Unmissable Events

If you are curious about the Jazz-Age after reading my latest blog post (about the allure of a fringe dress), you may want to hear Virginia Bates talking about her latest book at the V&A, celebrating the highlights of this period. She continues to attract fashion designers, stylists and collectors to her beautiful vintage boutique since 1972.

Spijkers en Spijkers Spring/Summer 2013
"Dressed to Kill" book cover published by Rizzoli

"Dressed to Kill, Jazz-Age Fashion" explores the glamorous fashions of the 1920s such as the sequinned dress, cocktail wear, opera coats and evening jackets. It's a great opportunity to be inspired by her passion for vintage clothes and her unique styling insights.

Piers Atkinson Spring/Summer 2013

Spijkers en Spijkers collection has also a 1920s vibe and Piers Atkinson continues to impress with his beautiful headpieces, fit for movie stars. These are just two of many designers who caught my attention during the so-called press days, when PR agencies open their doors to showcase the latest collections of the designers they represent. 

Blogger/DJ Bip Ling wearing Rob Pruitt for Jimmy Choo heels

Black and white graphics taking inspiration from Op Art are another key trend for the coming season, with British Vogue magazine dedicating a whole issue to Pop. From Rob Pruitt's collection for Jimmy Choo to many designers on the catwalk, this is something to look out for. 

Clutches by Corto Moltedo Spring/Summer 2013

For aspiring art curators, stylists and fashion designers there is a fabulous space for a pop-up store available in London! To apply send your quirky, innovative and fun concept to Farebrother by the 15th of November. 

Aqua by Aqua Spring/Summer 2013. Pop-up store competition

And last but definitely not least, you can have a signed book by the legendary Spanish director Pedro Alomodóvar! Taschen Store London is hosting a signing event open to the public on Saturday, 17th of November (6-7 pm). Unmissable!

Penelope as Marilyn, 2008. Taschen 

Other related blog posts:
Wear a Fringe Dress
Dress in Black & White Graphics
Visit Hollywood Costume

Testino's Private View

Mario Testino has become a celebrity in his own right, having created iconic images of the Royal family and of a wide range of stars from the music and film industries. But fashion remains a key platform for him and my favourite photographs have been published by major glossy magazines.

Gisele Bündchen in Vanity Fair, New York, 2007

Testino can create an atmosphere of sophistication and glamour in a unique way with a precise and harmonious combination of light, colour and background. Whenever he points his camera at someone, somehow the person is transformed revealing an unseen inner strength.  

Kate Moss by Mario Testino in Private View, published by Taschen

Testino's latest book - Private View -  published by Taschen, celebrates his inaugural exhibition in China, bringing together an exciting selection of his best work. It is best suited for those who are not so familiar with his work and want to have a record of hundreds of iconic pictures brought together.

Karlie Kloss by Mario Testino in Private View, published by Taschen

There is an amazing shot of Karlie Kloss, the darling of the fashion industry, which captures her particular vividness and enthusiasm. You can appreciate his latest fashion contribution internationally. Testino has been working with Burberry for over a decade and his latest advertising campaign is simply classy!

Burberry Autumn/Winter 2012 campaign

Mario Testino
Private View
(£44.99, Taschen)



Other related blog posts:
Happy Birthday Mario Testino!
Princess Diana's Dresses
London Fashion Week: Day 4

Summer Holiday Time!

My definition of holiday is to leave not only time and scheduling behind but everything related to a routine. The idea is to live each moment fully and relax as much as possible with no worries or responsibilities.

Behind the scenes - Karl Lagerfeld Paris AW12/13 Lookbook
photo: Olivier Saillant

So do not expect any blog updates for two weeks, my routine is probably very similar to yours involving staring at a computer screen for hours and being connected to a wide range of networks such as Twitter and Facebook. This time my laptop will stay in London!

Behind the scenes - Karl Lagerfeld Paris AW12/13 Lookbook
photo: Olivier Saillant

In the meantime, there are a lot of things happening such as Karl Lagerfeld's exclusive launch at Selfridges on July 24th. This unique 'pop up store' in the heart of the store's Contemporary Womenswear Department will allow customers to experience and be part of the Karl Lagerfeld world.

