British winter olympics team kit for Beijing 2022 to be made in part from recycled ocean plastic

Ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games (scheduled from February 4 - 20), sports brand adidas has unveiled the new Team GB and ParalympicsGB uniform kit, with designs incorporating insulation made from recycled ocean plastic developed by environmental organization Parley Ocean Plastic which collects plastic waste at coastal communities and shorelines.

The high performance insulation - PrimaLoft insulation x Parley Ocean Plastic - features in pieces including the hooded podium and mid-layer jacket.  The material is composed of 100 per cent recycled fibre and the manufacturer claims it is also fast-drying, durable and breathable.

Sporting colours of the British Union flag, navy blue is the dominant colour offset by sky blue, white and vibrant red flecks on sleeves and uniform legs.   The kit also includes the Olympic Village shoe consists of the adidas ULTRABOOST 22.

The adidas Team GB  apparel range is now available on the adidas Team GB website.

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair along with London Antique Rugs and Textile Art open in London Battersea Park

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair - an event for exploring interior possibilities

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair winter edition is back in Battersea Park, London this week (from 25-30 January 2022) with its wide array of antiques, design and objects of art for decoration from more than 150 exhibitors, including specialist dealers in furniture, lighting, mirrors, textiles and accessories with a dateline to 1979.

Also held concurrently at the same venue is LARTA The London Antique Rug and Textile Art Fair on the mezzanine of The Decorative Fair.

For those seeking unique and unusual conversation pieces and one-of-a-kind items or the perfect interior piece, there are lots to  select. 

And for anyone looking to add depth to one’s décor and interior spaces, there are also art galleries showing paintings, prints, sculpture, posters, and beautifully crafted works of art of all eras from the classical to the contemporary.  Also there are jewellery, vintage bags and watches for discerning collectors.

The Decorative Fair, launched in 1985 as the first antiques event to specifically cater to the interior design industry, is the go-to fair for top international decorators, and buyers wanting that special and unique piece for their homes. The exhibitors’ creative displays provide inspiration and exciting ideas for using antiques in different settings. Garden designers visit to source statuary, planters, metalwork and architectural elements, tables and seating for exterior spaces.

The quantity of items on show is impressive, and a myriad of design ideas are showcased driven by the renewed interest in storied interior schemes featuring old-school maximalism - colour and pattern, chintzy textiles, well-loved objects for more traditional styles, while modern and minimalist designs are equally enticing, as well as propositions spanning different periods and layering varying styles.

Organisers are optimistic this January fair will be another success, as there was tremendous demand at the previous Autumn 2021 Decorative Fair from customers looking to source country and classic pieces in traditional English woods such as oak, walnut and elm, unusual decorated antiques including marquetry, inlaid or painted commodes and cabinets, and sleek deco and mid-20th century French and Italian designer seating, mirrors and sideboards. 

Sales of antique and vintage textiles, rugs, and lighting were strong, in fact all areas of stock faired exceedingly well, with many dealers reporting their best ever Autumn Fair.

On the mezzanine is LARTA The London Antique Rug and Textile Art Fair which has returned to this January after the annual event was held online only in 2021.

Organisers reported 18 of the best dealers from around the UK and Europe exhibiting a rich array of carpets, rugs and textiles on the mezzanine of The Decorative Fair. 

Among the four newcomers exhibiting are Alberto Levi Gallery from Milan, Italy; and from the UK are Phil Bell Antique Oriental Rugs, Bakhtiyar from London and Hampshire and Rug Addition from Berhamsted in Hertforshire.

Also exhibiting for the first time is Ian Shaw, Tribal Art & Textiles from Glasgow, Scotland.

Future 2022 dates for the Decorate Antiques & Textiles Fair are: 

Spring Edition, 4-8 May (Wednesday to Sunday)

Autumn Edition, 4-9 October (Tuesday to Sunday)

All Photos © Lucia Carpio 2022

“Reborn” the new collection by Juana Martín presented in Paris Haute Couture Week

Spanish designer Juana Martin from Cordoba returns to the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, with a collection “that invites us to get excited about spring again.”

Juana Martin, who is synonymous with elegance and strength, stages on January 27th a collection entitled Reborn to show off her “most daring and resilient side, without neglecting her more flamenco roots.”

Inspired by spring, Reborn is a parallelism with the force that nature has to come back to life. 

She features elaborate fabrics, including embroidered silk organza that is cut and, with a wiring system to give form to flowers that sprout from the garments, expressing nature in full explosion.

