Race of Style

A Tartan For Pandas

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:16:00 +0000

Unveiled earlier this week, yet another new tartan to add to my list

... this time for pandas!

Commissioned by Edinburgh Zoo to mark the arrival last month of giant pandas Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine), the new tartan** designed by Kirsty Franey of Kinloch Anderson, features black white and grey to represent the colour of the pandas' fur, green for bamboo and three red lines to represent China.

I am well aware of course that the whole issue of animals being kept or bred in captivity is a touchy subject, and celebrity pandas in particular always generate some controversy or other.

However, whether you or I approve or not, Tian Tian and Yang Guang* are here, so we may as well celebrate!

*Yang Guang is currently suffering from a bout of colic (a not uncommon condition in pandas) but should recover in a couple of weeks.

**View in more detail @ The Scottish Register of Tartans.

The Artist - Believe The Hype

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:57:00 +0000

After seeing The Artist last night, I don’t know who’s tugging at my

heartstrings more, George ...

OR Uggie! I’m torn.

I mean, who could resist a pooch who loves to skateboard in his spare time!

Check out Uggie’s moves HERE.

As expected, The Artist is now up for ten Oscars, (sadly none for Uggie, despite a spirited campaign on his behalf) but whether they will be converted into wins remains to be seen.

I will say no more, except ...

Believe the hype! And if you haven’t already, go see!

Accidents Will Happen

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:37:00 +0000

Because there was a remote possibility that THIS! could happen to me, the lovely people at Apple have swapped my first generation iPod nano for ...

one of these.

I must admit I was reluctant to surrender my old (SIX years!) lovingly preserved nano to Apple's giant recycling bin, but hey, better safe than sorry!

And thanks for the upgrade Apple!

Well, sort of (I really miss my click wheel).

Strangely, this track came up when I tapped shuffle for the first time ...

what are the chances?

Blackpool - Reasons To Be Cheerful

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:46:00 +0000

The Comedy Carpet!

Unveiled on October 10th 2011, the Comedy Carpet is a new 2,200 m² permanent artwork sited in front of Blackpool Tower.

Five years in the making, the Comedy Carpet is a giant typographic masterpiece featuring jokes, songs and catchphrases from over one thousand of the UK's favourite comedians and comic writers, from the heyday
of Music Hall to 21st century stand up.

The Tower of Love!

photos via dezeen

A new ‘golden’ building on the Golden Mile, the ‘Tower of Love’ is now the location for Blackpool’s registry and tourist information offices.

Part of the Tower Festival Headland, the Tower of Love’s telescopic wedding tower frames couples exchanging vows within a vertical view of Blackpool Tower.

The first couple to wed in the ‘Tower of Love’ on January 12th 2012 ...

Kelly Goudie and Simon Garrick. photos via Facebook

So, there are at least two reasons to be cheerful about Blackpool.
But why do we need them — Blackpool's great isn't it?

Well no, sadly it's not, according to data collected by The Guardian back in March 2011, placing Blackpool at the top of the table in England and Wales for the prescribing of anti-depressant medication.

I don’t find those results particularly surprising. It’s true that away from the seafront, Blackpool is a somewhat depressing place.*

A view compounded by the short taxi ride I took recently from Blackpool train station (on a daytrip to visit my mother) during which my driver, a rather morose character it has to be said, wholeheartedly agreed with me regarding the general rundown state of things.

Now if only he’d told me about the Comedy Carpet (surely he knew) I might’ve suggested we make a quick diversion.

* I suspect this applies to most seaside towns in the UK, especially out of season.

Go Blackpool Council!

Eve Arnold 1912-2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:31:00 +0000

Eve Arnold with Marilyn Monroe during the filming of The Misfits 1960

Eve’s long association with Marilyn always gets top billing of course

Marilyn Monroe 1955

... with good reason.

I’m certain however that Eve will be remembered for giving us so much more.

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor 1963

Bar girl in a brothel in the red light district Havana Cuba 1954

Here in the UK January has come in like a lion.
It rains every time I go out!

And it’s cold rain. Brrrr!

Now if I could just get my hands on a copy of this book ...

In China (1979) — I’d be one happy January bunny.

Ring Out The Old ...

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:22:00 +0000

“Ring in the New - Ring a Ding Ding”.

Jack Lemmon & Shirley MacLaine in The Apartment 1960.

Probably the best New Year's scene in a movie ever.

Well, it’s my favourite anyway.

Although ... little Miss Shirley also delivered - BIG time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Feels Like Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:29:00 +0000

Well it does for the THE FEELING anyway. They LOVE Christmas!

And I LOVE The Feeling (mostly because of THIS SONG.)

