Shauna Richardson among artists for Save Wild Tigers show at the Cafe Royal, London. Auction to take place at the Savoy.

An exclusive tiger-inspired art exhibition will take place at the Cafe Royal in London from 22nd September to 1st October.    Twelve designers were set a challenge by wildlife charity Save Wild Tigers to create works of art that will be sold for the charity at a gala dinner at the Savoy.

Among the featured artists is Shauna Richardson who invented the term Crochetdermy® for her distinctive crochet-sculptures.  She has set her global reputation based on her amazing crocheting techniques in creating realistic life-size animal forms.

Shauna set about crocheting a tiger working solely in white mohair yarn, the stripes and areas between the stripes being created using changes of stitch direction.

Shauna’s tiger inspired piece along with many other prestigious artists works will be on show at the Cafe Royal from 22nd September - 1st October before being auctioned at the Be Inspired Gala Dinner Event held at the Savoy London on the 9th October.

Shown here and above is her latest creation for Save Wild Tigers.

Among Shauna Richardson's latest creations is this stack of animals entitled The Bremen Musicians, which took eleven months to complete.

The Bremen Musicians is based on a German folk tale by the Brothers Grimm, and stands 3 metres tall. The tower, featuring four life-size animals - a donkey, dog, cat and a cockerel, was created using a flat battleship grey Aran wool which reflects the grey area between art and craft in which Richardson’s work inhabits.

She has also previously produced public art commissions including a flagship project for the London 2012 Olympic Games for which she crocheted three 25ft lions that toured the UK in a mobile glass vehicle.

Superdry's new shop in Canary Wharf, London

British brand Superdry has opened a new shop in London's Canary Wharf at the Jubilee Place shopping mall.

The 3,400 sq. ft. shop is well-stocked with its iconic product ranges, including new product categories such as Rugby By Superdry and Sport.

All pictures supplied by Superdry.

The decor reflect the store's flagship on Regent's Street featurog concrete and distressed timber flooring in keeping with the brand's DNA.  Customers enter through a vintage oak doorway, and find products on display below a signature industrial Mason jar chandelier.

Never-seen-before rugs of the Beni Quarain tribe, now at Bazaar Velvet

Still on the subject of sheep, recently while doing some research into wool for the purpose of rugs, I’ve come across a selection of Benniz Berber hand-knotted rugs now just arrived at Bazaar Velvet.

They have been selected personally by Christopher Mould, the owner of Bazaar Velvet on his trip to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco earlier this year.

It is thought that the Beni Quarain tribe have been making Berbers almost since the time they settled in the Middle Atlas of Morocco over twelve hundred years ago.

They were, and to some extent still are, Nomadic people, roaming the mountains with their tents and flocks of sheep.  The Beni Quarain tribe handmade the rugs from lush wool trimmed from the sheep they raise.  These were originally used as blankets to protect them against the freezing conditions of the Atlas Mountains.   Therefore unlike most Moroccan rugs one can find in the market square (Jemaa el Fna) of Marrakech, Beni Quarain rugs are not colourful, yet their geometric patterns on harmonious shades lend them a contemporary air. 

Beniz rugs are created from the wool of an ancient breed of small sheep. This is then carded, spun and dyed in small pots. This contributes to the colour varieties, the individuality and charm of each piece. Their patterns are simple, often composed of converging lines of unmatched irregularity. They are constructed using the technique of hand knotting and their pile is left long and loose. This is what gives the rugs their shaggy appearance, which is undoubtedly one of their greatest attractions, making them gorgeously soft underfoot and no doubt giving any room an air of comfort. A particular feature of the Beni Quaran Berber is the way it’s finished. The ends are flat and free of pile. The loose strands are then twisted together to create a fabulous rope like fringe which really sets off the rug.

While in recent years Beni Quarain rugs have been featured in design magazines for tastefully designed homes, the Benniz Berbers at Bazaar Velvet are rich in character and heritage, made in the traditional way by traditional people with modern interiors in mind.

Addicted to Sheep – Documentary film offers authentic insight into farming life in the North Pennines. London Premiere on Friday 28th August at Picturehouse Central.

If you wish to watch something that will take your mind off the hustle and bustle of city life, you would enjoy a new docu-film called Addicted to Sheep.  I did.

