ShopCurious

From blogging to jogging...

2012-01-22T05:03:00.000-08:00

I’m taking a bit of a break from blogging this month, to recharge my batteries after the busy Christmas period. Last year I went on a juice fast and yoga retreat, but this year I’m contemplating a slightly gentler, French-style programme of healthy living, which you can read about in my latest post at The Dabbler.

In my efforts to find some suitably chic footwear for my new fitness regime, I designed myself a pair of ShopCurious Shox at Nike ID. I wanted to make them totally unique - I doubt that anyone else will be opting for this curiously clashing colour combo...

Do you?

PS I’ll be back very shortly with some new curiosities for Valentine’s Day. Be first to see them, by signing up for our monthly Curious Cognoscenti Newsletter here.

The Art of Concealment

2012-01-13T00:25:00.000-08:00

As the luxury-priced streets of London are gradually appropriated by the likes of Tesco Metro, it’s refreshing to find a gem of quirky individuality on a thoroughfare just off Piccadilly. The Jermyn Street Theatre once housed changing rooms for the staff of the Getti Restaurant (formerly the Spaghetti House).

In 1991, Howard Jameson had a vision to transform the space into an intimate studio theatre in the heart of the West End. The theatre opened in late 1994, thanks to a major donation from building firm, Laing – and further renovations were made in 1997, with the help of a National Lottery Grant from the Arts Council.

Prior to the first night of the theatre’s latest production - The Art of Concealment, a play about the life of Terence Rattigan - I met up with movers and shakers behind the show for a celebratory drink at Getti (see above).

Producer, Alexander Marshall, showed me his Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club tie.

And, as curiously cumbersome juggernauts manoeuvred awkwardly in the narrow street outside, writer Giles Cole told me about his new play.

Cole’s tribute to the legendary playwright is based on material gleaned during his editing work for Rattigan’s official biographer, Geoffrey Wansell. The plot cleverly weaves together episodes from Rattigan’s early (1920s and ‘30s) and later (1950s to ‘70s) life, to tell a story encompassing homosexuality, deception, torturous familial relationships, ageing, love and loss.

The casting is strong, with Judy Buxton and Graham Pountney impressively taking on double roles. Alistair Findlay makes a very convincing Older Terry, as does Charlie Holloway, as his lover - and Christopher Morgan as Cuthbert. But it’s Dominic Tighe, as the younger Terry, who steals the show, with a commanding swagger of narcissistic bravado that hides inner torment. Tighe’s sonorous voice is worth the visit alone, and his mastery of the play’s most poignant moments makes for a laudable performance.

An after-party, held at the Garrick Club, was a suitably splendid affair.

Inspired by the art of concealment, I whipped out my carefully hidden camera to take a few snaps of the grandiose surroundings and mind-blowing art collection for readers of the ShopCurious blog. I hope that’s not going to cause any embarrassment…

Do you?

Reality checkpoint: curiously convoluted thoughts on thinking

2012-01-12T23:58:00.000-08:00

I didn’t make any resolutions this year, but if there’s one thing I’d like to do, it’s to trust my intuition more. Do you ever have those moments when you feel as if a greater force is trying to get a message across? The sort of times when everything seems to somehow be linked together, and falls serendipitously into place?

It happened to me this week. First I went to see The Iron Lady at the cinema. The film has had mixed reviews, though there’s a general consensus that Meryl Streep’s performance is outstanding. Personally, I liked the way the storyline focused upon human elements as well as history - the struggle of womankind in a man’s world, the juggling to make ends meet (with the application of home economics to the nation’s finances), the balancing act of marriage, and of bringing up a family – and, above all, the complications of ageing and death (a reality for each and every one of us). There was one line in the film which particularly stuck in my mind – it was when Margaret Thatcher said, “what we think we become.”

I was reminded of this again, when, a couple of days later I attended a talk by renowned astrologer, Shelley von Strunckel. One of her observations was that 2012 is going to be “a year of thinking.” In relation to this, she quoted the famous line of Jacob Marley’s ghost in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: "I wear the chain I forged in life…I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is its pattern strange to you?"

I considered this as I watched a curious new ‘reality’ television show called the Fat Fighters on Channel 4. I wondered if the fact that, to quote TS Eliot, “humankind cannot bear very much reality,” accounts for the extreme things people do to change their appearance, even their essential character, out of fear, self-loathing or vanity…

Then at a new play called the Art of Concealment, about Terence Rattigan, (read ShopCurious’s review in the following post) the main character says, “plays aren’t real but can contain more reality about human nature than anything else.” So is this unreal reality the sort of reality that humans can bear?

And how do we measure our reality? “Am I really living, or just surviving?” asks student jewellery designer, Jelka Quintelier, an exhibitor at the Royal College of Art’s current show. Her reality is ‘cycling and recycling.’ She sources things for recycling, whilst cycling from her home in Brick Lane to college in South Kensington, and has made a primitive looking tool from shards of glass - pieces of broken bottles that are regularly strewn across the street outside her flat by drunken revellers.

I reflected back in time to my own student days in Cambridge, where a local curiosity is a lamp-post called Reality Checkpoint (see photo above right). How does my reality compare to Jelka’s? Or Terence Rattigan’s? Or Margaret Thatcher’s unique experience? And does our reality even matter, so long as we are happy? That being said, what makes us happy? Is it a trip to the cinema? A nice box of chocolates? Being thin? Getting drunk? Running the country? Creating an artwork?

Or is happiness just a state of mind?

And if we create our own reality, I suppose we can simply think ourselves happy? Or think whatever we want - and that’s exactly what will happen…

Just trust your intuition.

Will you?

Retro design revival goes analogue

2012-01-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

The other day I spotted a rather curious biscuit tin at Sainsbury's. The lid was painted to look like an old fashioned radio.

I guess it’s all part of the latest retro-progressive, analogue-inspired design trend – as reported in ShopCurious’s latest Curious Trends post.

Read more about analogue design in my post at The Dabbler, where I consider the advantages of vintage versus digital television sets...

Will you?

Not your Everage style icon...

2012-01-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

The ShopCurious style icon for 2012 is Dame Edna Everage – for the following reasons:

1) Dame Edna is most admired for her unique sense of style, which has been much emulated. Margaret Thatcher adopted her hairstyle - and her flamboyant clothing and accessories have been widely copied by Madonna and Lady Gaga. A curious trend is that, in 2012, almost everyone will be after a copycat pair of Dame Edna’s trademark curiosity glasses…

2) Edna is knowledgeable on all manner of issues - from fashion and beauty, to gardening and politics – and she's not afraid to speak her mind.

3) She's also a vintage treasure. (Never underestimate the advantage of age – after all, old is the new young).

4) Edna loves flowers too, especially gladioli – and floral inspired fashions are another key trend for 2012.

5) She also has a great sense of humour, which is just what we need in these times of economic uncertainty. Dame Edna’s down to earth opinions are the perfect antidote to political correctness, technocracy and spiritually debilitating celebutarditis.

6) Unlike Madge Allsop, Dame Edna is naturally beautiful, and would never subject herself to plastic surgery or artificial enhancement. “I'm beautiful inside. I think it’s what I radiate that people love. There's an inner beauty there,” she explains on her website.

7) She’s curiously clever as well - according to Wikipedia, “Dame Edna has transcended her modest origins as a satire of Australian suburbia to become one of the most successful, best known and best loved comedy characters of all time.”

Dame Edna is not just a living curiosity with stupendous spectacles, she genuinely has style with brains…

Do you?

A curiously Happy New Year from London 2012

2011-12-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

Trafalgar Square, London - Happy New Year - 2012 xxx

Is that clock right?

Are you?

Curious celebrity Christmas

2011-12-28T02:11:00.000-08:00

2011 was a year when absolutely anyone could be a celebrity. It was also the year in which ShopCurious featured Nathalie Queyraud’s curiously irreverent fashion icon jewellery, and Liz London’s curiously kitsch celebrity inspired artworks.

I decided to mark the occasion by inviting some very special guests to share Christmas with me. I had Boris and Mr Bean, Kate and Camilla, Simon Cowell, Posh Victoria Spice-Beckham - and I wasn’t quite sure which half of Jedward… oh, and there was a special guest appearance by none other than Lady Gaga. Not forgetting super-celebrity personage, Her Madge.

Celeb of honour was none other than our esteemed Prime Minister, along with world-renowned blogger, Thoroughly Modern Milly.

Santa came along too – with a soon to be famous Samurai.

Are you?

PS See more celebrity images of the year at The Dabbler...

A curiously decorative Christmas...

2011-12-25T00:17:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

May your holiday weekend be filled with decorative Christmas curiosities... like mine:

I decorated the tree (a Nordmann fir from pinesandneedles.com) with a mixture of cherished vintage baubles, together with some of the hand painted wooden decorations from ShopCurious.

I managed to smash just one – unfortunately a rather lovely, old fashioned glass ball. But Henry the hoover came to the rescue. He's very busy at this time of year, what with all the pine needles and Christmas crumbs on the floor...

Talking of which, my mother arrived with a curiously kitsch Christmas cake. Apparently, she won it at her golf club in a ‘guess the weight of the cake’ competition. 7.02 pounds in case you’re curious…

I took her to the Christmas Market at London’s Southbank. It was teeming with people and full of nasty cooking smells. I’m not quite sure what barbequed burgers and bratwurst have to do with Christmas? There were dozens of candy stalls, and a glut of gaudy snow globes.

