Art on the Underground

Did you know that the symbol for the London Underground is called a roundel? Did you also know that the symbol is 100 years old? You did?! Well, you would fare a lot better in a pub quiz than i ever would!

So, to celebrate the 100th anniversary, Art on the Underground commissioned 100 artists to create a unique design, inspired by this iconic symbol. To find out more visit their site or head down to Piccadilly Circus to see some of these posters up close.

Lothar Gotz

James Ireland...think this is my favourite...

Rose Finn - Kelcey

Karl Holmqvist

Harold Offeh...or maybe this is my favourite??

Roger Hiorns

Henrik Hakansson

Paul McDevitt

Steve Claydon

Mix it up Monday...

The man and me decided to mix things up a little this week by taking Monday off, for a day of  spontaneous fun and frolics. As it turned out this included some cultural enlightenment at the Natural History Museum, a few cheeky drinks, some yummy Lebanese food and having decided late in the day to buy tickets to see Wicked, a crazy run through the streets of London to try and get to The Apollo Victoria Theatre in time! We made it...just...with more than a tad of indigestion!

It was the perfect way to finish the perfect day and I have to say that Wicked is THE best musical I have ever seen, even knocking Phantom off the top spot...and I don't say that lightly! The plot is very clever, a sort of prequel to the familiar story of The Wizard of Oz, shedding light on the background of the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friendship with the Good Witch Glinda. Visually, it is stunning, with fantastic sets and incredible costumes, backed up with amazing music and lyrics by Stephen Schwarz (even the man was singing on the way home!). It's also incredibly well written and dripping with emotion, a really beautiful story that is a must for all musical lovers.

It was also the perfect occasion to dig out a certain special pair of shoes...

Fernandez and Wells - Spanish Heaven on Lexington St

This is one of my favourite places... ever. Now, you should know, I am the kind of person who can be enticed into any establishment, if there is Jamon hanging in the window! Even if you are not a fan of the deliciousness that is cured meat, you are bound to fall in love with this place for many more reasons. The food is mouth watering (with only top notch ingredients used), the wine selection delicious and the staff friendly and knowledgeable, but the great thing about this place is the atmosphere. It is so comfortable and relaxing, that inevitably a quick drink easily turns into a bottle with food - not that I'm complaining! A great place to meet friends, enjoy an intimate date or indulge in a cheeky glass of wine on a Wednesday night! Get a feel for the place (and food) here.

Love these tube tiles...

Designed by Annabel Grey in 1985

Smile for London - Art on the Underground

Smile for London has vowed to help us beat the January blues (the most depressing day of the year was apparently last Monday) with a 'showcase of film, art and animation' on the underground. A fantastic group of artists have created a collection of 'creative intermissions', which are being showcased during morning and evening rush hour at selected stations. 

It has certainly put a smile of my face, with favourites being Amy Thornley's 'Spreadsheet Invasion' (sharing my contempt for spreadsheets) and Sodazot's film with the crazy eyes (I may have actually snorted out loud)! I found myself  doing the unthinkable and voluntarily missing a tube (or two), just to see more, as well as mixing up my journey to catch films at different stations! Check out their great site for a map of featured stations, as well as artist names and previews of what to expect.

Walker & Bromwich – Limbo Land

Best Before – Smile Birdy Smile

Last day to catch this is Friday, but hopefully there will be more projects to follow...

Vroom Vroom Sculpture

When I heard that this new piece of sculptural art had hit our streets, I just had to go and see it up close, especially as i have a long standing love for the classic Cinquecento. Talking about his piece, Lorenzo Quinn said that 'Vroom Vroom symbolises part of my independence, my freedom and my personal growth. This was the first car I bought with the money I made in my first jobs'. 

Still my perfect city car... minus the giant arm!

On display on Park Lane until April

Swedish Hasbeens for H&M

Here is something to cheer you up on this cold January day... H&M have announced that their next shoe collaboration will be with Swedish Hasbeens - Very exciting! These wooden soled, mega comfortable shoes became extremely popular last year and are set to become even more so with this collaboration. Available from 20th April in over 150 stores, the collection ticks both the 70's and Swedish trends that are set to be key for summer. But wait...you haven't heard the best bit yet... prices will start from only £34.99! With original Hasbeens in the £100+ bracket, these gorgeous shoes are sure to create humongous queues. I am planning my strategy now, as these are a must for my summer wardrobe. I have my heart set on the red peeptoes... I just might have to get them in white as well!

These three styles will each come in two colours....decisions, decisions...

Black Swan

The already critically acclaimed Black Swan is set to hit our cinema screens this weekend and I can't wait! Having missed the opportunity to see the film at the BFI Film Festival last October, I have been craving the general release ever since. There is a lot of buzz around the film and it is sure to be very inspiring to the fashion and design world, especially if these stunning Art Deco style posters are anything to go by! Unfortunately they are not available to buy as of yet (only used for promotions and displays in cinemas), but hopefully that will change with the success of the film.

The posters are the work of London based design studio La Boca. Check out their portfolio and great blog for more visual treats. 

 

I am finding it impossible to choose my favourite...I love them all!

Trend Alert - The Roaring Twenties

What with Boardwalk Empire on our screens from next month (Sky Atlantic) and filming due to start this summer on Baz Luhrmann's next project, The Great Gatsby,  I feel there could be a strong trend brewing around the 1920's. Carey Mulligan is set to play Daisy Buchanan and possibly Leo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, in what is sure to be an epic version of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic. Definitely one to watch!

Jack Clayton's 1974 version of the The Great Gatsby, with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, seen here, in the leading roles. Image via Blue movie review.

Two gorgeous examples of twenties fashion already hitting the high street (both by Topshop, but already sold out!)