Swash of London is Pretty Swish…

Tags

Accessories, Colette, Cornwall, England, Fashion, Hyères, Japan, Liberty, London, Net A Porter, Penzance, Sarah Swash, Scarves, Shopping, silk scarf, style, Swash, Toshio Yamanaka

Dog Printed iPhone 4 Case by Swash
£38 from Net-A-Porter

It has, by my rough calculation, been far too long since my last scarf post…

Today I bring you the extremely talented duo from Swash, Sarah Swash and Toshio Yamanaka. The pair are known for their signature hand-drawn and painted artworks.

Like so many creative types I admire, Sarah and Toshio met at Central Saint Martins, then spent time in Sarah’s hometown of Penzance, Cornwall before working in Toshio’s home of Japan for a year. The brand emerged after they won the prestigious Hyères prize in 2004. They were later invited back to exhibit 100 framed drawings, a scarf retrospective and 3D sculptural installation.

Another important landmark in the partnership came in 2005 when Swash acquired their beautiful whippet Candy, who quickly became an inspirational talisman and recurring motif in their designs – clearly, a design team with impeccable taste!

Candy, the Whippet
Part of the Cinerous Forest printed silk scarf
£229.17 from Net-A-Porter

Today they are based in East London. See what you think…

The Cinerous Forest printed silk scarf by Swash
£229.17 from Net-A-Porter

Midnight Heligan printed silk scarf by Swash
£229 from Net-A-Porter

Heliotrope Snaffle wool, cashmere and silk-blend scarf by Swash
£321 from Net-A-Porter (yes – that’s £321!!!)

Chronometers wool-blend voile scarf by Swash
£321 from Net-A-Porter (No – it didn’t get any cheaper the 2nd time around…)

Conveniently, Colette in Paris and Liberty of London both stock Swash scarves. Of course, after picking up one of their gorgeous wool-blend babies, I won’t be able to afford much else, but hey – what’s a girl to do…?

Swash have a pretty swish website. You can check it out here.

A’N’D Keep it Surreal…

Tags

A'N'D, Azumi and David, Colette, Fashion, London, Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Oliver Sacks, Olympia Le-Tan, Paris, Shopping, style, Surrealism, Trompe L'oeil

Arm Scarf Jumper by A’N’D
Available at Colette
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

So, I was looking for the best place to find a range of Olympia Le-Tan’s minaudières (not sure if that is the correct plural of minaudière, but you get my meaning!) in Paris. Colette came up in my search. I am so going to visit Colette. While I was perusing the Colette wares online, I discovered this phantasmagoric label. Have you come across the most awesome Azumi & David yet? If not, you are in for a treat!

Little Black Dress Trench by A’N’D
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Azumi & David’s latest collection ‘keep it surreal’ draws inspiration from the book ‘The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat’ by neurologist Oliver Sacks. The book was first published in 1985 and describes case histories of some of his patients. I first read it at university and found it unputdownable. If you haven’t read it, it’s a winner. I promise.

‘Keep it surreal’ will challenge your perceptions of everyday normality by confronting you with distorted visual interventions using digitally printed garments and accessories, subtly mutated leather items such as bags and wallets, gold and leather plated objet trouvé jewellery, subverted familiarity using trompe l’oeil illusions to propose multiple interpretations of reality. (Azumi and David)

Have I mentioned what a fan I am of trompe l’oeil?

Arm Scarf Sequin Tuxedo by A’N’D
Available at Colette
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Belt Scarf by A’N’D
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Bodyshawl Wrap Sheepskin by A’N’D
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

‘Keep it Surreal’ Pearl Necklace by A’N’D
I love this piece…
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Fine Jewellery Pearl Pendant by A’N’D
Yep – it’s surreal!
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Bob Hat by A’N’D
I reckon Dali would have loved this, but it may be a bit too surreal for me…
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Azumi and David both studied fashion at Central Saint Martins, London but met in The Troubadour Coffee House, in London’s Earl’s Court in May 1995. They got married in Hackney Town Hall, London on March 10th, 2000 and had their wedding reception on October 14th, 2001 in Nagano, Japan. They celebrate birthdays on the 8th and 10th April, designating April 9th as A’N’D day.