Don’t you just love this time of year?

Do you?

PS Check out the latest posts at The Dabbler for more Christmas curiosities – including our retro 3D Version of The Night Before Christmas.

Arty angels and celestial Christmas curiosities

2011-12-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed that we’re surrounded by angels at this time of year? Excuse the rather blurred photograph on the right, but this is the sort of thing you may have seen in shop windows lately…

Much as I adore ecclesiastical carvings and sculptures of angels, it’s sad that a fair few of those sold at antiques fairs and auctions have been purloined from churches over the years. However, it’s great to see that contemporary craftspeople and home accessory designers are once again turning to angels for inspiration - as featured in ShopCurious’ latest trends post .

Anyway, I’m looking forward to hearing choirs of angels singing at the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, on Christmas Eve.

Incidentally, after that, at 8.20 pm, during the interval of Handel’s Messiah on BBC Radio 3, there’s a programme called Angelology. For twenty minutes, The Reverend Lucy Winkett, Rector of St James's, Piccadilly, will explain that angels aren’t always as sweet or cherubic as they are often seen to be…

I suppose that probably goes for some of the choristers at King’s College too?

Do you?

Seasonless and sustainable salvage designs

2011-12-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

Artists have been salvaging bits of old scrap metal and recycling waste material to create unusual and sometimes disturbing artworks. At least there’s still something worth salvaging…

I’m trying not to think about the economic prospects for 2012. Those in the know are already prepared – I’ve spotted some curiously retro-progressive designs for the new Dark Ages (see my latest post at The Dabbler for photos).

If you’re also thinking ahead, you may wish to consider some of the upcycled curiosities at ShopCurious for Christmas gifts this year. Check out our unique selection of jewellery and accessories for handcrafted, sustainable pieces and one-off vintage finds.

Will you?

PS Last day for UK Christmas delivery is 22nd December (see website for details).

Does happiness have a price?

2011-12-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

Curiously, the Royal Academy of Arts isn’t making too much of a fuss about the Haunch of Venison Gallery's Krug Happiness Exhibition. Leading designers and celebrities are donating items for sale - all proceeds going to the Academy's coffers (and all publicity to the sponsors and donors).

So is happiness really a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes? Is this what we are striving towards... the stuff of our innermost dreams and desires? Really?

With global economic problems affecting all of us, we may not think there’s much to look forward to in 2012. But the New Year is a time for resolutions - and making the right changes can help us to live happily ever after... yes, even without the luxury designer trimmings.

It’s not just our financial system that’s changed dramatically in recent years, social structures have been smashed up too – without recourse to moral or familial ties. Rules and responsibility don’t seem to exist any more. We feel like we’re victims… but aren’t we actually the culprits?

Why can’t we be accountable for our actions? And why don’t we work together to help make the world a better place for all of us (so long as we can agree on exactly what that entails).

It’s never too late to start over again, but changing directions is always going to involve taking some risks. And we have to be brave…

I’ve read a lot of personal development books in my time and, after a while, they all start to sound the same. However, this book (left) takes rather a unique angle – helping us to develop “the habit of curiosity.” Did you know that curiosity is both a cure for boredom and the key to discovering what we really want? Georges Philips' book is full of useful ideas and exercises to help us crystallize our ideas – and, most importantly, to put our plans for the future into action.

For those curious to become happier and more successful, we’re giving away a signed copy of this life-changing book. To enter the draw for a free copy of a signed edition of Georges Philips’ transformational book, simply email us at info@shopcurious.com, quoting Change Directions by 31st December.

Oh, and do take a look at the Action for Happiness website too - their video says that, in terms of happiness, we're stuck in the '50s - well, I suppose we can always sell our memories:-)

Will you?

PS I’ll let you know shortly what new directions ShopCurious will be taking in 2012…

The world's most glamorous garden?

2011-12-09T04:55:00.000-08:00

Berkeley Square always looks magical at Christmas (as in this prize winning photograph, courtesy of National Geographic). Considered to be the very heart of Mayfair, Berkeley Square is also the hub of London society. Formerly quintessentially English, now Quintessentially cosmopolitan, Mayfair has long been a playground for the rich and famous.

Back in the day when the gorgeously gnarled, elephantine trees were almost as fat as they are now, but just as valuable, Nick Drake wrote his haunting song (released posthumously in 2004):

Mayfair strange in the morning light,
Mayfair strange in the summer night,
Mayfair strangest in the afternoon.
Mayfair stretching far above,
full of fame but lacking love,
Could it be we see the Mayfair moon?

Mayfair strange across the park,
In the day or in the dark,
There's no need to walk or even run.
Mayfair faces clean and nice,
But beauty here is cold as ice,
Could it be we see the Mayfair sun?

Mayfair strange at every hour,
Hidden frowns with mystic power,
Starry heights and golden throne,
Down below you're on you're own.

Mayfair strange for passers-by,
Sights of wonder for the eye,
Could it be they'll pass by again?
Mayfair calling far and near,
For even trees are wealthy here,
Could it be we hear the Mayfair rain?

A curious fact is that Nick Drake performed in a band called the Perfumed Gardeners with his schoolmates in the mid-1960s - doubly fitting, since Berkeley Square is currently home to a unique garden ‘installation’ by Tony Heywood and Alison Condie.

Heywood’s latest work, Glamourland (on show until 20th January), is aptly located - in an enclave bursting with bejewelled, manicured and silicon enhanced souls – as well as Britain’s most expensive tree: a Victorian Plane (one of 31, all of which are at least 200 years old) opposite Berkeley Square House, which was valued at £750,000 in 2008.

But glamour doesn’t have to cost the earth. If you’re feeling in need of some added glitz, why not try out a trio of Colorsport lipstains from ShopCurious – also a great idea for a curiously cheap and chic Christmas gift.

Will you?

Arty avian Christmas decorations

2011-12-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

‘Arty’ and ‘avian’ may conjure up images of antique taxidermy, or curious contemporary craft creations, like this surreal seagull-through-the-wall installation by Joanna Bryan-Smith...

A reminder that birds are not always cute, or friendly – and they’re certainly not birdbrained, especially when it comes to getting food:

If you prefer birds that are decorative rather than dangerous, then check out the fabulous boxed sets of partridges, baby doves and snooty chicks at ShopCurious.

Each pretty little bird has been lovingly handcrafted in wood - and hand painted too. They look great on the tree, but are also the perfect gift to take along to a Christmas house party. And you can rest assured they won’t gobble up your turkey, either.

Will you?

12 Curious days of Christmas

2011-12-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

We’ve some charmingly characterful, handcrafted Christmas decorations at ShopCurious this year. They’re beautifully hand painted on wood, and make a welcome change from the usual glass baubles - especially as they can be recycled year after year, rather than ending up smashed to pieces when the tree starts to wilt, and they fall onto the floor.

Our piece de resistance is this collectable boxed set of the 12 Days of Christmas (right), which would also make a very unique Christmas gift.

In terms of music and meaning, the twelve days of Christmas have been subject to many interpretations. Here are a few examples:

And now there’s digital art too… Our latest contest at Polyvore was inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas. Take a look at the curiously creative winning sets, below:

Variety is said to be the spice of life, so if you have your own opinion, or favoured version of the timeless-yet-seasonal rhyme, please do have your say too…

Will you?

Bags of classic vintage style

2011-11-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

I recently went to dinner with Bruce Oldfield. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just me, but a select gathering of Fashion Group International members...

Coming from his Barnardo's background, Bruce is an advertisement for all that is achievable from a combination of nothing more than raw talent and hard work. Oh, and it helps that he’s a real charmer, who claims to be able to “sell ice to Eskimos.” Plus, he also makes proper party dresses.

Citing Sam Cam’s mother, Lady Astor as his “first nob client,” Oldfield later became couturier to the likes of Princess Diana. He says that Charlotte Rampling is his favourite customer, and Queen Rania of Jordan is someone he’d most like to dress. Curiously, X-Factor judge Tulisa has also been seen wearing some of his rather retro looking frocks, with petticoats underneath for added volume.

Oldfield says he doesn’t pander to fashion trends, “though you have to nod to what’s going on.” The idea of fashion as art leaves him cold. According to Bruce, “fashion should never become an academic subject… it’s just something to make people look gorgeous when they go out in the evening.”

But the times are ever a-changin’… and fashion offerings now range from (un)wearable art and design-led pieces, right through to disposable high street and celebrity inspired items, with some rather nondescript, mainstream stuff in between. Of course, there’s vintage too – which is all the better because it’s recycled and has that much more charm and provenance.

Bruce Oldfield certainly has plenty of classic vintage style, much like these bags from ShopCurious. They’re perfect for Christmas parties (or as unique gifts) – and, much like Bruce, they have the added appeal of a bit of history.

Do you?

Choosing curiosity accessories

2011-11-23T04:20:00.000-08:00

Big bling is all the thing, though not always practical. Imagine you’re in the office, wearing a ginormous knuckleduster (like this one by Kyle Hopkins), that gets in the way every time you put pen to paper – or digit to desktop.