”As a fighter and optimistic woman, I wanted this collection to be a tribute to the ability that we are having as a society to adapt to the uncertainty in which we navigate”, says Juana Martín.

The designs have the unmistakable stamp of the firm: extra-large volumes in organza, guipure and lace, all in black, white and beige colours as background. 

A differentiating touch, the black and silver studs are defined in its flamenco polka dot, in a more glam and rocker version.

The Reborn looks are complemented by five models from VOA Collective, the high-end eyewear brand that stands out for its avant-garde designs, made exclusively by artisans in Japan.

This is the eighth time that the designer has presented in the City of Light, since she started her career in 1999, and the fourth time within the Haute Couture Week in Paris. 

Juana Martin reaffirms herself as one of the most important names in Spanish fashion on the international scene, both for her renown style and for her ability to work with unique fabrics and extreme structures with their own personality.

London Fashion Week presented by Clearpay to go physical and digital this February

London Fashion Week slated for 18 - 22 February will be a hybrid event again, featuring digital-physical offerings, comprising catwalk shows, presentations, appointments, and events throughout London, as well as digital content available on the Official Digital Hub at londonfashionweek.co.uk. 

The full schedule to be released next week. A trailer and its provisional line-up are available on its website now.

Texworld Evolution to take place in Paris 7 - 9 February

Messe Frankfurt France have confirmed that textile industry exhibition Texworld Evolution will proceed as planned from 7 - 9 February 2022, at the Paris Le Bourget Exhibition Center.

International exhibitors include companies from Bangladesh, China, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Netherlands Pakistan, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Ukraine.

Texworld Evolution February 2021 at Atelier Richelieu, Paris.

The exhibition is divided into four distinctive shows covering a wide range of products:- 

Texworld highlights 100 international weavers, divided into several sectors.

Apparel Sourcing is dedicated for buyers sourcing finished products for clothing and fashion accessories.

Avantex is the international innovation trade show for an advanced and sustainable fashion.

Leatherworld is the European platform dedicated to the leather and related materials industry for the sourcing of raw materials & finished leather goods.

Texworld Evolution February 2021 at Atelier Richelieu, Paris.

On the fabric side, the fair will play host to a Turkish pavilion of 50 companies, organized by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, as well as a Korean pavilion of some 30 companies organized by our partner KOFOTI. 

Texworld Evolution February 2021 at Atelier Richelieu, Paris.

Exhibitors in the Elite sector will offer many GOTS certified fabrics, while the weavers and embroiderers from the above mentioned countries will display a diversified and qualitative offer: Turkish jacquard, exceptional embroideries and draperies from India, as well as high twist fabrics for womenwear from Indonesia.

Texworld Evolution February 2021 at Atelier Richelieu, Paris.

Among the newcomers is the Japanese company Stylem Takisada Osaka, which specialises in sustainable cottons, and two new embroiderers from India, ECO royal and August Craft, featuring modern and creative handmade designs.

Texworld Evolution February 2021 at Atelier Richelieu, Paris.

On the apparel side, there will be more than 100 manufacturers from a dozen countries, as well as some 40 Chinese exhibitors in a dedicated area where sourcing experts mandated by the participating companies will be on hand to provide the latest information.

Premiere Vision Paris in February to take place as a hybrid event with both physical and digital offerings

Premiere Vision Paris September 2021 event.
Photo courtesy of PV Paris.

Come this February, Premiere Vision Paris will be held as planned in Parc des Exposition in Villepinte, north Paris, where more than 1200 exhibitors including spinners, weavers, textile designers, accessory and component makers, tanners, fashion manufacturers and eco-fashion specialists - each handpicked by a committee of international experts. – will present their Spring Summer 2023 collections and latest innovations.  

While this will mark the much-awaited return of the physical event, to take place from 8 – 10 February, there will also be digital offerings online from 7 – 11 February for those who are not able to attend the show in person.

Premiere Vision Paris September 2021 event.
Photo courtesy of PV Paris.

The physical event will showcase 3 forums for professional visitors to discover the exhibitors' very latest creations under the following headings:

- Do it Sustainably (Hall 4): eco-responsible innovations and developments.

- Give it Flair (Hall 5): the SS 23 color range and the season’s decorative highlights.

- Keep it Incomparable (Hall 6): the invisible properties of the season's product developments, the materials' qualities and technical performance.

On the programme are Conferences for physical attendance as well as Digital Talks sessions.

The Conferences will feature topics that include Circular fashion, bio-sourcing, Spring/Summer 23 trends, consumer viewpoints, re-inventing growth, sourcing and supply focus.

