society doll

Jacques hotel is open for business

2010-07-31T11:20:00.004+01:00

Launch of the Jacques pop up Townhouse, 27th July, Fitzrovia, London.

Sleigh Bells Are Ringing at the Patrón Silver Reindeer

2009-12-09T13:19:00.007Z

The talented 'one to watch' Gary Card works some Christmas magic at the Patrón Silver Reindeer. Kicking off this Friday, Patrón Silver Reindeer is a 3-day feast from Bistrotheque's Pablo Flack and David Waddington, the pioneers behind the pop-up restaurant concept, having launched the original Reindeer in 2006. Set designer Gary Card has been brought on board to create a sensory Christmas experience without any traces of santa or snowmen.

Card says: "I managed to get away with using a snowflake as the overall theme! The idea of lapping snowflakes making really dramatic shapes was inspired by Cornelia Parker's exploding shed piece 'Cold Dark Matter'; I wanted to create something that has a sense of mystery about it, yet feels spectacular, beautiful and of course, Christmassy."

Set within Big Sky Studios, a fashion photography space located off the beaten track near Kings Cross, Patrón Silver Reindeer will take place in a 4500 sq ft studio where it will take Card and his team 9 hours to create the installation.

The gastronomic feasts created by Bistrotheque Head Chef Tom Collins, will engage guests in a theatre of eclectic English seasonal fare, as well as unique cocktails, both infused with premium spirit, Patrón Tequila. Collins says: "Guests will experience references from a seasonal English feast, with an abundance of luxury, opulence and dishes delicately infused with Patrón Tequila". Versatile and luxury Patrón Tequila cocktails will be paired to each course by Tequila aficionado, and Flack's co-proprietor of Bistrotheque, David Waddington.

Patrón Silver Reindeer is priced at £67.50 a head, and bookings can be made by calling 020 8983 7900

www.patronsilverreindeer.com

www.garycardiology.blogspot.com

ENQUIRIES

bistrotheque@ml-pr.com

www.bistrotheque.com

I will oogle at them googles

2009-11-20T21:38:00.005Z

According to a source (a Mr. Valentine), google is set to put practically-extinct books up on their site! Books will be available as pdfs that can either be read online or downloaded onto one of those fandangled e books! Finally! A way to read a Zelda Fitzgerald novel - but unfortunately not in the bath.

El FIn.

2009-11-18T22:45:00.004Z

Today I finished the Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. Her first and only novel originally written under a pseudonym, it tells the tale of a young woman lost in the world that is forced to seek professional help.

'Nuff said.

Enid.

2009-11-17T23:41:00.003Z

Tonight I watched Enid that I recorded last night on my trusted Sky Plus. I thoroughly enjoyed it so much so that I feel inspired to pick up my old copy of Secret Seven - one had a jolly good time and is jolly tired and is jolly happy to be going to bed.

31 Rue Cambon: Issue No.1

2009-11-17T18:39:00.006Z

Chanel is launching a tres chic print publication to be distributed internationally

from the heavens of Karl Lagerfeld to the pearl-clad set on earth.

Ooo la la.

Have Festive Fun with a Rabbit...or 12?

2009-11-16T22:44:00.008Z

Fifi Lapin for Tosho Christmas Cards ♥

Evidence that Light Yagami and Ryuk Exist?!

2009-11-16T22:00:00.009Z

Three British men were killed tonight in Holland after crashing their getaway vehicle on the motorway. The three fled police after robbing an ATM Machine before meeting their sticky end... Is this the work of Light Yagami and Ryuk?

'Death Note' (2006) is a Japanese film based on the series about Light Yagami, a young man who resents the crime and corruption in the world. His life undergoes a drastic change when he discovers a mysterious notebook, known as the "Death Note", lying on the ground. The Death Note's instructions claim that if a person's name is written within it while picturing that person's face, that person shall die. Light is initially skeptical of the notebook's authenticity, but after experimenting with it, he realizes that the Death Note is real.

After meeting with the previous owner of the Death Note, a shinigami named Ryuk, Light seeks to become "the God of the New World" by passing his judgement on those he deems to be evil or who get in his way.

Get your Glazzes on these Devotchkas

2009-11-16T21:11:00.008Z

Something I really want to go and take a peep at in a weekend or two is the Red Light District installation at the National Gallery.

Hoerengracht (Dutch for Whore's Canal) shines some historical perspective on the NG's 17th century Dutch paintings of scenes depicting love for money juxtaposed with a mid 1980s European Red Light District. Alongside 'Whore's Canal', a select few from the Dutch permanent collection, including Schalcken's 'A Man Offering Gold and Coins to a Girl' and de Hoochs's 'Musical Party in a Courtyard' will be displayed.

The dimly lit scantily clad mannequins are installed at grimy windows of claustrophobic streets where viewers are forced to walk and peep like a typical client, whilst other mannequins are poised in provocative poses inviting men to come inside. The artists Ed and Nancy Keinholz are hell-bent on recreating the RLD; with seedy music playing in the background, dustbins strewn about, neon signs glaring and client's bicycles neglected in the streets - as they say: in for a penny in for a 'pound'.

anOtherDay, anOtherDollar

2009-11-16T21:01:00.007Z

How she longed to get out

of that dark hall,

and wander about among those beds

of bright flowers and those cool

fountains,

 but she could not even get her

head

through the doorway...

