Sunday 9 May 2010

Romper Stomper





Amidst our peripatetic touring about town, the biscuit and I have spotted several of the 260 elephants forming the Elephant Family’s brightly coloured ‘Elephant Parade’


We caught sight of the first Elephant on High street Kensington, not long after its colourful coat had dried and were fortunate enough to chat to one of the Elephant Family fundraisers, who is clearly very passionate about the cause. She explained that the Asian Elephant population has shrunk by 90% in the last 100 years and could easily vanish altogether if we don’t make an effort to help.



Organisers of the parade, which runs until the 29th June, are hoping to raise up to £2million by auctioning off the colourful Elephant sculptures( painted by high profile artists and designers including  Alice Temperly, Lulu Guinness, Marc Quinn, Nicky Haslam, Sir Terence Conran, Matthew Williamson,  Patrick Hughes and John Rocha). You even have the opportunity to meet the artists behind these beautiful sculptures on the 22nd May.
 For more details and to down load the 'Elephant Parade' map, click on the link below

Saturday 8 May 2010

MTFS goes window shopping





MTFS have brushed off their wellies and hit the pavement in search of London’s most inspiring and imaginative shop windows.The first breathtaking display to catch our eye was at the heavenly ilovegorgeous boutique in Notting Hill.


Talented artist, window dresser and RCA alumni,Mary Mathieson, drew inspiration from ilg’s upcoming Spring/Summer range to create her ethereal window display.With a colourful, ribbon draped Maypole as its focal point, the display is somewhat ‘ English springtime meets Miss Havishum’; owing to its delightful ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed corner, complete with rustic chairs, antique dolls and miniature wooden and china tea sets.
Before weaving her magic, Mary discusses ideas with ilg designers Lucy Enfield and Sophie Worthington to create the colour, mood and general feel of the display. Of the clothes themselves, Mary says “There is a strong feeling of nostalgia, romance and narrative in the clothes but they are unique in that they are also quite cool and fashionable without being really predictable so it is always great fun getting all the props and materials together”.
Mary’s sleep cum work space is filled with ribbons, buttons, fabric, lace, leather and any other useful curiosities, bequeathed to her by her mother and grandmother ( both having worked in the family textile/shoemaking business in the 50’s). Mary then sources any additional materials required from Barnett Lawson Trimmings in London’s West End, to complete her magnificent works of art.




ilovegorgeous  arrived on London’s fashionable Ledbruy Rd, Notting Hill in 2008, offering unique, timeless garments to suit both mini and tweenie fashionistas alike. By teaming vintage textiles with a classic design and a touch of a contemporary twist, ilg has marked a firm presence in London’s fashion scene. The boutique now has a healthy following of West London Yummy Mummies, including the likes of Kate Moss, Stella McCartney, Claudia Schiffer, Elle Macpherson, Sam Taylor – Wood, Thandie Newton....and MTFS!


ilovegorgeous
52Ledbury Rd
London
W112AJ
0207 229 5855
http://www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk


Mary Mathieson
mathiesonmary@btinternet.com