Little People in our Big Bad World

  The Book 'Little People in the City' by the street artist, Slinkachu, is available to buy from Amazon.  I am only plugging this because it really is a great little book to have as a keeper for your bookshelf.  It has been recently revised and retitled to 'Big Bad City', the bilingual version - so if you fancy buying it in Dutch as well, then be my guest.

Slinkachu is a London based street artist and photographer who likes to work in miniature.  His original work started in 2006; 'The Inner City Snail; A Slow Moving Street Art Project', which involved decorating live snail shells with a creative gesture of some sort. These installations were then captured through the lens, before releasing again into nature (well street side anyway).  

No snails were harmed during the making of this artwork.  In fact, the lucky few snails are now living the life of riley as highly paid celebs in the insect world.  All good.

The more recent work of Slinkachu (the main feature of his book), has captured the imagination of many of us design fiends.  Entitled 'Little People; The Tiny Street Art Project', the artist uses railway figures (which he customises himself, using a still hand and much patience) and places them in inner city locations - sometimes using props to create a thought provoking scene, which is then captured on film (or more accurately, on digital).  Hence, the book is a collection of photography based on this.  

Up to now Slinkachu has been London based, but a recent itch has given him (and some of his friends), the urge to go sightseeing...

This month Slinkachu has also been over to Italy, to the Fame Festival, where he has been working on some installations with sound.  Check this out:

You may think that this artist likes to create mini worlds in our big bad world, to make him self feel like a giant.  I would beg to differ.  What Slinkachu, I hope will be able to do, is make us all stop.  Take notice.  Again, practice some mindful thinking.

So far, it seems that all the installations appear to be on the ground. Perhaps the artist would consider bringing his miniatures to eye level and above? After all, us grumpy Londoners rarely smile as it is, so if we see one of these installations and do smile (which we will), it may be nice to coincide that smile with the passing by of a stranger.  Just a thought.

Slinkachu is certainly one to watch out for - as are his little army of friends.  Check out the Slinkachu website to see a full profile and check out the blog to follow the 'Little People' in action.

Issey Miyake for Evian

                            

The Miyake Design Studio (Issey Miyake), has teamed up with evian® to design a limited edition "...pure bottle, glowing with both optimism and freshness". The press release continues in this chirpy manner, talking of the "shimmering flower" being an "essential source of life" and "symbol of youth".  Yuk!  This sickly piece of blurb was almost enough to take away from the cutesy and quirky aesthetics that the bottle does in fact offer.  Sometimes it's best to let the visuals do the talking - isn't that the whole point of design?  Anyway, that being said, the bottle itself was enough to make me smile again.  (Don't forget I am born and bred a Londoner - I have to find something to complain about first, before I put a positive spin on things.  If I do.  Naturally.)

Anyway, I'm certainly not a fan of floral (shock horror!) - but with a contemporary twist expressed through a nod towards the Pleats Please range from Miyake, I will most certainly be tracking down one of the two limited edition bottles, for personal keep-sakes.

  

In the end, I am a bit of a sucker for collectable design objects (some may even call me a hoarder) - and whilst this may not be the most mind-blowing collaboration in the world, I am certainly not offended by it (press release aside).  Just remember, whatever you do, don't drink it!  Place the bottle on a safe shelf and dust every so often - give it minimum of 10 years and then put it on 'ebay'.

Available to buy at either one of the Issey Miyake Stores in London (Issey Miyake on Conduit Street or Pleats Please on Brook Street - both W1).  

Final Farewell to Alexander McQueen

17 March 1969 – 11 February 2010

As the pandemonium that is London Fashion Week unfolds in it's usual chaotic style, the inside motley crew were at St. Pauls Cathedral today making their peace with the death of their close friend and uber talented designer, Alexander McQueen.  As we all know, McQueen took his own life in a tragic twist following the death of his mother, in February this year.  The fashion scene has been in mourning ever since.


As we (us lesser motely peeps) were not invited to today's ceremony, I thought I would allow those of us who wish to - to also pay our respects to the legendary fashionista.  I have included the song below; a version of Gloomy Sunday (the song about contemplating suicide, originally by Billie Holiday) which was performed by Björk at today's ceremony.


