Colour Therapy Nordic Style

'Shelf-iesh, moi?'

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope you're all well.

With our seven days and seven nights of rain recently, I wouldn't be surprised if you're all fed up by now. Just like me.
In between though, I've kept my spirits up by re-arranging my shelf displays.

This made me understand a little bit more as to why Nordic people on Instagram love to take photos of their shelves full to the brim of gorgeous, colourful enamel, ceramic, plastic homewares. Besides their collectability value, they lift moods up thereby sustaining motivation for daily work or chores.
Happy to say it worked for me.

We've also been busy sourcing awesome items for you so it would be great to see you again at Dulwich College for the Dulwich Modern Show on Nov 22. Be there or be square! 

Available at our stall, Lower Hall, Dulwich

Save the date for Nov 22. 10am - 4pm. There are over 60 midcentury and modern traders of furniture, lighting, homewares and textiles within 2 buildings so you'll need comfy shoes!
Early bird discount tickets are available via http://modernshows.com/the-shows/dulwich-nov-2015/

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Alex Drake Vintage will be at Lower Hall, Space 12, Dulwich College.


love,

Colour Your Kitchen Enamel

Scan me for more info.

Thanks again to those who stopped by our stall. It was great to talk about Scandinavian inspiration.


Hope your kitchen is glowing right now.

A special tonic. These will lift your spirits up.

Have a lovely Wednesday everyone! :)

Our shop is open 24/7 so check it out :  alexdrakevintage.com.
And of course, we'll return to Haggerston School for the October 11th Midcentury East Show. Tickets are available at http://modernshows.com/the-shows/haggerston-oct-2015/.


love,

SS15 - More Eyescandi Please

This time, Finel and Krenit bowls stole the show.

Sunday, May 17th saw us trading at the recent Midcentury East Show hosted by Modern Shows at Erno Goldfinger's School.

I've never met enamelheads/enamel converts before who literally couldn't face leaving our stall for fear of going home with a negative bank balance. (Well, thank you folks!) for purchasing our items first. This is not to brag about how well we've done selling our stuff. It's more to state my personal satisfaction in seeing buyers buy their items because they love what they see. I'm happy to be told that they've searched high and low in the UK for quality pieces and found them in my stall.

For those who missed us, we'll be back at Haggerston in October and Dulwich in November.
So plenty of time to plan and save up. (Our website will be updated too so you can directly purchase our enamelware from there. Don't forget, we ship worldwide).

One last thing. The danger of trading in a high-calibre Midcentury Modern Show is that you never really get to keep your sales. I blame this wonderful piece below.

Sir Terence Conran's shelves now finally in our home.

Have a lovely week, my friends.

love,

Life Happens

Hello fab friends!

After three years of blog-bernation, I'm back to stay and play.

Blogs these days do come and go and as a bonafide human being I can finally admit that it's absolutely difficult to find work-life balance demanded by modern living. Two countries and three 

job changes later made me let go of blogging eventually. 

As the direction of my interests changed, I'm back to share what I've been up to. And as for a final motivation to continue with blogging, it's because I recently found out that my blog about Kitsch in 2011 has somewhat been lifted by The Guardian in 2013.

Was my content copied because my blog was inactive? We'll never know. I could ask the article writer but friends have said I should take it as a compliment. 

So what have I been up to? I'm still nursing, now in ICU; still climbing and now preparing for ultra run races; still trading in vintage furniture, homewares and occasionally, clothing;

recently amassed a horde of Cathrineholm of Norway's 

Lotus Ware and a few other superb Scandinavian enamel wares. 

And yes, they're all vintage.

I'm also on Instagram so would be so great to catch up with all of you!

I hope you're all well.

Have a happy day, wherever you may be.

Love,
Joy :D

Eye Scandi

Art + Design = Scandi sweetness

Happy Saturday, everyone!

For quite sometime I used to buy and sell mid-20th century furniture. About four years ago, I realised vintage design has finally gone viral. I knew then it was truly thriving and will do so for a long time. I hope.

Amongst my collection, Scandinavian pieces are always popular, just after Americana. I believe it's because they are organic, useful, and radiates unparalleled elegance and simplicity.

Kathryn Tyler's kitchen

❤ Furniture

Last week, I sent an email to Kathryn Tyler, a young interior designer whose Falmouth home was featured a year ago on Channel 4's Grand Designs. Originally, I was going to ask her a few questions as part of my blog Q & A. She replied to my email immediately but politely declined because she's been constantly subjected to similar things,  presumably as an aftermath of her TV appearance. Nonetheless, she was happy for me to have her home photos shown here.

Kathryn's Corkellis House

Kathryn's house — which she designed herself and project-managed — exudes magnificent sense of space, fluidity, and freshness. Thanks to her understated aesthetic ideals and her choice of Scandinavian furniture.

