To the Palace
1st May 2012
A few weeks ago we decided to pack up our things and dash off to the countryside for a bit of respite from the city. (We literally did dash off - it was all very last minute and terribly thrilling.) We spent the Easter weekend in the charming village of Woodstock, Oxfordshire - the location of Blenheim Palace - World Heritage Site and the only non-Royal Palace in England. Whilst we did, of course, enjoy a day exploring the monumental stately home and its grounds, the rest of our weekend was spent in and around Woodstock itself - eating and drinking in the local pubs, breathing in the smell of wood smoke, perusing the many antique shops (naturally), and relaxing in our hotel, the wonderful Hope House, which we can thoroughly recommend. Built from golden Cotswold stone, Hope House, a stone's throw from the gates of the Palace, is the ancestral home of the Money family (whose job it was to collect monies to build Blenheim Palace circa 1708). The grade II* listed building, designed in the Vanbrughian style, has been perfectly refurbished and restored, and was a delight to spend time in. All in all, we enjoyed a very relaxing retreat in an idyllic part of the country, and are thinking about our next visit already.
Dead Or Alive
22nd April 2012
We stumbled across these intriguing photographs by the French photographer Nicolas Wilmouth in the Guardian Magazine last Saturday. Are they alive? We hear you ask. These photographs are actually of taxidermic birds found in a natural history museum in Elbeuf near Paris. Since embarking on a mission to shoot portraits of dogs in the style of Old Master paintings 5 years ago, Wilmouth's work has evolved to a series of photographs with the ultimate goal of creating an ambiguity around whether the specimens were dead or alive. Mission very well accomplished indeed.
For the Love of God
20th April 2012
We paid a visit to the Tate Modern this week to take a look around the Damien Hirst retrospective, the largest UK exhibition of the artist's work ever to go on display. We enjoyed it all - the pickled sharks, live butterflies, spot paintings and inflatable beach balls were all out in full force. Hirst's diamond-encrusted skull (with its claimed selling price of £50m), was a particular highlight, although we're a bit disheartened that we failed to smuggle it out without anybody noticing. Presiding genius of contemporary British art, or dastardly con artist? You decide!
Spring is Sprung
2nd April 2012
In time-honoured London fashion, the weather at this time of year has been characteristically unpredictable. However we did manage a few hours of sunshine this weekend, spending a particularly louche Sunday on the balcony, on what felt like one of the first real spring days this year. Prosecco and Campari with lots of ice was the order of the day, and of course the beloved disposable barbeque. Idea for charring sausages beyond recognition, and keeping warm after the sun disappeared behind the trees.
Apartment 58
30th March 2012
Here we are along with the wonderful Charlotte Rey (of Acne Paper) at the newly opened Apartment 58 in Soho. Apartment 58 is a new concept club providing a work and socialising space for the creative industry, with socially conscious ideals at its heart. (And quite right so!) Two more clubs are to open in Notting Hill and Shoreditch this year, and we're looking forward to seeing the results for ourselves. Further apartments are scheduled to open in Paris, Milan, Berlin, New York and Mumbai.
Tumblr!
28th March 2012
Ever mindful that social media evolves faster than we can keep up, we tend not to jump on every bandwagon that trundles past. Having said this, microblogging site Tumblr is a particular fave at Fox and Flyte HQ, both because of the ease with which we can gather images that inspire us daily, and the way they are collated together in one place. Basically we caved and now have a Tumblr. Click here to see it, or on the handsome T above. The T, incidentally, came from a great blog called Daily Drop Cap, which we think is utterly charming. We will be adding a cheeky Tumblr icon to the site shortly, but in the meantime you may have to do things the old fashioned way. Never hurt, did it?
Bill Cunningham
26th March 2012
On the subject of New York, legendary street style and society photographer Bill Cunningham is celebrated at last in a new documentary by Richard Press. "After 50 years of cycling the streets of the Big Apple with his camera, snapping the great, the good and the stylish, Bill Cunningham is now in front of the lens in this loving and intimate portrait of a remarkable man and a chronicler of a city." We cannot wait! Check out the trailer here.