'Oh, how I wish I could shut up 
like a telescope! 
I think I  could, if I only know how to 
begin.' 
For, you see, so many out-of-the-way  
things had happened lately, 
that Alice had begun to think that very 
few  things indeed were really 
impossible.

XXX-rated PORNDWARF does LEATHER

2009-11-16T20:50:00.005Z

PORNDWARF, London’s latest circus of eclectic talent, launches with a club night hitting the capital on Saturday 21 November (10pm-4am) at Images - one of the cities oldest strip joints. With a different dress up / dress down theme each time, it all kicks off with ‘PORNDWARF DOES LEATHER’; the chance for everyone with a lust for unpretentious fashion flamboyance and quirky music from 90’s hip-hop to deep electro to get together in one sweaty leather clad family. Creative Director from the House of Blueeyes, Johnny Blueeyes himself will be customising leather on-site, worn by the first lucky guests through the door, between 10 – 11pm - the way only Johnny can. Plus the UK’s hottest new electro act in sounds and looks, the Bang Bang Club! take to the decks. Also expect to see dance troupes Hells Cupids playing spin the bottle, Snow White and the Seven...? plus more delights to release all inhibitions.

So why not come and join us...?

C'est Bon Bon

2009-09-14T22:10:00.009+01:00

Today we had some marvellous biscuits delivered for a very special birthday.

Biscuiteers does exactly what they say they'll do on the tin - biscuit pioneering.

The Biscuit-Pioneers specialise in bespoke baking and run a mail-order service as well as commanding a counter at luxury department store Harrods.

Check out our vitaminwater bottles and Mulberry beetle that shall be served to special guests at the Spring/ Summer 10 Mulberry presentation this London Fashion Week.

Bon Appetite x

CRAFTWORK - Get Your WOOLSWORTH

2009-09-11T16:08:00.014+01:00

Something wooly and (w)holey impressive is about to adorn the walls of the Exposure gallery- Little Portland Street W1.

CRAFTWORK 'Woolworks' exhibition (from 15th September) comprises of two large-scale hanging textile artworks in neutral mutton colours. Working in natural wool and aluminum, the two pieces focus on fusing a variety of artistic disciplines to construct something altogether unique. CRAFTWORK adopts an array of techniques to create huge tactile wool installations adopting arts and crafts, fashion design and jewellery.

Wool is twisted into rope to produce natural patterns, bound together with a knotting method and held in place with powder-coated aluminium tubes. The trademark CRAFTWORK pompom punctuates the compositions to emphasise the tactile-textile patterns...

Baaarrilliant.

XXXL (I'm with the band)

2009-09-10T22:33:00.005+01:00

After searching for the perfect leather jacket for almost five years, I believe I may have stumbled upon the mother load...

K.T.Z have only gone and Topshop-ed themselves into existence, using the power of the site to sell select pieces to those who are quick enough with the mouse and plastic.

K.T.Z - KOKON TO ZAI designed by Marjan Pejoski (responsible for Bjork's swan ensemble) is a far cry from bird couture and now deals in relaxed unisex jackets, stripy spandex and a blend of tribal/afrocentric/60s inspired threads all thrown into the design pot for a comfortable fashwaan fix .

As am now broke I shall wait patiently for standard delivery...

Not Another F*cking Pop Up Shop!

2009-08-21T17:21:00.004+01:00

Quite possibly the best invitation I have ever had the pleasure of sending out, Dr. Martens have launched their first ever pop up shop at Old Spitalfields Market (East is where it's at!)

Complete with industrial fittings, metal caging and shrink wrapped furniture, a capsule collection of of A/W09 and of course classic-iconic Original silhouettes.

Also on sale are collaborations by Yohji, RAF, Stussy and prolific wallpaper designer Louise Body. Love my Docs xxx

He's a "dedicated follower of fashion"...

2009-08-19T18:06:00.005+01:00

Iconic Brit label Ben Sherman is on the look out for a new Modfather /Moddess to become a brand ambassador for an entire year.

The style icon search will launch in the Carnaby Street store (and roll out regionally) with entrants showcasing their outfits in front of the camera in hope of winning a year's worth of Ben Sherman clobber.

The 5 winners will become the official eyes and ears of Ben Sherman youth culture - encouraging blogging onsite for fans to tap in and be inspired.

Paul Weller will never be replaced, but a mini-modfather could be interesting?

Hot Lips set for a return Smooch

2009-07-18T12:52:00.004+01:00

The Hot Lips ring by Solange Azagury-Partridge is set to back a comeback for one year only.

The kitsch kiss will be available to purchase from Solange's London and NYC boutiques, with 50% of each ring sold will be donated to the RED charity to help eliminate AIDS.

So start saving - at £980 a pop and on sale from September 10th get your lips on something tasty!

Mwahxxx

The Great Dame

2009-07-17T23:30:00.003+01:00

The iconic Dame Edna appeared on the Jonathan Ross show tonight on the Beeb.

