LCF launch SHOP

Necklace by Michela Carraro

Shoes by Xia Xiao

 Peter Pan collar by Emma Hamshare

Lasercut leather shawl by Natalie Brown

Last week I was thrilled to be invited down to the launch of the LCF pop-up space in central London’s Kingly Court, quirkily and simply titled SHOP. The first ever retail venture of the illustrious fashion university, the SHOP will be open until 28th September. Stocking exclusive and one-off creations by the soon-to-be and internationally famous alumni, the labels on the racks were rather surreal in that they reminded me of a top independent boutique – credit to LCF’s superior teaching and knack for mentoring some of British fashion’s brightest young things, and those of the future.

Artwork by Cecelia Ku

 

Shoes by Aase Hopstock

When myself and two fellow bloggers arrived, the space was sparkling, and funnily, smelt of paint fumes, but in the good way where you get a slightly pleasant head rush and enjoy the newness of a pristine white space. Too many great designers are stocked to mention them all: the ever-lovely Ada Zanditon was giving an interview while we perused – William Tempest, Beatrice Boyle and Hasan Hejazi, to name but a few.

 Pleating by Ewa Kajana

Xia Xiao / Michela Carraro

Laid out rather like a gallery space, student illustrations give the walls some creative impact, while shelves are dotted around cleverly enabling you to walk around them giving two angles to each product. Much like series of art works, each design sold in the SHOP has a unique item number and is signed by the designer and also comes with a statement of authenticity (this reminds me slightly of the concept of Tracey Emin’s bonds – kinda.

 

With special events running throughout the month, celebrities vying to get involved and surprisingly reasonable prices (SHOP canvas print bag £10, free with purchases over £50; many items are between £100-£250, with prices starting at £20 for student work).

Brand Of The Week: Traffic People

Last week I was invited down to the Kingly Court store of hip young label Traffic People to view the new AW11 collection. Filled to the rafters with statement dresses and a plethora of Japanese inspired prints, I was in heaven. Greeted by the lovely Sister PR team I enjoyed sipping champagne the ladylike way, from a beautiful array of mismatching bone china. Right up my street with retro kitsch props and accessories, I could have spent hours taking in the fashion and beautiful red velvet cupcakes.

Invited to try on pieces from the new range, my favourites were the Japanese and peplum snake print dresses in a variety of blues and white and some of the light knits. With animal prints, sequins and a relaxed 60s vibe; the collection is very much mix and match with some grunge inspired pieces juxtaposed with pretty evening and tea dresses. Shying away from lots of monotonous black, I was really impressed with the vibrancy of the collection, which I had to be reminded a couple of times was for winter, and will be available in store from late August.

With prices for garments starting at as little as £39, quality trend-led fashion has never been so affordable.

Art-iculate: Last chance to catch Haervaerk in London

 Images throughout courtesy of Haervaerk

If you’re yet to check out young Danish artist Haervaerk’s work, visit the LAVA Collective's Gallery in Kingly Court, London pronto as this inspired exhibition ends this Thursday (17th Feb). To promote the exhibition The Lava Gallery’s Paddy Walsh interviewed the artist and as it makes quite an interesting read, you can read some of the Q-+A below, or read it in full here.

Tell me about the art scene in Denmark.
It used to be a pretty elitist scene: you had to have an Academy of Arts education in order to be taken seriously, but all that seems to have changed within the last decade or so. Denmark’s been hit by the whole lowbrow / street art wave. There are a lot of young people out there, who are just enjoying themselves. I really not qualified to judge the stuff they are putting on the walls, but who cares about that? They’re having a blast while expressing themselves, and that’s what it’s all about.

Where is the best district to find cool galleries / art spaces?
The part of the country I live in is pretty traditional in it’s views of art, but the galleries here are now becoming more open-minded towards emerging young artists. Copenhagen has more of an “art-scene”, where you can hang out with other artists, but since Denmark is such a small country, it doesn’t really matter where you live. I do occasionally miss a scene like that, although the solitude in Aalborg has it advantages too. Nevertheless, I’d say Copenhagen is more exiting as far as exhibitions are concerned.

Can you recommend some other Danish artists?
My best friend Morten Andersen has to be on top of that list, he does these awesome abstract graffiti-pieces. He has been a key character for me: I owe him so much. Husk Mit Navn is great too!
If I understand correctly, Haervaerk translates to “Vandal” ?
Actually, it translates to “Vandalism”, which is the title of a novel by Danish author Tom Kristensen. There’s a poem in the book that means a lot to me – roughly translated to English it goes something like: “My anxiety must be redeemed in longing, and visions of horror and distress / I’ve been longing for shipping disasters, vandalism and sudden death”.
LAVA Gallery, 1.11 Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, Soho, W1B 5PW

Concrete Hermit join Kingly Court

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Approximately a month ago I was invited to the launch party for cool independent label, shop, publisher, gallery and artist platform, Concrete Hermit's new venture; a second store and concept space in London's Kingly Court.

After missing the official launch party (due to LFW commitments), I met the lovely PR Martin and Concrete Hermit's founder, Chris Knight a couple of Saturday's later. Disappointed I'd missed the buzz of the grand opening, my first impressions of the store were fantastic and I began to relish the advantages of having a one-on-one in the store, which by this time had been well settled into and was looking superb.

Seamlessly combining the spheres of art, publishing, graphics and fashion, the Concrete Hermit store and central exhibition space is like a treasure trove for any creative, brimming with the coolest range of art and graphic magazines (seen since the demise of Borders in the UK - or perhaps even before that).

With each garment, book or magazine carefully selected, there is often a link between everything on display, with featured artists being invited to translate their graphics or logo from print to fashion through capsule collections of limited edition t-shirts. Concrete Hermit give their visitors an opportunity to experience something unique and interesting, informing them about the artists they work with, but only when asked so as not to overwhelm with their depth of knowledge.

Originally set up back in 2004, Knight established Concrete Hermit as the go-to destination for underground and emerging artists, setting up a gallery space and shop in East London's trendy Club Row, a stone's throw from famed private members club Shoreditch House. Hosting events and exhibitions every four to six weeks, Concrete Hermit was founded upon Knight’s fascination as to how art finds its way into society, whether this is via traditional galleries and museums, stickers or street graffiti, the internet and what we wear and consume.

“It’s a really exciting time for Concrete Hermit. With two locations we will be able to reach more people, expand our audience and achieve more exposure for the artists we work with. The idea is for people to use both venues for different reasons. The luxury of two differing locations means we can cross pollinate with what’s happening East and vice versa, driving people to both locations.” Chris Knight, founder.

To celebrate the launch, press have been treated to the print below and mine is now taking pride of place in my front room - thanks Concrete Hermit!