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Jo Brooks checks out the Brighton art scene and discovers a South American version of Banksy

Design bible Elle Decoration recently voted Brighton as the UK’s new style capital. Praise indeed, but the accolade will have come as no surprise to Sussex residents, who are well aware that they are living in a county that commands worldwide respect for its contribution to style via the arts. The list of headline-grabbing exhibitions that Sussex’s stylish residents will be flocking to this month include some of the art world’s biggest celebrities and many of the latest names to drop. Do not miss:

• Pallant House Gallery. The Chichester gallery has just been awarded the coveted 2007 Gulbenkian Prize for museums and galleries and its exhibits are praised in the Daily Telegraph as being ‘the finest collection of British art outside of the Tate’. The current exhibition, In Camera: Snowdon and the World of British Art is a not-to-be missed retrospective of Snowdon’s photography, which includes iconic shots of British artists Lucian Freud and Peter Blake and the first opportunity to see his portraits of BritArt’s new generation, including Damien Hirst, Rachel Whiteread and Chris Ofili. www.pallant.org.uk
• O Contemporary. This newcomer to the Sussex art-scene has fast established itself as a magnet for the world’s best contemporary urban artists. Hot exhibit Cor da Rua features the work of Brazilian street artist Titi Freak who is being hailed as South America’s Banksy. The Times have already tipped this as one to see - decide for yourself between 6 October and 9 December at 80 Trafalgar Street, Brighton www.ocontemporary.com
• Crane Kalman. Their latest exhibition, Anthology : The Rockarchive Collection chronicles some of the best known rock celebrities from the last 50 years. This collection of rare and unseen moments, features shots of Sussex residents Nick Cave and Pink Floyd guitarist Dave Gilmour. 26 September – 11 December , 38 Kensington Gardens www.cranekalmanbrighton.com

Clearly Elle Decoration know their stuff, Sussex really is the most stylish and artistic county in the country – so go out and have a look and if you’re feeling flush, invest – you could make a fortune!

Jo Brooks is director of Brighton-based PR company JBPR Ltd,
01273 622555, www.jb-pr.com

Jo and Clare complete their trip to LA with a visit to the strip and Justin Timberlake’s apartment

I know my place when it comes to the red carpet – right behind the press pack, waiting for the flashes to pop. And that’s exactly where I was at the VIP private view of the Antony Micallef LA show, Impure Idols, last week. It all took place on an unusually chilly LA evening in a disused bank off Hollywood Boulevard.

With a guest list that included the Beckhams and Brangelina it was no surprise security was tight and if your name was not on the list, there was absolutely no way in. In fact, ‘Angie’ had already viewed the art earlier that day and made some purchases, as had Christina Aguilera, who bought a great piece called ’Appearance is Everything’ depicting Barbie as the Virgin Mary.

The first red carpet arrival was Golden Globe winner James Franco – gorgeous star of the Spiderman trilogy – followed swiftly by Sex Pistol Steve Jones, who is now resident in tinsel town with his own LA radio show. Next to set the paparazzi alight was the lovely (and very polite) Sharon Osbourne, accompanied by svelte son Jack, who refused to have his picture taken. The X Factor judge adored Antony’s work, buying a bronze sculpture and a selection of original paintings. Mena Suvari had to get the award for most bizarre entrance, as she rushed straight past the assembled paps with her head in her hands, before emerging ten minutes later and walking the red carpet like her last entrance had never happened. She then proceeded to pose for every camera in turn with a big smile on her face and an even bigger Fendi bag on her arm. The evening ended with a sighting of the size zero Olsen twins (pictured), who turned up looking really miserable (probably hungry) and refused to have their pictures taken together. So much for sisterly love! We followed Mary-Kate around the show and have to say that although miniscule, that girl certainly knows how to dress.

Meanwhile inside the gallery, Antony’s collection looked amazing hung in the marble surroundings of the banking hall and the underground vault. Guests queued to join the waiting list for the limited edition prints and the show was a massive success with critics and buyers alike.

With only a day left until we had to head to LAX to board the return flight, we decided to hit Robertson Boulevard, location of Kitson, LA’s hottest boutique, and the stars’ favourite restaurant, The Ivy. The street was teeming with paparazzi on the hunt for celebs – and we saw the feeding frenzy first-hand when we got caught in the middle of the pack as (big sister of Paris) Nicky Hilton left the Ivy and was chased down the street to her Range Rover. We followed suit, and hopped in a cab headed for the coast and a table at the Ivy’s sister restaurant, The Ivy at The Shore in Santa Monica. There we toasted Antony with a glass of Pinot Noir and feasted on the best meatloaf in town.

Next morning, back at the hotel, we heard a rumour Justin Timberlake had just vacated the Penthouse where he had been staying all week, so we took our opportunity and asked for a show-round. Wow. Situated across two floors, this two bedroom, two bathroom suite was out of this world. As the maid mopped up the last traces of Timberlake we lounged on the beds and sunned ourselves on the vast sun terrace overlooking the Hollywood Hills. At $7,000 a night, I don’t think I’ll be booking in anytime soon! After a last quick drink at the poolside bar (complete with Hockney mural) we hailed a cab and left town.

Jo Brooks is director of Brighton-based PR company JBPR Ltd,
01273 622555, www.jb-pr.com