For full effect put on your favourite pair of heels, light a candle and remember McQueen at his best...


                         


Farewell Alexander McQueen... you will be missed....


R.I.P

London Design Festival is Now Open!

                          

The London Design Festival launched yesterday, with a focal point being the huge OUTRACE Installation in Trafalgar Square.  Created by Swedish duo Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram (and sponsored by Audi) this OTT piece of techno-sculpure/art/ design (errm - product placement - let's be realistic!) is, well - it just is, isn't it?  Whatever.  Yawn, yawn - didn't we see this 'robot' on the TV ad a while ago?

Here is the photoshopped image, to try and excite you.  I reckon Nelson is thinking WTF is all the fuss about? I know I am.  Robots, lights... and?? So what!

This festival, it seems, is becoming somewhat of a Hallmark occasion for these ego-centric brands with ridiculous budgets to 'support' the festival.  Supporting, what I'm asking?  Harsh, perhaps?!  I don't think so.  For a start, Trafalgar Square being probably THE most landmark location in London, would have possibly been a better home for a more original, or at the very least, British talent to shine.

In the end, money talks... (over talent, apparently)...

Anyway, now that I've had my rant, let the week of mayhem begin.  I'm sure there'll be some good, some bad and some down right ugly.  Let's see.

Of course, there is always the Anti-Design Festival; the anti-establishment organisation which is actually 'supporting' the London Design scene and offering a platform for real, raw and unadulterated talent to emerge. This 'arch-nemesis' to the shiny, polished, unoriginal display of commercialised perfectionism (The London Design Festival, if that wasn't clear), will also be showcasing an array of work and ideas across the capital this week.   At the very least, there is something for everyone.

Whoop Ass?!

I'm thinking, using the words 'jalapeno', 'whoop' and 'ass' in the same sentence can't be good - right?  Six quid for a rather questionable steak sauce is a bit of a miff take, even if sold at Harvey Nicks - wouldn't you say?! Hmmm.

London Fashion Week Kick Off!

The time is very much NOW.  London Fashion Week’s official kick off is today, followed by the start of the London Design Festival from tomorrow.  It’s a beautiful crisp day, autumn is in the air and so is the anticipation for the creative potential set to be unleashed.  I will chat a little about London Design Festival tomorrow – for today ladies and gentlemen, it’s ‘FASH-WON’ all the way.  This Summer may be coming to a close... but next Summer is just about to begin!

So last week the excitement began, of course in New York. Fashion Week was a triumph over there as usual, with the main story transpiring being that of 70’s inspired colour and silhouette.  Nice.  The biggest excitement for me personally was British designer Sophia Kokosalaki (we've got to wave the flag over there too, don't we?), unveiling her first catwalk collection for Diesel Black Gold as womenswear Creative Director.  Her sexy, yet feminine; hard, but soft signature style, was prominent and picturesque.  Kokosolaki’s used a lot of leather and a neutral colour palette; a lot more subdued than the rest of the week’s more obvious bright collections.  Diesel called the collection “an ode to the wild creativity of the West Coast arts and crafts movement, the free spirit of rock festivals and the sun-drenched landscapes of California, as seen through the eyes of Kokosalaki”. Go to the Diesel Black Gold website to see the entire show - it really is 70's Californiatastic and yummy.  Roll on next summer girls – it’s going to be a sizzler! 

My blog, however is not about New York, it’s about LDN, thank you very much, but if you were excited by NY, then just wait and see what London has to bring.  After all, what NY is to sophistication, London is to ‘cool’.  Bring it on! 

 

As well as the prominent players in the our city’s fashion scene, what I love about London Fashion Week more than anything, is it’s strong support of new emerging designers.  I am as excited as ever to see this year’s winners of BFC NEWGEN sponsored by TOPSHOP, which has brought us the likes of Alexander McQueen, Julien McDonald, Gareth Pugh, House of Holland, Marios Schwab and Christopher Kane; most of these now key features in the week’s catwalk schedule. This year's winners include David Koma, Holly Fulton, Louise Gray, Mary Katrantzou, Michael van der Ham and Peter Pilotto. From Koma's powerful and confident female attitude; to Louise Gray's mad textural mix with a street edge; to Katrantzou's bold industrial jewellery and crazy prints - there will be lots to talk about.

