A glorious New Year!

 

Abstract Christmas trees light up London’s King’s Cross area

 

Temenos

Temenos, in picture above, is an abstract Christmas tree installation designed by London-based American artist Liliane Lijn.  It takes pride of place in London’s King’s Cross area, a hub for national and international travel connections as well as shopping and eatery destinations, and situated amidst some of London's most desirable housing developments. The whole area has been greatly regenerated and landscaped in recent years, and people can enjoy walks along the canal that snakes through the area.

Liliane Lijn's Temenos is set up in Granary Square outside the Central Saint Martins university.  Comprising of 19 multi-coloured neon light poles that change colours intermittently, Temenos is 11.3 metres tall.

There are  fitted lights along the edges of the "tree", arranged in a  conical shape.  

There is an opening/entry way which allows visitors to enter the Temenos installation and experience being immersed in neon light.

Meanwhile, nearby at the adjoining shopping and dining destination Coal Drops Yard, is an abstract Christmas tree called Prism, designed by Heatherwick Studio, and installed by lighting specialists This is Loop.

Prism

This 8.5 metre-high Christmas tree light installation is covered in mirrors and embedded with strips of multi-coloured lights to coincide with the festive atmosphere.

A tunnel runs through the centre of the installation to allow visitors to pass through and experience a kaleidoscopic space filled with light reflections and colour.

All photos by Lucia Carpio for MyFashionConnectGlobal.

Furniture and wall paint guru ANNIE SLOAN proposes NEW NEUTRALS

While Pantone’s new Very Peri colour of 2022  is inspiring many design ideas, some colour houses are going for calming neutral ranges for the new year.

Take Annie Sloan for example.  The paint guru is breathing fresh life into tired bedrooms with Wall Paint and Chalk Paint™.  

Annie Sloan Bedroom featuring
Pompadour Wall Paint;
Floor in Chalk Paint™ Old White; 
Bed in Amsterdam Green;
Bedside table in Pure with Olive,
and Pure mix details.
Lamp in Honfleur, Old Ocgre and Original.

A highlight of the 32-shade Wall Paint palette, Pompadour is a warm white inspired by French courtier Madame de Pompadour. 

The delicately pigmented shade reflects the warm complexities and subtle shade-shifting properties of fine porcelain. 

“From painted walls to painted floorboards, an all-neutral scheme will give your room the illusion of being bigger and brighter, while creating a soothing space for sweet dreams and lazy Sunday mornings,” says Annie. 

“To avoid a clinical look, introduce a disrupter colour on a focal piece such as a bedframe. A burst of your favourite statement shade will add personality and really pop against the clean gallery-style backdrop.” Transform a high street bedframe with just a lick of paint, for an easy, affordable update with maximum impact. 

Without the need to prime or sand, painting furniture with Chalk Paint™ is all in a day’s work - just remember to finish with at least two coats of Chalk Paint™ Wax or Lacquer to seal and protect your handiwork, advises Annie Sloan.  For an extra dose of charm, update smaller furniture and accessories with hand-painted details.

Annie Sloan invented her revolutionary furniture paint, Chalk Paint®, in 1990 and hasn’t stopped refining and improving her formula since. She is widely considered one of the world’s leading authorities in paint, colour and style.

 

Pantone® 17-3938 Very Peri fires up imagination in Home Décor and Interior Design

Ever since Pantone announced its new colour of the year 2022, the PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri, it has animated designer's imagination.  The colour's modernity and creativity spirit inject a sense of playful freshness into home interiors, enlivening a space through unusual colour combinations. It is also a versatile shade and is suited to an array of different materials, textures and finishes, providing a pop of colour, whether introduced through a painted wall, accent furniture or home décor, or acting as an intriguing and eye-catching accent in a pattern.

At Wallsauce.com, creators of premium wallpaper murals, it has released it’s a series of five designs that complement Very Peri. A couple of them are shown here.

The Deep Wall Mural by Lara Skinner at Wallsauce.com

Focussing on Pantone’s description of ‘dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone', the wallpaper designs reflect the energy and confidence of this brand new colour; which for the first time since 1999, they have created an entirely new colour:

From a powerful geode design to carefree watercolour blends, all five wallpapers express tones that complement this brand new Pantone colour. 

Dreamy Pastel And Gold watercolour wallpaper mural available at Wallsauce.com

Rachel Kenny, head of the design studio at Wallsauce.com says:  “Blues have been trending beyond this year since the navy trend decorated our homes. It’s a delight to see a more uplifting tone that’s going to bring us happy and warm vibes.

