Hello, my name is Paul Smith

Ahh it sure is good to be back on old turf, if only for a one week whistle-stop. Admittedly I've been a little overambitious with the amount I want to squeeze in on my fleetin' LDN return (it's funny how much you grow to cherish homeland after going cold turkey for over three months), but I'm definitely having a good crack at catching up with much missed folk and hang-outs.

One of my first hits was the Design Museum's current exhibition, "Hello, my name is Paul Smith". Charting the globally renowned designer's rise to fashion fame and repute, from his humble Nottinghamshire beginnings to present-day prosperity, the display offers an aesthetically seductive and fascinating insight into the inner workings of Paul Smith; both the man and his eponymous brand. 

The exhibit is neatly divided into individual illustrative segments, from "The First Shop" to "The Hotel Bedroom" to "The Studio", showcasing a comprehensive combination of audiovisual material, original sketches, photographs, clothing and even Paul's personal art collection, plucked from his Covent Garden based studio. 

Running from 15 November 2013 - 09 March 2014, "Hello, my name is Paul Smith" is a vibrant, engaging and truly personal archive of Mr Smith's career. A must-see for all art/design/fashion/creative/retail/business kinda heads.

MAD --> BCN

This weekend I thought I'd milk the Spanish "puente" [bridge] holiday tradition (wouldn't wanna disrespect the customs now) and bop to nearby Barça for a three day staycation. Despite being a super speedy 50 minute vuelo from Madrid, there's distinct vibes between the two cities, for sure (this definitely ain't a negative thing, no siree). And that's without taking Barcelona's overwhelmingly Independence obsessed, Catalonian-speaking spirit into account; the language adjustment was just a tad confuso for my lil Castilian-accustomed head! 

Even though Catalonia's political/economic backdrop certainly finds itself in a funny phase, this doesn't detract in any way what-so-ever from Barça's unassailable brilliance. The city kinda has it all. It somehow strikes a seamless and refreshing balance between conventional, buzzy city life (countless shops, efficient transport connections, celebrated sightseeing spots etc.), gorgeous beaches and a vibrant vida nocturna [nightlife], all whisked together with an air of cool, youthful nonchalance. The non-stop sun and crystal clear skies were just the cherry on top. 

Here's a small sample of my three day whistle-stop trip:

And what's a Catalonian christmas season without caga tió [shitting log]...  

...or caganer [shitting man]? Oh Barça. "Felices fiestas" to you too.

Sunday junk junket

Bein' quite the flea store junkie (pardon the pun), I was pretty haps to hit upon Madrid's meet-up for all kinds of antique antics this Sunday. Right off the Rastro lies a little locale of nada but antique, vintage and retro retail spots; Galerías Piquer. A total Aladdin's cave of curiosities older than ya Grandma (but still in fine fine condition), this accomplished area of predominantly art deco antigüedades is a real ideal place to pick up some serious interior gems. Provided you've got the suitcase space, claro. Ah, and to boot, the Galerías are set in super cute surroundings, amplified by the still *touchwoodtouchwood* gorge late-November weather. 

Always one step behind the shutter.

Of course, no Madrilenian Sunday would be quite complete without a "relaxing cup of café con leche," as they say, so it would've been rude not to have swung by my lil coffee stop cherub, Toma Café. 

Worryingly content. Check dat giveaway dimple.