I’m a fan of Mirka Mora‘s work; it’s zany, weird and original. The Australian artist died this year, but no doubt, she’ll continue to inspire for years to come. Take a look at Aussie label, Gorman’s latest Mora-inspired collection of printed blouses, dresses and jumpsuits. The accessories, like this colour rich tote and silk scarf, are a statement unto themselves. Take a closer look at the prints –– foxes, bunnies, bosoms and blossoms –– it’s all so wonderfully bizarro.
Whenever I see a wild wallpaper, or whimsical light, my mind immediately travels to the loo. The guest loo. These fabric chandeliers, hand made in Britain made from the finest dupion silks, are destined for the powder room of my dreams. They’re deco, they’re boudoir, they’re divine. It’s this Hibiscus pink one that I want, but the shades can be made to order in any colour (or colour combination) of the rainbow.
How fabulous is this ivory extravaganza of a bow? I know bows not for everyone, and this one could never be taken out to dinner, but just to try this blouse on would make me happy. I think I’d wear it with black tuxedo pants and bare feet and then dig into a bowl of spaghetti Bolgnese, just to see if I can pull it off.
So. I’m potty about these plates from La DoubleJ Housewives’. I just love the brilliant colours and whimsical designs. The original toile de Jouy print that appears on the Pavone collection was designed in the late 1700s, and inspired by the Mantero Silk Archives in Lake Como. The plates are too decadent for anything but foie gras and petit fours. Just don’t serve together, perhaps.
I love the idea of embroidery, although I can’t imagine I’d have the patience for something so intricate. “The time consuming nature of hand embroidery has developed a certain appreciation in me as opposed to other art forms,” Humayrah Bint Altaf tells The Creators Project. “Embroidery increases me in patience and forbearance, as nothing can be hastened or hurried. Each bead, each piece of leather, each metal is stitched with concentration and much deliberation.” The London-based artist studied at the Royal School of Needlework and uses jewel toned silk threads, beads and metallic leather and silver lace in her creations. Take a look at Bint Altaf’s dragonflies, beetles and butterflies. They really are precious.
I haven’t worn cords since my late teens –– I had several flared pairs at university that I wore with trainers and woolly polo necks –– and these from Céline make we want to revisit the whole look. I love how thick the corduroy is. A much less expensive alternative is this mustard pair from JCrew. The cord is 70s car seat, and I love it.
It’s a certain girl who’s drawn to Susie Cave’s line. Cate Blanchett, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Florence Welch are all fans of The Vampire’s Wife. The fabrics –– Liberty florals, jewel toned velvets and disco shimmer –– all whisk me back to the 70s. I picture kidney shaped velvet love seats and chintzy arm chairs. I picture English pubs and electric discos. I like this dainty floral pattern paired with metallic silk ruffles, and I can’t imagine a more fabulous Christmas dress than this one made from shimmery red silk metallic chiffon.
Colour and print always stop me in my tracks. And I love this look from Chitose Abe. It’s Sacai Spring 2019 ready-to-wear, and while I wouldn’t rock this get-up head-to-toe, I admire that she can. This dress is a walking work or art. And this top is a sophisticated, (beautifully crafted) take on something I might have made as a child. Have a look. You may be inspired.
What a charming room with its mix of gingham and toile. I love the scalloped edge on the linens. This is just the sort of room one might retreat to with hot tea, cake and piles of Vogues and Maeve Binchy novels. I bet it smells like mothballs mixed with Lily of the Valley. And there may even be a leaky pipe or two in the en suite bathroom. But still, so charming.
I think my most disappointing birthday was my 7th, when I dressed up as a flamenco dancer and cut open my cake only to find that the doll inside had no body. That was sad. In terms of disappointment, no birthday has come close. Since then, I’ve tried to keep expectations low to the ground. Today is my birthday, and every year, as a gift to myself, I tell strangers that’s it’s my birthday. Most people flash me a smile –– other people’s birthdays make us feel happy –– and some people even give me a hug. Or a free ride, in the case of a streetcar driver. I don’t make much of my birthday, in terms of parties and presents, but the smiles and embraces and well wishes from strangers (or virtual ones) are a thrill.
All rights reserved © La Parachute · Theme by Blogmilk + Coded by Brandi Bernoskie