Much like breasts, accessories seem to be getting bigger – possibly because larger is seen to be more curious - but what about more cumbersome? To avoid a disconcerting tangle, it’s advisable to choose jewellery with some consideration for size and practicality.

Here’s a necklace that reminds me of a voodoo themed room divider. However, it’s possible to find shell chokers that are authentic, but also manageable.

As for seasonal accessories, stars and glittery baubles make perfect charms on a chain necklace or belt. But you probably don’t want to end up looking as though you’re part of a Christmas window display.

This jewelled body armour rocks, but how comfortable or convenient would it be to actually wear? A similar effect can be achieved, with the addition of usefulness, in the form of a precious stone and snakeskin clutch from ShopCurious (available in a range of colours – and every bag is totally unique).

Or get the curiosity shop look with a vintage resin necklace - so much more in keeping with an old style dress than contemporary plastic bling, don’t you think?

Do you?

Curious shopping trends

2011-11-19T00:08:00.000-08:00

It’s dark by 4.0 pm, it’s raining, and the high street is a depressingly familiar sight...

But what would you like to see instead of the bright lights of Poundland?

This weekend ShopCurious has an alternative shopping showcase:

At Curious Trends, we’ve a feature on one of London’s most unique curiosity shops – LASSCO at Brunswick House. This architectural salvage emporium is perfect for anyone renovating a home, or simply on the look out for quirky antiques and retro memorabilia (though probably not for a pound).

Over at The Dabbler, we visit curiously colourful and retro-progressive Brixton Market, where you’ll find slow food, ethnic homewares and fabulous vintage fashion.

And we also take a peek at the hi-tech future of retail – just look at this virtual Tesco Homeplus store in South Korea. People in Seoul are shopping from the walls of the subway…

Are you?

A curious sense of deja vu

2011-11-16T15:38:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I read the newspapers I get a curious sense of déjà vu. Take this evening when I actually managed to get hold of a copy of the Evening Standard – no longer available from any local newsagent I have ever been to, but always a much prized read.

When I saw that Meg Mathews referred to her new home (sadly damaged in a recent fire) as her ‘pop box’ I was reminded of some articles I’d just published (see the previous post). And, of course, of my former boutique Fashion Gallery, as shown in this photograph from 'vintage' magazine Woman's Journal (circa 2000), with its spiral staircase - plus some curiously colourful floral wallpaper in the background.

Decipher eye-roglyphics – ah yes, we’ve covered curious eyes and all things Egyptian in recent Curious Trends posts.

“V&A has a ball with posh frocks of past 60 years” – well, we’ve been wearing posh frocks for ages (though perhaps not quite that long). And what’s more ShopCurious is selling some wonderful ballgowns and dresses by the likes of royal couturiers Belville Sassoon and Gina Fratini amongst others.

As for India Knight’s Passion for Pink in her Chalk Farm home - we did suggest that Barbara Cartland would make the perfect style icon for 2011.

So who is our icon for 2012, and what trends will we be predicting…

Curious?

Are you?

Curiosity box cool

2011-11-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

Storage containers have become quirkier of late. Unusual vintage chests and trinket boxes are much sought after - and individually customized boxes are seen to be curiously cool. Retro finds are being embellished by designers, like the paper clay porcelain work by Juliette Purdy (right). At ShopCurious, Uoldbag’s upcycled jewellery boxes feature vintage newspaper cuttings with a royal theme.

Japanese artists decorated the insides of tea boxes to create a collection of impressively unique artworks for ICN gallery’s opening exhibition. But, perhaps one of the most curiously fitted out boxes I’ve spotted recently, was at Jealous Gallery’s stand at the Moniker Art Fair - where a fairground candy grabber was turned into this:

Although no less extraordinary, the winning sets in our digital Curiosity Box Contest at Polyvore are, thankfully, a tad more tasteful… (click on the images below to view)

Are you?

Curious folk trends

2011-11-12T04:20:00.000-08:00

Does anyone remember the vintage BBC children’s television programme called Tales from Europe? There was a scary Soviet version of The Snow Queen – and the strangely haunting Singing Ringing Tree. I mention this because folk tales have been a major source of inspiration for fashion and home accessories designers’ forthcoming collections.

At ShopCurious, we’ve also got a bit of a folksy theme in the run up to Christmas. Our curiously colourful hand painted Babushka dolls (right) make really unique tree decorations, and would be great as an unusual gift.

We’ve also got a selection of dramatic vintage gowns for dressy Christmas parties – including fabulous, folk-style pieces from Gina Fratini and Thea Porter Couture.

Anyway, here are some little snippets of the Snow Queen - and the (not so) New Adventures of Heidi, to get you in the mood for what’s to come…

Are you?

Fireworks and reflections

2011-11-07T00:31:00.000-08:00

With rain forecast, I was expecting Bonfire Night to be a total washout. But I was pleasantly surprised to see one of the most spectacular fireworks displays ever (well, since the last most spectacular one anyway). And not a drop of rain.

London’s Hurlingham Club fireworks take some beating – especially if viewed from across the river. Best of all, you don’t have to be a member of the club, and second best of all, you get to see twice the fireworks for your money (in fact for no money, as it’s free).

The reason I say twice the fireworks, is because there’s also a reflection in the River Thames. It’s not quite the same as being there, but these photographs, which remind me of something from a Turner painting, will give you an idea…

And here's what the fabulous finale looked like:

By the way, shadows, reflections and outlines are some of the curious trends that ShopCurious predicts we’ll be seeing much more of in fashion and interiors over the coming seasons. It’s all to do with having the curiosity factor…

Do you?

A time for heroes...

2011-11-04T01:28:00.000-07:00

I bought a Poppy from Gunner George yesterday. Last year he raised £6,278.42 for the Poppy Appeal.

Why did this bring to mind the old fashioned curiosity shops (something of a dying breed) featured in Philip Woolway’s photography at ShopCurious? Curiously, amidst all the clutter of one such junk shop, stands a rather forlorn looking portrait of David Beckham. The image is called A Time for Heroes.

It’s good to remember who the real heroes are... lest we forget.

Will you?

Halloween fashion and fitness fun

2011-10-31T06:44:00.000-07:00

My efforts to avoid Halloween related activities over the weekend were thwarted. What I love about sporty people is that they’re always ready to make an occasion out of any opportunity, especially if it involves dressing up and having fun.

Even after two hours of Zumba partying, the fabulous folk at Maloca in Putney were happy to pose for a photograph in their strangely sweaty Halloween outfits.

And at my local gym, curiously creative Terry (formerly a fashion designer) from the front desk had produced a work of art from a pumpkin, as well as re-styling the fixtures and fittings, with the addition of spiders, zombies and other corpse-like curiosities.

Our lovely instructor, Kien, also got into the spirit of things by handing out horribly unhealthy sweets at the end of a Body Attack class. How thoughtful…

Anyway, now I'm going to try and hide myself away from trick or treaters for the rest of the day. If I wear a designer morphsuit no one will see me, will they?

Have a happy Halloween!

Will you?

PS Check out ShopCurious's latest Curious Trends post for more quirky, cover-up clothing…

Let them eat Dodo cake...

2011-10-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Last night’s Experimental Food Society event at the Victoria and Albert Museum was full of surprises – even for ShopCurious.

Curious culinary trends included food landscapes and architecture, vegetable cupcakes and edible fashion.

But it was remarkable sugar artist and cake sculptor, Michelle Wibowo, who stole the show. Who would ever have imagined that a curiously cute kid with a passion for baking would grow up to create a severed head cake for a Halloween birthday party?

Wibowo's latest curiosity cake creation was a giant Dodo, made especially for the Experimental Food Society’s annual ‘Spectactular’ in London last weekend. I say was, because last night we ate it.

And here she is performing the cutting ceremony:

I bet you want to know what Dodo tastes like?

Do you?

Toying with arbitrage in contemporary art

2011-10-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Contemporary artists are increasingly using retro toys and recycled curiosities to make a statement, like Joe Black, whose work is shown here (photographed at Scream Gallery’s stand at the Moniker Art Fair last week).

Similar plastic toy soldiers are used to convey a different message, at fraction of the price (...though admittedly the scale is not the same - and the density of soldiers used is lower) in Love Not War by Dinah Dufton (bottom right), whose work can be seen at London's Affordable Art Fair.

Read more about bargain hunting in the art world in my latest post at The Dabbler.

And see more curious collages from the fair, along with work by street and graffiti artists in ShopCurious's Curious Trends posts today.

Will you?

Arty, attention-grabbing accessories

2011-10-18T00:53:00.000-07:00

Last week’s unusually warm and sunny weather had me skipping out all over the place to arty events, hence the lack of blog posts. One of the more glamorous was a party at Sketch in Mayfair, to celebrate Shingai Shoniwa (of the Noisettes) and hatmaker Katherine Elizabeths’ new millinery collaboration.

One of the biggest hat trends is customization. Hats are being embellished with all sorts of curiosities and turned into works of wearable art. It’s fun to create your own millinery masterpiece too – in fact, Katherine Elizabeth holds hat parties and day-long millinery classes, at Craft Central in Clerkenwell. The next one is this Saturday 22nd.

