My Sentiments Exactly

Now, I remember making a sampler when I was in year three but it was nowhere near this cool. In fact, mine was so atrocious it got thrown out while my sisters is still in pride of place, framed on my parents bedroom wall. Sad but true. I reckon if I’d come home with one of these beauties my self esteem might not be in the tatterd shreds you find it in today.

In Case of Emergency Break Dance Sampler by Miso Funky

Make Tea Not War Sampler by Miso Funky

To buy visit HannaZakari.co.uk – a very cute online store run by Rachael Lamb.

The Dark Side of Shopping

A new addition to the sweeping trend of ‘curated’ shopping has hit the high street; Darkroom on Lamb’s Conduit Street opened earlier this month offering a meticulously researched expose of pieces from the fashion, interior and lifestyle arenas. The space is simple yet beautifully crafted, offering a selection of stunning wares displayed with talented artistry.

The Darkroom concept offers an exploration into the crossover between fashion and interiors through the juxtaposition of materials, scale and form. Boundaries between art and design are questioned by functional pieces that also hold sculptural qualities. Darkroom proprieters Rhonda Drakeford and Lulu Roper-Caldbeck explain that ‘Oversize plaited quilted scarves resemble eiderdowns whilst jewellery made from chunky rope evoke Sculptural furnishings’.

Alongside the range of fashion and lifestyle offerings, Darkroom also runs bi-monthly art and sculpture exhibitions. Currently on display until January 2010 is Central Saint Martins and Royal College of Art graduate Marcus James, a London based artist and designer. James has worked on commissions for Chloe, Yves Saint Laurent, and Camilla Stærk and will present a set of 16 drypoint copper etched portraits, reworked with gold ink, each available in editions of 10 exclusively at Darkroom.

Darkroom, 52 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London, WC1N 3LL

Lazarides Shop

I recently came across the Lazaride’s Gallery Shop in Soho. It’s a great space selling some really nice prints and pieces, all on display for a browse with no pressure to buy anything.

The shop hosts a changing programme of edgy urban and ‘outsider’ art from the likes of Jamie Hewlett, Antony Micallef, Faile, Stanley Donwood, Mode 2, Paul Insect and Space Invader.

The best work is on the lower floor known as ‘The Dungeon’. There’s currently an interesting Space Invader animation playing and this rather bizarre sculpture of a man with his head in the wall…?

Lazaride’s Gallery on Lazaride’s Gallery: “Committed to creating an unconventional atmosphere in which to witness unconventional artworks as far out as taxidermy renderings, Lazarides focuses on pushing the boundaries of ‘street art’, promoting artists who create without formal training, but rather by their own inspirations, imaginations and relationship to popular culture.”

Lazaride’s Shop, 8 Greek Street, Soho, London W1D 4DG
Website