Sunday 15th April 2012, 11.00
Interiors – Spring/Summer 2012 from ANT!PODiUM on Vimeo.
As part of their Spring Summer 2012 collection, Antipodium have introduced their Kraftwork styles, created in collaboration with artist and quilter extraordinaire Ian Hundley. The Kraftwork shirtdress, skirt and sleeveless shirt see the Liberty’s iconic Hera and Pepper prints reimagined with Antipodium’s trademark tongue-in-chic aesthetic. Hera was designed by Arthur Silver (the founder of the silver studio) in 1887; the peacock feather was a ubiquitous motif during the aesthetic period in which this print was designed. Pepper print was designed for Liberty by the Jack Prince studio in 1974 and been part of the classics collection ever since. Both designs form an integral part of the Liberty Art Fabrics collection and look sensational done the Antipodium Kraftwork way!
Hundley gained a degree in graphic design in his native Canada, modelled with his twin brother in New York and now patches magic together in a Georgian house in Whitechapel. Inspired by aerial photographs of small towns, Hundley’s quilts have a modern, masculine quality which turns the traditional craft on its head.
For his collaboration with Antipodium, Hundley has drawn inspiration from the label’s east London neighbourhood. Patchwork patterns have been developed from maps of the area while colours and Liberty prints have been selected and manipulated to echo London Fields and Victoria Park.
To celebrate the arrival of the exclusive styles at Liberty Antipodium has created this short film which tracks the creation of the Spring Summer 2012 collection and the development of Kraftwork.
We asked Antipodium’s creative director Geoffrey J. Finch more about this exciting range…
How did the collaboration come about?
The SS12 Interiors collection is all about exploring the delicious disquiet beneath the surface of family life, the gloss of domesticity, and the chaos and control of the home. Patchwork obviously has lovely homely quality which I wanted to subvert and toy with. I suddenly realised that it would be rude not to call upon my pal Ian. I mean, you can’t really get more modern than a Canadian manquilter in Whitechapel.
What do you love about Liberty print
There’s a wonderful nostalgia to Liberty print – I distinctly remember my mother making herself a Liberty print shirtdress for my 6th birthday party – but it still feels fresh and new. Take the Hera print we used: designed in 1887 and still super contemporary. Imagine being blessed with that quality?!
Tell us about the instillation you created on our 1st floor
We were thrilled with the fruits of the collaboration so we decided to share it properly with our lovely followers at Liberty. Jock Thompson, a genius young filmmaker and Anti- family member, created a short film for the space which documents the inspiration behind, and creation of, the Kraftwork project and the Spring/Summer 2012 collection. It’s chaotic and madcap – like modern family life (whatever that is now) – and plays on voyeuristic monitors (who hasn’t had a perve in the house at some stage?) surrounded by a irresistibly tactile snow of post-patchwork debris. There are so many bloody panels in every one of those 50 pieces!
Antipodium Kraftwork by Ian Hundley is limited to 50 pieces and is available in store and online now.
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Saturday 14th April 2012, 9.00
Francois Nars has partnered with fashion designer Thakoon Pachnigul to develop a limited edition nail collection. The range will launch exclusively at Liberty on Monday 16th April, but you can pre-order yours online right now! The five vibrant summer shades were inspired by Indian spices: Anardana is an azalea pink, Ratin Jot an orchid purple, Amchoor a vibrant yellow, Kutki a pale blue and Koliary is a vivid cyan blue. Choose your favourite or wear them all at once!
We caught up with Thakoon himself to find out more…
How did the collaboration come about?
NARS was the perfect choice to collaborate with; they’ve always understood the sense of color here at Thakoon. And every season when we sat down to talk about inspiration, it became clearer and clearer that we should be doing a special product utilizing the color play. And once they saw the color board for Spring, it just made so much sense that we could be doing a nail project together.
What inspired the colour palette?
The colors were inspired by the amazing palette in India: the spices, the holy festival colors. It was the palette I was working on for the ready to wear collection. And we saw it as an amazing palette for nails because they’re so bold, fun and rich.
What make-up did you use for the show?
