California Tailor
From London, with love
You may have guessed that California Tailor loves the woven shirt. Plain or plaid, denim or dress, the classic button down is the wear any wear woven. From London to Los Angeles I have been busy putting the debut California tailor collection together and perfecting our very own button down. Shirt No. 1
Stop back soon to follow the California Tailor story.
I can’t wait for London Grammar’s up coming US tour this September. The London trio have been quietly winning me over with their powerful and soaring pop songs since I first heard their debut Metal & Dust EP earlier this year. Their recent cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” together with the immaculate singles “Strong” and “Hey Now” have them being hailed as one of the most promising new bands of the year and a clear favorite of California Tailor. Perfect to listen to on a lazy California afternoon.
Listen to more London Grammar
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
Today I’m celebrating the British artist David Hockney and one of my favorite paintings, A Bigger Splash. David Hockney has had a long time love affair with Hollywood and California. He famously said his childhood passion for the movies made him feel like he was raised in both England and Hollywood. He was drawn to the light and heat of California and finally moved from London to Los Angeles after attending the Royal Collage of Art in London during the early sixties.
The swimming pools of Los Angeles were his favorite subject. Iconic works such as A Bigger Splash saw him explore new ways of painting and cemented his reputation as an international artist. With A Bigger Splash, David Hockney depicts a typical California day. Warm and sunny, blue skies above with the iconic palm trees in the distance. A true celebration of California life seen through the artistic eye of one of England’s greatest living painters.
A Bigger Splash, 1967 is currently on display at London’s Tate Britain Gallery.
Whether it’s the original navy and white Breton or the classic Bengal stripe oxford. I can’t think of anything I love more than the humble stripe. Stripes are an essential staple in every wardrobe, so I thought I’d take some time to celebrate the joys of the parallel line. Horizontal and vertical, on land and sea, a classic for all seasons. Of course, California Tailor will not be left out. Stripes will be coming soon to our fall collection. See more stripe inspiration on California Tailor’s pinterest.
London inspired with a California twist.
I have to share with you my love for the London based photographer Tim Walker. Known as the story teller, Tim Walker’s iconic images have been inspiring and enchanting myself and many, many others for over a decade.
His wildly wonderful photographs resemble large scale film productions with every detail carefully considered with just the right amount of gentle humor . He shot his first fashion story for Vogue at the age of 25 and has contributed some of the most unforgettable images to the magazine ever since. Tim Walker manages to capture the british sensibility, turning “daydreams into photographs” like no one else.
For more Tim Walker posts, click here
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.
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
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.
