After numerous EPs and memberships in several girl groups Dawn Richard finally decided to release a new solo album. The former Danity Kane and Dirty-Dirty Money singer already had an album out in 2005, but ‘Goldenheart‘ is the first one under her birth name. To celebrate the fact she recorded a video for her song ”86′ – a hypnotic mix of a Josephine Baker performance and ‘Game of Thrones’… sort of. UK release of the album is February 11th.

The buzz around Charli XCX seems to be growing and growing and we think it’s well deserved. Ever since she released ‘You’re the One‘ we’re heavily fascinated with and hooked on her infectious wave-r’n'b-crossover sound. It’s no surprise then, that The Guardian features her on its ‘Ones to Watch in 2013′ list. The interview obviously was recorded in Charli’s bedroom and gives a great insight into the world of this exceptional artist.

How time flies, it feels as though we blinked on Christmas Day and then suddenly found ourselves in the midst of January 2013, 2013! A new year, a new slate, 365 days of opportunity. We thought we would compile a little list of people we will be keeping an eye or ear on over the next 12 months, and who we expect a lot of others will be too!

From secretive soul singers to hilariously funny actresses and well connected thespians, we’ve sifted through the pile of promising hopefuls to come up with this list, enjoy! Read More

With Christmas out of the way and a few days going spare (bliss!) there’s no better excuse for a well timed escape to Somerset House to calm the post-Christmas frenzy with a soothing selection of couture, courtesy of the infamous Valentino. Read More

Here at lola&grace we’re rather partial to a strong visual and so is our latest ‘Who’s That Girl?’ subject, Hattie Stewart. Hattie is currently causing waves (doodles?) in the creative industries with her innovative brand of illustration, collaborating with brands such as Luella (RIP!) and Kopparberg to name just a couple. We decided to sit down with Hattie and find out the inner-workings of this doodler du jour.

When did you make the transition from drawing for fun to professional doodler?

I guess when I received my first commission with Luella when I was 19. I feel that professional doodling is the best way to describe what I do and I’m lucky that I also consider it drawing for fun. You’re a fortunate (but also hard-working!) person to be able to live doing what you love.

Are your illustrations spontaneous or planned?

Both. It really depends on the project I’m working on. I try to make everything as spontaneous as possible though as I believe that’s where my best ideas come from, rather than them being pre-conceived and overly planned.

Where do you find your every day inspiration?

Inspiration comes when I’m in a bad mood and then my friends put me in a good one. I don’t seek inspiration it usually finds me and pops up from nowhere. Hunting for inspiration is a difficult thing as it can be very elusive.

You’ve just finished working on the new Scrufizzer video, does music influence your work?

Definitely. Music, films, biographies. So many different elements influence the way I work. I try to avoid (but I do appreciate) other artists work as I believe, rather than just finding visual influences, learning about about a persons struggle and drive from books, interviews, documentaries and film is a lot more influential than merely indulging in their artistic outcome or success. You need to appreciate the struggle of an artist, as well as your own, in order to understand where and how they managed to get where they are as it doesn’t just happen over night. Basically if you learn about and teach yourself as much as you can about the world you live in then you’ll learn what work you need to create.

“Well behaved women rarely make history.” Any favourite historical ladies?

So many, where do I begin?!! Every woman before me is an inspiration, as are my peers. I couldn’t possibly give favourites! Guaranteed none of them were well – behaved though.

What would your ultimate “Doodle Bomb” be?

I would love to doodle bomb Rihanna’s actual face.

If you had to put down the pens and pick a different career, what would you choose?

I reckon I would of (or tried to be) a writer or actress! I know no matter where I ended up it would of been creative.

Can’t live without…?

My friends and my family. My Sketchbook and my Pens