Tell us a bit about the crowdfunding project. I opened the idea to the community via Facebook as there was no way I could afford it all myself. The idea of crowdfunding developed and was supported by our community. The finance has come from this community and a few private investors, enabling us to offer a high-quality gym and wellness centre with the…

“MICHAEL SAM’S SHOWN INCREDIBLE BRAVERY. THE GAY COMMUNITY NEEDS MORE SPOKESMEN WHO CONTRADICT STEREOTYPES” What’s your morning routine? Prior to a hearty breakfast (usually poached eggs, porridge, blueberry pancakes, with lemon tea), I have a terribly bad habit of grabbing my phone and checking messages, emails and social media. What’s a day like at work? I’ll generally go over the guest list and bookings with my team. If there’s an event, I’ll familiarise myself with the VIPs who are coming. I’ll then get radio’d up, check I’m looking “on point” and head down to the front door. The night usually gets busy from 9pm. From then, the hotel bar becomes a mixture of a lounge and nightclub. How did you land your job? I was invited to the W and…

I’ve been single for four months. Before that, I was in a monogamous relationship for nine years, so you might say I’ve been making up for my missed twenties because I have been having lots of casual sex. I never used condoms with my boyfriend and am finding it really difficult to use them again now. I am considering using PrEP. Is it a good idea to buy it online? How can I get it otherwise? Davide, Southampton Dear Davide, While PrEP has come as something of a revolution in the prevention of HIV, it isn’t readily available and doesn’t come without risks. It’s vital, if you are having casual sex, that you protect yourself and your partners. The best way to do this is to use condoms. If you’re…

VICTORIA WILL Victoria began her career in a news environment, writing headlines such as “Headless Body in Topless Bar,” where she honed her skills and sense of humour. She has the ability to put the ordinary in an extraordinary light. No matter what the circumstance, she manages to find those honest, real moments. She lives in NYC with her photojournalist husband, their son and two French bulldogs CHRISTIAN OITA German photographer Christian Oita’s recent work has seen him shoot Katy Perry and Emma Watson. For our collection’s story this month, he turned his eye to Jhonattan Burjack, a fresh-faced, 21-year-old Brazilian model. “Jhon’s positive energy fuelled the entire shoot. He looks as if he walked straight off a Pedro Almodóvar movie set,” says Christian PAUL PETER London-based fashion photographer Peter…

French actor François Nambot is set to star in Peccadillo Pictures’ Théo and Hugo, a story of two young gay Parisians who meet in one of the city’s sex clubs. Nambot made his name in several plays in Paris thanks to his theatre company, La Boîte aux Lettres, and was most recently seen playing Dorante in Marivaux’s Jeu de l’amour et du Hazard (The Game of Love and Chance). Directed by Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau (Drôle de Félix and Born in 68), Théo and Hugo is billed as Peccadillo’s most ambitious project to date, portraying a flawless sensitivity in bringing us closer to two men as they strive for intimacy in spite of insecurity. Théo & Hugo (see review, p43 ) is…

UP CARA DELEVINGNE “If people want to say I’m gay, that’s great.” We U THE WONDER WOMAN TRAILER Gal Gadot got it going on JK RULIN’ Ms Harry Potter is totally ownin’ everything she touches THE DOWNING STREET CATS Meow! The only worthwhile political news stories these days are the adventures of Larry & co. NATIONAL AIDS TRUST Fighting the case for PrEP to be available on the NHS DOWN AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY The last bank holiday until Christmas? Our campaign for Halloween as a national holiday begins now LABOUR Come on, sort it out. Your people need you POKÉMON GO Like Grindr but more satisfying yet still a bit… weird LAUNDRY Sometimes life just feels like a constant cycle of washing undies TRUMP Back on the list again. Because…

NEVER SMILE, not even if your boyfriend proposes to you. Just extend your finger, let him put a ring on it, then wordlessly turn and strut away with full sass GET the London look , i.e. high-waisted cannabis-leaf-print leggings, lilac hair, and a tattoo of a narwhal vomiting up a TfL logo MAKE FRIENDS with Cara Delevingne. How ? Just wear a crop - top, pierce your nose and hang at East London clubs . By autumn you’ll be at hers sharing a stick of celery ALWAYS wear big sunglasses. It helps with the aloofness and the allure DON ’T fall over. Heidi Klum will step over you, and then your best friend will yell “Oh my God , she’s fashion roadkill!” TREAT absolutely everywhere as if it is a…

