'Amazing Grace'

The July issue of Vogue has an extremely candid interview with the normally shy 'Grace Coddington' - Grace has been thrust into the limelight since her appearance in the now cult film 'The September Issue'. The film follows editor 'Anna Wintour' as she pieces together the September issue - unwittingly Grace stole the show with her quite unassuming manner in the way she delivered dazzlingly beautiful fashion layouts. Since this exposure many more people are now aware just how supremely talented Grace is. She started life in the fashion industry as a model - becoming one of the super models of the 60's/70's. Since leaving the profession she has been working the other side of the camera as a fashion stylist. For the past twenty years she has worked along side Anna Wintour on American Vogue producing the worlds most influential fashion magazine. Do get the July issue of Vogue -the interview is a wonderful insight to the world of fashion.

"Let Them Eat Cake"

Almost everyone loves the visual impact of 'Cup Cakes', but why are they often so disappointing to eat? After all, its basically a sponge base with a dollop of sticky overflavoured badly coloured butter icing. Here at home we always opt for a more traditional, delicious homemade cake - surely what could be a nicer treat than a slice of cake served with freshly brewed tea in pretty vintage china. Pure nostalgic escapism in these strange economic times we find ourseleves in! The photo is 'Lemon cake' served with Lapsang Souchong bought from Mariage Frères on a recent trip to Paris.

Pop Magazine

One of my fav mags is the super cool & glossy 'Pop Magazine' from the publishers of the iconic 'Face Magazine'. Available twice yearly - current Spring/Summer issue is just fab - gorgeous layouts - mouth watering photos by leading photographers, plus editorial by artists, designers & celebrities. Having been to the 'Browns 40 year retrospective' I loved the interview with the revered Joan Burstein. If you want to be better informed about art/fashion this mag is a total must!