The constant stream of new collections presupposes that consumers have an unquenchable desire for something new. In an article earlier this week, BOF (Business of Fashion) considers whether trends are relevant in a world where everyone wants the latest thing now. Seasonal order patterns have changed beyond all recognition, with some designers ditching them altogether, whilst others […]
Contrary to the media portrayal of older people, not all are sitting at home feeling lonely. This is just as well, because according to Age UK, there are now around 14.7 million over-60s in the country – that’s nearly 23% of the population. It is predicted that the number aged 65 and over will rise by […]
We sometimes hear stories of hermits who have been found after years of being hidden away in remote areas or woods. But now there is a new kind of hermit. The outsider hermit could probably afford a house in a more suburban location, but choses to live in an outsider dwelling in a fairly pukka neighbourhood. Think […]
As much as people try to be different, they rarely are… but Viktor Wynd is more unusual than most. In a world where little if anything shocks, Wynd’s interests and lifestyle are decidedly odd – sleeping with a pet snake wrapped around his feet, kissing a shrunken head goodnight, and collecting celebrity poo, for heavens […]
Why are women so fascinated by clothes, and how does our relationship with schmutter affect the way we are perceived? Women Fashion Power at London’s Design Museum showcases one outfit from each of twenty-six “exceptional” women. All are leaders in their field and understand that “the clothes they wear are a part of the way that they […]
There’s a saying that ‘nobody watches artists as closely as estate agents.’ Having some art in your street can add a few 000s to your house price. Earlier this week, Moniker Projects held a talk at Shoreditch House on ‘street art and the gentrification of urban communities’. Discussion focused on the role of street artists […]
In our overcrowded cities, where space is in limited supply, small plants make ideal pets – and can help to improve air quality, as part of a sustainable lifestyle. Cacti are perfect, as they don’t need much water and require little looking after. Succulents store water in their swollen leaves, stems or roots, are easy […]
Some futurologists predict a world where embryos will be grown in test tubes at baby farms. Perhaps we will soon be ‘following’ the life of the celebrity embryo and foetus in advance of any such baby’s birth. Despite these prospects, in the age of the caesarian, the enduring familiarity of natural birth still excites us. Babies […]
The Scots aren’t the only ones playing with disruption. London’s Design Museum doesn’t stop at giving airtime, or in this case museum space, to emerging young designers, it also helps them along the way with advice, suggestions and, presumably, access to some very useful contacts. In this case it has also asked them to be […]
As we try to escape from the realities and confusion of a frenzied, phoneaholic world in which our every move is monitored, there is a rising demand for privacy and seclusion – and a growing desire to find secret, hidden away spaces. A surprising discovery amidst the crowded backstreets of Tokyo’s Harajuku is The Hideaway […]