Creativity in all its glory

Darlings, there is nothing that excites me more than fashion and craftsmanship and although I have been around the block a few times (I know you’re thinking I don’t look a day over 25 - let me tell you, fibreglass fillers hide a multitude of sins!), I feel we are now in a moment where both are being celebrated simultaneously. Hurrah!

The recent collaboration between British heritage fashion brand Burberry and British luxury craft retailer The New Craftsmen, is one where both fashion and handcrafting come together in perfect harmony.

Held at Makers House, Soho, London, this fascinating showcase emanates inspiration and creativity from the very moment you walk through the quintessentially English courtyard. A sumptuous sanctuary that exudes an exquisitely calming scent with soothing ambient music, it’s a far cry from the hectic hurly-burly adjacent streets.

Upon entry to the ground floor of Makers house, a hive of craft activity and pop-up work stations await you, where you can witness craft in action. I watched beguiled. Book binders, sculptors and artists worked away oblivious to my presence; it was as if I were peeping into their very studios. The space seemed private and special, I had the privilege of a behind-the-scenes look (albeit a staged one), and an insight to their unique skill sets.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spied a green woven carpet with a familiar motif leading the way up a grand staircase – I was intrigued as to what awaited me at the top. On reaching the final step I was disoriented to find an elite FROW crowd directly in my line of vision (I prefer not to name drop darlings but let's just say one of the Delevingne sisters was within arm’s length). I stood in awe, immersed in the display, and then the penny dropped. I remembered where I had seen that motif… the Burberry SS17 collection, of course! Surrounded by the full collection dovetailed with video footage from the live show, I felt as though I were there amongst the exclusive buzz aside the runway.

The impressive nature of this installation has made me think. Today, we're constantly invited into the world of fashion brands, models, artists and designers. Practically anyone who hasn't been living under a rock for the past decade has succumbed to social media in some way, posting snippets of their private lives and thoughts – an intimate behind the scenes view of their character. But when those scenes are extended to more than just an image or tidbit of information, it has the ability to elevate our perceptions about the person or brand. And that is exactly what this showcase has done for Burberry and The New Craftsman. Moreover, the ingenious pairing of the two brands has highlighted an aspect of each that perhaps we never truly considered before.  A very clever move indeed!

Rather than simply presenting the final product, both luxury brands have chosen to commemorate the journey of its creation and the skills involved. Thus, amplifying the all-important finer details, and showcasing a process that should be appreciated. We see here, a new way of promoting creativity. Not just reliant on the media to speak to us, but to have real artisans demonstrate their skills and do the talking. After all, handmade production can be hard to come by these days, so let’s shout about it!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This spectacular showcase is open to the public until the 27th September 2016. For further details please visit The New Craftsmen website by clicking here.

Step inside my showroom...

As promised darlings, I can now reveal my newly re-styled showroom which excites me enormously! 

A few weeks ago, my chums at Proportion London and I got together and threw a fabulous breakfast soiree for the launch of MADEMOISELLE (Proportion's latest female mannequin range). Clients and friends came and admired the re-style and all of the product so perfectly presented in the art gallery like space. As we nibbled on French toast and drank champagne, it dawned on me that my stunning home should be shared with my friends across the world! So I hereby give you an exclusive tour (and also a cheeky selfie or two)!

Mademoiselle - the lady herself!

The MADEMOISELLE range exudes an incredible freshness with refined elegance. She embodies contemporary romance whilst hinting at a cool nonchalance - in short, she is my kinda gal! Adding to her prettiness, she is styled in crisp white with accents of luscious violets, cool blues and tranquil greens. The full range consists of ten dynamic figures, each position created with defined yet understated movement and delicately expressive hands, which capture eloquent mid gesture poses - enhancing her characteristics further. An abstract head with ghosted back features, plus a semi-realistic version are available on all figures, whilst sculpted hair pieces and a headless upholstered option complete the range.

headless mademoiselle in repeat

sculpt hair and realistic mademoiselle

a candid shot of me!

Mademoiselle's delicate and expressive hands   



Mademoiselle with wooden articulated arms - ideal for handbag presentation 

the Mademoiselle girls, en masse

another candid shot of moi

Mademoiselle, featuring sculpted hair and semi-realistic face

THEORY male and female mannequins stand tall on mirror boxed plinths - adding drama and contrast to the space. Finished in monochrome matt and gloss graphics, this range provides ultimate impact. The versatility of the collection can be mind blowing - for instance, by adding wig and makeup or having a headless version, the same range of figures can have endless looks. Genius! 

Theory male and female mannequins

Making a special appearance for a limited time only, is the thought provoking artwork and photography by Roger Miles and Fraser Carr Miles. Their work documents the decommissioning of my old factory home through a series of images and objects which capture the beauty and craft of mannequin production. The pieces are on sale, so if you have your eye on something make sure you enquire quickly!

Vintage style bustforms and harlequins showcased alongside Roger Miles artwork and photography

Roger Miles' cyanotype bust forms 

Capsule bust form range

Of course some of the all time favourite collections are on show, such as COMPONENTS, RAW, VINTAGE and BESPOKE, but what I would really like to show you is the revamped BOUDOIR range. This irresistible collection of bodies and accoutrements is designed specifically for the presentation of lingerie and hosiery type merchandise. And I think it looks especially stunning in its new sophisticated palette of rose gold, and muted berry colours. Simply divine!

Foot forms from the Boudoir range

upholstered bra forms with rose gold metalwork - from Boudoir

the loft has been transformed into a stunning boudoir space  - every girl's dream!   

