
‘Everything about her was over the top': NI graphic designer creates pop-up book homage to composer who wrote Friends theme
Described as as the 'most famous person you've never heard of', Allee Willis wrote hits such as September and Boogie Wonderland. Now her legendary LA home is being captured in paper.
The name Allee Willis is probably not known to many people on this side of the Atlantic, but for movie fans, she composed some of cinema's most iconic soundtracks — including Beverly Hills Cop and The Color Purple. The late songwriter is also known for transforming a Los Angeles Art Deco residence into a 1950s kitsch paradise which is honoured in a new pop-up book illustrated by a Co Down graphic designer.
Neal McCullough, from Bangor, who established his graphic design business Hand Drawn Creative in 2009, was approached by one of Allee's friends, Hillary Carlip to illustrate the book, Willis Wonderland — The Legendary Home of Atomic Kitsch, after Allee passed away in 2019 at the age of 72.
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Belfast Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Everything about her was over the top': NI graphic designer creates pop-up book homage to composer who wrote Friends theme
Described as as the 'most famous person you've never heard of', Allee Willis wrote hits such as September and Boogie Wonderland. Now her legendary LA home is being captured in paper. The name Allee Willis is probably not known to many people on this side of the Atlantic, but for movie fans, she composed some of cinema's most iconic soundtracks — including Beverly Hills Cop and The Color Purple. The late songwriter is also known for transforming a Los Angeles Art Deco residence into a 1950s kitsch paradise which is honoured in a new pop-up book illustrated by a Co Down graphic designer. Neal McCullough, from Bangor, who established his graphic design business Hand Drawn Creative in 2009, was approached by one of Allee's friends, Hillary Carlip to illustrate the book, Willis Wonderland — The Legendary Home of Atomic Kitsch, after Allee passed away in 2019 at the age of 72.


Belfast Telegraph
21 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Everything about Allee Willis was over the top': NI graphic designer illustrates pop-up book as homage to LA composer who wrote Friends theme
The name Allee Willis is probably not known to many people on this side of the Atlantic, but for movie fans, she composed some of cinema's most iconic soundtracks — including Beverly Hills Cop and The Color Purple. The late songwriter is also known for transforming a Los Angeles Art Deco residence into a 1950s kitsch paradise which is honoured in a new pop-up book illustrated by a Co Down graphic designer. Neal McCullough, from Bangor, who established his graphic design business Hand Drawn Creative in 2009, was approached by one of Allee's friends, Hillary Carlip to illustrate the book, Willis Wonderland — The Legendary Home of Atomic Kitsch after Allee passed away in 2019 at the age of 72.


Time Out
a day ago
- Time Out
This chic Miami steakhouse was named America's best new restaurant
Leave it to Miami to make steak sexy again: Sunny's, the just-reopened stunner in the city's Little River neighborhood, has officially topped Robb Report's list of the 10 Best New Restaurants in America —and yes, it's worth the hype (and the valet). What started as a pandemic pop-up has returned as a full-fledged dining experience, backed by Jaguar Sun alums Will Thompson and Carey Hynes. The duo, along with Executive Chef Aaron Brooks, have created a modern steakhouse that's equal parts Miami glam, Palm Beach nostalgia and culinary firepower. From the outside, Sunny's is easy to miss: ivy-covered walls, a low-slung building and no sign in sight. But step through the gate and you're instantly transported. The courtyard, shaded by a grand banyan tree, opens into a plush, Art Deco-inspired dining room where martinis clink and steak knives flash. The vibe may be effortlessly chic, but Sunny's really earns its stripes when it comes to the food. The steaks are cooked over a live oak fire and range from a 10-ounce prime hanger to a jaw-dropping 32-ounce Australian Wagyu ribeye (and for $260, it had better be life-changing). There's a deep raw bar, luxurious pastas like corn and blue crab agnolotti in saffron broth and mains that range from spice-crusted duck breast to grouper with spiced carrot butter. Sides are dialed-up comfort classics: russet potatoes fried in chicken fat, creamed spinach, Parker House rolls with honey butter. Drinks are just as thoughtful. Beverage director Will Thompson has revived cult favorites from Jaguar Sun (hello, Green Ghoul) while adding a 'choose-your-own-martini' menu and low-ABV options. The wine list spans both prestigious and obscure regions (think Burgundy to the Canary Islands) and dessert wines and coffee service round out the night. Designed by Amy Butchko of The Springs Collective, the new space cleverly marries industrial Miami grit with Palm Beach Regency flair. A 50-seat private dining room, complete with a Herzog-inspired mural, is ready for your next birthday, brand dinner or spontaneous group splurge.