Addicted to Sheep, due to have its London Premiere on Friday 28th August at Picturehouse Central, is the feature debut film of director Magali Pettier (herself a farmer’s daughter) who gives an authentic look into the life of a tenant-farming family – the Hutchinson.

For the family, raising sheep is not just an addiction: it’s a livelihood, a way of life that many in the small close-knit community of The Raby Estate have chosen to lead.  Parents Tom and Kay spend their days looking after their flock of Swaledale sheep, while their three young children help out in the daily chores, and attending a school entirely comprised of farmers’ children.  

The film follows the couple’s work in nurturing, grooming and selling their sheep as the seasons change. 

While giving an intimate insight into the endless list of hard work, in all weathers, of running a farm, the film showcases the total commitment of a hill-farming family in the North Pennines. Such is the authenticity of the film I could almost feel the cold during the winter scenes (bring a sweater to the cinema if I were you) and smell the sweat in the sequence of the clipping (or shearing) of sheep.   In portraying the family’s dedication to their flock it draws you into a unique way of life in a remote rural world.  Thoroughly admirable.   Whoever is contemplating the idea of giving up their city day jobs for a relaxing life of running a farm should think again.  But if you're after a life of  simplistic happiness that the material modern world cannot provide, maybe farming is your answer.

Director Pettier followed a year in the family’s lives, capturing both the stark, stunning beauty of the landscape, and the brutally hard graft it takes just to survive.  She single-handedly shot and directed the indie film, working alongside Producer Jan Cawood of Tin Man Films and editor Matt Dennis to develop more than 60 hours of footage into a feature-length film. Other members of the creative team included sound expert Chris Watson and composer James Burrell. The production has spanned more than four years and the post-production was completed with the help of international crowd funding.

 “Addicted to Sheep has been a labour of love for our team and I’m delighted with the recognition of our work.  It’s a great privilege to be able to present Addicted to Sheep with prestigious partners who really care about indie films including Picturehouse Cinemas, Tyneside Cinema, Bertha DocHouse amongst others. Thanks to the Hutchinson family it feels like a real achievement to now be able to share the film with a wide audience to show a world difficult to witness up close, what it’s like to be a tenant farmer, especially given the current headlines about the issues farmers are facing," said Director/Producer Magali Pettier.

While the mentioning of sheep may invoke the fashion connection to wool, apparently the off-white colour and coarseness of the Swaledale sheep wool prevent them from fetching high prices, according to Wikipedia, but its strong and durable properties make it suitable for carpets, rugs, and insulation.   Nevertheless promoters said life-size sheep models made from the wool of The Hutchinsons’s flock, by the talented felted sheep maker Julia Knott from F’git-me-Knott Designs in Cumbria, will also be making their way to the city and go on the UK cinema tour too.  Provenance Films has also announced that the feature documentary which had its World Premiere at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2015, was nominated for the Environmental Award.

Addicted to Sheep will be released by the North East based Provenance Films in UK cinemas and celebrate its London Premiere on Friday 28th August at Picturehouse Central. 

You can watch the trailer by clicking here.    

Shoe and bag designers cite Portuguese tiles as inspiration

Istanbul.  Photo by Lucia Carpio.

Food, lifestyle and interiors are often beautifully entwined with fashion.  Often the link may not be initially obvious, but the association is realised very quickly. A recent promotional image of Cornwall-based celebrity chef Rick Stein is a case in point.  
It stirred not only fond memories but also culinary interest on my part and a longing sense of travel to hot exotic climes.  In a publicity photo, Stein (currently promoting his new travel-cum-cuisine book From Venice to Istanbul (BBC Books) that accompanies his new cookery TV programme of the same name)  is wearing a washed denim shirt and jeans against a backdrop of exotic wall tiles that one often associates with Mediterranean, South European and North African cultures.  

The association forms an alluring yet relaxed picture of well pulled-together styling. 
If you want to follow Rick Stein's gastronomic journey From Venice to Istanbul through countries of the former Byzantium empire, you can watch it on BBC2 this month on Fridays at 9:30 pm.  You can catch the programmes you've missed on-demand on iPlayer.

Portuguese ceeramic tiles.

In my visits, though limited, to a number of European, Mediterranean and North African destinations over the years, I have often admired the profusion of colour and creative designs on ceramic wall, pavement and floor tiles that demonstrate the unique patterns of each culture which in turn go on to influence modern designers.  