AND I really don’t mind what they’ve been doing with Burberry this year.

Burberry Body campaign featuring Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, directed by Christopher Bailey and shot by Mario Testino.

No I really don’t mind AT ALL.

Not Christmassy enough for you?

Then how about a bit of festive interaction with Dan Gillespie Sells ?

Click HERE to tailor him to your Christmas mood.

Yeah, I think I’m feeling it now ...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Dancing Into Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:14:00 +0000

Ballet themed tree by Repetto.

Now I’m not dancing exactly, more limping at the moment, since I managed to drop a large skip on my toes at work today. And I still have one more week of Christmas shoppers to face.

Truly, they are relentless in their endeavours, with so far (here in London anyway) barely a flake of snow to deter them.

So, earlier this week in dire need of some diversion from the aforementioned, I decided a pre-Christmas

treat was in order and I took myself off to see The Royal Ballet ...

photo © Johan Persson

AT THE CINEMA!

Streamed live from Covent Garden to 100 cinemas in the UK (600 worldwide) and a first for me at this type of event, I had wondered beforehand whether it would prove to be an altogether satisfactory experience.

Well, ballet on a budget it may be, but I’m happy to report ... it was SUPERB!

Alexander Campbell & Yuhui Choe

Yuhui Choe gave an enchanting performance as Princess Florine.

Lauren was simply stunning.

Lauren Cuthbertson & Sergei Polunin The Sleeping Beauty December 2011

Rising star SERGEI was ... nope, sorry, I don’t have enough adjectives!

photo © Johan Persson

And if that wasn’t enough dance excitement for one week, Saturday night saw the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2011.

Strictly 2011 winners Aliona Vilani & Harry Judd

More of a popularity contest in the end between Harry Judd and Chelsee Healey, things didn’t quite turn out the way I wanted.

Although I had a 'wild about Harry’ period, (he is a great dancer) I got over it after a few weeks, (unlike the judges) and came out in support of northern lass Chelsee.

Had to really, being one myself. And I was incensed by some of the insults directed at her because of her northern roots.

Alright, I’m willing to admit that Chelsee might be more suited to the role of an Eliza rather than a ‘Fair Lady’, but she’s a lovely young woman, a natural dancer, and if Harry didn’t have more Twitter followers would probably have won the competition. How sad is that?

Strictly 2011 runners up Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev

As for her professional partner Pasha ... well, what is it with these Russian dancers?

Be still my beating heart!

Avoid The Walk Of Shame

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:51:00 +0000

Shop decadent evening wear at Harvey Nicks.

OR just take a cab!

Amigurumi Yeah Yeah Yeah

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:07:00 +0000

Beatles Amigurumi © Crochet Today Jan/Feb 2012

‘The pervading aesthetic of Amigurumi is cuteness’ states the Wikipedia definition.

Well yes, IT is/THEY are.

However, the same Wikipedia entry also says that ‘amigurumi have no practical use’ as they are ‘created and collected solely for aesthetic reasons’.

Which is not entirely accurate. I mean, try telling that to U900 ...

Okay, from the sublime (previous post) to the ridiculous (this one) springs to mind.

Although I must admit to having a soft spot for the little U900 guys.

And will I be creating my own miniature Fab Four?

Er ... nope. No time for such frippery.

Might have ... IF there were eight days (in) a week.

The Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:04:00 +0000

Jean Dujardin in The Artist.

Jean won the Best Actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival, May 2011.

Now there's talk of Oscar nominations.

I watched the trailer earlier today. Over and over and over and over and over.

Then I followed a few links.

Now I have a problem. The Artist is not released in the UK until December 30th!

Here’s the trailer —

And here are the links —

Hollywood Reporter:Behind the Scenes

NY Times:Anatomy of a Scene

The Weinstein Company

No need to thank me — you’re welcome.

Claridge’s Christmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:33:00 +0000

Unveiled last week (finally we have pictures!) Claridge's Christmas tree 2011.

Brought to us by Lanvin’s creative director Alber Elbaz.

What a great idea sticking an effigy of oneself atop.

Well Alber is rather cute and cuddly is he not?

Yes, liking this tree. The season — not liking (no surprise there for my regular readers.)

It has of course been all hands on deck for the last few weeks in my corner of retail land. And I can’t begin to tell you how many Christmas ornaments/baubles/glittery reindeers (very popular) I’ve lovingly wrapped in tissue.

And we’re not even in December yet!

Yeah, glitter glitter everywhere ... a bit like working in a goldmine :)

Our love's the sound of broken skies, too blind to see what lies inside
We love what shines before our eyes, why can't we learn what hides?

