Categories / Books

London Books – classic British fiction revisited

Sillitoe
I’m a big fan of period British fiction, especially crime fiction – so I’m interested to see what’s released by the newly-formed London Books.

The label, formed by John King and Martin Knight, promises to mix the old and the new, with a particular interest in the "marginalised" fiction of the past. The first three releases sound very interesting. Night And The City by Gerald Kersch was published in 1938 and covers life in London’s Soho. The Gilt Kid by James Curtis focuses on the criminal underworld of pre-war London, while A Start In Life by Alan Sillitoe (pictured right) sees Michael Cullen leaving both his pregnant girlfriend and Nottingham behind for a new start in sixties London.

All three are published in the coming months. Certainly a label and website to keep an eye on.

Find out more at the London Books website

Categories / Music

Mod Guitars – hip vintage-styled instruments

Modguitars

We’ve covered a number of retro and vintage instruments over the past few months, but our favourites are definitely Mod Guitars.

Mod Guitars are a part of the Waterstone guitar group, which was formed by Rob Singer, creating instruments that take inspiration from the 50s and 60s and picking up fans across the music spectrum, from classic rockers to today’s hip young things, including Sigur Ros and the excellent Tyde.

Read more

Categories / Women's Fashion

V&A’s exclusive Barbara Hulanicki Shoe Silk Scarf

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To celebrate the relaunch of her autobiography, From A To Biba, Biba founder Barbara Hulanicki has produced an exclusive range of products for the V&A Museum – including this Shoe Silk Scarf.

The shoe design was created by Barbara’s own hand and it’s printed on a 20-inch square silk scarf with hand-rolled edges. Which obviously means it’s dry clean only.

Certain to sell out quickly, it’s available for pre-order now with a June shelf date. The price is £30.

Find out more at the V&A Shop website

Categories / Men's Fashion, Sportswear, Women's Fashion

Fred Perry Sample sale

Fred_sample
Good news if you’re after a Fred Perry bargain – the Fred Perry Sample Sale is taking place in London this week.

You need to head for the Covent Garden Film Studios, 10 Mercer Street, WC2H 9QE this Thursday, 31st May and Friday 1st June. It runs from 8am until 6pm over both days.

It’s hard to say what is there, we’ve just been told menswear, womenswear, youths, accessories and footwear – so we’ll presume it’s a bit of everything. And let us know if you pick up a bargain.

Fred Perry website

Categories / Film and TV, Toys and Games

Sesame Street plush dolls

Sesame_street

We have been a little high brow today, so let’s tone things down a little with something for the child in all of us – Sesame Street plush dolls.

Bert, Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster and Elmo are available, each sized around 12-inch tall and that’s just about all you can say. You’ll want one or you’ll hate them.

Depending on your choice of character, they retail at either £12.95 or £14.95. And sadly, Ernie is out of stock until the end of June.

Find out more at the Firebox website

Categories / Design and Interiors, Travel

Globe-Trotter Original vintage luggage

Globetrotter
Looking for luggage from a bygone era? You don’t have to look far – you can still pick up Globe-Trotter Original luggage, which comes with a free lengthy heritage.

Still made by craftsman in Hertfordshire, the cases are made with an ash wood frame and covered with a super-strength vulcan fibre material – a material only made by Globe-Trotter, with a composition that’s a company secret.

Fans of the luggage have included the Queen, Winston Churchill and Sir Edmund Hilary, who used the cases during his conquest of Everest. So it should stand the strains of your fortnight in Greece.

Prices depend on size, but start at £180.

Find out more at the Globe-Trotter website