Checks and stripes and all things nice for summer

In the UK these past two weeks have been disappointingly wet and cold, although it's a blessing that we are now allowed to dine indoors in restaurants, bars and eateries.  

Still we are earnestly willing the weather to improve so that it will be warm enough to be outdoors, especially to spend time with loved ones and friends in a great setting for picnics and relaxation.

Just launched in time for the British “staycation” by Heating and Plumbing London is the ultimate “Rainbow” Picnic Set that comprises a pure new wool blanket with grey waterproof backing in a rainbow pattern and yellow strap; and two matching rainbow pure new wool cushions also with waterproof backing, come supplied with a cotton keep-safe bag.  The set comes in various colours and designs, and also just launched is a new waterproof rainbow picnic blanket for kids.

And for the adults, complementing the picnic set is a Portable Champagne bucket with leather strap - Made in the UK and France, created for those summer evenings spent on the beach or in a local park calling for a nice bottle of rosé or Champagne that needs to be kept cool while enjoying the sunshine. The base of the Champagne cooler is shaped, so that the bottle is slightly tilted and can be nicely covered with ice and remain very cold. 

As we enjoy outdoor dining and activities, many check and stripe patterns have come to the forefront as a great way to brighten up our valuable time.

From Tori Murphy comes this classic Harbour Stripe Napkin set in claret (available also in other colours) made in 100% cotton.   Each napkin has been woven, made and hemmed in England.

Founded in 2012 by Royal College of Art graduate Tori Murphy, the brand was established with the simple aim to create products for the home with character and integrity, all woven and made in England.

After graduating, Tori worked in Milan designing prints for clients including DKNY, Fendi, and Christian Dior and it's here she experienced the factory floor for the first time and developed a sound understanding and love of textile production. Tori returned home and worked in English menswear manufacturing in the Midlands before combining her passions into one and focused on English textile manufacturing.

This zesty Lemon and Lime Stripe cotton tablecloth (150x230cm) from Walton &  Co  is complemented by calming sage green and ochre.

Based in North Yorkshire in the UK, Walton & Co has been owned by the Marshall family since 1991, and are creators of table linens, soft furnishings & nursery gifts, supplying to independent home & gift retailers, garden centres and department stores in the UK and Europe.  The firm commenced business in 1785 under the title of Walton, Oates & Co.  It has a history that is full of interest with archives dating back to the days of employment of hand-loom weavers. 

This delightful porcelain mug in gingham check for a modern country-style is from Wohnflair which offers a wide selection of Shabby Chic products from Scandinavian manufacturers and brands such as Au Maison, Clayre & Eef, but also Madam Stoltz, Van Deurs, Jeanne d'rc Living, GreenGate and Chic Antique.

Back in the comfort of our home, Antipodream has got a variety of designs to set us up in the bedroom, including the Society of Wanderers Lilac Check Pillowcase and Sheets in 100% French Flax Linen  and also with ruffles, such as these shown here, pre-washed and easy to care for, now available for pre-order.

Making Nuno - an exhibition in London of Japanese textile innovation by designer Sudō Reiko from May 17 - July 11, 2021

With the easing of lockdowns making way for a gradual return to “normal” life, many public spaces in the UK are gratefully hosting visitors once again, even indoors.

One of the textile installations at the Making Nuno exhibition currently held in Japan House London.
Photos by Lucia Carpio for MyFashionConnectGlobal.

One of these is the delightfully zen and modern Japan House London in the heart of fashionable Kensington which launched in its much anticipated Making Nuno exhibition that was  postponed a few months ago due to pandemic restrictions.  The exhibition will continue until July 11th 2021.

The exhibition showcases the innovative work of textile designer Sudō Reiko, and celebrates the Japanese designer’s creativity and passion in pushing the boundaries of laborious textile production and championing new methods of manufacture, with particular focus on the sustainability of materials and regional craftsmanship.

Textile designer Sudō Reiko in the Nuno design firm as depicted in one of the videos accompanying
the Japan House London Making Nuno exhibition.

Sudō, trained as a textile and industrial designer, has been Design Director of leading textile design firm NUNO for over 30 years and she designs fabrics that incorporate traditions of Japanese crafts with new engineering techniques and unusual combinations of diverse materials, from silk to hand-made washi (Japanese paper) nylon tape and thermoplastic, and technologies derived from Japanese hand craft traditions such as caustic burning, weaving and dying.  Her inspiring designs are currently housed in collections around the world, including in MoMA in New York and in the V&A in London.

Under the Art direction of Saitō Seiichi of Panoramatiks (formerly Rhizomatiks Architecture) a spotlight is shone on creativity that combine nature and tradition, interwoven with technology.

The exhibition includes five large-scale installations of Sudō’s work with the manufacturing processes cleverly brought to life through materials in situ and the presence of visuals projected onto light boxes to create realistic simulations. Visitors are introduced to a variety of thought-provoking processes from washi-dyeing to chemical lace embroidery inspired by rolls of paper. Each installation is accompanied by drawings and sketches, alongside raw materials and design prototypes. 

