Style – The Cultural Exposé

Home life: meet my little workspace

Matilda — Mon, 29 May 2017 17:08:06 +0000

I posted a snap of my living room on Instagram a few months back and the feedback was insane: loads of people really liked my space! Thanks y’all! I haven’t shared much about it since, but the guys at Hubble – a start-up that helps SME’s find their perfect office space – got in touch recently to let me know about their #itsmyspace competition. It sounded brill – it’d be a chance to explain my inspiration and why I love where I work when I’m not at the day job.

When I moved flat, I wanted to create an area that could double up as a chill zone and a functional home office where I could blog, work from home or do the life admin. It had to be light and airy (#noclutter) but bits of visual inspiration here and there was all good. I love black and white photography (in this case, the work of late Malian photographer Malick Sidibe) and of course, I love London – hence all the books! Here are few more tips I followed:

Go grey

I fell in love with grey walls after visiting my brother’s revamped flat (thanks to my design savvy sister-in-law). I also stayed in this gorgeous room at The Laslett hotel in Notting Hill that had a thing for grey too. It’s totally the new white and not only is it a solid neutral basis, but it suggests sophistication and calm (my modus operandi if I say so myself ).

Get plants

There’s something about greenery in a space that just gives it life, right? I plan to get a few more succulents, but in the mean time my plants keep my space feeling vibrant, and this helps me get into work mode when I need to.

Have an ‘optional desk’

I’ve got a “lampstand” in the corner of my room – but technically, it’s a sweet little laptop table from Ikea. I usually work spread out on the couch with Macbook on my thighs, but sometimes having the table helps me to be a bit more focused (and not doze off on the sofa when I’m working late).

Finally, I turned to brands like Made, Ikea, H&M to make it all happen. Who says you’ve gotta splash serious cash to have a nice space?

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Functional fashion: the menswear collection from Labrum

Matilda — Thu, 25 May 2017 07:30:43 +0000

I haven’t written a style-related post in the longest, but my buddy Fods has given me a good reason to sort that out. He’s a London-based designer who just launched his latest collection (SS17) of classy menswear. It’s sor fellas who like their garms to be practical, modern, fun and well-made. Check out his lookbook here and follow him on Instagram – he’s going places!

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Functional fashion: the gloss white helmet from Electra

Matilda — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 18:00:14 +0000

Someone stole my bike helmet. How, you ask? Well, I accidentally left my helmet somewhere – and at that ‘somewhere’, I learned that the helmet was put into the lost and found. Brilliant! I called up lost and found a few days later to collect my helmet and I was told it was collected by someone the day before. That someone wasn’t me. And there we have it – a stolen helmet.

But hurrah for swings and roundabouts. Electra happened to get in touch recently to let me know their range of helmets had finally launched in the UK. I’ve given one a whirl, so here’s my thoughts on the gloss white helmet from Electra:

The style

Hailing from the US, Electra does a set of very cool, very quirky, multi-purpose helmets, but the gloss white ticks all the boxes for me. It’s easy to clean, lightweight and a great one for visibility. The helmet also has gray straps with reflective stitching (another point for high-vis), as well as a detachable visor. I’d be lying if I said I loved the little peak (and it’s pretty convenient that it’s gone walkies – I never use it). Another feature I wasn’t bowled over by was the Fidlock magnetic buckle.But once you get the hang of it, it locks quickly and is very secure.

The fit

It’s pretty comfy, thanks to squishy, washable padding and an easy-to-adjust fit retention system. Sometimes I wish it could fit a tiny bit tighter in the back, but that’s a minor qualm. I also would’ve liked a smaller helmet shape. The medium is the right size for my head, but it’s a bit bulkier than say, the Bern range of skater-style helmets.

Ventilation

Pals have warned me about these types of helmets – apparently they’re not great in hot weather due to the lack of air holes. But I’ve been using it on some fairly hot days and I haven’t had any problems.

Price

They’re currently retailing for £49.00 which, I’m sure you’ll agree, ain’t bad for a bike helmet. Especially if you’re looking for top quality headgear that’s as fun as it is serious about protecting your head.

To find where Electra Helmets are stocked in London visit: locator.electrabike.com

Or check ’em out at Triton Cycles.

