Rembrandt: The Late Works

I've jostled for a place at a free bar and in the queue at the Zara January sale but neither rivals the fierceness of the O.A.P's at the National Gallery earlier this week, who joined me in seeing 'Rembrandt: The Late Works'

 

Self Portrait, drawing on an Etching Plate, 1658

 

The exhibition was packed with avid Rembrandt fans. I experienced a personal first at an exhibition - a gentleman tapping me on the shoulder while I was listening to the audio guide and asking me to explain the painting in front of me. He didn't hang round for long.

 

A Young Woman Sleeping, c.1654

 

The work was varied and interesting - there's obviously a lot to know about Rembrandt. Sounds like he had a pretty eventful (if not tragic) private life alongside his prolific artistic output.

 

Juno, 1662-5

 

I loved Juno's opulent get up in particular.

Rembrandt:The Late Works is on at The National Gallery until January 18th 2015.

 

Seeing Double

 A few pictures from an editorial I shot recently

More here

Seeing Red

The best non-festive, festive shoot I've seen by a mile in Twin Magazine

Just what my Christmas looks like.

Beautifully shot by Rory Payne and styled by Verity Parker

 

Monet's Girl

Comparisons between art and fashion shoots aren't always obvious, or even evident at lot of the time, but every now and then a really good one comes along to enjoy.

 I just saw this shoot for December's issue of German Vogue, and was instantly reminded of Monet's paintings of his wife Camille, particularly the ones painted on the beach

The Beach at Trouville, 1870 

Monet painted this in the open air, proof of which is in the sand stuck in the paint. The composition is thought to be extremely unusual for the time, due to its tight crop and lack of symmetry.

 

On the Beach at Trouville, 1871

 

Camille Sitting on the Beach, 1871

Fashion by Christiane Arp

Shot by Giampaolo Sgura

Vogue Germany 2014

Late Night Clothes Packing

Last minute, late night prep for an editorial I shot for Off Black Magazine last weekend. Issue out later this month...

 

Blooms

A Still Life of Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase, 1609-10

Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder

Faux Fur

This coat has been at the back of my wardrobe for a few years now, after an ex boyfriend said I looked like a Golden Labrador in it (don't necessarily think this was insult in his mind, he really loved dogs).

 

Here I am slightly overheating Westfield.

 I think I will dig this back out properly for winter. Never sure about light coloured fur, but as this is so big and warm I don't think I will be able to resist, even if I do look a little canine. 



Hannah Murray, Oh Comely Magazine

On one of the hottest days of the summer I spent the day styling actress Hannah Murray and along with Oh Comely magazine's photographer Liz Seabrook, discovered Hannah's favourite parts of London. Both were a dream to work with, and you can see the full story in this month's issue of the magazine, available to order here

Molly Goddard

Last month I took part in a presentation for fashion week for my lovely friend Molly Goddard. Molly designed 21 totally unique dresses for the event, each one tailored differently depending on which of her friends was wearing it.

 Lots of tulle, pink, smocking, frill.... So beautiful and brilliant, and I was so proud both of Molly and to be part of it.

Can't wait what Molly does next...

Read more about the evening here and here

Photos taken from Style Bubble

Spanish Cherries

I spent a weekend up North visiting my brother recently, and while there took a trip to the Bowes Museum to see an exhibition of 17th Century Spanish paintings that he has just helped put on. 

Still life with flowers, artichokes and glassware

Juan van der Hamen y Leon, 1627

Really loved this Spanish still life on loan from the Prado in Madrid. Apparently what makes Spanish still life different from others, is that each element of the painting is set apart in it's own space. I particularly liked the translucent, glassy cherries.

Painted leather

Doing some research for an upcoming shoot and keep coming across Burberry's St Ives bags, inspired by artists such as Ben Nicholson and Christopher Wood. I love the hand painted leather

Photo by Louisa Parry for The Guardian.

The Last Great Adventure is You

I took a trip South of the river last week to see Tracey Emin's latest offering at White Cube, Bermondsey. I hadn't been to the gallery since some friends of mine were interning there years ago, fresh out of uni. Bermondsey street is now packed full of cafes, delis, bars and pubs - and people enjoying lunch out of the office. I resisted the urge to spend a days wages on one meal, but it was very tempting.

Emin showcased a range of what she's now so well known for, including plenty of nudes, sex and neon phrases. I loved her neons. For me they only just fell shy of being ridiculously cheesey.

Out of what felt like millions of nudes, my favourite were the enormous bodies sewn in to calico, framed and hung high and low in one room. The heavy fabric puckers and pushes against the frames, somehow making the work more real and hand crafted.

Definitely worth a trip to Bermondsey to see for yourself. 

The exhibition is on until 16th November, and is free.

Carnival Hearts

The end of August marks one of the best weekends in the year for lots of Londoners - particularly those who grew up and live in West London. Friends of mine danced in a sea of red hearts on a float they've been part of for years at Notting Hill Carnival

 

Into The Blue

Excited to see my denim story published in Elegant Magazine last month, full story to come....

Storm out at Sea

Form Through Colour

Somerset House is one of the best places in London to while away a spare hour or so - particularly the terrace on a sunny day. Form Through Colour is a free exhibition currently showing the work of Gary Hume, Anni and Josef Albers

Loved these rugs hung on the walls by Gary Hume

There were a few of Josef Alber's beautiful Homage to The Square series 

 

And Anni's geometrical tessellating textile patterns

 

A riot of colour to inspire

On until the 31st August