“OF ALL THE CATCHPHRASES, THE MESSAGE FROM THE REMAIN CAMP WAS NOT JUST CUTTHROAT — IT PROVED TO BE ILLITERATE WHEN IT CAME TO READING THE COUNTRY” THE WEEKEND BEFORE the EU referendum, my boyfriend drove us from Manchester to Grimsby, from one set of parents to the other. Given that one lot were “in” and the others “out”, the trip felt strangely symbolic. One city used to be famed for its heavy industry, the other as a fishing port. But both boast a particular brand of self-deprecating Northern pride. Every homemade advertisement we saw on the sidings of the beautiful British A-roads said: LEAVE. Of all the infectious catchphrases trotted out by the most prominent figureheads in the referendum debacle, the one that kept recurring on that journey was…

JULIETA Adriana Ugarte, Rossy de Palma, Inma Cuesta The latest film from Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar (see interview, p108), renowned for his poignant filmmaking, with a queer eye. After the death of her husband, Julieta is cut off by her daughter. So, while Julieta suffers alone in Madrid, we journey into her past to see the events that led to the abandonment. This is full of wonderfully emotional twists and turns you won’t forget. 26 August THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson In 2013, political horror The Purge hit screens to mixed reviews. And whether or not you enjoyed it, Americans being allowed — for one day a year — to do anything illegal, including murder or rape, is an intriguing concept. This three-quel isn’t exactly…

“A PRIME-TIME, GLOSSY SHOW ABOUT ALIEN HUNTERS THAT JUST SO HAPPENED TO FEATURE A SAME-SEX COUPLE DESERVES NOT BE OVERLOOKED” RUSSELL T DAVIES RELAUNCHED gay obsession Doctor Who in 2005 because it was also his obsession. What he probably wasn’t quite ready for is how much it would become everyone else’s. Within two years, the show — having been away for more than 15 years — was performing so well the BBC were clamouring for related content. Rose Tyler: Earth Defence was discussed but it was Torchwood (an anagram of Doctor Who) that was given the green light. Bisexual, billowing-jacketed Captain Jack Harkness — introduced in the first season of the main show — was played by former Live & Kicking host and all-round Mr Showbiz, John Barrowman. Following his…

WHEN IT COMES TO TRENDS, avoiding reiterations in menswear can be tricky for brands to navigate. This season there were plenty of perennial themes that designers revamped and refreshed as well as plenty of new elements of frivolity. Stepping into a recurring role and transitioning over the seasons, the military trend found its way on to the Balmain and Alexander McQueen catwalks. While previous seasons focused on utility and urban interpretations, this was a more enriching and royal affair, with a full regalia of gold-piping embellishments, metallic flourishes and rich deep reds and velvets. The hue was also a prominent fixture on the runways, with every shade from sequinned cherry tracksuits (Burberry) to rich-red overcoats from Dior Homme. Brands such as Moschino, Fendi and Raf Simons reinvented the wheel —…

Shaving doesn’t always go as smoothly as you’d like — many men experience nicks, shaving rash and irritation to their skin simply because they are using the wrong tools. If this is you, here are some tips to change shaving from a daily chore to a daily ritual. PREPARE YOUR SKIN Soap and water is a thing of the past; cleansing your skin is key to having the best shave. The Real Shaving Co’s Daily Face Scrub will remove impurities and dead skin from between bristles and lift them away from the surface to ensure a smooth result. Use warm water (not hot) and pat with a towel to gently dry. This will also make the outer layer of hair softer and ready for an easier cut when you shave;…

Regrowz is the only hair-loss treatment for men clinically proven to work for 100 per cent of subjects within the clinical trial, all of whom experienced hair regrowth after just three months use — with an average reduction of bald area of 16 per cent. Regrowz offer a full-money-back guarantee if the user of the product does not see an improvement after six months. The product is formulated from natural ingredients and has no known side effects. It works by increasing your blood circulation and collagen production in the scalp, and nourishing your hair follicles to promote regrowth. It is easy to apply, fitting conveniently into your grooming routine every other night. The product has been well received with numerous positive reviews and a number of users providing before and…

