ann kent

Friday Bug and A Book: Andy Warhol, Fashion

I found Grace Bonney's Twitter account recently and noticed that she has a little feature called "Friday Bugs" wherein she articulates a pet peeve.  Well, I thought that was a bit of a dandy idea under the right circumstances and of course, I had something in mind immediately.

A few days ago, I meandered through the shoe department at my favorite discount store and this particular shoe department was HUGE with names like COACH, Dolce & Gabbanna, Juicy - yes, the names that we covet.  And so, I was enjoying my leisurely stroll. 

Suddenly, I heard a young boy say excitedly, "Wow, look at all these different shoes!"  I smiled but then ... SMASH.  His mother responded, "Yes, and what is the point of that?"  I shuddered.  What a horrifying response and what a perfect way to destroy that boy's appreciation for creativity and variety.  I looked at the mother and sure enough, she clearly had no interest in clothing as a means of creative expression.  Well, that was a sad moment for me. 

On a lighter note, I found the loveliest book which documents Andy Warhol's fashion illustrations from the 1950s when he was a well regarded advertising illustrator and commercial artist for Barney's, Neiman Marcus, I. Miller, Glamour, Mademoiselle, and Harper's Bazaar.  The book, Andy Warhol, Fashion, is out of print and, therefore, not easy to acquire; however, one can usually find a copy here.  Here are a few illustrations from the book:

 

Enjoy the weekend!

 

R. Nichols - Stationer and Artist

       

Have you heard of R.Nichols?  Well, I hadn't until a few days ago when I purchased his stationery (I guess I missed that he was featured in this month's LUCKY magazine!).  I was first struck by the cool images found on the notecards that I purchased - the vespa rider and the girl walking a dog with a cute purse.  And, the colors (purple, black and grey) were modern and sophisticated.  The lines of the stationery and its packaging were clean and crisp.  The matte black box containing the cards was wrapped with a cream banner bordered in black.  The banner contained a cute little illustration and a description of the product:  "eight note cards with envelopes - not greeted."  How classic, how elegant - have you ever heard the expression "not greeted"?  I hadn't and yet, that phrase said so much. 

And so I looked up R. Nichols and discovered that yes, I knew who he was!  Actually, you have likely noticed his work.  In fact, I have a copy of his work resting on my bookshelves and you may also.  You see, he illustrated the book cover and chapter images for the nationwide bestseller French Women Don't Get Fat penned by the CEO of Clicquot, Inc., Mireille Guiliano.  Now who can say that they did not absolutely adore that cover?  In fact, it was likely the reason I own the book (I must confess, I can't say that I have read the book).

And so, I perused R. Nichols' website and it was a delight and a treat.  He has an on-line shop and a new brick and mortar store in Orlando, Florida.  His papergoods are certainly lovely.  His art is all about clean line, modern shapes, and sophisticated color.  I want more now! 

And if all that is not enough, one of the most endearing aspects of his site is a section called "R.Nichols Says ..."  Wow!  This little diatribe is like a mini-blog with the most adorable posts!  First, we learn how R. Nichols' artistic inclinations manifested themselves when he was a boy.  Then he informs us of how he developed his business and about his illustration work for M. Guiliano.  Finally, we are treated to a list of the artist's favorites - his favorite place, song, products,  and at  the end, even some light-hearted humor!  What a treat it was to discover this artist's work!  I am a fan.  Discover him for yourself by visiting R. Nichols.  You will be happier for doing so!

P.S.  You may also find a recent interview with R. Nichols here.

Laura Stoddart - Holiday Gift Ideas

Laura Stoddart was the youngest artist to be awarded  the honor of illustrating Britain's annual Christmas stamp.  Her work has graced several important lifestyle magazines and she has illustrated packaging, notecards, and stationery for Kate Spade and Crabtree & Evelyn. 

I first became aware of Laura's work when I picked up a little stationery set which contained her illustrations (at Homegoods of course!).  The packaging was beautiful and her images of women were nostalgic and fun!  I later learned that she illustrated the cute little drawings found years ago in Kate Spade's stationery and calendars.  

I also found Katherine's work on Portmeirion china.  If you shop around you can find some of the pieces at a reduced rate.  I found my little cup at Homegoods.  It brings a smile to my face!  

More recently, Katherine has published a series of books with her drawings and little whippets of inspiration and fun.  I picked up The Sweet Life: Reflections on Home and Garden and All for Love.

PS  Here is an absolutely wonderful idea for an early holiday or hostess gift (and a very reasonable $5.99). This is a little stationary set similar to the one I pictured above but a bit more holiday like!  I am ordering this NOW (for myself!).  Enjoy.  Woman Trimming Topiary with Envelope (Charming Stationery Collection).

 

It's Calendar Time!

I am in utter disbelief that the year has passed so quickly.  Fairly soon, we will be ordering our 2009 calendars.  I would like to give you all a little heads up regarding quite possibly one of the best calendars ever!  Last year, I ordered my 2008 calendar from Anne-Julie Aubry's Etsy shop here .  Before ordering the calendar, I ordered from the shop multiple times for myself and for others.  Each time I received a parcel, I was thrilled!  Anne-Julie is a French artist who may have one of the most successful ETSY shops ever and I love to read her blog!  Her work and blog may be found here.

Anne-Julie's  images are some of my favorite.  I am not sure why they intrigue me but I find that they speak to me or perhaps in some special way, represent an inner desire ...  or maybe I simply wish that I had the ability to create these images myself.  In any event, I hope Anne-Julie offers a 2009 calendar.  I will be one of the first in queue to purchase one!  Here are a few illustrations from her shop .  Many of them were included in her 2008 calendar:

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy!