Amelia’s Magazine | Double Trouble

Featuring competitions in the already overly competitive world that is Art may seem somewhat crude to say the least. But in fact it’s through these well supported and sponsored prizes that new and underexposed artists and creative mediums gain a platform and a voice, information pills page and a fairly fair and just route for career progression out of the studios and into the spotlight. It’s also a darn good excuse to curate a fine exhibition of very talented folk, hospital and in a collaborative sense get together with a common thread, clinic be it the format, subject matter or genre, and share opinions, ideas and approaches. I call to the stand Foto8 and their annual Photographic Prize an exhibition of which opens with a right knees up of a party this weekend in London.

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Joerg Brueggermann (2009 Entry)

Foto8, in their own words, is ‘a space to share, comment and debate photography. The site exists to bridge the divide between photographers, authors and their audience through interactive displays and a constant stream of new works and resources’. Based on the belief that documentary photography has a vital role to play in contemporary society, Foto8′s ethos firmly pushes the medium as a valued tool for communication and self education about the world around us and the lesser understood worlds of others.

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Abbie Traylor-Smith (2009 Entry)

The London based website has regular postings of reviews, commentaries, interviews and picture stories as well as photographic events and news items, and serves as an outlet for the biannually published 8 magazine, which can be previewed, ordered and subscribed to from there. Now up to issue 25 the magazine blurs and tests the boundaries between photography, journalism and art and represents ‘the very best in design and print, following a graphic format that uses the medium of the printed page to its fullest.’

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Robert Hackman (2009 Entry)

The Gallery that will house this spectacular show was established by director of Foto8 Jon Levy along with Adrian Evans, the director of Panos Pictures, and celebrates it’s fourth birthday this year. HOST is dedicated to the specialised promotion and exploration of photojournalism and documentary photography, ‘from classical black and white reportage to contemporary mixed media’. They pioneer both new and traditional methods of manipulating the gallery setting with innovation and passion. The gallery proudly boasts a highly-respected exhibition schedule, complimented by an on-going program of face-to-face encounters with photography and film, including screenings, talks and regular book club meetings.

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Clemence de Limburg (2009 Entry)

From around 2300 images submitted from 44 different countries from as far afield as Thailand and Turkey, just over 100 carefully selected images will make up the final display at this year’s Foto 8 Summer Show at London’s HOST Gallery. As well as each entry appearing in the show’s published book, each photograph will be for sale to the public from the opening night and throughout the exhibition, and of course each and every exhibit will be in with the chance to win either the ‘Best in Show’ category or the ‘People’s Choice’, both highly sort after and respected prizes in the industry.

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Dougie Wallace (2008 Winner of ‘Best in Show’)

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Guido Castagnoli (2008 Winner of ‘People’s Choice’)

Whereas the Best in Show is awarded by an elite team of experts in the field, including The Times’ Director of Photography Graham Wood and the V&A’s Head of Images Andrea Stern, and entails a £1500 reward, the People’s Choice will be determined by public visitors to the show and in many respects is a more coveted title, given that each exhibitor’s work must speak to those with perhaps a less trained eye for artistic and technical merit, and must rely on more personal and emotional responses from the everyday spectator.

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Domenico Pugliese (2009 Entry)

The brief for prospective entrants was simple. They seek images that challenge and engage, convey stories and raise questions. They state that they ‘encourage free expression’ and ‘new ways of seeing and telling’, also adding that they value photography ‘that conveys feeling as much as fact.’ The entry requirements allow for up to three submitted images per person, and the submissions look set to be as diverse and varied as 2008′s collections were.

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Rachel Bevis (2009 Entry)

Being the biased art appreciators that we are, there is already a winner of an entry in our opinion, an image that stands out for us and will be certainly receiving the ‘Amelia’s Choice’ award at the opening on Friday evening. ‘Marie’ by semi-professional London based photographer Rachel Bevis commands our attention and holds our gaze. At first seeming to be a mono-chrome image of a lone figure at night, on second appreciation is actually a wintery street scene in which a female is immersed in falling snow. Mysterious, evocative and powerful this photograph is one we cannot tire of looking at. Best of luck Miss Bevis.

Who will you be exercising your democratic rights and voting for?

