Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Postcard from London

 Earlier this month, I went to London for a couple of days. As so often, I stayed in my favourite place, the Number Sixteen Hotel in South Kensington. Each time, the room is a surprise, as they are all different and get refurbished regularly. This one was particularly bright and happy, and I loved the fabric-lined walls in warm yellow and the bold pink headboard.



Travelling outfit ... sleeveless blazer with a black v-neck jumper, jeans, ankle boots and my Ex Libris en Kimonos 90 carré in a reverse basic bias fold


Such beautiful details:


I met with DS for a late lunch at Daphne's


and we had a wonderful time catching up (dress by La Double J; I wore it with skinny black jeans and ankle boots).



The next day, I headed to Decorex, ready to explore it with my friend Melissa White. I had never visited this show before, and I'm so glad Melissa told me about it.  

The first stop was an embroidery workshop held by Fromental. 


We were given a beautifully printed linen napkin that we then embellished with a variety of stitches.


I chose French Knots to decorate the pomegranates,


a chain stitch for the bird's tail and French knots for the upper part of the wing




It was so much fun exploring the show with Melissa and seeing the works, crafts and materials through an artist's lens. She also knows a lot of people at Decorex, friends and work-related alike, and it has been wonderful to meet and connect.

This is Claire Coles in front of her latest work, a couture wallpaper with appliqué and painted flowers on a gold leaf background. Recently, she did a similar commission for the Diptyque showroom in London, where she created a spectacular ceiling for the main entrance (you can read more here).


There were also several fabric makers, and I loved browsing this pretty pattern book.


Melissa enjoys fabric sourcing as much as I do!


There were also numerous craftsmen showing their trade, and one of the most striking was Elizabeth Ashdowns's passementerie stand. She is one of the few remaining artisans left in the United Kingdom still mastering this craft,  and I love how the bright colors she uses give it such a modern and vibrant twist.


The next day, I strolled down the Kings Road and saw the exact same plates as above at Anthropology. What are the chances?


I also loved this fabric ...


And it goes with my dress!


London shop displays don't end at the windows ... I love how they sometimes spill out onto the pavements, making the sidewalks so pretty and interesting.


Number Sixteen



A last glass of champagne


Back home, autumn is in the air but takes turns with Indian summer days. My hydrangea went from pale pink to bright green in late summer and has now turned scarlet red.


This was two months ago and a perfect summary of our summer.


For now, on our daily walks, the boys and I are watching nature turning into a colour spectacle. 



My lunch bowls have also taken a seasonal turn towards autumn. I made this one with red beans, chickpeas, smoked tofu, beetroot, onions, olive oil, and pumpkin seeds.



Have a wonderful remaining autumn and Indian Summer, everyone xxx


PS. Some readers told me they hadn't received an email for the previous update (Christmas workshop). If this has been the case for you, please let me know in the comments below. Thanks so much!



Links in alphabetical order to the people, brands, products and places mentioned above (as usual, there is no affiliation, sponsorship or paid advertising ... I'm just sharing what I encounter, love and enjoy)

Anthropology Geo plate

30 comments:

  1. I am glad that you enjoyed your time in London. So many beautiful hand crafted furnishings - including your own.I always enjoy your emails to us.

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    1. Thanks so much for your warm and lovely words! It was an inspiring and fun trip, so much to see and do.

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  2. this looks beautiful. My favourite hotels too. I did not receive the previous post.

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    1. Thanks so much for letting me know that the previous blog didn't arrive. It was sent via the same third party service and for the moment I don't know what went wrong. So glad this one worked and that you enjoyed it!

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  3. Lovely as always! Is there a link for the beautiful top/dress you are wearing at your lunch with DS?

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    1. Many thanks, I love the dress too. I just added the link; I completely forgot to do so beforehand. Thank you for reminding me!

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  4. Lovely and inspiring as always! That made me want to travel to London again. Warm greetings from Stuttgart and a virtual hug! Bettina

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    1. Thank you, my dear Bettina! London is always such fun; every time I return home hugely inspired. I wonder if you received the previous blog post (Christmas), it seems that hardly anyone did. Hugs from France to Stuttgart! Alles Liebe, Taina

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    2. Indeed I didn‘t receive your previous post, for whatever reason?

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    3. Many thanks for letting me know, how strange that this happens. Hopefully this was the first and last time! GLG

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  5. Lovely post. I enjoyed all the wonderful colors and patterns. Unfortunately, I did not receive the Christmas Workshop email. :(

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    1. Thanks so much for letting me know! Perhaps I should resend it. In the meantime you can scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Older Post (bottom right). So happy to know that you enjoyed this post, and hope you like the Christmas one, too!

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  6. I always enjoy your posts. London looks wonderful. We will be traveling to London in March so I will check out where you went. I also went back and read your Christmas post. Sounds like a wonderful day. Wish I could come there! Thanks for your blog.

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    1. I am so happy to know that you do, thank you! How wonderful to have London to look forward to in March, all the spring blossoms should be out. If you look at the right hand menu on this page, you can find "London" under the "trips and outings" header. I posted quite a few blogs over the years, and most of it is still relevant (better double check the addresses on Google in case some of the shops or restaurants have moved). Have a great trip and hope to see you for one of my workshops one day!

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  7. Aware you have mentioned Number Sixteen, repeatedly, over the years. Looking forward now to experiencing a visit there myself next month!

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    1. Oh how wonderful, I hope you'll have a fabulous time! It's been ten years since I discovered it, and have been back many times since. Love everything about it and the location is fantastic, too. Have fun!

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  8. I will remember NUMBER 16!Looks darling!

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    1. It truly is; hope you can see for yourself one day soon!

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  9. What a wonderful trip and experiences. Love the napkin with embroidery it is beautiful! The wallpaper is truly special!

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    1. Thanks so much for coming along and sharing the fun. Embroidery can make things truly unique and special, and often elevates and highlights already beautiful features. So happy that you love the napkins!

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  10. Thank you for the lovely, colorful post. Please do not pause for so long between posts. They are always delightful and add to my day. All the best, Carolyn

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    1. Thank you for the lovely words, dear Carolyn! I posted a blog last month, but maybe you didn't receive it. You can scroll to the end of this page and then click on "Older posts". Hope you enjoy it! Warm wishes, Tai

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  11. What a wonderful surprise to open my email and find a post from you! Thank you. I always enjoy your beautiful photography and your creative endeavors. Happy Autumn. Lucia

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    1. In a time where we all get too many emails I'm so glad that mine was a wonderful surprise. Many thanks Lucia, and have a happy autumn too!

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  12. What a delightful post! I have always loved passementerie, so how lovely to see you mention it here. The colours Elizabeth Ashdown is using are stunning. And Claire Coles's wallpaper is truly breathtaking. Thank you for sharing these.

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    1. I am so happy you enjoyed the post, thanks so much for the lovely words. The passementerie was such a delight; the bright colors made it a category of its own. Have a wonderful autumn, Cynthia!

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  13. Oh my goodness--such beautiful details! And the embroidery stitches are wonderful and inspiring as I'm needlepointing again (just not enough time in the day...)! Your London room is so cheerful and warm, and I'm sure it was a great base for such a lovely visit! More, please! xoxox--Greta

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  14. I'm so delighted you are needlepointing again, dearest Greta! I would love to do more, but it's the same here ... there are simply not enough hours in the day. Thanks so much for the lovely comment and I hope you are enjoying a beautiful and happy autumn! xxxx

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  15. So lovely to see your posts and always an inspiration for life well lived.

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  16. I love travelling along with you! What a great visit to London - so colourful! Thank you for sharing.

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