Exhibition Alert! Tim Walker: Story Teller

Another day, and another exhibition is announced that will be a must-see for me! Somerset House have announced that they will be holding an exhibition of fashion photographer, Tim Walker's work: 'Tim Walker: Story Teller'. In addition to the photographs there will also be installations and a selection of the extraordinary props and models on show, e.g. giant grotesque dolls for Italian Vogue and an almost life-size replica of a Spitfire fighter plane.

I love Tim Walker's photographs. They are alway extravagant and original, and are characterised by a sense of humour and vibrancy, combined with fairy-tale elements. I have a poster of his 'Dress Lamp Tree' image in my bedroom, and his work is always the first thing to jump out of me when I look back through my past copies of 'Vogue' (I was recently given a 4 year archive of the magazine, from 2006-2010).

Somerset House will also be hosting a series of events including a 'In Conversation With' session with the photographer himself, and workshops with some of the set designers and prop builders. Further details will be announced in early September. I can't wait!

Here are some of my favourite Tim Walker images:

 

Fab: Fabulous design at fabulous prices

I recently came across a fantastic website caled Fab which has some great interior and design products at reduced prices. It operates in much the same way as Cocosa and Brand Alley do, with time limited sales on a wide range of products, from prints to lighting to jewellery. All of the pieces are chosen by the company's 'Style Panel', which includes  Marcus Fairs (Editor-in-Chief of 'Dezeen'); Priscilla Carluccio and Tamara Heber -Percy (founder of 'Mr & Mrs Smith').

The site is a brilliant way to get your hands on fabulous design pieces without breaking the bank. Here are some of the items which took my fancy last time I visited the site.

Cushion - £28; Necklaces - £29; Lego lunchbox - £8

Chanel's 'The Little Black Jacket' exhibition opening in London

As a lover of all things Chanel, I was eagerly looking forward to the release of the 'The Little Black Jacket: Chanel's Classic Revisited' coffee-table book, from the moment details were announced. The book, by Karl Lagerfeld and ex-'Vogue Paris' editor, Carine Roitfeld, pays tribute to one of the French fashion house's iconic pieces. What I love about the photographs in the book is that the subjects; who are a 'Who's Who?' of Chanel muses and clients, from Sarah Jessica Parker to Alice Dellal, all wear the jacket their way. They all manage to give their own look, to a fashion classic.

Carine Roitfeld as Coco Chanel [Photo: Chanel/Karl Lagerfeld]

To coincide with the launch of the book, a 'The Little Black Jacket' exhibition has been travelling the globe: from Tokyo to New York; Taipei to Hong Kong. And the next stop on its travels? London.

Here is what Chanel has to say about the exhibition:

"The special event underlines the brand's values of creativity, modernity and excellence. The public will discover the versatility and timelessness of the iconic Chanel jacket through Karl Lagerfeld's photographs."

The exhibition, which contains 113 photographs, will be showing at the Saatchi Gallery from October 12th to October 29th, and admission is free. I really hope that I get a chance to take in the exhibition, as the images I have seen so far, look fantastic.

My Smashbox Makeover

Last week I blogged about the impending launch of the new Smashbox counter in Boots, St David's in Cardiff. I went along with my friend Sarah on Saturday morning, and we both had a great time. My makeup artist, Linda was lovely and was great at explaining the products she used on me. I gave her free reign to choose the look to give me, which could have had the potential to go very wrong! However I loved the look that she gave me. Linda used the following products on me:

• Studio Skin Foundation
• Photo Finish Primer
• Photo Op Eyeshadow Trio (Nectar/Roast/Cinammon)
• Blush Rush - 'Paradise'
• Limitless Lip Stain - 'Guava'
• Limitless Eyeliner - 'Smoke'
• Hyperlash Mascara

I was really impressed with the products. The base was still going strong 12 hours later, and given that it was a scorching hot Summer day, that is quite a feat considering my usually oily skin. Given my love for a red lipstick, it is perhaps not surprising that I want to add the 'Guava' lip stain to my collection asap. Gorgeous shade; easy application and longevity. What's not to love?!

Here are some photos that Sarah and I took in the Smashbox photo booth.