Olek's at Tony's

What would be the most unexpected use of crochet? What about crochet-covered rolling pin? Seems reasonable :)

I've just seen the first UK solo exhibition by Polish-born, New York-based artist Olek at Tony's Gallery in Brick Lane. Utterly symbolic, sculptural installation  was full of explicit messages crocheted into the objects. The title 'I do not expect to be a mother but I do expect to die alone' was directly taken from Tracey Emin, but the rest was all about Olek's past relationship. The work was initially inspired by the e-mail, in which artist found out about her boyfriend's affair. Olek was then 36, hoping to start a family and that the relationship was the one to last. Deeply hurt, she started the installation, projecting her most intimate thoughts about motherhood and womanhood as such.
Definitely a must see.

Whistles & Me

When I moved to London in 2009, there was one particular brand that caught my attention. I've become almost obsessed with Whistles. Unfortunately, my flat-Whistles store distance was unbearable! Around 45 seconds. Basically I was living there, mastered all the sales/offers/discounts times throughout the seasons.
I was attracted to the full brand concept. I loved the atmospherics, music was always fabolously alternative, friendly & comfortable store layout, amazing displays, cute lavender-white price tags (started to collect them heh), my favourite colour on the walls etc. etc etc. [...] But the clothes ... ohhh my ! They were just as I like them to be. Quality fabrics with majority of the silks, comfy angoras and wools. Modern but edgy pieces (with lots of zipps!), effortlesly chic and unusual for high street: a perfect combination. Whistles had style itself, which happened to particularly match my own style. Of course, it doesnt mean I was buying everything without hesitation or consideration. Five out of eight coats I absolutely hated. But there were always three of them that I would die for. So I could get all my fall/winter/spring/summer essentials in less that 60 seconds away from home :)))

The state of our affair is completely different now. In my opinion, brand lost something 3-4 seasons ago. Its not modern and edgy anymore. To many patterns, to many flowers and dots. Its too girly and young now, too romantic and soft. It lost its appeal as a contemporary label for independent, self confident and a little bit naughty women. And with the recent changes in visual merchandising pattern (baroque-frame mirrors are OUT, white squares IN), I started to feel disappointed. Jane Shepherdson (Whistles's CEO) lives in my neighbourhood and I see her quite often. Maybe I should approach her and ask: WHY!?

Under those circumstances I visit store less often: once in a week.

Some of my Whistles all-time-favourites below:

Vampire Diaries

Hannah Holman in Fall 2012 campaign from the brand Ellery; photos by Australian designer Kym Ellery. Love the brand, love the campaign. And the story? Be creative: 'What is it?  Something weird here, in my mouth. Ooops, I am a vampire! Hmmm ... COOL - let's strike a pose' ;))) 

Orange Box

Recently, I attended quite A LECTURE with the guest speakers: Hermès's Wilfried Guerrand(Managing Director Europe)& Thierry Outin (Managing Director GB). They presented the  brand in terms of the strategy & brand equity management. I loved how humble they were : 'Thank you for coming here today to listen about our SMALL COMPANY' :)))

Hermès is an emotional brand, they are storytellers. It not about the product itself. Its more about the experience. 'All our customers are VIPs'. Well, sure thing: record breaking bag & mini Birkin bracelet.

I have much respect for the brand not only because they multiplied their annual turnover 20 times since 1986. Hermès is a truly integrated, much loved,luxury heritage brand that seems to be on top of its game.

BTW how crazy is that Hermès controlls 40-45% of all crocodile skins in the world?

Maybe, will write about Hermès in my dissertation? Just in case I asked ... Monsieur Guerrand initially agreed to take part in my primary research. Will see ... Excited!