“Because the collection is so colorful, I wanted to focus on a classic, strong brow,” said makeup artist Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics. “I kept the face natural, with a little pink on the cheek for healthy color. On the eyes, I focused on contouring to show strength and attitude. A cowboy attitude, that is.”
Face:
Warm Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ (new for Spring 2012!) into the skin, from the center of the face outwards, making sure the complexion looks even.
Apply Concealer as needed, to cover imperfections.
For a strong contour, use Zen Blush just under the cheekbone. On the apples of the cheeks, use Gaiety Blush (new for Spring 2012!), buffing upwards.
Dust Loose Powder all over, to ensure a matte, polished complexion.
Brush Laguna Bronzing Powder on the temple area to warm the complexion.
Eyes:
Start with the dark side of the Portobello Duo Eyeshadow in the bridge.
Next, brush Bengali Single Eyeshadow above the bridge and under the bottom lashes
Buff Blondie Single Eyeshadow over both colors for a clean, strong look at the bridge.
On the brow, apply Bali Single Eyeshadow to create a dynamic arch.
Highlight the area around the eye with Snow Loose Powder.
Lips:
Apply Belle de Jour Velvet Matte Lip Pencil all over, as a stain, not as a traditional matte.
Nails:
Paint Versailles Nail Polish on fingernails.
*Visit the NARS counter on the ground floor at Liberty for the full make-up range.
Do you have a favourite shade from the range?
I love the turquoise shade Koliary. It’s so fresh and unexpected.
SHOP THE NARS THAKOON COLLECTION
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Friday 13th April 2012, 14.25
Brand New Handbag & Jewellery Room
Opens 1st June 2012
We’re positively buzzing in anticipation of our brand new Accessories Emporium, 4,000 sq ft bursting full of beautiful bags, unique fine jewellery and delectable fashion accessories. The space will also see the re-opening of an original entrance to the store on the corner of Kingly Street and Little Marlborough Street that has been sealed closed for over 45 years.
Classic handbag shapes from key brands will be peppered with seasonal styles and limited edition items that have a touch of whimsy. Coach will offer their ‘heritage collection’ which comprises re-issued 1970s styles such as tailored bucket, satchel and mini duffle bags in a modern colour palette which includes navy, lime, black and red. There is also an exclusive collection by artist James Nares featuring his signature graphic brushstroke paintings on a series of luxurious tote bags in primary colours. Classic Lanvin chain and ribbon strap bags will sit with their Mini Pop bags in textured fabrics like ponyskin and python. Loewe will offer classic bags that show the years of expertise in leather-making this Spanish company has. Alongside classics are new shapes such as Flamenco: a spirited new drawstring tote bag in softest nappa leather, available in a spectrum of vibrant colours.
Mulberry has always been a favourite at Liberty and the new ‘world of Mulberry’ will house classic Mulberry bags as well as gloves, purses, key rings, wallets, scarves and seasonal items.
Marc by Marc Jacobs bags will also have a big space, along with Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang. Proenza Schouler’s ubiquitous PS1 bag will be available in every colour you can conceive of with seasonal variations peppered in to the mix. The Wang Rocco bag is a cult classic and continues to grow in popularity. The new emporium will offer customers a wealth of Rocco choices as well as an expert edit of the best Wang seasonal styles.
Valentino is new to Liberty; their Rock Stud collection takes pride of place in the emporium with chic clutches and cross body evening bags being must-haves. Jerome Dreyfuss has created a limited edition lemon snakeskin version of one of his classic tote bags, which will sit alongside brands like Carven and Sophie Hulme. There will also be increased presence from Liberty stalwart bags brands such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Ally Capellino, Alexander McQueen and Givenchy.
The Jewellery
New Yorker Eddie Borgo captured the fashion cognoscenti’s attention with his bold, punky jewellery that has a feminine vein flowing through it. In celebration of the new Liberty Accessories Emporium Borgo has designed a limited edition run of his classic cone bracelets with Liberty purple crystal pave. The much loved Alex Monroe has also gotten in on the act, creating an exclusive collection of his signature pieces in rose gold.