Now the weather’s taken a wintry turn though, I feel more like hibernating. Forget going out to fashion tribe gatherings, all I want to do is sit in front of the television and cozy up to something soporific, like the X-Factor, with a nice mug of cocoa (Ha! That must account for the curious spelling in my latest post at The Dabbler…)

This morning it was actually cold enough to contemplate wearing gloves - which by the way, also seem to be getting an arty makeover this season. I’ve been waiting for ages to try out the luxuriously embroidered new gloves by eccentric Englishman Mark H at ShopCurious. Mark’s oddly extravagant OR WOT! designs are a small but valiant contribution towards saving niche handicrafts of the British manufacturing industry… Now I’ll raise a cup of cocoa to that.

Will you?

Weaving life's rich tapestry

2011-10-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed how old fashioned handicrafts like needlepoint and lacemaking are coming back into vogue lately? I’ve spotted embroidery, crochet and patchwork everywhere from art galleries and craft fairs to niche boutiques and trend-setting chain stores.

Another curious trend is that tapestry is becoming rather popular, not just for wall-hangings, but also as fabric to cover furniture and cushions.

The practice of weaving is said to be meditative as well as enjoyable, perhaps that’s why it’s become fashionable again recently? However, traditional weaving is not so much ‘make do and mend’ as DIY manufacture. There’s a real art to creating your own textiles – and don't even bank on saving money in the process…

Nevertheless, one way of cutting your coat to suit your cloth (sorry) is to purchase a second-hand loom. And, if you’re tempted to master this rustic craft, we may have just the thing at ShopCurious – a Glimakra Ideal weaving loom, which we’re selling for less than half the current market price.

If you’re already skilled at producing your own unique, homespun creations (like Edward Taylor, whose handiwork can be seen above right), this could be a curiously useful purchase - or even an investment towards your future in sustainable design. If not, you can find some lovely vintage tapestries at specialist galleries, or antiques fairs (see above left).

By the way, any weavers reading this post are invited to share their work by adding a link in the comments below.

Will you?

Memories, magic and bountiful blessings

2011-10-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

I could easily have spent a whole day at the Wellcome Collection. The latest show, Miracles & Charms, which starts tomorrow and runs until 26th February 2012, is actually two exhibitions. The trailer video gives a taster, but is no match for the miracles and charms you will encounter:

The rooms are packed from floor to ceiling with saviours, protectors, mascots, amulets - and about as much good luck as you could ever wish for. One part is dedicated to Infinitas Gracias: Mexican miracle paintings. There are over a hundred votive paintings, depicting around 300 years of answered prayers (see above, top). There’s also a contemporary votive wall (see above, right and below) from a church in Guanajuato, filled with everything from family photographs, drawings, love letters, and examination certificates to religious relics, wedding dresses, bouquets, and baby clothes. This part of the exhibition explores the culture and people behind the votive tradition.

The other part of the show features hundreds of lucky charms amassed by Bank of Scotland cashier and obsessive folklorist, Edward Lovett (1852-1933), who scoured the city by night, buying curious objects from London’s herbalists, mudlarks, barrowmen, and sailors. They eventually became part of Henry Wellcome’s collection, curated here by Felicity Powell, and displayed as a ‘river’ of artefacts in a horseshoe-shaped cabinet, alongside some of her own contemporary works.

Powell’s Charmed Life is “A please to the votives’ thank you” and considers the strange allure of small objects, invested with mysterious potency and meaning through superstition. Like this sovereign-sized disc of paper, on which is inscribed the Lord’s Prayer (though you’d need a magnifiying glass to read it), which was taken into battle by a World War I soldier.

Other curiosities include peony seeds (for sudden incapacity), sea horses (kept by the nursing wives of fishermen to facilitate the flow of milk to their breasts), mole feet (a cure for cramp), acorn amulets (a safeguard against lightning), coral (for “sympathy with blood”, or good health), and a parade of lucky shoes (symbolizing the path of life). If you’re looking for something similar, you may wish to visit ShopCurious.

Powell’s wax images, meticulously crafted onto mirror backs, are extraordinary and worth an exhibition in their own right. Watch her film, Sleight of Hand, based on the theme of concealment – or mediate to William Basinski’s ambient music, as nebulous concepts, like hope and anxiety, are given form...

I just hope this inspires you to go along. The clincher is that it’s free of charge – the only requirement is that you’re incurably curious…

Are you?

New antiquarian style

2011-10-04T00:21:00.000-07:00

A growing fascination with curiosities and collecting means antique style clothing and accessories are starting to appear everywhere. Judging by some of the fashions seen on catwalks, we’re about to experience a Miss Havisham inspired phase of dressing.

Dishevelled Dickensian drapery, curious hats and quirky accessories, old fashioned curiosity brooches, bejewelled and beringed gloves will feature.

Miss Havisham’s look is available at ShopCurious. From great-grandmother style brooches to Victorian photographs in curiously collectable union cases, check out our unique selection of vintage memorabilia and curios.

Will you?

PS And embellishment will be everywhere – see our latest Curious Trends post.

Rummaging through retro memories

2011-09-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

Philip Woolway’s ‘fish eye’ photographs of curiously cluttered junk shops illustrate a curiosity shop style that is very 'of the moment'.

These sorts of establishments are where contemporary jewellery and accessories designers often go to find retro bits and pieces for upcycling into curiously characterful new creations. Check out some of the uniquely arty items I’ve spotted in our latest Curious Trends post.

Products with past lives and provenance assume added value in today’s superficial, soulless world. Of course, you can create your own story too – and at ShopCurious we’ve got some ready-aged journals so you can do just that. The diaries in question are conveniently undated, yet give the impression of having been around for a good few years:

There are several to choose from, including a girly pink ‘Soulmate’ version, and a somewhat more antiquated ‘Moment de Memoire’ - which wouldn’t look out of place in an old fashioned gentleman’s library. They’ll make great Christmas gifts – plus you’ll avoid the crowds (and less original items) on the high street.

Alternatively, you may wish to record your own doings and thoughts. A few notes scribbled in an old book, perhaps alongside the odd photograph, may well become precious memories one day. Or you could always invest in one of Philip’s charmingly curio-filled photos and go all gooey about how things used to be…

Will you?

Contemporary curiosities

2011-09-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

The pop art and punk of postmodernism have morphed into a new (albeit retro-progressive) age of crafting and collecting.

But what started out as a genuine curiosity for naturally beautiful, or unusual, things and their provenance has become something of a preoccupation with packaging rather than content. Have you noticed how so many things appear inside domes these days – or encased in resin?

And what constitutes a curiosity anyway? Just because something’s unusually large, or very tiny does that mean it’s especially unique or valuable?

Postmodernist media-led consumerism segued into the electronic age of the internet – so will the new age of rummaging for ‘found’ objects, and recycling, pave the way for another reinvention of communications networks and social structures?

ShopCurious spotted some curiously crafty postmodernist-influenced creations at the London Design Festival - Tine De Ruysser’s bank note jewellery and wall art amongst them. But, beyond postmodernism, is there room for a whole new exchange mechanism - something like a bartering based economy? Will money itself eventually become something of a curiosity?

Latest trends aside, we seem to be moving into uncharted territory. I have a feeling that our lives are about to become a lot more curious…

Do you?

A fierce fashion week...

2011-09-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

A curiously fierce, fetish inspired trend at London Fashion Week indicates that leather body armour, studded corsetry and heavy duty headgear will be appearing in our wardrobes by next spring.

Meantime, one of the fiercest looks I spotted amongst visitors to the exhibition came from fashion blogger Prince Cassius, whose gravity defying hair grows ever higher.

Stylist Leo’s outfit was a little less fierce, but he still seemed to be attracting a lot of attention. I loved his dark red tasseled slippers.

ShopCurious was pleased to see that there was plenty of arty, old school style on show.

As for the weird warrior style stuff, I wonder how many of us will actually wear these sorts of accessories…

Will you?

PS See more of Somerset House in my post at The Dabbler.

Fancy a crafty cuppa?

2011-09-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

When you've been away on holiday, it’s always nice to come home to a freshly brewed cup of tea. Tea has a calming effect, helping us slow down and reflect on things - rather than worry about all the stuff we've got to do, and how little time we've got to do it in.

You wouldn’t necessarily think of tea as being a particularly racy drink – but, curiously, the humble cuppa has never been so sexy. Vintage style tea parties seem to be taking place everywhere – a book has even been published on the subject. And more and more people are collecting old china – especially painted teacups and unusual teapots.

If you’re a bit of a teapot fancier, you might like to visit Norwich Castle Museum, where the Philip Miller collection of 2000 pots is housed. This was brought together to include the work of as many different English factories as possible, and is the largest specialist collection of teapots in Britain.

Alternatively, take a look at some of the handcrafted, collectable teatime treats in ShopCurious’s latest Curious Trends post – and you’ll see what I mean about tea drinking’s saucy new image…

Will you?

Earth, wind, fire and sunshine

2011-09-02T05:06:00.000-07:00

Do you remember? Actually, I wasn’t thinking of the song, but my previous encounter with Earth Wind and Fire around a year ago, as recorded here at the ShopCurious blog. I mentioned then that I was a bit of a ~~groupie~~ fan. Well, imagine how excited I was to be not just seeing a live performance, but actually meeting members of the band in Spain this year.

Except I didn’t realize it wasn’t that Earth Wind and Fire...

