Post 8: SNOW IN LONDON - IMPRESSIONS

The pavilion in Northampton Square, in front of City University

Have you ever experienced one of those mornings when, after opening the curtains, an incredibly beautiful snow landscape catches your eye and you immediately begin to smile? This is how I woke up a few days ago, as the snow had finally reached London.

And here they are: the prettiest impressions of this wonderful "event" (yea, here in London you can truly call snow an event, happening once a year and lasting for a few days only) - I hope you'll enjoy them.

Beautiful winter trees.

A lost and lonely bicycle covered with snow.

Me, happy about the snowy weather and with a snow covered knit hat.

The view through my wet window: an atmospheric, English landscape.

Snow roofs in the morning sun.

Post 7: IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

It was my first visit to the fabulous Old Spitalfields Market in Shoreditch. I had actually come there to stroll through the vintage fair that had settled there on that Saturday, but not having found anything between tons of furs and knit sweaters, I eventually stumbled over a stall that immediately caught my attention. Gorgeous clutch bags were on display, made from cow leather, in different sizes and colours, sold by a super-nice and extroverted young lady, their designer. It was love at first sight - not with the seller, obviously, but with her creations. One week later, inevitably, I was the owner of one of those beauties. My bank card regreted it, but not me.

Najia Alavi is the talented designer of my new love, 33 years young and full of ideas. Since 2008, when she launched her own brand Gia London, she works as a full-time, self-employed designer, putting much time into her handmade pieces. Besides clutch bags, she also creates dresses of a "wearable statement bohemian style", as she calls the Gia style herself. "It expresses the need to stand out from the crowd." The brand's name originates from the designer's name as a child: Gia, short for Na-jia.

She gained her first designing experience at the age of 15 when she was given a jewellery kit by her mum for Christmas, making earrings out of it and sold them at school. "I made enough to be able to buy my mother perfume on her birthdays. We never got pocket money so it felt really good." The candid woman in a fringed leather jacket, greeting everyone who examines her clutch bags with interest, had, however, initially not aimed to become a designer. "I wanted to be a journalist but I was dyslexic and struggled to get past the basics", she admits. "Design, however, always came very naturally to me. It was the only thing I was great at. Fashion kind of found me!" What a luck for all the fashionistas out there! I wouldn't want to have missed getting to know her and her wonderfully designed pieces.  

Having finally found out where her strengths lie, Alavi did an Art Foundation and  a BA in environment and industry related Art And Design at the famous Central Saint Martin's College of Art and Design. Thus, it might not be surprisingly that her favourite designer is Matthew Williamson, also a former graduate of the prestigious fashion college.  

Najia admires him for his "warm spirit and travel inspired collections" as this is an important aspect of her own collection as well. So, being asked for her favourite clutch bag style, the Londoner with Pakistani parents is very sure: "The mustard coloured one - because it's the colour of the sun!" Her love for warm colours fits perfectly together with the open-hearted, cheerful character I met at Old Spitalfields Market where she sells her designs on weekends - one that deserves to be known.

And she is, in fact, already known. The English singer-songwriter Molly King owns one of Najias creations, the large tan clutch, and takes it everywhere she goes, as a photo of her at the desginer's stall shows. No wonder, since the small handbags are not only unbelievably pretty and smooth, but also of an exclusivity that appeals to stars.   

Alavi does not produce more than twenty pieces of each design, so every owner, like me, can be very proud. The value of the handmade clutches which are priced between 45 and 65 pounds rises even more when considering that the overall production process takes three weeks.

The ideas for new designs the creative head finds in vintage stores, markets and at places where nobody else looks. What she tries to find there are "buried treasures", not in form of material goods, but inspiration which she then tries to turn into an own design. Fashion is Najia Alavi's way to express her creativity - and as she has lots of it, she will surely delight me, and maybe you, with many more designs in the future. Why don't you visit her at Old Spitalfields market? Her designs are definitely worth taking a look at!