Italian ‘fine-fashion’ jewellery brand Pomellato sits with stalwart brands like Kojis and Annina Vogel offering the jewellery pundit almost too-much choice! Italian designer Ippolita grew up in Tuscany, where she was inspired by Renaissance art and architecture. Her delicately crafted precious stone pieces have attracted an army of fans including Chloe Sevigny, Halle Berry and Mila Kunis.
Larkspur & Hawk takes its inspiration from Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras resulting in a collection that’s timeless with a twist. Faceted coloured gemstones come together to form unique drop earrings, necklaces and cocktail rings.
Ruby Kobo designers Yuvi Alpert and Danna Kobo pay homage to ancient mysticism and timeless measures of beauty in a truly modern accessories collection.
Belgian designer Audrey Savransky created the AS29 jewellery collection in response to a woman’s love of all that sparkles, and she should know being the fourth generation of diamond dealer in her family! Alluring diamond encrusted and sprinkled floral rings, bracelets and necklaces are made from vivid seasonal shades, using all the colours of diamonds, sapphires and amethysts available.
Hoorsenbuhs is a jewellery line beloved by the Olsen sisters as well as other sartorially-eloquent jetsetters. Signature chunky Snapple links form rings and bracelets in yellow and rose gold and are contrasted with delicate precious-stone inlayed pieces.
Our fashion jewellery selection will allow for further indulgence: chandelier and tassel statement earrings from Oscar de La Renta jostle for attention with tribal-influenced bracelets, friendship bands, necklaces and rings by Deszo and Isabel Marant, which are best worn en masse.
EK Thongprasert is a truly remarkable collection of conceptual jewellery hailing from Antwerp, the home of avant-garde design. The brainchild of an architect and jewellery designer has resulted in flat latex covered floral-form necklaces all in one colour interspersed with moonstone crystals.
Lulu Frost combines vintage style with contemporary design processes to create accomplished, covetable adornments featuring an eclectic mix of stones, diamantes and metals.
Venessa Arizaga worked for Zac Posen before launching her eponymous jewellery line in 2007. Inspired by her travels to places such as Puerto Rico and Mexico, her handmade designs are a striking fusion of luxe metals, fabrics, colourful keepsakes and charms.
Shaseby is also new to Liberty: linear forms and clean lines fuse to form a collection of silver and metal sculptural jewellery.
Laurent Gandini began his career designing jewellery for Missoni and Costume National. This striking collection of intricate pieces is handmade in Milan and comprises layered rock crystal pendants, lace detail and religious iconography earrings all in sterling silver.
We can hardly wait!
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Thursday 12th April 2012, 11.41
International style icon Dita Von Teese will launch her eponymous fragrance exclusively at Liberty on 1st May. A name synonymous with seduction, style and burlesque, Dita wanted her first perfume to evoke glamour,elegance, and self-confident sensuality.
“I wanted it to be a perfume that smelled exactly how I imagined it. A scent needs to reflect all the different facets of my personality. It had to be elegant, glamorous, sophisticated, sexy, dark, and mysterious.”
Dita created a timeless scent which opens with a head note composed of fresh peonies, fizzy bergamot, and slightly spicy Bourbon pepper. The heart of the perfume beguiles the senses with a full and at the same time pure bouquet of Bulgarian rose, Tahitian Tiaré petals, and fresh jasmine. And in the base note, the mystical and warm scents of patchouli, musk, and smoky Gaiac wood and sandalwood captivate all who smell it.
The perfumes are contained in black glass bottles – an homage to the 1930s reflecting Dita’s glamour and allure along with her love for all things vintage. With their elaborate detailing, the flacons represent the type of luxurious accessories found in the boudoir of an irresistibly glamorous woman. The extraordinary perfume amphora fits perfectly in one’s hand. The neck of every bottle is adorned with a silk cord with a blood red pearl, which flows into a long black silk tassel.
Meet Dita Von Teese
Dita will be in store to celebrate the launch on Tuesday 1st May 10am-midday. Customers will have the chance to have their perfume bottles signed! Find Dita in our fragrance hall on the ground floor.
Q&A
Why did you decide to create your own fragrance?
