Pop Art News: The Lobster Man Returns. Philip Colbert showing at the Saatchi Gallery, London, 29 November - 13 January

Pop artist Philip Colbert, renowned for his vibrant use of colour and surrealist style, continues to captivate with his latest creative venture. Known as "The Lobster Man," Colbert tackles themes of artificial intelligence in a bold new series of battle-themed artworks.

Titled The Battle for Lobsteropolis, the exhibition will be showcased at London's Saatchi Gallery—the very institution where Colbert first introduced his work to the art world. 

Running from November 29, 2024, to January 13, 2025, the show will present six large-scale hunt-themed paintings and sculptures, blending his signature aesthetic with a fresh narrative perspective.

Philip Colbert, celebrated for his hyper-pop history paintings, continues his exploration of battle scenes in a landmark solo exhibition. 

In The Battle for Lobsteropolis, his iconic lobster character journeys through time, facing off against artificial intelligence in imaginative reworkings of historical conflicts. Central to the exhibit are two monumental AI-assisted paintings where Colbert’s lobster engages in epic clashes with the tech world.

While many AI experts warn of an impending technological reckoning, Colbert takes a nuanced approach, crafting a vision where art history and digital innovation intersect. Rather than sounding alarms, his work invites reflection on how AI reshapes our understanding of art. This tension between tradition and progress is particularly evident in Colbert’s reinterpretation of a 2,000-year-old masterpiece from Pompeii. In After Battle of Issus Mosaic, he reimagines the famed "Alexander the Great" mosaic—currently housed at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, where Colbert exhibited earlier this year—relocating it to his dystopian realm of Lobsteropolis. Here, Colbert’s lobster battles an advancing army of AI avatars, challenging viewers to reconsider the enduring relevance of art history in the digital age.

The show also features a series of striking sculptures inspired by classical mythological figures like the Centaur, Minotaur, and Medusa. Colbert’s playful reinterpretations emphasise mythology’s timeless themes, highlighting its resonance in a world shaped by contemporary issues.

Dubbed the “godson of Andy Warhol” by André Leon Talley (late editor of US Vogue), Colbert’s work fuses pop culture, geopolitics, and current events into a vibrant, hyper-pop aesthetic. His recurring lobster motif, central to his artistic identity, symbolizes surrealism and the absurdity of modern life. This fascination began in his youth, evolving into a signature style when he donned a lobster-patterned suit and embraced his moniker, “The Lobster Man.” Reflecting on this transformation, Colbert says, “I became an artist when I became a lobster.”

The Battle for Lobsteropolis caps off an extraordinary year for Colbert. It began with a high-profile collaboration with Vogue and his debut solo exhibition in Singapore at the Whitestone Gallery in January. 

In March, Philip Colbert unveiled House of the Lobster, a unique event held at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, home to the world’s largest collection of Roman artifacts.

April saw Colbert extend his collaboration with AS ROMA in support of The Red Cross. After designing a special-edition football kit worn by the team and showcasing a giant inflatable lobster at Stadio Olimpico, he joined forces with players Leonardo Spinazzola, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, and Stephan El Shaarawy. Together, they created a one-of-a-kind painting that blended the worlds of art and football.

In the summer, Colbert took over London’s The Conran Shop. Partnering with his wife, visual artist and filmmaker Charlotte Colbert, the duo transformed the store into an immersive installation of their surreal world. Featuring bespoke furniture and exclusive homewares, the display brought their theatrical vision—described by US Vogue as a “theatrical funhouse”—into the public eye, making surrealism accessible for any home.

By September, Colbert traveled to Seoul to debut his largest inflatable artwork yet: the Giant Lobster King. This colossal 16-meter sculpture, set afloat on a giant rubber ring in Lake Seokchon, marked Lotte Mall’s 10th anniversary. His whimsical sculptures also adorned the mall’s interior and outdoor spaces, drawing fans and K-pop stars alike, including Dishoon, Yoshi from Treasure, and Jennie Kim. Simultaneously, Colbert’s solo show at the Next Museum turned the Seoul district into a playful lobster-themed wonderland.

Following a whirlwind year of global exhibitions and public installations, the Saatchi Gallery showcase in London promises to end the year on a high note.

Fashion Trade Event: Copenhagen Fashion Week Announces Show & Presentation Schedule for AW25

Copenhagen Fashion Week has announced the show and presentation schedule for the Autumn/Winter 25 edition, taking place from 27-31 January 2025.

The fair will feature 36 brands, and organisers say it will continue to build momentum for the seasonal showcase by highlighting both key international and Nordic leaders, along with emerging innovators, blending Nordic names and international vanguards in the programme to underscore Copenhagen Fashion Week's leading position in the global fashion calendar.

