Archive for August, 2010

Secret Cinema continues to astound with its increasingly spectacular programme of events that knock the socks off most other ‘immersive’ experiences out there.

For the SS version of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, we were completely blown away (and more than a little relieved) to find Canary Wharf bereft of besuited wide boys and completely transformed into a post-apocalyptic brave new world, complete with littered alleyways, disturbed actors and hedonistic DJs.

We don’t know what they’ve got in mind for their next extravaganza (because it’s a secret) but what we do know is that this one’s a special occasion and it’s going to be big. You can win two tickets to this Sunday’s extravaganza by answering the following question:

What is the name of the romantic toy featured currently on the CultureLabel homepage? Visit our competitions page to enter!

Good luck!

The bestselling artist-designed cushion covers out there… Our favourite? Boogie Men / Boogie Mentors from Third Drawer Down…

Boogie Men / Boogie Mentor Pillowcase Set
£50

Giant Pineapple Cushion
£120

Kiki Smith X Tree With Light And Singing Birds
£85

Rob Ryan
£60

London Kills Me Cushion
£25

Why are stop animation films so appealing? Simplicity and a little bit of quirky humour make this short by Luke Twigger a joy to watch. We’re excited because we’re soon to be stocking one of his highly limited editions… here’s a little hint which gallery is working with him this Autumn….

Holy smoke, we’re not sure that’s entirely SFW but whatevs…. You like Cake? You’re going to luuurve these automota MADE FROM FOOD!! Yes!

From the genius, CakeHeadLovesEvil

The first in the audacious Daydreaming with… series is curated by multi-talented man from UNKLE, James Lavelle, and brings a host of formidable artists to Haunch of Venison for August Bank Holiday weekend to interpret new EP, The Answer.

So if a rainy Carnival feels a little bit too much like hard work, head down to Hauch of Venison. And if leaving the house seems a little bit too much like hard work, stay home & order yourself some highly collectible limited-edition Mumford & Sons EP from Vinyl Factory or this Monkey Deluxe Vinyl Box Set from Warp Records.

So basically, this is a brooch with a hand, carrying a bunch of balloons, but we’ve found it to be quite the conversation starter!

It is made of polymer clay, fabric and plastic covered wire and there is a metal pin behind the balloons.
It may be worn in many ways – the hand might be peeking out of a pocket, a bag or just anywhere else. Get yours here.

…but not in a permanent way?

Check out these cool prints by Tyutyu and others!

As we all know ‘Fame is only temporary’, as is time. You can reflect this with these cool temporary watch tattoos, which fade over time (geddit?!)

1st photo Via Miss Cakehead

The search is on to find the capital’s hottest young designers.
Are you inspired by dance?

The T-Mobile Big Dance 2010 has launched a search to find the capital’s hottest young designers who love dance.

Whether your inspiration is fiery salsa shapes, luxurious Bollywood looks or real dancers’ streetwear, budding designers are asked to send in a sample of three designs inspired by dance. Whether you design costume for dance or streetwear with a dance twist, this is an ideal opportunity to get your work noticed!

The final selection will showcase their work at an exclusive City Hall exhibition and attend a unique event for industry insiders from both the dance and fashion worlds.

How to Enter:
To enter, please submit 3 sample designs scanned in at high resolution (minimum 300dpi). When submitting please provide your name, contact details and a short description of the thinking behind your designs. This should be no longer than 100 words. Do remember that designs and associated content are intended for a wide-viewing audience. Email them to fashioncompetition@bigdance2010.com

Deadline for entries: 5pm on 22 August 2010
For more information and terms and conditions, click here

Need some inspiration? Check out the new blog dedicated to what real dancers are wearing in the capital this season: www.dancerstyle.co.uk

Big Dance is funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to create a cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The programme also receives funding and support from Mayor of London, Arts Council England and Dance Champions. This year’s headline sponsor is T-Mobile.

Enquiries:
Georgina Harper, Big Dance Strategic Projects Advisor, georgina@bigdance2010.com, 020 7973 5363

Love these but want your own style?
Try our paint splat sneakskin stickers!

Sneakskin is a flexible, durable, waterproof adhesive skin. It’s easily applied to sneakers of any style, colour or shape. It lasts for months, even years if you’re careful but can also be easily removed. Sneakskin works best on leather but can also be applied to canvas, rubber and many other surfaces. Multi coloured paint splats on a clear background. Each pack includes a pattern sheet, a template sheet and separator tabs (29cm x 22cm) and application and removal instructions. One sheet will cover a pair of small shoes or several panels on a large pair.

DBA 98 Biodegradable Pen from DBA on Vimeo.

How cool is this pen? Even the ink is biodegradable!
Writing will never be the same!
These pens are produced using wind power. This company also makes paper and heaters among other environmentally amazing products.

The DBA Pen is the only 98% biodegradable pen in the world. It’s also the only pen to use ink composed of simple, environmentally responsible ingredients. Produced at a wind-powered facility in the United States, it was designed as a responsible alternative to the wasteful and often toxic pens we use almost every day. And with its straightforward design and rollerball tip, the DBA Pen looks good and writes well too.

For more information click here.

Can’t wait for these?
Get a load of our pencils.

Ok so major news from CultureLabel – if you like us on Facebook you will already know. that we have curated what is effectively the uber gift shop pop-up gift shop at the Shanghai World Expo Zed Pavillion. We’ve shipped out some of London’s best museum, gallery and design gifts to create a the ultimate London gift shop.
The expo runs from May 1 to Oct 31, 2010 and is the largest to date – the organisers expect to attract 70 million visitors from China and abroad. Visit the London store here.

Taking a leap of faith with the Love Art London group is always rewarding and last Wednesdays cultural evening was no different.
Having enjoyed several insightful and entertaining events with this group, all I knew for sure was that I’d be in for some surprises and come out feeling brainier at the other side, just through listening to the very knowledgeable and capable guides.
The Victorian Sculpture walking tour was the first outdoor event with Love Art London that I had attended. Many of the Love Art Londoners as they are affectionately known, were courageous enough to don Victorian clothing in keeping with the theme.
Sadly, I was not organized enough for this although fake moustaches were provided which I and many others happily wore for the evening and everyone young and old(er) got involved with the fun.

For more information about upcoming events with Love Art London, click here.