New York, New York
25th March 2012
Just over a week has passed since Duncan returned from New York to launch the latest issue of Acne Paper. It's all rather a blur, as are some of the pictures, but a few highlights are included above. Beautiful dusky pink sunset from the High Line; a martini at the bar of the Four Seasons restaurant with its iconic Mies van der Rohe interior which remains largely unchanged since construction in 1959; the magazine displayed on music stands at the Pace Gallery on 22nd Street; Duncan with Charlotte Rey and Thomas Persson at the launch; dinner after the launch at the iconic Indochine restaurant; an eerily beautiful view of Downtown Manhattan taken from the Brooklyn shore; a rather louche Sunday afternoon started in the sun and then continued for many hours in the blissfully empty Waverly Inn.
Acne Paper 13: The Body
24th March 2012
Acne Paper 13: The Body launched last week in New York. Click here to buy a copy!
Mark's Bar
23rd March 2012
One of our favourite spots for a post-work/pre-dinner drink would most definitely have to be Mark's, downstairs from Hix on Brewer Street. With its apothercary bar and eccentric list of cocktails, we can't recommend it enough. Take a look at the menu here. We're all about the Hix Fix.
Cecil Beaton: The New York Years
20th March 2012
Currently gracing our coffee table at Fox HQ is the hauntingly beautiful and impeccably stylish Cecil Beaton: The New York Years, published by Rizzoli, and an accompaniment to the 2011 exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York. The New York Years documents the Vogue photographer's life in New York, from when he first sailed into the harbour at age 24, through the glamour of the 1930s, to the Pop art of the 1960s, and features many previously unpublished photographs, sketches, costumes and set designs. A positively inspirational and fabulous read.
How Do You Like Your Eggs?
16th March 2012
Breakfast is a serious business at Fox and Flyte HQ, and our silver plated Eggcup Tray Set is just the thing for making Sunday brunch on the terrace (or, of course, in bed) that bit more special. Get the papers in, warm the coffee on the stove and get cracking those eggs. Find the set here.
Endymion
11th March 2012
Luke is currently hard at work, designing and producing his final year BA menswear collection which he will present at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in May. The collection, entitled Endymion, has been inspired by traditional British country clothing, which Luke has updated by using strong colours, luxury fabrics and contemporary shapes. He has even designed his own tweed, which is being woven up in the wilds of the Outer Hebrides as we speak. Follow Luke's progress by visiting his website here.
Catesby's
6th March 2012
How lovely it is to meet like-minded souls. When Fox and Flyte was last in Norfolk, we visited a delightful little gem of a shop called Catesby’s. Following a sojourn in Paris collecting antiques and hunting for beautiful items for the home and garden with passion, proprietor Neil Honor decided to open a shop that perfectly embodies the warmth and beauty of Norfolk. We were particularly taken with the heavenly soft and reasonably priced angora blankets in pastel hues. For those of us who can’t pop down to Norfolk, the website is soon to go live and we promise you, it’s definitely one to watch.
Homes & Gardens
2nd March 2012
We were thrilled to be featured in the March issue of Homes & Gardens magazine. Hurrah!
On Blood
27th February 2012
Our talented friends at The Cob Gallery and Guts for Garters are currently presenting a body of work by Peter Doherty, executed in his own blood, at their gallery space in Camden. The show casts new light on Doherty not only as a practicing artist, but as a collector of oddities. As an additional aspect of the show, objects collected and chosen by Doherty are being used to create a unique Gesamtkunstwerk – a Portrait of the Artist. We can recommended.
5 A Day
25th February 2012
The Vegetable Garden, published by Taschen, is one of our favourite tomes at Fox HQ. Consisting of a boxed set of images suitable for framing, the selection of prints have a fabulous story behind their creation. From 1850 to 1895, Vilmorin-Andrieux & Cie, a Parisian seed company, commissioned a series of lavish illustrations as advertisements for its vegetables and fruits. The collection of 46 lithographs, by some of the period’s most notable botanical artists, was eventually published as the Album Vilmorin (Les Plantes Potagères), a volume that survives in only a few libraries today. Taschen has reproduced all 46 historic plates in The Vegetable Garden, bringing these stunning 19th-century garden vegetables to the modern kitchen.
Elle Decoration UK
24th February 2012
We were delighted to be mentioned in the February 2012 issue of Elle Decoration UK. How lovely to be included in such an inspirational magazine!
