The National Gallery: Christmas in July

So here we are, almost in the middle of July, otherwise known to the fashion and media world as 'Christmas in July. It's my first year of attending these press days and in addition to baffling my already confused seasonal clock -fashion weeks largely responsible- they have provided me with a fountain of knowledge and gained respect of the fashion retail industry.

The National Gallery press day, hosted by Portas agency and elucidated by Colin Chester their Head of Buying, took place last week in a cosy yet historically suitable room adjoining their restaurant. From their mouthwatering range of 'Delicious Art', Print on Demand, jewellery & gifts, neighboured by a pleasantly kaleidoscopic range of Christmas merchandise, I was very impressed. 

The National Gallery may not be an obvious choice for gifting but to be honest, for anyone that has an interest or passion in the arts, there appeared to be something suitable for all. From a family member that seems to have everything to a friend in the creative industry; gifting with a little artistic substance offers something personal, unique and altogether rather thoughtful.

My highlight was the Rembrandt inspired collection; a flawlessly curated selection of goods, complete with suitably autumnal toned rich & rustic copper notes, lifted by the peacock red bowl (pictured below) retailing at an impressive £30. 'Rembrandt: The Late Works' launches at the National Gallery in October and the gifts will be available to purchase as soon as it begins.

The range of fashion and accessories within the Rembrandt collection are also well selected, with key pieces (pictured below) including the maple fur tippet at £35 and multicoloured bangles by Halcyon Days at £59 each. There is also a selection of unbranded jewellery, an impressive proportion of which under £10. One of my favourites was the gold feather bracelet, retailing at only £6.95. 

My somewhat frivolous purchase of choice would have to be the semi-precious solitaire set, featuring 38 charmingly coloured stones, at £100. 

I believe its easy to underestimate shops in museums and galleries and perhaps, like the spaces themselves, it is always possible to find a hidden gem for everyone. 

Would you be tempted to buy your gifts at The National Gallery?

-All images shot (non sponsored) on the Nokia Lumia 1020 smartphone-

Alice Luker
www.aliceluker.co.uk

ghd aura: Launch Night

Earlier this week, ghd launched their brand new aura dryer/ styling tool to press, offering demonstrations over glasses of champagne and music by the gorgeous DJ & model Daisy Lowe.

Having a personal hair regime of a shocking 10 minutes or less a day (consisting of washing/wetting and a strong dose of serum to refine my curly hair),  I was looking forward to witnessing the results. The Aura is quiet and precise, producing fantastic shine and volume. 20 minutes with the ghd team transformed my naturally curly hair into voluptuous bouncy waves- really quite impressive from dry.

The other key feature of the event was an exhibition of photographs encapsulating 'moments that changed the beauty world forever', in collaboration with fashion historian Amber Butchart. 

Highlights include a photograph of one of the first hair styling tools (with an aesthetic reflective of a torture instrument!) and photographs of celebrity icons including Veronica Lake and David Bowie, annotated with a short paragraph of their groundbreaking effect on contemporary culture.

The exhibition was fun and inspirational yet equally educational, reminding us of fundamental social history shaping the beauty industry into the thriving enterprise it is today.

From the infamous Avon lady visiting local residents during the war to Elizabeth Arden's participation to the suffragette moment, each photograph captures a compelling moment in British history.

The ghd Aura is available from 27th June at Selfridges stores and Selfridges.com

Alice Luker
www.aliceluker.co.uk