Diamonds are a girl's best friend, says survey

Photo from Gemporia.

It’s official! “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” and British women’s favourite choice of gem to wear, but Tanzanite comes a close second according to research published by  UK online jewellers Gemporia.

One of the murals of film legend Elizabeth Taylor featured by Christie's for a major auction in 2011.

When asked which well-known person across the world they most associated with sophisticated jewellery, most popular (a fifth of respondents alone) voted for the late Elizabeth Taylor (NB – respondents were not given a multiple choice of names – an open response was required).

The Duchess of Cambridge polled second and the Queen came a close third. Other women also highlighted as icons of jewellery sophistication were Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Jackie 0, Princess Diana and Victoria Beckham.

To read article in full, click HERE.

Art-deco London building inspires new shoe design - Walsh X McCann London

Creative agency McCann London has created a new trainer with British sports shoe brand Norman Walsh, inspired by the agency’s iconic 1930’s art deco building on 7-11 Herbrand Street, London (near Russell Square).

The new ‘Herbrand Seven-Eleven’ trainer, in the distinctive white and green colours of the McCann building, was launched on June 8th at an exhibition devised and hosted by McCann London.

The partnership follows previous brand collaborations between Norman Walsh and fashion brands such as Universal Works and high street giant Marks & Spencer.

The exhibition tells the story of Norman Walsh through photos, film and shoes from the Norman Walsh archive dating back to 1948, featuring original track and field, marathon and fell running, rugby, football and cricket shoes, and including the running shoes brand founder Norman Walsh created for the 1948 Olympic Games.


Within the exhibition is a showpiece area named ‘The Peaks of Walsh’, featuring a formation of cairns - a reference to the stone cairns that are found on hill and mountain tops in the north of Britain. The showpiece celebrates the history of fell running, and the peaks that Walsh has reached in its long history.

The exhibition is open to the public and will run for two months.

McCann London designed the limited-edition Herbrand Seven-Eleven sneaker, which was then manufactured by hand in Walsh’s Bolton factory.  The trainer will be displayed in the agency’s Herbrand Street window as well as on sale on the McCann London website.

Laurence Thomson, Chief Creative Officer at McCann London, said: “Many sports brands are keen to stress their Britishness, but Norman Walsh is the only British-owned sports footwear brand still manufacturing in this country and a real authentic icon of the craft heritage that remains in this country, so we want to help tell their story"

Tim Walker, London agent for Norman Walsh, said: “Our collaboration with McCann London has not only resulted in a beautiful new trainer but an exhibition that brilliantly conveys the history of our brand and the craftsmanship that goes into everything we make. The team at McCann have a real passion and appreciation for our brand and we’re proud to work with them to make our story famous.”

Vegetable-tanned leather brand TINCT releases new playful film

Love the new film from TINCT Handbags, the brother and sister run leather goods label showcasing their collection of vegetable-tanned leather bags and accessories.  The UK designed and manufactured leather goods come in practical simplistic designs play with colour-blocking and contrasting details.  Great for everyday use.

To view the TINCT film, click HERE.

Showcasing the colourful world of plants, vegetation, flowers and paint that form the essence of the veg-tan heritage brand, the playful film - the first from TINCT - was directed & produced by London-based director Jack Driscoll, whose work for other brands such as Harvey Nichols, Adidas and YouTube has earned him international acclaim. 

The film was shot by Marek Mystika at Park Village Studio in north London, who also represent Driscoll. According to the brand, everything was shot in camera, with all set build and props created in the studio on the day.

Ben Broad from TINCT said: "This project is testament to the awesome dedication and hard work of everyone involved.  It’s an unbelievable culmination of Jack & his team’s creative drive, vision, selflessness, and talent.”