Behind the scenes - Karl Lagerfeld Paris AW12/13 Lookbook
photo: Olivier Saillant

Celebrating the upcoming Olympic Games, Designed to Win exhibition opens to the public on July 26th at the Design Museum. It explores the various ways in which design has shaped the sporting world with the introduction of revolutionary new materials in its quest for enhanced performance.

Radarlock Path – Blood Orange with Fire Iridium Polarized, image courtesy of Oakley

On July 27th, the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games, art directed by Danny Boyle, will feature meadows, fields and rivers, transforming the Olympic Stadium into a replica of the British countryside.  

For more information about what is happening in London, GoGo City Guides have a team of 'insiders' who reveal their favourite spots. London insiders include Mandi Lennard (cult publicist and fashion consultant), Francesca Gavin (art writer and curator), Dale Berning (artist and writer), T.E.E.D (music producer and performer) and the TwoTone ladies, Emily and Shakira.

Book cover. The weather project, 2003  at Turbine Hall, Tate Modern, London ©Jens Ziehe

I also recommend Taschen's new book about the experimental art of Olafur Eliasson, some of you are familiar with the weather project, his successful installation at Tate Modern in 2003. It was great to see everyone reacting to it in such a surreal way, lying on the floor as if under the sun.

Issa AW 12/13 Lookbook

Back to fashion, Issa's collection for next season was inspired by the ornate embellishment of Fabergé eggs, St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow and the Russian dolls. Beautiful bold colours will light up your mood and the trendy cape is an elegant protection against the elements.

Issa AW 12/13 Lookbook

If you want to embrace the opulence trend for next season, these beautiful headbands by Sophie McElligott will definitely do the trick. I particularly love the Frida Khalo inspired, with flowers blooming!

Sophie McElligott

My top ten blog posts:
1. Dalai Lama in London
2. Philip Glass: Music Artist
3. George Harrison by Scorsese
4. An Explosive Mind: Yayoi Kusama
5. Out of Focus: Photography
6. Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston
7. Yves Saint Laurent: Life, Love and Art
8. McQueen and Blow immortalised by Lachapelle
9. Tom Ford at Vogue Festival
10. Christian Louboutin: Shoe Artist

Love London

This amazing city lives on the edge, from after hours secret entertainment to the civilised sarcastic humour of fascinating plays, anyone who lives in London gets caught up by its wild energy and is always learning.

A representative of the "New Romantics", 1981. ©Ted Polemus/ PYMCA

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Samuel Johnson


Its strategic global position and diplomatic ties mean you're always meeting new people with distinctive lifestyles and unique visions about the world. You may still presume but you'll end up challenging your perceptions and thinking outside the box.

John Tomson. Recruiting sergeants outside the
Mitre & Dove, King Street, 1877. ©Museum of London 

The city is as surprising as its citizens, you may think you know it like the palm of your hand but suddenly you notice something you've never seen before. Not to mention its unique ability to take the pulse of international trends in art and design. 

Anonymous. The Beatles Apple Boutique on the corner of
Paddigton Street and Baker Street, 1967. ©Rex Features

"I've been walking about London for the last thirty years and I find something fresh in it everyday." Walter Besant


Galleries and museums are always packed on weekends, they form the backbone of London's rich cultural life and it's inspiring to see children engaging with art at such a young age.

John Hinde. A woman saves a board game
from bomb wreckage, c. 1940-45.  ©SSPL

Whatever you love. I'm sure you can find it here, from alternative music to different groups, private clubs, courses and activities. You can go for long walks, join entrepreneurial hubs, have a chocolate massage, eat the most exotic food, learn all about theatre and playwriting, have a book signed by your favourite author... Anything is possible!


"The man who can dominate a London dinner-table can dominate the world." Lord Byron


Yes, the weather is unpredictable and often disappointing but there is so much around to take your mind away from it. The past lives side by side with the future, rumours of ghosts haunting the Tower of London only add to the city's magic. 

Charlotte Rampling in her dollybird days, c. 1967.
©Philip Townsend

And fashion... From the iconic Swinging 60s to the current nurturing of emerging talent and iconic global brands, this blog itself is a testimony of how alive fashion is in this city throughout the year.


To get to know more about this eclectic capital, Taschen has just published a book about London, featuring a wealth of photographs, quotations, lively essays and references from key movies, books and records. Unmissable!

Book cover

London. Portrait of a City.
Reuel Golden
(Taschen, £44.99)




Other related blog posts:
Design for Performance
London Spring
British Design Explosion