A 7 for Mankind 7forallmankind.com Alexander McQueen alexandermcqueen.com AMI amiparis.fr ASOS asos.com Astrid Andersen astridandersen.com B Balmain balmain.com BLK DNM blkdnm.com Bobby Abley bobbyabley.co.uk Burberry burberry.com C Calvin Klein Collection calvinklein.com Christopher Shannon christophershannon.co.uk Christopher Ward christopherward.co.uk D Dan Ward Wear danwardwear.com David Gandy for Autograph marksandspencer.com Diesel Black Gold store.diesel.com Diesel shop.diesel.com Dior Homme diorhomme.com Dsquared2 dsquared2.com E Emporio Armani armani.com F Farah farah.co.uk G G Star g-star.com Givenchy givenchy.com Gladstone gladstonelondon.co.uk H H&M hm.com I Issey Miyake MEN…

" I'VE ALWAYS SAID WITHOUT GAY MEN, I WOULDN'T BE WHERE I AM TODAY" Their time together on the imperial American drama Empire was not the first meeting for co-stars Naomi Campbell and Jussie Smollett. “I first met Jussie when he was eight years old,” says Naomi, “then again on the set of Empire.” During their time together on-screen and off, she has become inordinately fond of him. “He is a jewel and such an amazing friend. I love him so much. I’m happy for all his success and what he still has to show the world.” On Empire, Smollett plays Jamal, the gay son of macho multi-millionaire record-label boss Lucious Lyon. Campbell is Camilla Marks, the cougar-esque lover of Jamal’s younger brother Hakeem. The show was touted from the…

Andy Gill @ Stretch Yoga London explains the purpose and benefits of yoga. Beyond the myths attached to yoga, it is a far more energetic workout than some people think. stretch-london.com Yoga can be great for the core. I trained with a woman called Ana Forrest, and Forrest Yoga is known for it’s killer ab exercises. In a typical 90-minute class, between 25 and 30 per cent is core work. The aim is to work the deep abdominals, stabilise the lower back and get people fired-up with a sense of connectedness to their bodies. I’ve found it a great complement to other types of training, it’s made me much more body aware and helped me to increase the range of motion in my hips and shoulders. There are lots of…

HEIGHT: 6 FT 1 IN WEIGHT: 13½ ST DAFYDD HOWELLS, 44, ACTOR When I was 30, I had to appear naked in two plays. That was daunting and I was a lot slimmer in those days, but it did a lot for my self-confidence. I didn’t think I would ever be comfortable doing it again until now. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR BODY? When I was a teenager I had quite bad acne on my shoulders and felt incredibly self-conscious taking my top off until I was in my twenties. More recently, I had a major operation resulting in a big scar down the middle of my stomach. For a while it was very obvious and I hated it, now it’s faded and more of a talking point and…

“IF HE IS FINDING THE BREAK-UP TRICKY AND IS TURNING UP AT BARS AND CLUBS WHERE HE KNOWS YOU ARE GOING TO BE, DOESN’T HE DESERVE SOME SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING?” — WAYNE › RANJ: Breaking up with a long-term partner can be intensely emotional and difficult for both parties involved, regardless of whether someone was at fault or not. Some people are able to move on while others struggle and may behave less than ideally. It’s no surprise that if your ex wasn’t ready to end the relationship, he may still have some unresolved feelings and could be struggling coming to terms with it. Although it may be a nuisance or come across as annoying, remember that his behaviour may be because he’s not coping with what has happened. However,…

“I WOULD LET THE WORLD BE AT WAR BEFORE I TOUCHED TRUMP OR FARAGE. THAT SAID, TRUMP LOOKS LIKE HE HAS SOFT HANDS” Britain’s Got Talent propelled you into the spotlight. Who is the most famous person you’ve met since? I had the opportunity to meet Simon Cowell who, believe it or not, seems to be a really normal nice man. Since BGT, I have had so many amazing opportunities. Performing at Sitges Pride with the Spanish sun setting over the beach and the sea breeze blowing through my beard was a real “OMG pinch me” moment. I feel so lucky; I am working 18 Pride event’s this year with more coming in all the time. Have you go any backstage BGT gossip to share? Simon stopped to…

WHO WOULD BE YOUR DREAM PRIME MINISTER?…

“SELLING CIGARETTES OUTSIDE A SHOP. SITTING ON A TRAIN. WALKING HOME. WEARING A HOODIE. ALL THINGS BLACK PEOPLE WERE DOING WHEN KILLED BY POLICE. IT’S NO EXAGGERATION TO SAY I WAS LUCKY THE COPS LET ME GO” I HAVE TO CONFESS that I haven’t watched one video of a black person being killed by a police officer in the US. I don’t need to see that to feel the pain of such clear-cut injustice. I don’t need a graphic reminder of the fear of such a thing happening to me. While driving along the Embankment in London once, I was stopped by police at gunpoint. Apparently, I “fitted the description” of a drug dealer. No conviction. No apology. In addition, in 2015 — the year when black males were nine…

