STOCKHOLM PART 1

As some of you know I had the opportunity to visit Stockholm a few weeks ago. And finally I have the opportunity to share this experience with you. If Im honest I wasn't sure what to expect but visiting Stockholm gave me an eye opener to this European city where the generally consensus of fashion is smart casual with clean lines.
My first stop was at the Hotel Hellsten situated in the heart of the city. It has an eclectic lounge full of old vintage suit cases and Budda heads and with its maroon walls has a cosy feel and my favourite find here was the Mosaic Chair in the lounge. I love the tropical pattern...feeling inspired and its only day one.

Although this city has an established art scene and great fashion brands like Acne, Monki, Cheap Mondays, H&M who's head office by the way is in the city centre....has a different vibe to Paris. I would describe the fashion as ' Less is more', colours are refined and the cut is clean and simple but still distinctive.

Suzani Chair

If you haven't been to the V&A museum then why not?

To be honest it's been a while for me and  so off I went with the family on tow to meet an old friend. I will blog about the exhibitions later. But for now I love the shop at the museum.,, it's a source of inspiration with lovley books, fabrics,toys something for everyone.

But for me the inspiration came from the Suzani Chair displayed in all it's glory!

The wood is sourced from Brazil.The upholstery is upcycled antique embroidered Suzani fabric from Uzekistan.

As much as I wanted to purchase this beautiful chair it would have to wait. Imagine me carrying this chair on the tube...,now that would be a sight.But it gives  me another reason to return to this wonderful museum.....!!

Printed Textile Design Book review

Well as some of you know I love books......especially any book on Textiles. But what could be better when you are reviewing a book where you get mentioned. So its a privileged for me to write about the new book by Amanda Briggs Goode.

Amanda is the Principle is the course leader for the BA Textile Design at Nottingham Trent University. She is not only the course leader but has also published books, journal articles, exhibitions and conferences proceedings. Her research into digital textile design has been exhibited internationally.

What I like about this book is that Amanda has covered many aspects of Textile design from the various printing techniques to how the processes work within the industry. Amanda also covers the various design opportunities within this vast business. And that is where I have been fortunate to be mentioned as a freelance designer. 

There is also many examples of working in textiles from Print studios to textile manufacturers, converters, garment suppliers and retailers. And for those that want to pursue a career in textiles this book is the one for you from practical advise on writing a CV to potential employers to Design Copyright and Selling Designs. Not to mention how to put the theory into practise with practical and easy to follow instructions on how to create repeats in photoshop and learn the design process.

THE FRONT COVER

AN INSERT WITH A COUPLE OF MY DESIGNS

So whether you are a student, a designer for many years or simply want to know more about the textile industry then is the book for you. The content and chapters are designed to give full insight to all the aspects of textile design, giving you a step by step guide to all the processes involved. 

The book is published by Laurence King and can be purchased on Amazon.

FAYE SAWYER

OK its been a VERY LONG TIME since I wrote on this blog....thats what happens when you are a busy dad with three kids and a very busy job.....but hey im back and I will be writing about all sorts...

My first September blog is about meeting Faye Sawyer at Sainsbury Tu brand launch...she presented the new AW13 Collections in store in next couple of days....

For some of you that don't know Faye she is the stylist on Good Morning:
http://www.itv.com/thismorning/presenters-experts/faye-sawyer

here is my photo with Faye...she was great at presenting the new collections to those at the Coventry office....while I was busy handing out the Sainsburys Tu clothing magazine!!!!

lookout for the Brand Launch this week at Sainsburys....

http://www.sainsburys-live-well-for-less.co.uk/tu-clothing/

I hope you will like the new Autumn collection for womenswear/menswear and kidswear!!
enjoy folks!!

Yayoi Kusama

OK if you have not heard of Yayoi Kusama you will now. She is a Japanese artist and writer. She is pretty amazing and is know for her paintings, sculpture, performance and environmental installations. She influenced artists like Andy Warhol and she is one of the most important artists out of Japan. She is famous for her Body Festivals in which naked participants were painted with brightly coloured Polka dots.

Anyway moving swiftly on to 2012 she has collaborated  Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton and its all about Dots.....check out the website:

http://www.louisvuitton.co.uk/front/#/eng_GB/Collections/Women/Yayoi-Kusama

anyway the windows of Selfridges pays homage to this collaboration as you can see the windows have gone Dot crazy!! but I love it..........the life scale model of Yayoi is so life like that having my photo taken outside the window I felt she was actually there watching me!!!!

Spot Trend

SPOT  TREND

I don't about you but I love when the new collections come out and I love certain trends. This season we see the Spot trend in Celine's resort collection S/S 2013. How you wear a spot can make any out fit look amazing.....for those not so bold why not wear a small scale spot pattern be it on a scarf or dress. But for those that just want to make a statement go for large scale spots like Celine's, people will defiantly be turning heads and hey isn't that what you want.
I love the Diane Von Furstenberg dress!!!! this is a must have!! I think its one that you can wear time and time again.
I have also included this Retro geometric circular bedding design that I designed for  Very for this season. Again its simple and hey why make it complicated. I love to see it in tones of charcoal and blacks which I think will it give it more of an impact in any room.

Photography: Celine, Diane Von Furstenberg, Cushion from John Lewis, Retro bedding from Very

The SPOT trend is not just in fashion but homeware too as seen with the bedding design above. But I thought I also add in the Tuscany garden set that I also designed for Very. I love the different textures within the circles. A spot doesn't just have to be a bold colour. By adding textures it gives the spot a new dimension. So if your looking for a picnic set for the summer why not check it out.

Tuscany design from Very

IBIZA part 1

Ibiza!!! what comes to mind?, raving parties, clubs such as Pacha, Ammesia and Eden to name a few......yes these are there if you want it........but for me its strolling on the streets of Ibiza town and people watching at  Salinas Beach is a must for you Fashion lovers. This is actually my first time there and it was Amazing!!! Such a great place to get it away from it all ( especially with the weather we have had in the UK ) and soak in the sun. But for me I love to see what people are wearing.

Ibiza did not disappoint with only my snappy camera and iphone off I went to photograph what was on the street. I will be blogging more about my trip to Ibiza and here is Part 1.
 Paisley print dresses and Engineered prints not surprising were everywhere. I love the border prints on the first pic, the girl looked fantastic in it too.
My favourite accessory was the indian embroidered bag ( see photo 3 ) I should have bought one from the Hippy Market but no doubt I will be coming back to get one in the near future!! Watch out for my other Ibiza reports......coming soon.