Hannah Slapper

Hannah is the assistant editor and senior writer at Motilo. Previously she has worked for Time Out Hong Kong, and as a freelancer for The Guardian. When she's not writing about the latest trends, she tends to be over-sharing personal information, obsessively attempting to buy ankle boots, and creating some Motilo looks, of course.

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The Ones to Watch in 2013

Celebrating New Year in Brazil

Celebrating the new year in Sao Paulo, Brazil: THE country to visit in 2013

Welcome to 2013, people. Every new year brings change. The Pret a Manger soup menu is updated, London Underground increases fares by over 4%, people shuffle in their lives: moving jobs, houses, breaking up or falling in love. That, alas, is the circle of life. Wondering how we’re going to be culturally influenced in the next 12 months is a fascinating method of procrastination. However, there are a couple of things that will almost certainly bombard our senses, and become our memory highlights, this time next year. Here’s our list of the things to watch, read, listen to, look forward to, visit and, of course, wear from now until December.

WHAT TO WATCH

The Great Gatsby - 2012

Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire and Leo DiCaprio eagerly awaiting the release of the film

Despite a throng of incredible movies on the way, we noticed a definite slur towards the glamour of the early 20th century. The 1920′s are covered by the much-anticipated new film from Baz Luhrmann, The Great Gatsby, set to premiere on May 17, and any snapshots we’ve seen of leading lady Carey Mulligan have made us giddy with envy at her incredible accessories.

Hitchcock - 2012

Here’s to Hitchcock!

The ’40s and ’50s are given their dues in Gangster Squad, a sexy drama on a feud between a gangster gang and the LAPD. It’s the second time that 2012′s biggest sex symbols, Ryan Gosling and the smouldering Emma Stone, star together, which is more that enough of a reason to check it out next week. Finally, Hitchcock is the big release for February – with Scarlett Johannson playing Janet Leigh and Jessica Biel as Vera Miles – we have some classy ladies acting the part of, well, classy ladies on the brink of the 1960′s. If you want style, seduction and a sensational storyline, these films will keep you busy until the summer.

WHAT TO LISTEN TO

Kate Boy

The mystery surrounding Kate Boy has us truly intrigued…

Music is all about the women this year. Last year was packed with Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and a million other pop princesses, taking the charts by storm. They have paved the way for a more female-friendly attitude towards other genres of music too. We’ve already seen a rise in the success of female rappers, like Azealia Banks and Angel Haze, and now it’s the turn of electro and indie groups.

Chvrches

Chvrches spelt their name with a Roman ‘v’ to make them easier to search on Google

Scottish band Chvrches explore their unique brand of ‘gold neon’ electro with their critically acclaimed single The Mother We Share, while new mysterious four-piece Swedish band Kate Boy bring even more allure to their punchy track Northern Lights by barely releasing any information or photography of their sultry female lead singer.

Haim

Even more girl power with sister-act Haim

Finally, three sisters is always an excellent thing, your humble writer knows that from personal experience, and the only thing to improve that sisterly bond is to form a musical partnership, which is exactly what the Haim sisters have done. What’s better than a sister trio girl band? A sister trio girl band which sounds like a mix of Ladyhawke and Wilson Phillips. Check out Haim’s Don’t Save Me.

WHAT TO WEAR

Chloe Moretz at a Carrie Photo call in October

Chloe Moretz wearing Sophia Webster monochrome polka dot shoes – they pretty much make her outfit, oui?

This is, for many, the key question of 2013. The summer brings us swathes of monochrome, translucent light-bending sheer panels and foil fabrics, and feminine frills and ruffles. Many of the graduates from CSM and LCF are growing brands and identities, with Charlotte Simpson leading the way of delicate embellishment, and Trager Delaney being a firm favourite amongst the fashion elite with their structured, simple shapes and textured genius.

Sophia-Hesketh-trager-delaney

Motilo Girl, Sophia Hesketh’s picture of the Trager Delaney SS13 collection

On your feet, you should be wearing Nicholas Kirkwood‘s protégé, Sophia Webster. Her colourful and creative heels make a strong statement even with the most simple outfit. The only thing you need to complete your look is a spray of the first ever scent from Marni. If it smells as good as their clothes look, it’ll be the perfect perfume.

WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR

Duchess Of Cambridge Leaves The King Edwards VII Hospital

Boy or Girl? The outcome defines whether the mini-Royal will be our daughter’s style icon or her future crush

Key cultural figures define our daily routine. We read about them in the paper, we’re bombarded with their images and they often become style icons in their own right. Last year saw a rise in celebrity baby fame, with Harper Beckham and Suri Cruise becoming as famous as their parents before them. This year will be no different, with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William expecting their first child, and now Kim Kardashian will be joining the ranks of motherhood too.

Jennifer Lawrence at 'Silver Linings Playbook' film screening, LA

Jennifer Lawrence looking sophisticated in Dior, as per usual

Aside from wee bairns, we’re pretty sure that the actress who will manage the transition from Fresh Face to Style Icon will be Jennifer Lawrence, who is heading the front cover of every major magazine, appearing in some, frankly, perfect outfits and starring in some spectacular films. We’ve got to keep our eyes out for Suri’s brother, Connor Cruise, the adopted son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who is set to be one of the biggest and best DJs of the upcoming year.

WHAT TO READ

The Shining, Jack Nicholson

Heeeeeeeeeeere’s a sequel!

Books are an essential part of nourishing your mind, and it’s a fun form of commuter escapism too. 2013 seems to be about long-anticipated sequels, as Stephen King will be bringing out the second part to his world-famous tale The Shining, and Helen Fielding has surprised us all with the news that she is releasing a third novel in the Bridget Jones series. Certainly something for us to get our teeth stuck into.

RENEE ZELLWEGER in Bridget Jones Diary

Dear Diary…sorry i’ve been away for over a decade. Stay tuned for an epic update…

WHERE TO GO

There’s only one answer here: Brazil. With the World Cup and the Olympics just around the corner, this is the last year you visit the beach in Rio de Janeiro without an onslaught of tourists and madly overpriced expenses until at least 2017. You’d better get on it.

 

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