Here are two photos of my beloved Gia London clutch:

Post 6: AMY MALCOLM & OPELLE CREATIVE

As I haven't written anything for some weeks - I'm sorry about that - in which my boyfriend visited me here in London as well as I flew home to Germany I thought I might share an article I wrote (in a slightly different version) for an internship application not long ago. It's about the designer Amy Malcolm and her brand Opelle Creative that I spotted on Etsy. I simply fell in love with her gorgeous handmade bags and hope that I can afford being the owner of one somewhere in the future. Here is her Etsy online shop, if interested: http://www.etsy.com/shop/opellecreative. I hope you'll enjoy the article:

Designer Amy Malcolm in her attic studio in Toronto

Amy Malcolm, a young and talented Canadian, is the owner, operator and entire staff of Opelle Creative. Launched in 2010, the Toronto-based indie brand stands for stylish leather bags of high quality that are sold on the online platform Etsy and in only a few boutiques in Canada and the US.

Every bag is made to order by Amy herself in her attic studio. There, the self-taught designer spends hours every day with washing, sewing, cutting and crafting the butter-soft Italian leather used for her handbags. Creating handmade products is, in fact, very important to the creative Canadian who studied and consolidated her talent for sculpture, industrial and fashion designs at Concordia University Montreal and Toronto School of Art. “When we invest in something handmade, there’s a value to it beyond just the monetary price tag.“, she says.

And, truly, each of the pieces she spends hours of her time on reflects her personal vision of uncompromising craftsmanship and, moreover, local focus. “It’s very important to me that the processes involved stay hands on and local as much as possible.“, Malcolm notes. In order to implement this, the Opelle Creative owner keeps a close working relationship with each stage of the creative process. “I’m really proud of the fact that we’ve been able to do that almost 100%.”, she adds.

The idea for creating an own handbag line mainly arose out of her unsatisfying search for a bag. “I really had a hard time finding a good quality bag that worked with my lifestyle, was big enough for everyday, comfortable and with it’s own personality,” Out of her own needs and expectations, Amy then designed her first and favourite bag, the „Lotus“. With its timeless look, elegant and tear-drop shaped, the brand's signature bag is made for women who search for more than an item that follows a trend. Indeed, Amy's collection features eternal style. An Opelle bag is a companion for a lifetime.

The "Lotus"bag

Opelle Creative is steadily growing and has just introduced its collection for A/W 2012 with new colours and shapes. In the next year, more stores in Canada and the US will sell the brand's handbags. Meanwhile, lots of ideas are brooding inside Malcolm. “My problem is I don’t have enough hands - the ideas are always there, burning holes in my head, especially when I am really engrossed in a project.” It is to hope that she will turn her ideas into further gorgeous designs available in the future.

The designer's goal is to buy a storefront in her home town Toronto in the next two years where she can retail and craft her bags, but also offer workshops to local aspiring artists. And despite the continuing expansion of the label Amy wants to maintain the local focus, providing fair and ethical work as long as possible. For this is the story behind an Opelle bag's justified high price tag – and this what makes Amy's creations a worthy and magical fashion experience.

Pictures taken from Etsy.com

Post 5 - IT'S OFFICAL: I'M A MARKET LOVER!

Vintage clothing at Old Spitalfields Market

 

My mother has always loved this kind of markets - those that are true treasure chests for antique, used and creative things. She likes to stroll around there on weekends, sometimes to find a bargain or just to look, delighted by the things she saw. To be honest, as against her I used to hate them. I could not see anything beautiful within the mountains of bulk rubbish and clothing drives, as this was what they seemed to be for me. And I didn't join my mum on her market visits if it could be avoided anyhow.

However, since I have come to London, my mind about that has changed quite a lot. Incredibly, I have turned into a market lover. But how couldn't I? For London's hundreds of markets are amazing, each of them in their own way, and far bigger treasure chests than the markets at home. No matter if you search for food, furniture, cheap clothing and accessories, trendy vintage items or cool handmade stuff by indie designers, you will find it there.

Today, I went to Old Spitalfields Market on Commercial Street, mainly because the Pop-Up Vintage Fair should visit the Victorian market halls this Sunday. There's nothing better than a vintage cloth, in trend again and so unique no-one else on earth will ever wear it, right? I just couldn't get enough of strolling around between all those stands and passed each of them at least three times.

Anyway, I didn't buy anything today although there were admittedly cool items to buy (as you can see in the pictures). But eventually other gorgeous things than old trendy clothes could be found on the market's stands. I especially fell in love with the Gia London clutch bags, handmade by Najia Alavi, designer of the brand. I will definitely come back and buy one of those unique belles soon!

