AUTHOR The Milk Maid

This bag isn't about timeless elegance, nor is about eternal style, though I do believe it possesses both. Primarily it's about playful extravagance and a little bit of bling. Utterly impractical with it's metallic python panels and dove grey body yet entirely utilitarian with it's saddle flap, multi wear straps and generous proportions.

This contrast of function and flair is a signature of Irish born, Florence based Pauric Sweeney. Arriving at handbag design via studies in Architecture in America and jewellery design in London, both these past times are clear influences in Sweeney's work - unique shapes that contrast structure and slouch, python textures, significant hard wear and metallic leathers.

Like a Magpie I first spotted this beloved bag here, obsessed about it for a month and then relinquished the power of its calling to my credit card.





Pictured with a few of my handbag essentials; Ray Ban sunnies, J Crew card holder, Creme De La Mer lip balm for moisture, Chanel Rouge Coco Shine for colour, house keys, spare pennies, a lottery ticket that reminds me to keep dreaming and a Smythson notebook to write down wit and wisdom.



Pauric Sweeney is currently sold on Avenue 32

www.avenue32.com
www.pauricsweeney.com

AUTHOR The Milk Maid

Do good US company, Good Works, has just launched their ethos - to bring charity and good will to fashion - in the UK. Through the sale of their bracelets they assist various charities, selected for their ability inspire, empower and give hope to those they support.



What I love about these is that they're more dynamic than the usual rubber charity bracelet. The brightly coloured or metallic leather strands are embossed with virtuous messages and can be wrapped, stacked and wound up the arm, with 25% of the profits made from sales directly benefiting the chosen charities.

Good work!

www.goodworks.eu

1st - 22nd May 2012 - Somerset House

Selected from more than 112,000 entries from 171 countries, and a shortlist of more than 120 photographers, Mitch Dobrowner's dramatic thundery skies recently earnt him the top prize in the Fine Art/Landscape category at the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards.

Hailing from America, Dobrowner told me that he’s been fascinated by storms since childhood. “I have fond memories of being caught in thunderstorms and feeling the winds and rain in my face.” He began photographing storms primarily in the southwestern United States, seeking out the nastiest and most unstable weather possible. It wasn’t until the summer of 2009 that he shifted his focus from the southwest and began to research the most severe weather he could find. “This brought me to Tornado Alley and the Great Plains (USA). After experiencing a 60,000 foot mesocyclone in Valentine, Nebraska (July 13, 2009) on my second day of shooting, I decided that my experiment was a project. I had never seen anything like that in my life; the experience was like standing in front on a 60,000' high, electrified, vacuum cleaner. “

And the results are a true spectacle. A remarkable combination of drama and movement captured in a moment, that makes the intimidating storms look almost serene hanging over the endless and arid landscapes. This almost eerie sense of calm makes it easy to forget the high risk conditions Dobrowner has placed himself in to get these perfect shots. Despite the danger he doesn’t allow himself to be precious with his equipment… “To me, my camera is a tool... it’s not something to polish and shine and never use. It acts as my paintbrush. And though I need to understand it, as it needs to feel like an extension of my hand, it can’t be something that I’m intimidated by. I don’t want to be thinking about it when I’m standing in front of a 60,000-foot cyclone. I just want to be concentrating on composition and exposure, and just have the ability to focus on what is in front of me.”

He uses a Canon 5D Mark II with a 24-105mm or 70-200mm L series lens, which he says affords maximum creative flexibility, despite this Dobrowner sights his beanie has his most vital piece of equipment…”I wear it on my head to keep the hair out of his eyes.”

So, with this new accolade, which he says is “surreal, humbling, shocking” what is next? "I'm planning to begin researching volcanoes and/or volcanic lands over the next year. This includes a trip to Iceland, maybe Hawaii and up the coast of California. Eventually I would love to photograph the deserts and volcanoes in Chile. The castles and history of England is also of interest to me."

Mitch Dobrowner’s winning image is currently on display at Somerset House, along with other winners and entrants shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards.

For more information click here.

ww.mitchdobrowner.com
www.somersethouse.org
www.mitchdobrowner.com

AUTHOR The Milk Maid

To call something basic may often be regarded an insult, but for Nick Wakeman, creative director of Studio Nicholson, there can be no higher accolade. After only a few seasons, Studio Nicholson, has already become a cult label for those wanting basic building blocks to a sophisticated, effortless and uncomplicated wardrobe.

I personally fell in love the finite collections of Studio Nicholson as soon as I saw them, a feeling further sealed on meeting Nick herself, who perfectly embodies her brand with her unfussy but elegant approach to dressing. As a former menswear designer, Nick finds much of her inspiration from mens tailoring and while people watching, particularly on travels to Italy, “I say people because I look at both women and men for inspiration. At the moment I'm using Gaia Repossi as a muse for SS'13.”

Perfectly balanced suiting, well cut shirts, oversized t shirts and luxurious knits make Studio Nicholson discreetly feminine. It feels to me like a label without obvious masculinity and completely void of androgyny - her clothes are for women who are comfortable with their sense of self and style and don't hide behind their clothing. Nick tells me the women who wear her clothes often comment how “they feel carefree, sexy, and confident - that's exactly the feeling I am trying to evoke with each piece. For me that’s the definition of femininity”

For spring summer the collection is a palette of off white ivories and blushes anchored with navy blue and indigo washed denim. For next, colours are darker with bold flashes of rich mustard and hot pink throughout. “Colour is something I think about constantly. The move towards brights is really a nod to my expanding confidence with the range. I guess the colour is not as timid as it was in the beginning, neither am I as a designer.”

My final question to Nick, what's your favourite piece? “Hah, easy.. my Studio Nicholson Navy Crombie. I never take it off, I'm like Linus from Peanuts with his blanket!” It’s easy to see how you might become emotionally attached to her clothes, they’re like a security blanket of style, sass and comfort.

www.studionicholson.com