Novembre in November

Last night I went to the V&A for a talk by the charismatic Italian Architect and Designer, Fabio Novembre.  Such a passionate designer, he talked about Italian design today (death by Citterio) where he finds inspiration (films and women) his design technique (no drawing, only gesticulation) and how he started his career (just say YES!).  I think Dezeen will be publishing a transcript of the talk soon.  Really inspiring hearing designers talk so passionately about what the do.  After some Peroni's and nibbles, went for a scrummy tagine at the new Comptoir Libanais at South Ken.  Perfect Tuesday design day!


http://www.dezeen.com/2011/11/29/tonights-peroni-collaborazioni-talk-fabio-novembre/

Breakfast at Fabergé?

I met the inspiring George Woolaghan this morning for a coffee and pain au raisin at The Mount Street Deli in Mayfair.  After we had our fill of coffee we popped over to the newly opened Faberge store on Grafton Street (Bond Street), via Tadao Ando's new fountain (autumn leaves included).


The store is the first one in London since 1915, and we even had the pleasure of meeting Carl Faberge's Great Granddaughter, Sarah  Fabergé.  The interior is quite restrained, letting the jewellery speak for itself, but there are nods to their Opulent Heritage in the furniture and kitsch doll house inspired displays.


The eggs retail upwards of £4000..... I think I'll have to wait a while before I get my hands on one!


Pretty much the friendliest high end retailer I've ever been in, I'd highly recommend a visit, even if your christmas budget can't stretch.

Christmas at St. Pancras

Strolling home from a gig last night, I was walking through St. Pancras, and came across this monster Christmas Tree being constructed!


Perhaps low carbon footprint... you can recycle the pieces once it's taken down!

Lighting Envy

Not that I'm trying to promote other interior designers from my blog... but Autoban always do projects I love, and they are based in my favourite European (or Middle Eastern?) City, Istanbul.

I really admire the way they have designed these lamps using completely different forms and materials than what is typically expected.  It could be that in this new "technology" age, designers need to think outside the box in terms of producing products and interiors.  What we expect is maybe not really valid moving forward.

Autoban

Sunny Sunday

A lovely day in London!  I had a friend visiting from Berlin, so it was the perfect opportunity to show them around Camden and Primrose Hill (my spiritual home).  The leaves are turning, proper winter is around the corner.... 

Work Life

It's been about a month since I've started working solo and looking for a bit of freelance work.  I'm lucky to be working on 2 great projects, they are really taking off, and I've been working on mood boards and concept designs for bar areas and lounge spaces.  Just a few shots of what I've been up to.

Moochin around

A friend and I did some gallery browsing this afternoon, and saw some wild and wonderful things!  Ranging from photos taken during an ill fated Arctic expedition, sculptures made of sugar (coral reef) or salt (beads and grapes) at GV Art Gallery near Marylebone High Street and the "Power of Making" exhibition at the V&A, along with generally enjoying the rest of V&A's permanent collection.  The Power of Making was really interesting, showing all the processes of designer makers go through to craft their pieces of art or products.  Put on by the Crafts Council, exhibitors included famous designers such as Ron Arad, through to artisans from the Cotswolds, showing dry stone wall construction.  Personal favourite, giant gorilla made of coat hanger wire....  Short and sweet, I'd highly recommend the show, it's not too heavy going, and it's interesting!  On until the 2nd of January, 2011.