Everything is connected. People say the world is getting smaller, but external cultural influences have inspired tastes in food, style, art and design for as long as man has travelled. In China, tea has been drunk for millennia, but the art of drinking tea is a culture all of its own. Gonfu Cha, the Chinese tea ceremony means “making […]
We thought you might like to know more about the unique shell sculpture adorning the cover of Visuology Magazine Issue 4. The story behind this unusual piece is that it is one of a set of four sculptures depicting the four seasons, by French craftswoman, Caroline Perrin. Caroline is already well known for her decorative […]
London’s Chelsea Harbour Design Centre houses some of the world’s foremost passementerie specialists. Samuel and Sons offer a wide array of tassels, borders, braids, gimp, fringes and custom made trims to interior designers and architects. Their Labyrinth border is “inspired by the proportions and configuration of classic architectural mazes from Grecian antiquity.” Raised satin stiches stand […]
VV Rouleaux is more than just a ribbon shop. The 25 year old haberdashery emporium is an Aladdin’s cave of trimmings. From feathered birds (great for Christmas decorations as well as hats) to pom-poms, tassels and Chanel-style grosgrain ribbon, the colour filled store is a cherished resource for dressmakers, milliners and home accessories designers. Owner Annabel […]
In Visuology Issue 3, we flagged up the growing use of passementerie in fashion and interior design. We thought the run up to Christmas, with its explosion of colourful decorations, would be the perfect time to showcase some of the passementerie that has captured our attention over the past couple of years. In 2014, we […]
The world’s leading university of art and design is an inspiring place to hunt for unique Christmas gifts. Showcasing the raw talent of students from a variety of arts disciplines including textiles, fine art and ceramics, the Royal College of Art Christmas Fete is now in its 4th year. All proceeds from the event at […]
This is the stuff of childhood fantasy. Who hasn’t at one time dreamt of staying in a tent or caravan, let alone a small space crammed with toys, games and sci-fi looking paraphernalia that you are allowed to play with? Angèle Riguidel is one of those enviable people who can make something out of anything she finds. […]
Billed as the highlight of the V&A’s India Season, The Fabric of India will be the first major exhibition to explore the dynamic and multifaceted world of handmade Indian textiles from the 3rd to the 21st century. The show will feature over 200 pieces including an 18th century tent, ceremonial and religious cloths, textiles created for […]
The hedgehog population of the UK has fallen dramatically, from around 34 million in the 1950s to around 1 million today. The hedgehog is now an endangered species and could even be extinct by 2020. This is a shame because hedgehogs help gardeners by eating leaf-munching slugs and insects. But hedgehogs may have a saviour […]
Luxury is ubiquitous, craft has been commodified and, according to Peter York, “authenticity is a con.” When luxury is no longer luxurious and limited editions can be purchased at Primark, only ultra-luxury will do. This means finding something that no one else can have, or afford – be it bespoke, vintage or antique – perhaps a pair […]