Rug Company helps seal special relationship between the US and the British

The Rug Company of Notting Hill in London, set up by Chris and Suzanne Sharp, was recently commissioned by the British Prime Minister and Samantha Cameron to create their official gift to President and Mrs Obama, in celebration of their state visit to the United Kingdom, and it was featured in the Vogue blog.
You can also read about it on The Rug Company blog HERE.

The Rug Company was founded in 1997. The Sharps started out with a small shop in Chelsea, according to a recent interview in the London Evening Standard, and for some years their London shop has been in Notting Hill, with their design studio and offices two roads away in what was the Orsino restaurant - selling mostly Afghan and Persian rugs.

Today The Rug Company's products are mostly contemporary, either designed in-house or by one of the firm's roster of  international designers that includes Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Marni, Matthew Williamson, Diane von Furstenberg, Tom Dixon and Alexander McQueen.

A standard-size, nine-foot by six-foot rug sells for between £2800 and £3000 and the most expensive, at present, is one designed by Alexander McQueen which is a mix of finely knitted silk and wool, it is priced at £10,000.

Wedding Budgets are tightening in time of austerity.

For those of you planning to tie the knot this year, have you thought about how much you'll be spending for your wedding day?  Apparently most people today are cutting back.  While it is rumoured that Duchess of Cambridge (Catherine Middleton)'s wedding to the future king of England (Prince William) might have topped £250,000, most of us are not going to spend nearly that much on the special day.  In fact according to WeddingChaos.co.uk, a wedding planning expert, in their recent survey of more than 4,000 future brides and grooms , they found that a startling 68% of respondents were planning on spending less than £10,000, despite other survey sources said that the cost of the 'average' wedding is approaching £20,000.


A wedding gown design by Blue as seen at White Gallery London earlier this week.  Blue offers a flirty and feminine collection from the 50’s inspired prom style of bridalwear. Chantilly lace over-bodices feature heavily, as seen in pleated full skirted dresses, which are often trimmed with a fine satin waist band. Beautifully adorned with buttons lining down the back and extending the length of the bodice, Blue’s designs produce a classical yet playful look.

 "I think this survey shows that many modern brides and grooms are being much more realistic about their wedding finances," explains WeddingChaos founder David Cartlidge. "You look at some of the extravagances that were previously part of the wedding experience, such as lasering messages onto rose petals, and they seem particularly frivolous given the current financial climate."
"We are certainly seeing people becoming savvier," says Cartlidge. "They are setting sensible budgets and then trying hard to stick to them using the extra resources and discounts that the web can put them in touch with. From what we've seen the economy is biting hard into the wedding budget."

WeddingChaos, owned by The Chaos Company, is a website dedicated to providing help and advice for UK couples planning their wedding, a directory of wedding professionals and a help forum.

Taking place at Battersea Evolution, the third edition of White Gallery London will open its doors next year 20-22 May 2012.

Coco Chanel the musical will be staged in London

You probably saw the movie Coco before Chanel that starred French actreess Audrey Tatou, and if like me, you were probably captivated by the story of this legendary couturier, borned Gabrielle Chanel but was affectionately known as Coco.  It's a remarkable life story that started from humble beginnings to the days when she reached the heights of society, and became a timeless symbol of success, freedom and style.
Now, as one of the most famous names in the lands of fashion, a musical on the life of Coco Chanel will show for next month at Sadler’s Wells in London.
The musical tells the story of Gabrielle Coco Chanel, and is a remake of the Broadway production that starred Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers back in 1969. This time around award winner Sara Kestelman will play the part of the renowned fashion designer.
Earlier this month, designer Karl Lagerfeld showcased the Chanel 2011 Cruise Collection at the sumptuous Hotel du Cap on the French Riviera.  The designer opted to show accessories with real jewels, diamonds, and pearls. "Too much may not be enough," Lagerfeld said at the show's end.
Lagerfeld found inspiration in Rita Hayworth and Aly Khan, going for a lean silhouette for his jackets and skirts ended below the knee in a kick pleat. Then the collection expanded into an almost-infinity of options.

Ralph Lauren celebrates launch of new UK website with limited edition Polo shirt.

While Roland Garros tennis champsionship is taking place in Paris, the organisers of the Wimbledon Championship in Great Britain are preparing their grass courts for this year's competition that will take place in a few weeks' time.  The 2011 collection of Ralph Lauren's cotton polo-knit sport shirts are already available online too.
Currently to celebrate the recent launch of RalphLauren.com in Great Britain, the "Blue Label" of the American iconic brand Ralph Lauren has launched a limited edition skinny-fit polo in breathable cotton mesh, designed with embroidery for international sporting style.

