Spring has finally sprung, in an exploding confection of sugary pink blossom.
However hard the winter, Spring arrives at roughly the same time every year, with a fecund flourish of magnificent, flowering buds.
The eternal beauty of Spring never ceases to amaze and uplift the spirit.
(click on the photos to enlarge)
If you share my love of blossom, this unique. vintage 1950s, floral raffia handbag, available at ShopCurious, is covered in candy coloured blooms, and simply perfect for Spring weddings , or dressy outdoor occasions. Pastel pink, camellia and candy colour accessories are going to be big this season too.
Sir Hardy Amies, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 93, is said to be the longest living fashion designer, even outliving Coco Chanel, who died aged 88. Amies’ style is synonymous with timeless elegance, and is immortalized in the classically decorated, chandelier and mirror filled interior of his Savile Row premises – now a museum and archive in tribute to his memory. I was recently fortunate to catch the end of an exhibition held at the magnificent house, celebrating 100 years of Hardy Amies.
As well as vintage designs by Amies, the show featured personal memorabilia, including photographs of family and clients, sketches, fabric swatches, mementos of events and original ephemera from his years living and working in the rarified world of haute couture.
Best known for being designer to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Hardy was patronized by an international clientele that included royalty, film stars and the aristocracy.
Located in a street world renowned for men’s tailoring, his business served both men and women, and was very much the English equivalent of a traditional French couture house.
However, Amies was also involved with the production of rather less glamorous ‘utility clothing’ during World War II, eventually becoming Chairman of the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers. He was commissioned to create quite a number of uniforms as well, including this one for the airline BOAC.
Incidentally, the books you can see behind this mannequin are a complete set of original copies of Vogue Magazine, dating back to 1945. Apparently, the only other collection of this type is to be found at Vogue’s offices, but that is kept under lock and key.
My visit to the exhibition was by way of a reception, hosted by Fashion Group International (FGI), which has recently re-launched in the UK and is currently recruiting new members. Here are some photos from the event – including one of photographer, Mario Rebelo, alongside the Evening Standard’s outrageously dapper Maurice Mullen.
And here am I wearing a suitably eclectic mix of lovely tights by Bebaroque, plus vintage beaded bag, asymmetric quilted dress by Emma Cook and necklace from Biba (along with my cheap-but-chic chain store shoes). The fabulous hair accessory is made using recycled vintage jewellery, from a collection that will be available at ShopCurious later this month.
For more information about future events, plus some charming personal insights into the house of Amies, watch this short video of the speech given by FGI’s Janine Roxborough Bunce:
By the way, the forthcoming exhibition at 14 Savile Row is going to be all about Hardy Amies and The Windsors. I can’t wait…
And, if you’re a fan of stylish, beautifully made, classic clothing, look out for our Hardy Amies giveaway – coming up very soon.
The river is constantly changing and there’s always plenty going on. Over the weekend, I wandered down to watch the University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge: an annual rowing event that’s been held on the River Thames in London since 1829.
I’ve been watching the crews training for the past few weeks, from the comfort of my flat overlooking the river. They venture out in all weathers – mainly strong winds and driving rain at this time of the year…rather them than me.
As I walked towards the start of the race at Putney Bridge, I checked out the form of the teams from a distance.
It was rather a gloomy afternoon, but that didn’t stop around a quarter of a million people lining the banks of The Thames to catch a glimpse of the teams as they sped past. Of course, we'd all have kept a lot warmer and seen much more of the race had we settled for the brilliant television coverage, but being one of the spectators at this hugely popular event is all about soaking up the atmosphere.
The assembled throng seemed to be more ‘beer bellies and baby buggies’ than the ‘blazers and boaters’ usually associated with rowing events. Typically, there were a few rather curious characters who stood out from the crowd.
London based Filipino artist, Chito Salarza-Grant (right) was wearing an extraordinary hat that he’d designed especially for the occasion.
He kindly let me try it on, but the handmade boat was so heavy that I had to stoop forward to prevent the hat toppling off my head – not such a great look for me.
Being by the water, I rather wished I’d worn some of Bebaroque’s stylish, silky sheer Saylor tights, which have just arrived at ShopCurious. They're totally covered with sailor inspired tattoo designs and perfect for after-race parties... though, unfortunately for this occasion, the screen printed pattern comes in a shade that's probably best described as Oxford blue.
In any case, I decided not to hang around and celebrate, as I had some visitors arriving.
The following day, we went for a walk along the river and it was altogether a different scene.
We could hear the chants and roars of Fulham supporters from the football ground across the river, but on our side things were pretty much back to normal for an Easter Sunday - with just a few people about, dodging the April showers, to walk their dogs and babies.
And so the river of life goes on…
As observed by the curiously appropriate motto on the clock of St Mary’s Church in Putney:
Regardless of your religion, or desire to hear the Pope’s Easter message, there’s no place quite like Rome for a weekend break. I doubt that anyone can fail to be filled with awe and wonder on visiting a city so stunningly laden with artistic and architectural treasures: the legacy of ancient history and a rich cultural heritage.
Top of your list of places to see will be the Vatican Museums, encompassing the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and so much more… If you’re a lover of art and sculpture, you’ll probably want to spend a few weeks camping out here (if only that were permissible). Other amazing monuments include the Colosseum, the Forum and surrounding Roman remains, the Pantheon and lots more besides.
If you like shopping for antiques, Rome’s quaint patchwork of narrow streets, alleyways and courtyards is home to plenty of high end emporia, where you’ll find fine quality pieces, mixed in with quirky curiosities – though all at a price. There are also vintage flea markets, especially on Sunday morning, where you’re more likely to find a bargain – though best to dress down and leave your fancy handbag at home.
Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems too, as tucked away in side streets, on corners, or atop buildings, you’ll find secret places - including theatres, pizzerias, shrines, sculptures and curiously enticing ice cream parlours.
One thing you’re also almost always guaranteed when you travel to Rome is sunshine.
Typically, when I last visited, the heavens opened and it poured down.
The fact that it rained for just one day had taxi drivers constantly moaning about how miserable this made them feel – thank goodness they don’t live in London!
Anyway, in my opinion, the best thing about Rome is that the city actually seems to reflect all the celestial inspiration that’s gone into creating its glorious buildings and artworks, making everything just as beautiful come rain or shine.
Rome will be eternally loved, whatever the weather...
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