natalieborn

EYE SPY

2012-01-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

above: my sketchbook below: Sarah Moon from COS SS11 magazine

SOUTH LONDON FIGURES

2012-01-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

It's worth taking a little trip down to South London if you're looking for antiques or midcentury furniture ...for a lower price than north of the river.

all images from my instagram

IN THE PINK

2012-01-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

All photos, drawings and collar by me. Prospectus Gothenburg Museum of Art.

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

drawing by me

SUMMER OR WINTER?... YOU SHOES!

2011-12-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

Great shoes in shoes idea from dis magazine.

TWEED TWEED

2011-11-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

I recently came across this Harris Tweed book over on one of my favoured blogs: Brainpickings. I love classics and what I love about these type of books is that they show true craftsmanship and skill focusing on one single product. A product that is about quality, tradition, function and versitility within the fashion industry. This book documents all you need to know about this wonderful heritage cloth.

SILHOUETTE

2011-11-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

I'm loving these little and large silhouettes in black and white.

Cut out in vintage frames above(available here) and crosstitched at Liberty(available here).

WIND

2011-11-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-29T05:17:00.000-07:00

sketchbook drawing by me

HALLOWEEN TREATS

2011-10-29T05:12:00.000-07:00

Really great authentic traditional style english sweet shop

I (S)WANT IT

2011-10-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

We've been blessed with sunny weather and mild temperatures here in London which has kept spirits high. Now that the cold has crept in I'm starting to remember what it feels like. I'm not a winter person, but I definitely think that this Swan scarf from Donna Wilson would cheer me up and help get through those next 6 months of dry, cold uncomfortableness. She's also got some fun gloves and other nick nacks check her out here!

JULYSTARS

2011-10-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Julystars for posting my illustration (I drew for her a while ago) featured in her recent H&M interview.
If you don't already know the wonderful blog: Julystars is a must read!
She is a super talented writer, photographer, blogger and wonderful best friend with great taste and a supercool sense of style.
Her blog is a delightful, sophisticated and a personal journey of fashion and photography.

La Belle : Madame Julystars

JOURNEY OF MY APPLES

2011-10-03T02:40:00.000-07:00

PASTICHE

2011-09-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

10 Magazine, patterns, sketch by me, Leo Breuer,

embroidered monogram: gift, Chantalle Joffe....

A MAGICAL NURSERY

2011-09-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

Petersham Nurseries Richmond, Surrey U.K

MOBILIA

2011-09-07T04:56:00.000-07:00

(Pierre Cardin boutique)

Rummaging through some leftover books at St. Martins College library this summer, I came across some amazing archived magazines of Mobilia. I think it's a Danish furniture design magazine and the editions I found were from the 60ies.Really great combination of fashion and midcentury furniture.I just love the spirit and energy these images express and show how experimental and adventurous design was without limitations. Avantgarde and timeless!

AUTUMN IS AROUND THE CORNER

2011-09-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

CRAFTY AND KITSCH

2011-08-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Visiting my Gran in Switzerland is the real Swiss deal. It's hard to explain but somehow it's rustic, kitsch, crafty and bad taste. I don't mean it in a bad way but it's what typical Swiss things are about: function, precision, honesty, quality and not necessarily 'good, stylish' taste. My Gran is going to be 90 soon and I have to say she's a real trooper from that generation of Swiss workingclass, strong, hardworking and knowledgeable.
She's always kept herself busy with 'basteln' crafty things: pressing flowers and leaves, crochet, knitting, sewing, cooking, preserving etc...

She lives in an old age home and it's a lonely place.Whilst visiting her this summer, she encouraged her friend to show me her crocheted pieces and this lovely old lady gave away her amazing Pfaff sewing machine to my Gran which she in return gave me!...I'm so happy and honoured,as it is in lovely condition.Here are some impressions.

(painting by my Aunt

all photos by me)

APPLEGIRLORE

2011-08-15T01:33:00.000-07:00

so many apples on our apple tree right now

can't wait for apple crumble,chutney,pie.....any other suggestions? (drawing by me)

THE HOUSE OF VITRA

2011-08-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to visit the amazing Vitra Showroom in Germany with my lovely brother and sister this summer. The Architecture by Herzog and de Meuron is truly inspiring aswell as the
beautiful and timeless Vitra products displayed in the Showroom. A small selection of my somewhat 200 photos taken on this fantastic day out!

SWITZERLAND CLICHE

2011-07-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm back and Switzerland was lovely and relaxing.Here's an infusion of my images.
(bit like a tourist's outlook).Lucerne is my favourite city.

