The World's Most Decorative Muff♥

When journeying to Paris to see the delectable Ms. Dita Von Teese in January, we visited the 'Musee de la Mode et textile' to see 'Fashion of the 1800s'. Amongst the collections of beautiful petticoats, feathered fans and absurdly tiny shoes, I came face to face with the peacock muff. Photography being a strict 'non-non' I raided the gift stall afterwards for a picture postcard of the breathtaking muff but alas there was not one to be seen. 

Thus in sheer desperation I whipped out the old Crackberry when the security guard was amiss and captured it in all it's glory. The image does not portray the enormity of the object - if I had a 10 pound note I would have laid it by the side to show highlight le grande scale- it was fully feather lined too, so I deduce from the feathered luxury, that it must have been a three peacock job.

After my stint in the fashion museum, we journeyed to the David LaChapelle exhibition at the other end of town, where another muff was on display - this one belonging to

Paris Hilton. The 6ft photograph of the socialite and security 

complete with surrounding paparazzi (and what looks like KISS legend Jean Simmons) took centre stage in the celebrity portrait room. The composition leads the eye to one thing, however this muff may be airbrushed for art's sake and would not have harmed any birds in the making.

b.i.n.g.o sans the wings

Last night I got my first taste of Underground Rebel Bingo. In a dark church hall at a secret location for a 'neighborhood watch meeting' we were greeted by bouncers and ushered in.

The atmosphere was electric as we took our seats in front of the stage framed by crimson drapes and had our bingo cards at the ready.

Naturally our bright pink markers allowed us to pass the time waiting for bingo to start and when  James Flames and his two dolly birds finally took to the stage under the harsh spotlights we looked like we has just had a fight with a ferocious lipstick-lawnmower

 

The threesome were enigmatic as dirty sexy calls were made - "your mum is a whore...34" and every so often a scream of 'bingo!' was heard in the hall the winner would jump onto the stage to claim a kitsch prize - light up umbrellas, body suit sleeping bags amongst the prizes.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening (despite not winning a bloody thing) and I cannot wait for my next taste of b.i.n.g.o!

Bags of Goodness

Finally following the masses into sale (a la) mode tonight, Selfridges was the second stop (Luella was regrettably closed by 7pm). Out of all the glossy jewelled coloured bags on offer - McQ to Lanvin, I walked out with my very own Giles bag. 

The utterly adorable limited edition yellow bag featuring Giles Deacon transformed into a little knitted version complete with horn-rimmed specs, is one of a collection of customised bags by various Brit fashwaan prodigies. 

I am truly delighted with my non-purchase, topped off by a quick trip to the Selfridges stationary section where I ogled the new issue of WOUND which I fully intend to read tomorrow...

 

"You're so fine you blow my mind...Hey Mickey!"

Crafted from satin, feathers and feather-wheels, a bespoke pair of Mickey-Jones ears are to be worn by english rose Jasmine Guinness this season at Ascot - the premier place for hats.

Modern day 'Mad Hatter' slash milliner-aficionado Stephen Jones curated Hats: An Anthology during fashion week in February at my favourite haunt - the V&A.

Showcasing an array of spellbinding hats; Victorian crowns, Giles Deacon Pacman helmets, Isabella Blow's infamous Philip Treacy , it is clear that Stephen Jones is the last word on artistic  head-arrangements.

Inspired by Dita Von Teese to Dr. Martens, Stephen is never short of ideas and this one is utterly glamourous - the chicest of mice - Mickey Mouse.

To make an exciting entrance Jasmine will be in need of a convertible mustang or a shiny little Vespa to accommodate  such a ravishing pair (of ears) and I for one hope to see them on the pages of VOGUE as next season's must-have.

No.5 I presume?

Conceived at 'The Bar With No Name' that has just opened for business in Angel, the champagne cocktail is the brainchild of renowned mixologist and owner of said bar Tony Conigliaro. 

Conigliaro spent two years developing the No.5 champagne cocktail in order to  capture the fragrance of the most famous scent which is then served in a bespoke flute - one that will inevitably find itself kidnapped as a fond memory.

Chin chin...

...La Cage Aux Folles...

A captivating little bird made its debut at the V&A this week created to celebrate Lulu Guinness's 20th anniversary.

The animatronic birdcage bag is a unique piece inspired by the clockwork mechanisms of Victorian curiosity toys bringing the pretty polly alive as if by magic.

With only room to carry the essentials: lipstick, key and kohl, it is well worth the sacrifice for such a charming statement.