Since first coming together in 1995, Azumi and David have progressed through a variety of creative projects – initially with limited edition artist’s books and performance art, moving gradually on to fashion and accessory associated ‘things to wear’.

Azumi and David presented their first fashion accessories (‘piercing’ and ‘ear wax’ – foam and wax earplug earrings), branded A’N’D, to The Pineal Eye, London … followed by Colette, Paris … their first two stockists. They have shown their new collections of ‘things to wear’ twice a year in a Paris showroom every year since 2003…

Their ‘things to wear’ are stocked around the world in over 40 stores, in cities such as London, Paris, New York, Tokyo and Milan etc… Just not Sydney, apparently.

If you’d like to check out their website, you can here. There is also an online store

Hybrid Chairs – They’re Cool!

Tags

Design, Furniture, Industrial Design, Interior design, Istanbul, Kelly Clarkson, London, Merve Kahraman, New York, style

Hybrid Chairs by Merve Kahraman
(Image from here)

I’m cute – and God I hate that. Because that’s not cool. I’m like your niece, and nobody wants to date their niece. It’s the chubby cheeks. The whole reason people voted for me on American Idol is because I’m an everyday, normal girl. (Kelly Clarkson)

Well, Kelly – I reckon you’d definitely be considered cool if you got yourself one of Merve Kahraman’s Hybrid chairs. They are seriously cool…

Hybrid No1 by Merve Kahraman
Materials: Dark chocolate lacquered finish and leather upholstery
(Images from Merve Kahraman)

The Hybrid collection was inspired by the mythologies of parahumans. The anthro chairs apparently unite with each owner, merging them into one.  They are entirely handmade, special leathers were selected and a textured paint finish applied on wood to mimic the appearance of a deer or rabbit and create an animalistic feeling for the user.

Hybrid No2 by Merve Kahraman
Materials: Ecru lacquered finish and leather upholstery
(Images from Merve Kahraman)

Merve Kahraman was born in 1987. She studied Interior Design at the Istituto Europeo di Design (Milan/Italy) before moving to London. Since graduating, she has worked in several architecture and design studios in Istanbul, New York and London. Her decision to specialise in industrial design stems from her desire to include furniture and products as an integral part of her designs for spaces.

Currently, she is continuing her masters education in Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (London/UK) and working on her own industrial design projects.

Have I mentioned I think her work is seriously cool?

You can check out Merve Kahraman’s website here.

Le Labo – Sparking A Fragrance Revolution

Tags

beauty, Branding, Exclusive, Fragrance, Frank Capra, Gift, Health, Jo Malone, Le Labo, Mecca Cosmetica, Myer, Paris, Perfume, Shopping, style, Sydney

Le Labo Store (Marylebone)
(Image from here)

Don’t follow trends. Start them! (Frank Capra)

The fab’ duo at Le Labo, Edouard Roschi and Fabrice Penot, reckon that in a world where luxury perfumes are mass-produced and sold in places that look like supermarkets, where advertising campaigns try to fool consumers into thinking they are unique even though their ‘one of a kind’ fragrances are worn by millions across the globe, they offer another solution…

According to the good people of Le Labo, the first time you wear a Le Labo perfume, you’ll realise instantly how very different it is from traditional perfumes. Le Labo perfumes (apparently) ‘SHOCK’ and it’s that shock that captivates, astounds, titillates, intrigues and beguiles. I’m not yet convinced I want my scent to astound…

Le Labo perfumes are reputed to be special – not only because of the quality of materials used, but because they are made-to-order.

