Manolo Blahnik at the Wallace Collection

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Enquiring Mind, fashion design, London events, London exhibitions, London style, Manolo Blahnik, Wallace Collection, Yoga With Paul

Speaking of feet — don’t miss a chance to see the work of one of our era’s most celebrated and fabulously creative shoe designers: Manolo Blahnik at the Wallace Collection.

The wonderful Wallace Collection is hosting a free exhibition of the Spanish shoe guru’s work, co-curated by Blahnik himself, and it runs until 1 September.

Blahnik’s flights of creative fancy have captivated his fans, and made him a household name — thanks in no small part to Carrie Bradshaw’s Blahnik fetish in Sex in the City.

If you’ve ever doubted that shoes can be art, an hour or two browsing this exhibit will convince you otherwise. Infused with colour, texture, humour and, of course, sex appeal, these shoes are more than just foot-coverings. They are masterpieces in their own right.

According to the Wallace Collection’s website: “The exhibition features a personally selected edit of shoe designs from Blahník’s private archives set amongst the masterpieces of the Wallace Collection. This exciting venture juxtaposes an icon from the world of contemporary fashion with Wallace’s outstanding collection.”

The Wallace Collection is open from 10-17:00 daily, at Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN.

Sneak a peek at the Blahnik exhibition guide here.

Culture Under Attack @ IWM

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art, culture, Culture Under Attack, London events, London exhibitions, music, Yoga With Paul

One of the many fantastic things about London is that it offers so many opportunities to expand our minds and engage with other people and cultures.

Right now, at the Imperial War Museum, is a fascinating series of exhibitions and events called Culture Under Attack that looks at the relationship between culture and war.

This might sound gloomy but in fact the exhibition is celebration of the power of music, art, photography and dance to resist the horrors of war.

Photo by Austin Prock on Unsplash

According to the IWM website:

Culture Under Attack is a season of three free exhibitions, live music, performances and talks at IWM London that explore how war threatens not just people’s lives, but also the things that help define us. Telling stories spanning 100 years, Culture Under Attack reveals why some try to erase or exploit culture, while others risk everything to protect, celebrate and rebuild it.

Among the exhibitions, is Art in Exile which shows how cultural treasures in British museums and galleries were evacuated and protected during the Second World War.

There is also an exhibition called Rebel Sounds, focused on music:

Discover artists who have risked their lives in times of conflict for the music they love in Rebel Sounds, our powerful new exhibition at IWM London.

From Hitler’s persecution of swing and jazz groups to the ban of music in Northern Mali under Islamist rule in 2012, oppressive regimes have tried to erase forms of culture and expression. In spite of this, there have always been those willing to risk everything to protect their threatened culture.

Culture Under Attack exhibitions are free and run from now until 5 January.

More information at the Imperial War Museum’s page.

WOW and the New Masculinity

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Festival New Masculinity, gender, International Women's Day, London events, men's health, mental health, Southbank Centre, suicide prevention, Women of the World, WOW, Yoga With Paul

There are two great events in London this month that focus on gender, society and culture. The first is WOW — Women of the World — on 8 & 9 March at Southbank Centre.

The programme includes two very special conversations, including on Friday 8 March – International Women’s Day – with Angela Davis, and with Naomi Klein on Saturday 9 March, as well as two full afternoons: WOW: What Now? and WOW: What Next? led by Jude Kelly – and more.

WOW has held 65 festivals in 5 continents over 30 locations in over 15 countries from Baltimore to Brazil, Cardiff to Karachi, and further across the UK, Australia and the USA, reaching over 2 million girls and women, and men and boys too.

The WOW Foundation is an independent organisation working to build, convene and sustain a global movement that believes a gender equal world is possible and desirable through WOW festivals and empowering women and girls.

The second event that caught my eye is the Festival of New Masculinity. This is a series of events that focus on men’s mental health and, especially, suicide prevention.

 There’s a packed programme of events including brunches, workshops led by the trans community, panel talks on music and mental health, live podcasts and secret gigs with a portion of all ticket sales going to the suicide prevention charity Calm.

Know a great event happening this month? Share in the comments.