With its periwinkle blue hue, Very Peri almost reminds us of cornflower blue littering summer strolls in fields with lots of fresh air – something we’ve all been missing recently!

We wanted to reflect that uplifting feeling with statement pieces that complement Very Peri. Choosing wallpaper designs that merge in true blues, purples, pinks and greens, we hope to have created a positive collection that’s also not for the faint-hearted.”

Wallsauce.com is one of the leading producers of custom made wallpaper murals. To discover more powerful purple wallpapers that are ready to bring energy to homes, head to Wallsauce.com.

Meanwhile, at British online art print destination Claude & Leighton® comes a carefully curated selection of wall art prints, which also complement the new Very Peri. 

A Very Peri gallery wall with art prints by Claude & Leighton

The art prints, created by artist, designer and co-founder of Claude & Leighton, Jayne Leighton Herd, feature the periwinkle violet blue shade that interior designers, stylists and homeowners alike will be crushing on during the year ahead.

Scottish Landscape Art Print - Alba III - by Claude & Leighton, 

from an original painting by British artist Jayne Leighton Herd.

The collection includes prints of abstract and landscape paintings, as well as brand new geometric design artwork, ampersand typography posters and abstract face line drawings. All very much in keeping with Pantone’s Very Peri colour ethos of joyous attitude and imaginative expression.

Very Peri Blue Abstract Face Line
Drawing Art Print by Claude & Leighton

The trending colour is positive, uplifting and easily relatable, inspiring thoughts of flowers, spring fresh air and meadows, says Claude & Leighton.

And it’s a colour which can be added to homes and offices simply, through the use of art and accent accessories, without the burden of redecorating.

The prints work well as standalone pieces, or can be included as part of a gallery wall display.

Available unframed in various sizes, each print in the collection is produced with high quality, fade-resistant inks on premium heavyweight, acid-free archival paper, to ensure it will last a lifetime.⁠

PANTONE® introduces Very Peri Colour Of The Year 2022 - exuding a courageous presence to entice personal inventiveness and creativity

In announcing the chosen colour for the year 2022, Pantone the global colour authority recognizes colour continues to be a critical form of communication in our society, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions and engage and connect.  The complexity of PANTONE® 's new colour - a new dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone - highlights the expansive possibilities that lie before us.

Blending the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red, this happiest and warmest of all the blue hues introduces an empowering mix of newness, displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit. Rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents complemented by a new perspective that resonates today, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.

Reportedly this is a completely new tone created for the PANTONE FASHION, HOME + INTERIORS colour palette, considered an apt hue that captures the world we are living in now in transformative times,  As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged in new ways. Digital design helps us to stretch the limits of reality, opening the door to a dynamic virtual world where we can explore and create new colour possibilities.

According to Pantone's top executives, this unique Very Peri colour symbolises the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through. With trends in gaming, the expanding popularity of the metaverse and rising artistic community in the digital space PANTONE® 17-3938 Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how colour trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa.

“As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue colour family,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute. 

“Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.”

“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that colour can hope to answer,” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. 

“Creating a new colour for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational colour program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place. 

New Apparel and Footwear Line Features Characters and Graphics from Monopoly, Twister, Scrabble and Candy Land

Just in time for some playful competition during the holiday season, Champion Athleticwear, makers of authentic athletic apparel since 1919, is announcing the launch of a limited-edition collection with Hasbro Gaming, with characters and graphics from some of world’s most beloved games: Monopoly, Twister, Scrabble and Candy Land.

From Mr. Monopoly spreading his wealth across the Reverse Weave canvas to Twister reimagined on tees, the collection lets fans showcase their favourite games.

“Spirited play, competition and board games go together during the holiday season, and this collection lets fans look good doing it,” said Jon Ram, Group President of Global Activewear at Hanesbrands Inc. 

“Hasbro and Champion deliver products that consumers love and are enjoyed by generations of fans. Champion is about letting people express themselves. And the collection is one more way consumers can ‘Be Your Own Champion,’ both on the board and off.”

The collection features global board game favorites for a head-to-toe look on classic Champion apparel, and footwear such as slides, and slippers. 