Early on I understood that perfume is a very important part of creating your own mystery and glamour – it’s a tool for a woman to become every woman she ever wanted to be. I wore the same perfume for about 20 years, when I actually had an interesting experience. I was walking down the street in Paris with my boyfriend, who I’d been dating for two weeks
when he asked me what perfume I wear. When I told him the name of the fragrance he kind of hesitated and revealed that this was also his mother’s perfume. This really got me, because I really didn’t want him to associate my smell with his mother, but on the other hand this perfume was perfect and iconic for me, it fit me perfectly and it was mysterious and unknown to everyone I met until that day.
I started hunting for other fragrances that could replace it and there were some which I really liked, but none of them felt like the real me and fit me. So, I decided to create my own scent and this was a dream come true.
If you were to personify the perfume, what type of character would it be?
I think a lot of fragrances on the market are reminders of childhood. Most of them have a girlish, sweet and very juvenile character. In contrast, I wanted something that speaks of wanting to be a grown-up, sophisticated woman who is in charge of her life. I just love the idea of something that is both: very good, sophisticated and elegant, but also a
little bit mysterious, dark and dangerous. Those two things together become something very special and magical. I often thought about the great women that I admire like Marlene Dietrich or Hedy Lemarr – those sexy, glamorous, iconic women, and I couldn’t imagine them ever smelling like vanilla, fruits or candy.
Regarding the ingredients of the fragrance: Which components are dominating?
In telling the noses about my favorite fragrances I discovered that I love big, sexy glamorous flowers like Bulgarian rose and peony, so those are some of the dominating essences. They mingle with some spicy Bourbon pepper and smoky wood, which really creates a warmth and mystery on the skin.
Where did you draw your inspirations for your perfume from?
I collect a lot of books with a lot of beautiful imagery. One I really love is of photographs of Paris of the 1930s and while creating the perfume I had these visuals in my mind of glamorous women in a Parisian nightclub. I just love the idea of this beautiful heady nighttime when it mingles with our body odeur and smoke and nightlife.
Tell us about your inspiration for the bottle design
Initially, when people think of me, they think of me with rhinestones, feathers and of the clichés of Burlesque and striptease. But I had different ideas about how the flacon should be. I didn’t want a “showgirly” pink perfume, because that is not what I was inspired by. I wanted to do something very sensual, sleek and simple in a way that relates to the image of a Femme fatale and something adult or womanly, something that reminds me of the vintage perfume bottles that I have. The bottle of “Dita Von Teese” is something you find in a black satin handbag of sophisticated women, however the tassel and the small emblem, which is refined with a martini glass, feathers and a corset, speak in a subtle way to my Burlesque side.
When it comes to modern and ancient idols, who are your favorite icons and why?
Well, one of my favorite style and beauty icons is Marlene Dietrich, because she was very in tune with what her own personal style was. She was very powerful, in control of her image and very knowledgeable of everything she
was doing. A lot of my heroines in real life are sort of obscure women whose names a lot of people probably don’t know immediately, because they are not in the limelight or product of a Hollywood stylist.
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Wednesday 11th April 2012, 15.33
Today we went to sample the new menu at Café Liberty – what a treat! Head Chef Ivan Gonzalez Blasco has breathed new life into the menu – which caters for brunch, lunch and everything in between, with delicious sharing platters and sweet treats – not to mention our famous afternoon teas!
We opted to try one of the brand new dishes – the braised duck tortelloni with sauté chestnut mushrooms in tomato basil sauce. It was melt in the mouth delicious, the subtlety of the duck meat complimented beautifully by the freshness of the tomato sauce. Eager for more, we also sampled Ivan’s take on the classic chicken Caesar salad, made with Corn fed chicken with golden syrup glazed pancetta and a soft boiled egg. This looked to be a very generous serving until we practically inhaled the contents of the plate in delight. If we didn’t have to rush back to Liberty HQ, we would have opted to follow this with a lemon tart with raspberry coulis and trio of macaroons – we’re practically salivating at the thought.
Click here for the Café Liberty Menus and come try it for yourself on the second floor of our Regent Street store. Stay tuned next week as Ivan picks out his favourite signature dishes for us…
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