It was the Earth Wind and Fire Experience, courtesy of the Al McKay Allstars.

In case you haven’t heard of Al McKay (pictured with me right), he’s one of the original members of the band – in fact he was with them for eight years/seven albums, and he was a co-writer of some of their best known hits – including, as it happens, September.

Around a decade ago, Al put together a group of 14 hand picked musicians to form a new band that now tours the world, ‘bringing back to audiences the real musical experience of Earth Wind and Fire.’

And they do not disappoint. I danced (crazily) throughout the whole concert, which was held in the tennis courts at Marbella’s Puente Romano Hotel...

Excuse the hackneyed expression, but it was a pretty damned awesome old school Experience. And a real privilege to literally rub shoulders with such a musically talented bunch of guys.

Oh, and please accept my apologies for ruining a lovely photograph of fabulously falsetto-voiced Tim Owens, with my scary flashbulb eyes and dance-damp hair (…eeek!)

Will you?

PS See more of the concert here - including the rest of the brilliant sax solo by Ed Wynne.

Costa del cabaret

2011-09-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

Whenever I’m in Marbella I feel like I’m part of a curiously costumed, theatrical extravaganza – a sort of gigantic, all-singing, all-dancing cabaret. Some of the things I’ve noticed about the outrageously OTT city are:

1) You can never be overdressed. I wore this ShopCurious outfit by the pool and no one batted an eyelid.

2) Normal fashion rules don’t apply. It's a chance to don your purple suede loafers...

3) Bling is king. If you’ve got it, flaunt it.

4) Marbella is hen party heaven.

5) Food is fashionably non-faddy – nobody cares if you have lobster and chips.

6) The sun is always shining and…

7) The sunsets are mainly magnificent.

8) There’s usually a cocktail waiter within beckoning distance.

9) At night everything sparkles.

10) The entertainment is great – watch this terrific troupe of Capoeira dancers and musicians at the Ocean Club:

I'd recommend you check out the cabaret next time you’re in the Costa del Sol.

Will you?

Mark to marquetry

2011-08-27T00:11:00.000-07:00

In recent posts we’ve featured cities and souvenirs – now here’s something related to both. This incredible olivewood, bone and mother of pearl model of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is perhaps one of the earliest ever souvenir buildings – it was probably based on drawings by Bernadino Amico in the 1590s to record the rebuilding of the church. Models like this were made under Franciscan supervision as gifts for diplomats, as well as souvenirs of the Grand Tour.

We’ve previously mentioned that marquetry and mosaics are emerging trends. But if you want to ‘get the look’ for a lot less than the £39,000 this collectable item sold for at Bonhams auction house recently, we’ve got just the thing at ShopCurious.

Check out our selection of reasonably priced mother of pearl and bone inlaid wooden souvenir boxes. They’re great as unusual gifts – and they’re curiously useful too.

Are you?

Mirroring the metropolis

2011-08-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

The world we’ve created for ourselves consists of cities in a state of constant flux. Buildings, streets - in fact, whole communities are monitored by 24 hour CCTV. Yet we still choose to live together, as a group, in places with towering buildings…and lots of other people around us.

Our ongoing love of the city is demonstrated in the recent resurgence of Art Deco-style, skyscraper inspired design. Read more about this, and the impact of the all-seeing eye of Big Brother upon the world of art and design, in ShopCurious's latest Curious Trends posts.

Meantime, here’s some information on a forthcoming photographic exhibition that also draws inspiration from the metropolis: Diemar/Noble Photography’s Land/City/Real/Imagined is a curated selection of work by leading photographers, with the city as its theme. Running from 25th August until 1st October, the show is divided into two sections ‘land’ and ‘city’, it even includes NASA photographs of the surface of the moon.

One of the more classic shots on display is Berenice Abbott’s 1936 portrait of the 'Irving Trust Building, 1 Wall Street' (left).

Also included is an awe-inspiring image by British photographer, George Rodger. Taken on the 102nd floor of New York’s Empire State Building in 1950, this coolly conveys the excitement of looking out over the great metropolis.

Colombian born, London based photographer, Manuel Vazques captures the surreality of our surveillance society in works from his ‘Traces’ project (see top right), carried out at Atocha railway station in Madrid, scene of the 2004 terrorist attacks.

Vazques' images bring to our awareness the curious paradox of public space, where anonymity and scrutiny co-exist. In a society full of prying eyes, we have the ability to be both spectator and actor…

Are you?

Travelling in arty Aussie style

2011-08-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

The curious incident involving Monsieur Depardieu reminds me how much air travel has changed over the past few decades. An in-flight experience used to be the height of luxury (and politeness), but these days on board lavatories are just as bad as they are on inter-city trains. On my flight back from Spain this week, one loo had soap and no hand towels, whereas the other had hand towels and no soap.

Anyway, I’m glad to be back because I wanted to show you this rare reminder of the air travel style of yesteryear. I love the curiously arty design of this Qantas airline souvenir from ShopCurious. The vintage silk scarf is colourfully printed with bold images of tourist destinations from around the world. Funnily enough, the clashing colours remind me of the outfit worn by Australian nomad, Trudi, whose photograph appears in our latest Curious Trends article.

Talking of memorabilia, do have a read of my RetroProgressive post on the official merchandise for the London 2012 Olympics over at The Dabbler today – and let me know what you think of the uniquely contemporary designs.

Will you?

Slow-tech lifestyle shift?

2011-08-10T04:25:00.000-07:00

I was reading Elle Decoration’s recent trend report, which seemed rather like a manifesto for shopping curiously – favouring nature-inspired pieces, along with "humble materials, upcycled treasures and… quilted fabrics."

If you’ve visited central London recently you may not have noticed any move towards frugality, but after the recent riots, we’ve begun to think in a totally different way.

ShopCurious has been pivotal in the shift towards vintage and recycling. We’ve been helping lead consumers towards a less wasteful, more meaningful future - from hi-tech to artisanal; from unnecessary extravagance to provenance…

Trends indicate that a lot more of us are starting to look back to a previous (more reliable) time, when the physical and tangible prevailed… But can we not combine the advantages of modern technology with our old-found knowledge of what works, and what doesn’t, to create innovative, contemporary solutions?

On that note, you may like this curiously quirky, collectable out of print book - Corey Ford’s Guide to Thimking (sic). With over 40 vintage cartoons and groovy graphics on the cover, this ‘humorous handbook for the machine age’ is the height of retroprogressive cool.

Are you?

PS My prescient predictions from September 2010 are also worth re-reading.

Charmingly deceptive...

2011-08-08T01:17:00.000-07:00

ShopCurious had a sneak preview of Pierre Salvadori’s new film, Beautiful Lies. Described as ‘a quirky and hilarious love-triangle’, the curiously charming film stars BAFTA nominated actress Audrey Tatou, who incidentally is the face of Chanel No. 5 and August 2011 cover star of Marie Claire – you may also remember her from Amelie and Coco Before Chanel.

Audrey plays Emilie, the co-owner of a hairdressing salon in the sunny south of France, who receives a curious love letter from an anonymous admirer. Instead of binning the letter, she decides to send it to her mother, who’s still clinging on to the memory of her ex-husband, four years after the break-up of her marriage.

As the plot of the romantic comedy becomes ever more tangled, we suddenly find that we’re considering our own relationships with others – and with ourselves.

What I particularly like about this film is the clash of cultures. Computer keyboard tapping Emilie appears to have developed a fear of classical music, literature and formal education. How refreshing that a beautifully written, old fashioned love letter sparks the flames of passion – and maintains the twists and turns of the amusing storyline.

With so many misconceived exchanges between the characters, as well as the ever-changing trends in hair designs, it’s rather disconcerting that the only constant seems to be the enormous quantity of alcohol consumed by all involved – presumably to numb their real feelings.

Yet the most significant symbol throughout the film is probably the hairdressers’ mirror. We live in a world where appearances mean everything. We go to all manner of lengths to defy the natural aging process, often masking the very quintessence of our being. If Emilie’s salon is a reflection of society, her relationships are a reflection of herself. Ultimately, this is a film about self-love and self-loathing. It’s about trusting yourself to go with your instinct, to slow down and consider the things that really matter… like truth.

Beautiful Lies is in cinemas from 12th August. I hope you find some time to see it.

Will you?

Capital of vintage soul

2011-08-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve been immersed in music lately. Soul music in particular. Funnily enough, I found a photograph of the Soul Immersions dive boat that was used by the press at Antigua Race Week when I was writing my latest post for The Dabbler - the name seems curiously appropriate...

Anyway, I was totally won over by the Soul Revue at Vintage 2011 last weekend.

Ex-Rose Royce diva Gwen Dickey’s rendition of Love Don’t Live Hear Anymore was outstanding. And Percy Sledge’s performance of Lighter Shade of Pale was sublime – though a curious fact is that even he doesn’t know what the song's title actually means.

Then there was the Average White Band’s brilliant Hamish Stuart, who’s composed so many amazing tracks, mostly for other (more famous) artists… And the Flirtations’ shimmering rainbow dresses certainly added to the flavour of the ‘70s vintage soul vibe.

I’ve also discovered a fantastic new radio station recently. The Soul of London plays, as the name suggests, soul – along with R&B, funk, gospel and even a little bit of reggae. They seem to get the balance of old school and new stuff just about right – and they’ve got a great website too, with a useful selection of videos.

