Art and Craft: London Craft Week - May 13 -19 Celebrates 10th anniversary with a rich programme spanning the capital

From May 13th to 19th, 2024, London Craft Week (LCW) will celebrate British and international creativity, bringing together 750 established and emerging makers, designers, brands, and galleries from London and beyond.  LCW promises a curated showcase sure to captivate craft enthusiasts and aficionados alike.

Across various genres covering craft, art, design, luxury, fashion, and accessories, a diverse array of immersive experiences, original exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops, and demonstrations will unfold, offering boundless opportunities for exploration. As the highly anticipated 10th-anniversary edition approaches, anticipation builds for the multitude of experiences awaiting attendees.

While spontaneous delights abound, many events boast limited capacity and require advance booking. Interested visitors should go to the LCW website  to secure their tickets and delve into details of the programme.  For real-time updates, visitors and followers can stay tuned to @londoncraftweek as the excitement mounts.

Unspun image courtesy of The Mills Fabrica,
the Official Innovation Partner of London Craft Week.

Celebrating a decade of creative exploration, LCW pays homage to visionary artisans pivotal in shaping the event's evolution, while also casting a gaze toward emerging trends and innovations set to define the craft landscape. Notably, collaborations with exceptionally talented artists and makers from across the globe, alongside esteemed cultural institutions and renowned brands, promise to enrich the experience.

The work of renowned American artist Dale Chihuly
will be among the highlights of London Craft Week 2024 to be shown in the Chelsea Barracks.
Here is a hanging sculpture by Chihuly
in the grand entrance of London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
Photo by Lucia Carpio 

Reflecting on the journey since its inception in 2015, Guy Salter, Chairman of LCW, reminisces, "It feels like just yesterday that The King & Queen launched the first London Craft Week. Now, in our milestone tenth year, we welcome over 225,000 visitors to experience 520 events featuring 700 artists and makers. Our mission remains unwavering: to celebrate outstanding craftsmanship from across the UK and beyond, leveraging the vibrancy, diversity, and serendipity of our beloved city. In our own small way, I believe we have contributed to London's cultural tapestry and reinforced the significance of the craft."

Among those stepping into the spotlight are forward-thinking artisans and brands championing sustainable materials and innovative practices to minimize their environmental footprint. Once again, LCW partners with The Mills Fabrica as its Innovation Partner, presenting an exhibition spotlighting 12 Planet-Saving Innovations across key themes such as climate change, water, land use, chemicals, waste, and microplastics.

As the Official Innovation Partner of London Craft Week, The Mills Fabrica invites visitors into the realm of sustainable innovation with a compelling lineup of events hosted in King’s Cross. Leading the charge is Fabrica X's newest exhibition, "Planet-Saving Innovations," unveiling the top 10 sustainable innovations and their impact on ecological priorities. From garments dyed with bacteria to accessories crafted from plants and cutting-edge materials derived from proteins and fungi, bespoke installations offer a glimpse into a harmonious future for fashion and textiles.

“Beyond the Loom: Contemporary Expressions of Sadu” is a unique showcase at the Embassy of Kuwait that will tell a story of cultural continuity and artistic innovation through meticulously crafted Art produced by Kuwaiti artisans.
The exhibition showcases the skilled translation of geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and cultural motifs from Sadu textiles into the realm of furniture and crafts, resulting in a stunning fusion of heritage and creativity, with each piece narrating a tale of cultural pride and artisanal expertise.
Photo from LCW website.

The LCW programme also features collaborations with leading material innovators, industry experts, and brands united in their commitment to advancing sustainable innovation in fashion and textiles. Through events with NFW, Colorifix, unspun, Positive Luxury, and The Woolmark Company, visitors are empowered to join the movement toward a just and sustainable future for both people and the planet.

Highlighting the international dimension of this year's festival will be an exhibition showcasing the work of Kuwaiti artisans, hosted by the Kuwait embassy. Titled "Beyond the Loom," the exhibition pays homage to the rich traditions of Sadu weaving, a craft steeped in history and nurtured by generations of dedicated practitioners. Originating from the demands of nomadic desert life, Sadu weaving embodies the art of transforming scarce resources into intricate and cherished community treasures, showcasing the beauty and significance that emerge from simplicity and ingenuity.

In the contemporary pieces on display, traditional Sadu motifs intertwine with modern aesthetics, showcasing the artisans' remarkable ability to bridge heritage with contemporary design. This fusion marks a vibrant evolution in Kuwaiti artistic expression, capturing the essence of adaptability and artistic innovation. "Beyond the Loom" transcends mere exhibition; it offers a meticulously curated journey through time, seamlessly blending past and present to illuminate the enduring influence of traditional arts on Kuwait's cultural landscape. It stands as a testament to the enduring impact of tradition on contemporary art and design, celebrating the richness of cultural heritage in shaping the artistic narrative.

