The Debut Pop-Up House Initiative

With less than three weeks to go till London Design Festival, anticipation for this year’s event is sky high.  One event which is set to 'Pop-Up' (literally) during the week 18-26 September is the first-ever House Initiative.

House is a new Creative Collective made up of a cross-disciplinary team of inspiring individuals, who aim to prove that creative professionals can beat the recession.  The team met at the Central Saint Martins Immersion Programme - where else?! (it seems that the buzz coming from this legendary university is still worthy of the hype, which excites me as a Post Graduate from this establishment myself!)  

The team includes Co-Founder Theo Bridge, a fellow design researcher, as well as fashion designer Dilini Nanayakkara and set designer Joe Morris.  What they all have in common, Bridge says, is ‘a similar set of ideals’.  By putting their heads together and riding the trend for all things Pop-Up, these guys sure are finding a way to cheat the recession.  Fair play!  With such a diverse creative team, the idea is to be able to respond originally to any multi-faceted brief - and I'm sure they will.

The Pop Up House initiative is not just designed to inspire, with varied showcases from fashion shows to lectures, but also to act as their day to day working space.  Sounds ideal, doesn't it?

The debut LDF Pop Up House installation, will include an event with D&AD as well as a talk by associate director at Seymour Powell, Paula Zuccotti.  Zucotti will be focusing on the importance of ethnography and user-research in design - which sounds right up my street.

The Pop Up House Initiative will be live during London Design festival 18- 26 September at 1 Berwick Street.  For those who don't know it, shame on you - that's the heart of Soho, London (W1F to be precise). 

The Urban Green Line

What are you barking on about now – I can hear you asking?  Well, it's called The Urban Green Line and is, well - exactly what it says on the tin.

This initiative (created by none other than the second batch of MA Innovation Management students at Central Saint Martins), is about to kick off after having received funding earlier this year.  This is all since winning the regional finals at the Audi Design Foundation’s 'Sustain our Nation’ competition.  Impressive, huh?!

In a nut shell - The Urban Green Line is designed to inspire you to live a greener and more active lifestyle, through the encouragement of co-creation with the community - (as in us Londoners). 

So OK, it may just seem like a green line running across the ground – but really, it’s so much more!  When you find out that the idea is to connect us all with green spaces and green thinkers alike, you should be impressed by the initiative, encouraging us city folk to enjoy the outside – whether it be simply walking, or taking part in a little guerilla gardening (as is suggested).

The fun part, is that this line is for anyone to engage with - so even you reading this now – you can put a line down anywhere you want - that is, if you think you are able to lead us to a cool green space in London. 

As well as being visually entertaining in reality, the Urban Green Line will also be supported by online activity, (mainly a website and the usual social media channels).  This will allow co-creation to evolve through people tagging these spaces on a virtual map and generally spreading the love - trying to remain focused on all things green and sustainable around London (although who knows how some people will spin it - let's see).  

If you're not already sold, then I will end on the best bit - it doesn’t cost a thing.  

i-D Magazine Celebrates 30 Years on Top of the Underground

This month i-D Magazine celebrates 30 years at the forefront of style and youth culture.  This cult publication has come a long way since it was first created in 1980, by former Vogue Art Director Terry Jones.   Back then it was produced as a low budget hand-stapled fanzine - can you believe it?! 300 issues later and i-D has certainly matured to WOW status.  To mark this momentous occasion, the fanatical style publication will be showcasing Pre-Fall, Fall and Winter issues under the title of THEN, NOW and NEXT.

Intrigued?

Good.

These next three birthday issues will be busting with 200 of the biggest names in fashion and style.  To make them as special as possible, the celebratory editions have been shot completely in black and white under the watchful eye of legendary photographer Nick Knight - who else? Knight has seriously pulled out all the stops on this one throughout his three-week long photo shoot, at Somerset House.  With gems like Vivienne Westwood, Florence Welch, Lara Stone and Gareth Pugh, to name a mere few - I'm sure you'll agree, we're all in for a treat!

As an avid magazine collector myself, I'm predicting these beauties are going to be worth a bomb in a few years, so make sure you get hold of these three mega issues - and for crying out loud, treat them as you would treat a pair of virgin Louboutins.  Got it?!  With one-eyed cover stars Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Lady Gaga - you should all be very excited.  I know I am.

If a magazine is anything like a woman (not sure if it is - but humour me and my and my analogy) - then we should be expecting this next decade (having hit the big 3-0) - that this amazingly sexy publication will be reaching new heights of maturity!  **WINK**

iPhone 4 Accessories now Available

Finally, iPhone 4 cases are available as a slider case or snap case from Incase.  Time to burst into a chorus of 'Sing Hallelujah!"

