Here's a new addition to the street art of Dulwich - by MadC - to be found at the crossroads where pub meets library, and bank meets florists, at the top end of Lordship Lane. The recently-finished mural prompted closer inspection (and a photo opportunity). I'm wearing my favourite new combats, authentically Desert Storm indeed with their own NATO number (and a bargain to boot from Frank the Stylist), together with a leather Banana Republic jacket and a shaggy waistcoat from Sugar. The snakeskin boots are by Pura López whilst the sunnies, in the same style zone as Iris Apfel, are French by Francois Pinton, from south London's Paraphernalia. My turquoise jewellery is from Jessica Walker.
The new piece of street art replaces another called Tea with a Bee, created as part of Baroque the Streets, a collaboration between Dulwich Festival and Street Art London. It, along with a number of other works, put Dulwich firmly on the map for street art, back in May 2013. MadC's work also appeared then, most notably in The Street Art House, formerly at 265 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich.
Last weekend I took myself along to the celebrations in Chinatown, in London's West End to welcome in the Year of the Goat/Sheep. What to wear? My favourite vintage cheongsam in green, a colour which is said to promote health and harmony in Chinese culture. To keep out the chill factor, I put on my newest purchase, a Michael Kors puffer jacket, in flat-out orange, along with a home-knit scarf (thank you, Mary). More shades of orange with my vintage jewellery and woven nylon bag. And what to wear in my hair? Why, a handful of cocktail sticks, of course. And after the jam-packed festivities, I beat a hasty retreat on a Boris bike. Gung Hay Fat Choy!
‘Fashion is an expression of the times. Elegance is something else again.’ Horst, 1984
The V&A's current exhibition on Horst: Photographer of Style encapsulates a life's work behind the lens, from that corset for Mainbocher to a Persepolis bull, and brings together unforgettable portraits and images of high style and glamour. Horst created more than 90 front covers for Vogue from the '30s to '60s. Notably that 1939 photograph for Vogue of the Detolle corset for Mainbocher informed Madonna's music video, Vogue, in the '90s. Horst P. Horst established himself as one of Vogue's photographers of choice in the '40s, so what better way to be inspired by the German-born virtuoso than wear my own impeccable dress from that era - an original Fashion Preferred, Styled by Jack Liebman. Who he? For my trip to the V&A, my classic black taffeta dress with velvet cuffs and collar stood the test of time on the steps in south Kensington, passing by the Christmas Tree 'Ceremony' by Gareth Pugh in the main entrance hall as well as a stroll through the classic sculpture gallery, keeping company with Diana the Huntress and Helen of Troy. My 'Feather in my Cap' hat was jaunty enough and my cane-handled velvet bag too. The Russell & Bromley grosgrain platforms from the '70s are a failsafe: glamorous and funky. And the tights, by Jonathan Aston, add a bit of jazz! The homage to Horst ends this weekend so pile on the glamour and take a stroll through these timeless images.
From a statement green Dior feathered hat, to a chic vintage gold dress, and a charming little black Prada bag, Paraphernalia had it all! Last month local ladies came together to showcase fabulous looks from the south London boutique. Both Honor Oak and Crofton Park businesses, including Pat-a-Cake, Star Cafe, The White Room, Arlo and Moe and Mr Lawrence Wine Bar, joined in the day-long celebrations, which spilled out onto the street. My looks ranged from an Elspeth Gibson sleek black dress, to Marni culottes with a vintage fur. Look out for the next 'fest' on Saturday 6 December!
