At AnOther, we're keeping cheery through the chill, aided by these strawberry ice cubes Loved by Laura Bradley...
The equinox is passed, the clocks have gone forward, thermals have been retired for the year, tentative conversation has been made about the possibility of skirts without tights…yet London has spoken and the word is “chill”. Firmly dispelling any barelegged complacency, this week the capital celebrated the arrival of Spring with plummeting temperatures and blizzards of snow. However, it's always sunny on AnOther Loves, and this week’s winning post is a paean to the optimism of summer, with these delectable Strawberry Ice Cubes, as Loved by AnOthermag.com’s commissioning editor Laura Bradley, winning the Loves vote, despite most of the participants being wrapped up with hot toddies when making their choices.
"It's always sunny on AnOther Loves, and this week’s winning post is a paean to the optimism of summer..."
Ice is a basic staple for most of us, kept stacked in the freezer ready to chill a gin and tonic, or soothe a banged knee. Yet it is also a cultural reference point synonymous with burgeoning concepts of ‘cool’ that really came into prominence in the 195os. When Foreigner sang “Cold as Ice” in 1977, the humble cube’s position as the laurel wreath of cool was confirmed, consolidated again by 1990’s ‘Ice Ice Baby’ as performed by Vanilla Ice, a man who is clearly a firm fan of frozen water. But ice was not restricted to the verbal stylings of rappers and rock stars; as a literal representation of cool, it has always been in demand, but it took the inimitable Maison Martin Margiela to take this to its literal dénouement, when it sent models down the S/S06 catwalk adorned with necklaces fashioned from pastel coloured ice cubes. The ultimate in transient style perhaps, but that is one good thing about the current freezing conditions– it’s a good opportunity to try this look out.
Here we speak to Bradley about making her dream ice cubes, dancing on ice and what to wear in Narnia.
Why did you Love these ice cubes?
They instantly put me in the mood for summer. Warm weather is long overdue.
Where and when would you serve them? What drink would you put them in?
I moved into a beautiful house in November and we have a garden. Am really looking forward to hosting a summer barbecue with our neighbours. They can be served with Pimms. Delicious.
How would you customise ice cubes?
I've never tried it but would love to freeze edible flowers.
Iceland the country or eternally frozen Narnia?
Narnia because of the magic and the animals. I'd want a few deers though. And a snow leopard. And to be sure that I'm wearing an Alaïa coat.
Ice skating or Ice hockey?
Ice-skating, it's far more elegant and I'd like to think that I'm quite good. Not Dancing on Ice good but I can move around the rink in quite a smooth fashion. And I love nude tights and nude skates.
Ice lolly or ice cream?
I love Mini Milks but ice-cream always does it for me. My favourite flavour? Salted caramel or cherry. We consume a lot in our house, all year round.
Cold as Ice or Ice Ice Baby?
Always Vanilla Ice. It was one of the soundtracks of my youth and I love the Queen and Bowie sample in the track.
What was the last thing you bought?
New knickers and Chanel Beige – perfect for a summer complexion.
What are you looking forward to about April?
A change in weather which would mean a change in look (I'm fed up of wearing a winter coat) and more cycling.