Foto8 Summer Show
HOST Gallery
1 Honduras Street
London, EC1Y 0TH

24th July: Opening Night Party
6:30pm – 11:30pm

Tickets: £5 in advance, £8 on the door
Tickets available to buy here

24th July – 5th September
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
Sat 11am-4pm

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Kurt Tong (2009 Entry)
One of the organisations we’ve been following of late at Amelia’s Magazine is the Ethical Fashion Forum. Springing up in 2004 following the concerns made famous in the international press during the 1990s – sweatshop working, information pills terrible wages and mass environmental damage – a group of designers decided to do something about it by raising awareness. Liasing with over 400 designers, fashion brands and other fashion businesses, the EFF connects people who want to promote a sustainable future for the fashion industry; this includes creating safe working environments and increasing wages in oft-exploited third world countries, as well as encouraging minimal environmental damage. Closely tied to this venture is the Fair Trade Foundation – pinpointing exactly how topical a sustainable fashion industry has become in recent years alongside the massive interest in Fair Trade products.

Earlier in the year EFF launched it’s biannual “Innovation” competition for designers, the first being PURE, rewarding and recognising those who have shown innovation (!) and initiative regarding the greater good of the fashion world. The shortlist of competitors was announced last month, and gave publicity to an assortment of passionate designers who are keen to support a sustainable and ethical fashion future through their business strategies and design work. The competition hopes to raise awareness of the EFF’s goals and views by rewarding those who have shown similar ethical principles to itself, whilst at the same time inspiring this generation of designers to work together for a better future. The overused cliché of “green is the new black” really seems to be ringing true at EFF!

This years shortlist of 12 included designers from all over the world, all excited to promote the EFF message; those from or working in South Africa, Malawi, India, China and North America were all on show, with a good percentage of designers working in poverty-stricken Third World countries. The designers largely sourced their materials from traditional industries all over the world, and particularly in struggling areas, as shown by this quick survey of the territories they work within. Others are supporting local industries within the UK, such as crofting in the Scottish Highlands. Each were judged on their collection’s overall design and finish, their brand ethics, and their sale-ability, by a panel including Anna Orsini, head of London Fashion Week, Donna Wallace of ELLE magazine, alongside other senior fashion journalists and lecturers.

So who came up trumps in the end? Being selected to show at the PURE trade show, the winners were Cape Town brand Lalesso, and MIA, another African working in Malawi. Lalesso was a clear box-ticker: initially set up to provide a “socially responsible method of manufacturing”.

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Designing clothes based on East African traditions and current trends, the label aids struggling unemployment by providing well-paid work for several different groups, from the unskilled ‘beach boys’ to the traditionally skilled Masaai tradesmen. The clothes are vibrant, fun and youthful, including patterned prom dresses and casual beach wear, showcasing typical laidback African style tailored for a fashion-conscious audience who care.

MIA was an equally obvious winner. Recycling vintage pieces is no new idea; however MIA has taken this to new lengths with her remade clothing. Using second- hand streetwear combined with traditional Malawian dress, she has created designs that are thoroughly modern, embracing the current fascination with all things retro and uniquely individual.

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MIA’s message is to embrace our wardrobes and recycle them in order to prevent such widespread textile waste in the way that we recycle food packaging and other products in the new millennium. She’s another designer interested in the capacities of upcycled clothing, and is keen to promote change with her range of smock style mini dresses combining different materials in their zig-zag skirts.

Some of the other candidates we were keen on included Henrietta Ludgate, a Central Saint Martins graduate and Scottish designer hailing from the Highlands.

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Embracing her Highland roots, this designer used crofting techniques in her collections in a way that has not been seen in recent years, supporting local industries with her work. Crofting involves reusing excess waste material from mills as part of a small community of workers who all support each other.

A similar idea can be seen with Outsider, who support the oft-abused textile industries in China and India through sourcing organic fabrics and providing fair labour conditions and wages, true to the EFF message. Stating that “we believe ethical fashion should just look like fashion” these designers are certainly up there with the best of the bunch.

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Their latest collection featured reworked classic shapes with pleat detailing and simple lines, all in sophisticated black, with the main focus of the design work being on the use of sustainable fabrics to inspire confidence in what we’re wearing and how it is sustaining the fashion industry globally.

