Tuesday 3 February 2009

All Mine. Whimsical Wears for Dazzling Dames

Eyelet You playsuit


Why Cello Moon


Pirate Folk Shirt, 'What's Your Caper' jacket and 'Row Your Boat' shorts


Katherine Pont, a fine arts grad, was designing T-shirts for friends and working as a buyer for a boutique when she started Mine. Eventually, Pont branched out and began designing her own range of clothes and now, six years later, Mine just happens to be one of the coolest labels around town.


That Pont's roots are firmly placed in art rather than traditional design or fashion school studies plays a significant role in her creations. Her collections unfurl in a story-like manner: she thinks of a theme and designs dresses to suit that theme. Luckily, Pont's themes tend to be awesome such as her pirate obsession which bore some of the cutest, tomboyish dresses for the Damsel in this Dress collection.
Pont is currently working on a new range. Keep your eyes peeled.

Tuesday 27 January 2009

Monday 26 January 2009

Rock- A- Rhyme in Sister Ray


There are a few reasons why Sister Ray is one of the coolest record stores in London:
First of all, it's in Soho- a haven for misfits, artists, rockers, tourists and every other awesome thing under the sun. Secondly, it was on the cover of Oasis' seminal album What's the Story (Morning Glory) and thirdly, Sister Ray stock almost every genre of music you can think of. Also, you won't find any pompous indie kids working behind the counter which is always a bonus, but what really makes Sister Ray a must-visit record store is fairly simple: it's a little shop jammed to the rafters with CDs, vinyls, T-shirts and DVDs. It's a little slice of musical heaven. Sister Ray was almost closed down last year due to declining sales but it's still standing...for now. Yep, that's right. Record stores still matter, downloading hasn't won out yet!

Monday 19 January 2009

Fine Young Animals

Peking Red 2

Pink Giraffe


Felicity


Cowboy Katie



The first time I saw a painting by Georgia Fiennes I was left speechless. Not in a well-blow-me-down-that's-just-amazing kind of way but more like I'm-looking-at-a-painting-of-a-bull-in-heels-and-I-like-it-is-there-something-wrong-with-me? kind of way. Each of her paintings features an animal in anything but its natural habitat: a giraffe in a teacup; a pig in heels; a cow with peirced ears. The weirdness goes on.

But there's something about Georgia's paintings that makes them very difficult to dismiss as silly or childish. Her paintings are absurd but they're also really good. And really, it's about time someone put humour back into art; Georgia is the brave woman doing it so kudos to her for that!

See her work online at http://www.veryfineanimals.com/

Wednesday 14 January 2009

It's not you, it's me










Be warned: Me me me jewellery comes with side effects, but don't panic, they're mainly cool side effects. First of all, Me me me designer Jade Gallup, a ceramics student, makes all her jewellery from porcelain, so a night on the tiles could see you literally shattered if you're not careful. Secondly, Me me me jewellery is so darn cute and unique that you'll have a cue of girls asking you about it all night but for jewellery this sweet, it'll be worth it.
Me me me jewellery is delightfully whimisical and fun. Given that Gallup takes her inspiration from her obsession with all things tacky, like religious iconography and bunny rabbits, her designs tend to be on the quirky side but quirky is way better than boring! It's far better to be just that little bit wrong because it makes you look oh-so-right.
Check out her range at me me me

Awesome auds



One the one hand, I love you. On the other, I hate you. A modern take on 'He loves me, he loves me not'? All I know is that nothing says 'I love/hate you' better than a pair of Knuckledusters. Designed by London fashion designer Audrey Auds as part of her new accessories range, auds, these Knuckledusters could be the best/worst Valentine's Day gift ever. Other sterling items in her collection include beetle hair-clips and thunderbolt clips all made from mirrors, plastic and hair. Yes. Hair. auds jewellery is handmade to order and a little pricey but jewellery this unique and anti-trend is always worth it.

http://www.audslondon.com/

Tuesday 13 January 2009

Hawkers & Gawkers














London's street markets are lively places which hark back to the old days when supermarkets did not exist. In fact, many of the orginal markets are still open today, operating from the same site where they first flourished decades ago. Most markets are only open a couple of days a week while others only operate on the weekend so when they are open they're always crowded with shoppers seeking a bargain. Whether it's delicious fresh fruit and vegies you're looking for or vintage teacups and dresses, London's street markets have got it covered.

Personally, my favourite market is Camden Passage in Angel- a vibrant market lining the narrow cobble-stoned pathways near Angel Station. Stalls mingle amongst high profile shops, cafes, pubs and vintage antique stores which makes the stroll through this market an interesting one full of surprises and treats. For example, you can find a minimalist stall run by an eccentric Frenchman selling old black and white photographs of 1920s Flappers and eerie old school photographs dating back to the early 1900s, not to mention an assortment of weird stuff like one or two bird feathers or a rusty old hammer. Walk a little further along and you'll stumble upon the shop of London chocolatier Paul A.Young and Annie's Vintage Shop, a treasure trove of old-school Hollywood glamour.
Overall, Camden Passage is one the quirkier markets around but its got character- an essential aspect of every good street market.