Talking of which, here’s a ShopCurious recording from the Vintage soul revue of Gwen Dickey singing Wishing on a Star.

Are you?

Hotbed of vintage colour

2011-08-03T01:17:00.000-07:00

As the temperature in London rose dramatically over the weekend, Wayne Heminway’s Vintage 2011 at the Southbank Centre provided added rays of sunshine. I don’t think I’ve seen so many smiling faces at the Royal Festival Hall since Robert Mayer’s concerts for children many years ago.

On Saturday, there was a lovely juxtaposition of quirky retro style mixed with ‘60s Pop Art, ‘70s psychedelica and ‘80s disco. The result was a cacophony of colour - and trends indicate that this sort of effect is likely to be a big influence for the coming season.

From juke boxes to glitter balls, the vintage vibe was curiously colourful across the board. Even the 1940s styled Clore Ballroom (above left) looked ultra-fashionable. In some ways it was a natural extension of the exciting new wave of design unleashed at the time of the original Festival of Britain. But it was also a contemporary continuation of the unique mix of cultures and talents for which our British Isles are so famous.

I was intrigued by the way men and women dressed for the occasion. The 1950s male ideal of 'health and strength' (see below) didn’t appear to be in evidence, but there were certainly some uber-cool disco dudes on the scene...

Along with plenty of authentic retro fashion...

And I loved the old fashioned interiors, some of which were created using items from the Hemingways’ private collection.

Mr Hemingway was on fine form as he introduced the Soul Revue (more on this in a forthcoming post). Though perhaps he could have done with a little retro styling?

Skylon's bar created vintage inspired cocktails to celebrate the festival... I'll leave you with the wonderful view from Skylon at sunset.

By the way, gentlemen wishing to get the ‘hot vintage’ look might like the fabulously funky retro silk tie by Pierre Cardin at ShopCurious (shown above).

Do you?

PS See more vintage men’s fashion in my latest RetroProgressive post on swimwear at The Dabbler.

Accessories for a vintage weekend

2011-07-29T00:22:00.000-07:00

Starting today, the Vintage festival at London’s Southbank Centre is the place to be this weekend. There’s an incredible range of activities on offer, from retro shopping and dining to fashion shows, dancing and boat trips on the river. One thing’s for sure, the occasion will make for curiously fascinating people watching.

I’ve noticed that the vintage vibe is filtering down through the generations. Fashion students have led a trend that now sees young people all over the country sporting vintage clothing and accessories – even hair styles, like the quiff and the hair roll, have become rather popular.

A key accessory for any vintage look is a pair of retro sunglasses. If you’re not able to get to the Southbank over the next few days, we’ve a selection of quirky and characterful vintage shades at ShopCurious. Hopefully, you'll actually need to wear them at some stage during the summer.

Anyway, if you’re going along to join in the fun this weekend, we’ll see you there...

Are you?

Tourist memorabilia: trivia or treasure?

2011-07-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Whenever I go away, I like to visit any flea markets and curiosity shops in the area, so I can rummage for quirky vintage bits and bobs. However, there’s really no need to go abroad, as local junk shops and car boot sales are perfect for sourcing retro holiday souvenirs – which have become curiously collectable of late.

A few of the pieces I've found are now available at ShopCurious: I tried to sift out the most tasteful items - including a beautifully hand painted cigar box, a characterfully antiquated Flamenco dancer, and a fabulously fierce looking doll in traditional Spanish dress.

Many such curiosities are probably unwanted gifts. But what is it that compels people to bring back these kitsch mementoes from their travels? And what’s the most curious thing you’ve been given by someone returning from foreign parts? Do tell…

Will you?

Going nuts for glamping?

2011-07-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

Let’s face it, you’ve got to be mildly mad to go camping in Great Britain. Despite our homeland’s name, the weather on offer to holidaymakers isn’t exactly great. That’s probably why we’ve invented a clever new pastime called ‘glamping’. The idea of glamorous camping is much more appealing – better still, glamping doesn’t even have to involve a tent.

Some of my friends in the northern Cotswolds have two shepherd’s huts in their wood (one sleeping two, the other four), which they’re letting out to glampers. James Kerr’s photographs right and below give you an idea of the style of accommodation. There’s also a composting loo, which I’ve been assured isn’t smelly – and a ‘hot outdoor shower through a bucket.’

You’ll note there’s no sign of rain in either of these photographs. Email us if you’re interested…

Alternatively, if you’re determined to try out some authentic camping, young designer Ross Pugh has designed a pop-up tent that can be erected and dismantled in seconds.

His tents can also be connected together to create a camping community – and then folded away into easily transportable carrying bags.

Oh, and whenever you’re camping, it’s always useful to have some practical accessories around. Curiously eccentric (OR WOT!) Mark H has created a handy clip called Le Croc, which is quite the perfect accessory for glamping – and is available exclusively at ShopCurious. The ultimate crocodile clip, Le Croc is 18 carat gold plated by a company that also works for the Royal Mint. Made in the Midlands, every clip is trimmed with an individually customized tie hook. Cracking!

Talking of ~~Mark~~ camping, do you remember Mike Leigh’s hilarious Play for Today, Nuts in May?

Do you?

Glitterati, glamour and mystique

2011-07-21T01:02:00.000-07:00

I wandered around the National Portrait Gallery’s Glamour of the Gods exhibition behind two elderly ladies, curiously amused by their oohing and aahing. Like teenage girls unable to keep a secret, they simply had to know the name of ‘that gorgeous chap on a motorbike’. I told them he was Steve McQueen, but was a little befuddled, as his photograph didn’t appear to be on display… They were reduced to a state that can only be described as ‘gaga’ by photographs of the male filmstars and celebrities of yesteryear – Elvis Presley had them in raptures...

Sharing their excitement was rather fun, though the seventy or so stunning vintage prints from John Kobal’s archive are probably enough to get anyone going. Dating from around 1920 to the 1950s, the images are of movers and shakers in the creative and performing arts, along with key members of the Hollywood glitterati.

And they are beautiful. With a beautifully illustrated catalogue to match. Though we’ve also a finely illustrated photography book at ShopCurious: Filmstar Portraits of the Fifties (published in 1980), has no fewer than 163 glamorous photographs of the stars – introduced and edited by none other than John Kobal himself.

It’s strange, but today’s stars do absolutely nothing for me. Yesterday, Nespresso sent an email to ‘follow George Clooney in Costa Rica.’ I can think of nothing more dull – especially as I rarely ever drink coffee. Yet I could look at the glamorous photographs in this exhibition all day. Perhaps it’s about more than just glamour… I suspect being ‘godlike’ has quite a lot to do with the curiosity factor.

Do you?

Fashionable fine art...

2011-07-20T01:35:00.000-07:00

Despite the contemporary design of its Chelsea home, Heatherley’s School of Fine Art is fairly traditional in approach – at least that’s the impression I got from my visit to preview the Annual Exhibition, which starts today. I was invited by my neighbour, Patrick Earle, who has just completed a portrait diploma at London’s oldest independent art school. His works stretch the boundaries of Heatherley’s tried and tested painting techniques to handsome effect. Amongst his exhibits, Earle bares his soul in a curiously clever self portrait - inviting us into his inner world, to share his absorbing love of painting.

Even further removed from a prescribed formula, and closer to fashionable trends of the art and design world, is a series of works by Caroline Weir. Combining found objects with musical forms, old dolls, bones, skulls, anatomical specimens and charred embers, Weir has captured a number of current themes.

She’s even created a rudimentary automaton called The Tapper, which brings to life an old 'cello case.

ShopCurious particularly likes Hell’s Kitchen, which showcases Weir’s accomplished ceramic sculptures in conjunction with a retro cooker… and Tabasco Sauce bottle.

The show is open until Saturday 23rd. Do get along to see it.

Will you?

Recycled retro style rocks

2011-07-16T00:09:00.000-07:00

A staple of the jukebox, Elvis Presley’s Jailhouse Rock probably kept quite a few teenagers out of jail in the late 1950s. Instead of making mischief, they were jiving away the hours at their local diner – or more likely at a youth club in the UK.

“The American diner has had a lasting impact on popular culture – influencing fashion, design and music – as well as our habits of eating and dining out. Diners also seem to be perennially popular with young children and teenagers…” Find out why the diner is still commanding respect from today’s youth in my latest post at The Dabbler.

Retro style is currently very popular and musical accessories are an emerging trend for the coming season.

At ShopCurious, we’ve found a curiously cool piece of jewellery that combines both trends in a fun, recycled charm necklace. Lovingly handmade by Jo Knowles-Lee, each necklace consists of a vintage domino, together with an enamelled guitar charm on a plain black chain.

If you’re curious to know what to wear to your local diner, I think this simple but stylish accessory would look perfect for a casual night out with friends.

Do you?

Couture and stars at Claridge's

2011-07-13T04:47:00.000-07:00

I was impressed by my old friend Nicholas Oakwell’s debut couture show, held in Claridge’s elegant French Salon on Monday. His first collection, inspired by the scenic designs of Robin and Christopher Ironside, was unusual without being overly showy.

