Out and about in sweltering London today (23 degrees!) I spotted three different girls in denim short shorts, skimpy vests and…sweaty black leggings. What gives? If it’s hot enough for shorts (and it really was) then why spoil the effect with these party poopers? Come on girls, if you’re going to wear shorts wear them with conviction. Don’t be shy, own those legs!
Paul Smith celebrates the tenth anniversary this week of his fabulous Portobello shop Westbourne House. Although I don’t lust after his clothing – it’s a bit too commercial for me – I do adore the aesthetic and the style of Paul Smith as a brand and I always find something to buy in his shops whether it’s a photography book, an astronaut pen or a roll of novelty sellotape. When I was a student I found an LP in a second hand shop called Memories of Paris by (another) Paul Smith. Thinking its kitschness was totally Paul Smith I took it along to the shop in Floral Street. I don’t know quite what I expected them to do with it but sure enough they loved it and thanked me with four rainbow-coloured Paul Smith toothbrushes. I’d like to think my little offering is still alive somewhere in his basement where he keeps his huge archive of knick knacks (think old books, toy cars, globes and other random bits and bobs that Smith has collected over time or been given or sent by his many fans). Apart from anything else, Smith always comes across as a lovely man who would be great fun to work for and learn from. My friend B once said she wishes he was her dad and I know exactly what she means! Paul Smith is also the only company I can think of that calls journalists to apologise for not being able to honour the request for a show invitation. Imagine! This is no random gesture, if you read Smith’s book You Can Find Inspiration in Everything, you will find that everything about the company is thought through and huge attention is paid to detail and how to do things differently. I hadn’t picked it up for years but reading it this weekend I realised that this book itself is hugely inspiring if you’re having a creative block. It teaches you to look at things differently and think outside the box.
Well blow me. There I was trundling along to the Urban Outfitters press office only to find myself slap bang wallop in the midst of a sample sale! To be honest, there wasn’t much to take my fancy (although I did come away with this Simon Doonan book for £2) but if you’re in the market for a cheap-fix T-shirt or need an affordable impromptu gift for a friend then head down there pronto. They have tops, jeans, accessories and random bits and pieces (ie my book) but hurry, it finishes at 5pm!
May is shaping up to be a bumper movie month. Not only is Sex & The City released but the first Jim Jarmusch box set comes out on May 12th. Then there is Joy Division, Persepolis and Waterliles, a French feast of Sofia Copola-style teen awkwardness. But I’m really holding out for June, when there’s a Bruce Weber bonanza going on in London*:
LET’S GET LOST UK PREMIERE, Thurs June 5th – Curzon Soho
A screening of Weber’s famous portrait of Chet Baker followed by questions from the audience
BRUCE WEBERS SHORTS PROGRAMME, Sat June 14th – Curzon Soho
Five short films that sum up the Bruce Weber ode-to-Americana aesthetic, including old Weber b/w home movies, a three-minute movie on London teddy boys and Wine and Cupcakes, a twelve-minute short about Central Park
BROKEN NOSES, Sun 15th June, Renoir Cinema
Cult b/w documentary on the heartbreakingly beautiful boxer Andy Minsker
ART IN THE BAR, 1-30th June, Soho Curzon
Bruce Weber presents the William Caxton photographs of the young Chet Baker – see them and weep
And if you do stop by the Curzon for any of these events, don’t forget to have a slice of curly wurly cake at the in-house Konditor & Cook cafe, worth a special trip in itself!
*For more info, go here
Photograph: William Claxton
