Cool Collect…miniature books

I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with minature books.   There is something so cute and tiny about them, though their novelty factor was the main reason for their production, they also had the advantage of portability: the nineteenth century’s version of the iPad!   Collecting these items has become increasingly popular, and prices have risen to around USD300-400 for a nice examples, though prices can vary according to rarity and condition.  Strictly defined as a book measuring less than 3.5 inches, they are sweet things.

Some have sterling silver covers, images on their fore-edge or are made in precious materials such as ivory or gold.   Some are so tiny  they come with magnifying glasses.   The most common type of miniature books are religious books such as the Book of Common Prayer.  One of the leading dealers of these books is Michael Garbett and Ebay is always a good source for the beginning collector.

simple spaces

Facet studio designed this space to house a family on a small amount of space.  It is calm and bright but where do they put their stuff?  A much more successful (and practical space) is the one by Tobias partners below.  I am sure that some of those panels contain cupboards that hide the life of the family that lives in it…in a space like this you can choose to have as little or as much of your belongings on display.

The minimalist look has been fashionable in interiors a long time (since the beginnings of the 90s) but it is very hard to live in!

cool design…sandra d’auriol

Sandra’s Spring Show at Sin Sin Gallery  is starting tomorrow,  Tuesday 15th March and continuing Wednesday 16th March.  Sandra uses precious metals and diamonds to incorporate  one off pieces that she has collected on her travels.  Her designs show off her skill in reinterpreting the antique with a contemporary flair.  Her work have asian influences but look great mixed  with classic  as well as more bohemian style.

beijing to barcelona

all the words you need to know in Beijing and Barcelona- they even make Beijing seem romantic….I have never seen such marvellous light there!

cool designer… pamela love

Pamela Love is one of the most truly original jewellery designers around.   Her work is influenced by native American art, natural history and a morbid but interesting obsession with death.  She uses mostly brass and silver in her work. Her designs are not pretty to wear but border on the eccentric…however the shapes she designs are striking and surprisingly comfortable to wear.  Her work will be extremely collectable in the future.   The video shows her talking about her unusual approach to design.   My absolutely favourite piece is the talon cuff you can see here.  A few of her pieces are stocked by On Pedder in HK or Net-a-Porter.

Cool…bike shelf

Ever wondered what to do with that bike if you have no external storage? This elegant and compact design from Knife and Saw is just the thing.

Made of hand-finished wood, in both walnut and ash, this shelf would fit into almost any decor.   It cost around USD 300 plus shipping.  The website has a detailed spec sheet so that you can check if your bike would suit and the designer seems very receptive to questions and suggestions.

Fendi Fantasia Platforms

Wow, these shoes are really something for the fashion forward…there is a real 70s disco thing going on here, but reinterpreted with the most modern of colours…I love them but I don’t think that I would ever buy them.  What do you think?

G is for Gothic

When you visit England and France, you cannot help but be struck by the massive scale of some of the cathedrals and churches that you will see.  Notre Dame and Westminster Abbey are both examples of this style which influenced church design for centuries.  Now,  the style is out of favour in architecture but is still influential in the fashion and jewellery design world. From the goth style of dark clothing, reminiscent of dark interior spaces to the religious iconography that is prevalent in jewellery design by such designers such as Pamela Love, the gothic style is still with us.

buying a new piano in HK

When we planned to move to Hong Kong, my husband promised me a grand piano to sweeten the deal.  I tried to find information about piano shops on the internet  but the sites were either in cantonese or had no information.  Obviously, buying a piano is like buying a car: the choice you make depends on a variety of things. You have to take into consideration (first and foremost) the size of your accomodation, the skill level of the player and,  of course, your budget.

A great place to start your search is Tom Lee.  Click on the link to find addresses and opening times.  Tom Lee is the largest musical instrument retailer in Hong Kong.  They have 26 stores throughout Hong Kong and Macau.   The branch in Wanchai carries Yamaha, Steinway, Boston, Bosendorfer, Sauter, Essex, Petrof and Pleyel to name a few.  The stock they have instore is wide and you have the opportunity to play a range of instruments.  Prices are retail price, but they do have great sales.   The also carry a range of electronic pianos.

If you are looking for a Kawai, as I did, try KK Music Company. It is located at Shop 1B, 2/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai.  Tel: +852 2891 6522.  They do not speak English at all, but are quite happy for you to play for as long as you would like.  The have at least 12 pianos in stock plus electronic pianos.

Parsons Music is another large retailer of pianos.  Again there are a number of branches.  They stock Kawais and Fazioli to name a few.

Whatever you do buy, make sure the retailer supplies you with a dehumdifying rod which you fit into your piano to keep the sound board dry.   This is one of the reasons you need to beware if you are considering buying a secondhand piano.  Ensure that no moisture has damaged the soundboard, as the relentless humidity of Hong Kong is deadly for pianos.