Designs feature iconography from the Monopoly board, Monopoly money, Mr. Monopoly, the Twister spinner, coloured dots from the Twister mat, Scrabble tiles spelling out “Champion” and “Be Your Own Champion” and magical Candy Land-inspired graphics, including Mally Mallo, Twirly Girl, Cutie Cone and Giggly Gumdrop. Footwear will be sold in custom shoe boxes with graphics to align with each game’s branding.

“Just like Champion, Hasbro Gaming offers a memorable experience for everyone in the family,” said Casey Collins, Head of Global Licensed Consumer Products and Business Development at Hasbro. 

“So, this collaboration was an easy yes for us. We want to continue to encourage families and friends to use our games as the perfect way to make memories this holiday season as well as incorporate their favorite games into their everyday life. Now, they can do so in this extremely comfortable (and fun!) collection.”

To ensure everyone in the family is happy this holiday season, Champion has designed the collection for fans of all ages, including adults, youth, and toddlers.

Champion styles across each Hasbro game include Reverse Weave pullover hoodies and crews, joggers, short sleeve tees, cropped hoodies, boyfriend sweatpants, kid’s fleece hoodies, joggers and tees, and more.

The collection is available now on Champion.com, in select Champion retail stores and at select retailers. Adult sizes range from XS-2XL 

All images from HanesBrands Inc.

Quirky images add fun to home interiors

Once in a while, an image catches your eye and stops you in your track.

Such as this quirky image from Young & Battaglia that showcases a wonderful blend of colours, textures and imagery.   This is a classic Mineheart cushion design that blends classic styles of art with a quirky twist. 

"English Lady In A Jungle Blue" cushion shown above is among a new range of cushion covers from Young & Battaglia, designed to impress while adding a dash of uniqueness to interior design.
Now available at Mineheart.

Young & Battaglia design studio was founded by Anglo-Italian design duo Brendan Young and Vanessa Battaglia both trained in Industrial design.

Their body of work has included a wide variety of creative disciplines from interior design to landscapes, product design, graphics and art direction.  They are the founding partners of British interiors brand Mineheart, an online outlet for their own creative works while they also collaborate with designers from around the globe, and produce an iconic collection of art, wallpaper and accessories for extraordinary interiors. The range includes prints, wallcoverings, lighting furniture and rugs by artists including Himitsuhana, Angela Rossi, Studio Bleoh, Emanuele Pangrazi, Courtney Brims and Stefano Bonazzi.

Bubblegum Portait – 3 by Young & Battaglia in collaboration with artist Kirin Young.
The ‘Bubblegum’ series Portrait Wall artwork is printed on stretched art canvas and mounted in a painted classic wooden black box frame.

Young & Battaglia’s work often fuses old and new, combining familiar ideas to create something new, much like a music DJ creating remixes of old tracks.  Their unique playful approach to design has won them awards and international recognition. Their work has been exhibited widely in many exhibitions worldwide including New York, Milan, Tokyo, Paris, Dubai and London. Heralded as one of the top 10 design studios of the future at 100% Design London’s 10th anniversary, their work has been published in books, leading design magazines, and selected for prestigious shows and collections including the V&A museum and the MOMA. 

Images from Young & Battaglia/Mineheart.

The story behind the artist of Blossom Première Vision campaign

Paris Blossom Première Vision fair opens today, after a two-year absence. 

The Blossom Première Vision show dedicated to the pre-collections of the textile industry’s creative weavers, tanners and accessory manufacturers returns this winter in Paris on 6th and 7th December with 121 exhibitors, who are presenting their Spring/Summer 2023 ranges at the Carreau du Temple in Paris.

London artist Anna Bu Kliewer’s work for this season’s Blossom Première Vision campaign is both playful and sweet. Through her digitally and analogically crafted collages, she questions our perceptions of identity and nature in an expressive world filled with charm and humour.
Image from Blossom Première Vision.

Marking the return of  Blossom Première Vision is a unique campaign image to convey a message of “optimism and renewal,” according to organisers, created by London-based artist Anna Bu Kliewer, who specializes in surrealist photo collages.

Anna who defines herself as “Gerkainian”, was born in Ukraine and raised in Germany, and is known for her photo collages combining human figures and elements of nature.

Anna said she enjoys creating colourful and vibrant artworks, particularly incorporating flowers. “When I was creating this particular artwork I actually bought some pink flowers that morning,” said the artist, who finds colours in daily life as well as books inspirational.  

While photography is important to her work, there is often no hidden messages in the images she creates. 

