MINT – ELEMENTS OF CRAFT EXHIBITION – LDF

Thursday 30 October 2014

I guess one of the reasons why I am still living in London, despite having to pay so much money for housing, transport, bills, etc…is the fact that I can visit shops such as Mint, and attend interesting exhibitions and events, pretty much all year around. Last September, as part of the London Design Festival, Mint's team curated a show called "Elements of Craft", possibly one of the best I have seen so far in the shop, and focusing on the influence of craft in design. Where else could you see such a variety of work, coming from different designers, disciplines and countries, (oh yeah apart of the trade shows and many showrooms gathered around the city), but the space is so beautiful in itself, that makes the whole experience very special.
Lina Kanafani has got a very well trained eye when it comes to spotting new emerging designers, and putting together pieces that otherwise would look uneasy, such a mix of materials, shapes and colours, my breath was taken away by it all. I really enjoyed the work, the clever and innovative use of materials thrown in together, to produce unique pieces, oh yeah sure they cost a fortune, but that is what you pay for a handmade piece of work!!!
As my mother always says, how can you have such an expensive taste coming from such a modest background, and I always say to her, mama, appreciation for beauty and talent doesn't come from money it comes from the heart!!
Photos by Inge Clemente and me

LIBERTY LONDON – GREAT STYLING, HOMEWARE AND FURNITURE COLLECTIONS

Tuesday 14 October 2014

When possible I like going into town to check my favourites shops, being, Liberty, one of them,  I learn a lot from how they style and presents their products. The furniture and homeware floor is heaven…I like how they mix the pieces and the colour themes they choose. Last time I was there I got a very nice surprise as I found my cushions in very good company. I love the rooms they have created, with a variety of old and new, different tones of blues and textures, linen, velvets, woods and graphics. The english Romantic collection feels like home in Liberty, and It makes me very happy to see my products in the store, it means a lot to me!!
 

PRESS CUTTINGS
Below the latest press featuring the English Romantic collection
The Telegraph, Living Etc, and Chloe magazines. 
Photos by me

OUT AND ABOUT IN LONDON

Tuesday 7 October 2014

Our Summer and warm long days are gone and it seems that the new season has arrived. I am very grateful for this year's long gentle Summer, that has brought us so many gorgeous sunny days. I have been taken trips to different part of the city, walking miles and exploring my local area more and more. London is a busy city, full of life and people, and as such, it can be quite overwhelming at times, so I tend to scape to the many amazing parks that we have in the big smoke.
My local park, Peckham Rye, with its own wild life and trees, and one of my local pubs, just around the corner from me, long walks after work, and entertaining conversations with friends...
Nunhead cemetery, the local pride, I love getting lost in there, although I find it a bit spooky, 
have you been? 
Dulwich park, simply stunning, and surrounding by amazing architecture, if I only had the money...
This is the most beautiful house (above), in Bushey Hill Road, Camberwell,  
where I lived for many years.
Regent's park, possibly the most beautiful park in London, so graceful, peaceful, and multicultural...
Limehouse and the riverside, I dont tend to go to this part of the city that often, but since I met (someone very nice who happen to work around there), I am getting to know it better. There are some nice and interesting hidden places yet to be discover...
Photos by me