MY ALAÏA LAMP
It's not everyday you come across a lamp at Ikea that channels the aura of a certain Tunisian-born couturier....
But the Torna does just that, I swear it's the reincarnation of the perforated Alaïa clutch. Sadly, it's probably best that I don't tuck it under my arm during fashion week (can you see me standing awkwardly in the courtyard juggling this lamp and proclaiming: 'Oh dahling, it's the latest from Alaïa' No? Me either). It did cost 79 CHF instead of 790 though and I thought the resemblance was just too good to pass up. I set my heart on putting together this lamp on my own - no help from my hubby. In the process I learnt that any o'l rat can put something together from Ikea. Having an extra pair of hands around to help balance wobbly pieces though is much advised - it would have made the process much easier. I just about lost it towards the end when the panels were refusing to fit in.... an hour later and I had destroyed my minty manicure trying to piece this little monster together but I came out triumphant. The heavens opened, the cherubs danced around my head and just like that the Alaïa lamp was born.
LITTLE SURPRISES AROUND EVERY CORNER...
It all began just before Christmas... I was on the hunt for a cute little somethin-somethin to take with me to the US for my nieces and nephew. You see, I've learned I must come prepared with little gifts to give them at the airport because how sad would it be to have to say 'no' when they eagerly ask, 'did you bring me something?!' And, while chocolate always work well - toys work better.
"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men."
The wise words of Willy Wonka rung in my ears as I explored Einzigart. Upon entering I knew I had hit the mother of all jackpots. You're immediately greeted by a wall lined with tubs, each filled with old-fashioned wind up toys. Enter further and you'll find shelves of little toys - slinkies, robots, and rockets abound. It's like stepping into the toyshop of your childhood dreams. That is, if your kid-self knew what sort of toys were good for them. No plastic crap here but you will find temporary monster tattoos that instantly transform your hand into a puppet. They're cool for adults too.
Don't let me misrepresent the place though because it's full of pretty awesome design-led knick knacks for grown ups too. Hello! Did you spot the Jil Sander lookalike paper lunch bag? Third photo from the bottom on the right, incase you missed it. Plus, there are tons of fancy light fixtures, candles, chairs and stationary. Oh, they even have erasers shaped like all your favorite animals. What's not to love? The icing on the cake: the prices are totally reasonable. Trust me, in Switzerland that's saying a lot.
p.s. Not sure what it is about Zurich but have been finding interior design shops way more interesting than the fashion ones.
Anthony Burrill...
Walking through London a few weeks ago I spotted this poster through the window of an office: 'Work Hard & Be Nice to People.' It was stuck to the wall above someone's desk at a fashion PR agency. Simple and true, it's a message that's worth being reminded of.
Since that day it's been swirling around in the back of my mind. Anthony Burrill's prints are positive mantras of the most ideal kind. Not gimmicky or at all cliché, they are sweet little pieces of art that are worthy of being cherished. Printed in the UK using traditional woodblock printing techniques, each poster is signed and costs just £40. I'd love to get one for the new flat I'm moving into in January...
Photos via Anthony Burrill