they sure have fun

They call it Bonfire Night, or more officially, Guy Fawkes Night, a night (5th of Nov.) to set off fireworks and bonfires all over town. The fireworks have actually been going on for about a week now and will continue through the weekend. The pub next door has a pretty good fire going in its back patio and if the proprietor can find more furniture to burn we'll be able to feel the heat in our flat.  The bonfires are used to burn effigies of Guy, who was part of a failed attempt to blow up the House of Lords, the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.  He was found guilty, hanged and QUARTERED!

Sunday is the London to Brighton Run when vintage automobiles drive from Hyde Park, London to Brighton (62 miles south).  There are 601 cars entered this year.  Cars must have been built by 1905 and may not exceed 20 mph.   Some don't look like they can go much faster than that.  It takes all day and many don't make it to the finish line. Some are quite posh, but some look like 62 miles of discomfort.  Of course you need the full driving outfit - bear coat, goggles, fur blankets.

The Parrot is the oldest pub in the town of Canterbury, which means it's really old.  We're talking     1370.  On a mission to find The Parrot a woman told us when we came to the crooked house turn left. 

 

innovative patterncutting

Last Thursday night a reception was held for the final projects of the Post Graduate Innovative Patterncutting course at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.  Each student chose a design that inspired them and recreated the design in toile.  Some of the designers chosen were Roland Mouret, Schiaparelli, Commes de Garcon, Yeohlee Teng, Andre Courreges, Balenciaga, and Claude Montana (yes, the 80's are truly back, again).  Claude Montana was actually an excellent choice for an exercise in sculpture, and beautifully executed to boot! Claude, and this student, knew how to work a pattern for sure.  Truly inspiring.  Alas, no photos were allowed.


Why can't this car be available in the States? It's the Figaro, made by Nissan (so European looking!) and comes in the best muted shades of taupe, blue, mauve and pistachio.  Tres chic! And smaller than a Mini.  That's probably why they'll never make it stateside. 

 

sheep on Savile Row

Sheep a plenty on Savile Row this past Monday when the entire street was lined with turf and sheep were imported to graze among the well dressed. It was Savile Row Field Day, an event for the Campaign For Wool, an initiative to promote the use of wool from Britain and the Commonwealth.

Quite a civilized, all day event, and everyone looked to be having a good time, except for the sheep who seemed a little confused.

Border collies to the rescue.  The sheep seemed relieved and they relaxed to their side of the pen.

Lots of men in smart looking suits were out enjoying the good weather.

A variety of sheered wool was on display to be touched and fondled. Love the Merino, but all felt luscious.  Wouldn't you just love to see a sheep with this coloring?

Even the dogs are well dressed!  Must be bespoke. 

signs

???

when you just want to be left alone

litter control

whips, daggers, and umbrellas, of course

Some of you have already seen this sign.  It's a company that offers a vinyl alternative to sea grass and sisal rugs.  Makes it more durable and easy to work with, and very unnatural looking.  Go for the sea grass.  

Fly tipping is also known as fly dumping, which means illegal dumping.  Go figure.

sew cool

Selfridge's Oxford Street store is touting it's new shoe department claiming it's the biggest in the country, so of course I had to check it out.  It's on the second floor and has many salon type rooms filled with shoes, and very democratic in their offerings - very affordable to obscenely expensive.  It's like no other shoe department.  If you're looking for shoes (especially boots right now) I'd start here.  Tried on some cool Belstaff boots, but none in the right size, so I left empty handed. With a 7-1/2 foot I've got to shop at the beginning of the season.  No, they don't sell these sewing machine heels, but if they did I'd buy em, even if they weren't my size.

workroom on Savile Row

Been reading Bespoke - Savile Row Ripped And Smoothed, by Richard Anderson, an entertaining look into the Savile Row workroom of The Huntsman where Richard apprenticed (he now has his own bespoke company). Found myself near Savile Row so just had to cruise the street which is just a few short blocks long. Elegant shops line the Row and if you look down to the basement levels you can see the tailors at work. Most offer beautifully tailored suits, jackets, coats and all that you'd expect in a haberdashery.  Henry looks like he's making things for the Palace. This is all very exciting and I'm looking at menswear with a new eye.  

This coming Monday it's Savile Row Field Day when they close off the street so sheep can graze on laid down turf.  Farmers and sheep dogs will also be there for the event to launch the Campaign for Wool. Can't wait!  Pics to come.

it's jab season!