Sweat Shop Kit

(Photography by Laurence Tarquin von Thomas)

>> One issue of the latest Japanese mag So-En in and my bout of sluggishness is already beginning to withdraw.  Their feature on the sewing cafe Sweat Shop Cafe Couture in Paris was extensive enough not to just include a brief description (and yes, there has been a LOT OF chat about this lone venture in Paris) but in the true demonstrative/pictorial style of East Asian magazines, we have a useful photo story of the sewing kit that designer Pelican Avenue has put together for the cafe…

Whilst I'm waiting for Cari Marsden's Friendship jersey dress kits to get the support it deserves, I'm appreciating this tract of well-thought out DIY kits that are a) simple and b) things you'd actually want to wear.  Here, Pelican Avenue have used a print from their 'Calyx' collection to create a sort of hip sash garment that is in no way functional yet completely wearable in its layering abilities.  I love the idea of pairing up with designers to thrash out these kits as a way of coaxing people to the Singers.  Speaking of which, of course I was most excited to hear about this cafe venture in Paris which I've still yet to check out (will have a gander tomorrow as I'm in Paris for a couple of days…) and it goes without saying that I'm believing any inklings that they might open one up in London…