 

Let’s not forget NEWGEN ‘MEN’, which has followed in the footsteps of the original scheme, since 2009 (SS10 show), which has brought us the likes of Carolyn Massey - a super talented menswear designer, who I remember clearly could roll off every seasonal trend and catwalk collection since the dawn of time, from any designer – you name it! (we were at university together back in the days spent fighting over dress dummies and fabric swatches – ahh – memories).  With men spending more and more on fashion than ever before, designers such as Carolyn Massey and James Long are like dynamite and will be explosive.  Be warned.

With so much fresh talent – and I mean ‘fresh’ – London is set to be making headlines again this year, so keep your ears to the ground and eyes wide open.  I’ll post again at the end of the week, once every last bottle of Moet has been drunk and dust has settled on the final runway.... it should be interesting.  

In case you're not sure where to go this week, Red Maps has created and handy guide to get you about town.  I know where I'm going, after all, I am 'Design Girl About Town' - but do you?! Do not fear, that's why I'm here (to inform you how) - so check out the Red Maps Blog for lots of handy tips; where to eat, drink and of course shop.  Enjoy.

One last thing - when you are out and about this week, MAKE SURE YOU REPRESENT!  This is London, WE are London, YOU are London… look good, strut your stuff and make an impact.  Just because you’re not on the runway, it doesn’t mean people won’t be watching.  They will.  We always do! (**evil laugh optional**)

Japaneazy-Peazy

Gwen Stefani has been a fan of Japanese culture since I can remember.  When she first appeared on stage with her four ‘Harajuku Girl’ dancers in the early noughties, it was like – wow!  These speechless, visual aids (people – I know) acted as a perfect backdrop to her unique and edgy look, which has seen her gain cult status in the style stakes; and rightly so.  Gwyn (because we're on first name terms, of course) has since launched her own fragrance line called ‘Harajuku Lovers’.  Two words.  Roaring.  Success.  To be entirely honest, I have never smelt the fragrance (sue me), however the packaging alone, is a selling point and would fit perfectly with my collection of iconic pieces of popular design culture - (I hoard quirky things that excite me).

                                               

Then there was Kirsten Dunst literally ‘Turning Japanese’ in the music video by Takashi Murakami which was shown at Tate Modern last year during the Pop Life Exhibition (which rocked my world – the best show I’d seen in years).  Dunst’s character was Cosgirl and she sang the most repetitive, cheesy, catchy, upbeat melody you will ever hear; I was singing it like a wind-up puppy for days, much to the annoyance of everyone around me.  Be warned, for the rest of the day you'll be bouncing around like a kid at a christmas party.... after eating too many wham bars (I'm an 80's kid).... and OD'ing on coke (a cola)...

                                

Fast forward the tape and now we have Lady Gaga who has been making waves with her own OTT ‘fashionistic’ ways (OK - I just made up that word, but it fits - fashion and futuristic - get it?!), to the point of her own detriment.  I digress.  The point I am trying to make is that Lady Gaga (aka femme fatale), may have created a love hate divide across our nation, (just like our infatuation with Marmite, I guess).  Her visual narrative, however (which is nothing short of original) - continues to span many weird and wonderful indulgent fantasies; Japanese culture being a more recent inspiration for her. Firstly, the contact lenses she wore in her Bad Romance video, known as Circle lenses, have been huge in Japan for years.  

Teenagers have been wearing these monstrosities, which cover the white area of the eye to make the pupils larger, to try and emulate manga-like faces.  Since the music video release, this trend has moved over here and has caused much controversy as a result.  I won’t bore you with that stuff, because, in my opinion a bit of controversy goes a long way and I am a real advocate for ‘rules are meant to be broken’ and all that. – especially when it comes to style and even more particularly when it comes to youth culture – considering there is not much left to rebel against in today’s society.  Anyway…

What I love then, is that as a result of Lady Gaga showing her love for Japanese culture in this way, the kids on the street over in Tokyo have come back with their very own show of admiration and respect for the artist, by recreating her look à la Harajuku.  One thing's for sure, whether we love her or hate her, people obviously can't get enough!