“There is not a message I want to send through, but rather have the viewer interpret it in their own way depending on their dreams and phantasies. But I do like my work to have a humorous connotation.”  In an interview on the Blossom PV website, Anna said her creativity is driven by her curiosity about space, time and alternative realities. 

Blossom PV image.

For more information on Blossom Premiere Vision and Anna Bu Kliewer, click HERE.

ISPO Munich and OutDoor by ISPO announce new calendar as from 2022

Organisers of ISPO Munich and OutDoor by ISPO have announced new dates as from 2022, shifting the trade fairs permanently to the beginning of the winter sports season. 

ISPO Munich 2022 permanently moves from January to November, and OutDoor by ISPO will also be permanently shifted to different dates. 

For 2022, ISPO Munich 2022 will not take place in January, but from 28 to 30 November 2022 (Monday to Wednesday). The new dates for OutDoor by ISPO 2022 is 12 to 14 June 2022 (Sunday to Tuesday) and at the end of May or beginning of June in the following years.

"We respond to the requirements of our customers and break new ground"

Tobias Gröber, Executive Director Business Unit Consumer Goods at Messe München, has revealed that the ISPO team made this decision together with exhibitors, retailers and associations.  He said the fact that their partners from industry, trade and associations are fully behind this decision is also shown by the numerous statements from representatives of the industry expressing their support for the realignment. 

For more details on the strategic decision, click HERE to read the interview conducted by Karsten Lohmeyer for ISPO.com. 

Christmas lights bring on the spirit of the festive season

Christmas lights in London's Oxford Street (above) and
Regent Street (below).
Photos by Lucia Carpio for MyFashionConnectGlobal.

Wonderful to see the Spirit of Christmas returns to London, marking the start of this year's festive season. 

Christmas lights high above Oxford Street and Regent Street bring a hopeful atmosphere to the capital during these challenging times.

"The Spirit of Christmas" scheme returns to London's west end this year, marking the start of the festive season.  The lights are lit from 13 November 2021 until 2 January 2022, with the displays switched on from 2pm to
 midnight everyday for a more sustainable display.

While it is high time we start preparing our Christmas shopping list for friends and loved ones, it is time also to start planning to create that festive spirit home.

At TEXTURED LIVES, founder and interior textile designer Jo McEwan is creating a warm, casual look for Christmas. Keeping with a philosophy that our homes are our sanctuary, she curates an alternative brand that celebrates products that flow effortlessly, creating a calm and comfortable environment in the process.

TEXTURED LIVES  creates a cozy Christmas lifestyle with double faced Charcol throws, Tabia rustic tea lights, Lua green vase, Tabia rustic lights, Abeeko wine glass (set of 4), Fern candle, Kamille embroidery cushion and Mala embroidery cushion.

“I wanted to create a lifestyle experience that brought together beautiful homeware products and my own range of personally designed soft furnishings. My dream is to empower my customers to curate their own beautiful spaces with the reassurance that whatever they choose has been personally and consciously selected or designed. Respect for individuality is of paramount importance to Textured Lives which is why nothing is mass produced and we celebrate organic, not prescriptive." said designer Jo McEwan.

Simple additions like cashmere and merino wool throws, antique brass lanterns, rustic tea lights, real moss candles and velvet cushions can make that subtle difference, said Jo. Even adding a tea light or two and a Christmas vase into the bedroom can give us a snuggly new feel for the Christmas period.

Another way to add a Christmas spirit to our interiors is the creative use of candles.

Now artisan candlemakers Cockles and Heart is releasing  its limited edition Christmas candles this week; many of the vintage candles in the Devon company’s gold, frankincense and myrrh range are one-off pieces or available in runs of just 6 candles.

Deep Red Bowl Candle (11.5cm diametre) by Cockles and Heart.
Candle consists of 300ml coconut, rapeseed and extra virgin beeswax;
frankincense, ylang ylang, oregano and lime essential oils;
hand decorated with lavender;
and two pure cotton/linen blend wicks.  Burn time 45 hours

“For Christmas we’ve blended premium oils such as frankincense and myrrh with golden orange, cassia and cardamom to make delicious aromatic candles” says Shona Duncan of Cockles and Heart.  

“To give things a real Christmassy vibe, we’ve specially sourced some fabulous red and gold vintage containers. Many are genuine one-off pieces and when they are sold, they won’t be repeated.”