Coming up in September will be the Esethetica awards when more winners will be announced – what did you make of the shortlist and did you agree with the winners? Let us know!

Monday 27th July
Coco Electrik- Pure Groove, help London

On it as we generally are, hospital we included Coco Electrik in our magazine a while back. Fun poppy danceable electro with a surreal twist.

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Tuesday 28th
First Aid Kit – The Lexington, London

We love First Aid Kit and their oddball folk complete with tinkling harmonies, and they carried of their set at Climate Camp Glastonbury with aplomb I hear. Support comes from Blue Roses, whom I’ve known of for a while under her “day-to-day” name Laura Groves, her music is achingly delicate and beautiful.

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Wednesday 29th July
Simian Mobile Disco- Roundhouse, London

Simian Mobile Disco have been shimmying their way into our hearts and minds for a while now. Funky and exuberant, their latest release features vocals from Alexis Taylor and Beth Ditto

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Thursday 30th July
Maps – Hoxton Bar and Grill, London

I would definitely put Maps‘ lo-fi bedroom electronica on my “Top 3 Things To Do With Maps” List alongside every indie schmindie’s make-out song of choice by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and actual maps which are great. A must for fans of Low and My Bloody Valentine.

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Friday 31st July
Left With PicturesBush Hall, London

Left With Pictures is a whirling mix of vocal harmonising, melodicas, violins…the whole shebang. It’s quite exciting and suprising to listen to and more than a little bit evocative of another era. Lovely stuff!

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Saturday 1st August
Field Day– Victoria Park, London

Ahh London’s favourite festival returns, highlights include the mighty Mogwai, Final Fanatsy, Four Tet and Fanfarlo.

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Sometimes, discount the maxim that “two heads are better than one”, page certainly rings true. Well, check never has this been more appropriate than with dynamic design partners in crime, Siamese duo, Fanny and Jessy, the East London pair causing a stir on the design scene at the moment. Having recently graduated from the London College of Fashion, these young designers have set about refusing to pigeonhole their collections into trends or even genders, preferring to leave it all unisex. How Judith Butler would have approved!

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The new collection, cheekily named “I hope you die soon”, features designs that are something of a cross between Donnie Darko and Topshop Unique. Think fringing, fraying, and rippling, pod shapes, skinny fit leggings and rock star fur. Imagine Aerosmith‘s Steven Tyler raiding David Bowie‘s wardrobe; its rock’n’roll mixed with futuristic meets minimalistic; it’s a bit special indeed! Inspired in their own words, by music, art, film and life, the collection is something of an exception to trends of the moment. There’s no hint of these clothes fitting into a Vogue run-down of current catwalk trends emergent this season.

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Featuring cut out, holey leggings paired with cocoon-like tops with shoulder padding, shape and volume are a clear focus of the collection. Pod- like hoods and wide wide wide, sharp, triangular shoulder pads sculpt the tops, or only collars are left with no top to speak of! One constant is the shock or avant garde factor, alongside of course the extreme precision and talent that has gone in to combining so many different shapes and effects in a way that isn’t garish or over the top. The collection is very balanced in a Gemini like way. Must be the dual influence.

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The different photo shoots capturing the collection also serve to capture its different facets. Mark Cant‘s photography delineates the beautiful precision of the pieces with his optical illusions of blurring motion in black and white – whereas Christopher James’ pictures evoke the Hoxton art student feel, which was clearly a subconscious influence on the designers as students of East London.

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The models ride bicycles and lean against Brick Lane-esque graffiti scenes to give the clothes a really modern ‘James Dean‘ rebel feel. Ellie Scott too focuses on the youthful vibrancy of the pieces combined with an urban backdrop featuring railway arches and garages, even including a matching mottled car. The designers clearly knew when working with these photographers that the ideas behind their clothing would not be lost.

