Revealing scraps of lingerie

You may have been thinking that your own smalls have seen better days and maybe taken one too many cycles around the tumble drier but wait until you see what treasures have recently been uncovered in the vault of an Austrian castle! Despite their state of decay they strike a strong resemblance to the string bikini briefs and structured cups that form the basis of most women's lingerie drawers today.

These undergarments, dating back to the 15th Century have literally rocked the foundations of history; changing the beliefs on medieval clothing and proving women's lingerie existed hundreds of years earlier than previously thought. Up until now it had been believed that women wore smocks or chemises and that bikini briefs like those found did not make an appearance until late 18th Century and bras much later at just 100 years ago. Fashion curator Hilary Davidson from the Museum of London is staggered that such delicate garments have even survived the test of time and the discovery "totally rewrites" fashion history.

The undergarments which included four bras and two pairs of pants; two resembling the above and the others as merely 'shirts with bags', formed part of a haul of 3,000 artefacts unearthed in Lengberg Castle, East Tyrol during recent renovations. It is believed that they were buried when the building was extended in 1480 and remained in tact due to exceptionally dry conditions. The fact that radio carbonating tests have quashed all those sceptical leaves us only with the notion that a few scraps of lace was as much the rage 500 years ago as it is today.

Heart of Memorial

I often come across articles, photos, artistic creations that make me stop and take a second look; they strike a cord, evoke a tear or cause me to respond in a way that I had not imagined. Its was learning the story of Winston Howes and his 'heart of oaks' that sparked such a reaction and that which I would like to share with you. When Janet Howes died 17 years ago, her farmer husband Winston paid tribute by planting thousands of oak saplings on his 112 acre farm in Wickwar, Gloucestershire, leaving a perfect heart shaped centre bare. The 6 acre heart shaped meadow with hedge border cannot be seen from the road and remained a private family secret; a place where Mr Howes and his family could pay their respects and remember the lady he loved so dearly. A well hidden secret; the entrance only being accessible from a track leading up to its tip, was only discovered when Andy Collett, a keen hot air balloonist flew over the wood last week. Otherwise it would still remain a private declaration of love today.

Winston Howes with Janet in 1950

Such thought went into planting this tribute that the heart even points towards Wooton Hill, where his wife whom died of heart failure in 1952, aged just 50, is from. In the spring daffodils are planted in the centre and a bench has been added for Mr Howes to sit and remember his beloved wife. It reminds me of a beautiful heart warming scene in the film Notting Hill, the one with the bench in the park and the music "when you say nothing at all" that still brings tears to my eyes. It is this heart warming tribute that has triumphed over tragedy and though respectfully private, is such a beauty to have discovered.  

The heart shaped glade as seen from the hot air balloon

Childhood - The Real Event

It is by chance that I stumble across this gem on my degree show circuit, but a delight I'm glad to have discovered. A collaboration between The Royal Academy of Arts  and the Kids Company sees painting, sculpture and poetry created by children and young people, exploring the real challenges and triumphs of children living in the most deprived areas of London. The exhibition celebrates the achievements of children who've overcome unimaginable challenges to survive their childhood and is both inspiring and endearing to experience. Artist Damien Hirst, a long time supporter  describes the artwork as "incredible...it shows how important it is to give kids a visual voice when all else fails."

Helter skelter fun

Such imagination

The Kids Company was founded in 1996 by Businesswoman and charity leader, Camila Batmanghelidjh and provides practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable children and young people. Many of the 17,000 they support have suffered multiple trauma and neglect and live in severe deprivation and it is through their work that these young people can go on to lead rewarding and meaningful lives.

Camila Batmanghelidhj

These little outfits highlight the sheer talent of these remarkable individuals

Red carpet here we come...

A triumph!

The level of detail and thought that went into creating these living sculptures is amazing. It is the work of this charity that enables these children to move beyond their suffering and express a beauty and charm that entertains its audience. I urge you to support the good work of the Kids Company and enable them to reach out to countless young people in need of their support.

The ever so trendy High Tops... 

The exhibition continues until 22nd July 2012 at the Royal Academy's 6 Burlington Gardens, London.

A tribute to Isabella Blow by Noble and Webster

Journalist and stylist Isabella Blow (1958-2007) was credited for discovering and promoting the careers of fashion designer Hussein Chalayan, milliner Philip Treacy and photographer Juergen Teller to name a few. Working for American and British Vogue and muse to the late Alexander McQueen she was also famous for her spectacularly flamboyant head gear. So it is no surprise that Tim Noble and Sue Webster have created this spectacular masterpiece, currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery.

As seen below, a spotlight transforms a collection of objects including a stuffed raven and rat, Blow's trademark red lipstick and even one of her Manolo Blahnik shoes, into a silhouette of Blow's head. For a lady like no other and an inspiration to many, this is a fitting tribute.

Taxidermy, wood, fake moss, light projector and installation template 

First Class Treatment All The Way...

When the weather is miserable and our minds turn to holidays, how many of us feel envious of those slick hostesses we find on board when transported to sunnier climes? Well look what's popped up in the oh so trendy Old Spitalfields Market. Winner of "Best New Nail Bar" by Time Out, MW Nails have recently opened a flagship store, offering 30 express manicures and pedicures, ranging from the Captain's Cockpit to the Rapid Rio. Decked out in authentic 1970's Boeing interiors, from an ex American Airways Boeing 737 to the first class seats of Air France, you are taken onboard a kitsch paradise. And with champagne and professional products from Essie and Opi, it really is first class all the way. You can even collect rewards in their frequent flyer scheme or hire the boeing out for a party. Now we've no excuses not to join the high life.

Cleavage at the pull of a cord

How many of us remember the famous 1994 "Hello Boys" Wonderbra ad campaign featuring the gorgeous Eva Herzigova? The days of teenagers triumphing at achieving a welcome boost through no effort at all seems a distant memory. Well, for us low-maintenance ladies looking for a simple straightforward solution to how one transforms daywear to night, Wonderbra have done it again. The limited edition Variable Cleavage bra adjusts to offer a modest cleavage by day, then by a mere pull of a cord, viola an enhanced glamorous cleavage after dark. Simple!

How does it work you ask. Well a cord between the cups when pulled downwards, draws the two halves together to create a push-up effect. The bra costs £32 and is available in sizes 32A to 38DD. With bigger busts becoming increasingly fashionable, and the likes of Christina Hendricks championing the trend for curves, you'd better get one quick before they sell out.

Hit The Pavement...

What an interesting night! Whilst the inner city sweltered in the mid summer heat, and the crowds made their weary way home from work, we however embarked on a sea of rickashaws to ferry us to one of the most unique arts and events spaces in East London. Nestled under the heart of Brick Lane, MAC showcased what their makeup is capable of by hosting an underground 'Hit The Pavement'  party, which saw us mixing and moving to old school tunes, whilst surrounded by living statues expertly painted by MAC Pro Artists. The atmosphere was electric, the margaritas flowed and the statues amazingly kept their cool despite the heat...

And we're off...

Graffiti-fied! 

Yankie tourists

Golden walk

Laid back

Skater girl

Green goddesses

A private moment

Park life