Tim Walker: Storyteller

For my first post of the new year, I have decided to feature the genius talent that is Tim Walker. 2012 saw numerous great exhibits across London's cultural sphere, and yet I only managed to see one. It's shameful, I know, but living far away from the center and suffering from a heavy bout of final year stress did not allow time for much recreation and leisure. Although saying that, I did actually go to Paris this time last year instead of writing my dissertation. Oops! However, I plan on changing that now that I am done with school. Plus it's the year of the Snake! It's my year, therefore I should savour everything that will come within the next twelve months.

Showing in the East Wing Gallery of Somerset House and supported by fashion house Mulberry, Storyteller features a selection of photographs Walker had created for the pages of Vogue, Elle, and W Magazine among others. And his muses? Well, they range from supermodels, to fashion editors and celebrated actors. Among these familiar faces include Walker favourites Stella Tennant, Guinevere van Seenus, Kristen McMenamy to the late Anna Piaggi, Tilda Swinton, and the late Alexander McQueen. Walker is known for his vivid way of storytelling (hence, the title) through lavish compositions and creative ideas, and his vision of beauty and the divine can turn a lacklustre editorial into a work of art. Yes, I am saying that he can turn water into wine! From fairytale fancies to visceral imagery, striking portraits to dark compositions of nightmarish beauty, Walker's exhibit at Somerset House chronicles the man's rich sense of humour and the surreal. Together with hanging images are installations that include a grotesque Baby Jane-esque doll of gigantic proportions, a lavish swan-drawn carriage and ventriloquist dolls.Here are some of my personal favourites from the collection.

Stella Tennant, Vogue Italia, August 2011

The Czar's Choice: Mademoiselle Poirot

Hello lovelies! I hope you are all having a fantastic summer so far, despite the lack of sunshine, but hey- that's England for you. I for one am joyous at the fact that I have finally secured a job and received my Classics degree all in the same week. I can't say I'm going to miss sleepless nights over Ovid's whiny antics in exile, but I am going to miss being a student up in fabulous Leeds. It's been a great three years my friend, and I am sure the city has not seen the last of me. 

This month I've decided to begin a series of featurettes showcasing some of my favourite blogs to read. Over the past year I have met some fabulous people who happen to share the same love of blogging as I do, and I just thought it would be awesome if I could share the reasons why I love their work. You may have come across them before and if you have, well then, isn't it obvious why they are featured? Some of my personal favourites on the blogsphere offer not only their love of fashion but also art, design, travel, and food amongst other things. It's just inspiring looking at their enthusiasm and genuine passion you know? So here goes. 

The prestigious title of being the first featured blog goes to....Mademoiselle Poirot! Woop! :)

Carole Poirot is the author of her blog Mademoiselle Poirot, a space that allows her creative genius manifest and a great site for those of you who like interior design, crafts and great photography. A true arbiter of all things chic, this Parisienne's personal style and great taste has received significant recognition from the media, not only for her blog but as Heart Home Magazine recently discovered, her fabulously decorated abode. Just absolutely beautiful! You can see the photos here. Her style is whimsical, yet classically romantic and it is this combination that truly makes Mademoiselle Poirot exceptional.