Attending the Pure London trade fair held a couple of weeks' ago at Kensington Olympia, I met two Portuguese designers who both talked passionately about inspiration from Portuguese tiles that formed the basis of their footwear and bag designs.

For one, Marita Moreno showcased her new Sculpture line of shoes and bags handcrafted in white linen and contrasting leather embossed with mosaic designs that can be defined as those of typical Portuguese pavement tiling, known as Calçada Portuguesa.  

According to lisbonlux.com, the Portuguese capital Lisbon's ubiquitous cobblestone designs were first introduced in the 18th century, during the rebuilding of the city after the 1755 earthquake. "The apparent inspiration was Roman mosaics, and it was an ingenious way to reuse the earthquake rubble. Lisbon was therefore covered in small limestone and basalt pieces, creating black and white patterns without the use of cement."

Marita Moreno, featured in the new Premium Footwear section at Pure London, designer of her own eponymous  brand uses Portuguese craft production component for her contemporary designs.

Marita Moreno's contemporary shoe designs are infused with Portuguese craftsmanship. 

Moreno's unique and distinctive ranges are produced in small quantities and she takes pride in using mainly natural materials in her designs, from wool and leather to cotton, silk and cork, all enhanced by Portuguese craftsmanship.
Another new Portuguese shoe brand is 7hills which features motifs taken from Portuguese ceramic tiles. The designs also feature influences from dancing shoes such as little ballerina bows and satin ribbons as shoe laces.

The brand's first capsule collection is called “Shall we dance?”, in leather of grey, pink and burgundy.  A couple of ballerina slippers even feature tulle netting at the back like a ballerina's tutu skirt.
All pictures by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

Castellano, the bag and accessories brand showcases unique Colombian craftsmanship

To the untrained eye, these bags and bracelets from the London brand Castellano (seen last week at the Scoop trade fair in London) are beautiful in their exotic colours and unique craftsmanship.  But to the indigenous women of Colombia – the Wayuu and the Arhuaca people, they represent a cultural heritage characterised by patterns and colours unique to their tribes.  Each item represents a unique time-consuming weaving technique embedded with ancient tradition and symbolism.

"Each product is one of a kind, handwoven with love, energy and life from an ethnic culture which is proud to maintain its traditions," according to founder Daniella Castellano.

Each of the bags are handwoven with a single strand of thread which makes them very tight and strong. While the vibrant patterns are unique to their tribe, the shoulder strap of each bag is in fact adopted from a unique woven belt called si’ira, a tradition of the Wayuu tribe of Colombia and Venezuela which are used to adorn loincloths worn by their men.

Many of the bags and accessories are embroidered with Swarovski crystals too to add a touch of luxury, while he limited-edition backpacks are handcrafted and trimmed with soft leather.

 

These luxury bracelets woven by the skilled Wayuu artisans are embroidered with Swarovski crystals.

London-based designer Daniela Castellanos has founded her own brand of fashion bags and accessories (made mainly in sheep wool) based on these unique craftsmanship to help support the Wayuu and the Arhuaca people while promoting their unique craftsmanship and preserving their cultural heritage and skills.

Upon completing her degree in Journalism and Communication in December 2013, Daniella embarked on a spiritual journey throughout her native Colombia which led her to some of the most remote areas in the desert and north coast of her country.

Fascinated by the life and unique weaving artisans she had discovered, and after spending weeks learning from and sharing with these communities, she decided to launch her own fashion brand to share her passion with the world.  Daniella said part of the proceeds from the sales will go to support the manufacturers and empower local women.  Each product has its own story and its personal manufacturer’s name is known.

There is much to learn about Castellano project and details of the tribes can be obtained from her website.

All photos by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

Meanwhile, if you want to know more about the Si'ira belt (used as shoulder straps for the Castellano bags), Netherland-based author Mirja Wark has taken a detailed look at the history and geography of these indigenous people that form a backdrop to the central role played by textile crafts in their daily life.

This book tells the story of the si’ira and the women of the Wayuu from the dry and windy Guajira peninsula of Colombia and Venezuela who weave them to adorn loincloths worn by their men and sons.  \on the simplest of upright looms, they manipulate their warps and wefts to produce the bold designs.

The book also gives an extensive collection of woven line and pattern designs but whilst new designs are being added to this living craft, much information is often lost and interestingly the Wayuu weaver is found to work from example or memory.