Unlike some of the unofficial early versions available to buy on random websites (like the one I got hold of in a panic to avoid the infamous 'death-grip'), these cases have been tested and are 100% compatible with the iPhone 4.  Each case features a 'flash ring', designed as a non-obtrusive cut out for the camera - allegedly cutting out glare and eliminating photo distortion.  Sounds great.  That's exactly what we need when uploading our random snapshots onto Facebook (considering most people's antics are usually somewhat blurry and distorted by their very nature - not mine obviously - as I am an angel!)  

Available in soft touch and gloss finishes - all cases are constructed with a durable hard shell and cut-outs in all the right places.  Obviously.  If they hadn't of considered that, they'd be a bit shit now - wouldn't they?!

The Slider Case (above) is now available in black - with Metallic cases in Dark Mauve, Gun Metal and Raspberry following shortly.

The Snap Case is currently only available in clear, however a Matt Black version will be following during the next hit - and no doubt a selection of crazy colours and prints will be designed and up for grabs, as and when you least expect it.  After all, we are a generation in need of instant gratification - we seem to get bored faster than a gun slinger in the ol' West, fighting to-the-death.  I'm going off on one again.  My point is, that we always want something sexier, slicker and more exclusive - so they better give it to us!  These are a good start though.  No complaints here.  

For details on cost and how to get hold of one of these bad boys, check out the Incase website.  Enjoy.

Ho Bloody Ho!

Passing through Selfridges (yet again), I almost had a heart attack when I realised that the infamous Christmas store was already open - can you even bear it?!  I guess, with this wonderful summer we're having (full blown sarcasm intended) it shouldn't have come as such a surprise that Winter is fast approaching.  Seriously, don't even get me started!   I only managed to right size my feelings of anticipated dread when I spotted these Santa Balls, which pretty much sum up my feelings towards the festive season - ho bloody ho, indeed!

The entire range plays out like music to my ears!  I know, I know, I'd better be nice - I don't want Santa to be mad with me now do I?  After all, I do have my eye on a few nice bits 'n' bobs as usual (sue me!)

**I promise!**

Brooklyn Bäst's Debut Showcase

New York artist Bäst (based in Brooklyn, to be precise), has been creating his wheat-pasted images for over 10 years now - contributing to the New York and European urban art scene more cool than most cucumbers can handle.  Whilst Bäst remains another elusive character in the art world, (very like our very own Banksy), his work has been showcased at various galleries in recent years and as of 20th August, his first debut solo-exhibition is being held at Lazarides Rathbone Place Gallery.  I tell no lie!

It's all very exciting - his homage to Digital Underground's Humpty Dumpty is top notch.  If you're quick and have £250 to spare, you may be lucky enough to get hold of one of the 250 signed and limited editions.  Check it out!

One word, two syllables (and read in a long, drawn-out, high pitched tone...) AAAWE-SOME! 

Nuff said.

Retro Mini Wraps

This may have already launched last year, but if we're going all 1980's retro on the design, I don't see why we can't go one decade earlier to nick a legendary quote from the one and only Veruca Salt...

'I don't care... I want it now!'

M&M's hit the Big Screen

I love love love this Guerilla stunt from M&M!  The brand can certainly do no wrong when it comes to grabbing attention.  From their catchy packaging design (which has made me stop and indulge myself at more Duty Free shops that I care to remember) to their loud advertising campaigns over the years - the cheeky confectionary brand is continuously hitting the nail on the head with the relevant consumer.  If you don't go back out to the refreshments desk, to grab a big bag of [more often than not peanut] M&M's to woof down during the film, I would be very surprised.  I know I would.

(Not such...) Wasted Spaces

The Smile Project is the latest project from non-profit organisation Wasted Spaces; having made it a challenge to transform vacant properties (as well as other weird and wonderful spaces), into exciting art experiences.  Their idea is to create platforms for emerging artists and cunning creative thinkers (which is what they are), to engage communities through live ‘real-space’ installations. 


Wembley has been the focal location so far, with three projects to date having livened up an otherwise dull part of London (come on – there’s no sugar coating it – we’re talking about Wembley!). Previous projects include the Hello Wall and the Wembley Wall Project – both using a huge, well - wall - (didn't see that one coming did you?).  All this with the hope to project a little joy to the local community.  Touching isn't it?  The Hello Wall was designed to allowed people to interact with the wall via Twitter  by Tweeting commands to @thehellowall, using shapes (triangles, squares, circles), commands (more, less, shake) or just say hello@thehellowall.

