Fashion, Art, Design, Lifestyle

Vesper · September 21, 2024

William Blake's Dark Vision Of London

In his poem ‘London’, William Blake crafted a bleak vision of the city he loved

https://aeon.co/videos/in-his-poem-london-william-blake-crafted-a-bleak-vision-of-the-city-he-loved

I wander thro’ each charter’d street,
Near where the charter’d Thames does flow.
And mark in every face I meet
Marks of weakness, marks of woe.

In his early-Romantic artworks, William Blake (1757-1827) is known for conjuring dramatic, often apocalyptic images inspired by his deep Christian faith. However, as the US video essayist Evan Puschak (also known as the Nerdwriter) lays out in this short, his poem ‘London’ (1794) makes manifest a much more earthly vision of darkness and suffering, born of his everyday life in the metropolis. Placing the poem in the context of 18th-century London – a time when rapid industrialisation was transforming the city, the Church of England held immense power, and the bloody French Revolution was unfolding just across the English Channel – Puschak analyses how Blake’s distinctive and critical perspective on his home city left very little room for optimism.

Video by The Nerdwriter

Vesper · September 25, 2024

How To Style 3 Great British Brands

One is classic. One is contemporary. The other is cool. All three are British – and they all look good in a pub. We took Maiya to the local to see what these homegrown labels could do for you next time you’re nipping out for a swift one.

https://slman.com/style/fashion/how-to-style-3-great-british-brands

https-slman-com-sites-slman-files-articl

Wax London

It’s been around for less than a decade, but Wax’s distinctive character is already well established. Designing in London and sourcing materials from across the globe, it combines bold patterns, contemporary silhouettes and unusual fabrics to eye-catching effect. Standout pieces this season include fisherman jumpers, plaid shirts and pinstripe trousers.

Drake’s

Founded in 1977 by Michael Drake in east London, Drake’s initially gained recognition for its ties and handkerchiefs. Its high-quality offering has steadily expanded over the decades and its HQ is now on Savile Row. That’s the best place to check out its full range of preppy and military-inspired classics, which all gain a cool edge from the brand’s playful use of colour, pattern and texture.

Grey Cotton Crew Neck Hiking T-Shirt, £75 | Drake's; Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan, £475 | Drake's; Selvedge Denim Tonal Stitch Five-Pocket Jeans, £295 | Drake's; Morlaix Plombeé '77 Cotton Twill Baseball Cap, £75 | Drake's

Sunspel

This classic label has been a beacon of British innovation since 1860. Sea island cotton, luxury t-shirts, boxer shorts – Sunspel is the pioneer that brought them all to these shores. Today, it continues to deploy virtuoso craftsmanship and the finest natural materials to create timeless pieces. Look out for the cords and chunky knitwear in its latest collection.