Cockles and Heart hand pours and individually decorates its candles using a bespoke wax blend infused with pure essential oils.  Its Christmas range features frankincense and  myrrh essential oils and gold and red vintage and upcycled containers.

Spode Songbird Antique candle by Cockles and Heart.
This Spode Cup is over 200 years old and was highly decorated in gold. 
The candle consists of 150ml coconut, rapeseed and extra virgin beeswax; cedarwood, ylang ylang, and bergamot essential oils; hand decorated with rose petals and three pure cotton/linen blend wicks. Burn time 30+ hours

Cockles and Heart sells its candles online  and at Rebel Rebel’s Mare Street Market Shop, London E8, at the Bowie Gallery in Totnes South Devon, UK.

Première Vision Paris reveals new show calendar as from 2022

In the words of Première Vision Paris, they’re “reshuffling the deck, rethinking how to do things, to better meet the needs of the entire industry.”

Première Vision Paris Photo.

As from 2022, Première Vision Paris will be held in February and July, instead of February and September as it had done for many years.

First up in 2022 is their SPRING SUMMER 23 show that will take place 8 - 10 FEBRUARY.  Their AUTUMN WINTER 23-24 show is slated for 5 - 7 JULY.

The new schedule was originally aimed for 2021 but the organisers decided to postpone the plan due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic.  

Now the organisers believe the plans are back on track by predicting a fresh new breeze, and a promise that the new 2022 events will make fashion a celebration with events tailored to the needs of the whole industry.

This change in calendar is a significant one following an in-depth study of the processes by which fashion brands create their collections, said the organisers.  As a result, Première Vision Paris’ schedule was adapted to respond to the growing number of collections, to cope with the acceleration of delivery times and to support your sourcing in the best possible conditions, by facilitating contacts with international suppliers with unique know-hows.

You can find out more about the Première Vision Paris shows by clicking here.

Texworld Evolution Paris will return in February 2022

At last! The horizon is clearing, so announced trade show organiser Messe Frankfurt France, revealing that its flagship show Texworld Evolution Paris will return from 7 to 9 February 2022 for a relaunch show at the Le Bourget Exhibition Centre in Paris. 

In the last 20 months, two sessions of Texworld Evolution Le Showroom were staged in a hybrid format response to the pandemic crisis.  Now Messe Frankfurt France is planning this February 2022 edition to welcome back exhibitors and visitors to Paris Le Bourget. This is a first step towards a return to normality and a resumption of trade.

The international show will welcome exhibitors from major textile and clothing manufacturing countries in a renewed business atmosphere for textile sourcing, all congregating in one meeting place geared for the global fashion and textile industry, from fashion brands, ready-to-wear to luxury. They will provide buyers with a unique forward-looking vision of the creative trends for the spring-summer 2023 season, said organissers

Scheduled to take place are Apparel Sourcing Paris for the sourcing of finished garments sourcing, Avantex Paris for new materials and innovative processes, Leatherworld Paris dedicated to the leather and related materials market, and finally Texworld Paris for textile sourcing.

International exhibitors will be representing Banglasdesh, China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Netherlands, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Ukraine next February.

Meanwhile, Messe Frankfurt France is expecting its summer 2022 edition of Texworld Evolution Paris in new dates in July, featuring a return to its pre-pandemic size and configuration, additionally it will be held at a new location, the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles, in central Paris for the first time.

Smeg launches ‘70s inspired limited edition Unity fridge in collaboration with Coca Cola

Those of us who are children of the 1970s would remember the iconic Coca-Cola Hilltop television commercial “It’s the Real Thing” in which some 100 young people of different nationalities assembled on a hill top in Italy to sing the catchy jingle “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke,” which was later released as the song “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” performed by the folksy Hillside Singers.

Iconic images of Coca-Cola bottles are combined with words and symbols representing the seventies, such as peace signs, flowers and ‘Love’, to evoke an array of nostalgia. The well-known phrase ‘It’s the real thing’ has become a renowned aspect of Coca-Cola’s branding, and is bannered across Smeg's  new FAB28 fridge in a swirling hue of psychedelic colours. There will also be an official numbered plaque on each fridge to indicate it is limited edition authenticity, with only 25 available to purchase.  Image courtesy of Smeg.

As this year marks the 50th anniversary of Coca-Cola’s Hilltop TV commercial, the company is celebrating with the 1971 Unity Collection, while launching a series of capsule collections with more than 25 fashion, beauty and accessories brands.