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The pair have unsurprisingly gathered something of a cult following, largely as a result of their collaborations with other artistic projects (as seen with their impeccable taste in fashion photographers). ‘Collaboration’ is a key word for these designers, it seems. Having worked with artist/film maker Danny Sangra on the logo of the label, the duo set about making a short film of the new collection released this month. The film perfectly captures the ethos of “I hope you die soon”. Featuring flashing torch light and heavy drum and bass, the jilting camera follows models stepping in and out of the spot light before beginning to dance. The underground, dirty basement setting adds scare factor, whilst also appealing to that underworld art student vibe of the collection, like a secret drum and bass rave.

Stepping back, you can see that Fanny and Jessy’s combined talents manifest themselves in a holistic sense, since they can be seen throughout not just the collection but also the promotional artwork surrounding it. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

Categories ,Avant-Garde, ,East London, ,Shape, ,Streetwear, ,Unisex, ,Urban, ,Volume

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Amelia’s Magazine | Top Drawer at Olympia, January 2015: Review

Clara_Francis_fox_beaded_necklace
Top Drawer grows ever bigger each year, and this time around there was a new dedicated fashion section, as well as the Spotted zone curated by Charlotte Abrahams, designed to promote up and coming designers.

Clara_Francis_necklace
It was really great to catch up with jewellery designer Clara Francis, interviewed on this website last year. Clara specialises in the old fashioned art of beading, using the technique to create wonderful and unusual statement necklaces, tiaras and earrings.

Tagua_nut_Just_trade
Just Trade specialise in jewellery made using ethical materials by artisans. These animal pendants are made out of Tagua nut from Ecuador.

Sew_Lomax_makeup_bags
I loved the new neon embroidered wash bags by Sew Lomax.

Nancy_Nicholson_embroidery
At spotted I found Kent based designer Nancy Nicholson, who makes wonderful retro inspired DIY embroidery kits, some pieces inspired by he work of her mother Joan Nicholson. Love them.

Alfred_Wilde_Wolf_and_Moon
Alfred & Wilde designer Simon Mitchell makes amazing graphic printed homewares, and has recently collaborated with Wolf & Moon to make these new perspex jewellery designs inspired by his love of the Platonic Solids.

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Colour_Cutie_cats
These great interactive cards are from Colourcutie, which was launched by designer Anna Rumsby in 2014.

Ola_studio
In the greetings card and stationery section of Top Drawer I was drawn to the subtle graphic designs of Ola Studio by Katy Goutefangea, who I first discovered in 2013 during London Design Week. Her lay flat notebooks are a genius idea.

Jay_bamboo_plate
Finally, this eco friendly bamboo fibre plate is from the Anatomical Range by new label Jay, a gift brand designed to appeal to men but just as good for us ladies, from Cubic.

Sadly I did not locate the Wrap Magazine stand which so impressed me last year. Oh yes, and I never even made it to Craft. Hopefully next time!

Categories ,Alfred & Wilde, ,Anatomical Range, ,Anna Rumsby, ,Charlotte Abrahams, ,Clara Francis, ,Colourcutie, ,craft, ,Cubic, ,Joan Nicholson, ,Just Trade, ,Katy Goutefangea, ,London Design Week, ,Nancy Nicholson, ,Platonic Solids, ,Sew Lomax, ,Spotted, ,Tagua nut, ,Top Drawer, ,Wolf & Moon, ,Wrap Magazine

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Amelia’s Magazine | Home London at Olympia, January 2015: Review

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WOW lighting from Pad Home.

This year I attended the January Home London show with toddler in tow, since needs must. He was very, erm, helpful, on the first leg… then promptly fell asleep in his buggy after lunch (something he never ever does) – giving me a good few hours to see more of the show and actually chat with the designers.

Ella_Doran_vintage_toy_car_wallpaper
First stop, vintage toy car wallpaper by Ella Doran went down especially well with Snarf.

Michael_Angove_Ary_Trays
Åry Trays is a Scandinavian manufacturer of birchwood trays who work with a host of designers including many UK based ones. I particularly liked quirky designs by RCA alumni Michael Angove.

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Shrimp_cushion_Nazanin_Kamali
Snarfle made a beeline for this Minecraft inspired beanbag by furniture designer turned artisanal textiles designer Nazanin Kamali. She had made it for her own son and was very tolerant of his desire to kick his shoes off and pretend sleep, and even helped bribe his removal with a handy chocolate coin. Her unusual embroidered shrimp cushion got a huge amount of love when I posted it on instagram – a sign, perhaps, that people are growing weary of the ubiquitous owls and foxes that still dominate current decorative designs. Find her cushions stocked in SCP.

