For this weeks This & Tat, we are lucky enough to have interior designer & founder of We Are Nomads, Jane Badu. I have long admired her curation of We Are Nomads. I always excite in checking her website, to see what she has sourced and her newest creations. I knew she would be the perfect person to impart some inspiration in the form of a This & Tat round up.
I'm forever trying to find a perfume that sits somewhere between floral and woody, and this is perfection. I spotted them in the Conran Shop and have been obsessed ever since. This small perfume brand, created by Austin Moro and Eliza Dabron, make scents inspired by romantic interiors and gardens. The bottles are perfectly formed, and they also make candles in ceramic vessels that can be kept forever. Everything that they have created is just beautiful.
A day trip to Margate last year was just what I needed to get some fresh air and seafood. Dory's is a small restaurant on the seafront and serves small plates of the freshest seafood and vegetable dishes. The food is delicious and beautifully presented with no fuss. I love the busy bar where the food is served; from there, you can sit and watch the dishes being put together. As well as the terrific food, they are also committed to creating a sustainable and low-impact restaurant.
This salvage shop is my idea of heaven. Their website is a treasure trove of found furniture and objects. But it's the shop that is so exciting. Based in Kensal Green, it's pretty unassuming from the shop's facade, but once in, you're completely enveloped by the incredible range of reclaimed pieces.
An Instagram page that filled me with joy. Mestiz is a Mexican design studio based in San Miguel de Allende. They create the most joyful objects and textiles inspired by the nature and culture of Mexico. Rooted in artisan techniques, the objects they create are surprising and curious, taking shape almost organically but considered. Their work is life-affirming in an Instagram world full of tasteful beige and takes me away to a world full of colour and fun.
Ultramarine Blue Blue
This colour, along with Yves Klein Blue and Majorelle Blue had a big impact on me when I visited the Pompidou in Paris for the first time and saw Yves Klein's work in person. The depth of colour is something that still surprises me. I admire his willingness to absolutely follow his desire to explore colour. His work was not received well by the public when it was first displayed, and I'm sure it is still quite shocking to some people. In Morocco, you can spot this blue tint applied to Berber architecture. The colour is sold in its pigment form. I have a pot from 3 years ago that I bought Marrakech that I'm still saving.
Mud-cloth Fabric
Originating in Mali, this heavyweight cotton is recognisable from the stamped tribal patterns in the primarily black and white dyed fabric. It is soft to the touch and very durable; it has such a depth of texture and makes great upholstery. During a sourcing trip in Marrakech, I spotted some and asked them to be sewn into cushion covers. I would love to see this fabric used more widely for interior projects in this country.
I always make a beeline for the Cloth Shop if I'm anywhere near Portobello Road. Even if I'm not looking for fabric for my shop, I will be browsing here and seeing what catches my eye. One thing I love about this shop is the backroom, full of roll cut-offs and bits and pieces. As a confessed hoarder of things, I have been known to rifle through here for quite a while. It's fantastic for backdrops to photographs and finding pieces that can be used as tablecloths.
This centre houses residences and studios for artists who would like to live and work in the region. Toshiko Mori Architects built the centre, ensuring it would fit into the surrounding landscape. Many features have been created to enrich the local environment and help the residents. Such as undulating roof is crafted from cane and collects water for the local community. It's a simple structure that speaks to the artisan crafts of Senegalese weaving. The project was funded by The Josef & Anni Albers Foundation.
This small gallery in Paris is somewhat dwarfed by the Pompidou next door, but it should not be missed. It is an exact recreation of Brâncuși's studio at his time of death. I find his use of materials has inspired me not only for sourcing products for We Are Nomads but for my day job as an interior/retail window designer. I worked on a campaign for Chloe a few years ago, which was wholly inspired by Brâncuși. I never tire of visiting here and never miss a trip if in Paris.
I have to mention André Leon Talley as he passed away recently. A directional figure for black designers worldwide, it's still quite rare to see a black face in high-end fashion. He was always fabulously turned out and had a great turn of phrase, he wrote beautifully.
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