Giving Smeg’s signature retro style FAB28 a makeover, the unique Unity design reflects the Coca-Cola TV Hilltop commercial’s theme of peace and harmony through its bold and colourful style,  reminiscent of the 1970s.   With a generous 270 litre capacity and a multi-flow cooling system to ensure the ideal temperature and humidity for food storage, this iconic Smeg FAB28 ‘Unity’ design brings together style with high-performance technology.
Image courtesy of Smeg.

Now the celebrated Italian appliance brand, Smeg, has revealed a new look for its iconic FAB28 Unity fridge, the result of a collaboration with Coca-Cola to mark  the half-century of  its famous Hilltop Commercial.  I remember the amazing impact of the lyrics on the era of folk songs and popular psychedelic culture.  My friends and I would sing along to the legendary tune “in perfect harmony”, and the lyrics are as relevant and powerful today as it was then. 

Featured on the new Smeg fridge are iconic images of Coca-Cola bottles, combined with words and symbols representing the 70s, such as peace signs, flowers and ‘Love’, to evoke an array of nostalgia. The well-known phrase ‘It’s the real thing’ has become a renowned aspect of Coca-Cola’s branding, and is bannered across the fridge in a swirling hue of psychedelic colours. There will also be an official numbered plaque on each fridge to indicate it is limited edition authenticity, with only 25 available to purchase.

The interior also utilises the highest quality design, providing removable glass shelving to maximise and utilise the space to individual needs. There is also a life plus compartment for preserving perishable foods and a fruit and vegetable drawer. Additionally, there is also an icebox for storing ice and frozen foods. 

The special edition Unity fridge will be exclusively available in Smeg’s UK flagship store in London St James and from shop.smeguk.com, where only 25 will be available.

Coke has partnered with more than 25 international brands to celebrate the TV commercial — including Timex, PacSun, Starter, Morphe, Casetify, Funko, Loft, Mark Feldstein, Round 2, AMC Textil, Blue Ocean, Bumpboxx, Castline, Chaser, Fifth Sun, Freman Shoes, Grade Africa, Koolatron, Only & Sons, Picnic Time, PopSockets, Ripple Junction, Rolla’s Jeans, Rookie Roller, Smeg, Spirit Jersey, Tafi AR Samsung, Tai Apparel and Vintage Vending —"to reflect the optimism and unique expression of the original Hilltop campaign,” according to Kate Dwyer in a recent interview with the WWD. 

Commenting on the collaboration, Kate Dwyer, Senior Director of Global Licensing for Coca-Cola says: “These new collections showcase the timeless values of peace, inclusiveness, diversity and optimism”.

Among Smeg’s recent collaboration was with Italian fashion brand Dolce&Gabbana in the creation of 100 numbered fridges, each featuring images by Sicilian artists: lemons, the trinacria (meaning three-pointed, derived from a myth about three nymphs) symbol, cart wheels, medieval knights and battle scenes – all distinctive elements of the poetic marionette theatre and the Sicilian Cart as well as important aspects of the aesthetic
of designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. 
Images of Smeg kitchen appliances in its London flagship are by Lucia Carpio for
My Fashion Connect Global.

The Monkey Puzzle Tree wins "Best in British Product Design" with unique interior fabric

Congratulations to The Monkey Puzzle Tree for winning 'Best in British Product Design' at the prestigious Brit List Awards 2021, judged by a panel including the current and past Presidents of the British Institute of Interior Design.

Metamorphosis linen union upholstery and curtain fabric from The Monkey Puzzle Tree.

The Monkey Puzzle Tree's winning design 'Metamorphosis' is a linen blend inspired by myths, legends and gothic fairy tales designed in collaboration with artist Kirsty Greenwood. The fabric is woven in Scotland and screen printed in Carlisle.

Kirsty used a piece of her own marbling work as the starting point for this free flowing, ethereal pattern. Referencing the work of artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, the design features gold comets and stars as well as mysterious faces floating within a web of green tendrils and charcoal unicorn horns.

Photograph by Chris Leah.

Metamorphosis is screen printed in a heritage print works in Cumbria onto heavy, unbleached linen union. 

This linen-cotton blend retains the natural colour of the yarn and exhibits occasional slubs and imperfections which adds to the tactile nature of the fabric. 

The combination of metallic, matt and bright inks applied to the linen add depth and interest to the design.

Suitable for curtains and blinds as well as for upholstery and cushions, Metamorphosis is a highly versatile fabric, according to The Monkey Puzzle Tree. 

