Style blitz hits Shoreditch

After it was decimated by bombs during the London Blitz, much of Shoreditch was rebuilt in soulless 1950s and ‘60s style. However, in recent years, the area has re-emerged as the inspirational new design hub of our capital. Artsy, vibrant and full of innovative young designer-makers, the area is enjoying its newfound status as the global centre of all things creative, cultural and cool.

With London Fashion Week almost upon us, and London Design Week (or London Design Festival as it now seems to be known) just ahead of that, this is the perfect location for a celebration of creativity at one of the most exclusive and stylish events of the Autumn/Winter season – The Shoreditch Ball.




On 15th October at Shoreditch Town Hall, local celebrities and the East End fashion cognoscenti will attend a night of culture, dancing and cabaret. A very special art, furniture and fashion auction is being hosted by Adrian Biddell of Sotheby’s, featuring work donated by local artists, fashion and furniture designers – reflective of the original creativity for which Shoreditch is renowned – and raising funds for local causes (Charity, TLC Care and local cultural hero, Chris McMuck). You can even bid for lots in the auction online, in advance. In view of the Pope’s impending visit to London, some of the items seem curiously appropriate.




The JAM Cross is a crucifix light, glowing pink and blue, inspired by the Las Vegas wedding chapel. Made in frosted Perspex and measuring 152cm x 92cm, this global symbol, drenched in meaning and iconography, is an exploration of religious taboos and fashion.







Pakistan based Alixandra Fazzina’s ‘Maternal Mortality’ is one of ten limited edition photographs of a startling image (reminiscent of the Madonna), conveying the perils of childbirth in Afghanistan.







However, if these themes are a little too heavy for you, the auction will be followed by some jazz- with singing by Natalie Williams, dance music from the twelve piece Ray Gelato Giants and DJ sets from none other than the East End’s resident fashion starlet, Pam Hogg.

So put on your sparkly tights, (I suggest the luxury edition Lourdes design from Bebaroque at ShopCurious) and let’s go out and party! I’m in favour of any opportunity to help promote the work of talented young designers and artists… as well as having fun for a good cause.

Are you?

Time and tide...

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:

Time and Tide Stay for No Man.


Do you?

(photo by George Rex)

Art Deco accessories

Here’s a 21st century synopsis of some reasons why you might consider investing in rare and beautiful Art Deco accessories:

Buying vintage is an eco-friendly form of recycling. Just look at this fabulous original 1920s belt (right) that’s made from hand painted seeds.



Most pieces from this era are 100% handmade, using totally natural materials – and even today, it's not too difficult to source items that simply scream 'style with brains', if you're curious enough to seek them out.



Vintage is often much less expensive than its modern equivalent – take this authentic 1930s quilted python skin bag (left) and art deco clutch (right) from ShopCurious, for instance – curiously cheap and chic compared to most of today’s designer snakeskin bags.




Unique accessories from any era are highly collectable and can be a great investment too - especially well designed, high quality items of jewellery and stylish silk scarves that have timeless and lasting appeal.

There’s no denying it, Art Deco style is curiously cool – whenever, wherever ... have you seen Bebaroque’s Cleopatra tights and this amazing rhinestone encrusted headpiece? You're not drooling ...

Are you?

Luxury stocking fillers

There’s no better time than the beginning of December to start fretting about your Christmas wardrobe. This usually involves quite a few changes of dress and heaps of clothing strewn all over the place as you rush around at the last minute deciding what to wear to endless drinks parties, the office bash, at Christmas lunch, on Boxing Day and on the odd occasion you might possibly even be asked to don fancy dress … heaven forbid! Beyond that, there are probably travels all over the place to visit relatives, stay with friends, perhaps to go on holiday and, of course, to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

So where better to start the proceedings than with curious Christmas stockings – or in this case, tights. At ShopCurious, we’ve got the ultimate luxury stocking filler in the form of Bebaroque’s divine hand-embroidered tights. Not only are these velvety soft to the touch, but they’re so hot that you’ll have people falling over themselves to get them off you: Lust, envy and covetousness all come to mind – so I guess these are perfect for the office party and as the Christmas gift you’re going to buy for yourself and ask a kindly Great Aunt to pay for.

I wore some of Bebaroque’s unique and stylish tights to a rather stupendous lunch (shame about Claridges clashing and rather naff carpet) held by the Fragrance Foundation to honour Vivienne Westwood as winner of their annual Circle of Champions award - an initiative set up by the US Fragrance Foundation to pay tribute to individuals who have made a notable and newsworthy contribution to the fragrance industry.

I have to say that I do massively admire Vivienne as a fashion designer – she’s simply the bees knees. I totally adore the utter femininity of her designs, her originality and style - though I have to admit that I’m not entirely sold on her Boudoir perfume, as it’s a bit too heady and floral for me, but each to their own.

Another thing I really admire about Vivienne is her ability to be herself, no matter what anyone else thinks, which often comes across as quirky eccentricity. It was amazing to hear her wonderfully wacky speech in praise of Prince Charles and his support for global efforts to save the rainforest. It’s great that she gave that speech though, because it made me think … and it does actually make a lot of sense to strike at the root (excuse the pun) of our worldwide dilemma: I guess that, in the scheme of things, the devastating effects of deforestation on our climate, environment and air quality - and ultimately, the prospect of eventually running out of air to breathe - are even more significant than impending global economic depression?

But I bet you’re still going to buy a Christmas tree - perhaps even one that’s been sustainably grown at eco-friendly Highgrove...

Are you?