Sophisticated designs in luxurious fabrics such as cashmere, chiffon, lace, leather and silk jersey incorporated draping, pleats, ruffles and beading. Large collars and exaggerated shoulders were very much in evidence – and bang on trend for the coming season.

As the team who’d put so much effort into creating the collection and presenting the fashion show relaxed backstage, I managed to sneak a few ‘behind the scenes’ shots. I was rather taken by the dramatic Ironside print cape…lined with feathers – and the classic chiffon gowns, with beading and delicate starry motifs.

Talking of stars, we’ve a lovely pair of vintage, star shaped clip-on earrings at ShopCurious. Delicately embellished with mother of pearl and iridescent rhinestones, they’d probably work rather well with Nicholas’s designs.

I wouldn’t mind one of the dresses either, though I’m curious to know the price…

Are you?

Festival of fashion and design

2011-07-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

ShopCurious recently acquired a copy of the original programme for the 1951 Festival of Britain. It’s packed with colourful advertisements placed by booming British businesses of the era.

I’ve picked out a few of the ads, mainly featuring fashion and design, just so you can see how things have evolved over the years...

Technology may have advanced, and social structures been broken down by massive changes, but have you noticed that fashion and home furnishings are looking curiously retro of late? I wonder if the way we run our businesses and conduct our relationships will also become increasingly inspired by the styles of a bygone era?

Do you?

Eccentric travels in time and space

2011-07-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous idea: an exhibition dedicated to eccentricity. Pop down to the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford for some ‘unexpected objects and irregular behaviour.’

Hear stories of the eccentric owners of some of the extraordinary items in the museum’s collection. Plus, there’s a whole programme of events running through the summer – and, in case you’re away, the show’s open until 16th October, 2011.

Talking of the history of science, we’ve a beautifully illustrated, curiously collectable out of print book at ShopCurious.

Even the notion of landing on the moon would have been considered somewhat eccentric when this book was published in 1961, but soon we’ll be holidaying in space…

Anyway, Timothy’s Space book would make a lovely gift for an inquisitive child – or for anyone who’s incurably curious.

Are you?

Chameleon-cool light sculptures

2011-07-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Moving swiftly on from curiously colourful clothing to vibrantly coloured lighting…

A curious trend in lighting design is that lamps are becoming more sculptural. These days, many lights are more akin to sculptural works of art. Designers are also lighting up interior furnishings so that pieces of furniture double up as lamps too. Coloured lighting effects are looking to be especially popular.

Our latest StyleCurious interview features the wooden designs of inventive designer-maker, Graham Marjanovic, whose unique light sculptures are now available at ShopCurious.

Graham’s lamps are cleverly designed to combine the natural beauty of sustainably sourced organic wood with colour-adjustable LED lighting – so you can change the colour of your lighting to suit your mood:

Will you?

Curiously colourful rowing fashions

2011-07-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

If I told you I’d tickled Sir Steve Redgrave’s ear with a feather, you might get the wrong idea. But the problem with ‘substantial’ fascinators is they sometimes get in the way. I was at Henley, on the lookout for curiously colourful fashions, when I bumped into the Olympic rowing superhero at the Leander Club. He towered over me, even in my skyscraper heels, and we had a ffffascinatingly close encounter.

It’s so exciting when men make an effort to dress up – and Henley Royal Regatta is an occasion when they can go overboard (not literally, I hope). Rowers seem to go to all sorts of lengths to look original. One fellow had even cut up his old school curtains to create a strikingly unique Hampton School jacket (below).

Under a table, I spotted these fabulous socks, worn by an ex-naval officer, in port red and starboard green. I wasn’t so sure about the shoes though…

There were the usual striped ensembles – including some with very distinctive buttons.

And there were plenty of unique accessories...

... from brightly coloured watches to curiously clashing ties, preppy waistcoats and suave cravats.

I bumped into my old friends from Bedford Rowing Club, whose flower corsages were wilting a little in the sun.

And for some, the heat of the day was all a little too much.

Not so for 99 year old Rex (below) who kept me amused for ages with tales of Henleys past - and he'd been visiting the regatta since 1936!

By the way, in case you’re wondering about my unusual charm necklace, it was one from ShopCurious, which can also be worn as a belt.

Oh, and you can read more about the Henley dress code over at the Dabbler.

Will You?

Design art: making an impression

2011-06-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

When writing a piece on 3D printing/computer generated design, I stumbled upon this quote in Michael Eden’s blog: “In an increasingly post-digital world, there is a move towards a pre-industrial landscape. Eased by global connectivity, cottage industries are sprouting up everywhere. People are creating their own products, services, and art. They are rediscovering the satisfaction of creating a tangible product, the process of making, the lessons from making by hand.”

The skilled workmanship and practical benefits of artisan crafts are becoming ever more appreciated – which is great for students about to graduate from the Royal College of Art (as illustrated in my post at The Dabbler). ShopCurious notes that the traditional snobbery surrounding art versus craft is coming under closer scrutiny too.

I wouldn’t describe myself as a designer-maker, but, I did have a go at a spot of DIY design when I contributed towards Lulu Guinness’ Be a Pin Up installation at Clerkenwell Design Week. Participative art has become a popular means of promotion for arts organizations and retailers.

In this case, the tools on offer consisted of a giant slab of metal pins that could be moulded into a shape by pressing your body against it – effectively creating a human sculpture. First I observed the technique, watching a couple of chaps do their curiously creative thing (above and left).

Then I had my own attempt. Initially a straightforward full body replica - though I didn’t appear to have any hips, and there was a large hole in my chest…

I’d really wanted to create something a little more original, so I raised one leg up as high as it would stretch and shoved my foot into the pins. I certainly created a very curious impression (see below), sustaining a bruised and bleeding shin in the process.

I was too shy to submit my feeble efforts to Lulu's contest, but it just goes to show that anyone and everyone can be a conceptual artist.

These days, 'design art' is as much about making an impression as the quality of the work itself. If you’re an aspiring artist, as in the music and film industries, you should be prepared to bare your soul in order to gain recognition…

In future, what may become more important is creating something useful. Perhaps this accounts for the burgeoning number of craft workshops and websites – and the emergence of DIY design? But a word of warning: don’t expect your handiwork to look perfect.

Will you?

Timeless textiles

2011-06-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

QR codes remind me of the classical inspired look of former RCA graduate (now honorary fellow and visiting professor), Sue Timney, whose work was recently on show at London’s Fashion and Textiles Museum.

Back in the early 1980s, finding someone to buy your designs meant trekking half way around the world – in her case to Japan, where her printed silk scarves, shirts, ties, ceramics and stationery were snapped up by luxury retailers, enabling her and ex-partner, Grahame Fowler, to expand their Timney-Fowler business in the UK. Since 2001, Timney has concentrated mainly on private and commercial interiors projects, and is known for her distinctive monochrome styling. She’s also designed restaurants and styled Joseph’s interior shop, ‘Pour la Maison.’

The exhibition featured a lot of her 1990s work, which was developed for fashion and interiors, using images recurring throughout the cut out work of Timney Fowler – statues, architectural details, cutlery, furniture, clocks, musical instruments, animals, heraldic symbols, kitchen implements and decorative frames.

Clocks and clock faces have been something of a trademark of her style between 1985 and 2010. Many of the clock images are based on an original art deco railway clock, which was also on show at the exhibiton. Astronomy is another theme she’s interpreted in her uniquely bold manner.

Emma Shipley’s printed textiles, currently on display at the RCA show, are equally stunning. Her drawings are inspired by botanical illustrations. Some are drawn by hand using graphite pencil on hot pressed paper to assure a ‘quiet asymmetry’, and other designs are developed using a computer, programmed to incorporate a random element into the process.

As it happens, founder of the Fashion and Textiles Museum, fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, is also an RCA graduate. And, if you’re looking to invest in a piece of vintage textile design, we’ve a curiously collectable 1970s Zandra Rhodes painted lady silk scarf at ShopCurious.

Are you?

QR coding the future of design

2011-06-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

The Royal College of Art’s graduate show, Show RCA 2011, starts tomorrow. Billed as ‘a must see event for anyone interested in 21st century art and design,’ the description fails to convey the breathtaking creativity and innovative genius of the designers whose work is on display.

This year, a unqiue QR code is incorporated into the details of each of the 431 students works, linking to their relevant page in an online catalogue, their Linkedin profiles and CVs.

What we may eventually discover is that blown up versions of QR codes are great as works of art in their own right, especially as the monochrome look is so popular in interior styling these days - and mosaics are also experiencing something of a revival.

ShopCurious spotted this fabulous fashion inspired QR piece (left), please let us know if you have any information on the artist.

RCA exhibitor Thorunn Arnadottir’s designs incorporate both QR technology and mosaics. Her project explores ‘the juxtaposition of fame and personal privacy in the new environment.’ By fusing ancient African methods - beads for communication and masks that project identity with modern technology - she proposes a way of channeling the current obsession with vanity and fame, to the benefit of NGOs and charitable organizations.

But she’s also created this ‘super-self-promotional dress’ for a pop star Kali in Steed Lord (see below). The curiously clever fashion statement is composed of QR codes that link to online promotional material, which can be viewed instantly on fans’ mobile phones.

I'm not sure if Kali really needs the dress...

Are you?

