Hong Kong Chinese Consumer Tech Report (Advertising, Retail & Leisure)

QR codes, touch screens to the rise of the ‘low head clan’ - here's the latest on how technology is embedded into the everyday lives of Chinese consumers in Hong Kong.

Uncovering Clerkenwell Design Week 2014's Secrets

Clerkenwell Design Week Map. Source: clerkenwelldesignweek.com

Hot Off the Press - Phoenix Fashion and Design Features

Like our Great British weather, PHOENIX Magazine's new summer issue 'Sunshine & Showers' is out now. Starring the sexy siren/tv kitchen goddess which is Gizzi Erskine (the only woman who can pose tattooing a piece of pork belly and still look smokin' hot), designer Tom Dixon and actress Vanessa Kirby, this issue's a scorcher not to be missed.

Here's a snippet from the magazine's 'The Showpiece' page I edited, a breathtaking smashed porcelain print dress by Latvian/Israeli London duo Fyodor Golan, from their 'Holy Mountain' collection. 

Known for their attention to detail that dramatically accentuates the figure, I for one can't wait to see what their September LFW SS14 catwalk has in store.

Photo by Charlie Bettinson

From 18k plated-gold teapots, up-cycled Cold War lighting to the flamboyant designer of 'Happy Chic', here's a few more PHOENIX pieces I've authored.

Click on the links below the images to read the whole story.

http://www.phoenixmag.co.uk/blog/summer-special-surreal-teapots/

http://www.phoenixmag.co.uk/blog/designing-happy-chic-with-jonathan-adler/

http://www.phoenixmag.co.uk/features/blom-blom-lighting-design/

London's Top 5 Treasure Hunts

Treasures old, treasures new, treasures worth the pilgrimage to...Inspired by Channel 4’s ‘Four Rooms’* and my Blom & Blom recycled lighting piece for Phoenix Magazine, trawling for treasure has never been more fashionable. Here are 5 fantastic events where you just might get lucky

Hong Kong Freshly Brewed Blogs pt 1

Meet Brew and Post, the newest fashion-lifetyle blog network from Hong Kong. 

Take 3 Shoreditch ingredients and a Sprinkle of Rain

La Maison (Image: touchlocal.com)

Bag by Toby Leigh, Maiden Shop

Bespoke Baroque Mirror by Squint Limited

Oh, fickle British weather. Last week she was in her usual sporadically rainy mood. Come weekend and we get barbecue hot temperatures. On Wednesday I happened to be hanging out in Shoreditch for an interview, with the intention of getting home asap; the skies threatening to dampen my enthusiasm. I'm glad I didn't though, and unwittingly stumbled across East London's worst kept shopping secret (all within a  mile's walking distance of Shoreditch tube station). Drawn like moth to a flame, these 3 stores gave me something to smile about, despite the weather.


La Maison
107-108 Shoreditch High Street  Shadwell, London E1 6JN

Walking into a shop first without realising is surely a good sign. Rococo, Neo-Classical junkies will be spoilt for choice. From ornate wardrobes, antique headboards to outdoor statues , every piece looks like it belonged to an 18th Century palace in France, lovingly sourced over the Channel. You'll find one-of-a-kind items to give your home that je nois se quai (and become the envy of future visitors)

Maiden
188 Shoreditch High Street  City of London, Greater London E1 6HU

This teensy gift is jam-packed with guilty pleasures of quintessential British humour. It's tongue-in-cheekness 
is perfectly combined with nolstalgic comforts, such as my 90s childhood favourite storybook Each Peach Pear Plum. Stocked with very funny, unusual and well made gifts- there's no excuse for buying dull presents anymore. I've got my eye on the Ryan Gosling clouring book, purely for research purposes (obviously).

Squint Limited
178 Shoreditch High Street  Shadwell, London E1 6HU

Despite its name, it's the last thing you'll need to do to spot this gem. If the Mad Hatter opened an interiors shop in Wonderland, it would probably look like Squint. Selling crazy-colourful patchwork covered furniture and lighting, this isn't one for minimalists. It's haute-couture for home, each item hand-stitched to order. You'll want to stroke everything in the showroom while no-one's looking, especially the sumptiously flocked stag lamps


Do you know any other curiousities in East London? Drop me a line!

East Meets West- Design Now! At Mokspace, 24th April- 3rd May

It’s a tad cheeky, but what better way to mark the resurrection of Christina’s Anatomy than a blog post on my latest exhibition!

East meets West- Design Now! runs from the 24^th April to 3^rd May, at Mokspace Gallery, opposite the British Museum (one of my favourite inspirational hangouts ) The new London gallery is uniquely dedicated to promoting emerging artists from the Asia Pacific- Korea, Taiwan, China, Japan, Hong Kong and Macau. This is Mokspace’s first collaboration with ArtsThread, the leading global art and design talent network.