The book ends with a practical guide on how to weave your own si’ira, with all its twined and pleated binding cords and colourful pompons.

Mirja Wark is an enthusiastic weaver, weaving teacher and organizer of textile tours and has written numerous articles and short notes about weaving and related subjects.

Clothing with Cheeky messages to raise funds for charity at an upcoming trade show

A range of clothing with cheeky slogans by the charity Papworth Trust will be available at the Autumn Fair at Birmingham’s NEC in September.

The fun pun-based Can Clothing range for adults and children have been a big hit since its launch last year, having been exhibited at the BBC Good Food Show and Gardener’s World Live where they won the backing of celebrity chefs including James Martin and Tom Kerridge and the public alike – with cheeky cooking and gardening phrases like ‘I’m ganaching my buns’ and a baby range which includes ‘Don’t mention my soggy bottom’.

The Can Clothing range is packaged in reusable cans, and proceeds from the sales will be used to provide essential care and support to older and disabled people and their families.

Annette Angell, fundraising manager at Papworth Trust, said: “We wanted to create a quirky and different way to fundraise – where donating wasn’t just about giving money.

“Instead you would be getting something you really loved, safe in the knowledge that all proceeds go to supporting disabled people in the UK.

Some 1,400 exhibitors and an estimated 29,000 visitors from the UK and overseas will be expected at the Autumn Fair in Birmingham which runs between 6-9 September.

UK’s freshest new models to compete in world event in China in November

The winners Chris Tydings and Charlotte Corn will go on to compete for the UK
at the Elite Model Look World Final in November held in China.

Meet new models Chris Tydings and Charlotte Corn (above) who have been selected at a special competition hosted by the Elite Model Look and British fashion brand Superdry.   The two young models will compete for the UK at the Elite Model Look World Final in November in China.
While it was in its 7th year running, it’s the first time that Superdry had teamed up with Elite Model UK as their official Fashion Partner. 

Ten finalists took to the catwalk at Superdry’s flagship store, on London’s Regent Street, to showcase the latest Superdry Collection in front of a panel of judges, which included fashion experts from the teams at Elite, Superdry and, fashion designer, TV personality and Elite Model Look UK ambassador, Oliver Proudlock.  

The event started with a champagne reception where fashion advocates, bloggers and editors were among some of the many guests who were entertained with beats from Femme while sipping on uniquely mixed Perrier based cocktails. 

The stiff competition that took place a couple of weeks ago also resulted in two extra surprise winners - Kofi Morris Heather and Elli Jordan - who will both feature in the next Superdry collection campaign.  Congratulations to all the winners.

The 10 finalists outside Superdry's flagship store at Regent Street in London.
Over the last few months, both Superdry and Elite teams scouted the UK in pursuit of finding the freshest faces to take part in the competition.

Superdry is renowned for their portfolio of critically acclaimed models, including Cindy Crawford, Ming Xi and Gisele Bündchen, and was said to be thrilled to be involved with Elite, helping young men and women enter the competitive world of fashion.  

Forget designer bags, a cool road bike is the latest must-have, says Olympic champ Trott

Judging from the enthusiasm shown over the weekend for the London-Surrey bicycle races, one can be forgiven to conclude that cycling has become a favourite national sport and the attitude to riding bicycles has certainly changed dramatically since the London 2012 Olympics.

 

Versatile folding bicycle from Dukebike

Take it from Olympic cycle champion Laura Trott in an interview last week with the Evening Standard, the image of road bikes has transformed and is today a status symbol to rival the designer bag.

Trott said when she started cycling when she was a kid, it was not popular and she felt “almost embarrassed” going down the road on her bike.  She thinks today things have certainly changed, and it has become “a craze” and considered to be “cool”.

“It’s like a designer handbag.  You spend all that money and you don’t want to ruin it.  It’s the same kind of thing,”  said Laura Trott.

Now if you’re seeking something contemporary and handy, almost as light as a handbag, cool Italian label Dudebike have created a collection of vintage folding bikes which are very on trend and awesome.

The retro-inspired but light bike with a frame made in steel is perfect for anyone who wants the freedom to take off into the countryside or fly through the city streets.

With 20 inch wheels, the Dudebike which comes in 5 colours can be easily stowed in the car or taken on public transport, and at only £275 it’s cheaper than many designer handbags.

Now available at limelace.co.uk