Categories / Art and Photography

From Fear to Sanity – CND and the art of protest from 1958-1963

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Running until 30th August as part of CND’s 50th anniversary, the Chamber of Pop Culture presents “From Fear to Sanity” at London’s Horse Hospital.

The exhibition looks at the importance of visual imagery and the distinctive graphic style used by the CND in its early years between 1958 and 1963. It includes rare and original photographs, leaflets, artwork, posters and films. The exhibition captures the mood of the fear of the nuclear bomb, but also commemorates the determination of the first protesters.

Further details and opening times can be found on the Horse Hospital website.

Categories / Retro Women's Fashion

Hush Puppies Marigold court shoes

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As high heels become increasingly towering, the classics of shoe design are still in the shops if you look hard enough. Hush Puppies have been a staple of classic shoes for decades, and they haven’t stopped producing the goods, as evidenced by these Marigold courts.

With a sizeable dollop of forties styling, these courts are perfect for day or nightwear in three colours of leather.

They’re a bit of a bargain at £50 new in shops and online.

Find out more from the website

Categories / Retro Women's Fashion

Kate and Kass vintage influenced fashion

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Launched just two years ago, Kate & Kass is already a label with impressive output and popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Drawing inspiration from 1960s films and female icons of the time, designer Anya Teresse marries modern techniques with retro styling perfectly.

Shown here is one of my favourite sixties inspired pieces, the Bam Bam dress. With a wonderfully simple minidress shape, the tailoring and cut are perfectly imitated.

For info about their many online stockists and new designs for the coming Autumn, check out the Kate & Kass website.

Categories / Film and TV

Darth Vader nesting dolls

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One for the Star Wars die-hard, as the Darth Vader nesting dolls don’t do much apart from look pretty on a shelf.

Ok, there’s more to it than that – the dolls tell Anakin Skywalker’s story from boy to man to cyborg, by way of the Russian doll-style of fitting into each other. Or you can pull them out for three ornaments for the price of one.

Whatever you decide, you can pick a set up for $22 (around £11).

Find out more at the Fred Flare website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Alvar Aalto 1930s 544 sofa

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If you liked the look of the recently-featured Armchair 400, but want something a little bigger, then maybe the Sofa 544 is for you.

Very much cut from the same cloth as the 400, the 544 was also produced back in 1934 and features those distinctive Alvar Aalto curves for the frame (made from natural birch), with a range of upholstery available (including the ‘zebra’) to choose from for seat and back, all filled with a comfortable/hard-wearing foam.

Not cheap, with prices starting at £4,000.

Find out more at the Skandium website