Christina Lai Seeds of Sanity, 2011

My Seeds of Sanity ceramics (see links below) will be featured alongside 19 talented Asia Pacific artists, all recent graduates. Expect a dynamic range of 2D and 3D works, from drawing and painting to ceramics, jewellery, furniture, and installation. The aesthetics and philosophy of nature, in its broadest sense is the coincidental theme that draws the work together in this modest but freshly modern space.  

From abstract animal shapes, sleek, minimalist contours, dreamy animal-human hybrids to peeling, and disintegrating surfaces of nature - this is a visual feast worth brazing the tube strikes for. Without giving too much away, the ones to look out for (and feel jealous for not thinking of it myself) are the bubble gum coloured, encrusted Tropical Sea Adventure rings by Wenhui Li, the seductively shiny snow-cap glazed melting pots by Koji Shiraya and a clever interactive jewellery installation by Yenz Lin- phew!

If you want to see why the Asia Pacific is a growing hotbed for innovative design talent, or simply to experience something new in London’s overcrowded gallery scene, this is for you.

To read an interview on my Seeds of Sanity Collection visit http://blog.artsthread.com/2012/04/qa-christina-lai-mokspac/

Christina Lai ceramics website

Christina Lai ArtsThread portfolio

Mokspace

33 Museum Street

London

WC1A 1LH

Review on Grayson Perry- The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman (6th October 2011- 15th February 2012)

Grayson Perry ceramic vase,You Are Here, 2011 (Detail)
Image: Bengedig.com

‘This is a memorial to all the anonymous craftsmen that over the centuries have fashioned the manmade wonders of the world…The craftsman’s anonymity I find especially resonant in an age of the celebrity artist.’ 

Grayson Perry

The British Museum’s The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman is Grayson Perry’s most ambitious project to date, a major installation of his own work and museum objects by unknown craft makers.

Grayson Perry is an anomaly, respected (debatably) in both the contemporary art and craft world, circles which are always in dispute with one another. Perry’s pots came to fame for depicting controversial scenes of graphic violence and child abuse; making powerful satirical statements on history and contemporary society. But to the wider public he will always be better known for his flamboyant alter ego Claire, who he dressed up as and immortalised on his 2003 Turner win. With his celebrity ‘mad potter’ status and reputation for ‘winding up people with pots’, his exhibition at the British Museum was bound to kick up a fuss. It is highly unorthodox for a museum known for its ancient artefacts (made mostly by the deceased) to feature the work of a living modern artist, let alone grant the reins to curate an entire exhibition. The show was highly anticipated for months prior to its opening, reiterated by video interviews and no less than two BBC TV specials.

The exhibition can best be summed up as a journey through a fantasy civilisation- with Alan Measles, his much loved childhood teddy bear as the benign dictator, war hero, shaman and pope. Every aspect has been designed and curated to feel like a religious pilgrimage, illustrated by around 26 of Perry’s work (ceramics, tapestries, drawings cast iron amongst others) plus 190 objects he selected from the museum’s collection. These are divided into themes such as Magick, Shrines, Sex, Death, and Craftsmanship. The former four ideas appear fitting, given the grim, witty nature of Perry’s pieces. The latter is relevant if you consider the technical skill, fluency with diverse materials and labour that goes into them. There is, of course Perry’s much publicized outspokenness championing the merits of craft in the higher status world of modern art.

Grayson Perry on his customized Kenilworth AM1 and motorbike gear, 2011

Perry sees museums and galleries as churches of cultural pilgrimage, where pilgrims flock to see precious, holy objects (=modern art) of gods and saints (=modern artists). By placing his work and historical artefacts of inspiration directly beside each other, the connections become tangibly clear.  One is compelled to inquisitively look closer at the objects, as narrative conversations are brought to life.

The ceramicist’s pots are the highlights of the show. They are richly alluring visual tableaux- intricately decorated with sgraffito drawings, handwritten and stencilled texts, sprigged motifs, transfers and glossy glazes. To some modern art can be overly aloof and abstract, making one feel less intelligent than the artist. This is never the case here. Perry ties historical ideas with contemporary culture effectively, using recognisable imagery and text in a dark yet light-hearted fashion.  This provoking visual buffet keeps viewers guessing and entertained. The frivolous now is a classic example, a pot chronicling the media buzzwords of February 2011. From ‘Botox’, ‘Big Society’ to ‘Diabetes’, seeing the banalities of modern society right in front of you is an uneasy experience- forcing us to confront worrying concerns and superficial obsessions.  Pushing the psychological boundaries of comfort (having a psychotherapist wife must help) is something Perry achieves masterfully, allowing him to get away with pretty much any taboo.