Regardless of whether you believe the hype, the packaging is gorgeous and I am looking forward to visiting the newest Le Labo boutique in Paris…

Le Labo Store (Marylebone)
(Image from here)

Le Labo Store (Marylebone)
(Image from here)

One of the very cool options offered by Le Labo is to provide the curious the opportunity (for a price) to sample its wares before splurging on an entire bottle. If, like me, you are fussy about your fragrance, this saves the pain of plunking down good cash for something later discovered to be personally repellant.

Le Labo Discovery Set
(Image from here)

For those of you in Syders who have yet to discover the magic of Le Labo, head to Mecca at Myer (George Street). I can’t believe I’m about to let you in on one of my best gift ideas, but a Le Labo candle is just about one of the best gifts for that special girlfriend – and you can personalise it! Move over Jo Malone!

The Le Labo website is gorgeous – well worth checking out here.

Scarf Alchemy at Liberty!

Tags

Accessories, Art, Best Of British, Clothing, Colour, Design, Fashion Design, Hermes, Illustration, Liberty, London, Pen and ink, Scarf, Scarves, Shopping, style, Surface Design, Textiles

Puppy Passions Silk Scarf by Silken Favours
100% Silk, 90cm x 90cm
My favourite!
(Image sourced from Liberty)

I know, I know… Not all of you are scarfaholics like me. Never the less, I just had to share these wee finds with you. The so-kitsch-they’re-cool Silken Favours hand drawn illustrative prints turn the cutesy into the oh-so-cool with their gorgeous range of scarves.

Discovered at the Liberty best of British open call in 2011, Victoria Murdoch is the creative talent and creator behind Silken Favours. Finding her inspiration in the natural world, Vicki uses traditional, intricate and very time-consuming pen and ink techniques, evoking imagery that is both otherworldly yet also strangely familiar. She takes a playful and warm-hearted approach to her subjects.

Have a look and see what you think…

Precious Pussies Silk Scarf by Silken Favours
100% Silk, 90cm x 90cm
(Image sourced from Liberty)

I love Everything Silk Scarf by Silken Favours
100% Silk, 90cm x 90cm
(Image sourced from Liberty)

Kaleidoscopic Crustacean Silk Scarf by Silken Favours
100% Silk, 90cm x 90cm
For the Cancerian in your life!
(Image sourced from Liberty)

But wait! – There’s more…

In the event you are not a scarfaholic, you can pick up one of Silken Favours gorgeous  illustrative numbers in a silk cushion. One such as this, no less:

Butterflies Beasticles Silk Cushion by Silken Favours
Silk cushion featuring butterflies in a heart-shaped design with a pale pink background on the front, black reverse cover and pink piped edging. 45cm x 45cm
(Image sourced from Liberty)

AND, if that wasn’t enough, I have still more!

Nope! It’s not a set of steak knives. It’s this wonderful discovery I made a while back where the gorgeous Liberty’s scarf alchemist, Lauranne Plat teaches you, me, and everybody, how to tie scarves like only the French, the Liberty style queens, and Hermes employees know how. Click through here to check out the You Tube vid’ if you don’t believe me… She’s gorgeous AND practical.

And, one last thing… While the Silken Favours collection is available exclusively through Liberty, Vicki Murdoch offers a bespoke service where she will design a personalised scarf for you or a loved one for £475.00. Bargain! You can see more here.

Oh – the Liberty sales started this week (online included!)!

Colporter – For the Opera Lover in Your Life

Tags

Alfie Boe, Art, Arts, Barber of Seville, Bryn Terfel, culture, Georges Bizet, Interior design, La Danza, Les Pêcheurs de Perles, Lifestyle, London, Music, Opera, Sheet music, Shopping, style, Sydney, The Pearl Fishers

It’s a universal truth, I reckon’. Boys are hard to buy for. I will grudgingly accept that some are more-so than others. LM is a ‘more-so’. He may even take the prize. It’s a heavy cross for me to bear.

So, when I first read about Colporter’s vintage opera scores at the very lovely [JustALittleJoy] blog, written by the talented Tessa, I was just a little excited.