Gaga then has to have the last word and feed her fans like the 'hungry-for-her-art vultures' that they are and again shower herself with Japanese symbolism.  We all know that the Birkin remains THE cult ‘It’ bag of our generation, with it’s infamous celeb following and uber exclusive waiting list (as in ‘if your name’s not down you’re not coming in!’ - not now, not ever - and certainly not with out a minimum of £3000), so only the loony Lady in question could embellish her own Birkin in this way.  Some would call this sacrilegious.  Personally, I think it's genius and wouldn’t have expected any less. 

So with Gaga having solidified the trend for all things 'Japaneazy', it came as no surprise to find a selection of Hello Kitty dolls in the window of the Dr. Martens store in Covent Garden.  I stopped in my tracks.  Weird?  Obviously not, considering we live in a 'Gaga' world right now.  Who would have thought, the once very much punk brand of the 70’s would go all kitsch like this.  I have to say, I kinda like it!

That leaves me to ask one question - how can we ever be 'Lost in Translation', when we live in such a visually vivacious world?

(That must be the cheesiest line EVER written - but I'm smiling, cos it's true!)

Arigatou gozaimasu.... SAYONARA!

Liberty Vs. Selfridges – My Shoes are better than your Shoes!

Some may think it’s a case of, ‘what Selfridges can do we can do better!’  It is after all shoe crazy over there on Oxford Street!  What am I talking about; you honestly don’t know?!  Come on ladies - the new shoe emporium at Selfridges has been in the making for a while now - and as if that wasn't enough, as of last week, Liberty has played its hand and has unveiled the wicked and wonderful world of Manolo Blahnik in the famous Regent Street store.

                               

Yes, indeed; having sourced through his archive to create what Liberty is calling a ‘lust worthy’ collection, this exclusive range of Manolo Blahnik is visually astounding. I'm actually predicting that there are enough die-hard Blahnik fans out there, to rinse this collection in no time at all.  I should add that there are also some fabulous accessories available, so if your purses can't quite stretch to footwear, you can take a piece of this world home through another fabulous item of beauty, such as a handkerchief, pillow or umbrella.

Personally, I am still aroused by the shoe frenzy at Selfridges.  Just in case you had forgotten my post at the end of last month, the AMAZING new Shoe Emporium at Selfridges is being unveiled this season (the final completion being this Thursday 16^th).   Liberty had no choice but to pull out its guns – I mean, come on - alongside the dribblingly fantastic and awe-inspiring exhibit of Vivienne Westwood’s shoe history (being showcased in the Ultralounge), Liberty couldn't just sit there and take a hit bashing!

Unfortunately, the Vivienne Westwood Collection merely flavours our minds with a  retrospective of the punk Queens' world of mayhem - the pieces are not for sale - but that's OK.  Even being in the same room as this collection of playful and passionate pieces of footwear, was enough for me to get to 'that place' (don't get me started).  Here is a selection of my favourite pieces.  Miaaooow!

I have to admit, I am slightly biased towards this designer, having carried out a work placement with her whilst a young and hungry fashion student.  I fell in love with her artistic endeavours back then and have folllowed her work ever since.  To me, no one will ever quite get the right mix between, sex, silhouette and rock 'n' roll like this lady.  She truly, just is....

I will end by saying, if you haven't already - check out the magical Vivienne Westwood shoe story on the Lower Ground floor at Selfridges in the Ultralounge - showing until 3rd October.  If you're more of a Manolo Blahnik kinda girl, you will love Liberty this season.  If however you’re more of a Choo girl, all I can say is ‘unclench’ - your time will come.

My sentiments exactly. 

A Design Girl Day Out - Tate Modern Massive

It was a grey day in London and I needed a bit of an oomph, so as I had some spare time (between jobs), I decided to play my 'Design Girl About Town' theme to the max (and be a little self indulgent).  Decision - to hit our fabulous Tate Modern Exhibition and spend the day enjoying it to it's full capacity.  I hit the Northern Line and exited at London Bridge, where my magical Monday began.