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Three reasons why I’m here for Beyonce’s Ivy Park collection

Matilda — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 07:00:42 +0000

Remember House of Dereon? Those old/young enough to recall Beyonce’s failed clothing collabo with her mom will know Ms Knowles hasn’t always had the best luck when it comes to fashion. But when I heard she was working with TopShop on an athleisure line (and they were poaching designers from the likes of Sweaty Betty), I knew she was gonna nail it this time. And after checking out the range on my lunch break yesterday, I wasn’t wrong. Here’s why:

She’s kept it classy.

I’m a big believer in the monochromatic wardrobe, and here’s a collection that appreciates there are some women out here who’ve really had enough of the day-glo activewear. I’m personally loving the black, white and gray combos, but the little bit of colour she’s thrown in – royal blue, baby pink and red – isn’t offensive either.

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Apr 14, 2016 at 4:43am PDT

The prices are great.

Given the mega-celebrity endorsement, I was expecting pieces from the collection to hurt my feelings (and my pocket) – but paying just £30 for a cap and vest (in the yummiest fabric, I might add) was a pleasant surprise. There are plenty of sportswear brands that are more than comfortable with their premium pricing, but B’s approach looks like it wants more people to access her stuff so she’ll be on course to becoming a real contender in this market.

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Apr 14, 2016 at 4:23am PDT

There’s room for more.

There’s ALOT in this first collection – hats, leggings, jackets, shirts, vests, sports bras – but I’m excited by the possibility that design-wise, her people could really push the boat. She’s played it safe this time round and that will obviously work in her favour. But there’s nothing novelty about debut, which makes me think she’s gonna come back even stronger.

Have you checked out the new Ivy Park collection? What do you think of it? Let me know in the comments.

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In photos: Tokyo fashion and style

Matilda — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 08:20:05 +0000

On my recent holiday to Tokyo I couldn’t help but notice how stylish Japanese people (and dogs!) were, often in their own unique way. Here’s some of my favourite sightings (all pics shot on a Canon 5D Mark 1 with a 24-105mm lens):

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A New Year winter day’s stroll around Holland Park

Matilda — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 09:09:46 +0000

I got up to a lot of things in 2015 – running 50k in the countryside; risking my life by swinging on oversized curtains; eating too much fried chicken and not doing enough crunches. But I really wish I took a chill pill, like taking a walk in the park. So guess what I did on the first day of the year?

The destination was Holland Park, one of those rare green spaces in West London that look a bit ‘meh’ on the outside until you wander in. W8ers don’t like everyone else to know about it for fear they’ll head here in droves, killing the good vibes and scaring away the peacocks (yea, there’s peacocks here, go figure).

Not that I would blame them (that’s heading here in droves, not scaring the peacocks). It’s rare you can find a serene space in London where exotic birds roam free and urban ramblers are expected to kick back to take in the idyllic Kyoto Garden. The garden’s beautiful benches are practically begging you to take a seat, exhale and think happy thoughts.

So, about the walk. I can’t say I’m one for strolling out here, in these streets, in the winter, on purpose, meaning it was only right I dressed for the occasion. For the sake of warmth, I went for the classic all-black (my favourite jeggings, Uniqlo; a wool blend coat, H&M; ankle boots, New Look; leather gloves, Gap). But I topped it all off with one of those winter hats everyone’s rocking these days (in this case, the Joules Toni felt trilby hat from Outdoor & Country).

Thankfully, the rain showers didn’t arrive until a few hours later – and in that time, I got my fill of peace and tranquility to get my first resolution of the year off to a lovely start.

Here’s a few more snaps I took:

Have you visited Kyoto Garden in Holland Park? Or, where do you go in London for a little peace and quiet? Leave a comment!

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Cycling chic: the new cap collection from onenine9teen

Matilda — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 08:30:56 +0000

I know some of the most talented people – like Ollie, who I met a few years ago through Run Dem Crew. He’s worked as a tailor on Savile Row for a few years but recently decided to branch out and create a brand that combines two of his loves: quality design and cycling. The result is a new collection of unisex cycling caps for cruising around town that are modern and luxe, made with 100% cotton or merino wool.

Photo by Adam Corbett

I’m wearing the black cotton cap, but to check out the other styles visit onenine9teen.com.

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The Craft Council’s jewellery exhibition is all about the power of the bling

Matilda — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 08:45:31 +0000

I can’t say I’m the flashy sort, but I do love a bit of jewellery. Daily earrings are a standard, I like a nice bracelet and I might throw on a necklace when the mood takes me. I’ve also been known to delve into the world of costume jewellery every now and again, which is why I was intrigued to hear about this new contemporary jewellery exhibition at the Royal College of Art.