Blue Label limited edition Polo cotton shirt available exclusively at ralphlauren.co.uk

The ribbed polo collar features a contrast red-striped undercollar.   It has a two-button placket, ribbed armbands, uneven vented hem with interior twill taping, along with sewn number patches with embroidered "20" at the right sleeve and "11" at the left sleeve. Embroidered "11 GBR" and flag accent the back. The embroidered Big Pony add accents, together with an embroidered flag and the words "Great Britain" is embroidered across the chest.   This polo is available for men and women, available exclusively online and in select Ralph Lauren stores.

I have read in the Women's Wear Daily (WWD) that Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. had this week revealed a course for future growth for its business throough international retail expansion, while weathering a rare earnings decline in the fourth quarter.
Roger Farah, president and chief operating officer, told WWD that the company would put over $1 billion into capital expenditures over the next three years, and that “70 percent” of the total would be focused on growing the company’s store base internationally, particularly in Europe (including UK) and through concession shops in China and Hong Kong.
Polo will pare some operations in Asia as well, exiting 65 locations over the next 12 months that are part of a distribution network inherited from Dickson Concepts.
New for the autumn season are Black Label denim for men, a women’s Collection denim line and Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply premium offering. The new denim line will also be offered in Europe and Asia, where it will replace the existing Polo Jeans Co. business. Among the brands in its stable, Club Monaco will expand initially as a shop-in-shop concept in Europe before the focus turns to freestanding stores, and the first Rugby store in Europe will open later this year in London.
Meanwhile, if you haven't heard, for the very first time the designer Ralph Lauren, stylish not only in clothing but also in automobiles, is showcasing his own collection of exquisite classic cars, from the 1930s to the present day, in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, entitled “The Art of the Automobile: Masterpieces from the Ralph Lauren Collection”.  The exhibition features17 outstanding cars, chosen by the curator Rodolphe Rapetti, outline the main phases of European automobile history, and includes a 1938 Bugatti, a 1958 Ferrari Testa Rossa and a 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago.  The exhibition concludes on 28th August.

Wallpaper are creeping back into contemporary interiors.

From recent visits to design trade fairs, one can notice that wallpaper are creeping back into fashion when it comes to interior design.  And the trend pendulum seems to swing from homely and simplistic in pattern to luxurious and glamorous.
First on the luxury end, Austrian company Swarovski Elements has just launched their first wallpaper collection, bringing a luminous crystalline dimention to interiors.  Crystal elements manufactured by Swarovski are shown on backgrounds of flock, mirror-like foil and layered ink to give the effect of metallic leather.  As light plays across the wall, shimmering coloured multi-faceted crystals are refracted.

Designer Karen Beauchamp sitting pretty against her wallpaper design Kolinoor Damask in black copper.

The new Swarovski Elements wallpaper collection had been designed by British wallpaper designer Karen Beauchamp who collaborated with Swarovki Element's in-house design team.  The collection comprises 9 wallpapaers embellished with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and two coordinating plain wallpapers.  Three of these have a layer of crystals which subtly changes colour creating a refined brilliance.  Karen Beauchamp, herself a design director of established wallpaper company Cole & Son, was trained as an architect.



Shown in both  above pictures are two different colourways of the Feather Palace design.

To create the lavish crystal-spangled effects of Crystal Strata, dense layers of crystals are applied directly to sections of the designs as the wallpaper is printed for an intense and sparkling effect.  Shown in pictures here is a selection of the designs.   In FEATHER PALACE, which comes in Mauve Black, Copper, French Grey and Pale Aqua.  In this design, clouds of flock feathers fall from the sky and the design is interspersed with a single metallic plume every 85 cm whose strands are accentuated by Xilion crystals reflecting light for an intensely luminous effect. PLUME evokes all the style, sophistication and allure of an ostrich feather in velvet flock against a background with the appearance of fine metallic leather.  In KOHINOOR DAMASK the large 85 cm design dazzles and sparkles with lavish Crystal Strata bouncing and stealing light from the flicking lighhts of candles and lamps in the same space, with a fin de siècle feel. Available colours: * Black Copper * Magenta * Mauve * Taupe * Oyster.
In CASHMERE - the iconic paisley design twinkles with miniature SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS on the softest tactile flock background with a raised pile giving the impression, depending on the colour, of cashmere, suede or velvet. The counterpoint design is enhanced with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS every 85 cm and may be hung as a straight match or a half drop.  Available colours: * Grey Gold * Taupe * Oyster * and Duck Egg.
 The dimensions of the wallpaper rolls are 52 cm x 10 meters.

Design of warllpaper: Venetian Stripe



Design: Cashmere in Taupe

On the other end of the scale, for a more down-to-earth approach, graphic and print designer Amanda McIvor's new wallpaper collecition sport a certain 1950s charm. 



Amanda McIvor's new wallpaper collection.



Amanda McIvor's Millefiori (in black) design also comes in soft furnishing fabric to complement wallpaper of the same design.



Amanda McIvor's Cupcake Plant design.

