ahem

Walking around Venice this summer, we came across this poster. "Arrgh, why could we not have been in Paris for this?", we said, "Quick, take a photo anyway to show the folks back home". Such a line-up would have been a beauty to behold, right enough.

Turns out it was all a ruse. An elaborate fake by French-Portuguese graffiti artist, André. He posted this and others in several major cities around the world, some more obvious than others. Had we seen the one boasting Serge Gainsbourg, Boris Vian, Jacques Brel and Nina Simone, 'For One Night Only', we may not have been quite as foolish. I blame it on the sunshine.

Collectif France Tricot

All images via c-f-t.net

Calling all knitting fans. Check out this lot of creative knitting japesters. Collectif France Tricot are an amusing and talented bunch. I have tried and failed to be any good at knitting, but I do have a couple of friends who are total geniuses (genii) at the click, click, clickety, click. Ladies, you know who you are and this should appeal to you, but also to all those who admire craft, street art and stuff they just cannot do themselves... As well as a wonderful portfolio of their work, CFT also have an online shop, as well as some great links to a variety of things, including folk they like and work with. Get ready to be inspired in a big way and to seriously consider having a go yourself.

Bensimon



Image via Bensimon.com

When I used to think of Bensimon, I thought pumps. Those great little plimsolls that are either elasticated or lace-up and come in a variety of colours. I was delighted to read that they are still very much a French, family company, but even more so to see how they have developed. Their move into art and design could easily have been viewed as tryhard, but it is actually really good and I would definitely buy some of it for our home. The gallery S. Bensimon, situated in the Marais, in Paris, opened its doors in 2009 and has since been exhibiting and selling limited edition work by a range of artists and designers. A few special edition pieces, like the ones below, are available online. Lovely, lovely stuff.

Images via Bensimon.com