Seven architectural practices from six countries across four continents make up the new show, Sensing Spaces: Architecture Reimagined, at the Royal Academy of Arts. And last Friday's Late added a new mix and buzz to the prestigious space in Piccadilly by introducing lively, interactive entertainment and roaming performers, (including a crowd-sourcing poet) - enhancing the splendour of the show. The senses were certainly heightened by all this startling work, notably Pezo von Ellrichshausen's magnificent towers, which took you up to the heavens to meet an angel; Francis Kéré playful use of coloured straws - porcupine on the outside and tunnel within; Li Xiaodong's labyrinthine installation, both bright and ominous; and Kengo Kuma's magical sea of scented lights. There was certainly a party atmosphere on Friday night just about everywhere, including The Keeper's House where DJ Seb Wildblood was keeping the soundtrack suitably cool. I wore a feathered pencil skirt, a 1930s gentleman's velvet smoking jacket from The Army & Navy Store, (last featured in 'A gentleman's jacket'), a Roland Mouret sweater, and my Terry de Havilland 'Leyla Swirl' metallic wedges, complemented by a favourite silver bag from Angel Jackson. All I can say is... bring on more Lates!
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To have or to have not... is simply not a question when it comes to a pair of Terry de Havilland shoes. Whilst in Greenwich recently, I spotted these metallic wedges from outside the shop in the market at 360 Degrees Vintage. I have no idea why it has taken me so long to acquire a pair of these classics. They have certainly been worn and enjoyed... what tales could they tell... and what stories to come. They are indisputably party shoes: they sing, dance, laugh good times!
P.S. The garden path needs a little weeding...
Wonderful weekend walkabout in Greenwich, taking in the park and some of the most beautiful historical buildings, which form part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. And two stops for art... the fine collection within the classically-magnificent Queen's House, built by Inigo Jones, and the neighbouring National Maritime Museum where the exhibition Turner and the Sea continues to pull in the crowds. No message in that larger-than-life bottle by Yinka Shonibare MBE (RA) outside the museum's main entrance but a scaled version of Nelson's ship - HMS Victory.
... which can only mean Happy Valentine's! Roses on the bag, wine in the glass and Love... on the cover of a magazine. Plus a spectacular view of London! It was red on red on red: a silk dress with a pretty ruffle from Syd's Vintage in Kirkdale, Sydenham, a vintage reversible Chinese jacket, and requisite Dior lipstick. The bag o' roses is Italian whilst the metallic heels are by Jonathan Kesley, seen in both 'From parlous estate to concrete showpiece' and 'Pallant-bound'. My jewellery is mostly Indian: I bought the earrings in Jaipur and the jangly bangles are from Jaadu, in west Dulwich.
Dulwich by night... specifically Dulwich Picture Gallery which hosted its Friends' Preview event for 'Hockney, Printmaker', which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the artist’s first print.This exhibition highlights the variety and scope of the printed works of one of Britain's best-loved artists and judging from last night's turn-out, the exhibition is going to be yet another sell-out. Whilst all eyes were on the modern art last night, I brought a little classical imagery in from the cold with earrings from The Start Collection. The rest was double check: a Betty Jackson dress and vintage tartan silk jacket, last worn at an entirely different south London space - Frank's in 'Frankly Friday!'. Mongolian lamb continued to keep me warm and elevation came from my Russell & Bromley platforms.