LCW is also set to host a craft symposium at the London Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington, featuring panel discussions and keynote speeches by leading figures in the field. Delving into topics such as the evolving craft lexicon over the past decade, digital innovation, the transmission of skills through apprenticeships, and the intersection of craftsmanship and luxury, the symposium promises insightful exploration and dialogue.

Culture, art and fashion: London Tate Modern to host Gucci's Cruise Collection 2025 this May

A Gucci SS24 ensemble as shown at the 2023
Gucci Cosmos exhibition in London.

Gucci, the renowned luxury Italian fashion house, has maintained a longstanding affinity with London, a connection set to deepen this May.  

Sabato De Sarno, its creative director, will unveil his inaugural Cruise 2025 collection at London's iconic Tate Modern museum, solidifying the bond between Florence and London.

A photo of Sabato De Sarno by David Sims and a catwalk photo by Gaspar Ruiz Lindberg showing the Gucci Ancora fashion show in Milan in 2023 were exhibited at the Gucci Cosmos exhibition in London in 2023.

As detailed in the 2023 Gucci Cosmos exhibition in London, the tale of Gucci commences with a journey from Florence to London.  In 1897, a young Florentine by the name of Guccio Gucci embarked on a career at The Savoy hotel, serving as a porter. Immersed in the refined culture of international high society and captivated by the luggage they carried, he returned to Florence in 1902, opening his inaugural boutique on Via della Vigna Nuova. Specializing in English-style luggage, Gucci's venture laid the foundation for the iconic brand we know today.

 Sabato de Sarno, as Gucci's creative director, shoulders the responsibility of steering the House's vision across its collections while upholding the tradition of reflecting and shaping contemporary trends. Gucci's unmistakable equestrian-inspired emblems have evolved into quintessential elements of the brand's identity, adorning bags, suitcases, clothing, and accessories, serving as both decorative motifs and integral components.

Scheduled for Monday, May 13 2024, Gucci Cruise 2025 coincides with its endorsement of the Tate's upcoming exhibition, "Electric Dreams," slated for autumn. The choice of the Tate is strategic, marking the commencement of Gucci's three-year partnership with the institution and its campaign to champion young creatives, a testament to the brand's dedication to nurturing emerging cultural voices.

Gucci's historical ties to London trace back to 1897 when its founder, Guccio Gucci, worked as a luggage porter at The Savoy hotel, drawing inspiration for his leather goods range before establishing his eponymous brand in Florence in 1921.

During the 2023 Gucci Cosmos exhibition at London's 180 The Strand, the magnificent clothes and accessories were strikingly complemented by the opulent set design by creative British artist Es Devlin.

Just a few months back, spanning from October to December 2023, Gucci unveiled its Cosmos exhibition in London, housed at 180 Studio in The Strand. With the creative set designed by the contemporary British artist Es Devlin, this itinerant archival exhibition offered an immersive journey into epoch-defining creativity.

Gucci Cosmos traced one of many conceivable constellations, linking the ideas and innovations catalyzed by the brand's creative directors and artisans over its 102-year history, spanning from its inception through the eras of Tom Ford, Frida Giannini, Alessandro Michele, and Sabato De Sarno. This exhibition led guests into a recreated Savoy Hotel lobby, where founder Guccio Gucci worked in the 1890s, before entering 11 sections focus on specialties of the house.

Renowned Italian fashion theorist and critic, Maria Luisa Frisa, meticulously curated a selection of treasures, many making their inaugural voyage from the archive, to illustrate how Gucci has not only mirrored the zeitgeist but also played a pivotal role in shaping it.

Fast forward to May 2024, undoubtedly, the Gucci Cruise 2025 showcase at London Tate Modern promises to be a captivating ode to the brand, and underscores Gucci's emphasis on the intersection of art, fashion, and heritage. "Tate Modern serves as a nexus of creativity and discourse, where diverse perspectives converge to ignite meaningful dialogues and cultivate cultural exchange," Gucci reportedly commented. "The synergy of art and architecture fosters an environment that stimulates innovation and pushes boundaries, mirroring the dynamism of the city itself."

Tate Modern now joins an esteemed list of venues of culturally significant site to host the brand.  Against the historic façade of Tate Modern, this promises to be a show that demands attention.  Gucci has previously showcased its Cruise collections in illustrious venues around the world, such as Seoul’s historic Gyeongbokgung Palace; London’s Westminster Abbey; Florence’s Palazzo Pitti and the Roman necropolis Alyscamps in Arles, France. 