The Hello Wall

The Wembley Wall Project then showcased the digital work of three internationally renowed artists – David Dope, Robert Hodgin and Rafael Rozendaal.  This definitely livened up an otherwise dead wall space and brought a little wonderment to Wembley.  Thank god.

Wembley Wall Project

With so many people showing skepticism and as a result excluding themselves from the art world, it was about time someone brought a little creativity to the public direct. We all know London can be a drab place, so if we can use art and digital media to allow us to escape reality (even just for a little while), isn’t it worth a shot?  So many of us complain of having a mundane and repetitive routine (doing and seeing the same stuff day in and day out) - isn’t it a great idea to then stir things up and give us something inspiring to look at - something that makes us break away from our normal niggling thinking and even make us smile?  With the aptly named Smile Project this is what Wasted Spaces in provoking us to do (albeit subliminally) with their latest activity.   By planting random obscure installations and interventions across Wembley, the idea is simple – to make passers by 'smile' and as a result, try to liven up our somewhat cynical nation (don't get all defensive - you know exactly what I'm talking about!)

The Smile Project (Aaaah!)

I hope you all join me in a sigh of relief that this creative and thought provoking bunch are actually making the effort to snap us out of the doom and gloom, that we Londoners are famous for.  To get a real flavour of these exciting projects, check out the video clips at the Wasted Spaces website or on Vimeo and repeat after me **Sigh**

Art Rules

Yes it does.

Design Girl About Town - Logo Launch

With a little help from very talented freelance Graphic Designer, Martin Fox at Siver Fox Graphics, you can now see one version of my wicked new illustrative 'Design Girl About Town' logo. If this illustration doesn't give you all a sunny disposition, then you may as well climb back in to your box and throw away the key - because you're a miserable bugger!  If this applies to you, don't worry - I have three more versions depending on my mood (which will probably depend on the weather).  As the sun is shining today, you can all enjoy this fabulous sunkissed cityscape. **Sigh** It's still early days on 'Design Girl About Town', but watch this space - I'm just warming up! This logo is an introductory wave.  So 'Hello!' - spread the word (and you can quote me on this) - 'it's about to get interesting!'


Why don't you all show your appreciation for Martin's work by clicking on the thumbs up - expressing you like what you see. Check out his website for a full taste of 'The Fox' http://www.silverfoxgraphics.com/

Thanks Again Martin - you're a legend!

Perrier 'Teeser'

The world class, world famous burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese, has taken the web by storm since signing on as the face (and body) of the Perrier brand.  Dita hosts the Perrier mansion website www.perrierbydita.com where she invites guests to select one of two doors – one named ‘the dark room’ where you can capture the sexy star in various poses, or another room, where Dita uses a game of dice to tease men (and women alike) with her charm.  It’s totally seductive – and then the star showers in Perrier!   Hmmm.  

No matter what people say and whether you like it or not - sex sells.  Always has, always will.  Yes Sir. Thank you Maam.  I'll take two cases!

An Ode to a Shoe Fetish

With less than a month to go till the grand opening of Selfridges’ new Shoe Gallery on 16th September, there is a growing level of anticipation amongst London’s shoe elite.  This is the biggest project undertaken by the Westons since buying the store in 2003 for £628 million.  Pocket change.

The new shoe ‘emporium’, as they like to call it, is reportedly going to be larger than the ground floor of the Tate Modern.  Wow – I know!  A section of it's already open, giving us all a mere taster as to the level of grandiosity that is to come.  With carefully considered collections all pleasingly exhibited, piece by piece on varying heights of plateau, it is hard for the eye to do anything but devour each style one by one.  So many too choose from already - my heart is racing just at the thought of it.  So much so, I may need to sit down for a second on one of the vintage cinema seats in the central floor space.  How cool are these?

I guess partners also need somewhere to wait whilst we gawp at the selection of frivolous footwear.  They don't mind.  After all let’s face it - men love that sexual power that we ooze once we are elevated in one of those magnificent creations.  At the same time, we love towering over them, with a look of lusty confidence and dribbling satisfaction.  It's as though the world is at our feet (literally) and we are the Queen of our own destiny.  (Sorry, I went off on one for a second - back now.) What the hell am I going to be like when they open the entire floor?  Honestly.  

One of the sales assistants told me how she has to dust the large glass shelves three times a day.  “I should bloody well hope so!” - I told her.  With labels including Chloe, Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, you name it - you won't be disappointed.  I warn you though, enter at your own peril.  Not for the faint hearted, that's for sure. Mi-aaow!

So you don't get too over excited, I have just included one pair.  Baby steps.

Gaga has a Magic Va-JJ?!

