books

Shop the post: A calm, collected (last minute) gift guide



Toast Xmas gift

When it comes to gift guides, I always think about the things I’d like to receive. I’m actually very easy to buy for as I’m content with socks, books and edibles. Posh edibles are my top choice as a gift as you can just buy the person the elevated version of whatever their favourite thing is. (Pierre Marcolini chocs are my faves if anyone’s wondering, with Alain Ducasse chocolate and hazelnut spread a very close second.) Tea and biscuits are a particular no-brainer. Fortnums, Liberty and Harrods are especially good for these as the packaging is just sublime and the tins are obviously reusable. Plus, a stroll through the Harrods Food Hall or Fortnum’s biscuit room is surely an essential part of the Christmas experience, right? (more…)



Rebel stylist: Caroline Baker – the woman who invented street fashion



Rebel Stylist - Caroline Baker for Vogue - photography Harri Peccinotti

If you’re struggling for killer fashion gift ideas, allow me to make a recommendation.

I’ve just received my copy of Rebel Stylist*, a fantastic delve into the story of fashion styling straight from the lips (and visual archive) of the lady who invented it all, Caroline Baker. Caroline is a legend in the industry. She has worked for everyone, from Nova magazine to The Face, Vogue and i-D, as well as with iconic designers and brands including Benetton (the Toscani ads), Katharine Hamnett and Vivienne Westwood. Not to mention photographers – Helmut Newton, Hari Peccinotti, Sarah Moon, Guy Bourdin, Saul Leiter. Every mainstream trend you can think of – layering, military surplus, power dressing, underwear-as-outerwear – she was there first, trailblazing well before most of us were in nappies. (more…)



On my radar: Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace



Jane Fonda roller skating at Flipper's

On my wish list: a new book about roller skating.

I remember reading about Flipper’s, the short-lived LA roller disco (owned by Liberty Ross’s dad) a few years ago. There was talk of a film and then… nothing. Instead, we have this great softback from Idea Books, “Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace” (launching October 15th), documenting the rink, the scene and the free-living era – accompanied by some fantastic pictures of course. (more…)



Face Values: creativity and intuition with the artist Shira Barzilay



Shira Barzilay Koketit

We really lucked out getting the artist Shira Barzilay (aka Koketit) to create special artworks to illustrate my beauty book, Face Values. Her linear ‘doodle poetry’ added a beautiful gentle dimension to the text-heavy sections and she interpreted our themes spontaneously, just letting her imagination lead. I was so impressed and enthralled with her work and – as always – keen to know how the magic happens. So, I’m very glad she indulged me with this Q&A. Do check out her work on IG if you don’t know it already @koketit and enjoy learning more about her creative process and artistic intuition below… (more…)