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.

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.

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.