Sustainable Winter Warmth

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ethical fashion, London markets, recycled bags, recycled plastic, Sloppy Tunas, sustainable clothing, sustainable homewares, Yoga With Paul

Keeping cosy can be good for you, and the planet. We all know cutting back on the central heating is a good green habit, but it’s hard to do if your feet are freezing!

Images courtesy Just-Nerissa.co.uk

Just Nerissa is a local brand that creates exactly what you need: rugs and throws made from recycled plastic bottles. Yep, like Sloppy Tunas swimwear, these pieces are a small step towards stemming the tide of plastic rubbish — and they look great.

Named in honour of founder Janet’s mother, Just Nerissa is based on the belief that little things matter. None of us can solve the world’s big problems, but we can all do something towards making things better.

Accordingly, Just Nerissa products are ethnically sourced, fair trade, and designed to make life warmer, in every sense of the word.

“When shopping with Nerissa you can be assured of the following,” says the website.

• Fairtrade suppliers
• Recycled materials, so my products are fairer on the environment
• Local, British suppliers when possible; to help minimise carbon footprint
• Fair prices – I keep margins reasonable, providing value for all

Janet is a regular at the Northcross Road Market in East Dulwich on Saturdays, or you can order online.

In addition to rugs and blankets, Just Nerissa sells scarves and bags, among other things — the hand-woven recycled plastic bottle bag would be ideal for stashing yoga gear.

Know a great local, sustainable brand? Share in the comments!

Easy Organic Christmas

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clean eating, Farmdrop, food for yoga, healthy holiday food, organic food, yoga diet, yoga holiday food, yoga nutrition, Yoga With Paul

Dreaming of an effortless, organic Christmas? I am… but I’m not sure how to fit it in around work, Christmas parties, gift shopping and spending time with loved ones.

One idea is to use online delivery services to help keep the fridge and pantry full of good, healthy, clean, seasonal food.

Photo: Farmdrop

I did a bit of poking around (read an Independent article) and found Farmdrop, a site that lets you buy from local farmers.

“Local” is a relative term, but most products are sourced in a 100 mile radius — making it a lot more local than South American strawberries, or what have you.

Farmdrop covers all categories of food — including booze! — but what I really like is the fruit & veg category. Eating plenty of fresh, seasonal produce is difficult this time of year. Especially when you don’t have much time to shop.

Buying a veg box is a great way to ensure you have delicious organic ingredients on hand, when you need them. Having good food available is one of the best ways to avoid overindulging. Give it a try!

Know a great organic/local food supplier? Share in the comments!

Fashioned From Nature Exhibit

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fashion, fashion exhibitions, Fashioned by Nature, London events, London exhibitions, natural fashion, V&A Museum, Yoga With Paul

As a fashionista and yogi, I’m excited about the new V&A Fashioned From Nature exhibit, running now until 27 January 2019.

‘Clean Up or Die’ man’s ensemble, Katharine Hamnett, 1989

It will present fashionable dress alongside natural history specimens, innovative new fabrics and dyeing processes, inviting visitors to think about the materials of fashion and the sources of their clothes.

Too often, fashion is disposable and artificial. It can separate us from nature, rather than bring us nearer. When we seek out natural fibres and products it is because we understand what we put on our body, what touches our skin, matters.

This exhibit looks like an amazing opportunity to witness the creative use of nature (both positive and negative) within the fashion industry. It is sure to trigger some inspiration, and also perhaps show how our understanding of both “fashion” and “nature” has evolved over the centuries.

You can book tickets here, and it’s free for members.

 

Muslin day dress decorated with beetle wing cases, 1868-9

Fierce Festive Fashion

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Christmas fashion, designer, designer clothes, fashion, London, London style, Somi Han, Yoga With Paul

It’s fix up, look sharp for Christmas party time, so it would be remiss of me to not give a shout out to Somi Han.