This was a nice Saturday at Old Spitalfields Market and I would definitely recommend it as enjoyable for the weekend (nonetheless, it is open during the week as well). And as I still have at least three years here in London, I will surely be able to check out all the other great markets of this dream city, too. I never would have thought it, but now it's official: I am a market lover!

Quality leather goods for a good price

Gorgeous clutch bags I fell in love with by Gia London

Another Gia London clutch bag. I just couldn't decide between this cool and big one made of smooth cow leather and the gold one in the other picture (same material). Any advice?

A cute rabbit between lots of delicious looking cupcakes

Post 4: THE ESSENTIAL LONDON UNDERGROUND RULES

Escalators to heaven? The way in and out at Angel station, London.
Rolltreppen bis in den Himmel? Der Weg rein und raus in der Angel Station, London.

The London Underground has its own subtle system. It has evolved throughout the years of its existence and every Londoner knows it by heart when going deep under the earth to catch the train. The Londoners, however, are famous for their typical stressiness and impatience. It's not their fault, it is the city they live in. Living in London means adopting the bustle of the environment and thus, being stressed – as an everyday burden-, even when there is actually no appointment where you have to be on time. Nevertheless, many of those Londoners who speed through the tube's tunnels are indeed on their way to such an appointment. So you better don't dare standing in their way.

In order not to do that, of course, it is necessary to know the certain rules of the London Underground. They are strict, even though not written down anywhere officially. If you are a tourist or are new to them better learn them before using the tube. For the Londoners are really annoyed with people who do not know what they are doing. So, here they are - The Essential London Underground Rules for beginners (more and advanced rules will follow another time):

1. Stand on the right on the escalators! Then, the busier people can pass you easily. If you want to walk up, then walk on the left.
   
2. When going through the underground canals: walk on the left! We are in Britain an thus in a left-hand traffic system. When you want to pass someone who walks slower than you, pass on their right.
   
3. The peak times are between 7.30 and 9.30 in the morning and 4:30 to 6:30 in the evening. All the Londoners travel to work or back home at those times. The tube will be incredibly full. If you are a tourist or do not have a serious appointment, I strongly advice you to avoid traveling then.
   
4. When walking within a flow of people: do not stop! I know it is exciting to be in the underground for the first time. But if you don't want to be knocked down by the flow or be harshly insulted, let it be.
   
5. When the carriage is crowded (and it is in at least fifty percent of cases), move down inside it! Then everyone can get on. Don't be afraid that you might not be able to get out again when you want to, there is a simple rule (our number six) for that...
   
6. "Excuse me" are probably the most important words in the London Underground (except "mind the gap", of course). With that you'll make clear that you want to get out and the polite tube travelers – they really are – will surely manage letting you out somehow.
   
7. Do know how to use your tube, travel or Oyster card at the turnstiles before trying it out during peak time! The cards made of paper must be put into the slit wheareas Oyster cards and other travelcards made of plastic must be pressed smoothly against the yellow round card scanner. If a turnstile doesn't open after doing this, don't worry. Try it again or at a different turnstile. Sometimes they just get crazy. If it still doesn't work, your card may be invalid. The tube staff will surely help you. Just make sure then you don't block a turnstile - move aside!
   
8. If the train's doors begin to bleep, they are about to close. You have three seconds. If you are in the sort of very full train and nearly fall out, then I would strongly advice you to take the next train (better than having your head cut off, right?). If you are approaching the train at that moment, hurry or you will run against closed doors!

If you stick to those essential rules, you will certainly become an advanced tube user soon. Don't be afraid, I have once been a tourist myself. You'll get used to it after a while.

Good luck and lots of fun in the London Underground!

Yours,

Sarah

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Der Londoner Untergrund hat sein eigenes, raffiniertes System. Es hat sich durch die Jahre seiner Existenz hinweg entwickelt und jeder Londoner kennt es perfekt, wenn er tief unter die Erde geht, um den nächsten Zug zu erwischen. Die Londoner jedoch sind berühmt für ihre typische Gestresstheit und Ungeduld. Es ist nicht ihre Schuld, sondern die der Stadt, in der sie leben. Denn ein Leben in London bedeutet, nach der Zeit die Geschäftigkeit des Umfelds anzunehmen und damit gestresst zu sein – als eine alltägliche Last -, selbst wenn es keinen Termin gibt, zu dem man pünktlich erscheinen müsste. Allerdings sind manche Londoner, die durch die Tube jagen, tatsächlich auf dem Weg zu solch einem Termin. Man sollte es also besser nicht Wagen, ihnen im Weg zu stehen.