Colporter’s Framed Vintage Opera Scores
‘The Barber of Seville’ and ‘La Danza’
(Image sourced from Colporter)

LM is a mad keen music buff and an opera lover. What if I could find the sheet music  for Bizet’s “The Pearl Fishers”, containing his most favourite aria in the universe – the show-stopping duet “In the Depths of the Temple”…?

I went off to the lovely Catherine at Colporter in London and she worked her magic for me. She found the sheet music for “Les Pêcheurs de Perles”. She accommodated my desire to have it framed in white. She lovingly packaged it all up and sent it to Sydney. Thank you, Catherine.

Professionally mounted and framed with the sheet music still intact within the frame, these scores make for really unusual wall art. They are perfect for the growing collection of bits ‘n’ bobs we have on a wall of our bedroom. Best of all, LM loves it!

LM’s framed sheet music for “Les Pêcheurs de Perles”
(Poorly taken image by TSL)

And, for those of you who are not familiar with Bizet’s arguably most famous aria, or if you just want to listen to some lovely music, here are Alfie Boe and Bryn Terfel performing it for you…

Colporter have lots of lovely goodies on their website. You can have a look-see yourself, right here.

Postscript: I have been told that if you are to be introduced to this wonderful aria, it must be the Jussi Björling & Robert Merrill version. I stand corrected. Enjoy!

David Trubridge & His Remarkable Tipu

Tags

Art, Auckland, craft, culture, David Trubridge, Design Classic, Lighting, Maori, Milan, Māori people, nature, New Zealand, style, Tipu

If you don’t know who David Trubridge is, I am quietly confident you will be familiar with some of his work.  His designs, particularly in lighting, are now globally recognised and he has exhibited in Paris, New York, Milan and Australia. Perhaps his most recognised piece, now referred to as a ‘future design classic’ is his Coral pendant lamp.

David Trubridge – Coral Bamboo Pendant Natural
Available in an extensive range of colours and sizes. Also available in aluminium.
(Image sourced from Essenze)

David Trubridge had said that he would like to find a way to bring cultural nourishment into people’s lives without using up precious resources and energy. He reckons’ we all have far too much ‘stuff’ in our homes, which is little more than junk food designed to leave us only craving more. He may have a point. He also questions how can we create real and lasting nourishment without the clutter of useless objects that waste precious resources and damage the environment?

When I was in New Zealand last week, I visited Essenze, a wonderful showroom of New Zealand art, craft and design (located in Parnell, Auckland). Displayed in the window was the most incredible piece of wall art. Really. It was magnificent. I should not have been surprised to learn it was one of David Trubridge’s latest creations. It is called ‘Tipu’.

This is definitely not ‘junk-food stuff’ to me. See what you think:

David Trubridge – Tipu (Front View)
(Image sourced from Essenze)

David Trubridge – Tipu (Detail)
(Image sourced from Essenze)

David Trubridge – Tipu (Side View)
(Image sourced from Essenze)

Tipu is the Māori word for sprout or grow, and the design by David Trubridge is inspired  by the organic and irregular patterns that reflect natures growth.

This 2 metre convex light is built with an organic, irregular pattern and mirrors what we see in nature. The material has been specially developed in conjunction with Scion Laboratory and the Bio Polymer Network in New Zealand using plant-based plastic and local flax fibre. It is assembled using only a heat gun to fuse the pieces together.

Honestly, the photographs don’t do it justice. It is a remarkable piece of work.

David Trubridge has a comprehensive website here, which details all of his designs and where you can acquire them around the world.

Essenze ships anywhere and is worth a squizz if you like things artisan and/or New Zealand. You can visit their site here.

The VW Campervan Tent almost makes me want to go camping…

Tags

Campervan, Campgrounds, Camping, Design, Gifts, Humour, Outdoors, Recreation, Recreation and Sports, Shopping, style, Tent, Volkswagen

It’s almost enough to make a confirmed city-girl like me consider camping…

You’ll be the envy of all your camping (and non-camping) buddies when you whip this wee beauty out.