However, recent developments within the luxury conglomerate Kering, Gucci's parent company alongside Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and others, paint a more sobering picture. Kering issued an unusual profit warning, anticipating a 20% decline in Gucci sales for the first quarter of 2024.

In a statement, Kering acknowledged the persisting challenges in trading throughout the first half of 2024, projecting a comparable decline in consolidated revenue of approximately 10% for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year's first quarter.

Photos at Gucci Cosmos by Lucia Carpio.

Art and Gallery News: Sharon Stone's paintings delve into "the Power of Confronting Vulnerability" now on show in San Francisco

Renowned Hollywood star Sharon Stone unveils a new exhibition of her paintings in San Francisco, delving into the theme of "The Power of Confronting Vulnerability."  

The Bay by Sharon Stone (2024).
Acrylic on canvas, diptych 48" x 96"

Taking place at Gallery 181, of 181 Fremont Residences, the show, entitled: "My Eternal Failure" running from April 11 until August 31 2024,  presents a collection of 18 never-before-seen paintings curated by Stone herself.   This exhibition serves as a poignant reflection on the artist's transformative experiences during her six-year tenure in San Francisco, a period marked by profound vulnerability. Through this collection, Stone pays homage to the city where she discovered the resilience to overcome life's most daunting challenges.  Each painting serves as a testament to her resilience in overcoming life's most daunting obstacles.

Following the resounding success of her previous exhibitions in Los Angeles, Greenwich, and Berlin (now running until May 18 2024), this marks Stone's fourth solo exhibition within a year, attesting to her enduring creative prowess and profound impact on the art world.

Jester by Sharon Stone (2023).
Acrylic on canvas, 36" x 18"

Located at an altitude of 700 feet in the sky, the Gallery 181 serves as the crown of this majestic tower developed by Jay Paul Company (JPC).  The visually dramatic space on the 69th floor is the “highest art gallery in the world,” offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, the Bay Bridge, and San Francisco's iconic landmarks.

Stone's near-death experience in San Francisco in 2001 profoundly influenced her artistic vision, enabling her to perceive colours in a newfound light. This creative breakthrough birthed her journey into painting, a transformative process she continues to explore today.

“We are thrilled to bring the powerful art of Sharon Stone for the first time to San Francisco. As a former resident of the City, she is integral to our cultural fabric and we are honoured to welcome her back with this new gallery show," says Matt Lituchy, the Chief Investment Officer of JPC. “181 Fremont is committed to celebrating the intersection of art and our community with provocative and intriguing programs like this one.”     

Portrait of Sharon Stone, by Eric Michael Roy

The near death experience of Sharon Stone’s 2001 brain injury in San Francisco profoundly impacted her creativity, allowing her to see colours in a whole new way.  The trauma, which almost ended her life, forever changed her relationship to colour ‒ expanding her ability to see more colours around her than ever before. 

“This creative breakthrough happened to me in San Francisco, eventually leading me to a whole new world of creativity where I’m at today, through painting,” says Sharon Stone.

The Bridge by Sharon Stone (2024).
Acrylic on canvas, 60" x 72"

The sense of place of this exhibition reinforces “in situ” references – works of art that are made for a specific place, or that reference the site in which they are to be shown.

Works that reflect their surroundings or the architecture framing them, revealing the complex relationship people have to a place.     Stone captured inspiration for several of the new works from the landscapes and diversity of people in San Francisco, yet she also wanted to paint the story of her time in the early 2000s when she lived in this place.

The exhibition centers on healing by confronting the vulnerabilities she experienced.

“I want this art exhibition to serve as a vehicle for self-forgiveness, and I hope it can help others do the same by letting go of societal stigmas and imposed perceptions,” says Stone.

“In this way, failures become sources of strength, and to face them is to keep growing. The exhibition’s title My Eternal Failure is freeing for me,” says Stone.    Stone admits it’s not easy returning to the places where she’s been hurt, but she is doing it. Returning to the scene where it happened and releasing it.

“Perhaps the softer way would have been to just ignore and avoid it, but I’m choosing to learn from it. This new series of paintings required me to look into the darkest corners of my life, and it was liberating,” says Stone.

“There was the bad space, but there is also the good space of making it through to the other side” adds Stone.    

Bonne Nuit by Sharon Stone (2024).
Acrylic on canvas, 60" x 72"

Stone also has a gallery show currently in Europe at Galerie Deschler Berlin (on view now until May 18 2024). More than 14,000 people have visited Stone's Berlin exhibition since it opened on Feb. 7. Her Berlin show will be featured during the upcoming Gallery Weekend Berlin (April 26-28), one of the leading contemporary art events in Europe attracting more than 30,000 visitors from around the world.