Otago_design_beaded_pots
I discovered Otago Design at last year’s Tent London (about which I still planning some kind of review… unfortunately my Kickstarter campaign to produce a book got in the way of an earlier blog). I really love the way they marry African design sensibilities with contemporary design.

Toby_House_iridescent_lighting
One of my absolute favourite finds was this amazing iridescent flat pack lighting by the relatively new TOBYhouse from London based designer Toby Sanders. Having already wowed the world with super fun Beach Ball lights, this is his latest innovation.

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Arabia make a whole host of Moomin ceramics that are just so darn cute… can’t wait for Snarf to get better with china!

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Klaus Haapaniemi does it again for Iitala with these gorgeous dancing foxes. His designs are out of this world, if only I could afford to own some.

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Snarfle gave the thumbs up to the new Bee Garden fabric design by Lush Designs, and we were both enamoured with their lovely new range of melamine tableware for little ones, inspired by requests from customers with kids who frequent their East Dulwich shop. The unisex designs feature a unicorn and a lion, and Snarf promptly set up a play kitchen to make us cups of tea with the beakers. Also new to the range: these ceramic kitty money boxes.

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This year the COADG curated area had grown, with some old names joined by new finds. Fanny Shorter textiles are always a winner, and I’m looking forward to her new collection, due for release later this year.

Laura_Slater_cushions
I am in no way surprised that designer Laura Slater has created a bespoke collection for Heals. Love these painterly designs!

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These awesome hot pink flamingo lampshades are by Anna Jacobs.

Thorody
Thorody is the brain child of fine artists Vicky Putler and Theo Sykes, who are inspired by a combination of Modernism and South East London life. The resulting graphic designs are super slick and wearable for the home.

My Top Drawer review is coming up next!

Categories ,2015, ,Anna Jacobs, ,Arabia, ,Åry Trays, ,Beach Ball lights, ,Bee Garden, ,COADG, ,Ella Doran, ,Fanny Shorter, ,flamingo, ,Heals, ,Home London, ,Iitala, ,instagram, ,Kickstarter, ,kitty money boxes, ,Klaus Haapaniemi, ,Laura Slater, ,Lush Designs, ,Michael Angove, ,Minecraft, ,Moomin, ,Nazanin Kamali, ,Olympia, ,Otago Design, ,Pad Home, ,review, ,SCP, ,Snarfle, ,Tent London, ,Theo Sykes, ,Thorody, ,Toby Sanders, ,TOBYhouse, ,Top Drawer, ,Vicky Putler

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Amelia’s Magazine | Best New Designs for the Home: Home London January 2014 Review

Royal Doulton mug

Ceramics designer Louise Wilkinson was kind enough to invite me along to Home London, one of the premier trade shows for people in the homewares business. An off shoot of the infamous Top Drawer gift trade show, in just a few short years this has grown to become a must visit stop off for anyone interested in great design for the home. In the spacious environs of the soon to be razed Earls Court, I took a deep breath and headed up and down the aisles in a methodical manner. It is impossible to do more than scratch the surface at an event like this, but it was really super to catch up with familiar designers, as well as making some fab new discoveries. Go on, feast your eyes! You will soon find some of these designers on my brand new market place…

Adore the new Fable collection by royal doulton

One of the first things that caught my eyes was the new (ish) Fable collection by Royal Doulton, which was designed by the talented illustrator Karolin Schnoor, featured in my first book on illustration. I love her work so was well chuffed to get a Fable Garland mug (at the top) in my goodie bag: it’s the perfect size and shape and is my new favourite vessel for tea. They retail for only £7 each which is an absolute bargain.

Water Butts and wellies by Hemingway

Wayne Hemingway oversees a vast self made empire that includes festivals, designer goods and much more (check out his Land of Lost Content website). The Hemingway Design stand included this intriguing combination of Water Butts and wellies.