Featuring:

1. 1:1 Scale – exactly the same size as the original VW Campervan and officially licensed by VW.
2. 2 large double rooms, separated by zips. Will sleep 4 adults.
3. Opening doors in the same style as the original campervan.
4. Inner compartments that separate via fly sheet doors.
5. A choice of 3 colours – blue, red or green.

If you decide you would like one of these beauties, or if you’d like to learn more, get thee to Firebox.com where, upon payment of the very reasonable price of £299.99 you can have the VW Campervan Tent delivered to your door! So much cheaper than the original!

Sadly, it doesn’t feature a flush loo or a shower, the two primary reasons this blogger may not rush out to purchase her own VW Campervan Tent.

(All images sourced from here)

Rejoice in Marni at Salone del Mobile

Tags

Chair, Consuelo Castiglioniby, Fashion, Film, Francesco Jodice, Furniture, L’Arte del Ritratto, Marni, Milan, Photography, Salone del Mobile, style

I’m a wee bit of a fan of Marni, the Italian fashion label launched by Swiss-Italian fashion designer Consuelo Castiglioniin 1994. With furs, bold colors, unconventional art prints and designs, Marni has a quirk-factor and slightly off-beat feel that appeals.

Most recently, the fashion label has turned its collective hand to furniture design with a collection of 100 chairs made in Columbia by ex-prisoners.  This collection of one-off and highly collectable chairs was exhibited at Salone del Mobile in Milan.

The aim of the venture was to augment the prisoners’ resettlement into every-day life. The chairs are a common seat found in Columbian homes. The design was reinterpreted by Marni who modified the woven pattern and created new colour variations.

All proceeds from the chairs, which went on sale at the Marni pop-up in Milan last week, are going to the institute ICAM of Milan – a project which allows children of imprisoned mothers to spend their youth in a family environment.

The chairs are also linked to “L’Arte del Ritratto” (The Art of Portraiture), a photo exhibition and a video created in collaboration with photographer and filmmaker Francesco Jodice. The chairs are used as background for a series of portraits of Marni teams from different departments. After Milan’s Salone del Mobile, the exhibition will tour to various Marni boutiques worldwide where the local teams will also be photographed, so that the event will always feature new material.

If you want to watch a seriously stylish video featuring supremely fashion-forward Marni employees and some lovely time-lapse video footage with the 100 chairs AND you have 5 minutes to kill, click below:

Sadly, a wee jaunt to Milan and the Marni pop-up store last week was not on the cards for this blogger.  Maybe another time Marni?

(All images and video sourced from the Marni website here)

The Very Graphic Style of Thomas Paul

Tags

Accessories, Animal print, Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, Colour, cotton voile, Design, DKNY, Fashion, fashion institute of technology, Homewares, Interior design, Neckwear, New York, New York City, Scarf, style, Textile Design, Thomas Paul

Have you met the oh-so-talented Thomas Paul yet?  If not, go pop your head in to his gorgeous emporium of pillows, bedding, kitchen & dining accessories, and – my favourite, which will come as no surprise to those who know me – scarves.

I’m seriously lusting after one of Mr Paul’s animal print numbers.  Which one would you choose…?

There are these divine cotton voile scarves (with dimensions of 20″ X 75″):

or, there are these more monochromatic numbers (with a more generous 40″ X 80″ size):

Thomas Paul is a born ‘n’ bred New Yorker. He kicked off his fashion career in the mid-nineties after graduating from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in Textile Design. He started as an intern at DKNY. Then, while working as a colorist and designer for a silk mill specialising in neckwear and scarves, he worked on neckwear collections for designers like Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, and DKNY. This eventually led to the creation of his own neckwear collection, digities, in the late 90′s. All of this created the foundation for his current range of home accessories.

He continues to expand his ideas, so I can’t wait to see what he comes out with next…

You can check out more of Thomas Paul’s designs here.

(All images sourced from here).