Damit das nicht passiert, muss man natürlich die Regeln des Londoner Untergrundes kennen. Sie sind strikt, wenn auch nicht irgendwo offiziell niedergeschrieben. Wenn du ein Tourist bist oder sie dir neu sind, lerne sie besser, bevor du die Tube benutzt. Denn die Londoner reagieren leicht sehr genervt auf Leute, die nicht wissen was sie tun. Also, hier sind sie nun – die essenziellen Londoner Untergrund Grundregeln für Anfänger (mehr Regeln für Fortgeschrittene werden folgen):

1. Auf der Rolltreppe ist rechts zu stehen! Dann können die Leute, die es eilig haben, alle leicht überholen. Wenn man hinauf oder herab laufen möchte, dann links.
   
2. Beim Gehen durch die Kanäle im Untergrund herrscht Linksverkehr! Wir sind immerhin in England. Wenn man jemand langsameren überholen will, dann an seiner Rechten.
   
3. Von 7:30 bis 9:30 Uhr morgens und 16:30 bis 18:30 Uhr abends ist die Hauptbelastungszeit (oder Rush Hour). Alle Londoner fahren dann zur Arbeit oder von dort zurück nach Hause. Die Tube wird unglaublich voll sein. Als Tourist oder ohne einen einzuhaltenden Termin würde ich sehr dazu raten, zu dieser Zeit das Fahren mit der Tube zu vermeiden.
   
4. Wenn man in einem Menschenstrom läuft: nicht stehen bleiben! Ich weiß, wie aufregend es ist, das erste mal im Londoner Untergrund zu sein. Aber wenn man nicht umgerannt oder unsanft beschimpft werden will, sollte man das sein lassen.
   
5. Wenn eine Bahn sehr voll ist (und das ist sie in mehr als fünfzig Prozent der Fälle), rücke so weit wie möglich ins Innere des Abteils auf. Dann haben alle, die mitfahren wollen, Platz. Falls du Sorgen haben solltest, nicht wieder herauszukommen, wenn du willst, keine Sorge, dafür gibt es eine einfache Regel (unsere Nummer sechs)...
   
6. „Excuse me“ sind wohl möglich die wichtisten Worte im Londoner Untergrund (abgesehen von „mind the gap“ natürlich). Damit macht man deutlich, dass man aussteigen will und die höflichen Tube Reisenden – das sind sie wirklich – werden es bestimmt schaffen, dich herauszulassen.
   
7. Wisse, wie du deine Fahr-, Wochen- oder Oysterkarte benutzen musst, um das Drehkreuz zu öffnen, bevor du es während des Hauptbelastungszeit versuchst! Die Karten aus Papier (Einzel- oder Tagestickets) müssen in den Schlitz geschoben werden, während die Oysterkarte oder andere Karten aus Plastik flach gegen den gelben, runden Kartenscanner gehalten werden muss. Wenn ein Drehkreuz beim ersten Versuch nicht öffnet, keine Sorge. Versuch es einfach noch einmal oder an einem anderen. Die Dinger drehen manchmal durch bei den vielen Leuten, die durch sie hindurch wollen. Wenn es dann immer noch nicht funktioniert, ist die Karte vielleicht ungültig. Aber das Untergrundpersonal wird dir sicher zur Hilfe kommen. Pass nur auf, dass du währenddessen kein Drehkreuz blockierst – tritt zur Seite!
   
8. Wenn die Türen des Zuges anfangen zu piepen, schließen sie in Kürze. Du hast drei Sekunden Zeit. Wenn du in einem der sehr vollen Sorte stehst und fast herausfällst, würde ich dir sehr raten, den nächsten zu nehmen (besser als ohne Kopf dazustehen, oder?). Wenn du dich in dem Moment auf den Zug zubewegst, beeile dich oder du wirst gegen geschlossene Türen rennen!

Wenn du dich an diese Regeln hältst, wirst du sicher bald ein fortgeschrittener Tube-Fahrgast werden. Keine Angst, ich war selbst einmal ein Tourist. Nach einer Weile gewöhnt man sich daran.

Viel Glück und Spaß im Londoner Untergrund!

Eure,

Sarah