“ON LONG TRAIN JOURNEYS, I’LL RUN THROUGH THE WHOLE RELATIONSHIP FROM OUR FIRST ARGUMENT TO HIS UNTIMELY DEATH AND MY STAR TURN AT HIS FUNERAL. SO BRAVE...” SO THIS IS WHAT I DO pretty much each and every time I fancy a boy: Find him on Instagram. Scroll through every single picture, then go to tagged ones to confirm that I’m not being misled by good lighting. Find him on Twitter. Check that he’s not slightly racist. Find him on Facebook. Throw a tantrum if he has a private account. Weigh up whether it would be appropriate to add him/if we have any mutual friends that I know well enough to ask if I can stalk him on their account. Go to his most-recently tagged picture and hit the back…

TRUDEAUFILES This month, Justin Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s plans to increase its contribution to helping the fight against HIV/ Aids, set up the Prime Minister’s Youth Council to open up dialogue with the under-24s, increased child benefit payments to bring 300,000 children out of poverty. Then he brought the dodo back from extinction and found all 151 Pokémons. FINN JONES If Marvel’s cinematic releases might be too fluffy for die-hard comic fans, Netflix is delivering a grittier slice of street-style superhero action. Its latest opus sees swoonsome Finn Jones take on the role of Daniel Rand — aka Iron Fist — who returns to fight corruption in New York after spending 10 years training in the mystical city of K’un Lun. To be fair, they sold us on those lovely locks…

› Invite her over and ease her into the conversation with some subtle gay iconography. As she arrives make sure Diana Ross’ I’m Coming Out is playing at full blast. Have The Wizard of Oz on the telly and leave a copy of Attitude — the one with Prince William on the cover — out for her to see. › Throw in some queer celebrities. Tell her Paul O’Grady retweeted you once, and that you met Sir Ian McKellen at G-A-Y with Tom Daley. › Tell her they’re all doing it now, even Pam St Clement. › If she brings up the Bible, remind her of St Paul’s advice in 1 Timothy 2:12: “I do not permit a woman to have authority over a man.” As such, she needs to…

BOOK OF THE MONTH MOONSTONE: THE BOY WHO NEVER WAS Sjón/Sceptre Books Set in Reykjavik in 1918, this enchanting and unconventional Icelandic literary novel opens with a 16-year-old rent boy pleasuring a client while listening to the distant throb of a motorbike engine. Blurring reality, reverie and the intoxicating allure of early cinema, Moonstone is the story of young misfit Máni Steinn and his over-imaginative existence on the fringes of society. As the Great War continues to rage across the seas, a nearby volcano erupts, bruising the night skies with fiery colour, guiding a Danish ship as it docks in port. Tragically, the ship’s passengers carry with them the deadly Spanish flu that will grip the small capital, not relinquishing its hold until more than half the population are dead.…

ANGEL Buffy’s vampire beau, left. set up in LA with Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) and the much-missed Andy Hallet as the psychic demon singer, Lorne THE FLASH Arguably better than its mother-show, Arrow, fans wanted Grant Gustin (left) to play the speedster in Batman vs Superman but Ezra Miller got the part CLASS Another Whovian link (with gay characters promised), as aliens converge on Coal Hill Academy — the school featured in the first Doctor Who episode…

{ THE BAG } Gladstone are keeping things functional, streamlined and effortless with their G6 briefcase. Handcrafted from the softest leather and lined with Alcántara suede, it’s fitted with three pockets as well as a removable shoulder strap. This is one handsome bag. G6 bag, in Phantom Grey, £695, gladstonelondon.com { THE WATCH } Harking back to the 1960s and 1970s, Christopher Ward’s C65 watch is inspired by the charming and dashing man from past decades. With a leather strap and a vintage finish, they’ve modernised things with a new logo at the nine, along with plenty of features such as a 38-hour power reserve and an anti-shock system to keep any watch fan purring. C65 Trident Vintage, from £539. christopherward.co.uk { THE PAIR OF JEANS } Diesel are the…

