In the vein of our upcoming holiday weekend, it’s hard not to share these fabulous sneakers from Saint Laurent. Amusingly, they’re French, not American, though they carry the essence of American patriotism that’s also reminiscent of Wonder Woman…right? Super fun, yet a serious splurge.
Enjoy the long holiday weekend in whatever sneakers you may or may not be wearing and happy 4th to you all!
I’ve been meaning to post this show since I returned from Paris…it’s one of the best retail-meets-art installations I’ve seen in a while. Merci Merci is a wonderfully curated lifestyle, fashion, home and art experience in Le Marais. Whenever I visit, I make sure to pop in to see the latest presentation. As you can image, I was beside myself when I stumbled upon the Addiction and Obsession show that’s currently on display. Celebrating pattern, photography, objects and markings, both Paola Navone and Daniel Rozensztroch have joined forces to share their life’s work. Each artist’s process is documented in both an addictive and obsessional manner, then commercialized and sold in the store in the form of wallpaper and printed materials.
Obsession by Daniel Rozensztroch, Artistic director for merci. Obsession because he has always been fascinated with everyday objects and the inventiveness that emanates from them.
Russian ornaments from the 19th and 20th centuries, brushes, toothbrushes, spoons or hangers, obsession is accepted and displayed on 3 meter long sheets of paper, representing these symbols of popular art in an oversized manner.
Addiction by Paola Navone, longtime lover of the color that fades between blue and indigo. Full framed depiction of autobiographical patterns. The fish ( her astrological sign ), the frank look, and omnipresent Asian culture with the shadow of a geisha and traditional textile pattern.
To purchase the enlarged and oversized wallpaper versions of their work – which was super cool, click here. It took every bit of willpower to not to buy the toothbrush print. It’s a conversation starter for any bathroom.
There’s a lot of good color making the rounds in London this Spring.
We’ve been in a pastel period for some time, and it seems like we’re moving a bit forward, finally. Between Maitre Choux’s grand opening and the Liberty x Nike collaboration, the graphics are flat colorful vectors full of wit and whimsy.
The new patisserie in South Kensington is a passion project by Joakim Prat, and the editable items mirror the branding in their geometric story. The desserts are absolutely delicious, I highly recommend popping in if you’re a local – I went on a recent trip with my friend Lily, and it took all the willpower in the world to resist ripping into the package before getting it home to share.
Down on Regent Street, Liberty London’s window is a 3D model of patterned terrain. Foam core has been cut into curved landscapes, depicting depth through pattern. Check it out if you’re walking by, it’s really well done.
People often ask which stores are an important barometer of what’s fresh in and around Paris. There are the obvious spots (Merci Merci, Colette, Tom Greyhound)…and Le Marais and Pigalle at large, but I never go without paying a visit to Bensimon’s home and lifestyle store, Autour Du Monde.
Here are a few snapshots from my most recent visit. Things were quite modern and geometric. As usual, there were pink and yellow florescent accents to compliment linen homewear. It’s also worth noting the clever ceramic, lighting and bedding items that were a reminder that we’re still in a color-blocked trend cycle. One of my favorite collections was the all-over print tennis sneakers – a collaboration with Corso Como, Milan’s best known concept store. They almost look like something Shantell Martin would draw.
Athleisure is a term that’s been thrown around a lot over the past year. It’s quickly becoming the main course of fashion, at least in terms of everyday activewear. When we think of it’s presence here in the states, it feels either mass, or somewhat unattainable financially. Having just returned from Paris, it was interesting to see how athletics have been incorporated into everyday life- from a stylish and wearable angle.
The extremes seem to be closing in on a central point thanks to an array of on-point collaborations. Here are a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths covered in a floral brocade with a matching jacket by Pharrell Williams.
The look is a fun one that’s unisex and extremely current for where we’re heading in the category. These versions are by CLOT and Rod Laver Vin. If you find yourself in the London, Paris or Berlin this summer, make sure to pop into No42, as they’re showcasing the best and the brightest in the experimental side of the field.
Bringing a drawing to life takes a lot of work. The sky’s the limit when you take pen to paper, but achieving the desired results requires patience and expertise. I found these before and after watercolors from Maiyet to be beautiful realizations of product development. The crochet polo and hand beaded venus clutch are part of their Spring/Summer 15 line and have timeless appeal.