Ion Tutuianu and  Gheorghe Prescura, 'Doctor' New Year celebration mask, 1993
Image: The Trustees of the British Museum

Although Alan Measles has taken centre stage as the Alpha male, Claire gleefully crops up to mark his feminine side. Shrine to Alan and Claire depicts the marriage between them, while a blacksmith forges over the anvil in the background. (Blacksmiths have been symbolic of 'anvil priests' who conducted ‘irregular marriages in Gretna Green). The union of the two addresses Perry’s belief that all social problems are a result between the imbalances of the sexes of our psyche. Maybe this is the reason why he chooses to cross-dress, though Claire is semi-retired these days. (On BBC’s Hardtalk he admitted having ‘integrated his inner transvestite into his personality’ as he’d gotten older)

The fluid states of gender are perhaps the most fascinating themes of the show; with ranging tributes to 18^th French century cross dressing spy Chevalier D'Eon de Beaumont, to paraphernalia of modern day Japan transvestites. Amongst Perry’s creations is a white silk ‘High priestess cape’, beautifully embroidered with oriental birds perched on blossom branches. Look closer and you’re in for a shock-the ‘birds’ are in fact winged penises spewing juices from flower shaped lips. Perry justifies his choice of imagery and challenges any prudishness, by juxtaposing ancient artefacts with explicit sexual imagery, or shaped as phalluses.

An example of this the Sheela-na-gig, a small carved stone statue of a woman opening her vulva with her hands, dating back to 12^th century Ireland.  This image may seem pornographic today, but sexual imagery and nudity was part of everyday life for our ancestors, used prominently on ancient Greek and Roman jewellery, amulets, paintings and furniture for example. Sheela-na-gigs weren’t sleazy sex toys to be kept hidden, but were venerated to ward off lust and evil spirits, found on public buildings, castles and churches.In this context sexual imagery seems harmless. It is as though Perry is trying to convince us that we are the ‘perverts’; contemporary society having regressed to a state of sexual conservatism.

At times Perry’s interpretations come across as over-laboured, contrived caricatures. Several of his ceramic and cast metal objects unabashedly simulate the original artefacts’ appearance, technique and materials. In small doses it is tolerable, even brilliant, but when they are this blatant and copious (like the show's supposed climax- a five foot wide cast iron ship coffin, complete with bottled blood, sweat and tear offerings, and a 250000 old flint), the theatricality makes it hard to take seriously. Not that this matters to Perry anyway.

Grayson Perry cast iron pilgrim,  'Our Mother', 2009
Image: Stephen White

Given the curatorial objectives, the notion of the anonymous, penniless but honourable craftsman sits uneasily with Perry’s work, since his name is undeniably the most lucrative draw of the exhibition and its shop merchandise. Nevertheless, a great exhibition is one that gets people thinking and talking- whether you like his art or not. Judging by the amount of press coverage, reviews and public interest it has gathered, as far as he and the British Museum are concerned, the show has been a remarkable success.  Upon first glance his work seems completely bonkers; Perry warns visitors not to ‘search too hard for meaning’ from the outset. However, it is precisely when you inspect his work closely, making your own links, grasping the underlying ideas that strangely make sense in Perry’s world, do you discover there is more to this ‘celebrity charlatan’ than he would like you to believe. 

Christina’s Wish list- Cockpit Christmas Open Studios

Gathering Wood by Katharine Morling

Late November and early December is when consumers are simultaneously bombarded by craft, design and affordable art fairs, all vying for a prized spot on your Christmas shopping hit-list. There’s simply too much choice and too little to spend it on.

Until scientists figure out how to scatter clones across multiple destinations, this year I decided to be well, decisive.  Opting out of polished gallery exhibitions and glossy department stores (cue: beautiful but overpriced gifts), during the last 2 weekends I went straight to the source at Cockpit Christmas Open Studios. Its annual Christmas open studios in upmarket Holborn (25-27 November) and up-and-coming Deptford (2-4 December) are fantastic for picking up unconventional gifts at a snip of the shop price.

Cockpit is a social enterprise which supports independent designer makers mainly through its unique business incubator package. (In case you’re wondering, the name originates from the site of the Holborn building, which was once an 18^th century cockfighting yard).

