When the Sex Pistols appeared on the BBC singing "God Save the Queen," China was still in the grips of the Cultural Revolution - most music was banned, and Mao ruled supreme. It would take another two decades before punk arrived in Beijing.

It began in basements, brothels and back alleys; any DIY venue that would allow for the alien genre. The earliest bands such as Underbaby and P.K. 14 were a motley crew of rebellious teens who, like the Sex Pistols before them, could barely play their instruments and hated the local metal scene.

Their sound was unmistakably Chinese. In the aftermath of the events of Tiananmen Square six years previously, mid-90's punk articulated the frustrations and hopes of a new generation. Today, punk in China has become a well-established subculture, embraced by as many angry kids as fashion-conscious hipsters.

Text by Stephy Chung for Crane.tv

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Approaching her ninth Salone del Mobile Rossana Orlandi was back once again to present a global gathering of emerging designers. These were showcased in her own gallery space and shop as well as the Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, where a Vionnet chandelier made by Spanish...

With a name like PIN-UP, it comes as little surprise that this publication is sexing up its chosen industry. But a quick flick-through soon uncovers the only thing being laid bare across this magazine's double spreads are floor plans and construction sketches.

At the helm of "PIN-UP Magazine...

Salone del Mobile is the largest design trade fair in the world, held annually in Milan. This year offered a glimpse into the future. From 3D printing to wearable tech the fair set out to explore how design will digitally revolutionize the way we live.

One of the most...

Since we first met Philippe Malouin at last year's Salone del Mobile, the Canadian designer's career has gone from strength to strength. After being named W Hotel's 'Designer of the Future' in 2012, Malouin hasn't disappointed, returning this year to take Milan by storm with his...

How do you stand out in a country populated by more than 1.3 billion people? Blend in.

Chinese artist Liu Bolin's ticket to fame has been, quite ironically, his ability to disappear. Since 2005 Liu has performed his stunning invisibility act worldwide.

That explains the amount of...

February is a fashionable month. With the major industry weeks happening in New York, London, Milan and Paris most of us can only watch from the wings as the great and the glamorous congregate on these international stages.

To mark the occasion in London Toby Rose has written

Brit Award winning producer Ethan Johns is respected worldwide for his musical touch and has a repertoire that includes Kings of Leon, Laura Marling and Ray LaMontagne. Always a key catalyst to a band or artist's success, this year sees Johns become...

Heartbreak inspires art; make no mistake. Not always quality but certainly quantity. Many words are thrown at the subject, but only a small group of people manage to place them as accurately as Sharon Olds does in Stag's Leap; her book of poetry that has just been awarded the

It could be argued that one cannot be a true English gentleman without a stiff upper lip and a suit from Savile Row. Built between 1731 and 1735 this golden mile of tailoring has dressed some of the most stylish men in history from Winston Churchill, Prince Charles and Fred...

Few family-owned businesses have managed to resist mergers and acquisitions after the European economic crisis. A legacy started in the early thirties by Batista "Pinin" Farina, the Pininfarina surname has gone on to become synonymous with design, innovation and legendary car models such as the Alfa...

For this year's Design Miami, Swarovski Crystal Palace commissioned Asif Khan to create 'Parhelia' a large-scale work measuring nearly 20-feet high and composed of more than 1.3 million Swarovski crystals. Taking the ironic form of a house, Khan drew on his practice as an architect and interest in...

Glithero are a progressive London-based practice who take a hands-on, experimental or perhaps "lab-based" approach to their work. Presented in a broad spectrum of media, they have been shortlisted for numerous design awards and, having exhibited extensively across Europe, December sees their latest work unveiled at

Photographer Derrick Santini boasts an impressive repertoire that includes the likes of Lady Gaga, Jay Z and Iggy Pop. This year saw him nominated for the Young Master's Art Prize in London thanks to his highly acclaimed exhibition, Metamorphosis, and his work is exhibited all over...

The unveiling of the design for the new Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington in February of this year was a milestone for a nation so diverse and rich in its heritage.

David Adjaye's design was selected from a list of 70 projects, led by some of the world's most renowned names in architecture. The building will be the final piece to bring the historical Washington National Mall to completion. In our interview with him, Adjaye conveyed the privilege he feels in designing a museum that will both educate American citizens about the story of their nation and act as a symbol of the progress that has been made. As violent and uncomfortable as these historical truths may be, Adjaye argues that the struggle of the African-American community mark some of the most important moments in world history. "As America grew its wealth off the backs of slavery, the struggle and blood spilled demanded action; an action-setting stone for universal civil rights movements, ultimately making the world a better place," he explains.

