Assouline at Liberty (London, UK)

For many people, browsing old-fashioned bookstores or libraries and flicking through various printed publications is a favorite pastime. There's just something magical about spending time among shelves filled with written works. Even in the age of the Kindle or other e-readers, the trusty hardcover still holds its own - and there's nothing quite as coveted as the books brought to us by Assouline.

Overview of the Literary Lounge (top, source: Liberty). A wonderful selection of books in every corner (bottom).

Those who love fashion, art, design or travel may already own at least one publication by Assouline, but if you're not familiar with the publishing house, here's a quick summary: Founded in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline in Paris, the company (which has since moved its HQ to NYC) is responsible for some of the most collectible luxury books dedicated to a variety of topics ranging from architecture to gastronomy. The fashion industry in particular has had a long love affair with Assouline, who have released books on Dior, Chanel and Pierre Cardin to name a few. Filled with beautiful photography/illustrations and luxuriously bound, these volumes go beyond your average coffee table books and are actual works of art.

Both vintage and new books were on display, accompanied by unique antiques and art.

The Assouline retail spaces are just as beautiful and I still have fond memories of the Parisian boutique, where one could spend several hours just browsing books while lounging in the seating area. Thankfully, London now has its own Assouline haven, housed in Liberty London's Literary Lounge on the ground floor. Over 1000 square feet large, this is Assouline's first flagship in the UK and the ultimate place to go if you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of photography, art or design. Like other Assouline spaces, this one has a huge selection of both new and vintage books. Yet what really makes the store special are the hand-selected antiques, which grace various shelves and tables, while the plush calligraphy carpet provides a very fitting center piece.

Paperweights, stationary and a MCM trunk (left). A magnifying glass helps you browse without having to bend down (right).

From rock to chic: skull stationary and Chanel books.

The Asian inspired corner filled with more vintage books and antique decorations.

Aside from some very tempting titles, such as the American Fashion Cookbook, Windows of Bergdorf Goodman or American Fashion Travel, you'll have a hard time tearing yourself away from some of the gift items. These included everything from stationary and candles, to the very indulgent special-edition Goyard trunk - filled with over a hundred books to kick-start your very own collection.

Tea for two or more (left) and the very extravagant Goyard trunk filled with books (right).

Another view of the main book shelf.

African inspired art (left) and a couple of antique bookends (right).

If you're ever in the area, you should definitely drop by and the good news is that Assouline also has boutiques in NYC, Las Vegas, California, Istanbul and Mexico City... in addition to the Paris location and various global retail partners. If you need an immediate fix though, there's no better place to go than the official online store. But be warned, you may soon end up with your very own Assouline library at home...

More literary delights and a very lovely white portable book case.

Survival Kits (left), satin wrapped and bound editions (center) and a quick look at African Cities (right).

Address: Liberty London, Great Marlborough Street, London W1B 5AH
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-21:00, Sun: 12:00-18:00
Assouline Homepage & Online-Shop

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Yohji Making Waves / Yohji's Women (London, UK)

The Wapping Hydraulic Power Station.

If you're in London, you may have noticed that the city is presently celebrating all things Yohji Yamamoto. In addition to the newly opened Y-3 flagship store, one of the most talked about happenings is the series of exhibitions that was unveiled last month in honor 0f the iconic Japanese designer. The main feature is the retrospective currently held at the V&A museum, which I'll be posting about as well. However, I thought I'd start backwards (in the order I actually visited these exhibits) and begin with the other two parts of the series first which are now on display, courtesy of The Wapping Project.

Yohji Making Waves

First off, I'd like to thank Google Maps (iPhone) for giving me very accurate directions to this place - the large Boiler House of the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station - which lies somewhat off the beaten path. Now that I know where it is, I might go back though, because the first thing I saw once I entered the spacious interiors was a very cool-looking bar/restaurant. This is also where I caught my first glimpse of Yohji magic, in the form of the FW98 runway show which was running on several TV screens towards the back of the room.

Inside the power station, the restaurant area was decorated with TV screens featuring Yamamoto's runway shows.