Metamorphosis was screen printed in a heritage print works in Cumbria, using a unique combination of metallic, matt and bright inks to create depth in the design.

Metamorphosis linen union cushion and Passion flower lampshade by The Monkey Puzzle Tree

It is in neutral tones so it can complement bold schemes, while also works well within a more pared-back room design in which the fabric introduces an element of subtle, intriguing character.  

You can find out more about the design and manufacturing work that went into creating 'Metamorphosis' by watching their video.  Click Here.

The Monkey Puzzle Tree collaborates with artists to create beauty for interiors, from real cork wallpaper to lace.  Founded by Charlotte Raffo in 2017 after she realised that many incredibly talented artists were struggling to make a living, the company pays a generous royalty to support artists to continue with their original practice.

All designs are created and manufactured in the North of England, less than 150 miles from their Leeds studio, supporting traditional industry and ensuring that the fabrics, wallpapers and cushions are made to the highest environmental standards.

Christmas jumper sales kick-start the Christmas shopping season online

Searches for ‘Christmas jumper’ skyrocket 136% in early November after John Lewis Christmas advert released

Christmas Jumper Hanging Ornaments made from a wool blend felt with a polyester padding
and a satin ribbon for hanging, by Cariad in Stitches where handcrafted and personalised gifts for all occasions are made in a home studio in North Nottinghamshire.   Available on The British Craft House website.

Now that Halloween and Bonfire night are behind us, it’s time to refocus our attention to Christmas.  Lately many retailers have started to show their Christmas adverts on British television and online, and these have an impact on our behaviour when it comes to Christmas gift shopping.

Analysis of Google search data reveals that online searches for ‘Christmas jumper’ in the UK skyrocketed 136% on the 5th November, within a day that British home and fashion retailer John Lewis released their Christmas advert featuring a little boy who gives a Christmas jumper to an alien girl.  Entitled "Unexpected Guest", the advert tells how a 14-year-old boy Nathan, who discovers and befriends a visiting space traveller, Skye, and introduces her to the season’s traditions on planet Earth, from decorating the tree to eating mince pies.  In the end when it is time for the alien to leave Earth, the boy gifts her a special Christmas jumper.  This non-gender-specific children's jumper sold out on the John Lewis website within an hour of the advert dropping.  It is in navy blue with green sleeves, and features a Christmas tree embellished with lights.  

Creative resource Design Bundles has revealed in a recent finding that online interest in 'Christmas jumper' skyrocketed to triple the average volume in one day, an unprecedented spike in interest for people googling Christmas jumpers in the first week of November, according to Google Trends analysis.

A spokesperson for Design Bundles, a marketplace for design resources which conducted the study, said: “The John Lewis Christmas advert never fails to signal the start of Christmas in the UK, and is a much-loved tradition for the whole country. It's fascinating to see just how this year's advert has triggered an early spike in searches for Christmas jumpers, given that Halloween is barely over. The fact that the advert itself was released by John Lewis early because of an increase in searches for Christmas-related products on the retailer's website, suggests that we may start to see the UK prepare for Christmas earlier and earlier every year". 

Meanwhile, fair isle jumpers remain a favourite for Christmas gifting, and this tradition continues this season.

Christmas "dinosaur" jumpers for all in the family available at London's National History Museum online.

Over at the Natural History Museum in London, festive dinosaurs Christmas jumper which comes in different sizes so you can dress the whole family from children to adults in matching style. 

What’s more, this British-made Christmas jumper, is knitted from 100% recycled yarn by a small, family-owned business that designs and manufactures knitwear in Leicester, with a focus on reducing its carbon footprint.

The navy, red, green and white pattern features snowflakes, fir trees - and everyone's favourite dinosaurs: Triceratops, Stegosaurus, T. rex and Diplodocus. Even the Museum's famous Hans Sloane nautilus shell appears along the hem and cuffs. 

The material used to make the jumpers is certified by the Global Recycling Standards (GRS) for its 100% recycled contents - a blend of 60% recycled cotton and 40% recycled polyester, the latter made from locally recycled plastic bottles.

Elsewhere, the Faraway Gang offers children's knitwear with a slow fashion approach.

The Faraway Gang jumpers, above and below, are made from all-natural extra-fine merino wool, these jumpers are robust, non-itchy, and ready for adventure, according to founder Sally Jackson.

