FAB Fashion Installation

For fashion combined with art and historic architecture head for FAB – Fashion at Belsay - for a truly alternative day out. Belsay Hall, a neo-classical mansion, with its 14th century castle and grade 1 listed gardens along with English Heritage has invited 12 of Britain’s most innovative fashion designers to create unique art installations. The works are now on display throughout Belsay’s vast rooms and grounds. Designers that have contributed to the exhibition include: Alexander McQueen, Hamish Morrow, Stella McCartney, Julie Verhoeven, Clements Ribeiro, Zandra Rhodes, Paul Smith, Eley Kishimoto and 6a Architects, Jean Muir, Georgina Goodman, Shelley Fox and Agent Provocateur. The installations reflect a personal response to the historic surroundings of Belsay and give the designers a chance to dabble in the world of contemporary art. Belsay has also been host to several other arts events, past exhibitions include – ‘Living at Belsay’ and ‘Sitting Pretty.’ Belsay Hall & Castle, Northumberland. The Fashion At Belsay Exhibition is on until October 2004. www.english-heritage.org.uk For details call – 01661 881636.

Style Addicts Choice – The Poncho

Have you noticed the gradual increase in poncho wearing on the streets of London of late? With such unsettled weather – the poncho provides that extra wrap of warmth, crochet varieties proving the most popular. It all started last year when a few trend setting types picked up some vintage ponchos and layered them up over everything. Now, even the likes of New Look have got in on the act - selling cutesy short ponchos in pastel shades. Capes were all over the Autumn/Winter 2004/05 designer catwalks and with the poncho providing a more relaxed interpretation it looks like the blanket with the hole in the middle could be around for a while yet. Style Addict this week selects this knitted silk poncho in earthy hues by Sub, now available on
www.chic-n-unique.com

Boutique of the Week – Diane Von Furstenberg

Diane Von Furstenberg is the queen of the wrap dress. Flattering and elegant - and not just on tall, lean model types. If you’re a fan then you’re in luck as Diane Von Furstenberg has launched her very own e-shop, selling items from the Spring/Summer collection, accessories, underwear and a few vintage pieces. She will also be debuting her new DVF make-up range on the site later this year. www.dvflondon.com

Illustrative Art While You Shop

From today (Thursday 3rd June) Newburgh Street, just off London’s renowned Carnaby Street, is running its very own summer festival. Organised by the Central Illustration Agency, twenty illustrative artists have teamed up with twenty Newburgh Street shops, creating window and in-store displays of their work. The festival, which is on for two weeks, will also provide live music, animated projections and a daily shop closing time of 9pm. It’s the first time Central Illustration have been involved with such a project and while some of the art works are for sale, the fundamental idea is to promote and make illustration more accessible. Benjamin Cox, who works at CIA came up with the concept earlier in the year after noticing the friendly village vibe of the street. The Newburgh Street CIA Festival runs until 27th June and is in full flow between 6pm – 9pm, it’s a free festival so just turn up and have a browse.

I Love My…Ricky Sarkany Shoes

Mariana, Make-Up Artist from North London.

“I love my Ricky Sarkany sandals, I bought them last year in Argentina and I’m still wearing them now. They go with everything and are really comfortable.”

To check out more of Ricky Sarkany’s shoes visit www.rickysarkany.com