The AW25 edition will introduce a new brand within the CPHFW NEWTALENT scheme, welcoming returning brands, and hosting new names over the week of shows and presentations. 

Once again there will be runway shows and presentations integrated into a unified schedule. Presentation slots, allocated a two-hour window, will be interspersed between shows, allowing guests to attend both. Furthermore, the schedule will include a break on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, providing space for a burgeoning line up of talks, events, showrooms, and trade fairs.

For the Full Fair and Presentation schedule, click HERE. 

Stine Goya to show on the Friday during AW25 Edition 

This edition marks the return of Danish brand Stine Goya to the official schedule for AW25, and for the first time, Copenhagen Fashion Week will extend the festival to the Friday, with the brand hosting an intimate salon runway show at the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg that evening, set against the special exhibition "Stine Goya x Art - If You Can See What I See." Curated and staged by Stine Goya, the exhibition showcases works from the museum's art collection, celebrating Goya's deep connection to art, making for a special return to the schedule.

Alongside Stine Goya, Copenhagen Fashion Week will also see the return of Saks Potts and TG Botanical. Additionally, the schedule features the comeback of renowned Danish designer Anne Sofie Madsen.

Bonnetje joins CPHFW NEWTALENT Scheme

Young Danish brand Bonnetje will join the CPHFW NEWTALENT scheme while Berner Kühl will present their second showcase, Stamm and Alectra Rothschild / Masculina will present their third and final showcases as part of the scheme.

Last season, Bonnetje was awarded the One To Watch slot and presented their SS25 collection in a presentation format on the official schedule. For the upcoming AW25 edition, Bonnetje will present their AW25 collection in a show format on CFW's opening day, Monday, January 27, 2025.

New and Returning Brands to the Official Schedule

Stel, the celebrated brand of the Danish-born Astrid Andersen, and emerging Danish label Birrot are making their official schedule runway debut following their highly successful SS25 appearances on the official event schedule, while lauded Swedish label Filippa K will present their collection in a presentation format for the very first time. Joining the line up are Icelandic brand 66°North, iconic Danish label Alis, Copenhagen-based newcomer Kamo, and Swedish menswear brand Cmmn Swdn, to further enhance the schedule's dedication to onboarding the best of Nordic design.

Alongside the special planned showcase of Stine Goya, Copenhagen Fashion Week is thrilled to see the return of Saks Potts and TG Botanical. Additionally, the schedule features the comeback of renowned Danish designer Anne Sofie Madsen.

Interior Trend: Fiona Howard Wallpapers launch new Border Collection

Wallpaper borders were one of the biggest trends of the 90s, and three decades later they are back for a new generation of interior aficionados, according to Fiona Wallpapers.

Jasmine Leaf Border in Turquoise by Fiona Howard Wallpapers
A fresh border of a twisting leaf vine in one colour on a white background. It creates a decor statement above a half-panelled wall or dado rail, around a doorway or around the room below a ceiling.

Fiona Howard Wallpapers' collection of three designs offer a fresh take for interior design.  Comprising Jasmine Leaf, Sunflower and Squiggle, the Border Collection was created to complement existing Fiona Howard designs, or to be used as a standalone interior statement.

Fiona Howard, Founder of Fiona Howard Wallpapers, said: “Wallpaper borders were huge in the 90s but fell out of fashion as minimalism and neutrals took centre stage. However, as homeowners once again embrace maximalism and punchy colours, borders are making a comeback.

“But the biggest difference between now and the 90s is how we use them. With social media inspiring many interior design decisions, homeowners are becoming bolder and more creative.”

Squiggle Border in Buttermilk from Fiona Howard Wallpapers
A versatile squiggle border in a warm buttermilk yellow. This could be an accent around a doorway, above a dado rail, or around the top of a room. 

Squiggle is a 60s-inspired design. Measuring a diminutive 8.6cm in height, Squiggle was created to be used as a decorative border around architectural features, such as windows, doors and wardrobe panelling. It is available in six colourways and exudes mid-century styling.

Sunflower Border in Blue from Fiona Howard Wallpapers
Two shades of blue border depicting a stylised sunflower with pretty wiggly edges. 

Nature-inspired Sunflowers offers a stylised take on the classic floral and has been created to bring joy wherever it is used, be it a nursery or child’s bedroom or the more utilitarian spaces of the home such as the kitchen and bathroom. Use it around the top of a room or above panelling in a breakfast nook for a standout finish. Blackcurrant and Putty are among the five colours it is available in.

