Review of the year '10

I really should be writing my English Literature essay now. I'm not. I'm writing about 2010's culture instead.

2010 was a mixed year. We had some lows (University fee's rising) and highs (have you seen the a/w '10 collections!!). There's alot of topics to discuss, and everyone has their own opinion. Here's mine.

Firstly, I need to talk about politics. Everybody has their own view and party's and I respect that. The Natwalk does not usually get political but with such an eventful year in UK politics it feels wrong not to comment. Before the elections, I wasn't a follower of any party, I was slightly leaning towards Labour due to family influence but after the live TV debates I was aboard Nick Clegg's yellow submarine. The policies were good- no University fees for anyone. As meritocratic as a policy could be? Fast forward several months and watching student protests on the news-you'd think Clegg had no such power in this. Wrong-he's the deputy prime minister to David Cameron. All I can say is these aspiring University students are the generation of the future, and so any power-hungry parties who change their policies so drastically can say goodbye to being at the top.

Right, political rant over, lets move onto culture.

In my opinion 2010 has been excellent for music. My particular favourite of the year being that of Contra by Vampire Weekend. It is rare that when I love a band's debut that much, that the second one is even better in my books. But also many bands have surfaced once again-The ting tings, The Wombats, the list goes on. And new talent? I just can't take not having the XX's album anymore so its currently on its way from amazon. Of course winning the Mercury music prize is a huge honor and a sign of a great album-if the Klaxons and Elbow are anything to by. Other highlights include Everything everything, still low-key but a big tip, and of course, my playlist faves, The Drums. Unfortunately though there have been a few 'hits' that I'm not sold on (more sold-out on). Ashamedly I got drawn into Cowell's manufactured factory, otherwise known as The X factor. I did, however download 'surfin bird' by the Trashmen, in an effort to beat Matt (I'm a serious musician because I play a guitar even though I'm on X factor) Cardle to Christmas number one. We failed. But then again that stuff seems to gain the masses.  I also hear people gushing about the X factor judges outfits. Dannii wins it for me, she just  no matter what she wears she manages to look classy. The same cannot be said for the other female judge. I don't like Cheryl Cole's style. I just don't. Or her over produced music to the point where you can't even hear her singing. I want a genuine interesting personality to stand before me on a stage and entertain. Someone with real talent and creativity. Of course we all wanted Wagner to win just to get to Cowell.

Again, a brilliant year for women in film. Katherine Bigalowe, director of The Hurt Locker and James Cameron, the director of Avatar were the main runners for the Best Direction Oscar. Head to head, not for the first time, being ex-husband and wife and all. Bigalowe won, the first women ever to win a Best Director Oscar. I haven't seen Avatar yet (I know!!) but I have seen The Hurt Locker, and found it to be a beautiful film. War films are not my thing but this really captured the emotional side, it was captivating. Other films that really caught my eye-The Social Network. I found this really interesting, clearly dramatized, yet so intriguing. A long film but I didn't even notice. Toward the end of the year Harry Potter and the deathly hallows part 1 was released. It took me a while to see it actually, I wasn't as excited as I was for the other films. It was good, not my favourite, because I've come up with the theory that I like the whole Hogwarts and school theme, and being the trio's first film without Hogwarts it was quite a change. The film I have seen that has had the most profound impact on me, despite the fact it was made last year was An Education, which I have ordered the book to and is in my list after Pride and Prejudice and Great Expectations.

Now Fashion. What a year. Since I have being following collections a/w 10 is my favourite and will be hard to beat. Louis Vuitton and Prada gave us the ladylike bombshell. She's from the 50's and could have just stepped out of a movie from that era, hourglass figure, dainty, yet grownup styles. Then there's Celine. Grown up, sophisticated minimalistic glamour. The camel coat was on the lust list. And of course, Dolce and Gabbana. A mixture of tux jackets that speak for themselves to the fair isle knits and skii-esque wear, just right for this harsh winter. The High street delivered also with these trends, my favourites including kitten heels from New look and knits from New Look. Fashion was wearable. I particularly loved how Robin Givhan wrote of the season in an Elle UK article. Speaking of Elle, it was a good year, the 25th birthday issue. Such an ambitious issue, yet it worked. The standout for me was the editorial featuring Coco Rocha, The Word Girl. Stunning images, lighting, clothes and of course model. Another editorial that caught my eye was in the June or July issue shot in St. Lucia. Beautiful. I rave on about Elle so much, but I really urge you to buy a copy if you never have. Its full of inspirational writing, images, stories and clothes. Before Elle i could only have dreamt of a magazine so culturally inspiring.

As for me?? Personally it's being a good year. Despite my lack of blogging (Sorry!!). I've started sixth form and have met lots of new, friendly people. I've even managed to hold down my first job!! All in all I've had a great year and hope to have a great 2011 and hope you do to.

I'd love to hear your thoughts whether you agree or disagree. Usually I'm a positive blog so this is my own little ranting post, but I'm sure you will agree the good always outweighs the bad.

Thankyou

xx