Rodolfo Ramón Azaro’s Tarzan, 1973, Photo: Todd White Art Photography

I AM HERE showcases over 90 pieces of studio jewellery from the last 50 years, produced by European makers who weren’t just in it to make fun, stylish accessories (although the pieces on show are cute). In some cases, they wanted to highlight contemporary social and political issues through their designs. Pieces from the 70s were a bit more radical (and eschewed precious materials) and this established a new standard in what jewellery could be.

The free show features creative collections from Crafts Council, mima, Galerie Marzee, Gallery S O, Pangolin London and other renowned designers, so if you appreciate quality and unique body candy, get yourself to the Upper Gulbenkian gallery at the Royal College of Art before it wraps up on 25th November.

But if you can’t make it, check out some of the fab pieces on show below – and for more info visit: www.craftscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/i-am-here.

A 1975 Bracelet by Brian Glassar, Photo: Todd White Art Photography

Nora Fok, Bubblebath, 2001, Nylon thread. Crafts Council Collection, Photo: Heini Schneebeli

Kepa Karmona, The Present, 2009, Photo mima

Dorothea Prühl, Motten (Moths), 2012, Photo: Galerie Marzee

Geoffrey Clarke, Pendant VII. Photo; Chadwick Oblong B Ring, 1970. photo; courtesy of Pangolin London and the artist’s estate

Lynn Chadwick, Oblong B Ring, 1970. photo; courtesy of Pangolin Londonand the artist’s estate

Tatty Devine Still Life Necklace 2015

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Quirky pop-up We Built This City returns to Carnaby Street

Matilda — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 08:30:48 +0000

I stumbled across We Built This City a few months ago. It was a Friday evening and I found myself in that awkward position of needing to kill a bit of time, but couldn’t be bothered to drag myself to the nearest Starbucks for an extra hot chai latte and the wi-fi. So I strolled along Carnaby Street, popping briefly into Monki for a pair of new earrings, and eventually found myself gravitating toward’s WBTC’s chaotic graphic display, all the more intriguing because of the bold, creative references to London:

Just discovered this wonderful, alternative souvenir store on Carnaby Street. Seriously funky fresh.

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Aug 28, 2015 at 10:35am PDT

It didn’t even dawn on me that the pop-up, which sells city-inspired gifts and souvenirs from over 300 home-grown designers and artists, wasn’t a permanent shop – so I was pleased to hear that it’s recently returned for the festive season.

Along with their usual fun stuff, they’ve now set up a Christmas shop offering cards, decorations and a Christmas jumper printing service in collaboration with London design duo RUDE (they’re ace) – and if you’re feeling creative, you can sign up to one of their creative workshops that include jewellery-making, the art of wrapping and even how to make a Christmas piñata.

How cute are these? We Built This City staff rock the Christmas jumpers you can design yourself

The shop is currently open and can be found at 56 Carnaby Street, but for more details, visit www.webuilt-thiscity.com

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Functional fashion: that long jersey dress (with the high slits) from H&M

Matilda — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:55:43 +0000

I think it was two or three years ago that I stumbled across the concept of the “capsule wardrobe”. It’s a simple philosophy: you commit to buying a few quality core items that can help you work a number of looks whatever the weather or season. Tones are kept neutral to get the most out of the swappage (accessories and make-up can provide the colour pop), and in the long run, you always have something to wear. It saves money too (which you already know is crucial to living this London life right, okay somebody?)

But my challenge is the need to have clothes in the capsule that are not just multi-purpose, but multi-lifestyle. They need to be functional for the times I’m going from the bike to the boardroom and can’t afford to be a sweaty mess. And if I’m off to a restaurant launch in the evening, I still need to be representing in the style stakes without looking like I’m about to race the Tour De France.

So big up H&M for my new favourite capsule item right now, their long jersey dress. It’s my kind of minimal (I bought it in gray), a good price (only £14.99) and I love the 3/4 sleeves. But the clincher for me is the high slits. I wore Ms Thang with a pair of leggings and my black Nike Lunar Glide 6‘s as I cycled into work yesterday, and let me tell you, freedom reigned.

The decent length meant the dress didn’t get caught in the chain (like my other jersey maxi dress, RIP). And it’s extremely breathable, thanks to the 50% rayon which also makes it quite comfy to wear. The other 50% is polyester, so it’s pretty hard-wearing and should see me through many more commutes. But more importantly, it can easily go from day to night with nothing more than a shoe swap and a belt. Win-win!

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