desert

hans palmboom

egyptian art

desert flora

sun-drenched climates

women

 sincerelymygypsysoul

utopia

La Quebrada Cliff, Acapulco

Jacqueline Bisset in 1977

mania mania

sugar mountain

 wood cabin

calm

I had the pleasure of visiting the Bamford store in London early last month and it was a rejuvinating experience. A sense of calm came over me as I took in every element of the space. The most important feature for me, especially in a smaller space is the integration of light, both natural and artificial. The perfect balance achieved a sensation of warmth without distraction. There is a calmness in this store that is complimented by the heavenly body care range displayed throughout. Blends of rose, chamomile, rosemary and geranium are available as creams, oils, soaps, candles and they also carry a baby range. I couldn't help but feel cleansed, surrounded by the natural fabrics of cotton and cashmere, wood, stone and glass. I first found Bamford on net-a-porter and have lusted over their simple designs and neutral colour palette's. I'm always inspired by style in films, both for interiors and fashion, and Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give is a personal favourite. Her chic but simple wardrobe, her Hampton's holiday home, the film stuck in my mind as I explored the store. Nothing is overdone, from the design's to the displays. It's soft. Sexy but sensible. No overt labeling, modern trends are considered but designs are timeless and flatter women of all ages. I will definitely be adding Bamford to my regular must do list when in London town.

white

I am fascinated with white. All shades in all mediums. However, I cannot wear white. It feels wrong on me and it will never stay perfectly white. It is now spring in Europe and I am searching for inspiration, I cannot get past white. I was wondering through the Corso Como book section a while back and found encens. It was the white issue. I had never come across this magazine before but knew i had been missing out as this was no.28!! The publication was co-created in 2002 by Samuel Drira (Fashion Editor) and Sybille Walter (Art Director). This is no ordinary "magazine". It is an artwork to be adored and treasured for a lifetime. The exterior is solid raw cardboard encased in perfect white linen. The first and last 10 or so pages are blank crisp white paper (of which i will never leave a mark:) The pages that follow are textural from pure recycled off white to shiny and delicate. I can not stop touching every page. The text is printed in both french and english and the images are mesmerising. Even the minimal advertising inserts are a pleasure to look at. xx

the french italian

Images via ChristelChabrol 

When I first arrived in northern Italy early this year I was introduced to a very amazing women. A french textile designer by trade and concept store owner among other things, Christel.C has accomplished more in her short life time then most of us could dream of. I really believe I was meant to meet her, we share the same passion in design and I can see us working on many projects together in the future. Her concept store Christel.C is the most beautiful retail space I have experienced. As a “visualist” I'm constantly searching for "that store" that satisfies my desire for the perfect retail space.  For me, the poetry and essence of a truly fulfilling visual experience is hard to come by, most are overdone and florid, few get it right. A store space is not simply a place to display product, the space is the product, every element considered. Light, openness, fluidity and movement, sound, scent, texture, and temperature are all contributing elements to the entire concept of a space. When I enter a store I am drawn to every element and its purpose within the setting. The placements of objects can be conceptually unifying or a chaotic array of clutter, underwhelming and meaningless. Even the emptiness within a space can contribute to the overall essence of the store as a powerful design element. Typically french, Christel has an eye for chic, understated pieces. The fabrics, colour palette, and shape are all carefully considered and displayed. The store features the best from collections by Isabel Marant, Forte Forte, Mesdemoiselles, Antick Batick, Nimbu, Hartford, and Cote Bastide to name a few. When your next in north of Italy (and feel like a touch of France) jump on a train and head an hour NW of Milan to Varese and visit Christel.C. If this doesn't satisfy your senses (and I'm sure it will) there's a great gelateria across the road to compliment the experience.

 Christel.C - Via Veratti.11. VARESE - tel 0332 831094

foto

COS publication May 2011

COS publication May 2011

A year ago in Brighton I picked up a free publication from a COS store. I tend to collect random booklets and publications everywhere I go, you never know what new discoveries you will find just flicking through. I came across an interview with french photographer Sarah Moon and ever since I have been obsessed with her work. The element I most admire in Moon's work is her ability to arouse such an intense visual experience. Without words her images reveal deep emotion and intrigue. They have a dark beauty that is unique to Moon. I have another obsession - BOOKS - and recently I have added to my collection a few of Sarah Moon's beauties.