Darlings, my door is always open, so do feel free to visit me and see the new showroom with your very own eyes. Just let me know when you plan to come over, so I can put the kettle on!  Tel: 0207 749 1300 Showroom address: 65 Leonard Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 4QS

The whims of fashion

Darlings – its been a busy couple of months I can tell you. New York, London, Milan, Paris – I’ve done the lot! Jetting around in Anna’s entourage, caught in her fragrant slipstream, attending show after show (front row of course), and posing for endless paps in the latest looks from the world’s premier designers. Exhausting!

But, oh my, did you see the looks coming through? The shows themselves were glorious: a sense of prettiness, a softening of silhouette, a profusion of frills, fur and frippery along with the return of accessories in general and most particularly, the 'IT bag'.

I’m coveting Gucci’s styling; extreme Royal Tenenbaum kookiness! Dreaming of Hedi’s take on 80s glamour at YSL, drooling over sweetheart necklines, velvet and fringing, an overdose of vibrant colour, endless patterns jarring under the jangling weight of jewellery – I can feel a new dawn breaking as fashions never ending cycle turns a ladylike corner.    

Consequently, i’m rethinking the mannequin I want to be. More elegant. With finesse, charm and grace. Coquettish and at the same time fragile! I want curves to wear the new feminine shapes but at the same time to be modern and ever youthful.

 

I hear on the grapevine Proportion London are thinking that way too. Rumour has it they’ve been in the sculpt studio with maestro Rob Patterson working on something beautiful. The only proof I have is this vague dreamy watercolour left in the design studio last week. What does it all mean? We shall surely find out as they launch their rethemed showroom next month.

Watch this space readers, all will be revealed .....

   

louis vuitton - series 3

My oh my something fabulous has arrived… a stones throw away from London Fashion Weeks hub, Somerset House, lies a brand new immersive display by the french luxury brand, Louis Vuitton. 'LOUIS VUITTON SERIES 3' demonstrates and exposes the creative process behind the Autumn/ Winter 2015 collection, through intimate installations and modern graphics. This 3 part sequel exhibition takes visitors on an ambient journey, where senses are heightened.

Entering a room pumped with cold air (but no shivers were sent down my spine, i'm made from fibreglass, remember) a dramatic geodesic dome, lit by free standing tripod lights, fills the space. The dome is reference to the sculpture built for the fashion show at the Frank Gehry designed Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris. 

Descending into a circular space age room, centred around one of the brands signature trunks, video footage is played 360 around you. Stand still, and you'll experience a feeling of psychedelic movement. 

'A tale of craftsmanship' is the next area which provides yet another glimpse into the Louis Vuitton world, watch the hands of artisans create bags in front of your very own eyes! 

Although its not quite the same as sitting next to Anna Wintour and the rest of the fashion elite, you can experience 'hashtag FROW' somewhat, in the 'infinite show' room, where the excitement of the A/W 15 catwalk is revealed on several large screens set in a staggered triangular space. 

Another spectacular installation is created in a brighter than white room, where segmented mannequins are displayed featuring LV's wonderful bags, shoes and accessories. 

Coming to a close, and by far my most favourite part - the walk in wardrobe! In fact i may just ask my interior designer for one just like it. Oh a girl can dream….. 

This modern reinterpretation of a fashion show is staged across 13 rooms at Bruitalist concrete space, 180 Strand, and is simply a must see! To book your free tickets click here 

Do let me know what you think of the exhibition. Ta-Ta for now darlings x 

Return Of The Rudeboy

This Summer, a manifesto for refined style and attitude is presented at Somerset House, with the ‘Return Of The Rudeboy’ exhibition. A showcase, my dear friends, which celebrates the sartorial subculture of the 1960’s rudeboy, to todays evolved version.

Casting my mind back to the swinging sixties,  when I was gracing the windows of Biba and Mary Quant and socialising with the likes of David Bailey, it was a revolutionary decade which has proven influential to todays society. Whether you were a  mod, rocker or swinging socialite like me, or indeed a Rudeboy, it is evident that the style of that era has filtered down to todays young urban fashionistas. Shown through a series of photographs at the Return Of The Rudeboy exhibition, over 60 dapper looking individuals from across the UK have been captured, all whom embody the essence of what it is to be a Rudeboy in the 21^st century.

Although, in order to be a Rudeboy or ‘Rudie’  there are no particular style rules as such, there is however a certain level of attitude. According to Kervin Marc (fashion designer) “Rudeboy is an attitude – once you have attitude everything you do, say or wear is Rudeboy!” But notably there is an apparent look – sharply dressed, perhaps a tailored suit, an injection of rich pattern and a pop of colour, a statement hat, always of course, underpinned with laid back, uber-cool character. While the exhibition predominantly focuses on the modern day Rudeboy, it doesn’t disregard the heritage. A number of bustforms showcase outfits which would have been worn at that time, backed up by the obligatory soundtrack of Ska, 2 Tone and reggae. In addition to images, playlists and ensembles, there is a pop-up grooming salon where  chaps can have a shave and cut on select days.

Adding to the charm of this exhibition, I had the pleasure of meeting a West Indian couple who lived in South London, during the Rudeboy period. They danced together whilst Ska music played, and smiled while reliving their youth,  and went on to tell me how every Friday night they would all attend a local dance club, and everybody had to ‘dress to impress’.

Return Of The Rudeboy is free admission at  Somerset House, London until the 25^th August. So, put on your Sunday best and get down there to show off your sartorial swagger!

For more information please see link below.
http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/return-of-the-rudeboy