PV's own fashion team will present the SS 23 season's latest innovations, leading trends and colour focus, through in-depth articles , videos and product selections for attendees to sample both at the show and online on the Première Vision Marketplace.  The articles will be uploaded for the launch of the Digital Week.

While preparing for the show, one can check out their magazine to keep up-to-date with the season's latest trends, sustainable innovations and industry know-hows. 

For full details of the Premiere Vision Paris February 2022 show, click HERE.

Lakes and Fells release Maximalist Wallpaper Range

Cumbria, the county in North West England famous for its iconic Lake District National Park, is home to design house Lakes & Fells.  Following the inception of their Fabrics and Interiors range in previous years, 2022 has brought the release of their own Wallpaper range.

Lakes and Fells wallpaper: Gallus

Lakes & Fells is a design house which finds inspiration in nature as well as man-made structures and their digital designs are maximalist abstract narratives on the landscape and the world around us. 

Liam Barrett

Founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Liam and Lucy Barrett, who left managerial jobs in London to follow their dream of setting up their own interiors and design house. 

"We're very excited about taking the leap into the wallpaper market as we've enjoyed the last couple of years designing and selling our print fabrics for your interior projects, and this step felt like the natural evolution of our business".

"Much like our fabrics, the wallpapers will be for the brave and bold DIY/renovator/decorators out there.

How people use wallpaper now has evolved so much over the last few years; gone are the days of covering 4 walls with one style - people are now concentrating their style in much quirkier ways whether it be a half wall style with a Dado rail, papering little alcoves and nooks, papering inside understairs cupboards and using the paper to use on upcycling a cabinet". 

Lakes & Fells wallpaper: Songbird

"Our designs are perfect for those maximalists out there, however adding that little pop of statement print to a minimalist style can completely elevate your room to the next level without being overpowering.

Lakes and Fells wallpaper: Love Blue

We have started our range with some of our original prints and we will be releasing several more wallpapers over the coming year. Samples of each paper can be ordered from our website, " said Liam Barrett.

Scoop x Pure to showcase new AW22 collections February 8 - 10 2022

This amazing image combining fantasy with fun and style marks the new campaign for the Autumn/Winter 22 edition of the premium contemporary womenswear trade fair Scoop x Pure, slated to take place at the Truman Brewery London from 8-10 February 2022.

This rococo-inspired creative references the ornamental and theatrical "style without rules" period and will be emblazoned across the show interior as well as on social media, posters, and Scoop x Pure wool and silk scarves.

Karen Radley, Scoop Founder and Managing Director, said: “The design team at Ratti S.p.A. Como (Italy) and I have so much fun developing the seasonal creative for Scoop. This season for Scoop x Pure AW22 is no exception. I love the cheeky fantastical Rococo inspired world. There is so much fun and fantasy throughout and I could spend hours taking in all the theatrical elements. It sets the tone for the February show and will provide a spectacular backdrop for our beautiful designers.”

Karen launched Scoop in 2011, curating over 250 designer labels, featuring premium women’s fashion along with luxury home, beauty, lifestyle and selected men’s collections.

Pure (previously a separate event) brings together industry experts to showcase the best of the season’s collections. It provides a global platform for over 1,300 womenswear, menswear and childrenswear collections.

Karen says, "After the incredible success of last season’s event, we’re looking forward to introducing Autumn/Winter 2022 with fresh talent and new designer collections.  Over three days, you’ll find the hidden gems you need to see across a curated edit of women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, footwear and lifestyle.

It’s our mission to gather all the elements of fashion – from design, clothing, jewellery and lifestyle – to inspire people’s curiosity and make ordinary days feel special.

I am excited to tell you we have a line-up of new designers who will be making their Scoop x Pure debut at this Autumn/Winter 2022 show including; Mou, Norr Copenhagen, Way Out, Lam, Oats and Rice, La Chanteraise and so many more...

Some of the noteworthy designer names that we’ll welcome back include: Sacrécoeur, Ecoalf, Louise Hendricks, Quinton Chadwick, Humility, Eribe, Aspiga, Sancia, Arche and Conditions Apply."

This is what some visitors who attended last season’s Scoop x Pure had to say:

Georgia Reinecke, lounge and sleepwear buyer at Anthropologie: “It’s a really good range of brands. It’s exciting to see a lot of colour and to meet people we’ve been talking to virtually.”

