Thursday, 31 March 2011

My shoes in French Elle



For several seasons now I design the collections of La Botte Gardiane.here they are in the French Elle.

If you want to have a closer look play the video.
If you want to buy sandal, go on La Botte Gardiane website 
the collection of sandal is huge for men and women even for child.
*It's a wee shoes paradise* and all the shoes are made in France, the leather used ( in the shoe pic) is from France as well. and you can visit the factory if you pass by.Privilege : I will give you a tour if you come in july.
See you there!




Monday, 28 March 2011

Zoomorphic Collection - Emma Hawkins



 Emma Hawkins, passionate taxidermist was co-curator of the 2010 Hawkins Zoomorphic Collection exhibit in London. Put together in association with her father J.B. Hawkins, a 40-year-veteran of the antique industry, the collection contains over 200 animal objects, from hummingbird jewelry to a bull head snuff box. Here Emma shows off some prime examples of functional and entertaining taxidermy that has lasted into the 21st century.

Now that I saw the video, and I would like to know where and when this take/has taken place.
Hopefully I am going to find more about it.
Emma Hawkins is very enthusiatic about those object, and i wish i saw this incredible animal collection. She has a shop in London that I need to have a look at!,
"With its mixture of taxidermy and curios, Emma's shop, Hawkins & Hawkins, is a miniature Natural History Museum-cum-props cupboard. Her aim was to recreate a Victorian cabinet of curiosities; a room set aside for collections of scientific or cultural interest, covering anything from fossils to stuffed animals and natural history drawings" says the Independant. fifteen years ago lol-hopefully the shop still exist !
Some images picked up from her website. Looking at her website, i feel a bit uncomfortable and sad for those poor animals.but I still want to have a look at her shop.

Early Elephant stick stand, with Ceylonese wood carved top. Circa 1900.

An unusual example of the modern with old: a Victorian polished turtle shell, on a later jewellery box, made by Stephen Owen. Circa 1970.


Hawkins & Hawkins, 201 Westbourne Grove, London W11 (0171-221 5218). Wed-Sat 10.30-5pm.

Old School Shoes story : Nom&Ada

                  Bi-continental shoe company Nom&Ada is named after its two founders: The "nomadic" Rie Sawai in Tokyo and the "adaptable" Kimy Andrade in Portland.
The two met while studying design at Parsons in NYC and remained close friends after graduating in 2004. Five years later they met halfway between their two homes in Hawaii, and when inspiration struck over iced Kona coffee Nomadic was born.


"We offer quality footwear within the realm of capturing nostalgic means in our lives. We stand for timeless design. In appreciation for experiences had, we remember the past. Through our passion for travel, we search for the new. Both are the integral sources of inspiration that we bring to the NOM&ADA family. Our lighthearted, yet sustainable-inspired approaches are extensions of the diverse lifestyle we're a part of."

They chronicle their finds and inspirations on their blog, (I really like it) which they also write together. "Even though the majority of our conversation is business nowadays, we find a moment or two to catch up on girl talk," they said.

 The crepe-soled leather sandals are handmade in Japan and come in black, white and camel—with the camel available with both white and flamingo stitching. They sell online for $260.
Thanks to adrienne so for the discovery.

Sunday, 27 March 2011

Rachel Beagley and her New Kid Shoes

Hi everyone,
The summer finally arrived in London and Rachel Beagley shoes matches perfectly this nice and warm days.Practical and classic with catchy colour and perfect details.
My favourite are those one.
A perfect mixture between a sandal and a loafer/ballerina the best way to in sunny London Town .
Simple loafer shape, in patent leather with the leaves laser cut.(-they exist in red as well).




Rachel was sold at urban outfitters last season and she is getting bigger and bigger. Surely, the little Italian factory where the shoes are made is recruiting at the moment!
*Keep walking*
The SS11 look book is an Italian romance (as there are shoes for men as well) ,by the sea sight with a vintage resonance.



The shoes on the last picturs are stocked on gargyle website and you can buy them for $208 (=an affordable price in €). If you want to learn more about the brand go on their website here.
I will explore a bit of ondon for you in my future post as I spend my days in lovely places like Columbia road, Brradway market, Brick Lane. Living in London is amazing and I love my neighbourhood so much that it deserves a post or 2 or 10..

Good evening folks.

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

Late March, Avril Gau !

I feel summer / I need a bag.   
Avril Gau
You haven't heard about her yet, 
well, you will for sure!
I meet her a couple of years ago when she was producing her shoes in France and had the opportunity to have a backstage look at all her work for several seasons. It's was a great and inspiring!
Last winter she opened her own boutique in Saint Germain des Près, in Paris.

Today I am delighted to show you my crush and her SS11 collection,
it's a beautiful!


This bag is designed by Avril Gau, an accessories designer that create effortless chic shoes, bags gloves.. She used work with Karl Lagarfield designing the shoes for Chanel before she sets up her own Label in 2002. I like her universe and inspiration from the French cinema of the 60's 70's 60's.




She creates also very nice shoes, using very good quality leather. You can be sure that your shoes are going to be nice also when they will get older.




She is not only a great designer, she is also a citizen engaged in the politics,  Go Green!!
If you can,  go to her boutique, it's absolutly lovely inside and Isabelle, pictured below, is so sweet and nice.


Have a look at her website and buy online here.

Wednesday, 16 March 2011

Wabi Sabi - Word of the day

Have you ever heard about this word?
Wabi sabi is a Japanese word that is about aesthetic.
This young man captured perfectly the wabi sabi spirit. Why ?
Wabi Sabi aesthetic 

One shoes from YSL AW11

Yves Saint Laurent collection is amazing, I mean the entire collection. It's white it's black it's purple, transparent, fluffy, mixed with feather and fur. Very elegant.

What else? YSL shoes it look like nespresso capsul  =), more seriously the shoes give kind of a " manga supa powa" to the silhouette. It works perfectly with the total black look.