The new wallpaper collection features Cupcake Plant, Utensils and Millefiori, with which Amanda has also created coordinating fabrics, and are available through her own company - Beyond the Fridge, which is known also for its maganetic boards that was recently featured in the 60-minute-makeover programme on TV which was aired on 4th May with interior designer Linda Barker.
Amanda McIvor founded Beyond the Fridge in 2008.  After a career working for many of the UK's leading brands, the catalyst for establishing Beyond the Fridge was born through a desire to free herself from the constraints of corporate design, achieving a long held ambition to bring together her own unique and uncompromising collections of original products for the home.

Philips outdoor lighting range sheds new light on your outdoor space at night

Chelsea Flower Show is now in full swing in London and thankfully the weather has held up, albeit sometimes it can be a bit breezy.  So as the days get warmer, we increasingly make use of our gardens and terraces, socializing in outdoor spaces that are right on our doorsteps – whether barbecues with family, drinks parties with friends, or enjoying the night air with a refreshing drink. With so much potential for creating memorable moments, why not make the most of this outdoor space at night, too? So when the sun goes down, light up your outdoor surroundings, and Philips, which is headquartered in the Netherlands, a new outdoor range that suits both contemporary and traditional tastes.

The Philips Ecomoods range is IP certified and designed specifically for outdoor use, allowing you to light up your space, creating the perfect atmosphere for your garden no matter what the occasion.   The range includes portable versions offering new possibilities for seeing what light can do to freely and simply to enhance your outdoor space in the evenings.  Ecomoods outdoor luminaires are easy to place, and with their simple on/off switch are also easy to use. They also come with long power cables, meaning fewer restrictions on where you can plug and place them. The range extension includes an elegant hanging lantern, available as a floor and table lamp, that can be placed anywhere, and depending on the mood you want to create, you can switch it to any of the five different colors. Meanwhile, the half moon outdoor bowl luminaire provides intense white light that is both brilliant and atmospheric.

But if you also enjoy entertaining indoors, whether in your kitchen or living room, lighting certainly plays a crucial role in creating the right ambiance.  Philips LivingAmbiance can store up to three favorite light settings for easy recall. And at any time you can adapt either individual lights or a combination of lights with the easy to use remote control. The system integrates multiple luminaires that allow you to personalize your room’s ambience for special occasions using endless colours.

Stephanie Allin Showcases Modern Bridal Designs at White Gallery London

Stephanie Allin at White Gallery London

Day Two at White Gallery London yesterday included a delightful catwalk presentation from Stephanie Allin.  Inspired by the jazz age, the stunning new collection showcases luscious beaded, feathered and textured fabrics in a monochrome palette with hints of black, silver and gold, giving modern soul to classic silhouettes. The feeling of romance is conjured up through the delicate use of lace overlay featured adorning simple line, strapless dresses with wide waistbands. Double layered skirts, flashing the underlay and cut on the bias give a modern take on the classic bustier bridal gown. Vintage chic comes through the classic empire line with silk embroidery embellishment and sheer lace capped sleeves. Belts made a strong appearance in the collection, defining the waist and enhancing the figure.

Designer Wedding Gowns on show at White Gallery London which Opens today.

Royal couturier Stewart Parvin opened the White Gallery London  (the international bridal design show at Battersea Park 22-24) on catwalk this morning with a chic and elegant show set to the sweet sounds of Sade ( to see her new album - The Ultimate Collection - scroll down). The collection encapsulated elegant femininity through a selection of covetable dresses buttoned to the seam accentuating the silhouettes.   Shift suit combinations like the one shown above is both chic and sleek. Pretty diamante embellishments add subtle touches of glamour to each garment.

As presented at White Gallery London’

Exquisite corsages adorn wrists as elegant statement pieces, creating a perfectly romantic look in rose, pink and dark chocolate brown with emerald green silk ribbon trimming.

Ian Stuart’s ‘Killer Queen’ collection encompasses his signature full skirted dresses with sculpted bodices made a strong appearance through to more figure hugging fishtail designs with larger-than-life embellishments, adding to the theatrical feel. A sense of rock chic rebellion came through Ian Stuart’s aptly named ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Rockafella’ designs, juxtaposing the elegant, romantic dresses with their cascades of pleated taffeta and classic French lace detailing.

Ian Stuart at White Gallery London

Alan Hannah at White Gallery London

Alan Hannah’s romantic designs that graced the White Gallery London catwalk included a selection of signature fluid slim line gowns, plunging structured necklines and pretty beaded and diamante embellishments. Fresh designs came through in the form of sheer capes with ribbon trims and a 60’s style bell sleeved ivory jumpsuit.

Matthew Williamson at White Gallery London

Matthew Williamson’s highly anticipated bridal collection made an elegant arrival on the catwalk before an eager audience of leading press and buyers. Signature styles from the designer’s ready-to-wear collection are a distinct influence and have been reworked and translated into stunning bridal gowns.

