Highlights from the Armory Show 2017

1.  Albrecht Schnider, Ohne Titel, 2009

2.  Amy Feldman, Idyll Idol, 2016

3.  C.J. Pyle, SuperFine,  2000

4.  Chigyun Oh, Persimmon, 2014

Get Minted

At Minted you can select art and design created from across the globe. With 60 countries represented in the online store's various categories finding something to suit your tastes is a breeze. The trouble lies in deciding. With so much art to choose from you may end up with more than you planned. The best part: Minted's fine art prints are tasteful and affordable. More importantly, they would make any room look better. With each work chosen based on a voting system, anyone can submit their designs and become a member. It is precisely that type of accessibility that Minted's founder Mariam Naficy had in mind when she first started the company in 2007. Ever since, the company has grown, received venture capital and expanded some more. Here are some of my favourites below:

1.  Above the Sea

I can't wait for a more colourful wardrobe

It's that time of the year when everyone is dying for a vacation. And I don't blame them. Anyone who has ever lived through a Canadian winter knows full well the intensity of the cold here. Personally, I don't know how else to describe it except to say it is almost physically painful. That's why the past few days have been something short of a miracle, with temperature highs of 10 degrees. That alone has made me wonder about a brighter wardrobe. So, here are some summer clothes worth lusting after. Even if you can't go on vacation, it is reassuring to know Spring and Summer are only a few months away. 

1.  Le Desir

Art Prints from Australia

I've always been impressed with the talent coming from down under. Whether it's art, fashion or design there always seems to be an endless supply of it. So today, I wanted to feature some art prints from Blacklist, a design studio from Sydney. Started by a husband and wife team, Nathan and Jaynie Johnson, the company now produces everything from prints to greeting cards to journals. Most items feature Nathan's distinct handwriting. His flair for design, honed by years of working in art direction, is evident everywhere. I especially like the colour palette used, the mix of white, gold and black, with a touch of colour here and there makes everything go well together. To check out more, click here.

1.  Escape Art Print

Weekend Links

Yui Kugimiya - Robot Open Sesame, 2016

And the Fashion Continues

I'm not into funky fashion. It's just not me. Trends make me feel like a conformist or worse, like a sucker for marketing. I prefer my clothes to stay a while. Because whether you like it or not clothes are an investment. They may not pay you a dividend but if you've ever bought something that loses its appeal after one season then you know the annoyance that follows suit. I like that these items are stylish but not outrageous:

1. Yves Saint Laurent - Yoox

A Quick Escape to Summer Fashion

Winter is as good as time as any to blog about summer fashion. Who doesn't need an escape after all? Whether you're planning a vacation or just looking forward to the end of snow these pieces might give you a short respite from the cold. I say dare to daydream. 

1. Dolce and Gabbana - My Theresa

If only everyone had a studio like this...

I love the open space in this studio. I think if everyone had this much room to work with they would all want to become artists. Here, the artist at work is Maryan Keyhani who used to be known for her jewellery designs. Now, she splits her time between Toronto and Berlin working on her art. Personally, I can't wait to see more of her work.

A sample of one of her paintings:

Maybe talent is genetic. This is a painting by her father.

A Visit to Cape Town

Valentine's Day takes on a different meaning when you have a parent in the hospital. Things are no longer about you. Even if you are single, compassion seems to take over self-pity pretty quickly. But hospital visits aside, life does go on. Even though I like seeing heart-shaped things everywhere I'll be happier when they're on sale tomorrow. But that aside, I wanted to visit the art of Africa via the Cape Town Art Fair. To say the art is as varied as the continent is over-simplifying things to say the least. If emerging talent is what you are after then you'll find plenty here. It's a market full of surprises and with its contemporary art movement becoming more visible every year it's bound to attract more attention. Plus, you just never know where the next art star will come from. 

1.  Yinka Shonibare MBE, Twins V, 2015

These Shoes Have ❤ Heart ❤

It may be a little late to order these for Valentine's Day but do you really need an excuse? These hand-crafted mules and slippers hail from A. Andreassen where their design is "inspired by the woven baskets that children in Scandinavia make and fill with sweets". Using natural materials of either felt or leather they are manufactured by family-run operations in Portugal, so no sweat shops. Not only are they adorable but they look comfortable too. I wish I could have them in every colour. They make them for kids too.


1.  Elskling Leather Mule "Very Red" £140.00