MARKET MANIA

2011-06-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

I finally had some time to revisit some of my regular markets I used to frequent a loooong time ago.I love the abundance and amalgamation of products new and old. My instagram pictures below are from Broadway Market near London Fields East London and Columbia Road Flower Market in East London.

I also can't wait to visit my favourite little fleamarket in Lucerne, Switzerland.

It's held every Saturday, right next to the river and the setting is beautiful as well as the Swiss variety of offerings.

Beautiful photos below of 'Flohmarkt' Luzern:

courtesy my brother Serge Born.

I WANT TO HIDE FROM THE RAIN

2011-06-16T01:51:00.000-07:00

This would be a nice hideout...I love Barbour.

http://www.barbour.com/index.cfm?SetCountryID=6&setHomeCountryID=6

TROUBLED TRACEY

2011-06-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I enjoyed Tracey Emin's current retrospective at the Hayward Gallery, London this week-end. I haven't always been a fan or follower.
There's something kindly intriguing about her personality and unobvious beauty and sex appeal.
She's like marmite really: you either love her or hate her..urrm ..her work..but ermmm that is her.
Most of all her lovely nervous drawings, patchwork blankets, neon signs, multitude of words, personal records and belongings lured me into her world for a day and maybe a later date..

BUTTONS

2011-06-10T01:51:00.000-07:00

If you ever are in need of some buttons in central London head down to specialist shop 'Buttton Queen'. They have a large selection of vintage and contemporary buttons.My only criticism is that the shop is not that inspiring. I was expecting an old fashioned haberdashery, I suppose they've missed the trick.Too bad..

The frame especially made for the shop when it first opened

Metal buttons I purchase there for my vintage broderieanglaise dress

I NEED A HAIRCUT

2011-05-29T02:55:00.000-07:00

SEW BE IT

2011-05-25T01:40:00.000-07:00

My sewing machine was feeling rather unwell recently and I realised how much I just LOVE MY BERNINA. I wouldn't want it to die ever. I have used it for so many years IT and I have a history.
My Swiss Grandmother, a keen self taught dressmaker herself, gave it to me as a present when I was 16, I think, just before I started my apprenticeship as a dressmaker/tailor. Giving me the Bernina meant alot to her, as my greatgrandfather was a travelling tailor in a little village in Switzerland. My Bernina was to be the mother of all gifts, present of all birthdays and Christmas' rolled into one.
I was thinking what sewing machine I would buy if I had to and also reminisced all the sewing machines I had prior to my Bernina. My first one was a little red childrens sewing machine. In Canada I was given a vintage Singer Sewing machine by my mom's cousins, which took some time to get used to it was half manual. After that I inherited an Elna mini sewing machine which belonged to my late Aunt and I loved it. I also had a non-brand modern sewing machine my parents gave me which kept me going.
When I started my degree in Fashion Design at St.Martins , my Dad very kindly brought my Bernina with (It's got an amazing hard shelled case as seen in the picture where all components fit in) and sewed many a dodgy project. I also was given a Husqvarna overlock by my lovely husband and it still works wonderfully. I later bought myself a Brother industrial sewing machine when I ran my own label, as I needed something which was robust and intended for non domestic use.
Amazing how a sewing machine can bring back so many memories of stages in your life.
Anyone wanting to buy a quality sewing machine make sure it has some weight to it and manually adjustable stitches, not too fond of the electronic ones.
Here I recommend my top 5 brands:
1. Bernina
2. Elna
3. Husqvarna
4. Singer
5. Brother

My Bernina has been instagramed.

I LOVE SHADES

2011-05-12T03:08:00.000-07:00

I like wearing big, beautiful sunglasses that cover my eyebrows.

1. Mom with her sunglasses, she wore/wears them all the time even indoors without noticing.

2. Karen Walker SS11 eyewear collection I love it.

3. And how about these Jeremy Scott ones..if you must, order them here.

MOMENTS IN TIME

2011-04-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

Really fab book I got from my lovely friend.Thought the wedding pix would be

appropriate for today, but there are many more great styles and stories inside..

So true and so much fun!

HAPPY EASTER

2011-04-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

postcard: Gerhard Richter Nurses 1965, photo: Tina Modotti,

white trims from my collection of bits 'n' bobs,

Vintage Bunny stickers from Migros

drawing by me

EASTER OUTFITS

2011-04-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

I love Easter as it always played an important role in our family,Mom being Armenian Orthodox and our family living in a Catholic part of Switzerland.. traditions influence...However Easter in South Africa was like in England..all about the chocolates..oh and the outfits my grandmother sewed for me...