“The show was full of bright, colourful brands and a lively atmosphere.” Gabriele Dirvanauskas, Draper’s.

Copenhagen Fashion Week - February 1 - 4 - announces AW22 Show Schedule

Copenhagen Fashion Week that will take place in Copenhagen on the 1-4 February has unveiled the AW22 show schedule, presenting 20 physical activations that will be digitally broadcast alongside 9 fully digital showcases and 2 digital showcases with physical screenings, alongside a curated list of events, talks and activations. 

Marimekko AW21

The full series will be available to watch live from YouTube/fashion - streamed directly on the home page for the global community. 

The brand line up features 31 celebrated names, including rising talents like A. Roege Hove and (di)vision, who will showcase alongside internationally renowned Nordic brands such as Ganni, Stine Goya, Holzweiler, Saks Potts and Marimekko.

The AW22 edition will also see a welcome return to the likes of Martin Asbjørn and Wood Wood. Furthermore, Jade Cropper, the winner of this season's Talent Slot, will present for the first time as part of Copenhagen Fashion Week. 

For the third season of the Zalando Sustainability Award, Iso.Poetism by Tobias Birk Nielsen, Fassbender and Tomorrow Denim will present their collections as finalists, with the winner announced during the AW22 edition.

Click HERE for the full schedule.

London Art Fair 2022 postponed. New dates announced.

London Art Fair has been postponed from 19 – 23 January to 20 – 24 April 2022.  It will still take place at the Business Design Centre, Islington.

Organissers at Immediate Live took the decision to postpone the fair due to the ongoing ramifications of the Covid variant. 

Sarah Monk, Fair Director, said whilst there are no government restrictions that stop them opening, they believe this postponement will enable the fair to be run safely in the most successful and enjoyable way for all.   

She said: “Whilst we could have continued with the event as planned within government guidelines, we are keen to deliver the best possible Fair for our galleries, sponsors, partners and visitors. We have worked with our exhibiting galleries from the UK and internationally to make this decision, prioritising the well-being of all of our attendees. We are dedicated to delivering the same exceptional content that we have been planning for the last 12 months and look forward to you experiencing the line-up of talks, workshops and curated displays that we have scheduled, in London this April”. 

London Art Fair will present its 34th edition featuring more than 100 selected galleries celebrating the best in Modern and Contemporary Art to discover and buy. 

From prints and editions, to major works by renowned artists from the 20th century to today; the Fair nurtures collecting at all levels, providing expert insight through an inspiring programme of talks, tours and curated exhibitions.

Mexican restaurant chain The Chiquito launches Vegan-friendly handbag for charity

Image: Chiquito by Max Lacome

Mexican restaurant brand Chiquito has gone from fajitas to fashion and launched its first ever plant-based handbag: "Le Chiquito" specially made to raise awareness and funds for the charity, Veganuary.

Taking inspiration from one of the world’s most talked about handbags of 2021 "The Chiquito" is a small top-handled bag in vegan (PU) leather that can also be worn over the shoulder.  It comes in a vivid bi-colour design of the brand’s famed blue and yellow, reflecting two of the Pantone Color Institute’s top ten standout colours for the season – ‘Spun Sugar’ and ‘Daffodil’. 

So anyone wanting to be Spring/Summer 2022 runway ready can bid on them in an online silent auction on Chiquito's website throughout January 2022.  Just 100 limited edition bags will be available, and  all proceeds will go to the eco-friendly charity partner, Veganuary.  The aim of the campaign is to encourage people and businesses to move to a plant-based diet as a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering, and improving the health of millions of people. 

Luana Herrmann, Head of Brand and Marketing at Chiquito said: “We’re confident ‘The Chiquito’ will be turning heads on the street and we couldn’t be prouder of supporting Veganuary with their important work for another year.” 

“Our vegan menu has always been an important and ever-evolving part of our brand, and we continue to support and keep our vegan guests at the forefront of our minds. Every year it becomes more vital that we’re giving our customers as much variety as possible in our restaurants. 

“It’s not every day that Chiquito puts its hand to designing a fashion accessory, so when we do, like our food, we do it right.” 

Toni Vernelli, Head of Communications & Marketing at Veganuary, said: “Chiquito has been supporting Veganuary since 2016 and we’re thrilled to have their continued support again this year. Their new vegan-friendly handbag shows that fashion and compassion can go hand in hand.  

“The funds raised from the silent auction will be vital in assisting our continued efforts to promote a meat-free lifestyle. It’s never been as important as it is now to make simple changes that can have a lasting impact.”