Archive | London life

London icons

Hello London

May 24th, 2014

I have just got back form a few days in London enjoying time with family and friends. The sun was shining all week and I felt like I was witnessing the early blossom of an early English summer. So with London fresh on my mind, I thought I’d share a few of my snaps together with some pinterest favorites to get everyone in the English summertime mood.

And don’t forget summer vibes continue all year round at California Tailor so stop back soon for more sunshine goodness.

Frédéric Malle for Liberty of London

February 16th, 2014

The famous perfumer Frédéric Malle has teamed up with Liberty of London to create a stunning new collection of limited edition fragrances. Frédéric was lucky enough to access the Liberty print archive to select a range of prints that would best illustrate each perfume from the collection. Each beautiful design chosen from the 140 year old archive looks like it could have been specifically created to illustrate each scent. The bright bold patterns and colours are simply irresistible. I can’t choose a favorite…I want them all!

The Beatles Jump

November 16th, 2013

I’m a big fan of the talented Vita Yang. I have just stumbled across one of her beautiful illustration’s capturing The Beatles in mid flight. The original photograph was taken by Dezo Hoffman in the mid sixties. However, I love Vita Yang’s modern illustrative re-work.

Visit Vita Yang’s website to see more of her amazing illustrations.

London illustration

September 3rd, 2013

I’m loving this pretty illustration by London based artist Vita Yang. Like an illustrated checklist for the perfect London day out, it brings back so many great memories of life in London town. Carrying your Mulberry Bayswater through the beautiful London parks, sunglasses in hand hoping the blue sky will break through the bright white cloud. Stopping off at Dover Street Market, exploring the many floors of unique and treasured finds. Then meeting at Carluccio’s for some delicious pasta and a glass of wine with friends. Perfect memories of London life.

“This is why I miss London so much” by Vita Yang

Time for tea!

August 20th, 2013

Whether it’s Early Grey, Darjeerling, or English Breakfast, you can’t beat a good cup of tea!

I love this Clare Owen illustration depicting a Great British past time.

tea-riffic!

Liberty of London

July 30th, 2013

My Favorite department store in the world has to be Liberty of London. This iconic store has been synonymous with great design since it opened the doors of the famous Tudor Building on Regent Street over 100 years ago.

To this day Liberty is an essential stop on any trip that I take to London. The minute you see the beautiful “wild at heart” flowers being sold at the front entrance you know you are entering a special place. The store has such a homely feel as you navigate all the different rooms and discover new and exciting treasures. Of course no trip is complete without visiting the upper floors to view all the amazing Liberty fabrics.

Liberty’s beautiful patterned fabrics have been in production since the late 1800’s when the founder Arthur Liberty started hand printing silks imported from India. To this day new designs are being added in two seasonal collections each year. Always inspired by the arts and crafts ( the famous art movement that was embraced by Arthur himself ), recent collections include “Liberty Rocks” and “Flower show”, inspired by flowers from the Chelsea Flower Show in London.

via Liberty of London

Liberty continues to amaze me with their impressive collaborations. Each one always managing to put a smile on my face, making me want to be part of that special moment they have created.

Liberty Prints will be making their way to California Tailor soon. Here are a few of my favorite liberty inspirations.

Enjoy!

Nike ID Liberty collection

Retrosuperfuture Sunglasses

The Bowler Hat

May 5th, 2013

At California Tailor we are huge fans of the bowler hat! It is after all half of the California Tailor logo and a reminder of our tailor inspired London roots.

The Bowler hat was created back in 1849 by the London hat makers Thomas and William Bowler. The brief was simple. Create a low fitting crowned hat to protect one’s head from low hanging branches while riding on horse back.

The Bowler hat went on to become the uniform of the savvy business man in the City of London during the 1950’s and 60’s. The bowler was made famous as the must have accessory to finish off the look of a tailored shirt, suit and bow tie.

The Bowler Hat has been used as a fashion statement by many over the years including The Beatles!

Some of my favorite images of the Bowler were taken recently by Tim Walker. The series entitled Circus Maximum celebrates the 40th anniversary of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Jo Malone, Red Roses

April 11th, 2013

We were so excited to hear about the limited edition Jo Malone, Red Roses Cologne. A distinctly British brand, with its elegant scents, classic style and a hint of wit and whimsy. We love Jo Malone, London. The newly appointed super stylist, Charlotte Stockdale has just created 300 limited edition bottles of her favorite fragrance. Each bottle has been individually engraved and hand dipped in neon pink paint.

This striking bottle is “fashion graffiti” according to Charlotte. Her love of neon and her mothers rose garden being the inspiration behind the design. This limited edition by Charlotte Stockdale is currently only available at Selfridges, London for £120.

A great addition to the classic Jo Malone fragrances with love from Charlotte xoxo.

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