Remember these trousers? I remember them being called 'knickerbox'..not sure

that's correct.Quite a cool picture my dad took..

My Aunt lived in Geneva and sent us 'European' clothing which was always really exciting and different as there wasn't much choice at the time.We always traced our feet and for shoe sizes and fit.

I love the stitching my grandmother used as a detail on this dress she made me. I would even wear it today...I'll have to give the headgear a miss though...

IDA KAR

2011-04-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've been to the National Portrait Gallery in London and realised what a profound
experience it is. A glimpse into an individuals life captured and portrayed. All the different face expressions glaring back at you. I'm inspired by our different features and what makes us unique, what gives us character, what is beautiful and what is not. I try to explore these ideas in my fashion illustrations
The current exhibiton of Ida Kar was alluring. Her style of photography could be compared to the amazing Selby of today, where artists/individuals are documented in their natural surroundings. I feel I could understand why she would be drawn to portraying personalities, as for me storytelling was such a big part of my Armenian side as a child and until today. I'm very happy that Ida Kar has finally been given the recognition she deserves at the National Portratit Gallery in London and I'm proud she is Armenian too!

Ida Kar self portrait

Drawing of Ida Kar by S.Stepanian pencil and ink 1957

Photos from Le Quartier St. Ives she documented for Tatler 1961

Portrait of Bridget Riley

WHICH TYPO ARE YOU?

2011-03-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not an expert when it comes to typography, my brother is the one who really does and made me more aware of it... Helvetica, Georgia, Times etc...
I recently got inspired by one of my favourite podcasts: Gestalten which interviewed typo King : Erik Spiekermann. NY times also had a great article about the revival of the typewriter.
I used to go through loads of letrasets and dynamos when I was a student...I still enjoy pressing each and every letter onto paper or frames or walls...It's the shape and boldness of a letter I like and how it graphically communicates and personalises a message or even just decorates.

Prospectus about Ubuntu Roman Bold typo from The Design Museum London

Drawing typo N by me

white letraset Helvetica Medium Condensed 7mm

Nice gift packaging from Sweden

NOSTALGICA

2011-03-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Fantastic plastic flowers at Le Chandelier

My good old swiss quality colour pencils.

Amazing book of Swiss vintage postcards.

Vintage 50ies scarf from Brick Lane.

THAT VINTAGE FEELING

2011-03-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

The John Stezaker exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in London's east end was

a real treat. I just love the power of the simplicity in his collaged images. How he carefully sources

and merges vintage photos together, using postitive and negative space is brilliant. It's brave and bold to make a statement as he particularly demonstrates in his pictures which had minuscule images framed with generous space. Minimal and so beautiful.

John Stezaker exhibiton catalogue, jewellery packaging by Gogo,

Spotted collage drawing by Antonio 1967 seen at the Drawing Fashion exhibition London.

John Stezaker collage

drawing by me

WOOD YOU WEAR IT?

2011-03-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

drawing from my sketchbook

•

Design out of wood by The Medley Institute

Apart from loving Jil Sander, Celine, Balenciaga and Prada so far for AW/Fall 2011..I couldn't help but notice that patterns of wood seem to be emerging as prints on garments at Celine and as a catwalk background at Jil Sander..funny enough I 've been taking loads of pix of different wood structures in the past .. I love it and it's super contemporary. The Medley Institute have an interesting project of wooden accessories, which were recently displayed at the bstore in London. Their conceptual unfashion/fashion approach seems refreshing and interesting as well as the fact that they are using traditional manufacturing methods to create contemporary design ideas.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS

2011-03-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

above: my lovely Mom in the 70ies

below left : my Aunt and right: my Mom

drawing by me NB2011

above: my Mom and her shades

below: my Mom and Aunt in the Ndebele village South Africa

I could sit for hours and gaze over old slides and images of my parents (and my) life in South Africa in the 70ies.I love the way the interiors blend in with the clothes they were wearing and the backgrounds they chose to be photographed against. My Mom and my Aunt were really stylish for not having the same resources available in Europe. They had my grandmother to interpret the latest 'European Fashions'. Dressmaking I beleive was more popular and practised at many a home then and at least most knew how to sew on a button and fix a hem.