The actual installation was in a separate room and showcased only one major piece: the celebrated , oversized white silk wedding dress with bamboo crinoline from the aforementioned FW98 collection. Suspended upside down from huge metal tanks which form the roof of the Boiler House, the gown seemingly falls towards a bottomless tank of water below. Once I entered this area, it was like stepping into another world. Immersed in the dark - with the exception of the illuminated dress in the center and the sparse lighting towards one wall - I was greeted only by the sound of dripping water and ambient noise from the speakers, in addition to the reflection, shadows and movements of the gown interacting with the light and water.

The wedding dress as seen in its normal upright position.

I took most of these photos from the platform, but a small wooden boat will enable a closer look of the piece if required (a boatman is included). According to the official description of the installation - "This is a calm, contemplative work which should also disarm and amuse, bringing together a sense of fun and juxtaposing it with an austere beauty. Paradox lies at the heart of Yohji Yamamoto's clothes and it is with this striking installation that we attempt to do justice to his vision."

The gown on display inside the flooded Boiler House, suspended from the ceiling.

Close-up of the dress.

The dress and its reflection (left) and a close-up of the bodice (right).

I became a little obsessed with photographing the reflection.

A short video clip highlighting the sound and darkness of the boiler room.

Yohji's Women

A few days later, I headed to the second part of the Yohji series, which was hosted by The Wapping Project Bankside in a more convenient location (next to the Tate Modern) and in contrast to the above, offering a more contemporary setting. The compact exhibition space showcased the works of seven international photographers who had teamed up with Yamamoto in the past and who were said to have found their individual voices during their collaboration with the designer. Photographs on display came from the likes of Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, Craig McDean, Sarah Moon, Paolo Roversi, Max Vadukul, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin.

Left: The first photograph on display: from the Yamamoto Fall 1999 campaign, featuring Maggie Rizer, shot by Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin. Right: Works from Paolo Roversi.

According to the press release "Yohji's Women expresses Yohji Yamamoto's love of strong women who do not fit the conventional magazine archetypes. His women are independent, exciting and can wear his complex clothes with authority. Theirs is a serious beauty which finds its expression in his work. The photographs capture the vigour, wit and intelligence of Yamamoto's works as well as a remarkable moment in time in which clothes, designer, icon, place and photographer spoke with one voice."

I've posted just a few of the works on display, though my pics don't really justify their beauty. Prints of all photographs can be ordered at the exhibit if you do want to take one of 'Yohji's Women' home with you.

FW87 campaign photo by Nick Knight.

Top: Works by Sarah Moon. Lower Left: From the FW87 catalog, featuring Naomi Campbell, shot by Nick Knight. Lower Right: Overview of part of the exhibition area.

Both photographs: Peter Lindbergh.

Both photos: Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, campaign forFW99 (left) and SS98 (right).

If you get a chance, I would highly recommend a visit. Both of these exhibits have free entry and while they're not as extensive as the main V&A retrospective, I was surprised by how much time I spent at each one. And if you're still craving a bit of Yohji after that - well, there's always the actual clothes...

Yohji Making Waves: 12 Mar - 10 Jul, 2011, The Wapping Project
Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SG
Mon-Fri: 12:00-22:00, Sat-Sun: 10:00-22

Yohji's Women: 12 Mar - 14 May, 2011, The Wapping Project Bankside
65A Hopton Street, London SE1 9LR
Tue-Sun: 10:00-18:00, Mon by appointment

Henry Holland's 'Debut' - Charity Event & Exhibition (London, UK)

There's nothing better than spending money on something when you know it's for a good cause. Which is why the combination of fashion and charity is such a great mix. The last time I posted about a charity collaboration, it involved designer dolls, which some of you (and yours truly) deemed to be a bit creepy at times. An event that happened this week titled Debut was decidedly less sinister, since it involved actual clothing, art and other memorabilia.

Launched by Henry Holland, Debut saw the designer recruit the help from fellow British creatives and friends, resulting in a large collection of coveted pieces which were first featured in a pre-event exhibition, then auctioned off on March 24. All proceeds went to Cancer Research UK, the world's leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research.

A gorgeous venue: auction pieces displayed in the converted church that is One Mayfair.

I got a chance to catch a glimpse of some of the pieces prior to the auction event, all of which were presented in the stunning One Mayfair venue (a converted former church dating back to 1825). The lots up for auction focused on British fashion through the ages, featuring donations from the likes of Christopher Kane, Nicholas Kirkwood, Kate Moss or Paul Smith to name a few - while Agyness Deyn starred as a DJ during the actual auction.