Fancy a Stiff One?
21st February 2012
If antique lamps, locks, door knobs, coat hooks, fingerplates, bell-pushes, bell-pulls and letter plates turn you on, look no further than Stiffkey Antiques located in a charming Methodist Chapel in Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk. Established in 1986, it is a fantastic specialist emporium filled with gleaming brass light fixtures and brass fittings of your dreams, if that’s your thing.
Spring Florals
20th February 2012
Columbia Road on a Sunday morning, post-brunch, is always a treat.
The Gunton Arms
19th February 2012
We must admit, we have a soft spot for Norfolk and its breathtaking natural beauty. When Fox and Flyte visited Norfolk this time however, we were very excited to visit The Gunton Arms set within the extensive historic park near Cromer. Opened in October 2011, we heard that the eccentric art dealer Ivor Braka and his artist wife Sarah Graham, were inspired by one of our other favourite haunts in Paris, Robert et Louise, and set about bringing a similar sense of theatre and rustic cuisine to Norfolk and boy, did they succeed. We shared a mammoth 1kg of juicy beef and the best roast potatoes we have tasted in a while, all cooked in the open fire beneath impressive, if not slightly spooky, elk antlers. All in all, we had a jolly good meal and would heartily recommend The Gunton Arms should you find yourself in North Norfolk.
Walter Hugo
17th February 2012
We popped into the Shizaru Gallery in Mayfair last night for the opening of Walter Hugo's exhibition, 'A Moment In An Instant World'. The show is the culmination of Hugo's exploration of obscure photographic systems, which are an antidote to the contemporary age of the instant, throwaway photography. We'd definitely recommend a visit.
The Dream/Song of the Earth
9th February 2012
It has been a long time since Fox and Flyte made a trip to the glorious Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, so when we heard that The Dream and Song of the Earth from the two legendary choreographers Frederick Ashton and Kenneth MacMillan were in the repertoire this season, we were quick to snap up some tickets. Starting the evening at the Paul Hamlyn Hall with a champagne cocktail and wild salmon sandwiches, we were bewitched by the whimsical costumes and set design of The Dream and were deeply moved by the elegant yet powerful choreography of Song of the Earth. What a wonderful evening it was - it definitely deserved a thunderous applause from Fox and Flyte, Bravo!
Wild West
8th February 2012
We spent the weekend in the glorious Mendip Hills in Somerset, driving along treacherous and snow-laden country roads. It was a delight to get hurtling down the M3 on Friday, to be able to spend a few moments away from the rat race and enjoy the stunning scenery. We paid a visit to Cheddar Gorge, which is quite a magnificent spot, and looked extraordinary in the falling snow. The gorge is the site of several caves, as well as Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, estimated to be a staggering 9,000 years old. Clearly, all that clean country air can take years off you!
Prints & Poems
1st February 2012
We're currently enjoying Faber & Faber's beautifully designed Romantic Poetry Collection at Fox and Flyte HQ. Miriam Rosenbloom, senior designer at Faber & Faber, commissioned eight different printmakers to work on the eight different poets included in the series (John Keats, Robert Burns, Lord Byron and William Wordsworth, amongst others) and the results are a perfect compliment to the poems themselves. Perfect for a Saint Valentine's Day recital, perhaps?
Lucian Freud Portraits
30th January 2012
The late Lucian Freud's exhibition of portraits, which has been declared as the best large selection of his work, opens on February 9th at the National Portrait Gallery - it will no doubt be well worth a visit.
'I've always wanted to create drama in my pictures, which is why I paint people. It's people who have brought drama to pictures from the beginning. The simplest human gestures tell stories.' Lucian Freud
O'Mast Screening
22nd January 2012
Our good friends at B.B, Esquire have teamed up with the Rook and Raven Gallery to host a screening of Gianluca Migliarotti's new documentary O'Mast. The UK premiere of this beautiful film gives a rare insight into the stylish world of Naples' master tailors. We couldn't be more excited about donning our finery and heading down there on 2nd February. This one is sure to sell out so watch the trailer and grab your tickets here while you can. The screening and Champagne reception will be followed by a Q&A with the director. We hope to see you there!
