You know a spot is hot when Aesop takes up residence and dudes like this take to the pavement for a stroll. This Aesop store is right next door to Caravan (see an earlier story) in uber cool Shoreditch.
Red hot Redchurch
We are not amused (oh yes we are)
After visiting Ottolenghi (see story directly below) I popped across the road to Atelier Abigail Ahern, one of London's hottest interior designers with a shop full of kooky pieces that collectively work outrageously well together if you like that sort of thing. The 'take the mickey' artworks by Bernard Py and Russell Lewis are hilarious. AAA can be found at 137 Upper St Islington.
Go to Upper for Supper
I have been an Ottolenghi fan for a long while now so I was super excited when the group's charming General Manager, Basia, found time to chat with me in their Islington store whilst I was in London recently. Delivering a visual food feast through engaging counter display formats, the food presentation is testimony to the saying 'what the eye does not see, the heart does not desire" ... once you've clapped your eyes on the food you can't help but want to buy and try.
Sadly, here in Oz, our food laws do not allow for unprotected food which puts something of a dampner on the deal unless you are clever with your design.
Before establishing the business Yotam Ottolenghi was pastry chef at Kensington Place, which just happened to be a fave dining destination when I lived around the corner whilst working as a pastry cook at Hamlins of Kensington. Trained at the Cordon Bleu, and once the head pastry chef at Baker & Spice, Yotam's cookbooks are must haves for their simplicity of ingredients delivering complexities of flavour.
This was the first time I'd been to the flagship on Upper St in Islington. It was well worth the outrageous taxi fare to get there given the Tube was on strike! #lovelondon #ottolenghi #yotamottolenghi #loveit
Lost for words
If you actually know me then you know I'm never lost for words, but I doubt I can do justice to describing the taste of this St Honore. "Simply stunning" is the best I can do. I had read about., and seen plenty of photos regarding, the shop fitout for Patisserie des Reves but wasn't sure I would like it. Well, there is nothing like going and seeing for yourself is there? To wander along a Parisian street and then arrive to find this colourful cute window, stand in the shop, smell the brioche, drool over the chilled dome covered works of pastry art, have a chat to the charming staff, make a selection and experience the wrapping process ... I'm sold! Of course beautifully presented and packaged means nothing if the product doesn't live up to the promise. Believe me it's worth sitting on a plane for 24 hours to taste one of Phillipe Conticini's creations. This particular shop is on the tres groovay, Rue du Bac.
Saucy & stylish
I spotted a small exhibition of jewelry from the Pacific Islands at Brissy's Museum of Modern Art on my way out from the Valentino retrospective. Who would have thought those little soy sauce bottles that come with your sushi could look so good?
Barmy biscuits & kooky cookies
I think she's looking forward to a Jam Fancy and a nice cup of tea.
Watch me pull a shoe out of my hat!
Magical, whimsical, wonderful windows launched Selfridges The Shoe Galleries ... see story below.
All kneel to the heel
If you worship shoes then you should say a little prayer of thanks for The Shoe Galleries. Selfridges cut the ribbon on 3250 m2 (13,500 sq ft) of heavenly heels the week I was in London. Knock-out windows and a waterfall of pop coloured paper shoes filled the store's central void in what can only be described as a stunning VM story. Designed by architect Jamie Fobert, there are six different salons each with their own look. Over 5000 pairs are placed like objects in an art gallery. Luxurious fixtures and fittings feature throughout and 11 different boutique brands have their own salons fitted out in a distinct style. Chanel has recreated Coco Chanel’s apartment and Ugg Australia has gone for the sophisticated ski chalet look. Big designer names, along with 30 exclusive designs for Selfridges, made me slightly relieved I'm a size 42 (a first!) as that puts some serious limits the amount of shopping damage one can do in an hour or two. The next time you're in London and want to kick up your heels you now know where to go.
You don’t have to be a jeanius
This window at Dakota 501 reminded me of the popular retail saying "stack 'em high, watch 'em buy". Whether that is the case here I can't say but the display certainly achieved the first step in the sales process. I stopped and looked. Dakota 501 is a serious destination for limited edition denim and carries a long list of cool labels like Neuw, Nudie, Evisu, Wrangler and more. It has been at 501 Chapel Street since 1976 which suggests to me they know what they're doing don't you think?
Sunshine on Swan
Jazz loving foodie, Jason McLaren hyphen Jones is the man behind Snow Pony and Porgy & Mr Jones. I'm happy to report he's done it again with Friends of Mine. The man about town has put his signature style all over this place. Comfortable and of course tres friendly, JM-J has upped the ante somewhat here and delivered a tryptic work of interior art that is part food store, casual cafe and a dining section with a white table cloth in play. I've had a yummy breakfast and lunch and am looking forward to the Friday night light dinner and jazz that has just been popped on the menu. An interesting crowd makes for good people watching too. Look for the sunny yellow awnings when you're at the Burnley end of Swan Street. Friends of Mine should be a friend of yours for sure. 506 Swan Street, Richmond, Melbourne.