Stone's exhibitions in both Berlin and San Francisco underscore her enduring impact on the global art scene, earning accolades from esteemed critics like Jerry Saltz (the Senior Art Critic for New York Magazine and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism) and art historian Martin Oskar Kramer.  

“In a sort of mystic unraveling, I see someone living a life in art. Being a freedom machine. She more than survives. Sharon Stone walked through the valley of death and into an art supply store,” says Jerry Saltz in his extensive artist interview with Stone on vuture.com

The art historian Martin Oskar Kramer (Ph.D., Princeton University), says: “Stone’s paintings exude a raw and spontaneously expressive quality, resulting from a shifting alchemy of chaos and structure. An expression of the feminine that is deeply in touch with natural forces, fundamentally untamable. The recurring elements and symbols in her paintings signify change, flow and metamorphosis.” 

London Event: British Fashion Council's Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF) forum, set to take place on April 18th

The British Fashion Council (BFC)'s Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF) forum is scheduled to take place on April 18th in London.

This annual conference, geared towards driving action within the British fashion industry to achieve a circular fashion ecosystem in the UK by 2030, will spotlight a roster of keynote speakers. Among them are prominent figures such as Paul Dillinger, the Global Head of Design and Innovation at Levi’s, and esteemed Italian luxury fashion designer Brunello Cucinelli. Additionally, Baroness Lola Young and Simon Platts, CEO and co-founder of NED, will tackle pressing issues in their discussion on 'Human Rights and Environmental Sustainability: The Time to Act is Now.' Furthermore, Kyle Ho, Mica Phillips, and Patrick McDowell will introduce The IPF's Low Carbon Transition Programme.

In the lineup of presentations, 'Business Change Through Citizen Action' will be explored by Brontie Ansell of Lawyers for Nature, Lucy Shea from Futerra, Tyler LaMotte representing Patagonia, and climate activist Daze Aghaji.

The forum will conclude with a keynote conversation featuring June Sarpong and Thangam Debonnaire, the Shadow Secretary of State.

Characterized as an action-driven event by the BFC, the forum will conclude with audience breakout sessions aimed at fostering collaboration and accelerating positive change within the sector.

Fashion retail: Victoria Beckham Joins Forces with Mango for Exclusive Collection Launching in April

Exciting news from Spanish retailer MANGO revealing its upcoming collaboration with British pop-star turned designer Victoria Beckham, set to debut on April 23rd both online and in stores.

The Victoria Beckham x MANGO collection coincides with MANGO's 40th anniversary celebration.  In a promotional image, Justi Ruano, Creative Director of Mango Woman, is seen alongside Victoria Beckham, hinting at the creative synergy driving this exciting venture.

This eagerly anticipated capsule collection promises to marry Beckham's signature British elegance with MANGO's contemporary flair. With fashion enthusiasts already predicting a swift sell-out, anticipation is running high.  Although Mango has not yet disclosed the price points for the collection, customers can anticipate accessibility in pricing, significantly lower than Beckham's luxury line.

This partnership, coinciding with Mango's 40th anniversary celebration, marks the latest in a series of collaborations for MANGO, previously with leading brands and talents like SIMONMILLER, Camille Charrière, and Pernille Teisbaek.  These coveted collaborations often allow high street retailers to justify price increases. Mango acknowledges that its clientele is willing to invest in high-profile collaborative pieces as well as exclusive in-house releases.

Beckham's fashion shows consistently draw significant attention during Fashion Month, regardless of the city in which they're held, so there is little doubt this collaboration will be a success.

While boasting an aesthetic that exudes sophistication, the collection promises precision tailoring with an intriguing twist, alongside flowy dresses, everyday knitwear, and a range of accompanying bags, accessories, and shoes. True to expectations, all pieces are presented in a muted colour palette, perfectly suited for an "island" vibe.

In her recent interview wth WWD, Beckham described the collection as having a subtle cheekiness while maintaining a polished appearance. Inspired by the timeless allure of the French film 'La Piscine', Beckham drew specific influence from Jane Birkin's character, embodying natural beauty, femininity, and a sense of liberation. Collaborating closely with Justi Ruano, Mango's Creative Director for women's wear, Beckham ensured that the collection authentically reflects her personal style.

Despite the relatively modest size of Victoria Beckham's label, with sales totaling £58.8 million in its latest report, her "Spice Girls" fame and prominent family name have elevated her profile far beyond what similarly-sized labels might achieve. 

It is therefore ripe to believe Mango's collaboration with Beckham promises to be a significant publicity boon for the retailer. Mango is currently enjoying a period of remarkable success, as evidenced by its record-breaking 2023 financial results unveiled just last month. Looking ahead, Mango has outlined ambitious goals in its strategic plan for 2026, aiming to reach €4 billion in revenue and open 500 additional stores.