Designs to drive Dad crazy

2011-06-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Father’s Day! How about a spot of auto porn to spice up Dad’s special day… ShopCurious has put together a selection of car photos taken in and around London, where everything to do with cars is suddenly in fashion.

First, as part of Westminster’s Festival of Sculpture, Lorenzo Quinn’s Vroom Vroom appeared in Park Lane. The unique sculpture features a giant hand, holding a full size Fiat 500.

Then, at Clerkenwell Design Week, sponsored by Jaguar, a number of top of the range cars were on display – including the beautifully designed C-X75 concept car (below).

I had my eye on something a little more eco-friendly. When Office Electrics pedal car came by, I simply had to try it out. It’s powered purely by leg-work, but there are solar panels to provide green energy for extras, like music.

I wasn’t exactly dressed for cycling, but it looked such fun aboard the pedal car that I threw caution to the wind. This video clip gives an idea of what it was like riding up the Clerkenwell Road on the curiously communal car:

Vintage cars often pop up at summer society events. A retro Morris Minor was on show at Chelsea Flower Show.

And this fabulously old fashioned Roller (below left) added a touch of character to the car park at Royal Ascot, reminding me of racing picnics from a bygone era.

By the way, a seriously cool car comes up for sale at Chiswick Auction rooms on 28th June – I simply love this replica of John Lennon’s hand painted hippie style Royce. Forget about Dad, I rather fancy a car like this myself...

Do you?

Hats, history and racing fashion

2011-06-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

Styles have changed dramatically over the past 300 years, but the tradition of the Royal Ascot race meeting has remained an annual fixture of the summer social season. The event has become an occasion for racegoers from all over the world to indulge in a little English eccentricity – wearing quirky hats, unique accessories and curiously original clothing.

I’m not sure whether Royal Ascot has always been as much about the fashion as the horse racing, but photographic evidence from past decades shows that dressing up has certainly been a major part of proceedings.

In celebration of the 300th Anniversary of Royal Ascot, the display of vintage photographs of royals and celebrities at the event includes this stylish shot of Sophia Loren in a wonderfully wide brimmed hat - along with pictures of some of the more curious clothing, like these over-the-top outfits from the ‘swinging sixties’:

Nowadays with catwalk shows, a Fashion Bar and live televised fashion commentary, Royal Ascot has become a firm favourite with fashionistas and designers alike.

Like most women, I'm not so much interested in the racing as the parade of hats, handbags and amazing attire on show. Apart from the official dress code, the way people choose to ‘dress up’ is a matter of personal taste... On the first day, yesterday, I noticed that flowers were very much in fashion.

I wore Vivienne Westwood with a recycled hat, accessorized with a floral hairslide, found in a drawer just before I left. I jazzed up my look with quirky '70s style snakeskin shoes, a vintage basket bag and a tasseled natural stone necklace from ShopCurious – worn sideways, of course.

Some ladies opted for the retro look – from 1930s floaty tea dress to 1950s prom style.

Others were more fashion forward, like Vivienne Westwood's head of couture, in a futuristic flying saucer hat by Philip Treacy – and a rather arty looking Aussie visitor.

One lady definitely stood out from the crowd in a pearl encrusted, rose-adorned Marie Antoinette style wig. A simple, cat-eared hat by Stephen Jones was also rather different from the mainstream.

Men are able to express their individuality at Royal Ascot too. Photographer, Francis Mander, arrived looking as though he was ready for a spot of farming. And one chap, wearing a pith helmet, had obviously got on the wrong ‘plane.

Some wore exotic headgear and brightly coloured waistcoats.

And David Shilling’s Royal Ascot birthday tribute topper was madly marvellous.

From old to new, there were some blinging accessories on show as well - from rhinestone bejewelled antique watches to crystal covered mobile 'phones.

Best of all, it was a lovely sunny day, and everyone seemed to be smiling…

Are you?

A curiously arty party...

2011-06-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition seems to be more about art than exhibitionism this year. At the preview party a couple of weeks ago, everyone was talking about Christopher Le Brun’s ‘Salon hang’ in Gallery III. This style of display is named after the Salon Carre of the Louvre, where, from the eighteenth century onwards, the gallery walls were painted dark green or red, and filled to the rafters with the new art of their day. Until the late 1880s, it was the custom for Royal Academy shows to have their works displayed in this manner, in contrast to the modern ‘white cube’ format.

I didn’t notice much evidence of figurative art coming imminently back into fashion. However, there were some indications that the contemporary art market has turned a corner and is looking back in time for its inspiration. There have been plenty of detailed reviews already, but here’s a selection of photographs from the party and a few lines from ShopCurious:

William Norris & Company’s food was suitably arty, and presented in dinky little trays. There was a curiosity cabinet style display of antique kitchen and glassware - or was that an exhibit? I also wondered if a tiny fork I spotted on the floor was part of the show?

The lovely ice lolly girls in the courtyard added a soupcon of retro flavour to the evening.

Arty folk always manage to look curiously cool – there were musicians in Missoni, and artists in... Jasper Conran – and lots of exceptionally well turned out types. I posed in my vintage Vivienne Westwood dress beside Jeff Koons’ Colouring Book, made from high chromium stainless steel with transparent colour coating (the sculpture, not my dress). And next to Olu Shobowale's Coffin to Die For... And with Tracey Emin.

There’s money in art, but is it worth the asking price? Would you pay £90,000 for Allen Jones’ Think Pink – a hot pink mannequin in a crumpled blue wrapper? Or £60,000 for Martin Creed’s Work No. 998 – a pile of retro style chairs?

The one piece everyone seemed to like, Keith Tyson’s Deep Impact, wasn’t for sale. I was rather taken by John Bellany’s Homage to Michael Spens, which provided plenty of food for thought. Fellow Royal Academician and exhibitor, Hughie O’Donoghue, admired the triptych with me, commenting that it reminded him of Max Beckmann’s work.

Simon Leahy-Clark’s Library II was created from newspaper cuttings on canvas. And fans of pop art are likely to be attracted to David Mach’s Mini Marilyns, which are made from matches.

I don’t usually spend much time in the architecture room, but there was one piece I absoloutely loved – and I’m not sure who's responsible for this fabulously futuristic model? I adore the organic, flowing lines and the way the wood is layered in terraces.

Whatever anyone else says, it’s always worth seeing things for yourself. You’ve got until 15th August to visit the show. So do let me know what you think.

Will you?

Fishing around for Father's Day?

2011-06-11T00:54:00.000-07:00

I was sorry to hear about the flood of sewage, caused by heavy rain last weekend, reportedly killing around 20.000 fish between Kew and the Albert Bridge. When the tide’s out, I’ve occasionally seen the odd angler bravely wading out into the River Thames – a tradition that must stretch back to time immemorial. According to a local fishing club, The Wandle Piscators, even Nelson fished the Wandle (a tributary of the Thames), with his good arm, until his death at Trafalgar.

I can see the appeal of fishing in the event of being marooned on a desert island - but why do people, especially men, become so obsessed with this curiously uneventful pastime? I decided to have a go myself – in an attempt to discover the allure of the strange sport… though being a fair-weather sort, I opted for a deep sea fishing trip in the sunny Caribbean. Not such a great idea if it’s not sunny, but STORMY.

Bravely overcoming my strong desire to bug out, I spent several hours inhaling stomach churning diesel fumes and foul fishy aromas, as the boat pitched at crazy angles. The vessel was equipped with all manner of curious fishing paraphernalia, which the captain and his mate put to use with professional nonchalance, even when the boat was at 45 degrees in a squall.

Despite feeling a little queasy, I was determined to maintain my sartorial elegance throughout - but, boy was I glad when I saw the beach rapidly zooming towards us, as the boat accelerated back to shore at breakneck speed. And we actually brought in a reasonably decent catch - including a 25 pound Wahoo - a very tasty trophy.

By the way, if your Dad’s a keen fisherman, then look no further than these fabulous vintage fly fishing cufflinks from ShopCurious, which would make the perfect Father’s Day present.

Anyway, there was I thinking that a more sedate form of fishy activity, like a trip to see Selfridges Project Ocean, might be a little less dangerous than deep sea fishing – but my curiosity to capture these strange chaps on film caused me to fall off the end of the escalator:

Will you?

PS If your Dad’s into something other than fishing, check out my special selection of unusual gifts for Dabbling Dads.

Champions of curious creativity

2011-06-09T00:33:00.000-07:00

There’s so much going on in London - I sometimes worry about venturing outside our culture-crazed capital, for fear of missing something… Nevertheless, next week I’ll be travelling a few miles up the road to attend Royal Ascot. I’ve yet to decide which hats to wear. I’ll probably find myself doing a bit of DIY decoration at the very last minute.

As florals are in fashion, I might take my inspiration from the finalists in the Florist of the Year award at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, whose theme was 'a day at the races'. They created these magnificent jockey vests from freshly cut flowers, all displayed around Tom Hare’s stunning 2-D willow sketch of a race horse (see right and below).

For men, one of the advantages of Royal Ascot is that they get to dress up too. If you’re going along, ShopCurious has some curiously appropriate accessories, like these vintage ‘steeplechase’ cufflinks, which will certainly set you apart from the crowd. They’d also make a great gift for Father’s Day, which is useful, since that falls just after Royal Ascot – so if you’re curiously clever, you can save a few bob by using them for both…

Will you?