Waiting on the last train, flicking through the highlights
Livin' in a suitcase, positively uptight
Kissing in the full moon, drowning in the sunshine
Walking on a tightrope, and everything is gonna be just fine
'Cos I believe in your heart of gold, automatically sunshine
Yeah glitter, glitter everywhere, like working in a goldmine
And we believe that there's a heart beats on, in the dark of the closedown
Yeah glitter, glitter everywhere, like working in a goldmine
They'll make you work for everything
Never let it roll - Never let it swing
Take control and let your heart sing.

Now Roddy Frame I really do like.

Best of Britto

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:53:00 +0000

photo © Chris Jackson

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Conservative, conventional, traditional.

Often seen out and about wearing sombre colours. I like it. It suits them.

I also like (if not love) Catherine’s determination to continue shopping the high street, as it annoys the hell out some fashion editors and at least one designer.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge November 18. via What Kate Wore/Pop Sugar

Oh yes, the more funereal the better in my book.

Which is probably why I’m not really ‘feeling the love’ for these new portraits of the royal couple by Brazilian born artist Romero Britto.

Could they BE more colourful?

Recently unveiled at Imitate Modern gallery * as part of a larger exhibition of Romero’s work entitled Modern Icons, maybe I just need to get myself over there to see the original oil on canvas in order to appreciate them.

* until December 7th.

More Poppy Bling

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:17:00 +0000

I was rather saddened to read this week that a poppy brooch due to be worn by opera singer Katherine Jenkins at the Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance last Saturday, (November 12) was stolen just hours before her performance.

The brooch, crafted by Garrards in aid of the Royal British Legion, valued at £25,000 pounds, (we’re talking serious poppy ‘bling’ here) had been sold to a collector at their annual Poppy Ball auction (November 10) on the understanding that it would be lent to Katherine for Saturday's concert.

Unfortunately, whilst on route to the venue, the brooch was stolen from the handbag of one of the charity's employees outside a Kensington hotel.

Well, I suppose it could happen to anyone.

Red and green translucent enamel poppy brooch, mounted in 18ct yellow gold with pave set ruby and green garnet borders and a central cluster of black diamonds. Engraved on the reverse side with the inscription ‘The Royal British Legion Poppy Ball 2011’.

I remain hopeful for its recovery though, given the distinctive design.

I mean how would one ‘fence’ (I believe that’s the correct term, but I’m no expert!) such a thing?

In the meantime —

‘Police have urged the thief to“look to their conscience”as the charity Crimestoppers offered a reward of £5,000 for the safe return of the gem, and information leading to the crook's arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information should call the police incident room on 020 8246 0145 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111’.

sources Daily Mail/Kensington and Chelsea Chronicle

StickMan

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:17:00 +0000

Anyone can draw a stickman right?

But they always just stand there doing nothing don’t they?

Well not anymore . . .

Try it yourself (it’s only slightly addictive) @ DRAW A STICKMAN (or girl!)

and read more about this brilliant concept here.

Poppy Bling

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:57:00 +0000

YES or NO?

The annual Bling Poppy debate continues here in the UK ─ this despite the fact that the Royal British Legion fully support the idea.

I’m a bit fed up of it to be honest. And in any case, actually acquiring a ‘blinged up’ poppy is impossible (the RBL shop are always out of stock!)

Of course if you feel you must have some sort of 'upgraded' poppy, there are alternatives. Pimp it yourself!

Click HERE for a ‘Bling up your poppy’ how-to (with nail polish) ─ it’s quite effective.

OR check out this video for a crocheted poppy.

AFC YouTube video screenshot

I made one myself last night.

Yes, I actually grabbed a crochet hook! Turned out alright I thought (no hanging tails for me thank you very much!)

However, my effort pales into insignificance compared with this beautiful poppy.

Oldest surviving poppy picked in May 1916 in front of a trench in Arras.

Anyway, regardless of one’s poppy of choice this Remembrance Day (I’ll be wearing the traditional paper poppy as always) it’s the thought that counts surely?

Scenes From A London Bus

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:25:00 +0000

Inspired (to return to my blog) by a London bus journey? Strange but true.
I just came across London Bus Tour ─ a brilliant piece of work from Moritz Oberholzer, and I can’t get enough of it.
I even like the music ─ Loud Pipes by Ratatat.

There is something missing though.

Emma Hignett the voice of London's iBus system.

I spend quite a lot of time listening to Emma, who, back in 2006, landed the job of recording over 30,000 announcements for London’s 700 bus routes.

Which was a great choice, as she’s probably got the least annoying voice ever *

My favourite announcement, yes some people do have them, is ─

* * SEATS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE UPPER DECK * *

(played repeatedly when the lower deck becomes dangerously sardine-like.)