There's been such a big revival of 70ies fashion for SS11 and seems like it's set to continue...felt like

we've all been here before...always repeating ideas from the past. As much as the spirit of those days inspire me and evoke good feelings of a time gone by and never to return..It still feels somehow 'wrong' to be reliving a similar style by wearing the more obvious not so timeless shapes, past their sell by date. Some designers seem to be able to successfully blend past and future references by creating contemporary ideas with a nod to shapes reminiscent of the past. Hopefully we will be able to identify the look of our time...Monsieur Ghesquiere, Signora Prada,Monsieur Simons et Lady Philo surely will be able to lead the way?

CLAIRE DE SOHO

2011-02-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite book shops is Claire de Rouen in Soho, London. Conveniently located next door to Central St.Martins College on Charing Cross rd. and unfortunately not for very long, as we are moving to Kings Cross in September. I will miss popping into her cosy space filled with the best

fashion, art and photography books and magazines. Her selection and taste is right up my street

and not to be found elsewhere.

ENGLAND'S STITCHING

2011-02-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

As London Fashion Week is well underway and Designers take a long proud bow whilst
receiving an applause for their achievements, I would like to take a moment to consider the people who actually make garments. As a designer myself I always feel in between, as working hard long hours sewing away for years, before having the honour to design and sew less later..I know what sweat and stress and strain is involved in the production side. I appreciate and have a soft spot for the workers.

Making clothes is amazing, fascinating how an idea, someone's vision becomes reality, and a flat pattern can become a three dimensional garment. There's a huge amount of skills and knowledge required and not all designers I have to say posess them. Fabric?Fit?Cut?Patterncutting?Techniques?Threads?Needles?Facings?What?How?Where?These are sometimes fundamental skills and knowledge aquired in the industry not necessarily taught at college but eventually learnt on the job..hopefully.

'Made in England' is a documentary that was currently aired on Channel 4 about garment production returning to English factories.The documentary was brilliant and heartwarming and gives a really good glimpse into fashion's production line. I remember when my Mom used to point out (and still does on very rare occasions between the made in India, made in China, made in Morocco ones...) that a good quality garment meant 'made in Italy' , 'made in France' or 'made in England' printed in the label.

Loic Prigent's 'Chanel' documentary is another one to watch, if you haven't yet do so, I looove it so much and elements of it reminded me of 'Made in England' .

My respect goes out to all those sitting behind their Brothers, Pfaffs,Singers, Berninas, Husqvarnas...!

FRIENDS FROM THE PAST

2011-02-15T02:13:00.000-08:00

Cindy Sherman is back, I remember seeing her first exhibition in the

Kunstmuseum Lucerne in 1995 and loved her work. Her work is

currently exhibited at the 'Sprüth Magers' gallery in London.

It is her early work which I personally love the most.

I love PJ Harvey and her new album is great as ever!

Both women still inspire me, accompanied with a feeling of nostalgia

reminiscing those days.. 15 years ago!

•

drawings by me

LOVE IS...

2011-02-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

Inspiration images : From the movie 'Bright Star' by Jane Campion.

Not my favourite film by Mrs Campion, but still special as I prefer melancholy to romance,

beautifully intense fragility, painful love, a celebration of love letters, poetry, recurrant soundtrack, handwritten notes and handstitched garments. It also brought John Keates to my attention

and a visit to his house in lovely Hampstead would be nice.

Love is....rubber stamps, postage stamps, envelopes, handwriting, merit stars.. D & W.

•

Drawing from my sketchbook

•

Love is... comic strip by Kim Grove 60ies

SARTORIAL FLAVOURS AND LONDON DELIGHTS

2011-02-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

Gilbert and George exhibition at White Cube Masons Yard great fun,

Crocket and Jones slippers for men?I like., Inspiring Modern British Sculpture exhibition

at the Royal Academy London, Martin Creed at Hauser & Wirth,

bStore magazine: one of my favourite shops in the area, really special collection of

designers clothes, books, shoes, accessories etc...

I like looking down to the tailors workshops on Savile Row reminds me

of my apprenticeship, sitting on a table and sewing away,

Ben Nicholson 1935 white relief picture/sculpture: timeless.

•
Ideas in process: classic men's shirt I've redesigned

SQUIGGLY COLOURFUL COLLABORATION

2011-02-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

drawing by me and my son

•

ordinary colourful stationery stickers: fun

the hand that squiggles

drawing by me

TOO HOT TO ROT

2011-01-30T14:49:00.000-08:00

I'm going banana's too with fashions latest obsession

thanx to Mrs. Prada (below SS11)

very old, used, abused and always..

successful recipe with good memories from Canada.

