Behind the Scenes: Amanda Li Hope Jewellery

Getting to work closely with our designers is one of the wonderful perks of Wolf & Badger. It’s a pleasure you can have, too, with this intimate behind the scenes ‘Made in Clerkenwell’ coverage by SupaDupa that will reveal the inspired personality behind the innovative pieces of Amanda Li Hope.

There are many things worth knowing about Amanda Li Hope, for example, in 2011 she was one of the world’s 20 first designers certified to use fair-trade and fair-mined gold, making her pieces not only exceptional but ethical. With a background in architecture, Amanda utilises her insight on structure to create sleek and minimal designs. We have always found that getting to know the people behind the product adds that much more value to the pieces we cherish. Amanda Li Hope’s innovative designs are enriched by her unique back ground, personality and perspective.

If you would like to take a look at Amanda Li Hope’s collection yourself, make sure to pop down to The Lab in Notting Hill.

x Wolf & Badger

16 May 2012 filed under Designers and tagged with Amanda Li Hope, Behind the Scenes, Fair-mined gold, Fair-trade gold, Made in Clerkenwell, The Lab

New Designers Party: In Full Bloom

It is that time again, where we get to welcome in our new wave of designers that have joined The Lab this month. Despite the weather telling us otherwise, we will be holding a spring themed party in the boutique to celebrate. Pop down and check out all the new designers and collections we have in store, and of course we will treat you with drinks and musical delights.

The party is this Thursday 17th May, from 6-9pm in our Notting Hill boutique, we will as always be continuing the party at The Lonsdale from 9pm.

We hope to see you there! x

15 May 2012 filed under News & Events, The Lab and tagged with in full bloom, New Designers, Notting Hill Boutique, The Lab

Weekend Plans: Food, Finds and Photography

# 1 – FINDS

Where: OXO Tower
What: Hand Made in Britain shopping event
When: Now until Sunday 13th
Why: If you like us appreciate and love supporting British design this weekend at the OXO tower is an event just for you. In keeping with the climate of patriotic nostalgia is a unique shopping event showcasing the best of handmade british products. Expect to find one of a kind ceramics, glass work, jewellery, textiles and sculptures, all lovingly made by hand within Britain. From today until the Sunday the 13 this spectacular offering is on show , and should be a good day out whether you want to shop, or just want an idea of what is new in the creative british scene

# 2 – FOOD

Where: Brixton
What: Brixton Village Market
When: Today, Friday 11th
Why: This once abandoned arcade has now been transformed into a haven for a wide range of culinary delights, now known as the Brixton Village. On Friday nights this food market is open late – Expect to find an organically warm cultural and community feel. This venue boasts live music and dishes from locals originating from all over the world, including authentic Italian and Pakistani cuisine.

# 3 – PHOTOGRAPHY

Where: Somerset house
What: Sony World Photography Awards
When: Now until 20th May
Why: Ex Tudor Palace and now home to London’s Fashion week, Somerset House is a known destination for cultural enlightenment. This weekend the houses’ impressive gallery, will be home to the impressive work of the runners up and winners of the Sony World Photography Awards. The work is by both professionals and ammatures and ranges across a wide range of genres – from fashion to documentary, from sports to portraits. A haven for any photography enthusiast, this event will also have talks and workshops.

Have a lovely (hopefully sunny) weekend! Xx

11 May 2012 filed under Weekend Plans and tagged with Brixton Market, Hand Made, World Photography Awards

Weekend Plans: Feasting, Footwear and Fun

What: Street Feast London
Where: Scalter St Car Park, Brick Lane
When: Friday 4th May, 5pm-12am
Why: Formerly a victorian bird market, and now home to many a vintage shop. Scalter street will be undergoing another transformation for the next 12 weeks into a night market. Street Feast opens tonight and features lot’s of culinary delights from some of the capitals leading street vendors, think gourmet burgers and wood fired pizza’s. There is also a long bar serving wine, cocktails and beer until midnight. To celebrate their opening night, they will also be hosting an after party at a secret location, find out more on their website.

What: Christian Louboutin Exhibition
Where: Design Museum
When: Until the 1st July
Why: We have probably all wanted a pair at some point, and we all instantly recognise that infamous red sole. Yes we are talking Louboutins and lots of them. Until July, The Design Museum is presenting a retrospective of iconic footwear designer, Christian Louboutin. Celebrating his lasting career, the exhibition has over twenty years of designs and inspirations on show. From stiletto’s and boots to trainers and jewelled pumps. The focus of the exhibition is a unique look at the design process behind the shoemaking. From the initial sketches all the way through to the final product. Definitely worth checking out whether you are a shoe connoisseur or not, just be prepared to be very very jealous….

What: Land of Kings Festival
Where: Various venues around Dalston
When: Friday and Saturday
Why: Land of Kings is a music and arts festival taking place in the nooks and crannies of Dalston. While music obviously features high on the agenda over the two days, the festival also embraces and celebrates other creative fields. There are various art installations and spoken word events taking place, such as a Literary Death Match, billed as part game show, part literary reading, it pits four authors against each in a battle or words and wit. The music line up is quite electic, and looks a little hit and miss, although Slow Club and Caze Nove are sure to be highlights.