Sweden's Acne Resort Collection 2012 via blogg.flingly.com

❤ Clothing

When it comes to fashion, Scandinavian designs are now getting more noticed. With their history of producing high-quality textiles, it's no surprise that the next logical step is to create clothing designs that are well-researched, well-constructed as influenced by their love of architecture, and are  affordable.

Finnish brand Marimekko SS11 via 2pintaa.com

Marimekko has been one of the leading textile companies since the 1950s in Europe and now that vintage is back, they're stronger than ever. Spots, stripes, and big flowery pot prints are their trademark and they've never stopped re-inventing them. 

Image from Vogue.it, Black Noir, Henrik Vibskov, Moonspoon Saloon, Peter Jensen, Vilsbøl de Arce, Wood Wood

From furniture to clothes, Scandinavian design is true to its roots － minimalistic yet sophisticated, luxurious yet functional, and ethical (as in not a 'rip-off' like most fashion brands we see globally).

I personally would wear any Scandinavian clothing, anytime.

How about you, any thoughts on Scandinavian designs? Are you a proud owner of their clothing lines or using their furniture in your lovely home? I'd love to hear from you.

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Credit:

Jobingco.com for Kathryn Tyler's house 

Linea-Studio.co.uk Kathryn's design studio

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The Misunderstood World of Kitsch

Image Alex Drake Vintage

Last week I was fortunate enough to be a part of the IFB Links à La Mode Weekly Round-up, where one of the bloggers, the lovely Kimmie of KPfusion,  pondered about whether or not fashion is subjective. My personal answer was: "everything in life is subjective".

Today I've been attempting to rationalise the anarchy of my desk. Unsuccessfully. But during the attempt I came across some old photos of my previous furniture shop in the UK. At first glance the photos scream "Kitsch!". I gave them a second look, however, and an inner voice protested: "It's not kitsch, it's colourful and cool!".

Image Alex Drake Vintage, Shop stock 2006

As a vintage goods trader, I've never really put my foot down and 'educated' clients who would make a point of saying "Hey your things are Kitsch". It's not my style – I don't usually like to impose. And the absolute pared-down truth is, if I make a sale, especially to the person insisting on it, then I'd be a fool to challenge them. I'm in business. I'm not a crowd of demonstrators trying to put the world to rights.

❤ What exactly is Kitsch?
I'm guessing you've heard and read the word 'kitsch' at some point. In my case, I often hear it. Worse, people have pointed at my stuff and openly verbalised the word, with a palpable mockery in their tone. Often, I have the last laugh when they buy the item in question.
On Wikipedia, kitsch is dissected and analysed by artists, academics and theorists. For all its worth my understanding is that it's just a word made up by the upper classes in late 1800s, to taunt the 'newly moneyed bourgeois' and label the latter's taste as 'crass, cheap, worthless' imitation of high art. It was deemed as a 'threat to culture' and was 'evil'. It was also a willful forgetting that the old money of 1800s Western Europe was the new money of 100 years before.

Ducks via carters.com.au; clock & Tretchikoff Alex Drake Vintage; tv boat lamp CDianneZweig

❤ Avante-Garde vs. Kitsch
American essayist and art critic Clement Greenberg is known for his 1939 essay 'Avante-Garde and Kitsch'. Wikipedia states that he believed "Avante-Garde was the product of Enlightenment's revolution of critical thinking...while Kitsch on the other hand was the product of industrialization and urbanization of the working class...a populace hungry for culture, but without the education to enjoy cutting edge avant-garde culture".

Exactly a week ago, the American artist Cy Twombly - cited by the BBC as the 'original graffiti artist' - died in Rome, his home since the late 50's. I couldn't help but notice the echoes of the great divide between High Art and Kitsch and Cy Twombly vs. Banksy (I like all four by the way). For your reading pleasure, check out the controversial article from the Guardian cited at the end of this post.

Image via Cy Twombly Info

❤ Revenge of the Kitsch
In the 1950s, Kitsch wasn't just in paintings anymore. It established itself, more than ever, by occupying homes in the form of ceramic flying ducks, Vladimir Tretchikoff's green lady prints, starburst clocks, etc. Although Tretchikoff's work has always been blackballed by art critics - something that caused him huge distress - a month ago he had his first major retrospective (four years after his death in Capetown, South Africa). In 2008, one of his paintings sold for a record $559,000. And yes, his artworks are now on coasters, fabrics and wallpaper, gracing self-consciously chic homes all over the world.

Image via Retro-Luxe Blog

❤ What it means to me
If I were to ask you right now "What is art?", we could well start a discussion that rages for decades. As with everything else, it all comes down to personal preferences. For me, Kitsch is art - a product of creative energy and intention, whatever one thinks of the end-product. I can't draw or paint but I react to visually stimulating images. Art is art. No amount of scholastic interpretation can or will persuade me to like something which I don't understand, which doesn't trigger my pupils to dilate in awe. I believe artists and designers today are very fortunate, as we live in a highly tolerant, bohemian world. Where art and style are concerned nowadays, it's anything goes. I believe that therein lies the secret to contentment, satisfaction, and maybe even self-actualization. Life is relatively short – if Kitsch is your thing, enjoy it. I do.

