Autumn Decorative Fair 2015

This year marks The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair's 30th Birthday, launched by Patricia Harvey, and which has made Battersea Park its home since 1997. We are relatively new converts but it is a fixture in our calendar along with every discerning interior designer and collector around the capital. The thrice-yearly event opened its doors for autumn purchases on Tuesday and runs until the end of the weekend. On our walkabout we noticed delicious pieces of art, an amazing pair of mid-century Czech bookshelves and a ravishingly-red Chinese console table. I wore a favourite vintage velvet jacket, last seen in 'Red on Red', a pair of  Armani navy pinstripes (previous outing: The only real adventure is me...) with a simple white linen shirt, neon-pink Miss Sixty belt, satin wedges by Castañer, and an Italian leather bag from Brixton Village Market.

Twelfth Night

If you're going to have an epiphany, it may as well be on Twelfth Night!

So pull down your Christmas tree, recycle the cards and scoff those festive left-over chocolates...

The only real adventure is me...

... so says the solipsist in me. For Tracey Emin, whose new show is currently at Bermondsey's White Cube, 'The Last Great Adventure Is You' brings together sculptures, gouaches, paintings, embroideries and signature neon bon-mots. All eminently... Tracey. This solo exhibition, her first in five years, runs until November 16.  Bermondsey is always good for a Sunday stroll to take in great art and... certainly some art in the knitwear, to be found at the Fashion and Textile Museum's latest exhibition, Knitwear: from Chanel to Westwood. Fine work from the likes of Biba, Ossie Clark, Comme des Garçons, Courrèges, Julien MacDonald, Sister by Sibling, Matthew Williamson and some nostalgic Fair Isle. I wore my Armani pinstripes, an asymetrical Comme des Garçons knit, Dior sunnies and a couple of scarves, in fur and Caledonian mohair. My vintage bag is chic whilst the 'Here's winking at you' '60s earrings are fun. The modern hand-made Porcelain Bling necklace (by Schneider) is a distinct one-off. My Ras boots are back out for winter!

Happy Birthday to The Dulwich Trader!

Celebrated a birthday last night, fittingly with bubbly, cake and music, but alas at 25, not my own, but that of successful local store, The Dulwich Trader. The independent, award-winning emporium with its three shops, has been trading in the manor of Dulwich for 25 years. It attracted a select crowd of faithful customers to its flagship in Croxted Road to celebrate with champagne, cupcakes from Milly and Grace Cupcakes and Bakes, and a trio of cool young musicians: Matt, Joe and Huw. The Dulwich Trader, with its on-trend stock and personable service, has been a fail-safe destination for those seeking pretty presents to a wool winter coat - I noticed a pretty powder-blue one by Helene Berman. I opted for non-wintry whites since I still haven't packed away my summer wardrobe so it was 'boyfriend' jeans by Current/Elliott, a chiffon top by DKNY, a handknit mini-poncho, and a skull-print scarf (a present from Mexico). I even slung on some strappy sandals, by Moda in Pelle, for the evening which showcased the store's recent makeover. Happy trading!

Garden Safari

What better proposition on a Sunday afternoon, in south London, than to embark upon a safari? A Garden Safari, that is, celebrating 'hidden gems and unexpected delights' within the environs of Sydenham Hill. A handful of charming private gardens opened their gates to the paying public, in aid of Dulwich Helpline & Southwark Churches Care*. I found perfect resting spots in each one, between woodland and herbaceous border, 'twixt organic vegetable patch and free-range chicken run, at the end of which I enjoyed a cup of tea and a home-made cake. Sporting a 'wild-life' dress from Timberland, (last seen in 'It's a jungle out there... or rather in here'), I wore more green accessories from the livid African beads and floral enamel ring, to a favourite pair of forest-green wedges from Menorca's c doux, purchased at Stella C. The clutch is '50s Hong Kong, adorned with an embroidered dragon and elephants in bone, and a recent purchase in Lewes, from Cliffe Antiques Centre.  
*DHSCC provides friendship, practical help and emotional support to isolated older people in the community

Art and Life

 

A seasonally warm evening for the private view of Dulwich Picture Gallery’s latest exhibition: Art and Life 1920-1931, celebrating the work of Ben and Winifred Nicholson, together with contemporaries, Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis and potter, William Staite Murray. At the forefront of the Modern British Movement, Ben and Winifred Nicholson painted some of their most memorable works during this period. This exhibition, curated by their grandson, Jovan Nicholson, provides a rare opportunity to see both artists’ views of the same landscapes, seascapes, still lifes and portraits, together with significant works by their friends and contemporaries. To suit the balmy evening, I wore a silky favourite by Betty Jackson, worn last summer in 'Betty Jackson (again)', together with my gold Mare sandals. Beads and cuff are both vintage, from the '30s. The straw hat and basket-woven bucket bag suit the season.

Dulwich Festival 2014

Once again, Dulwich is landing a cultural punch in the capital, with the launch of the 21st Dulwich Festival. More than 200 artists are now part of Artists' Open House and this weekend (17th-18th) marks the second and final weekend for this showcase. The annual festival started on May 9th and its programme of events has included music, talks, walks, workshops and debates as well as the addition of a Food Trail. As for the backdrop, located off Lordship Lane and Goose Green, these bare-knuckle fighters sprang up last year. Joining Conor Harrington's astounding work, I'm wearing an Edwardian frock-coat in funeral black.