Golden gifts for Fathers' Day

This month’s blogs have the theme of anything and everything to do with gold. And, with Fathers’ Day coming up soon, I’m sure an awful lot of you must be considering stylish and unusual gifts for all of the uniquely individual and very special Dads out there? So, if your father’s worth his weight in gold, how about a little something that positively glows with your love and appreciation? Here are some ideas for gifts that rock like the golden oldie 'king of bling' himself ...










For the father who indulges in the occasional spot of air guitaring (sadly, I know a few), I’d like to recommend this gloriously gold lame tie (right), beautifully designed and hand-finished by fashion designer to the glitterati (and a fair few rock stars too), Sir Tom Baker. I’ve noticed several gold ties around lately, but none quite as cutting edge or eye-catching as this.






If your Dad’s a bit of an ageing hippy, he might also like this hand painted recycled suede jacket by Baifall Dream (right) … very 1970s Earth, Wind and Fire.

The more traditional man might like to stick to something he feels more comfortable in. Just make sure he knows that the ‘only true test for gentlemen’ is determined by whether or not they wear double cuff shirts and cufflinks ...



If your father’s the suave and sophisticated type, it’s highly likely he’s a fan of James Bond’s curiously cool style.

Christopher Lee’s Scaramanger may not be your number one fashion icon, but these vintage ‘golden gun’ cufflinks (left) from ShopCurious are certainly the sort of accessories that any well dressed gentleman would like to have in his wardrobe.



Of course, your old man might actually be more of a medallion fancier, who’d prefer a lorry load of bling around his neck. All I’d say is that you is that, whatever you choose, it’s really nice if you manage to find something that’s timeless in its appeal, something your Dad can keep and cherish forever - a gift that’s got a bit of provenance, that might even be collectable and can be passed on to future generations as an investment. All the more reason to pick something that you're rather fond of too.

Are you?

The human tribe

Blogs for March are going to focus on all things tribal, as this month we’re featuring tribal arts inspired clothing, accessories, unusual gifts and curiosities for the home on our website (some of which are curiously modelled by me here).







According to the freedictionary.com, tribal means ‘relating to or characteristic of a tribe’. The word ‘tribe’ itself seems to have many denotations, the first being defined as ‘A unit of sociopolitical organization consisting of a number of families, clans, or other groups who share a common ancestry and culture and among whom leadership is typically neither formalized nor permanent’. The word has many other connotations too – some of them resulting from tribal customs (more on this subject later).





Perhaps you belong to a tribe of ethnic or ancient origin? Or maybe you consider that we’re all part of one great big global tribe? This is certainly the view of Mike Sylla, the driving force behind a creative collective called Baifall Dream and the Human Tribe, whose hand painted recycled vintage leather clothing and handbags are currently available at ShopCurious. His community of artists from all over the world stage shows called ‘slam operas’ that include fashion, music, art, dance, drama and performance poetry.





What I love about Baifall Dream’s designs is that they’re authentic, raw, edgy and handmade. Images on their stylish pieces range from traditional tribal portraits and ethnic symbols to street art and graffiti style paintings. Every item looks strikingly individual and has its own story to tell, as well as being an original work of art in its own right. Of course, each unique masterpiece is also a part of the whole collection – rather like us members of the human tribe…

Are you?

Paris party people

I took a whirlwind trip to Paris for the end of Fashion Week. It was even shorter than I’d planned due to problems with the Eurostar and endless taxi queues. I did find time to squeeze in the odd party, though.

Here’s top mover and shaker (hence two photos!) of the French fashion fair scene, Xavier Clergerie, who hosted a ‘premiere classe’ bash. I love the way he looks so stylishly French. And the arty vintage silk scarf looks totally fabulous.

I noticed that quite a few of the men in Paris were wearing rather distinctive silk scarves – like the wonderfully charming New York based singer, Faze, pictured left. The multi- talented Mike Sylla of Baifall Dream, who made the most delicious mint tea for us, was also sporting his own trendy scarf.

I hope they all know that we’ve got a wide selection of vintage silk scarves for sale at ShopCurious, as well as quirky vintage ties and curiously English recycled vintage silk cravats.

There were lots of party people I didn’t know, but they all looked to be having a great time – and in some cases they were really letting their hair down (or shaking it up as the case may be). Do let me know if you can identify any of those pictured here, including the flag-wearing Brit … and apologies if you were caught unawares.

I later bumped into this curiously dressed chap in black designer PVC. Perfect attire for Friday 3^rd October - la nuit noire peut-etre?

And I finally met up again with the elusive M. Bonnet, pictured here in his workshop the morning after the night before (hence the uber-cool dark glasses). He kindly informed me, as I snapped merrily away, that I had become like the Japanese - some of whom, I have to admit, do seem to have bizarrely obsessive relationships with their cameras, especially when it comes to fashion.

But I was just soooo curious to see all the fascinating stuff in the hub of creativity that is his studio. It reminded me of one giant art installation with unusual hidden treasures like this unique, neigh(!) iconic sculpture... I think Crazy Horse might be an appropriate title?

Do you?