The experience to this exhibition is enhanced also by a collection of  immersive short films by art director Saitō Seiichi, featuring exclusive footage of the making of Nuno textiles, produced in collaboration with family-run factories and craftspeople in various regions across Japan, from Gunma to Yamagata, Fukui, Shiga, Yamanashi, Wakayama and Kyoto. 

The films showing textile mills in the prefectures of Gunma, Yamagata, Fukui, Shiga, and Yamanashi were first featured as part of the successful show in 2019 at the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT) in Hong Kong, while the videos filmed in Wakayama and Kyoto are screened for the first time at Japan House London.

These videos, totaling 40 minutes,  show the day-to-day operation of machinery by factory workers and technicians.  Without dialogue nor narration, the intense sound of the machinery and the dynamism of the technology behind NUNO’s production processes give viewers fascinating insights of the production processes.  

Various samples of the textiles including finished products such as scarfs are found in the retail shop of Japan House London  on the ground level.

Full information and booking of free tickets of MAKING NUNO Japanese Textile Innovation from Sudō Reiko exhibition can be found on the Japan House London website.

Premium Metal Prints for statement walls, launched by mural makers Wallsauce

While searching for inspirational wall art to enhance our interior spaces, it is key to note that the subject of the art is equally important as the medium it is presented in to create unique statement walls.

 Jungle metal print by Andrea Haase at Wallsauce.com

Just launched by Wallsauce in the UK, creators of made-to-measure wallpaper murals, are premium metal prints added to its product offering.

Geode metal print by GCC Artworks at Wallsauce.com

Wallsauce announced that most of its image library are available on the metal prints, so customers can choose from elegant floral designs to statement abstract art and anything in between.

Printed using environmentally friendly inks and the latest technology, the metal prints offer vivid colours and resistance to impact, says Wallsauce.

Floral metal print by Carol Robinson at Wallsauce.com

Installation is as simple as hanging a regular picture, according to Wallsauce.  The picture is delivered with a pre-assembled aluminium backing frame, so one can simply adhere to one’s wall’s needs which usually requires wall plugs and screws.  Customers can select the dimensions and choose from three finishes including direct to aluminium with no coating, or laminated aluminium for a protective matt or gloss finish.

Metal print by Sir Edward at Wallsauce.com

These metal prints can be hung to brighten a room, or put up outdoors under shelter. A great way to create a statement wall indoors or a gallery mural even in the garden.

Established in 2013 and based in Lancashire, Wallsauce is known for delivery custom made-to-measure wall murals. 

New Abstract Letterpress Textured Block Prints In Neutral Tones

Hatch 1 is part of an abstract letterpress series by Tom Pigeon, which is actually the pen name of designer Kirsty Thomas. 

Letterpressed in collaboration with printmaker
Thomas Mayo on heavyweight Flora Gardenia 240gsm paper.
Hatch 1 now available at ofcabbagesandkings.co.uk

The minimal prints in peach, beige and charcoal tones with echoes of architectural features are a perfect fit for contemporary interiors. Created using traditional letterpress techniques, the textured woodgrain finish is achieved by inking and printing different shaped wooden blocks. 

The prints are now available at Of Cabbages and Kings, a shop, gallery and creative space in Stoke Newington, North East London. Known for working with aspiring homegrown talent alongside established UK artists and designers, the shop stocks a handpicked selection of jewellery, stationery and homewares, while the gallery specialises in limited edition prints, from silkscreen and etching to risograph and giclée.

The Tom Pigeon studio was founded in 2014 and now works with galleries and design stores around the world. They have collaborated with clients including The Barbican, Tate Modern, The Design Museum, V&A, Team GB and Made as well as creating the Tom Pigeon collection, which include prints, homewares, jewellery, sculpture, paintings and stationery.  

Premiere Vision Paris to launch one-off event FASHION RENDEZ-VOUS this summer

It is vitally important for people to have physical contact, to connect and network with one another in the traditional way as far as trade fairs are concerned.  Thus it is interesting to learn that  one of the fashion and textile industry’s most crucial trade events, Premiere Vision Paris, has announced that it will launch a new one-off, one-time event entitled Fashion Rendez-Vous  running from June 30th to July 1st 2021, to take place at a new central Paris venue: the GRAND PALAIS ÉPHÉMÈRE.

This is timely in response to the French Government’s recent announcement that trade shows will be reopening as of June 9, with the implementation of a new health passport.

Organisers say this new event is a one-shot format adapted to the time period and the market demand, aimed to bring together an international offer, presented by exhibitors or their agents. Exhibitors who meet Première Vision's selection requirements and who have committed to Première Vision Paris.  Targeted visitors are French and European.

"We wanted to provide a reunion event for everyone involved in the businesses participating in Première Vision Paris. Most of our exhibitors have told us how eager they are to see their clients again. We are very lucky to be able to hold the event in the Grand Palais Éphémère, an amazing new temporary exhibition space right in the heart of Paris, on the Champs de Mars between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire. It's a superb setting for a return to trade fairs," says Gilles Lasbordes, General Manager ofPremière Vision.