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MR is a game-changing, new haircare system designed to combat the challenges associated with hair thinning. As people age, their hair begins to thin because the active growth cycle slows down, meaning lost hairs are not replaced as quickly. However, this complaint is still a largely taboo subject despite 56 per cent of young men (aged 18-24) and 33 per cent of ALL men* having concerns over it. Until now, there has been very little on the market to target this problem effectively. Three years in development by a highly skilled team of scientists and award-winning hairdresser, Jamie Stevens, MR draws on the most advanced science and industry innovations, to deliver targeted solutions to a number of issues. Divided into three categories, Disguise, Thicken and Style, the line-up is a…

HARRY KVIST isn’t your average anti-hero. The lead character in Clinch, the new book from Swedish writer Martin Holmén, is unapologetically bisexual. And the author is similarly fluid with his sexuality. “I would say that I am an experimental guy. I love to try new things out,” Holmén tells me as we chat via Skype. “My preference is women, but I’ve had sex with men in the past. I think I’m settled now, but you never know. If Harry came along, I definitely would. I think he’s well sexy, but maybe I’m the only one in the world that thinks that.” Unlikely, I’d counter. Kvist’s aggressively masculine, gruff, brooding manner is pretty much the fantasy of most gay men I know. What makes him even more interesting is that this…

What kind of modelling work do you do? I work for the more sports-chic and urban brands such as Astrid Andersen and Topman Sport. Usually, I tend to suit streetwear brands. How did you get into modelling? I was scouted while out for my 18th Birthday in Vauxhall with my older brother, who is also signed to AMCK. We ran into the same booker who signed him and he asked me to go into the agency the following week. From that moment, my life changed. Is your modelling work primarily to do with your body? Not totally, although I have worked with my body in a number of jobs. I tend to work a lot more in the summer months and with clients who are looking for a model with…

“THE DESIGN, SPECIFICATION, FIT AND FINISH DESIRED BY TODAY’S MOST DISCERNING BUYERS” FOLLOWING A NUMBER of years operating under the radar, boutique developer Fruition Properties have a number of headline-grabbing projects this year, including Merchant Terrace: a development of eight high-specification, four-bedroom townhouses. Located between Chiswick and Hammersmith, in West London, the properties combine the traditional white-stucco-fronted façade —- popular since Georgian times -— with the design, specification, fit and finish desired by today’s most discerning buyers. The homes are exceptionally spacious, ranging between 2,308sq ft and 2,421sq ft, with outside space including a garden terrace on the first floor, a balcony accessed from the master bedroom, and a large roof terrace on the fourth floor, with a remote-controlled skylight and outstanding views over London. Private parking is accessed via…

“DESPITE THE RELIGIOUS ICONS, PRIDE CELEBRATIONS WERE WELCOMED BY TOURISTS AND LOCALS WHOWAVED AS WE DROVE PAST FLYING RAINBOW FLAGS” As one of the most southerly points in Europe, Malta boasts the typically outstanding weather and beautiful sea views that you’d expect of any Mediterranean country. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill Costa Del Sol-esque beach destination. The country’s history of occupation by everyone from the Romans and Moors to the fascinating knights of the Order of St John, has given rise to a unique culture, where ancient Arabic influences meet ostentatious displays of Catholic devotion. It is also famed for being awarded the George Cross for bravery during World War II, after withstanding hundreds of air raids and siege by the Nazis for almost 2½ years. Malta — located between…

While it was great for the first few years, over time we became estranged, always argued and the whole thing became quite bitter. I was the one who initiated the break-up and while he seemed to agree it wasn’t working, I feel as if he may have wanted to try to rescue the situation. It’s been about six months since we split and I’ve been dating other guys, but I keep seeing him at all the clubs and bars I go to and he’ll spend the night hanging around with my friends even if I’m clearly with another guy. It’s difficult because obviously he became close to a lot of my friends over the years. But then, recently, he just happened to show up at the same place that one…

“I WONDERED WHAT THE FUCK I HAD JUST WALKED INTO. I THOUGHT ABOUT GETTING BACK UP AND HEADING STRAIGHT TO MCDONALD’S” An admission to my doctor that my weight problem was driving me to suicidal thoughts had prompted him to suggest I try a national group called Overeaters Anonymous. He told me that it was similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, but for people who couldn’t stop eating. One Thursday night, I summoned up the courage to attend a meeting at a local community centre. On my way there I pictured the fat fighters sketch in Little Britain. The last thing I wanted was to be around a bunch of desperate, full-of-fat losers. But then I remembered what my life had become. I’d been hiding away from real life with just food…