Make like Madonna

Children’s story books, dating young models, the adoption of foreign children… it seems the ultimate Queen of Pop can turn her hand to anything, so Madonna’s collaboration with Dolce and Gabbana may come as no big surprise.

You might detect a little hostility in my tone and you would be right!  Most of us get a little annoyed that famous people are able to switch careers at the drop of a hat, from actor to singer to candlestick maker.  It’s just that we work so hard for such careers and it doesn’t seem fair that celebrities can jump from one thing to another.  Jealous?  Me?!

All ranting aside, I must say that Madonna has proved to be a good Muse for Dolce and Gabbana’s new spring/summer 2010 campaign; she represents the brand well with her sultry, sexy demeanor.

After the quick sell-out of her line at H&M (predictable really, given her status!), it’s a given that her new sunglasses designs are going to be met with similar success.  The sunglasses, which bear the letter M on the arm, mark the first co-branded collaboration that the design duo, Dolce and Gabbana, has ever undertaken.  I do like them, but still I can’t help but wonder how much input Madonna had in terms of the design.  Kate Moss for Topshop is the only celeb I’m aware of that really does spend ample time in the design room.

Anyway well done Madge… they’re rather cool!

posted by Emily

Hollywood Glamour

This fantastic Hollywood guest house belongs to talented interior designer, Mary McDonald.  Isn’t it truly gorgeous?  This has to be one of my favourites.  I’m really into my stripes at the moment; the wallpaper in the image below looks so sophisticated.  I love Mary’s great attention to detail, for example where the pink colour of the stripe is reflected in the cushion pattern and again in the flowers, bringing everything together nicely.

She seems to have a good eye for colour and is an expert on introducing bright shades without the overall result being ‘OTT’ or brash.  The strong, clean lines and large, bold shapes make this a very modern home.

Looking at her stylish portfolio, I’d be more than happy to let Mary loose in my home to work her magic!

posted by Emily

Will Luella live on?

I was so sad (and shocked!) to hear that one of my most favourite designers, the fabulous Luella Bartley, became a victim of the recession earlier this month.

Her label wasforced out of business after one of its main suppliers, Carla Carini, closed.  The closure meant that orders for the spring/summer 2010 collection could not be fulfilled and so the Singapore-based company in charge of distributing Bartley’s clothing and accessories, VSQ, then withdrew its backing.  The fact that it had been ‘business as usual’ right up to the last minute just shows how quickly a company can be affected.  Scary, isn’t it?

I used to love browsing in her flagship store on Mayfair’s Brook Street; her designs are so fun and girly!  The perfect fusion of traditional British influences with quirky modern details. 

Bartley was crowned designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2008 and has had great success since the launch of the label in 1999. 

Here’s hoping that investors will see the label’s commercial potential and that Luella shall live on….

posted by Emily

A Stark Contrast

Brooklyn based event planner and designer david stark likes his surroundings to inspire him and reflect his artistic tendencies.  Here’s a little peek into his colourful home; an eclectic mix of modern and retro!

Notice how Stark has made slight changes to the room below by simply switching the throw on the back of the chair and swapping the cushions around.  A rug has been added too!  It all about having fun and allowing change into your life; so many of us seem to be stuck in a routine, scared to try new things.  Stark is lucky in that he has a studio downstairs where he can store his new ideas and extra furnishings.

” My house is a constantly changing gallery of art pieces, ” Stark explains ” from pieces that my studio has created for events to art pieces that I have purchased. I adore residing within an ever-changing collage… “

His bedroom is actually icy-pink with white furniture,  believe it or not.  I was quite suprised due to his clear love for brights, however the bedroom is a place for peace and tranquility after all!

with thanks to Design Sponge

posted by Emily