Still effing fabulous!

A Parisian Affair

2009-07-14T23:24:00.006+01:00

Harking back to the glory days of Christian Dior Haute Couture...

John Galliano's A/W09 collection was surprisingly nostalgic in a flurry of petticoats, structured bustiers and hats to rival Audrey Hepburn’s Eliza Doolittle at the races.

The setting boasted post-war nostalgia; a picturesque backdrop complete with fresh flowers, chandeliers and ionic columns presented a pastiche of the 1940s salon where the wealthy society ladies of Europe to America, would pile in to see the House of Dior’s latest creations.

Models strutted down the runway as modern femme fatales with a large splash of 40s tailoring. Ultra feminine boudoir creations including: plunging bustiers, slips, petticoats, negligees, two-piece suits and waist-synching exaggerating bustles are all constructed to create the ultimate hourglass.

Sumptuous silhouettes are contradicted by ladylike manners and post-war etiquette on the runway – a very Parisian affair indeed.

View the collection...

Piggin' Smarvellous!

2009-07-08T13:45:00.010+01:00

Royal College of Art MA graduate Katie Eary is a brilliant British menswear designer on a mission to reinterpret couture for the modern day dandy. For Autumn/ Winter09, Eary draws inspiration from literary sources resulting in a decadent and cohesive collection of glamourous-flamboyant military dress. George Orwell's Animal Farm and russian novel The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (an all time favourite of mine) highlights the decadence of corrupt revolutionary figureheads, captured in Eary's tailored sequin trousers and feathered headdresses. The collection shown during MAN, London Fashion Week earlier this year was well received by the fashion press and most importantly, fashion buyers.

The A/W09 collection alludes to the point in Animal Farm when the greedy pigs take control of the farmhouse - becoming like their decadent human oppressors but far more villainous - having their cake baked, served on a silver platter and eaten in one gluttonous mouthful!

The grandiose military collection is a sophisticated macabre of sequins, feathers, furs, gold chains, pompous shoulder detailing and flamboyant headgear. Black dress coats and heavy black tunics are paired with gold studded denim and union jack motif trousers in silver tones or traditional Britannia colours - some looks topped off with a traditional bearskin hat.

The pièce de résistance are the trotters that will soon be available to purchase along with select pieces from Digitaria, Berwick Street. Eary has customised the 1460 black Dr. Marten classic boot with gold toe caps fashioned to mimic a well-bred piggy trotter.

Bring on the fop!

www.katieeary.co.uk

R.I.P

2009-07-07T17:58:00.011+01:00

Cannot wait to see the new Jeff Koons exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery. On display are new inflatable works which are created from painted aluminum sculptures and the Popeye series featuring the beloved sailor and his partner Olive Oyl.

Popeye, 2003

Moustache, 2003

Below is an image of Koon's Most notorious sculpture: Michael Jackson & Bubbles 1988 made from ceramics and covered in white paint and gilt. In the late 80s Koon's was intent on highlighting and monopolising on the economic boom of the decade - 'art for art's sake', creating works exploring flash culture, celebrity media, race and gender - perhaps ultimately summed up in Michael Jackson & Bubbles? His works call into question the actual value of art and challenges the concept of 'good taste' and the hierarchy of genre and medium.

Michael Jackson & Bubbles, 1988

http://www.serpentinegallery.org/

Ravishing Roisin by Rankin

2009-07-07T17:28:00.003+01:00

Ms. Roisin Murphy had her portrait taken by world renowned photographer Rankin at the Barclaycard UNWIND lounge pop up studio, Wireless 2009. Rankin captured a unique perspective on the musical acts at this year's festival and Roisin is by far the most ravishing subject matter...

Betony Vernon, Jewellery Mistress

2009-07-06T16:45:00.007+01:00

I heard about Betony a few years ago and had the pleasure of meeting her at a party in Paris. A statuesque red headed ex American model; Vernon is a student of human sensuality and sexuality and the creator of a collection of jewel tools entitled Paradise Found. Rumoured to have created bespoke Boudoir Boxes for A-listers such as Angelina and Brad, the box is a pick 'n' mix of ornaments from Paradise Found catered to a couple's particular tastes. Each layer of the box offers the wearer an array of luxury erotic bijoux, with the outer layer encased in rare leathers.

Below are some examples of her work from Paradise Found www.paradisefound.it. Vernon takes private appointments in Paris and at her Milanese palace whilst continuing her studies into human nature.

The Boudoir Box along with the rest of her growing collections of couture designs are only crafted in the purest of silver, luxury feathers and wood. The ergonomic jewels are also available at select boutiques across Europe.

My favourite piece is a bespoke silver hand adornment - a second skin which creates an elegant gesticulation highlighting the designer's love of graceful forms.

The World's Most Decorative Muff♥

2009-06-22T20:51:00.008+01:00

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

2009-06-20T11:27:00.012+01:00

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

2009-06-19T00:26:00.006+01:00

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!"

2009-06-16T22:36:00.006+01:00

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?

2009-06-15T20:14:00.005+01:00

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...

2009-06-14T19:57:00.004+01:00

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.