Matthew Williamson at White Gallery London

Matthew Williamson's long short corset column gowns give a lean yet structured silhouette, softened with an artfully overlay of soft ivory tulle. Hand sewn ivory feathers across the tulle creates an enhancing ethereal effect. Buttermilk silk satin printed with a burn out technique of a hand painted abstract winter wonderland design provides a modern, softly textured fabric draped into a classical strapless gown.  Jewel embedded mink and rabbit fur cropped shrugs completes the luxurious look.  The collection captures the essence of the brand and all its signature elements demonstrating a feeling of luxury and opulence.
For more information, go to http://www.whitegallery.com/.

Storm brewing for tea industry - could the next generation of tea drinkers be in jeopardy?

After having some cupcakes (see previous post), I feel like a cup of tea, the Quintessentially British custom, an answer to the nation's problems and a ritualistic tradition upheld for generations.

1950s style boudoir dress by Suzannah, featuring delicate rose-print pattern inspired by vintage tea-cups.

But according to a recent research from Mintel, young people don't drink tea as much as their parents or the previous generation.  The research finds that while 88% of Brits aged over 65 drink tea, penetration drops to 73% for younger (15-34 year-old) adults. With ever increasing competition in the soft drink sector and more consumers dropping out of the category than are actually entering it, the next generation of traditional tea drinkers may be in jeopardy.
Furthermore, Mintel’s exclusive consumer research shows that younger consumers are less enamoured with “traditional English tea” than their older counterparts - just over half of 16-24 year olds (53%) drink it regularly (i.e. at least once a week), compared to 68% of over 55s. As a result, despite tea having a large penetration in the UK market with eight in ten UK adults drinking it, tea has been experiencing a long-term decline in usage. Indeed, the proportion of UK adults who drink tea has dropped from 87% in 2006 to 81% in 2010 – at a time when overall soft drinks revenue is on the increase.

Oh well, if you young ladies don't fancy a cup of tea, how about a nice tea dress which is on-trend this summer.

This wonderful Italian silk cotton 50's style dress shown above has a delicate rose print inspired by vintage china tea cups.  The dress is part boned to create a tiny waist, and fully lined with side pockets to give a playful edge. This dress fits true to size. Soft cups in the bra part give extra drama.The cups are suitable from an A-D.    This boudoir silhouette is one of Suzannah's cutest styles designed to take you from flip flop flats, to the most urban officers boots, into the most teetering of peep toes. Nude micro fish nets or coloured tights or just bare legs look great. Looks fab styled down with a denim or washed leather jacket or curiously retro with a neat fifties knit. Also available in the new 50s mid calf length.
Available at http://www.suzannah.com/ or from her boutique in Little Venice at 6 Bristol Gardens, London W9.

Miniature Cake Company, Estella Cupcakes, hosts Masterclasses

I've been to many launch events, press and PR events where fine food has been served, but one thing that is served more often than others in the last couple of years in events in London have been the little delightful cupcakes and often as part of a tea party theme, and the unveiling of new spring collections.  I often find it  hard to keep my hands off them as they look so lovely and inviting.

Now if you think you are a budding cupcake maker, here's your chance to create your own bespoke cupcakes shown how by Estella Cupcakes. Whether it's for a hen party or inspiration for a bride-to-be, Estella Cupcakes will teach you the tricks of the trade of how to bake, decorate and customise your cakes.  If however you are watching your figure for bikini-weather, beware!

The masterclasses take place in the Estella Country Kitchen in Sevenoaks, Kent. (24 minutes fast service from London Bridge) and each class is hosted by Estella Cupcakes founder and cupcake specialist, Natalie Seldon.  Further information can be found via a new masterclass section on http://www.estellacupcakes.com/. 
As well as running her own popular workshops, Natalie was also recently asked to replace Eric Lanlard as cupcake masterclass host at The Grove in London, as well as recently appearing as special guest at Squires Kitchen 25th Annual Exhibition in March 2011.

Ballet Pumps for Stars and Princess Catherine Middleton

What do A-list stars and Princess Catherine Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, have in common?  When they are not on duty and want to feel relaxed, they like to kick off their heels and slip into something more comfortable, opting for ballet pumps. The Duchess was recently spotted wearing ballet flats while out grocery shopping (well, a princess got to eat too).  She was wearing India Brown by French Sole (close-up pictured below) that features a mock-croc design and patent finish for laid-back chic and classic style, available at French Sole online. 

Meanwhile, top big-screen stars like to put on a bit of Cannes (Film Festival) Casual Chic too when they slip off their stilettos and slide on ballet pumps from Cocorose London which they keep in pretty satin bags. 