Have a lovely long weekend! Xx

04 May 2012 filed under Uncategorized

The Shop – new on Dover Street

You might have seen the rave reviews and playful party pics online from our Dover Street store opening, but the newest addition to the Wolf & Badger family really warrants seeing in person. So if for some, no doubt extreme, reason you still haven’t checked out The Shop here is a list of reasons to nudge you down to our door step on 32 Dover Street.

The Designers. Our second location in London and new flagship store sees us working with a different mix of designers than in The Lab in Notting Hill. See some familiar names from The Lab poised to be the next big thing mingling with London Fashion Week NEWGEN winners. Explore the latest fashion trends from independent designers, browse unique jewellery and discover quirky homeware. One thing stays the same: Wolf & Badger is the essential destination for independent fashion and design.

The Interior Design. Sleek and modern with a moody twist, The Shop boasts an interior that invites and intrigues you around each corner. With creative displays and a store layout with discreet corners, you will constantly be rewarded for your curiosity. Bring some time with you, you never know what treasure you may discover.

The Gallery. Always expect the unexpected with us. Wolf & Badger takes being a lifestyle brand a step further. The Gallery is a flexible venue space for hire in the heart of Mayfair that can be used for art exhibitions, fashion shows, product launches, events, meetings and parties. Dover Street will not only be your destination to discover the newest trends in fashion, but also new and unique art, food, music or design.

We do love to make new friends and get re-aquainted with old ones so whether for a browse or a shop, we would love to see you. If you are in the area make 32 Dover Street one of your destinations, it will be worth your while.

x Wolf & Badger

03 May 2012 filed under News & Events, The Shop and tagged with The Gallery, The Shop, Wolf & Badger Dover Street, Wolf & Badger Mayfair, Wolf & Badger The Gallery, Wolf & Badger The Shop

New month… new window!

We don’t want to blow our own trumpet, but how cute is the new Helen Ruth x Wolf & Badger window display in The Lab in Notting Hill?!

Of course this little boast can be justified as it is really an admiration of the fantastic job Helen Ruth did.

Our new window celebrates the glory of British Spring time and the display is a literal depiction of the phrase, “raining cats and dogs”. The animals have been beautifully hand-drawn by Helen Ruth one of our favourite accessories designers.

Helen Ruth’s collection of hand finished luxury scarves and accessories all feature original hand-drawn illustrations mixed with digital processes. A variety of different designs are available to purchase in our stores in Notting Hill, Mayfair, Montenegro and online.

Clockwise from top left corner: Feathers & Eggs Bow Tie – £65, A Leopard Can’t Change Its Spots Scarf – £165, Bee in her Bonnet Scarf – £165, Strawberry Vines Handkerchief – £30

01 May 2012 filed under Designers, Notting Hill Boutique and tagged with British Spring Time, Helen Ruth, Raining Cats and Dogs, The Lab, The Lab Notting Hill, window display

Weekend Plans: Trick, Treat or Tech

# 1 – DANCE

What: Tricky at the London Sundance Film Festival

Where: O2 Greenwich

When: 26-29th April

Why: The first ever Sundance London comes to the O2 in Greenwich from April 26-29. Over four days, the event will present the British premieres of 14 new American documentaries and dramas freshly picked from the original Sundance Film Festival. Alongside this there are also live music performances, tonight seminal trip-hop artist Tricky, who carved out his own brand of dark, claustrophobic dance music will take to the stage to perform the whole of  his groundbreaking and genre  defining 90′s album  ’Maxinquaye’. Performing alongside him will be long term collaborator, the soulful Martina Topley Bird.

Here is one of our favourites from the album;

# 2 – EAT

What: The StockMKT Night Market

Where: Bermondsey Square

When: Friday 5.30 – 10.00pm

Why: After a successful pilot market in December, The StockMKT is back tonight in Bermondsey. Inspired by the night markets of the Far East, with their plethora of delicious cheap eats and opportunities to shop for unique finds long into the night, The StockMKT takes this buzz and atmosphere but with a distinctly London feel. The StockMKT is a welcoming night market offering the best in Londons street vendors such as Bhangra Burger and the Pizza Pilgrims. There also be mobile bars serving delicious cocktails, live music and DJ’s, vintage clothes and craft stalls and a collaborative installation from guerilla artists, The Light Collective. Music, food, cocktails, art and shopping……..erm yes please!

 # 3 – SHOP

What: Capulet Trunk Show

Where: Wolf & Badger Notting Hill boutique

When: Saturday 1 – 4pm

Why: Capulet is a London-based luxury women’s accessories label creating super stylish and practical cases for iPhones, iPads and laptops. Redefining the relationship between fashion and technology its bags look amazing but are also incredibly useful. Perfect. Elegant and simple, the bags are all designed in London and hand crafted by skilled leather works in Spain. This Saturday they will be offering a preview of their new collection, as well as serving some drinks and nibbles. There is also an exclusive on the day 10% discount. Why not pop down and make your iPad the envy of the office on Monday.

