Thursday 29 November 2012

Dick's


All images via Uli Schade











Towards the end of last week, I was invited to the opening of a new store in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh. The people behind Dick's clothing, accessories and homewares, are two of the most decent and interesting new acquantainces I have made in a long while. Andrew is originally from the area and has set up shop with his photographer wife, Uli. Fresh faced and fresh up from London, they have travelled up the road full of hope and new ideas. Here is a refreshing take on style in the Scottish capital, looking like nothing else on offer up here right now. The place is a labour of love. Everything from the clean and simple design aesthetic of the interior, to the carefully selected products, are works of art. We got on immediately, sharing an appreciation of well-crafted, quality products. What caught my eye in particular, was the number of made in France beauties represented alongside wares from across the world. These include such classics as Duralex glasses and Breton shirts (theirs are by Orcival, suppliers to the French navy), that have been previously championed through pas mal. There are also lovely notebooks made in Paris by La Compagnie du Kraft, 'The most unproductive makers of notebooks in the western world!' (so say the manufacturers about themselves); Opinel knives, since 1890 manufactured in Saint Jean de Maurienne in the Savoie region; and great Vetra, workman jackets. I hear there is snow forecast in Edinburgh tomorrow, so thank goodness they also stock a fine selection of unisex woollen goods (not French, but warm and quite brilliant). Let us get behind these guys and give them our full support. Until their website goes live, go like them here. Come on Dick's and do Edinburgh proud; this city needs you.

Sunday 18 November 2012

3 ans





  
 
 




Today we had a bit of an old school-style birthday celebration, for a modern day little girl. A handmade doll's house by mamy Odette (my mum), complete with bone-fide 1970s Playmobil that had been stored in the attic for years and have come out in perfect nick; a cake modelled on a St Michael 1980s classic; and pass the parcel played to a soundtrack of La Danse des Canards (The Birdie Song). Joyeux Anniversaire to our beautiful daughter, Ellie Rose.

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Changement de décor


Image via ifeecosse.org.uk
I was sent an invite recently to the launch of a new photography exhibition, Changement de décor, in Edinburgh. A Scots photographer taking shots during the 2012 festivals at the Institut français d’Ecosse, you say? I decided to check him out before heading along. Albie Clark is a most talented young man, with it appears not only a sense of humour, but a penchant for lines. We did not get the chance to chitchat, but glad I at least managed a nod of congratulations in his direction, because frankly, he deserves it. I was delighted to see a great turnout on the night, not only for Albie, but for the venue, too. The Scottish Government's Cab Sec for Culture, Fiona Hyslop, did a nice little speech on the merit of Franco-Scottish relations and the foreword to the rather lovely catalogue (available from the Institute and priced at £10), that accompanies the show. The photo above in no way does the exhibition justice, so you will just have to take my word for it and head along to see his work yourself. My two favourites are not shown on this post either - ones showing a great study of lines and positioning of objects. Because those who know me well, know also how much of an obsession I have with all things alignment... All of the above perfect pas mal fodder. The show runs from 15 November 2012 - 19 January 2013 and is free to get in.
Creative Commons Licence
Pas Mal by Sylvie Docherty is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.pasmalplus.blogspot.com.