Cocorose London's Sydney Elegance Nude Pink ballet pumps

These foldable ballet pumps come in sizes Small (3-4); Regular (5-); Grande (7-8); and selected styles in Extra Shot (9).  The pumps have lovely names too.   Apparently the stars have their own favourites: Meryl Streep has "Manhattan Panache" - an elegant Black & White two-toned design, while Mad Men star Elisabeth Moss wears "Mia" - a sophisticated design in Jet Black.



Parisian Panache by Cocorose London



What about Parisian Panache Scarlet and Black that goes well with dark-haired Penelope Cruz; Sydney Elegance Nude Pink for blonde Uma Thurman; and Roma Panache Caramel and Black for red-haired Tilda Swinton.

The foldable pumps are ideal for handbags, travel cases and car glove compartments.  The wearer can easily swap her footwear when desired and slide off her high heels.

Cocorose London was founded three years ago by creative director Janan Leo and her pumps are stocked by Fortnum & Mason; Chewton Glen; Necker Island; and also online .

Scottish designer Judy Clark shows off Harris Tweeds in Urban Outfitters' store in Glasgow

Model wears Harris Tweed Centenary frock coat and lace dress designed by Judy R Clark. Hat by Fabhatrix for Judy Clark. Shot on location in New York last month.  Photographer - Gerardo Jaconelli.

Scottish designs have a strong following on the global market but it's nice to see it being appreciated in its homeland too.   Young Scottish fashion designer Judy R Clark   has launched her latest project which gives a unique insight into the design life-cycle of Harris Tweed, the world-famous fabric favoured by such top designer names as Vivienne Westwood, Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel.

The exhibition which celebrates 100 years of the Harris Tweed Orb, a stamp of authenticity protected by an Act of Parliament, has been unveiled in trend-setting clothing store Urban Outfitters in the Scottish city of Glasgow and will remain in-store for 8 weeks.



(L to R) Model Rachel Monaghan wears Harris Tweed Frock Coat with Pheasant Feather Bustle, fashion designer Judy R Clark, Model Calely Elcock wears Harris Tweed and Velvet Frock Coat.

Urban Outfitters’ visual manager Gemma MacDonald discovered Judy’s designs at a fashion event in Glasgow and was so taken by Judy's avant garde creations that she offered the designer prime space to exhibit the collection in their largest Scottish store, to stand along-side some of such top names as APC, Carin Wester and Jonathan Saunders.
 The exhibition explores the Harris Tweed design story and takes visitors on an intricate journey from the weavers loom on the remote Western Isles of Scotland to the high couture catwalks around the world.
The display showcases the Highlands born designer’s designs in Harris Tweed, supported by fashion illustrations and photographs of her inspirations.  Her studio is also recreated in-store as part of the display to allow visitors to see first-hand the design process for catwalk fashion.
The 26 year old  designer has been regularly praised by the international fashion fraternity for her interesting Harris Tweed creations, mixing traditional elegance and cutting edge style.  She said: “I have been working with tweed for a number of years now and my love for the fabric just keeps on growing. The luxurious feel, the durability and its flexibility makes it a joy to work with. My tweed creations mix this beautiful historic fabric with contemporary design to produce couture garments. And it can all be done here in Scotland. With this exhibition I hope to bring some of the Harris Tweed history to people as well as surprising them as to just how fashionable tweed is right now.”
Judy has recently returned from New York with Textiles Scotland where she was one of nine top young Scottish designers selected to showcase work at the A-list charity fashion show ‘Dressed to Kilt’. Making a huge impression on the Big Apple fashionistas, she managed to nearly sell out her entire collection within a few days of arriving.
David Breckenridge, chair of industry group Textiles Scotland said: “Judy is a shining example of the young talent from Scotland taking the fashion world by storm. She has cemented signature style which has been acclaimed the world over. Her work with the iconic Harris Tweed fabric is a wonderful fusion of classic and contemporary. She is a fabulous ambassador for Scottish fashion and I have no doubt we will see much more of this talented designer in the future.”


About Textiles Scotland
Textiles Scotland was established by the Scottish Textile Industry Association (STIA) to increase awareness of the scope and scale of businesses involved in the Scottish textiles and fashion industry. This brand has been created to represent Scottish interests at international events and provide a single point of contact for the industry.
Textiles Scotland holds regular forums on industry issues and opportunities that help to determine its future.

Chelsea Flowers Blooming!

While the recent warm weather is playing havoc with the timing of blooming flowers, nevertheless if you're into garden designs and find the shapes and colours of flowers inspiring for whatever design field you are in, then you probably don't want to miss the annual Chelsea Flower Show  which is due to take place May 23 – 29.   If you already secured tickets for this great show, wonderful, but if not yet, they are all sold out.

But don't be despair, as you can still enjoy the show by going to its official website after it’s open, or watch out for BBC Two’s coverage everyday. Here’s the website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/chelsea/coverage/tv.shtml

Meanwhile, you can also enjoy seeing blossoms in the streets of Chelsea during the same period as the Chelsea Flower Show. The event “Chelsea in Bloom” is now in its sixth year, and it offers a free alternative to the Chelsea Flower Show. 