Loved the pink-black combo of the seating area. The official booklet listed all auction items and the event schedule.

Below you'll find a few of the pieces that went up for auction. Which item(s) would you have bid on? Let me know!

Left: Peter Pilotto dress; the design was worn by Kate Bosworth. Right: Dress by Erdem, designed for Browns boutique to celebrate 40 years of British Fashion.

Donations by Henry Holland himself, included the signature House of Holland slogan shirts and an afternoon out with the man himself (left). A beautiful creation by milliner Stephen Jones (top right) and an autographed photograph of Kate Moss during Alexander McQueen's 2004 runway show, photographed by Richard Young.

Left: Christopher Kane red bandage dress from his first collection, as worn by Victoria Beckham. Right: Richard Nicoll dress featuring artwork by Linder Sterling.

Fashion as art: David Downton illustration of Erin O'Connor (top left), oversized limited edition signed Mary Quant stamp (lower left), painting from Alex Echo, who's art inspired Paul Smith (center), Simon Claridge pop-art of Kate Moss (top right), Dior by John Galliano photograph (lower right).

Left: Erdem floral dress. Right: Bellville Sassoon evening dress.

Top: Kate Moss for Longchamp bags designed exclusively by Kate for Debut (incl. handwritten note). Bottom: Nicholas Kirkwood shoes designed exclusively for Sarah Jessica Parker.

Left: House of Holland wedding dress reading 'Who needs a husband I've got House of Holland'. Right: 'History of Rainbows' dress by Tracey Boyd, exclusively for Debut.

More impressive shots: Twiggy (top left), Sid Vicious (bottom left), Tamara Rojo photographed by Paul Smith (center), David Bowie (top right), signed copy of Alexandra Schulman's first publication of Vogue UK as acting editor (lower right).

Vintage items, incl. a sparkly cardigan from the 20s (left).

If you missed 'Debut', you can always donate to Cancer Research UK via the official page. Henry Holland will be doing more charitable work next month when he runs the London Marathon for Oxfam along with a few friends (including Agyness once again). Donations for that can still be made via this fundraising page.

On a final note, if you happen to be in London this weekend, eco-brand People Tree is running a 'Sample Sale for Japan' until March 27 (near Aldgate East), with all proceeds going towards 'The Second Harvest Charity', which will provide food for the victims of the recent earthquake/tsunami in Japan.

Surface To Air (Paris, France)

Anyone who's spent a bit of time in Paris, keeps up with every 'it' fashion brand or is an avid follower of Garance Doré's blog, might already be very familiar with this label. I, like many, first stumbled upon it when I sighted the hugely popular buckle wedges one day and suddenly Surface To Air seemed to be everywhere: on Jessica Alba's feet, in some of the coolest fashion magazines and even as a collaboration with Kings of Leon (who designed a few menswear pieces for the label last year).

FW10 lookbook (images: Surface To Air).

SS11 lookbook (images: Surface To Air).

Style wise, Surface To Air (or S2A) can be described as a cross between Acne and Alexander Wang offering casual luxe pieces with an edge - and an eye for detail that goes beyond simple basics. Like Acne, Surface To Air isn't just a fashion label, but also consists of a creative direction/consultancy studio (clients include Louis Vuitton and Sony) as well as a film division that covers everything from music videos to TV commercials. Founded in 2000, the company started out as a group of friends who merely wanted to work on projects they liked - most of these involved fashion, photography, music, art or films. In a shop and gallery near the Louvre, they would exhibit and publish works from the likes of Banksy or Feist. These days though, the easiest way to appreciate their work is to take a leisurely browse in their Marais store, which is just one of two flagships in the world (the other can be found in Brazil).

Slouchy bags in the shop window (left) and a few floaty pieces on the first rack (right).

A quick look at the gallery area (left) along with some of the work exhibited (right).

Once you step into the boutique, it's a little hard to ignore the 'artsy' side of S2A. When I last visited, a small area near the entrance had been transformed into a gallery space, showcasing various graphic prints and an engraved axe to name a few. Chances are, you'll be more interested in the clothing and accessories. The brand is also hugely popular among the gents, so don't be surprised if you find more hip guys than girls perusing the collections. And because S2A has just recently launched a line for boys, I'll be expecting cool toddlers to be browsing the shop next.