Multicoloured Pots by Broste of Copenhagen

This multicoloured display of pots is by Broste of Copenhagen, a large interiors brand with that special Scandinavian touch.

ekobo home bowls

I have a lot of love for bamboo Biobu dishware – Snarfle uses some of these beautifully made products by the French company Ekobo Home when he visits Grandad and they are beautifully made using a very clever eco friendly technique in Vietnam. One for the homeware wish list in our own abode.

Acrylic colourful cutlery sets by the French brand Sabre Paris

Taking acrylic to another level: these colourful cutlery sets are from the French brand Sabre Paris.

Beast In Show Daphne Padden coaster set

The couple behind Beast in Show have closed their shop in Oxford and relocated back to Yorkshire, the better to concentrate on their own brands. Their latest additions include a new range featuring work by the iconic 50s designer Daphne Padden, who died in 2009 leaving an amazing legacy of graphic design work.

Beast in Show cockapoo teatowel

I’ve always wanted a cockapoo (cocker spaniel poodle cross breed) and this new tea towel design would be great for other hybrid dog fans.

Lego skull storage box

You know those cool Lego storage boxes? Now available as skulls. So fun.

owl cushion by Heart Zeena

Elegant simplicity comes in the form of an owl cushion by Zeena.

Fanny Shorter cushions

It was ace to catch up with talented Cockpit Arts designer Fanny Shorter – her unique textile designs are based on kidneys, brains and tropical leaves, and she had a whole stand to herself as the winner of the COADG bursary.

Hop and Peck hedgehog toys

I am sad that Snarfle is just a tiny bit too old for these lovely hedgehog baby toys by Hop and Peck – who make gloriously tactile handmade wooden things. Founder Elaine has combined expert knowledge of the industry (she used to work with Mamas and Papas) with a love of toys that are worthy of being passed down the generations.

Thornback and peel squirrel cushion

Another inimitable surface pattern print by another Cockpit Arts design company, Thornback and Peel: cushions and deck chair fabric feature bold line drawn squirrels and acorns.

Sian Elin wallpaper

This super surface pattern is by Sian Elin.

cushions by seven gauge studios

These beautiful knit cushions are by self taught designer Joy Bates of Seven Gauge Studios, and they sell in Heals (and hopefully on my new market place too).

louise wilkinson teacups

My photo does not do these lovely teacups by Louise Wilkinson justice! It was lovely to catch up with this talented designer, whose illustrations currently adorn the shop windows at the V&A. Here’s hoping she’ll produce more of these images as prints because the ones on her stand looked wonderful.

cushions by iozzolinodesign by Gabriella Strano.

One new discovery I made at Home London was this brand new cushion range by Iozzolino. Italian Irish designer Gabriella Strano trained at De Montfort where she discovered her signature technique, marrying the designs of antique lace and crochet with 21st century technology. Her subtle use of dusty pastels makes a refreshing change to the slew of brights currently splashed across homeward.

Jenny Duff placemats

I am a massive fan of melamine coasters from Ramsgate based designer Jenny Duff – these ones are created from 1950s illustrations that appeared on the Country Fair magazine.

Snarfle with mini Jansen co mug

This tiny Snarfle sized Jansen co mug is a perfect mini version of the iconic Dutch crockery range and I knew he would love it.

Mini Supoon by Dreamfarm

Finally, amongst the goodies found at the bottom of my VIP bag (thanks to Seen PR) I found the Mini Supoon by Dreamfarm, an Australian company that creates clever products for the kitchen which are distributed in the UK by Forma House. The Mini Supoon is especially designed to act like a spatula and a spoon in one, and is perfectly designed to get those last dregs out of jars. Genius.

Next up: my favourite finds at Craft and Top Drawer shows.

