By God, it's Bijan!

If you ever wonder where the mega rich spend their dough or never wonder about the mega rich but like to find slightly crazy/eccentric designer websites look no further than The House of Bijan.
Established in 1976 by designer Bijan Pakzard, starting out in men's tailoring and going on to so much more, fragrances, cars, you name it Bijan had a go at designing it.

Sadly, Bijan is now no longer with us, but what a legacy he has left. I have to admit the contents of his store isn't totally up my street but I do love to see what someone can achieve at their absolute best and Bijan absolutely did that.
I think his website is hilarious and I like to think he was too. I am posting about him really because I wanted to share these pictures of his garden. Over the top? Probably. But I think wonderfully original and great to see something thought out on such a large scale executed so well.

Bravo Bijan!

Farewell to one very fine gentleman

Beauty you were ever so classy and composed. I will never forget you.

Good to be Green on the Inside

Does anyone know the secret to keeping indoor plants?!
Everyday I see pictures of beautiful interiors with THE most beautiful plants, flourishing, glossy, in full bloom.
Am I being a sucker and not facing the fact the plants have been bought that morning by the stylist for the photo shoot? Is this the fashion equivalent the model wearing a dress and the zip not being done up at the back?
 I was optimistic in spring when I bought an Orchid (a quite crazy yellow one with red dots that looked like an insect) in bloom, the flowers promptly withered and died and now I have a very beautiful grey glazed pot with some greenish leaves in it.
I have great visions of my house, being filled, not with vast vases of flowers that need changing every week but lush, thriving, abundant, ozone improving plants. Pouring out of interesting urns and pots completely happy with the surroundings. I know it's difficult for plants living indoora dealing with heating. Is there a solution, aside from hiring a full time plant carer or have I been completely taken in by the photo shoots?
When I think about it, I know plenty of people with beautiful homes and have no memory of plants being around.

Are these all make believe?

Still got the Magic

As my friend said in an email yesterday about the new Vivienne Westwood AW 2011/12 collection
I'd written her off over the last couple of years, especially after not being able to fit into any of the clothes one day at her Conduit Street shop. 'The sizes do start quite small' the shop assistant said. 'They finish quite small too' I said, I couldn't fit my size 12/14 ass into anything, what a way to alienate a client base. That and the endless repeat of cowl necked tops and dresses. I know if it ain't broke don't fix it and it works for a lot of women, but if its getting boring PLEASE do something to jazz it all up a bit.
Which is just what it seems she has done, whether or not with a little help (I suspect so) I'm not really bothered, the clothes are fabulous. And this coat is the first thing I've lusted after for a long time.
I also love the idea that she and her husband model in order to keep costs down.

Happy Weekend.

After a long and  interesting week I am looking forward to a friends birthday party on Saturday and time to relax before a mega two weeks of working on a project at home, in place of my summer holiday.

A much more stylish approach

Be strong London.