Image via fashioneditorials.com

Happy Tuesday everyone!

How about you? Does the word Kitsch offend you? Do you believe that Kitsch has killed high art? Do you own a Kitsch item?
Looking forward to hearing from you.

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Sources:
Wikipedia
www.csmt.uchicago.edu
www.guardian.co.uk - Cy Twombly is the thinking person's Banksy
www.bbc.co.uk

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The Trouble with 1950s Dresses

It's been nine days since the Chiswick Vintage Wedding Fair, and I still am answering your queries and requests my dear friends. Keep them coming. I'm not complaining.

Image Alex Drake Vintage

First off, thanks to all who came to my stall for a chat, tried my tiny lace American 1950s dresses on, and told me about your upcoming weddings. As you all know by now, I'm a hopeless romantic and it's great to share common interest with you ladies, - vintage and happy fairy-tale endings are the stuff of life, methinks.

Here are the most prominent questions you asked me:

❤ Why 1950s dresses wont fit me
The average measurements of women in the 1950s USA  were: 36 bust , 24 waist , 35 hips. Unfortunately, most of my dresses at the fair were made in the USA.

Image from Listal.com, Marilyn's waist fluctuated from 22-24 inches

❤ Why were women so small in the 1950s
Girdles and corselettes were worn to achieve the most glamorous look of all - the hourglass figure. Women's busts and hips were accentuated and waists were pushed in.

In the 1950s, the sudden need to enjoy affluence – following years of austerity during and after World War 2 – manifested in several ways, including an improvement in ladies' wardrobes. This was mainly because of the possibilities opened up by new textiles and manufacturing techniques. Women began to indulge in the ultimate "me-time" – pleasurable hours spent applying make-up and doing their hair, then dressing up in layers - foundation garments (such as girdles, corselettes, suspender belts), petticoats, a main dress and perhaps a coat, then shoes.

Image from Jumpingfrog.com

❤ I desperately want a 1950s dress. Where can I get one?
If your patience has ran out after trawling the Internet, flea markets, thrift shops to no avail:
1. Get patterns and find a good seamstress. You'll be guaranteed a perfect fit. For a touch of authenticity, try and find an original 1950s fabric.
2. Use your styling skills and mix and match a top with a 1950s skirt, etc, etc. Nowadays, anything is possible.

Image from Sensibility.com

I hope this helps.

Finally, thanks to Tinkerbelles for the lovely mention of my stall.

I leave you with this wonderful stop motion animation from the creators of Tinkerbelles who also run Manasi Kashyap Photography.

Ciao! Ciao!

Music by A Fine Frenzy (I love Alison!!)

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The Vow Factor

With six more days to go before the highly anticipated Vintage Wedding Fair in Chiswick, London,  I am feeling the pressure. Trying to organise your stall in London when you're currently in Southern Europe is just a little bit over-ambitious. But, I have a few days to run around and chase my tail.

                                   

Image from Quelelcardpos

I'll be taking mostly short lace dresses from the 1950s, and Maxis from the 1960s and 1970s. The best part is knowing that  2011 is the return of lace. So for the brides-to-be who are after some examples of  this style, look no further. Please come and see us at our stall. There will be over 30 exhibitors, including an on-site alterations stall run by Unique Dress , hair and make-up, vintage live music and vintage cars.

Image from Morninglace Blogspot

The two unforgettable brides of early 2011

1. Duchess of Cambridge
I particlularly like the stunning wedding gown that the Duchess chose to wear. I know you've seen this a million times but I keep on coming back to this one. I love the way she looked back, and whilst doing so showed the back part of her dress. The Royal wedding was a momentous, happy occasion, not just for Great Britain, but for all the romantics of the world!

Image from My Celebrities Blogspot

2. Lily Allen
One of our  friends recently came back from his god-daughter's wedding. Lily looked absolutely gorgeous in lace! Congratulations to  Lily and Sam! (And baby bump).

Image from Elnosticioso via Telegraph

So my lovely friends and fellow vintage enthusiasts, save the date!
See you on Sunday!
Don't forget:
1.  Wear your vintage outfit
2.  Bring your business cards if you have them.  Say hello and get 15% off any item worth £50 and over.
3. Get ready for some vintage snapshots


Chiswick Vintage Wedding Fair (Organised by Discover Vintage)
Chiswick Town Hall
Heathfield Terrace
London W4 4JN

June 19th  11am - 4pm
Entry £5

Click here for the map

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10 things I love about the 1960s

 

Image by FC Gundlach

1. Mini  

Not the car - though I'm quite fond of it - I'm in fact talking about the Mini dress. 