The Grand Palais Éphémère is a indeed an architectural feat enjoying a unique location designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and built by GL events. 

Installed on the Champ-de-Mars at the beginning of 2021, it will remain in place until the end of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in the summer of 2024. A structure that can be dismantled and reused, built from sustainable materials - a project fully in sync with today's environmental imperatives.

Meanwhile PV orgasnisers have also announced their other Denim Premiere Vision events that will be staged in the following months.  First on list is the 2nd edition of the Digital Denim Week, followed by another physical show in Superstudio Piú in Milan slated for October 13 – 14, and a third event in 2022 on May 17 and 18 in Arena Berlin.

Images from Premiere Vision Paris.

Adding geometric shapes to enhance a modern look

Designers often talk about colours, textures and mood for enhancing our indoor living.  There are also other dimensions of course, and one of them is to use geometric shapes which can effectively bring a feel of modernity to any interior looks.

While geometrics may not appeal to everyone especially to those looking for a soft romantic look, they come in various form, shape, lines and points.  Here are a few ideas that can instantly add geometry to any interior space.

Top right shows Tower 3 Light Cluster Pendant in Black Copper from Dar Lighting featuring a cascading trio of wire frames in matt black with bright copper lamp-holder detail.  

Cluster pendants are fantastic for stairwells or anywhere with a long drop. They also look great in a corner over a low table, where they can make a real feature out of an otherwise dull dark area. The simple Scandi style of the Tower cluster pendant ceiling light is perfect for framing vintage style decorative lamps, giving additional interest.

At top left from Word Up Creative is a contemporary abstract art print with lines and circles in beige, black and mustard with a white border. This print outlined in a black frame will look perfect in any living room, bedroom, playroom or office.

Word Up Creative is an online lifestyle store based in Cheshire, UK that sells gifts, stationery and home decor products. 

The bottom image shows Geometric Pearl Day Bed from Myface based in Portugal.  With its distinct shape and oversized scale, it is deal for injecting a significant visual weight in any terrace or patio scenario. Meticulously stitched weather-resistant cushion and upholstery are in powder-coated textured fibre. 

New London fashion trade fairs announced as UK government announce easing plans to further open up economy

Photo source: SCOOP London previously held at
Saatchi Gallery.

One may say things are looking up in the UK as a successful vaccine roll-out is encouraging the government to guide life back to normal.  But like our volatile weather things can still turn unexpectedly.  Nevertheless, when trade fair organisers start announcing new dates for their physical events, there is a sense of positivity in the air. 

The UK government has recently announced that all COVID-19 limitations and restrictions will end on 22nd June so while organisers are monitoring this development closely, events are planned accordingly in line with government guidelines.  As economists would say, in times like these, certainty is a powerful thing. When you have clarity today, you can plan for tomorrow with confidence.

For one, a new Future Fabrics Expo, West London, showroom* has been announced to take place from 22nd June to 2nd July 2021.  The fair, deemed the 9½, is aimed at supporting fashion professionals who want to source in-person more responsibly-produced textiles and materials, all supported with educational and informational displays.  This interim Expo will key as a destination for sourcing sustainable materials.  It offers a physical showcase of thousands of materials, along with sustainability knowledge, supplier insights, advice, and networking events.

Organisers say those who can't join them in person can tune in online as panel discussions will be livestreamed featuring insights from experts and thought-leaders every day, 1PM - 2PM during the Expo. One will also be able to explore newly launched features on their Future Fabrics VIRTUAL Expo that for online sourcing.  Details for registration will be announced soon.  Attendance is by advanced booking only.

Photo source: SCOOP London previously held at Saatchi Gallery.

Meanwhile the trade show organiser HYVE GROUP has announced new changes to SCOOP x PURE and PURE ORIGIN events which will which will move to new dates in September and in a new venue in London.

Scoop and Pure London will unite to take place on 7th – 9th September 2021 at the iconic Old Truman Brewery for the upcoming hybrid exhibition, showcasing a highly edited line up of fashion, home and lifestyle collections, while sister event Pure Origin will be co-located with Scoop X Pure bringing the entire fashion supply chain under one roof.

Curated by Scoop founder and MD, Karen Radley, Scoop X Pure will showcase the “best in show”, highlighting the collections and labels across the Scoop and Pure London rosters. Designed to offer a “department store” atmosphere, Scoop X Pure will bring together both emerging and established UK and international fashion designers across men’s and womenswear while also feature a selected edit of home and lifestyle products.

After listening closely to exhibitor and retailer feedback, Hyve Group has taken the decision to move away from Scoop and Pure London’s traditional weekend datelines for this season only. Now the show has been moved to a mid-week dateline to tie in with retailers’ visits to Shoreditch-based showrooms in East London, allowing them to return to their shops in time for busy weekend peak periods.