Jasmine Leaf in Bark Hires from Fiona Wallpapers
A lovely fresh border of a twisting leaf vine in one colour on a white background. 

Jasmine Leaf is wide and generous, making a design statement where it is used. Whether it is used to add interest above a dado rail or in a half-panelled room, this botanical-inspired border will command attention. It’s available in five different colourways including Bark and Turquoise, which are both tipped to be THE shades of 2026, according to Fiona Howard.

Fiona said: “Unlike wallpapering entire walls or rooms, hanging a border offers a fuss-free style update, especially for those short on time or working to a strict budget.”

The new borders can be used to create a visual division in a room and complement half-wall wood panelling, as well as add drama and interest as a ceiling border, and are also impactful when used to frame windows and doors, as well as when applied to furniture pieces like dressers and headboards for a personalised touch.

Fiona Howard, a British designer renowned for contemporary classics like Sanderson’s Dandelion Clocks, has spent the last 30 years establishing her reputation in home furnishings and textile design, collaborating closely with clients around the globe.

All images courtesy of Fiona Howard Wallpapers.

Interior Trend: Lemieux et Cie’s History-Inspired Wallpaper Collection Now at Beautiful Walls

Wallpaper is having a nostalgic comeback in interior design, and Lemieux et Cie’s latest collection captures this perfectly. Designed by Christiane Lemieux, each design in the collection draws on historical wallpaper styles from around the world, crafted meticulously by hand.

Lemieux Et Cie Zora Wave - Denim, available at Beautiful Walls
Artistic brushstrokes interpret waves in motion that crash and swirl from the central wellsprings of Zora Waves.  A retrospective from the private collections of Christiane Lemieux featuring global, artistic, and handcrafted designs. 

It is typified by richly layered designs that are effortlessly relaxed, according to Tim Dixon, Managing Director of retailer Beautiful Walls.  

Tim said: “This collection was inspired by the wallpaper classics of years gone by, and given a modern update for 21st century living.

“While each design within the collection has been created for visual impact, there is a subtleness to the range to ensure it works in harmony with existing home styling.”

Lemieux Et Cie Rousseau Paperweave - Indigo, available at Beautiful Walls
The hand-dyed yarns of an Indonesian ikat influence Rousseau Paperweave's diamond tapestry weave made from organic paper. 

 

The collection offers 14 unique designs, spanning geometric patterns, florals, painterly motifs, and tapestry-inspired prints, with an abstract mural of rolling ocean waves as a standout piece. Each design draws from Christiane Lemieux’s private archives, showcasing global, artistic, and handcrafted influences. Her brand, Lemieux Et Cie, epitomizes luxury through minimalist refinement—richly layered yet with an effortless, relaxed elegance. This deeply personal style reflects a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the beauty of imperfection, as described by Beautiful Walls.

Lemieux Et Cie Painterly Labyrinth - Navy, available at Beautiful Walls
Known as the Venice of Provence, the canals and bridges of this dockside town give Martigue Stripe its coastal sophistication.

Highlights include Painterly Labyrinth, a design inspired by the structures of an ancient maze, which is available in five colourways, and Orly Tigers, which depicts the heirloom prayer rugs from Tibetan monasteries.

Lemieux Et Cie Orly Tigers - Taupe/Charcoal, available at Beautiful Walls
The heirloom prayer rugs of Tibetan monasteries inspired European tapestries
such as the stylized rendering of Orly Tigers. 

The look of handcrafted artisanal weaves is brought to life in Kami Paperweave, while Plein Air Palms is an impressionist take on palm fronds.

Lemieux Et Cie Plein Air Palms - Green, available at Beautiful Walls
Artistic brushstrokes create an outdoor landscape of Impressionist palm fronds and stems in Plein Air Palms. 

Tim added: “This is a curation that pushes boundaries with texture, pattern, and colour, offering a unique way to elevate your space. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of damask or the modern edge of geometric prints, this collection has something for all interior fans.”

Lemieux Et Cie Avril Chinoiserie - Coral, available at Beautiful Walls
Western paintings of flowering branches compose Avril Chinoiserie with the exotic air of mystery associated with classic Asian art and style.

New York-based LEMIEUX ET CIE was launched in 2020 by designer and home furnishings entrepreneur Christiane Lemieux with a focus on the creative design process, partnering with master artisans and producers around the globe, and letting the creative process happen.

Beautiful Walls is a family-run business boasting exclusive wallpaper collections to suit all interior tastes.  It started as The London Paperhanging Company in 1854.

All images courtesy of Beautiful Walls.