Cartier won Best Floral Display in 2010

 This year the theme is Oriental Chic, taking inspiration from the Spring Summer 2011 catwalks. One way to wear prints this summer is using flowers as inspiration, be it orchids, irises, roses or lilies and of course there will be plenty of inspiration from the RHS calender of flower shows.


Floral print playsuit at Topshop

 "Chelsea in Bloom" will be
taking place across Chelsea (Sloane Square, Duke of York Square and its surrounding environs), with retailers such as Cartier, Jo Malone, Smythson and Hoss Intropia competing for the coveted floral crown with a display of breathtaking floral displays on their store fronts, making for a delightful treat while pounding the streets on a shopping spree!
Also for the first time there is the ‘Laurent Perrier People’s Champion Award’, which is voted for by the general public via the event’s website. You will be able to take a tour with the team to take in all the displays and inform your vote by enquiring at the information point at Duke of York Square (nearest tube Sloane Square).

Tulip print lampshade by Yukari Sweeney

And those retailers in Chelsea that haven’t decided to enter the competition are going to be getting involved my offering floral themed experiences in store, such as a micro-flower jewellery range at Brilliant on Duke of York Square, and floral themed drinks at The Botanist.

Pink is for girls, or is it?

Supernature range from River Island

I recently came across a new word – Pinkification.  Professor Melissa Hines of the University of Cambridge yesterday morning on BBC Breakfast programme was speaking about a recent study on colour preferences and differences between boys and girls. That led me to a BBC Radio 4 programme last night entitled "Fighting the Power of Pink" in which host Kat Arney investigates if girls are drawn to the colour of pink because of factors determined by their genes or are they conditioned by their parents, moms especially thus girls grow up to prefer pink.

UPPAbaby's baby products


Victoria Beckham is probably one such parents who thinks pink is for girls.  She's pregnant with her fourth child who will be a girl finally. The former Spice girl turned fashion designer already has three boys with husband David Beckham, and is obviously very excited of the new female additon to the family. Over the last weekend her pal, Desparate Housewife actress Eva Longoria threw a baby shower in Beckham's honour at West Hollywood's Petit L'Ermitage hotel, which was attended by about 30 guests, including Demi Moore, Nicole Richie, Rachel Zoe, Tana Ramsay and fellow mom-to-be Selma Blair. The "pink" themed baby shower featured centerpieces of light pink hydrangeas, red roses and pink gerber daisies, with pink chairs circling the rooftop pool.



Wardrobe basics from www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk

Back to the BBC radio 4 programme, some scientists suggest that girls have got a preference for pink because in the distant past during the time of hunters and gatherers, women needed to be able to see red berries against green leaves when men who were the hunters needed to see brown bison against a blue sky. In the programme Kat  talks to parents, scientists and the toy industry, and experts say generally blue is the favourite colour universally because you can find most nice things in this colour. 
I can testify to that because my favourite colour is blue, because it is the colour of my old school uniform (in addition to white) and I find it comforting, secure and inspiring.  (For more evidence of my favourite colour, see also my previous post below.) According to some scientists, psychologists to be specific, on this radio programme, that we use colour to anchor our own identity. You can still listen to this programme on BBC iplayer radio 4 (until Monday 16th May).  Simply click here.



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What does it mean to be rich today?

According to the 2011 Sunday Times Rich List published today, the 1,000 richest people in Britain have continued to recover from the economic crisis, which wiped £155 billion from their wealth in 2009, and are now worth £395.8 billion.  This represents a record of 30% increase compared to last year's total was £333.5 billion. 
The number of billionaires in the UK now stands at 73 - up from 53 last year and almost matching the record of 75 set in the pre-crisis List of 2008, when the collective wealth of the top 1,000 was £413 billion.


Banstead Woods in Surrey carpeted in Bluebells this Spring.
Photo by Lucia Carpio.

What baffles me is why do some of us still measure our wealth in material and monetary terms?  Haven't we learned our lessons from the recent economic downturn?
To me, wealth today should be measured in different ways. 


English Bluebells in Banstead Woods, Surrey.
Photo by Lucia Carpio.

The blooming of wild Bluebells in our countryside each Spring makes me feel so fortunate to be living in a country so rich in natural beauty.   In that sense, all of us are wealthy as we are blessed by  Mother Nature.

REGENT STREET SHOWCASES ARCHITECTURE AND FASHION 9-29 MAY 2011

Regent Street, located in the heart of London’s West End, has over 75 UK and International flagship stores.  According to owners The Crown Estate which is currently investing £1 billion into the street to create an international retail destination.  Regent Street is where fashionable people from all over London and indeed the world come to shop and also relax within its stylish cafes, restaurants and bars most of which are located in the Heddon Street and Swallow Street food quarters.


