Tag Archives: Vivienne Westwood

Interior Inspiration: Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is the Mexican festival that falls on the 31st October and is celebrated over two days. Family and friends gather together to remember and honour those who have deceased – the first day is spent remembering babies and children and the second day is dedicated to adults. Rather than dressing up as a well groomed cat or promiscuous devil, Mexicans spend the holiday celebrating the life of the dead by decorating their homes with shrines, sugar skulls and clay skeletons.

Skulls and skeletons, for most people, have negative connotations and, although common on the catwalk and now the high street, the majority of us would not dare to place them in our homes. However, the spirit of Día de Muertos is not one of sadness as this is considered as insulting to the dead. Instead it is a joyous, happy time dedicated to contemplating the beauty of life rather than tragedy of death.

By using this approach you can re-create the uplifting spirit of Día de Muertos in your home with a colourful gothic edge.

These quirky porcelain floral skulls by Iggy and Lou Lou are the perfect oxymoron.

Iggy & Lou Lou Skull

Iggy & Lou Lou Skull

Iggy & Lou Lou Skull

Graham Brown’s skull wallpaper by Barbara Hulanicki is ideal for a Día de Muertos inspired feature wall.

This range skull wall art by Magnus Gjoen, a designer for Vivienne Westwood, is available at artrepublic and adds edge to any room.

Magnus Gjoel Skull Print

Celebrate Día de Muertos in the most British way possible with this elegant tea set by Melody Rose.

Melody Rose tea set

Melody Rose tea set

Original 1920s occasional table is the ultimate upcycle piece by Figa & Co.

 Table by Figa & Co

 Table by Figa & Co

*All brands/products mentioned either ship internationally or are available through global distributors.

London Fashion Week AW 2013

“I think British style is the best in world. It’s a bit naughty, doesn’t take itself too seriously and I love that.”

If British fashion icon Twiggy thinks so then who are we to argue?

I have decided to keep this simple and let the images do the talking. I have picked my ultimate favourite bits from London Fashion Week  A/W 2013 from the fabulous to the weird and wacky.

Paul Smith’s bold design’s with a masculine twist is perfect daywear which will literally make you stand out from the crowd.

When I saw Marios Schwab’s collection I couldn’t help but think of an elegant yet powerful Maid Marion rescuing Robin Hood from the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Dominic Jones’ gothic inspired jewellery.

I was completely lured into Sophia Webster’s collection like Hansel and Gretel to the witches Candy House.

Now for the bizarre and the baa.

A loo roll, foil baking trays, sellotape and corner shop carrier bags. Louise Gray is taking recycling to another level.

Fashion Interiors Wishlist – April 2012

  • There are a few different Alexander McQueen designs available, mostly with skulls on them, but this Hummingbird cushion by The Rug Company is our favourite – POA, from The Rug Company.
  • The Oxygene lamp from Armani Casa will fit into a variety of interiors – POA, from Armani Casa, Dubai Mall.
  • So you’ve got a few pieces from House of Holland with a similar design, why not bring the same print into your bedroom? This DVF Spotted Cat bed linen will not only brighten up any interior, but is on trend for 2012 – $250-$350 from DVF or Bloomingdales, Dubai Mall.
  • As always, we can’t resist a bit of Vivienne Westwood, and the VW Flag Rug, Mouth and Scribble Orb cushions are no exception. Add these pieces to a bland interior to infuse a bit of Cool Britannia punk – POA, from The Rug Company.
  • Fine bone china from Paul Smith by Thomas Goode – the collection includes a coffee jug, tea pot, and breakfast cup and saucer – perfect for an afternoon tea (or coffee) – collection prices start at $62, Coffee Jug $500, from Paul Smith.

Behind the Scenes at Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Spring/Summer 2012

Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Spring/Summer 2012 via www.viviennewestwood.co.uk

Some fashion designers are just that, fashion designers, while others create works of art. Vivienne Westwood is undeniably one of the latter.

Describing her Gold Label Spring/Summer 2012 collection, Westwood cites three main influences;

“China, because I hope their traditional wisdom and experience from a culture going back to Confucius may help us to save the planet; the desert because of climate change; and 17th century corsets.”

You can vividly feel these influences come through in the beautiful ‘Behind the Scenes at Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Spring/Summer 2012’ video. Whether it’s the music, which was composed by sixteen year old Kyle Nash-Baker who performed live at the show, the fabulous cinematography, the collection itself, or a combination of all three, this three-minute video will give you tingles and is a work of art in its own right.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrwxt5i8o9A&feature=player_detailpage]