Head to Toe

Love shoes, fancy hats? Then we at The Amazing Blog have got the perfect event for you to visit. Head to Toe is an exhibition hosted by Craft Central where you can explore the craft process and skills behind the creativity and drama of the hats and shoes design world. The work comprises of a diverse group of 20 designers who will be showcased there.   You’ll be able to see their unique designs, and discover some really exciting creations with lots of innovative sculptural themes.

The event is held in celebration of London Fashion Week at the new galleries of Craft Central to show off its new facilities’ with great effect. So for all fashionistas who haven’t managed to get their exclusive invitation to LFW, this is the exhibition for you.

From avant-garde headpieces to shoes that we'll all be ooh-ing and ah-ing over, Head to Toe is definitely an event we'd be willing to skip our couch-hanging afternoon for. With astonishing pieces from the established milliner Stephen Jones, as well as the newer recruits Noel Stewart, House of Flora and Emma Yeo.   However, not forgetting to mention the inspired shoe creations from the likes of Marloes ten Bhömer, Hetty Rose and London College of Fashion Cordwainers, to just name a few.  This fashion exhibition is something you won’t want to miss. The show is from the 18th - 28th of February (open Monday - Friday) and best of all… entry is FREE.

Hetty Rose Workshop

We've all been there. You find a pair of amazing shoes, hopeful that they'll go with every outfit you have or will ever own, and then they fall apart the first night you wear them. Or they'd be the perfect shoe if the heel wasn't so high, or the bow was in a different place. If you've ever felt like you could be the next Christian Louboutin, or if you just want a unique pair of shoes that are so completely you then the Hetty Rose Workshop is the place for you.

At the Hetty Rose workshop you'll be guided and tutored by Hetty herself to make your own pair of designer heels. You get to make your very own 'Mika' slingback heel, which are made using vintage kimono fabric. They'll be your exact size, and whatever kimono fabric you'd like.

The Hetty Rose workshop is definitely an investment at £195, but how often do you get to design and make your own perfect pair of shoes?! The experience alone is enough to make you want to go, and you won't believe the amount of preparation and work that goes into making one pair of shoes.

Perfect for a tame Hen Do, birthday, or a special treat for the leggy lady in your life, the Hetty Rose Workshop is a fun day out for any girl. The next workshop is on the 7th of July at Hylands House Chelmsford from 10am-4:30pm, so book your place with Hetty asap! 

Made in Clerkenwell

Some real talent is being showcased next weekend at Craft Central’s Made in Clerkenwell summer event. Unearth a little oasis in the city as Craft Central opens the doors to its two fascinating buildings and a hotbed of cutting edge craft and design from 19^th – 22^nd May.

This unique shopping event offers visitors the chance to have a behind the scenes peek into the studios of this community of more than 90 designers, as well as the chance to buy their designs and craft on-site. We fancy a little break from the Oxford/Regent/Bond (in our dreams!) street scrum of a weekend and a ticket to this event allows unlimited shopping over four days, including the Thursday night launch event and Friday’s late night shopping. Get ahead of the curve and pick up distinctive pieces of jewellery, fashion, accessories and interiors ideas, from designers who are at the cutting edge of their disciplines.

The Craft Central studios are renowned for great jewellery design and this is the perfect opportunity to check out the offerings - from Andrew English’s Fingerprint Wedding Bands to the beautifully crafted gemstone pieces from Mark Nuell and the quirky designs (including nipple tassels?!) from Frilly by Lily - there is something for every taste and budget.

Top milliner Katherine Elizabeth, whose clients include Dita Von Teese, Alexa Chung and Lily Allen, will be on hand to help you prepare for those all important summer weddings and events with her vintage inspired creations. One of the Amazing PR team, who is heading off to a awfully smart wedding at Le Manoir in a few weeks is hoping she can get something suitably fabulous whipped up in time. Hetty Rose’s beautiful handmade shoes, created using vintage materials will add a unique finish to any outfit, whether you choose her ready-to-wear collection or splash out on a bespoke pair.

Your home will not miss out on this extravaganza of designer talent with numerous delightful interior textiles, ceramics and paintings also on offer.  After an afternoon of browsing, and maybe a crafty purchase or two, you will be more than ready to make a pit stop at Chop’s Cakes for a refuel. Their range of classic cupcakes include the quintessentially British ‘Eton’, a layered vanilla and strawberry sponge topped with vanilla buttercream and decorated with a homemade meringue, strawberry sauce and half an English strawberry. YUM!!

Why not swerve Topshop for a weekend and buy something really original, which has been designed and created with care and attention? You can also give yourself a pat on the back from us for supporting the talented, niche designers at Craft Central.

Dates:

Special Launch Night on Thurs 19 May, 5-8pm

Late Night Shopping on Fri 20 May, 12noon - 8pm

Avoid the High Street crowds on Sat 21 & Sun 22 May, 12noon - 6pm

Venue:

CRAFT CENTRAL HAS TWO GREAT BUILDINGS

Craft Central, 21 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DX

AND 33-35 St John’s Square, London EC1M 4DS

Admission: £2.50 per person (under 16’s free) TWO BUILDINGS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!

KM