Art

The culture of fashion: Retail-edutainment rules at Dior’s renovated Avenue Montaigne flagship



Ballgowns on display at La Galerie Dior in Paris

Retail-edutainment is the latest portmanteau on my mind.

Dior is finally ready to reopen its Avenue Montaigne flagship after a two-year reno. This latest incarnation is a ‘universe of Dior’ which includes retail, restaurants and a gallery, plus a private shopping apartment that gives its guests the keys to the store – accompanied by concierges to attend to their every whim.

The Galerie de Dior is the masterstroke. (more…)



In the mood for Lemaire AW22



Suzi De Givenchy in Lemaire AW22

I’m beginning to hate my puffer jacket. I just want to wear something insulating and protective but unrestricting, something like the many wonderful examples of outerwear shown at Lemaire AW22 last month.

Described as “an urban horde of modern-day hunter-gatherers,” the collection nailed Lemaire’s versatile trademarks – trench coats, soft overcoats, deconstructed blazers – for the 24-hour city girl (or boy). Accompanying the utility-luxe silhouettes and layered styling were equally desirable accessories. Cross-body bags to create graphic demarcation, knitted balaclavas (still around for 2022) and bougie leather water bottle holders. (more…)



Girls on wheels: Kayla Buium



Kayla Buium rollerskating

It’s time to bring back the rollerskating content!

Glorious Sport magazine has this great feature on the power of rollerskating, featuring Canadian artist Kayla Buium. The Toronto-based illustrator uses rollerskating in her street art as a form of self-expression and therapy for her anxiety.

“There’s always middle-aged ladies stopping me to say their piece about how they used to roller skate and I see little kids tugging on their parent’s arms and pointing at me. That makes me feel so good. I’m in the middle of the street, wearing my roller skates, doing little tricks, jumping on and off of the kerb and people are looking at me. I’m blasting my headphones. I definitely feel like I’m in a film. It just feels super empowering.” (more…)



Noguchi at The Barbican



Noguchi sculptures - The Barbican

If you’re in London for Frieze and need some zen time out from the frantic pace, here’s my tip. Go and chill at the Barbican.

The Noguchi show just opened two weeks ago at Barbican Centre and it’s a perfect stroll through the artist and designer’s timeline.

Isamu Noguchi was a sculptor and multidisciplinary designer, creating everything from theatre sets to kids’ playgrounds to furniture and of course, the now-classic Akari lighting. (more…)