Categories ,2014, ,Baby toys, ,Beast in Show, ,Biobu, ,Broste, ,COADG, ,Cockpit Arts, ,Country Fair, ,Daphne Padden, ,De Montfort, ,Dreamfarm, ,Earls Court, ,Ekobo Home, ,Fable, ,Fable Garland, ,Fanny Shorter, ,Forma House, ,Gabriella Strano, ,Hemingway Design, ,Hop and Peck, ,Jansen co, ,Jenny Duff, ,Joy Bates, ,Karolin Schnoor, ,Land of Lost Content, ,Lego, ,Louise Wilkinson, ,Mini Supoon, ,Ramsgate, ,review, ,Royal Doulton, ,Sabre Paris, ,Seen PR, ,Seven Gauge Studios, ,Sian Elin, ,Snarfle, ,Thornback and Peel, ,Top Drawer, ,Wayne Hemingway, ,Zeena

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Amelia’s Magazine | Best New Designs: Top Drawer and Craft London January 2014 Review

Wrap magazine trees and tools wrapping paper

It has been many years since I last attended the Top Drawer gift trade show at Earls Court, and the scope of what is now on offer is daunting to say the least: it’s no wonder it has recently split off into the separate Home London event and now Craft London. Having already visited those two I only made it around half of Top Drawer, missing out on much I’m sure. Oh well, there’s always next time.

Wrap Magazine paper with leaves and pot plants

Over in the greeting cards section it was great to meet the talented Polly and Chris from Wrap Magazine, who have produced a wonderful stand alone wrapping paper range to compliment their beautiful publication – it’s a natural move for this twosome, who have done a remarkable job of creating both a magazine and a product by harnessing the talents of the illustrators that they feature. They have a great aesthetic that is similar to my own and their unique commissioned designs stood out a mile at Top Drawer. You can read our recent interview here.

Eley Kishimoto wrapping paper for 1973 designs

Over at the 1973 stand a collaboration with cult fashion designers Eley Kishimoto caught my eye. Graphic patterns with names like Waltzing Vases and Naked Herrings feature signature colour ways that are unlike any other. Just fabulous.

Snowflakes socks for kids

I love brightly coloured and patterned socks. Snowflakes and Sunflowers specialise in ace affordable designs for kids, available in a boutique near you.

Jennie Maizels A-Z iron on patches

It was very exciting to finally meet illustrator and entrepreneur extraordinaire Jennie Maizels, whose expanding line of iron on patches now includes these brilliant letters, which can be bought separately to construct the words of your choice.

Elks and Angels sheepskin bear

Looking for an unusual and charming newborn gift? How about this adorable sheepskin soft Cuddle Bear for kids by Australian company Elks and Angels, distributed by Diddywear in the UK.

Plan toys cog puzzle

This is so cool: a gear puzzle from Plan Toys, a Thai company which specialises in ‘sustainable play’ and great design.

Colourful Dove bone china for kids

This fun bone china tableware range for kids is by Colourful Dove.

Sew Heart Felt seal slippers

Seal felt slippers designed in the UK and handmade in Nepal by Sew Heart Felt are extremely cute, dontcha think?!

Nkuku paper lanterns

Beautiful unusual shaped paper lanterns by Nkuku would look wonderful hung from the ceiling at any time of year. This company specialises in ecodesign and fair-trade gifts.

Susi Hines rotating gold rings

Over in the new Craft London section I loved these handmade oxidised gold and natural diamond rotating rings by jeweller Susi Hines.

Sarah Straussberg necklace

Finally, Sarah Straussberg is a young designer who recently graduated from Brighton University. Her really clever range of jewellery is all based on a very simple seed pod form. Loved it a lot.

You can read my report from the January 2014 Home London trade show here.

Categories ,1973, ,Brighton University, ,Colourful Dove, ,craft, ,Craft London, ,Cuddle Bear, ,Diddywear, ,Earls Court, ,Eco-Design, ,Eley Kishimoto, ,Elks and Angels, ,fairtrade, ,gifts, ,Home London, ,Jennie Maizels, ,jewellery, ,Naked Herrings, ,Nepal, ,Nkuku, ,Plan Toys, ,Report, ,review, ,Sarah Straussberg, ,Sew Heart Felt, ,Snowflakes and Sunflowers, ,Susi Hines, ,Top Drawer, ,Trade Show, ,Waltzing Vases, ,Wrap Magazine

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Amelia’s Magazine | Alfred & Wilde: an interview with designer Simon Mitchell

Heart London lifestyle -Alfred&Wilde
I have had my eye on the Alfred & Wilde brand since I first discovered the bold graphic designs of founder Simon Mitchell at the 2014 Tent London exhibition in September last year, and I then convinced him to contribute a special piece about the Platonic Solids for That Which We Do Not Understand, my 10th anniversary book. I caught up with Simon again at the recent Top Drawer at Olympia, and marvelled at the latest additions to his collection: bespoke jewellery created in collaboration with the Wolf & Moon jewellery brand. Here’s the low down on his wonderful style.

