Photography

Bring on Blazy’s Bottega (and his Strand book bags)



Bottega Veneta aw22 ad campaign Matthieu Blazy

The new Bottega Veneta AW22 ad campaign has dropped and its clearer than ever to see the commercial potential in Matthieu Blazy’s new vision. I never quite warmed to the clickbait-leaning Daniel Lee aesthetic – Blazy’s seems altogether more sophisticated.

I can see shades of Raf (in the knitwear) and Phoebe-era Celine in the classic-cool styling. There’s enough OG Bottega in the intrecciato leather bags* and is that a nod to Ghesquiere-era Balenciaga (where Blazy first interned) in the curvilinear tailoring and shoe shapes*? The campaign imagery is shot by a coterie of up-and-coming photographers, celebrating craft, community and travel. (more…)



How to publish a book



La Maison Steidl - Hermes book by Koto Bolofo

This brief interview between Scott Shuman and Koto Bolofo is a rather wonderful eye-opener into the world of photo book publishing. Or to be more precise, the rarefied world of Steidl book publishing. I seem to have quite a few Steidl books, including the eleven-volume example that Bolofo refers to here.

It’s his series on Hermès, which came out in 2011, but I remember waiting two years for as the publication date kept moving! (I blogged about it here and here and someone recently emailed asking if I’d be interested in selling it. Answer: no thank you!) (more…)



Coming soon: Lucas Ossendrijver for Theory



Theory Project by Lucas Ossendrijver

I used to love Lucas Ossendrijver menswear for Lanvin. Finally, he’s back with a new collection – and it includes an offering for women.

Theory Project is a joint effort between Theory and Lucas Ossendrijver, launching on September 7th. It’s inspired by city living and people watching and includes ‘pragmatic’ contemporary classics – hooded parkas, striped shirting, chunky loafers – with a big focus on sustainable fabrics such as recycled wools and nylons. I’ve spotted the perfect boxy blazer and cotton twill pant and have my eye on the striped band collar shirt and velvet sneakers.

The photography by David Sims is a great intro to what we can expect but you can get a proper preview at Theory here. (more…)



The Art of Roller Skating exhibition



Debby Besford - Art of Roller Skating exhibition

I’m not surprised people are discovering the therapeutic effects of skating on mental health. Since the pandemic there’s been a huge rise in interest in roller skating which seems to be gaining even more momentum now we’re free to mingle.

From jam skating (dance meets skating) to street skating, there are all manner of niche roller skater communities cropping up that bring people together and allow them to offload their mental and physical stress. (more…)