Box of Lace

Today I posted a Bloom Neck Piece to a designer as a gift. I hope they love it!

Viajante

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I treated ourselves to lunch at 'Viajante' in Bethnal Green. The decor is very calm and sparse and feels Scandinavian.
The food was exciting yet unprententious, and utterly delicious. There is a choice of either 3 or 6 course lunch. Amazing amuse-bouches also appear between courses. The menu is a surprise as already decided by chef patron, Nuno Mendes.
I'm no restaurant critic, so I'll let the pictures do the talking. The menu changes depending on seasonal ingredients. Well worth a trip down East!
www.viajante.co.uk

Confessions of a neglected studio

I often get asked about my studio space. People love to know where designers work, whether it's a lovely big warehouse studio, or a bench space in a room. Like many independent designers I work from a space at home. Our box room is my beloved studio.

It has recently been very neglected, as I have been tending to our baby girl! Now she is one, I feel I can devote more time to my work. This is very liberating and thanks to family I am finding more of a design/baby balance!

Today a magazine came to photograph me and my space. Not wishing to be left out, Scarlett oversaw proceedings! I don't love having my photo taken, but the photographer and journalist were very nice.

The upcoming shoot made me focus on my sad space, and it is now much more efficient and studio-esque! It reflects my love of sketchbooks, and bringing together many elements into an area - whether it's a page or room.

My studio contains materials, inspiration, precious objects, fabric, sewing machine, some of my Vogue collection and various random items. Of course, 'works in progress' are littered about, not to mention the plastic bags......

Nature's Colour Palette

The latest spot of lovely British spring weather spurred us on to sort out the garden last weekend. Having lived in this house for nearly three years, the garden has really settled into being our idea of a relaxing area. This is largely due to my husband working hard, and filling it with our favourite plants such as large bamboos, olive trees, acers, and lavender.

The other day I captured some of the more subtle tones, textures and colours in the sunshine. It's refreshing to look at organic forms when I'm usually working with plastic bags! Lets hope the weather keeps improving......

Vintage Treasure Trove Finds.....

During a much needed clear out, I was thrilled to rediscover some vintage lace fabrics I bought at the market in Aix-en-Provence a few years ago. A favourite get-away place and destination for my wedding 4 years ago, I love souvenirs from Aix!

The lady on the market stall was very informative..... She told me that the garments and linens often come from dusty, forgotten trunks in Parisian attics. Many of them are monogrammed and I'm sure have interesting stories attached.

These fabrics are so inspiring to me. The tiny rips and tears seem to make them unique. I have been meaning to rework a couple of the garments to be worn, however for now just looking at them will have to do!