Simon Mitchell - Alfred & Wilde
What inspired you to turn from fine art to graphic design?
My fine art practice at university tended to use a lot of graphic design – I created advertising-style posters and lightboxes for my degree show – but the art world never appealed long-term. However, after a few years with an office job I realised I needed a creative outlet, and figured that designing cards and prints might provide this, while also potentially providing a more steady income than being an artist.

Yeshen Venema Photography
How long have you lived in Hackney and how does the area affect your work ethos and design?
I have lived in the area for nearly 7 years now, having lived in North London for four years before that. Both areas – like most of London – have a brilliant mix of people from all over the world, with all the variation in food, music and culture that goes with that. But you really can’t beat Hackney for arts and culture. Hackney Wick is home to the largest community of artists in Europe and Clapton and London Fields are full of the world’s fashion crowd. The city provides constant mental and creative stimulation and is always pushing you to up your game and be better than your peers. I’m not sure how I’d manage if I moved somewhere quieter!

Plywood (black and white) print-Alfred&Wilde
Yeshen Venema Photography  Icosahedron-tea-towel-AlfredWilde
Why are you so enamoured of the Platonic Solids?
I’ve always been a bit of a science geek – I studied natural sciences before fine art – so was keen to reference this in my designs. I was drawn to the Platonic Solids because they have a historical and mathematical significance that is intricately linked to what they look like. The geometric shapes were studied by the ancient Greeks but still manage to look like contemporary graphic designs when printed today.

Platonic-Solid-mugs-AlfredWildePlatonic-Solid-mugs-AlfredWilde
What is the process of creating your designs?
I’ve got a box full of cuttings and postcards and bit and pieces, plus Pinterest boards, that I use for ideas. But most of my designs are sketched out on my Mac using an open source version of Illustrator called Inkscape. The software can be a bit limiting which has probably helped shape the style Alfred & Wilde style – less is more!

Cube Brooch-Alfred Wilde
How did the collaboration with Wolf and Moon come about?
I thought the Platonic Solids designs would be perfect for jewellery so was on the look out for someone to collaborate with. Luckily a friend of a friend put me in touch with Hannah from Wolf & Moon who loved the idea. It has been great to team up with a fellow Hackney brand with such a strong focus on geometric shapes. They’ve been amazing to work with.

London notebook-Alfred&Wilde
What was the highlight of your recent Top Drawer outing? Any exciting new retail outlets you can share?
Top Drawer was a great platform for Alfred & Wilde and I had interest from some really well respected retailers. I’m particularly pleased about getting new stockists outside of London in places like Brighton. And I’ll soon be stocked in the Southbank Centre shop in London – that’s pretty exciting!

Gold-Power-Station-lifestyle-AlfredWilde
How hard is it to run a business alongside another job, and do you have any tips for other designers in a similar situation?
I never seem to have enough time for Alfred & Wilde which is difficult, and my to-do list seems endless. But keeping my job on a part-time basis has given me an invaluable financial safety net and I couldn’t have started Alfred & Wilde without it. I think its important to have a job that can be really flexible. I’ve been really lucky that if I have an important event or need to wait in for a delivery I can change my days I’m in the office.

Home-Is-Where-The-Heart-Is-lifestyle-AlfredWilde
What do you hope for the future of Alfred & Wilde?
Whenever I am asked this question I always give the same answer: my dream is to have an Alfred & Wilde HQ in a canalside warehouse in Hackney Wick, with studio space, print facilities, and a cafe, bar and gallery. From there I can run the global design empire!

I wish Simon the best of luck with his plans for the future: let’s hope they happen!

Categories ,2014, ,Alfred & Wilde, ,hackney, ,Hackney Wick, ,Inkscape, ,Pinterest, ,Platonic Solids, ,Simon Mitchell, ,Southbank centre, ,Tent London, ,That Which We Do Not Understand, ,Top Drawer, ,Wolf & Moon

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