designer – The Cultural Exposé

Something you should see… Hello, My Name is Paul Smith

The Cultural Exposé — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 12:08:25 +0000

Those stripes. Quintessentially British and popping up in the most unexpected places, those stripes have long been associated with the witty and quirky world of British design. No, it’s not the stripes of the Union Jack. Instead, these stripes cover a rainbow of colours, but are still immediately identifiable around the world as the hallmark of designer Paul Smith. For over 40 years, the designer has been lovingly designing not only clothes but objects ranging from cars to water bottles, all while maintaining a close role in the global brand that shares his name.

To celebrate his long career, the Design Museum is mounting the elaborate exhibition Hello, My Name is Paul Smith. Curated along with the designer himself, this comprehensive look at his career will not just serve as an overview of what he has created, but also allow visitors into his creative process and commercial ventures. It will feature a recreation of his first store in Nottingham, only 3 square metres in size, as well as an installation of his present office, famous for its kooky features such as bikes, toys, book, and curiosities from around the world (including such things as a nativity scene made from peanuts by a Belgian fan and a box of spinning tops). Visitors will also get to step into a room dubbed “Inside Paul’s Head” that will transport them straight into the psyche of the humorous designer. (Words: Barbara Cole)

The exhibition will run from 15 November 2013 – 9 March 2014. For more info, visit: www.designmuseum.org/exhibitions/2013/paul-smith

The post Something you should see… Hello, My Name is Paul Smith appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere you should go… Secret Emporium Christmas Market

Jane Duru — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:00:10 +0000

If you don’t like Christmas shopping (and really, who does? Too many people, too much tat and not enough mulled wine to numb the pain) then you’re in for a treat this December. Eschew the usual department stores and swap Oxford Street for Hearn Street where you’ll find Factory 7, the site of the return of Secret Emporium. It’s a Christmas market with a twist, but instead of the usual selection of stollen, schnitzel and bratwurst, you’ll find a showcase of Britain’s best independent designers. If you’re on the lookout for original gifts that are handmade and unique, you’ll be in heaven here.

There’ll be bright geometric print cushions from Camille Walala, an interior designer stocked at fashionista favourtite Darkroom, the new ready to-wear collection from Isobel Webster (designer of outrageous bodysuits for artists including Jessie J and The Correspondents), delicate insect jewellery from concept jewellers Thor & Wistle, and a whole host more. With over 40 designers it’s unlikely you’ll get bored, but just so it’s not all about the shopping, entertainment ranges from interactive performers dishing out hot mulled cider and roasted chestnuts, live music from Secret Garden Party favourites The John Langan Band, The Turbans and wonderful food by Moro. (Words: Jane Duru)

Secret Emporium runs 15 -16 December at Factory 7, Hearn St EC2A 3LS. For more info, visit www.secretemporium.com

The post Somewhere you should go… Secret Emporium Christmas Market appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Something you should do… attend a sample sale

The Cultural Exposé — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:05:13 +0000

Before working for Diesel, I was surprised by how people spoke of sample sales with such buzz and anticipation. I generally thought of them as a regular sale, but when an event was announced at work, the entire building went hysterical. Why? One colleague explained that a sample sale was a chance to buy current season lines at a very, very good price…”it’s practically better than half price but you’ve got to be ‘EARLY AND QUICK!” she stressed, reminding the importance of this constantly until the day of the sale.

When it arrived, the queues were crazy – and it was only 7:30am. Doors were due to open at 8am. Once that happened, there was a great rush inside; women clamoured after bags and shoes; men were hammering through the legendary 5-pockets, simply because nothing beats a pair of Diesel jeans for £15….

It was mayhem, but in such an orderly manner as people seemed to know what they were doing and what they were after. As I watched in complete awe, a lot of bargains passed me by. I had no idea of where to begin, but once I found my footing, I got into the groove, spending way more than planned but coming away with the equivalent of 2 boxes worth of goods.   After this experience, sample sales are now my only destination to shop.

There are downsides to sample sales, such as the clothes only coming in certain sizes. They are ‘samples’ after all, and in some cases, there tends to be only limited stock. Also some sales are better than others and most of the time it is about knowing someone who works for the brand or company to give you the heads up. But when you have an opportunity to go…GO! Especially in the run-up to Christmas. So here are my top tips to making the most of them:

Come with a friend. Two sets of eyes are better than one
Have a plan. Know what you are looking for, and head for it first! (I’d say go for the essentials i.e. bags, shoes….)
Don’t panic. Keep calm and just join the masses in the organised chaos.
Be prepared to spend…but give yourself a budget! You want to get key items/pieces, but not everything just because it’s cheaper
Try on every item you pick for yourself. In the majority of cases, there are no refunds or returns on sample sale goods.
Stand next to someone with a big box. See what they throw out as it may be what you’ve been looking for
Try to stay ’til the end. There may be more bargains to be had!
Lastly, PAY by cash. Queuing times are simply shorter

(Words: Nastassja Lusengo)

The post Something you should do… attend a sample sale appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Something you should see…Ron Arad’s Curtain Call, Roundhouse

Aoife Moriarty — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:00:44 +0000

From chairs made out of Rover car seats, curving ‘Bookworm’ shelves to chandeliers displaying text messages, industrial designer Ron Arad has always enjoyed taking a physical concept and turning it entirely on its head.

His latest project at the Roundhouse, Camden is no exception. It completely reimagines the idea of a cinema screen as a 360-degree curtain made up of 5,600 transparent silicon rods hanging from an 18 metre diameter ring. Viewers can move directly through the 8 metre high curtain so that they are standing right in the centre of the moving cylindrical images: A rather novel experience, to say the least.

The innovative installation is on display until August 29th, featuring projected works from firmly established artists including Mat Collishaw, Hussein Chalayan, Greenaway & Greenaway and selected RCA alumni. Special events are also taking place within the large-scale construction, including a performance from renowned cellist Steven Isserlis with accompanying visuals from SDNA and Berlin-based electro label Innervisions performing a DJ set as well as a live score to the 1920s classic The Cabinet of Dr Caligari.

So make sure you check out Arad’s latest kooky invention out; truly head-spinning stuff! (Words: Aoife Moriarty)

On until August 29th. For more info, visit: www.roundhouse.org.uk

The post Something you should see…Ron Arad’s Curtain Call, Roundhouse appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.