design

On my radar: Abask, your new design destination



Abask interiors

Heads-up: there’s a fab new e-commerce platform getting a lot of attention right now.

As fashion and beauty online retail have become saturated, as well as an overall fatigue with trends in consuming, it makes sense that some are shifting interests to interiors, a somewhat slower pace of taste signalling – for now.

Abask is the brainchild of Matchesfashion co-founder Tom Chapman and former ecommerce director Nicolas Pickaerts. Its premise is room-themed edits of lovingly-crafted artisanal pieces – whether new, vintage or antique. I’m all about the Study*, where desk-destined Murano glass paperweights* sit alongside Carl Auböck brass knick-knacks* and exquisite vintage fountain pens*. (more…)



Can Ladbroke Hall turn Notting Hill into an art destination?



Michele Lamy and Loïc Le Gaillard at Ladbroke Hall by Tom Jamieson for FT

“We want to use the language of a foundation or a museum; moving away from the idea of being a gallery. I want everybody to feel they can come in and educate themselves about design. We want diversity, not only in the artists that we work with but the people that visit us, whether that’s a local school or someone from fashion, the arts or design. We’ve been very successful as a business and now want to give back. We’re seeding things here – we’re not sure what, but we know something beautiful will grow.”
Loïc Le Gaillard, Financial Times

News just in: Ladbroke Grove is getting a very zhuzhy arts hub for SS23. (more…)



Sophie Buhai: not just jewellery



Sophie Buhai pendant

Sophie Buhai is such an interesting designer. Not only is her jewellery extremely precious but wearable, she also creates tactile design objects like lighter cases, cigarette boxes*, paperweights and combs. Her AW22 and Resort 23 collections use onyx for rings, pendants and this incredible handcarved pocket mirror, as well as white jade, rock crystal and red jasper (I love the ‘Boule’ collar).

The photography is wonderful too. (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…)