liquid visions…

A few things I’ve really like recently. Not sure if i am going to incorporate them into my work somehow but I’ve really felt enlivened (is that a word?) by them.

Alex Box’s makeup – this is a short video about her book that she created with Rankin. What’s fascinating for me is the way the process evolved from something fixed and static and deliberately controlled into an organic exploration.

I am Mercedes Benz. Yes I know, it’s a car ad but it’s still beautiful. Makes me think of Edward Hopper, David Lynch and Philip Lorca di Corcia. Loving the underexposure, intriguing… Shot by Josh Brolin, director of ‘No Country for Old Men’

And last but not least, a short video for Savanah Wyatt’s accessories, thanks to Miggy for the heads up.

Sometimes I think I am really spoiled living in London – you get to see the most amazing, world class photography exhibitions. I had a meeting that fell through today so I skived off and caught the Irving Penn – Portraits exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. I loved the show. It was a lesson in simplicity. Beautiful simple portraits that are deceptively masterful. Arranged chronologically (yawn…), the images are simply lit, usually one light source, often daylight and the subjects all look very comfortable and authentic. Well a few were a bit stagey, like Hussein Chalayan but they can’t ALL be winners.

One thing I took away from the exhibition – repetition. He wasn’t afraid of repeating himself. He moved into a studio in Paris and must have used the same backdrop – a canvas discarded from a circus – for over 20 years. But it’s this repetition that makes us focus on the sitters, and not the setting and makes the images all the more powerful.

I especially liked the series of portraits of the sitters squeezed into a tight corner frame, forcing them to arrange themselves in a confined space.

Beautifully printed platinum and Gelatin prints, some from the 1940’s. Wonderful, inspiring, check it out if you can.

Until the 6th of June 2010

met this lovely lady while covering a show at the valmont recently…

dress by Lida O’Reilly, a designer from Mauritius.

Quoting from Hilary Alexander in the Telegraph:

The “Burberry Cadet Girls” formed a military parade, in updated sheepskin flying jackets, bristling with buckles and zips, officer’s mess jackets, khaki trouser suits, trench-coats, and naval reefer jackets.

The arsenal of front-line inspirations was sexed-up with skin-tight, lace and satin, body-conscious dresses, over thigh-high boots in leather and snakeskin.

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Burberry’s show in the grounds of Chelsea College of Art and Design, (where I studied incidentally), boasted a hoarde of celebs: Mario Testino, Mary Kate-Olsen, Anna Wintour, Kate Hudson, Sir Philip Green, Jared Leto, Samantha Cameron, the list goes on…

Also many high profile bloggers were in attendance, Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist, Susie Bubble of Style Bubble and Tavi Gevinson of Style Rookie who was sat with Anna Wintour.

The show was televised globally – New York, Dubai, Paris – in 3d.

I have to say, I really enjoyed this show. A riotous spectacle…

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Front Row at Pierre Garroudi

Jasper’s Art Deco inspired collection at the Freemason’s Hall. Oversized zips, sequins, and strong graphic patterns feature on backless dresses, bomber jackets and elegant outerwear. A simple palette of pine green, black, silver and ivory gives a sense of comething restrained but ultimately super-chic. Shades of Tamara de Lempicka…

Much thanks to Olivia Smith, Jasper’s PR for the invite.

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