Bloomin' Marvelous
20th January 2012
Here at Fox and Flyte HQ, we love nothing more than finding people with passion doing what they love, not to mention an entrepreneurial spirit. We were lucky enough to stumble across the website of The Flower Appreciation Society, which is not only one of the most original sites we have seen in a while, but also clearly made by people who love what they do. Beautiful English country garden flower creations, a great idea and a good dose of wit! Do take a look.
Trending for 2012
16th January 2012
A few weeks ago we were delighted to be featured in ES Magazine once again. This time we were included in a '20 trends for 2012' article, and our attempt at professional two-timing is apparently something that's going to catch on this year. Watch this space.
Fashion, Frankly
12th January 2012
Our friend Iñaki posted a splendid piece about Luke on one of his two blogs, Fashion, Frankly, last week, and described him as a 'menswear designer you must to your list of ones to watch'. Thanks, Iñaki! Read the full post here.
A Fox and Flyte Christmas
2nd January 2012
Happy New Year one and all! We spent a glorious few days at Duncan's home in Edinburgh for Christmas. Although it was the mildest weather in recent memory, we were still tucked up by the fire with more than enough food and drink to keep us going over the festive season. We made a monster yule log, had many a blustery stroll and thoroughly enjoyed the Downton Christmas special. Pray tell, how were your holidays?
Dear Santa...
19th December 2011
Christmas is nearly upon us and we thought we would compile a Fox and Flyte wish list of our dreams!
From the top: A 15 inch laptop case in luscious burgundy from the inimitable Smythson. A rather fitting decanter with a cheeky fox stopper from English stalwarts Asprey. A decadently bejewelled mask for all your Venetian masquerade needs from Erickson Beamon. A leafy lime tree which will come in handy for a delicious cocktail or two. And last but not least, a casual taxidermy polar bear for the Fox and Flyte HQ, although we may have to move a few things around to accomodate his majestic stature.
We promise we've been good this year...ish.
Riding House Café
17th December 2011
A wonderful new find nestled behind the monstrous Dante's Inferno that is Oxford Street, the Riding House Café is an all-day brasserie serving great food in a beautifully designed room that we popped into this weekend after a heavy dose of last minute Christmas shopping. Great for brunch or a cheeky cocktail after braving the crowds.
ES Magazine
16th December 2011
A few weeks ago we were thrilled to be asked by ES Magazine, the weekend supplement of London's Evening Standard newspaper, to decorate a Fox and Flyte Christmas tree in great company alongside Absolute Flowers, Giles Miller and the wonderful House of Hackney. Continuing our blossoming friendship with the lovely chaps at Ben Pentreath Ltd, we had great fun in the store at the crack of dawn filling a lustrous evergreen with festive foliage, glistening silverware and a few cheeky birdies from our Christmas selection. Click on the pictures above to enlarge if you fancy a closer read. Many thanks to the lovely people at ES!
Remodelista: Christmas Tablescape
15th December 2011
We have been a big fan of the U.S interiors website Remodelista for a while, so imagine our delight when they asked Fox and Flyte to create an English Christmas drinks tableau! We had a very merry evening photographing our dream soirée with a glass of wine in one hand and a camera in the other. Read the full post here.
The Great Gatsby
11th December 2011
We are rather excited about Baz Luhrmann's upcoming adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic, The Great Gatsby. A firm favourite here at Fox and Flyte HQ (quite predictably) for its unadulterated frivolity and decadent glamour. We simply cannot wait.
Another Loves
9th December 2011
Our handsome Taxidermy Peacock, Opium Bottle and Tropical Print Shirt were featured recently in the AnOther Loves section of the AnOther Magazine website. Hurrah!
Fox and Flyte at Blacks Club
7th December 2011
We hosted a little celebration last Wednesday evening at one of our favourite haunts in London - Blacks Club in Soho. We welcomed old and new friends, cracked open the fizz, and finally got around to toasting the launch of our website. The club's cozy Dickensian rooms with their macabre paintings, blazing fireplaces and dark wooden floorboards are perhaps the most Fox and Flyte rooms in the entire capital. Tally ho!
