Cool design…Pelikan chair by Finn Juhl

I have to have one of these at some point in my life!  I discovered it the other day in a design store and when I sat on it, it felt as if it had been made for me.   I will write more about its  Danish designer, Finn Juhl(1912-1989) in a later post.  It comes in all sorts of combinations of wool and leather but for me, I lust after the combination shearling and leather version in mushroom.  Gorgeous!

diamond plaque necklace by eclectic cool

Introducing Eclectic Cool’s new collection of rose cut diamond and oxidised silver jewellery.  This diamond plaque necklace is perfect to wear for every occasion.   The plaque contains approximately 2 carats of rose cut diamonds adding sparkle to any outfit. HKD5000/ USD645

Get yours now by contacting me at joanne@eclectic-cool.com

it’s all in the details…

What do these two images have in common? They could be ordinary but they transcend mundanity by the use of one thing…detail.  Think of how boring these objects would be if these designers didn’t have a different take on material, shape and proportion.

Sham Shui Po- Beads and ribbons

Sham Shui Po is a treasure trove for beads, ribbons, buttons, findings and fabrics.  You could happily walk around for a couple of hours collecting lots of bits, if you are the crafty type, but it is especially a wonderful place if you are planning a kids party.   You can fill up on cheap toys, ribbons, beads and wire and all sorts of crafty items for their party bags.

Come out of exit A2 at Sham Shui Po Mtr station.  Find your way to Yu Chau Street which should be straight in front of you.   If you walk along this street, you will find everything you need. From chains at Mee Ngai Wah, to leather and feathers at Trademark East, there are too many shops to name individually.  But they all have  a huge selection so you will definitely find what you need. You will also come across markets that sell great party bag fillers.   You can pick up party bags for you children for about HKD60 (USD 7) for twenty bags.   Ribbon is about HKD100 (USD14.20)  for a roll of about 110 yards. Bring cash as lots of stores do not take cards.

Cool icon…Elizabeth Taylor

Those eyes, that hair…the jewels.  One of my favourite movies, Butterfield 8, starred the glorious Elizabeth Taylor.  She epitomized glamour and elegance, with a warmth and imperfect vulnerability that endeared her to me.  RIP Miss Taylor…

Tate Modern & 2012 Olympics

The Tate Modern is doing a countdown to the start of the 2012 Olympics Launch.  Each day an artist will produce an image.  I love this one by Paul Smith.

prada and mondrian

This dress by Prada reminds me of the Mondrian dresses designed by Yves St Laurent in 1964-5.  Mondrian (1872-1944), a Dutch painter, was an important member of the De Stijl, who lived and worked in the Netherlands after the First World War.  This dress is reminiscent of  his earlier work of the twenties and thirties.  YSL designed a collection of mod clothing inspired by his work.  I love the way Prada has mixed the strong pattern with snakeskin boots…inspired!

New York Lofts

One of my fantasies dreams is moving to New York and living in a loft.  As I am in New York at the moment, this dream seems particularly real.  This place will do.

Wish you were here…..

This bangle from Kate Spade is such fun. It is so cheerful and cheeky and a great addition to a summer look. Like Paul Smith, Spade’s designs have a retro flair and and are always a witty take on something quite ordinary. This is the key to their design sensibility.  Their approach to design is so similar, it is good that they live on other sides of the Atlantic and they have their own regional flavour  or they would be directly competing.