Purpose and symbolism are equally weighted in the museum's design; a bronze mesh-coated ziggurat reminiscent of the metal work by African-American casters in Louisiana and the South rises into the sky creating the sense of upward mobility in the building -- an uplifting structure inviting visitors to gaze into the light and perhaps a new era for humanity.

This year David Adjaye was also named as one of Britain's Most Influential Black People, an award that he argued was, "sort of like a double-edged sword. It's tragic, it reminds you that we are still in a world where we have to negotiate these issues. But at the same time there are contexts and conditions where young kids don't feel like they are part of mainstream communities and it's important to have role models at that point."

Some would argue that we haven't yet reached equality within our society. Adjaye himself was relieved that we did not ask yet another question identifying him as a 'black architect' explaining, "as an architect, I'm not aiming to just elevate African culture within the world, I'm interested in adding to the creative consciousness of the world."

Construction of the NMAAHC building will begin on the Mall in 2012 and will be completed in 2015.

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Paul Bernstock and Thelma Speirs have been designing hats together since 1982. To mark their 30th Anniversary the pair are showcasing pieces from the past three decades at Fred (London) Ltd. Gallery until 24th November.

Paul and Thelma's business was born out of a series of happy accidents. The club scene in London in the eighties engendered an atmosphere where young creatives ran in packs and the weekends were fashion shows. If you weren't deemed sartorially suitable at the door, you ran the risk of not being let in. Many resorted to making their clothes to save money and ensure they made a statement. Paul and Thelma had always shared a passion for dressing up and the moment Paul found some hat hoods on Brick Lane marked the beginning of the brand.

Thelma and Paul

The label, Bernstock Speirs, still exudes this pioneering spirit. Having not been trained in traditional millinery techniques, the duo's pieces have always been fresh, fashion-forward and fun. It is their friendship and passion for design that keeps the label current after 30 years. They have always easily attracted industry friends and admirers to the brand. In the eighties and nineties they created lookbooks with the likes of French and Saunders, Caryn Franklin and Colin McDowell. These days they are known for collaborations with designers like Richard Nicoll, Jean-Paul Gaultier and most famously Peter Jensen.

Bananarama wearing Bernstock Speirs

With young creatives feeling the strain of the flooded job market, it is tempting to think that we may soon see a new generation of fashion entrepreneurs taking matters into their own hands. To mark the start of Global Entrepeneurship Week, Youth Business International interviewed 100 existing entrepreneurs to get their thoughts on the current climate. 48% believe that starting a business is already a more viable career choice for young people than entering the traditional jobs market. Difficult times often breed the most creativity and it may inspire a new generation of self-starters following in Thelma and Paul's footsteps, beginning their own dynamic businesses based on creativity and friendship.

Special edition Bunny Cap

To get inspired and witness the fresh approach to hat design demonstrated by Bernstock Speirs, head down to Fred (London) Ltd. The exhibition houses iconic pieces presented in large scale multi-format, drawings, look books and brochures. Also being shown are two Bernstock Speirs hat films made in the late 1980's by the artist Isaac Julien. A limited edition print and a special edition Bunny Cap will be exclusively available at the gallery.

Text by Angelica Pursley for Crane.tv

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At 21 years old, the Internet has officially come-of-age. We can now begin to examine its influence on our cultural and social interactions, the ways in which we digest culture, and, in particular, how the art world has harnessed the medium.

Since the eighties, artists have been using Internet...

Valentino Garavani, known to most simply as 'Valentino', is one of the world's last great living couturiers. The legendary fashion designer has dressed everyone from Jackie Onassis to Princess Marie Chantal of Greece and Julia Roberts. Though no longer designing for the eponymous label, Valentino, along with his...

Arguably the most influential designer of his generation, Australian Marc Newson has traversed the boundaries of what a designer does, creating everything from furniture and household objects to cars, aircraft, yachts and buildings.

Now based in London, many of his works have become modern design icons. Jonathan...

Soho, London: The look of distrust on the Soho shop attendant's face was perhaps not entirely unwarranted. A heavily bearded vagrant-looking man, with a radio tied to his body, had walked into his DVD shop and was in the process of manhandling every film cover in the Hammer Horror section....