The Faraway Gang use raw materials and knitting techniques to produce a quality that will stand the test of time, according to the award-winning brand. The jumpers are made from all-natural extra-fine merino wool, all made in the UK.

The Faraway Gang was founded in 2017 by Sally Jackson after becoming a mother for the second time.  Sally, like all mums, sought to get the balance right between having a family and retaining her creativity and independence.  With over 15 years experience as a knitwear designer for some of the UK’s most known brands such as Boden, Great Plains and Joules, interest in her designs were strong. Her first independent range won her a Gold Junior Award within a month of launching her signature style of fair-isle pattern showcasing her natural talent for colour.

From My Mother’s Garden's limited edition prints inspired by the wonders of nature

Christmas is just around the corner and it is this time of the year that we particularly are thinking of our family.  Thus it is understandable that British brand From My Mother’s Garden, which only started in 2019, has been a hit with customers.  

Made of a lightweight sustainable fabric, this long robe/duster coat in one of
From My Mother's Garden's exclusive prints based on a magnolia tree. 

Created by Dorset boutique owner, Penny Callaghan was inspired by her mother’s garden and their close mother & daughter bond, and the happy times they have spent there together.

From My Mother’s Garden is a collection of limited edition kimonos, robes and womenswear featuring sustainable fabrics that capture the vibrant colours and magical beauty of nature.

From My Mother’s Garden’s reversible velvet kimono jacket with a print based on a dandelion clock
in blue and silver print with a midnight blue reverse.

From My Mother's Garden's semi-sheer scarf made of sustainable bamboo in an exclusive
 Wishes print in dark blue and cobalt shades features a dandelion clock. 

From My Mother's Garden Hooded Raincoat - Autumn Leaves
- made of a waterproofed recycled polyester and cotton mix. The raincoat has a detachable hood and a zip and popper fastening.

Founder Penny said the collection was launched just before the first UK lockdown. “Just when I thought everything was lost, I found that as we emerged out of Lockdown into Summer 2020, so did an enthusiasm for the collection. It seemed to resonate with customers either because it reminded them of the bond they had with their mother, or because they loved the nature-inspired themes and colours. Added to which I use where possible, sustainable fabrics and environmentally-friendly manufacturing techniques such as sublimation printing for minimal wastage,” explained Penny.

From My Mother's Garden Bamboo Harmony Scarf

From My Mother's Garden Lightweight Long Robe in a Hydrangea print

From My Mother's Garden Lightweight Kimono in a best-selling print: Waterlily

From My Mother's Garden is now selling in boutiques, art galleries and gift shops around the UK and on its website.

Tom Van Der Borght presented new luxury collection at Hyeres Festival, France

Designer Tom Van Der Borght presented his "Time for Love" collection at the 36th edition of Hyères Festival from 15 to 17 October 2021 in the south of France.  The collection was realised in close collaboration with Le19M, Chanel’s legendary “ateliers des Metièrs d’Art” and with the support of  Premiere Vision, the Paris-based international trade fair for professionals of the garment and textile industry.

As an independent artist, with a focus on fashion, textile, graphics, video, installation and scenography, Tom was winner of the 35th festival of Hyères last year when his universe was the essence of his inspiration, described as a kind of "take it or leave it".  For this new season, Tom invites us to enter his universe of wearable pieces, with his own twist on the notion of ready-to-wear.  At first glance, the colours and bold patterns appear tribal.  Not to be missed are vibrant knits, unconventional city suits, and sports-inspired separates for the non-gender specific, trans-seasonal collection.

The new collection entitled "Time for love" carries a message that clothing becomes a living metaphor of the connection between humans while seeking to make a transition between his two collections.

Note how pearls are used, like earrings attached to the clothes, patches of peaches on the green and purple. On one hand we find his love for sportwear and on the other hand his love for delicate materials and details.

To maintain his attention to details, Tom has collaborated with Maison Lesage, Hubert Barrere, House of Paloma and Maison Michel. Tom creates an important hat collection to share a message: the oversize hats are his answer to the Covid situation, he reckons. Rather than covering the mouth, the eyes are covered. For instance, one can find the iconic double hat on the first image above, which was a first in terms of realization for Maison Michel.

 

Tom considers sustainability is a responsibility that we have to take, it is something that has to come from the inside.

Not working on seasons and gender, Tom Van Der Borght does not specify who will wear his clothes. and prefers to create lasting pieces that one will wear for a long time. He believes, his version of new luxury is the future of luxury.