I’m wearing out the deconstructed black jumper she made for me. If you want your own one-of-a-kind piece her new atelier collection is available and it is packed with seriously fierce fashion. Here are just a few examples…

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Website: Somi Han London

IG: Somi_Han_London

London Volunteer Opportunities

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compassion, Do-It Trust, Do-It.org, Hands On London, London volunteer, London volunteering, mindfulness, Team London, volunteers, yoga, yoga community, Yoga With Paul

Putting positive energy into a good cause is a way to connect with people, cultivate compassion and empathy, practice mindfulness, and open up to new experiences. In other words, volunteering is a lot like yoga! Which is probably why many of my friends and students volunteer.

I’m sure even more would if they had time — or the time to find opportunities. I did a bit of Googling and found some great umbrella organisations that can help you get started in volunteer work. Here goes!

Hands On London

“We started in 2010, working as an intermediary between not-for-profits, chariti

es, community groups and volunteers like you. We also offer opportunities for corporate volunteering. We have a growing network of charity partners which allows us to bring diverse and flexible opportunities into one place so it’s easy to choose what you do.”

Team London

“Volunteering is a great way to build stronger links between communities as it brings people of different ages and backgrounds together. It can also help increase social mobility and ensures that London’s opportunities are open to all.

“Since Team London launched in 2012, over 150,000 adults and 100,000 young Londoners have joined the programme. Together, they’re helping to make our city even better.

“Londoners lead busy lives, so Team London gives people the chance to volunteer in a way that suits them. There are thousands of opportunities to volunteer in London – from one-off events to longer-term commitments. From joining in a local clean-up to helping kids learn to read, there really is something for everyone.”

Do-It.org

“The UK’s national volunteering database, Do-it.org makes it easy for anyone to volunteer in their community.

“Do-it.org lists over 1m volunteering opportunities that are posted by volunteer centres, national/local charities and voluntary groups. Enabling 200,000 people every month to donate their time and build their skills, Do-it ensures that almost 50,000 organisations find the help they need to provide vital services to the community.”

Suggestions? Tips? Share your favourite cause in the comments. 

 

 

Acosta Danza at Sadler’s Wells

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Acosta Danza, Carlos Acosta, Cuban dance, dance, London dance events, modern dance, movement, Sadler's Wells, Yoga With Paul

The magnificent Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta is debuting his dance company, Acosta Danza, in London! The company performs at Sadler’s Wells from 27-30 September.

The repertoire mixes ballet, modern and traditional dance styles in a fabulous multi-colour, multi-ethnic, multi-talented extravaganza of movement. “It’s a symbol of diversity, of unity,” he says. “Acosta Danza embraces everything.”

This will be spectacular.
Tickets via Sadler’s Wells.

Here’s the official blurb:

Based in Havana, the company is made up of the best dancers Cuba has to offer who have trained in both ballet and contemporary dance styles. They will perform new and existing pieces by Cuban choreographers who have rarely been seen outside the country, and commission new pieces from international choreographers who will take inspiration from their iconic nation.

For their first UK tour, in which Acosta himself makes a guest appearance, they will perform works by Cuban choreographer Marianela Boán, Spanish dance-makers Jorge Crecis and Goyo Montero, New York City Ballet resident choreographer Justin Peck and Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.

Have a tip for a great London event? Share in the comments!

Undressed at the V&A

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design, history of fashion, London exhibitions, London fashion, style, underwear, Undressed exhibit, V&A Museum, Yoga With Paul

The V&A is always putting on spectacular exhibitions and Undressed – A Brief History of Underwear is no exception. Whether you love fashion, underwear, or both, it is a sumptuous, sexy, fascinating look at the evolution of underclothes.

According to the V&A site:

This exhibition tells the story of underwear design from the 18th century to the present day. It explores the intimate relationship between underwear and fashion and its role in moulding the body to a fashionable ideal. Underwear is sometimes controversial, sparking debates about health and hygiene, body image and stereotyping. Its cut, fit, fabric and decoration reflect changing attitudes to gender, sex and morality; shifting notions of public and private; and innovations in fabric technology and design.

You don’t have to be interested in the politics and social semantics to enjoy the incredible designs though. It’s a fun look at how fashion changes with the times, and how one era’s undergarments become another generation’s streetwear!

Event or exhibition recommendations? Please share in the comments!