Through a child's eyes

Illustration is becoming an ever more desirable art form online as websites struggle to identify themselves as unique. As well as fashion illustration, such as that showcased at Amelia's Magazine and on blogs such as Canned Fashion, I've also come across some fabulous children's illustration that I thought worthy of a quick share session.


In September, H&M launched a range of children's clothing, All for Children, to raise money for UNICEF's initiative to help some of poorest cotton-growing communities in the world. As well as some super-cute ensembles, the collection includes a picture book telling the tale of Moritz the sheep and friends, created by H&M children's print designer Therese Bruckner and her sister Caroline Bruckner, who wrote the story.



On our summer jaunt to Amsterdam, a very affordable Woolworths-style shop called Hema also offered up charming illustrations in the form of products decorated by artist Fiep Westendorf. I'm sure Jip & Janneke, Westendorf's little boy and girl characters, and Pim & Pom, a pair of cats, are much-loved by Dutch children.


And finally, a children's illustrator a little closer to home - I recently visited Catherine Grimaldi's flat to do a shoot for the vintage interiors book I'm creating with Mat from Southern Retro, and not only marvelled at Catherine's impressive Snoopy collection, but her own art work. This piece is from her book 'It's Raining'.

Welcome to Hotel Pleasure

Rather than booking a cheap hotel deal for our recent mini-break in Amsterdam, Irish and I stayed in a studio apartment decked out like a boutique hotel.


In an old warehouse building in the peaceful area of Prinseneiland, near the bohemian Jordaan district, the flat boasted wooden beams and floor, a sleek fully-equipped kitchen and somewhat unique interior decor.


Building on a monochrome, pink and silver theme, the owner has fused wild and spiritual influences with animal print, deer heads in various materials, candles and busts of religious figures.


Making the most of the small yet airy space, a kitchen island doubles as an eating/entertaining and preparation/cooking area, storage units are made design features with transfers and display capacity and sleeping, living and eating areas are marked off with ceiling hangings that still let the light through.


Staying in an apartment, rather than a hotel, meant that it was much easier to relax, being able to chill out in the living area and make cups of tea and snacks, and at just 80 Euros a night the trip also worked out cheaper as well as more memorable.


If you're interested in booking your own stay at 'Hotel Pleasure', contact Nathalie on nathalie@ifyouneedahand.nl, and see my vintage guide to Amsterdam here.