November 15, 2011

Darkroom

Yesterday I posted about the Stolen from De Stijl collection from Darkroom. Afterwards, I took a little stroll through their website and all I can say is WHOA! These folks have got it going on and I am thrilled to find someone with such a simpatico vibe. I really dig their directive:

At Darkroom you will always find a large selection of one-off, hand-made and unusual accessories, designed by us or other people who’s work we admire. We also like to work and curate within seasonal themes — this creates an inspiring environment for us and our pool of designers to respond to and work within.

We hope these collections will also be inspiring for yourself and your home…

Why yes, people of Darkroom, they are very inspiring, indeed. Please enjoy their current seasonal themes starting with Aztec Camera:

Ex-squeeze me? The bright colors and graphic patterns are so Stephen Sprouse goes to Central America in 1981. Sock it to me!

(Naturally, Scholten & Baijings pillows and throws are part of this collection. Naturally.)

January 12, 2011

Drawing Fashion

First of all, I want to say a big thank you to Kate for yesterday’s hilarious and oh-too-true post. I hope none of you live in the Crapi apartments…

So I lied. I thought I was all done with London but as I was lying in bed last night, I realized I had shared everything with you except my favorite part of the trip. Not sure why I was withholding, but those days are behind us. People, I have two words for you: Design Museum. This gem on the south side of the Thames was founded by one of my idols, Terence Conran. The space is intimate and unassuming and even though it is small, the shows are impeccably curated and pack a punch. I was thrilled when I found out that one of the two current shows is a retrospective of 20th and 21st fashion illustrations called Drawing Fashion (the other is an excellent show on the architecture and design of John Pawson). It was very exciting to see a number of works by my beloved Rene Gruau, as well as more contemporary artists whose work was new to me (Antonio and Mats Gustafson). Here are a few ethereal, colorful, evocative examples from this mind-blowing show.

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January 7, 2011

London Wrap Up

Today is the final installation of my chronicals and inspirations whilst across the pond. I was very excited to learn that there was a show at The National Gallery of Bridget Riley’s work, so I suited up in my winter best and headed to the museum. As I was queuing up in the cold gray afternoon, I spied this enormous ship in a bottle resting high above the throngs of tourists and pigeons:

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January 6, 2011

The Streets of London – Part 2

As I was walking around Chelsea, I happened to glance down and noticed the fabulous design on the manhole cover I was stepping on.

I took a picture to remind myself of the pattern (how great repeated on a fabric?) and the next thing I knew, I was snapping away. There is an incredible array of design on the covers throughout the area so I thought it only right that I share. Enjoy and remember that art and design are everywhere. Enjoy!

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The Streets of London – Part 1

Let’s start our street tour of London with one of the most enigmatic business name I have ever seen. As I was walking to the Tube stop, I came across this:

What does it mean? Is it an old-fashioned term for child rearing training (and if so, what on earth are they teaching?) The word “craft” throws me and takes me to a very witchy place. Has too much Twilight and Harry Potter colored my thinking? What about you? Read the rest of this post »

January 5, 2011

Mr. Collins from the A.R.P.

One of my favorite pieces of art I saw while I was in London was this sculpture by Peter Peri at the Tate Modern.

It is larger than life but very naturalistic and arresting. I found myself really drawn to it but it wasn’t until I read the plaque about the piece that I truly fell hard. Take a minute to read it and see if you don’t agree:

Isn’t that lovely? Hooray for Mr. Collins and everyone he represents. Enjoy!
January 3, 2011

The Doors of London

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you all had excellent holidays full of fun, family and feasting and are invigorated to start 2011 off with a bang. I am still getting my wits about me after a very chilly but lovely trip to London. As I was walking around the city, I kept noticing the amazing array of front door colors and hardware. I particularly liked the bright bursts of color (naturally), especially in the middle of a gray winter day, but the glossy blacks and greenish grays had a sophisticated charm as well. I hope these encourage you to reconsider your own front door. A coat of paint and some great hardware can really make a world of difference. Enjoy the rainbow of inspiration. I am obsessed with rich purple/ultramarine on the first one and really all of the hardware and accents. Which one is your favorite?

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December 17, 2010

London Calling

Hey everyone. I am heading across the pond for Christmas (leaving this weekend). I will be posting from afar but it will be a bit intermittent what with the time change and the vacation brain. I’ll do my best to keep you apprised of all the new and exciting stuff happening over there. Any suggestions of what not to miss? I’m grateful for any and all. Thanks and ta ta!