Now between May 9th and 29th, some of Britain’s top architects will be exhibiting installations in a selection of Regent Street shop windows as part of The Regent Street Windows Project 2011 - a project that is an initiative of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Regent Street Association.

Regent Street, London
Photo by Lucia Carpio

The project includes iconic architects such as the Marks Barfield architectural practice which created the London Eye and is, for this project, teaming with GANT (Swiss clothing brand of American heritage). 
Shoreditch based architects, HUT has teamed with Regent Street heritage high fashion brand Aquascutum.
Ferrari will be working with London based architects Duggan Morris which has created buildings from schools to restaurants and also office space.  Menswear brand Duchamp known for its bright colours is teaming up with a young dynamic duo, Honey, which has been nominated for awards for innovation.
The full list of architects taking part in the Regent Street Windows Project 2011 are:
1. HUT with British iconic classic brand Aquascutum
2. Glowacka Rennie Architects and Millimetre with Spanish fashion brand Hoss Intropia .
3. OSA (Office for Subversive Architecture) with Ted Baker London
4. Craft Pegg with the National Geographic Store
5. DSDHA/Diploma Unit 11 at London Metropolitan University with Banana Republic
6. Honey with Duchamp
7. Duggan Morris Architects with Ferrari
8. Marks Barfield Architects with Gant
9. Scott Brownrigg with Uniqlo
10.Ian McChesney with Levis

Members of the public will also be able to interact with displays via their Smartphones and tablets to self navigate the installations and access a range of offers. To accompany the project, there will be public walking tours along the street on May 15th, departing from a new project display at 80 Regent Street (advance booking essential).   Click here for more information.
For the full RIBA programme for summer of 2011, you can click here.

Special Alexander McQueen exhibition opens at the New York Met

When the design of Catherine Middleton’s bridal gown was unveiled on her wedding day a few days ago, the gown's designer Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, was said to have escaped to New York to stay out of the limelight. In fact she flew to the Great Apple for another major event in the name of McQueen. The iconic late-designer, who committed suicide more than a year ago, is honoured in the Spring 2011 Costume Institute exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York which opens tomorrow May 4th through July 31st.

Sarah Burton, creative director at Alexander McQueen and designer of
the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown
at The Met in New York

The exhibition celebrates the late Alexander McQueen's extraordinary contributions to fashion. From his Central Saint Martins postgraduate collection in 1992 to his final runway presentation, which took place after his death in February 2010, Mr. McQueen challenged and expanded our understanding of fashion beyond utility to a conceptual expression of culture, politics, and identity.

Entitled Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, the exhibition opened with a Gala Benefit yesterday, with Honorary Chairs François-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek, and Co-Chairs Colin Firth, Stella McCartney, and Anna Wintour.

The exhibition, in the Met's second-floor Cantor Galleries, features approximately 100 ensembles and 70 accessories from McQueen's prolific 19-year career. Drawn primarily from his archive in London, with some pieces from the Givenchy Archive in Paris as well as private collections, signature designs including the bumster trouser, the kimono jacket, and the three-point "origami" frock coat are on view. Mcqueen’s designs often referenced the exaggerated silhouettes of the 1860s, 1880s, 1890s, and 1950s.

Kate Middleton’s wedding gown features elaborate lace hand-work that echoes McQueen's special innovative sensibility and technical ingenuity, so evidenced in exhibits.  According to the Met, the exhibition showcases recurring themes and concepts in McQueen's work. "The Romantic Mind" examines his technical ingenuity, which combined the precision of tailoring and patternmaking with the spontaneity of draping and dressmaking. "Romantic Gothic" highlights McQueen's historicism, particularly his engagement with the Victorian Gothic, and dichotomies such as life and death. "Romantic Nationalism" looks at McQueen's patriotic impulses, including his reflections on his Scottish heritage and his fascination with British history. "Romantic Exoticism" explores the influence of other cultures on the designer's imagination, especially China and Japan. "Romantic Primitivism" captures McQueen's engagement with the ideal of the "noble savage," while "Romantic Naturalism" considers his enduring interest in raw materials and forms from nature.


Intricate detailing showcaased at the McQueen exhibition in The Met, New York

Six McQueen collections that explore his engagement with the Romantic sublime and the dialectics of beauty and horror are featured as groupings in the galleries – Highland Rape (autumn/winter 1995-96), Number 13 (spring/ summer 1999), VOSS (spring/summer 2001), Irere (spring/summer 2003), Plato's Atlantis (spring/summer 2010), and Angels and Demons (autumn/winter 2010-11). "Cabinet of Curiosities" includes various atavistic and fetishized accessories produced in collaboration with the milliners Dai Rees and Philip Treacy, and the jewellers Shaun Leane, Erik Halley, and Sarah Harmarnee. The Cabinet also displays video highlights from ten of McQueen's renowned runway presentations, including Joan (autumn/winter 1998–99), What a Merry-Go-Round (autumn/winter 2001–02), and They Shoot Horses Don't They? (spring/summer 2004).