FASHION DESIGN INGREDIENTS -THE CLOTH HOUSE LONDON

2011-01-21T04:52:00.000-08:00

There are very few fabric and haberdashery shops that inspire.

but a visit to The Cloth House, London provides a unique experience.

There are a wide range of goodies to spark off ideas for designs.

Everything in the shop from furniture to product has been lovingly

sourced and artfully presented.

•

Drawing by me for C.

on her departure from London ... and The Cloth House.

FRESH START..LET L'ORANGE IN

2011-01-09T06:40:00.000-08:00

A 1926 'Mode Pratique' I purchased in Paris in 1996. Nice 20ies silhouettes.

Rachel Whiteread Drawing exhibiton flyer. The exhibiton at Tate Britain was very inspiring.

I love the way she uses varnish, resin and whiteout to draw on graph paper.

Her work has a really quiet flow and inspired experimental quality.

Fashion story from Sunday Times style supplement. Great colour combinations, ultra modern feel.

Olafur Eliasson: The weather project 2003/04.One of my favourite artists

and exhibitions in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern, London. His work is amaaazing!

Eadward Muybridge photo of Shoshone Indians,1869.

V&A fun flyer for kids events...love the illustration...grrrr.

•

drawings by me 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-30T08:23:00.000-08:00

drawing by me

•

i love Brigitte Bardot's kohl eyes and head band here

it's New Years Eve: how to do kohl eyes, sequin trims

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

drawing from my sketchbook by me

•

Swedish gingerbread angels.

Making cookies reminds me of cutting patterns out of fabric, trying to create as little waste possible.

my stylish Armenian nana (taught me how to sew).

70ies Christmas just brilliant!

MUSEUM OF EVERYTHING LONDON

2010-12-20T02:36:00.000-08:00

Flyer from THE MUSEUM OF EVERYTHING:

This was a truly fascinating collection of curiosities.

Book about Walter Potters inspiring Museum of Taxidermy:

His work was exhibited at THE MUSEUM OF EVERYTHING

My small collection of buttons and furry friends.

•

Drawing by me

REDDY FOR CHRISTMAS?

2010-12-08T04:13:00.000-08:00

The lovely Georgia Jagger and some good lipstick advice , various wrapping papers,

red lipstick pen: gift from my best friend, pattern and pins: xmas presents in progress.

•

drawing from my sketchbook

SWISS SNOW AND FRANZ G.

2010-12-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

Titlis mountain photo courtesy Peter Born

•

There's something about fallen snow with it's defined black and white

contours and sharp precise lines I quite like.

This type of precision also reminds me of the Swiss artist Franz Gertsch

and his fascinating work I saw last winter.

I truly admire him his patience and talent for creating

photorealistic paintings on such a large scale.

Currently there is an interesting exhibition going

on too, if you happen to be in the hood.

Museum Franz Gertsch

•

Painting by Franz Gertsch: Patti Smith Acrylic on Canvas 1978

•

The picturesque village of Burgdorf, Switzerland

where the Museum Franz Gertsch is situated.

SNOW WHITE

2010-12-01T05:02:00.000-08:00

I really like this issue of Another Magazine Dec.2010

& I love Björk.

•

drawing by me

•

Bruce Davidson Central Park 1995

one of my favourite American photographers

•

drawing by me

•

Mimi Gellman (Canadian, born 1955). nightdrawing 1. 2009

from the book: On Line:Drawing Through the twentieth Century

Wish I could see this exhibition in NY. I love drawing.

ROYAL BELLS AND ALL T(H)AT

2010-11-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

Portrait of the Queen by amazing light artist Chris Levine.

Union Jack pin cushion by Cath Kidston.100% Wool Made in England

Drawings by me.

•

Windows at Liberty London (2009) by Luella Bartley.

•

Martin Parr one of my favourite British photographers

NAUGHTY PETER PAN COLLAR

2010-11-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

vintage leather skirt taken apart to become one of the below

•

babyblues detachable collar from adorevintage

•

patternmaking book from my apprenticeship days

•

peter pan collar pattern

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2010-10-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

Halloween costume. drawing by me

•

vintage booklet by the swiss foulard designer Christian Fischbacher

photocopied courtesy from one of my past students, as it belonged to his grandmother

•

bow ring by Tatty Devine. birthday present

•

my bow and I

AUTUMN ANTLERS

2010-10-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

Jane Hilton (photographer)

•

drawing by me. neckpiece by me

•

Andermatt, Switzerland