Never fails to make me laugh, as I’ve yet to see anyone take her up on it.

* LISTEN to Emma HERE.

Oh and thanks everyone, both in comments & by e-mail, for support and encouragement during my recent break.

Richard Hamilton 1922-2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:26:00 +0000

Long time no blog I know, and I’m not really back (H.M. doesn’t return from Balmoral until October 3rd) :-) However, I simply couldn’t let the week go by without marking the passing of UK artist Richard Hamilton in some small way.

‘Swingeing London’ (1967-1968)

‘I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas’ (1971)

Back in 1991 I had the privilege of seeing some of Richard’s original work, when the Royal Academy of Arts staged a major Pop Art exhibition, and I can clearly recall gazing in awe at the above.

And in amazement at ...

‘Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?’ (1956)

This collage is tiny!

Balmoral Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:51:00 +0000

Yes, it’s THAT TIME of the year again, (August already! came around rather quickly don’t you think?) so I’m taking my usual time out.

During which I’ll be taking a decision on whether to continue with this blog or not. Maybe I'll just ‘rebrand’ myself (ha ha). We’ll see.

Catch you later everyone!

Pajama Club XOYO

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:39:00 +0000

PJC XOYO Islington London July 28 2011

Great gig. Highlight of my week.

Music to the rescue! (again).

Wrong

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:53:00 +0000

via Daily Mail

Harrods opens Christmas grotto 151 days early.

So very very wrong.

Amy Winehouse 1983-2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:42:00 +0000

Amy Winehouse 1983-2011

The Beatles in America

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:16:00 +0000

photo Applecorps Ltd

Coming up for auction today at Christies New York, a collection of almost fifty previously unpublished photographs of The Beatles.

Taken by photographer Mike Mitchell —

who was just 18 when The Beatles came to his home town of Washington D.C.

Mike was granted exceptional access to their first U.S. concert at the Washington Coliseum on February 11 1964, just two days after the band's US television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Locked away in Mike’s basement for 46 years, the negatives were in poor condition, and on inspection what Mike initially thought was a large piece of dust, actually turned out to be a heart-shaped reflection of light on one of the Beatle’s (Paul’s he thinks) boots.

Inspired by this find, Mike decided to digitally insert a tiny heart in each print, thus making them unique.

One word ... FAB.

Helen Says

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:17:00 +0000

"Whenever I see the queen, I always think, Oh, there I am!

I'm a get-a-dress-at-the-thrift-shop-but-open-a-bottle-of-champagne kind of person.

Patience can be a good thing — but not necessarily. Sometimes it's not so bad to be impatient. I'm a little bit too polite.

I drink just as much tea when I'm in Los Angeles as I do when I'm in London. I take my tea bags with me wherever I go. PG Tips.

We're all idiots when we're young. We don't think we are, but we are. So we should be.

Shakespeare was writing at a time of great censorship. You couldn't say certain things or you'd literally have your head chopped off. But within those parameters he found great freedom.

The whole thing of clothes is insane. You can spend a dollar on a jacket in a thrift store. And you can spend a thousand dollars on a jacket in a shop. And if you saw those two jackets walking down the street, you probably wouldn't know which was which.

There's no good way to waste your time. Wasting time is just wasting time. Time accelerates, doesn't it?

The hardest period in life is one's twenties. It's a shame because you're your most gorgeous and you're physically in peak condition. But it's actually when you're most insecure and full of self-doubt. When you don't know what's going to happen, it's frightening.

It would be wrong to think that you're always right and correct and perfect and brilliant. Self-doubt is the thing that drives you to try to improve yourself.

You don't want to mislead people. They'll say, "Oh, it's my dream. I just have to believe in myself and it'll happen." It's just not true. Some people throw away their lives following a dream and a dream is all it was. On the other hand, you do have to believe in yourself for anything to happen.

I'm in London watching the wind blow through a tree, and

it's a wonderful thing to see."

Dame Helen Mirren ESQUIRE magazine August 2011.

Oh I SO want to hang out with her !

A Lesson In

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:49:00 +0000

... how to leave a lasting impression.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the Inner City Arts campus Los Angeles CA July 10 2011

And then they were gone.

Until September, reportedly.

Shucks! I’m really gonna miss Billy and Cath *

Calgary July 2011

Catherine especially.

What am I going to do?! Whose wardrobe am I going to watch?!

Although, the rather excellent What Kate Wore have vowed to continue posting anyway, so I might be okay.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

* I have no idea where those ridiculous nicknames sprang from, but one has to laugh (they would).

Something to do with a couple of Eastenders characters possibly?

Don’t know, don’t watch it.

Not to worry. It’ll never catch on.