Have a lovely weekend! Xx

27 Apr 2012 filed under Uncategorized

Mind, Body and Soul

# 1 – MIND

What: Vogue Festival
Where: Royal Geographic Society, 1 Kensington Gore, SW7 2AR
When: All day Friday and Saturday
Why: Fashion is constantly branded as being more superficial than cerebral, and lets face it it is sometimes difficult to fight this stereotype, but for those interested in the reality behind the glossy surface then the first Vogue festival is a must. The biggest names in the industry (Stella McCartney, David Bailey, Natalie Vodianova) will be distributing their pearls of wisdom in a number of seminars, talks and workshops across the two days. Invaluable for every stylist, designer, image-maker, entrepreneur or if you just want to see if Tom Ford looks that perfect in real life.

# 2 – BODY

What: London Marathon
Where: Greenwich Park to Buckingham Palace
When: Sunday for as long as you can last…
Why: Hopefully the sporadic weather we are having will be forgiving to all the amazing people who are running the London Marathon and the people supporting them. Head to Tower Bridge for the best views and atmosphere as the crowds develop a street party vibe and the runners gain an extra boost of energy crossing the iconic bridge. If you prefer fewer elbows in your sides then we recommend Mudchute Park and you could always pop into Mudchute Farm for a break from the crowd.

# 3 – SOUL

What: Gypsy Hotel
Where: The Lexington, 96-98 Pentonville Road
When: 8pm – 4am Saturday
Why: For those of you who are not running the London Marathon the next day and need to let off some steam, Gypsy Hotel is holding a decadent night of Balkan boogie bands, swing, burlesque, magicians and vaudeville sideshows with Missy Macabre, Ophelia Bitz and The Future Shape of Sound. It sounds like a crazier than normal night out in Kings Cross and definitely one to restore the balance in your soul after a stressful week of work.

20 Apr 2012 filed under Uncategorized

Wolf & Badger wakes up Dover Street

Our new Dover Street flagship is finally open and we couldn’t be more excited!
Get yourself down there to check it out, 32 Dover Street W1S 4NE.

We threw a launch party last night to celebrate. A massive thank you to everyone involved, particularly our amazing architect Augustus Brown and his team who have done a fantastic job.

There was a great mix of stylish guests, designers, bloggers, press and the Made in Chelsea crew who were out in force. Delicious cocktails, provided by Buffalo Trace and Brokers Gin, and ice cold beers from Asahi kept the party going. Fashion illustrator Andy Bumpus showcased his unique illustrations downstairs in the Gallery space, with an animated catwalk illustration of Wolf & Badger’s best picks to entertain guests.

DJ Goldirocks played an amazing set which kept the crowd energised until it was time to kick guests out and move onto the after party at Le Baron.

To see all the action from the evening click here. Photos courtesy of Chris James

19 Apr 2012 filed under Uncategorized

Weekend Plans: Hunt, Fly, Row

# 1 – HUNT

What: Alternative Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Berwick Street
When: April 6-9th
Why: Monkey Shoulder is hosting an Easter event with a difference, it combines whiskey and chocolate and is billed as a grown up version of an Easter Egg hunt. Monkey Shoulder have teamed up with the London Cocktail Club and chocolatier Niko B for this boozy extravaganza. Find an Easter Egg hidden amongst the foliage and you can swap it for a whiskey cocktail paired with a handmade chocolate that complements your drink; for example find a green egg and you might get a mint julep and a spearmint chocolate. Clever!

# 2 – FLY

What: Flight BA2012
Where: Shoreditch High Street
When: Until April 17th
Why: Another weekend another pop up venue….BA2012 is an airline themed venue in the heart of Shoreditch that is showcasing the best of British talent in art, food and film in the run up to the Olympics. The space comprises of a dining room, bar, art gallery and cinema and features talent from the BA Great Britons programme. It includes art work by Pascal Anson and a short film called ‘Boy’ starring Timothy Spall. The film has been written by up and coming write Prasanna Puwanarajah and is the story of a carpenter who maintains the track at the Velodrome in the London Olympic Park. There is also a bold British menu in the dining room (although tickets to this have sold out) created by Simon Hulstone under the mentoring of Heston Blumenthal.

# 3 – ROW

What: Oxford and Cambridge boat race
Where: Along the Thames
When: Saturday
Why: A quintessentially British tradition, the Oxford and Cambridge boat race takes place this Saturday. Up to 300,000 spectators will be spread out along the 4 and a quarter mile stretch of river that the race takes place on. The route, which runs between Putney and Mortlake in West London is littered with lots of lovely riverside bars, pubs and café’s to hang out in before and after the race which give the whole stretch of river a great atmosphere – and also make great places to shelter in if the weather doesn’t hold!

Have a lovely Easter weekend! Xx

05 Apr 2012 filed under Uncategorized