At first glance, the exteriors of both studio buildings were hardly glamorous, my head embossed with the image of industrial factories and billows of black smog. But once inside the festive excitement and was overwhelmingly infectious. Visiting a designer-makers’ open studios is a bit like getting a sneak peek at Santa’s elves in his factory. You get to see where the magic happens (some were literally making), satisfying one's curiosity of how beautiful things are made. It was slightly surprising to discover artisans of diverse crafts working alongside each other in each studio. Weaving looms, knitting machines and digital fabric printers stood beside Victorian letterpresses, kilns and jewellery benches. I’d never seen such eclectic disciplines  drawn together in a dynamic hub of creative talent; brimming with enthusiasm and inspiration of which makers must inevitably rub off on each other.

Each maker’s space had a personalised atmosphere- from music, aroma, to lighting (I was seduced by dimly lit boudoir of Holloway Smith Noir). Even kilns and sewing machines were given a sprinkle of Christmas embellishment or used as display props. Plus there was amazing warm mulled cider and nibbles offered to keep shoppers spirits’ merry. I’ll definitely be visiting again.

In recession stricken times, Cockpits’ success is testament that the artisan crafts spirit, community and industry are very much alive.


Christmas at Cockpit- Top 10 Gift Picks

Spoil Loved Ones (or more likely yourself!)

1.  Extravagantly opulent with gold and precious stones, this Hoard brooch by Ruth Tomlinson is a headturner

2. This bold, contemporary Geisha screen print by Constructive Studio adds a funky edge to any interior

3. Tiny cut glass inspired porcelain vases by Shan Annabelle Valla- so cute you'll want to collect them all!

4. Fun, nostalgic with quintessentially English humour, Ruth Martin's rubber stamped paper creations are perfect for all ages

5. Jessica Poole's gold fluted earlaces with diamonds remind me of angels' trumpets. A glamorous festive touch to any evening or party outfit

6.Naomi Ryder's Kirsty Drinks Tea bone china teacup and saucer features beautifully delicate illustrations taken from her embroideries

7. Maya Selway plays with trompe l'oeil with this clever silver Kishu vase that appears to be a simple line drawing. By putting something in it you can customise and complete its silhouette

8. Like the Pam Am series currently airing on the BBC, I predict Petra Bishai's airline matchbook themed Lucifer rings will be a sure hit

 9. Illuminate a living room into a rural and mythical winter wonderland with Lush Designs lampshades

10. Channel Dita Von Teese with these naughty yet classy Holloway Smith Noir vintage lace pasties.

Out and About in London Part 2- Do Shop is Definitely a Do

I was excited to visit Do for the first time, since I previously spent a wasted journey, finding myself staring in front of a vacant shop window in Beak St like a complete idiot. Apparently the shop had moved its premises to Covent Garden months ago but the old address is still the first search result in Google (Damn you Googlemaps!). So imagine my relief when I managed to locate the shop with relative ease this time, despite having the worst sense of direction in the world and the inability to read maps for the life of me.

The small shop is located near the Camden's Neal's Yard shopping district amongst other hip places well worth visiting, like Rokit (vintage fashion), Forbidden Planet (Comic books) and London Graphics Centre (art and craft supplies). You can't miss it as there's a massive silver Do Shop sign sculpture slap bang in front.

Do has a relaxed atmosphere, selling quirky yet functional products for the home, with a youthful edge that separates it from others. Their concept is to 'inspire you with products that are versatile, fun, unique and beautiful'. Prices range hugely, from £2 greeting cards to more expensive lighting and furniture. Stocked with inspiring ideas for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and study,  there's something to suit everyone on any budget.

Here are my top picks at Do:

Don't be fooled by the unassuming appearance of this brown envelope. In true 007 undercover agent style, it is in fact a lightweight, splash and tear proof laptop sleeve from Luckies, padded with sturdy foam for protection, lined with satin and has adjustable fasteners. What a genius idea to deter thieves from nicking your laptop!

Next of my curious discoveries was Sena Gu's humorous cauliflower teapots and jugs, slipcast in porcelain. Sena is a recent graduate who has designed for 100% Design Festival 2010.  These witty and cute tablewares will definitely get people's attention at home.









Lastly I fell in love with this charming wooden sewing box 'Sewing the World' by Italian homeware company Seletti. its retro pink, white and yellow silk screened motifs of measuring  tape, teddy bears, flowers brings of childhood memories when little girls learned how to sew from their grandmothers, contrasted with edgier motifs of skulls and revolvers. The box folds open with handy sections and drawers with cute buttons, perfect for storing accessories and mementos. Each box is individually handmade, making IT a very special treasure chest indeed.

There are lots of other original products available from Do's website worth taking a look. What I love about Do is that they are willing to showcase designs by new graduates and proves that minimal, contemporary, fun design can be affordable to all.

Do
34 Shorts Gardens, Greater London WC2H 9PX