September Issue

Lady Gaga is the cover star of September's issue of Vanity Fair.  Whilst she continues to have mixed reviews with regards to her actual music talent or style, one thing's for sure - at least some of the crap that comes out of her mouth is original!  Lady Gaga tells contributing editor Lisa Robinson that she avoids sex nowadays, just in case it depletes her creative output - “I have this weird thing that if I sleep with someone they’re going to take my creativity from me through my vagina.”  OK fruit cake - I guess she really is Gaga by name, Gaga by nature!

Delivering Hitchcock

As I was leaving the late night screening of Inception last night (amazing by the way), I spotted the poster for upcoming George Clooney film: The American, due out in September.  

A flash of Clooney's previous film poster Burn After Reading then sprung to mind - and suddenly it came to me.  What they both have in common is a similar style, both bearing an striking resemblance to a period of a particular iconic movie genius.  Can you guess which one?

OK, enough with the suspense already (not that the title of this blog post wasn't a dead giveaway).  Both recent named movie posters, appear to carry a blatant salute to the Hitchcock style film posters of the late 50’s, such as Vertigo (1958) and The Man who knew too Much (1956).  Do you see it now?  Uncanny.

I've also spotted a few other nods to the 50's and early 60's, recently.  I will keep them under wraps for now, as I may have to dedicate an entire post to it.  How exciting.  Watch this space.

iPhone 4

Despite all the negative speculation around the new iPhone 4, I couldn’t be happier.  I’ve even given my all singing and all dancing friend a name.  Joffrey, (if you really want to know).

After hearing concerns around the issue with the antenna, I decided to make it a priority to buy a case so as not to avoid this alleged ‘death grip’, as it’s been called.  Disappointingly, neither Vodafone nor the Apple Store on Regent Street had received stock of the necessary accessory, so I went straight on line and found a selection of non-branded cases on Amazon.  (I also saved money in the process.  Score!) I received my case within two days and have had no problems whatsoever.  I’d like to also add, that I’ve not had any problems with a discoloured or broken screen and my camera works perfectly. 

There is always going to be hype around any new product, especially one as highly anticipated as this.  It just proves that online communities can sometimes be counterproductive too.  Saying that, I may just have been extremely lucky. We have to remember, that the same way that big organizations have picked up on the social media frenzy, the ‘word of mouth’ approach is also becoming a strategic opportunity for corporations to manoeovre our thinking.  Just as there are Social Media Manager jobs nowadays, there are also Community Executives which are responsible for driving chatter in their brand’s favour.  Whilst community collaboration can be extremely beneficial (especially when looking to find out about what’s hot and what’s not), sometimes it’s still best to make up our own minds rather than just believe the hype.

Having said all that, my one piece of constructive feedback to Apple would be about the shape of the phone.  The iPhone 3 was ergonomically perfect.  Absolutely perfect.  I don’t understand how Apple could have even considered going back to the previous shape.  As the age old saying goes,  ‘if it ain’t broke, don't fix it!’  If it is 'broke', on the other hand…. sort it out! 

Angry Dan

Meet Bob The Builder's arch nemesis.  He's a bit hot headed apparently.  I guess I would be too if there were pigeons pooping all over my work space!

No seriously, I was enchanted to find this customised warning sign at the entrance to a Central London building site. Who said British builders were all hard nuts?  There must be a bit of artistic temperament there somewhere.  How sweet.

Cut it out!

I like to think that our nation's beloved pseudo-anonymous graffiti artist just popped in to Whole Foods on Parkway, when he was overcome with emotion for this particular street post.  The likelihood however, is that this was yet another unoriginal wannabe street artist.  If I'm correct, then cut it out!

This is London, where a little bit of originality goes a long way.  Copycats will get slated.

If it was you Banksy - welcome to Camden!

What happened to Barbie?

If art were to imitate life, Mattel could potentially be looking at a law suit!

'In the early hours of this morning, Brunette Barbie was found dead, down a back street in Camden.  With her hair disheveled, she was lying face down on the side of the road.  Witnesses claim that the Camden Caners had been harassing her for months.  The Police investigation continues.'

Popping my Cherry

So, after a year of speculation, I have finally succumbed to the world of Blogspot - and here I am.

Finally, I will have a place to vent my views on all things design-y about London.  Whether it be a contemporary new piece of street furniture, a carefully thought out retail space, a beautifully curated exhibition, an edgy new fashion line, a new techno-contraption (that looks great, but I have no idea how to use), or simply an aesthetically pleasing observation, (although things unpleasing to the eye may also come under scrutiny).  Who knows.  We'll see.

Here goes.