Overview of the front part of the store (top), a few belts and the bead curtain of the changing room (bottom).

Wall art near the shoe section (left) and a first look at the tempting shoe area (right).

Oh, so many shoes! The iconic buckle wedges in various colors (left), and a few close-ups of the boots (right).

Yet it's still the ladies who get some of the best stuff, including beautiful cape coats, edgy leather dresses, flattering jeans and leopard-print cardigans. The store layout follows the gallery vision ingrained in S2A's philosophy. You'll never find more than a handful of clothes occupying a rack... and these can only be found along the walls, while the center is either reserved for benches, display tables or other decor. While the front area had many of the seasonal looks for women, most shoppers will undoubtedly end up gravitating towards the shoe section in the middle, where the famous buckle wedges (in various colors - this season's 'it' style features floral prints), boots and current season sandals are lined up neatly.

The second half of the store (top), where I found more lovely dresses and coats (bottom).

Clothes as wall art (left) and the illuminated pyramid.

Passing the snazzy changing room (adorned with the S2A logo), you'll find more in the back, including menswear and additional goodies for the ladies. Key looks were arranged along the wall, with garments showcased like works of art, while miniature TV screens underneath showed pictures from the lookbook or runway. Though the first part of the store might give a more rustic vibe with its wooden floors, the cool marble in this area definitely has more of a gallery feel. And the coolest prop? Probably the black pyramid in the center, which mirrors the company's logo, but most likely also pays homage to their first location near the Louvre.

The second part of the store as seen from the back (top). The modern shelves filled with cute kiddies' clothes (bottom).

Men's shoes in the middle of the room and yet more clothes on minimal racks (right).

If you like cool feminine looks (some draped and slouchy, others tight and fitted) or if you're a shoe fanatic, this is the ultimate place to be. Despite its popularity, the label's styles aren't as ubiquitous as even some of the more expensive designer brands. Pricing is in the mid-range and global stockists include Saks (in the US) and Browns (in the UK). But if you don't feel like fighting the models, fashion editors and creative types for that last boot wedge or drape cardigan, I suggest you head to their well-stocked online store instead.

A small selection of this season's shoes - and one really nice bag (images: Surface To Air).

Address: 108 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 11:30-19:30, Sun: 13:30-19:30
Surface To Air Homepage & Online-Shop

Shoe Art at Selfridges (London, UK)

Last autumn, London department store Selfridges revamped their footwear section, thus creating the world's largest shoe department to date. Aptly titled 'The Shoe Galleries', sandals, boots and heels - from low-end to designer - are displayed like works of art. Rightfully so, of course. But there's more...

When Selfridges first unveiled the new area, they approached Dutch creative team Lernert & Sander, who came up with 11 installations that "take iconic shoe design to surreal extremes". According to them: "We have taken the most mundane of household domestic appliances and comedically refashioned them into divine creations. A humorous take on fashion as an ideal escape from the daily grind.". I snapped pics of two of these sculptures a few months ago, which you'll find below along with a summary of the other works presented.

Sewing machines as platform heels.

Dishwasher clogs.

More household shoes, including irons, washing machines, brooms, cupboards and watering cans with a striking resemblance to McQueen's Armadillo heels (images: Lernert & Sander/Blinkart/Lex Kembery).

Though the above is relatively old news by now, I will give Selfridges props for displaying other fascinating shoe sculptures of the grandest scale, which still serve as decor in-store at the moment. The one made out of steel pots is probably the most impressive.

If I ever have too many pots, this is what I'll do with them. The actual pots are used for the sole and heel, while the lids create the vamp. Made by Joana Vasconselos.

The giant blinking strappy sandal.

Funky and casual - the oversized brightly lit sneaker.

Sighted near the Louboutin section, what I assume to be a gigantic mirrored Pigalle (without the red sole).

And then there are the actual shoes themselves, which will rival any work of art. Here's a prime example, brought to us by Alexander McQueen (SS11):

From runway to store shelf. I couldn't keep my hands of these. The four digit price tag stopped me from taking them home though.

Art worth investing in? Oh yes!