Young people in the '60s suddenly found themselves wanting to wear non-conforming clothes. 

Different and radical was the theme of fashion. 

Mary Quant may have popularised the Mini dress, 

but the real 'inventor' was John Bates, best known for 'the smallest dress in the world', 

bikini dress, pvc clothing, and embroidered empire line evening dresses.

Image of Nancy Kwan via americanparlor.blogspot.com

 2. Vidal Sassoon haircut  

The iconic Vidal Sassoon produced geometric yet organic haircuts. 

Best known for the revival of the bob haircut, Vidal Sassoon helped 

'shape' the definitive women's hairstyle of the '60s.

Image via artnhustle.com

 3. Jackie Kennedy 

The First Lady who set new standards regarding dress, 

elegance, good manners and strength in the face of adversity. 

Image Alex Drake Vintage

4. Op Art 

The mesmerizing, mathematically-based, three-dimensional visual treat 

that Optical Art offered in paintings, tv adverts, textiles and clothing, 

and even on album covers, had so much novelty that it was popular for several years.

Image from Vintage Handbags by Marnie Fogg

5. Bags, bags, and bags 

The pastel coloured, patent bags of this period 

are just so yummy you could almost taste them. 

Image via sohopeople.co.uk

6. Boutiques of London 

From Carnaby Street to King's Road, these places housed 

new and enterprising small shops, eager to bring fresh fashion and style 

to an urban youth wanting and needing instant gratification and radical change.

Image Alex Drake Vintage

7. The original Biba 

With Barbara Hulanicki's vision, wonderful taste for an eclectic shop interiors, 

plus attention to clothing details, Biba, which started in Kensington, 

became a huge London brand, famous across the globe. 

People loved Biba's simple ethos of providing affordable, beautiful clothing, 

in a socially conducive environment - it had a rooftop for parties, and

some people even ended up getting married after courtships held 

in that magnificent place.

It also was the first brand to offer free 'make-up trial before purchase'.

Image via intretrostore.com

8. Space Age 

With the Space race on between the U.S.S.R. and the USA 

(who would put the first man on the moon?), the world of fashion, art, film, furniture, 

and home electronics turned to science fact and fiction for influence and inspiration. 

The above photo is a Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio, produced in 1966. 

Dubbed as 'a room within a room', it was meant to provide 

privacy within a delightful cosy space. From its debut in 1966, 

its architectural and functional qualities make it a furniture classic.

Image from Decorative Art '60s, by C&P Fiell, Taschen

9. Habitat 

With designer Terence Conran at its helm, Habitat in the ’60s 

displayed goods in a minimalist way 

as inspired by Scandinavian shops. 

Its stock was affordable, tasteful and truly useful. 

Image from Sixties Design by P. Garner, Taschen
Photo by Peter Max 

10. Cosmic ’60s Art 

This print by Peter Max was popular in American dorm rooms. 

Thanks to his four-colour reproduction printing technique, 

he created countless colourful prints cheering people up. 

Looking at his work, I've always considered him as 

a grandfather of contemporary graphic design. 

'Love' is a powerful word, and one that I love. 

I'm saying it again...Spread the love.  

References:
fashionmodeldirectory.com
oparthistory.com
bibacollection.co.uk
Decorative Art '60s by C&P Fiell
Sixties Design by Philippe Garner
Vintage Handbags by Marnie Fogg

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10 Things I Like About the 1950s

  

Alex Drake Vintage Collection

1. 1950s Full-skirt Dresses

Bejewelled Blue Dress is by Lilli Diamond of California

Image Vintage Shoes, by Caroline Cox

   2. Group of 'New Look' styled low-heeled pumps.

These shoes are wonderful all-rounders.  

 

Alex Drake Vintage Collection

3. 1950s American Swimsuit

Get splashin' in style!

Image Styleme.com

4. Cat eyewear.

When I was in high school, my friends

would tease me and say, 'hey you look like a 40-year old'.

Now they're the trend for 2011. How fabulous!

Hand-stripped by Alex Drake Vintage for 7 days!

5. Ercol sofa

Its classic, streamlined look will always be its strength.

6. Colourful fabrics

Bright is beautiful.

Image Wikipedia

7. Eames Lounge Chair

No home should be without one.

Alex Drake Vintage Collection

8. Tiki Bars

Get one now for the summer.

 And don't forget to stock-up on martini glasses.

Alex Drake Vintage Collection

9. Piquot Ware Tea & Coffee Set

I love its industrial look.

Image hooplanow.com

10. Rock and Roll

It was influential in shaping other music forms, 

dance styles, and even fashion. 

The heroes of rock and roll created trends through the images

of them that appeared in print and the then-nascent medium of television.

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