A book, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty by Andrew Bolton, accompanies the exhibition. It features a thematic overview of Mr. McQueen's career, with an introduction by Susannah Frankel, fashion editor of The Independent, and an interview by Tim Blanks with Sarah Burton, creative director for Alexander McQueen, who worked closely with the designer for 14 years.

The exhibition is organized by Andrew Bolton, Curator, with the support of Harold Koda, Curator in Charge, both of the Met's Costume Institute. Sam Gainsbury and Joseph Bennett, the production designers for Alexander McQueen's fashion shows, serve as the exhibition's creative director and production designer, respectively.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Exhibition dates: May 4–July 31, 2011
Exhibition location: Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall, second floor, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Funky Bean bag chairs make a come-back in Contemporary style!

An Interior setting with designer bean bag sofas by Ambient Lounge.

With the 70s being such a huge influence on today's fashion, now one of the old favourites in the homes of the 70s, the era renowned for relaxed lifestyle and free thinking, the bean bag chair is also making a come-back, by way of  The Ambient Lounge® group based in Australia, which have transformed the humble (and often maligned) bean bag that used to be confined to the TV room in the basement, into inspiring and fashionable designer furniture; by inventing & patenting the game-changing Funnelweb™ bean filling zip & tip transfer and logistics system. 

Their new  Gold Class™ Interiors range (launched at the recent Maison Objet trade show in Paris) combines high-end fabrics, internal elastics, uber-thick quilting and special multi-bead compartments to keep the form and shape in your bean bag; whilst still retaining their amazing comfort. 
It’s the hundreds of internal elastic points, conceptualized by their Interior design team, that make these bean bags the structure and support.  The chairs are hand-made and have superior back support and stability than this type of furniture has done in the past.
Ambient Lounge® has a worldwide distribution in over 30 countries, and has been sold in the UK since 2005 and sells both online and through high st. boutiques.
Apart from adorning modern homes, even commercial venues such as Richard Branson's Kensington Rooftop Club have embraced the range.

Hats off to the Princesses! Royal Ascot on the agenda!

Royal Ascot 14th June - 18th June 2011.
Photo by Simon Procter ; Attire by Vivienne Westwood; Millenery by Stephen Jones

There's still so much talk about the Royal Wedding in the media and on cyber space.  While most concentrate of The dress and the bride's Cartier tiara, much has been said about the hats of guests attending the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.  While it was puzzling that Mrs. Samantha Cameron chose not to wear one, the designer's name that has been mentioned most was that of Phillip Treacy, even when making references to the elaborate fascinators on the pretty heads of Princess Beatrice, 22 and her 21-yeaar-old sister Princess Eugenie - daughters of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York.   Defintely not shy to experiment, wearing gravity-defying hats seems to be a habit (mind the pun) of the two princesses, who are fifth and sixth in line for the throne. But Princess B's hat seems to have attracted the most responses of the two, with a dedicated Facebook page that now has more than 78,000 followers at last count, and more than a few cries of "ridiculous" or "hideous".  Although Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of the Queen, and rugby player Mike Tindall are to be married in Edinburgh on 30 July, according to Us Weekly Beatrice may be the next royal to marry. She is dating Dave Clark, "the son of millionaire Richard Clark, who works for Richard Branson at Virgin."

Princess Beatrice in soft pink and Princess Eugenie in blue seaated behind
Her Majexty the Queen and Prince Phillip at the Royal Wedding at London's Westminster Abbey
on Friday 29th April 2011.
Photo by Lucia Carpio as seen on the screen.

According to the BBC, Princess Beatrice, who is currently a student at Newcastle University and also gives time to the Teenage Cancer Trust, served as an extra in "The Young Victoria," a film about her her great-great-great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria. Eugene, who describes herself as shy, doesn't like discussing her life as a princess. Princess Beatrice has also been labelled as Mad Hatter by the website Shine, as she's worn head-turning hats on many occasions and public engagements.  You can go that Shine site to see a little slide show of the many headwear of Princess B by clicking here.
Next grand occasion for hats watching will undoubtedly be at the Royal Ascot slated for June 14- 18 this year.  The world's most famous racecourse will be celebrating 300 years.


A display of hats by Stephen Jones at the V&A Museum, London, February 2009.
Photo by Lucia Carpio.

 For the promotional shot, Simon Procter has photographed models dressed in Vivienne Westwood (who also apparently designed Princess Eugenie blue ensemble for the Royal Wedding) with hats by the other big name in the field of millinery, Stephen Jones.  The V&A exhibition, 'Hats, an Anthology by Stephen Jones', will open at the Gallery at the Bard Graduate Centre in Manhattan, New York, on the 14th September 2011 and will close on 8th April 2012.