As always, I walked around with my eyes and ears open; being London, you never know what little hidden gems and design-y tit bits you can find.  After cutting through Borough Market (of course pretty dead today), I turned down Stoney Street before hitting the river.  Boo! I found my first little piece of street art - look familiar?!  Hmmm.

Anyway - as I continue, I then I see some questionable writing on a wall - which makes me wonder whether someone has the number of a good therapist? (No judgement - of course.)

After giggling to myself and strutting along to the rhythm of the beat (iPod naturally on full blast), I cruise along until I finally reach my destination - Tate Modern.  Ahhhh.  I haven't been for ages, so I was really quite excited.  The main exhibit 'Exposed' has been on for a while so I am glad I am finally getting round to seeing it.

So - what did I think?  Well - the idea that the camera, since it's invention, has been used to capture images of people unawares.  Some imagery was humourous, some thought provoking and some just down right dark and/or dirty.   From hidden war cameras to modern day paparazzi shots....

Poor Paris - Off to be Locked Up!

.....to our nations world famous obsession with CCTV!

My favourite piece, however, was the 'Ballad of Sexual Dependency' - a slide show, that I have to admit, really moved me. It was made up of hundreds of photographs taken by Nan Goldin over three decades and was so personal and raw and uncensored - it was all consuming and brought me to a place of 'realness'.  Documenting the unbelievably intimate lives of her friends and lovers, (and probably some random strangers that she picked up in bars across New York and Boston), the slideshow was a graphic depiction of life, love, sex, drug use, violence, death, pain, fear, vulnerability and so much more.  With an unbelievable apt soundtrack with lyrics evoking the relevant emotions, to say I was choked doesn't even cover it! Seriously, it was worth the day out just for this - Room 8 (by the way).

Following on from this - I checked out the rest of the place and forgot how much fun the free stuff at Tate Modern has to offer.

Great day at Tate Modern...

Design Girl signing off from her day of indulgence....

Before I go - look what I found on my way home....

London makes me smile too....

Roger and out.

Levi’s® Curve ID - Nice Ass!

“All asses were not created equal” – is the new slogan from Levi’s® – and they’re not talking about ex boyfriends either.  What is being emphasized here is that it’s not the size that matters, but the shape - (I couldn’t have put it better myself. Ahem.)

Following on from the biggest research into global 'fit' in recent times, the new range of Levi’s® Curve ID jeans pays attention to three key female silhouettes – slight curve, a demi curve and a bold curve (the latter representing the infamous JoLo behinds out there).  These three shapes reportedly make up 80% of women's backsides.  Interesting!  What Levi’s® also realised during their mammoth drive for consumer insights, is that most women try on numerous amounts of jeans before they find the one that fits just right - half of us trying on as many as 10 pairs, apparently.  As a result of this key discovery, Levi’s® decided to make life a little simpler for us and take the trend for all things personalised, one step further.  You gotta love 'em!

Remember girls – sexiness and sassiness comes in all shapes and sizes!

Levi’s® Curve ID - In stores NOW!!

Lanvin for H&M

Exciting news has finally been confirmed on the UK’s high-street this week.  Wait for it…. Lanvin will be the next luxury name to be collaborating with H&M.  Yes indeed.  It’s like music to my ears.  Joining Stella McCartney, Sonia Rykiel, Jimmy Choo, Comme des Garcons and Viktor & Rolf - Lanvin is set to add even more kudos to this already fiercely, fashion forward high-street brand.

The collection will have a special unveiling on 2^nd November, before hitting stores on 23^rd November.  Designed by artistic director Albert Elbaz and menswear designer Lucas Ossendrijver, the Lanvin signature detailed tailoring style will be as sharp and refreshing as ever - even more so because it won’t hurt our flexible plastic friend!

When Stella’s collection for the label first landed in H&M’s Oxford Circus flagship store in 2005, it was total mayhem.  I remember the carnage vividly through first hand experience.  It was eat or be eaten – seriously.  Each collaboration since has been equally as successful, with pieces flying off the rails faster than a cheetah on heat. 

I’ve said it before and I will say it again - the fashion high-street in London is like no where else in the world.  That’s one of the main reasons why I love living in London.  Just remember to wear extra padding around your ribs that day, as it’s set to get vicious.  Good luck.