Wee Birdy

Coutts London Jewellery Week: Lua Lua

I'm really captivated by these vibrant pieces by Lua Lua, which will also be on show at Treasure on the weekend. Like tiny shards of light from the colour spectrum, the necklaces and earrings are fun, ultra-wearable and would make perfect statement pieces.

Treasure
The Flower Cellars
4-6 Russell Street
Covent Garden WC2E 7PR
Friday 12 June: Noon to 8pm
Saturday 13 June:10am to 6pm
Sunday 14 June:10am to 6pm
Admission £5

All images courtesy of Lua Lua.

Coutts London Jewellery Week: Saloukee

While it’s very possible that there might be just TOO much good stuff on in London this weekend (Swinging Carnaby, Beachcombing on the banks of the Thames, Art Car Boot Sale in Brick Lane, Marylebone Village Summer Fayre, Open Squares weekend … just for starters, mind), one event I definitely won’t be missing is Treasure on Saturday morning.

As part of the official Coutts London Jewellery week schedule, Treasure showcases some of Britain’s hottest talent in contemporary jewellery design. Running over three days (starting Friday) in Covent Garden, the designers will be on hand to discuss - and sell! - their work, with many pieces starting at just £20. I’ll be posting some of my favourite picks over the next few days.
 
Pictured in this post is the amazingly sculptural necklaces and bracelets by jewellery designer Saloukee. Departing from the traditional use of precious metals and stones, each piece is entirely made from laser-cut paper. I'm really loving the idea of a contemporary Tudor ruff, which appears at once modern and antique. You can find Saloukee blogging about her work here.


Treasure
The Flower Cellars
4-6 Russell Street
Covent Garden WC2E 7PR
Friday 12 June: Noon to 8pm
Saturday 13 June:10am to 6pm
Sunday 14 June:10am to 6pm
Admission £5

All images courtesy of Saloukee.

Coutts London Jewellery Week: Alex Monroe

More woodland-inspired loveliness by London-based jeweller Alex Monroe. These latest bunny and twig-gy pieces are from an exclusive collection of handmade one-offs for Coutts London Jewellery Week, which runs until the 14th of June. Check out his extraordinary work (including some adorable birdy jewellery) this week at Little 15, Harrods, Liberty and EC One. www.alexmonroe.com

Click her for Alex's Secret London address book.

Birdy pick of the week

Enamel bird pendants, from £75, by New Zealand jewellery designer Kirstin Ash at KJ's Laundry.
Click here for more birdy picks.

My Secret London with Neal from Present & Correct (Part 1)

Neal Whittington, 29, runs the rather splendid online design and stationery store, Present & Correct. With a solid professional background as a graphic designer and illustrator, Neal spends much of his time these days scouring the globe for weird and wonderful paper-y delights. Here he opens up his little black book of favourite London haunts.

Best for a bargain?
Any of the city car boot sales: Wimbledon, Kilburn, Battersea, Chiswick. Borough Market late in the day for cheap veg.

Above: Bric-a-brac a-plenty at Battersea car boot sale.

Best for vintage?
There are several great shops at the Highbury end of Holloway Road which all sell a mixture of mid-century furniture and accessories. Due to its location you will find these places are much cheaper than if they were located in a trendier part of town.

I love vintage places that just sell one thing too, like Get Stuffed (for taxidermy) or EW Moore (for amazing retro wallpaper), as well as DA Binder (for old shop fittings).

Best for fashion?
I love Paul & Joe, and I always look in Liberty. Smaller independents like Sefton and Diverse stock some good labels. Second-hand shops like Rokit, Beyond Retro and charity shops come up with the goods, too.

Above: Vintage finds at Beyond Retro.

Best for jewellery?
I don’t wear any jewellery but I love Solange Azagury-Partridge. Also our friends Zoe and Morgan.

Above: Designs by Solange Azagury-Partridge.

Best for interiors and gifts?
SCP and Skandium are lovely shops and there are some great little gifty places along Columbia Road – like Ryan Town and Treacle. Labour & Wait is unique and so attractive and I cannot leave Muji empty handed. Ever!

Above: Skandi-heaven at Skandium.

In part 2 tomorrow, Neal reveals his secret London destinations for stationery, kids' stuff, skincare, souvenirs, and places to eat.

For all addresses and a Wee Birdy map of Neal's secret London, click here.

Read more about Neal's online store, Present & Correct here.

For more secret Londons, click here.