Feeling Crafty
5th December 2011
Yesterday was a particularly festive Sunday. We spent the morning at Columbia Road flower market, picking up some yuletide blooms for the Christmas tree we put together at Ben Pentreath's beautiful Bloomsbury store for an upcoming newspaper shoot in the run up to the holidays. Afterwards we popped in to the Art Workers Guild, a hidden gem around the corner in Queen Square for their Christmas drinks, a spot of party hat making and a lobster-shaped cookie. It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
Cold Days, Long Nights
30th November 2011
As the year begins to draw to a close, here at Fox HQ we look forward to long evenings with friends and family, indulging in great food and good conversation. There's something inexplicably heartwarming and comforting about drawing the curtains, lighting a few candles, gathering ingredients and preparing a great winter feast for those around us. We believe in choosing good, well-made and beautiful objects to compliment such events, and with these Bristol Blue Glass Candlesticks and Six Butter Knives, how could you go wrong?
Nocturne
29th November 2011
William Morris print grape dyed & dip dyed work shirt, designed and made by Luke.
Penhaligon's
28th November 2011
One for the Christmas List - Penhaligon's cologne in either Endymion or English Fern, perhaps. The scents are heavenly and made in England using the finest rare ingredients; from hand-squeezed bergamot, to jasmine at twice the price of gold. Naturally we're very particular about packaging here at Fox and Flyte, and Penhaligon's score full marks with their divine ribbon-trimmed bottles and embossed boxes. We promise we've been good this year.
Heathcliff?
15th November 2011
The 2011 remake of the Brontë classic Wuthering Heights opened last week to generally good reviews. 'A beautiful rough beast' says the Guardian. Oh Cathy, we're intrigued!
Green with Envy
15th November 2011
Luke's fabulous new Factory One green glasses, from Anne et Valentin. The Factory series of frames was designed by the French label as a nod to Andy Warhol. We wholeheartedly approve. In fact, we're really enjoying green at Fox HQ at the moment. Give us emerald, sage, forest, hunter, sea, olive, moss, the lot. Perfect. Glasses seen here with the blue and cream floral Liberty Print Tie, new in to our shop.
How to Spend It
9th November 2011
We were delighted to be mentioned by Ben Pentreath as The Aesthete in last weekend's issue of the Financial Times How to Spend It magazine. We were his recent "find", thank you Ben!
What We're Listening to at Fox HQ
9th November 2011
Florence + the Machine, Bon Iver and Birdy
Filby Hall
8th November 2011
All three of us at Fox and Flyte spent last weekend with friends at Filby Hall in Norfolk. We had a go at playing lords of the manor in this splendid Queen Anne house, with its panelled walls, ornate fireplaces and grand sweeping staircases. The weather outside was at points verging on the exceedingly bleak, but our trip was made all the better for it. We had the fires lit, shutters closed, and litres of red wine to keep us going through the long English November nights. Then, of course, there's nothing like waking up to a dewy Autumn morning and a few fresh eggs... We also spent a day at Holkham beach, a most glorious spot. Take a trip for the miles of dunes and sandpits and shady pinewoods. Visit the wonderful website of the nearby estate of Holkham Hall here.
I Want Candy
5th November 2011
Fox and Flyte were thrilled to be featured on the front page of superblog Daily Candy the other day. Read the full post here. We also liked how the post was tagged under Awesome Old Shit. Sure.
All Hallows' Eve
4th November 2011
Fox and Flyte celebrated Halloween this year at Battersea Arts Centre, for the Festival of the Dead. Our good friend Polly Stenham wrote a rather experimental and haunting piece of theatre and dance which was carried out at the stroke of midnight. The act took the form of a Pagan ritual and was performed completely in Romanian. Consider us spooked!
Remodelista
31st October 2011
Spooky post for Hallowe'en! Interiors blog Remodelista recently shot a series of macabre table scenes at Ben Pentreath's beautiful Bloomsbury store and a few Foxy items were lucky enough to be included. Look out for the 1930s glass opium bottle, and the trusty taxidermy cock pheasant making an appearance. Read the full post here.
Carlo Sebastian Paulus
30th October 2011
Fox and Flyte were recently lucky enough to be brought to the attention of young Berlin student and illustrator Carlo Sebastian Paulus whose linear depictions of grand public buildings are breathtaking in their detail. See his blog with lots more drawings here.
SHOWstudio and Patrick Wolf
30th October 2011
Luke has worked with folky popstrel extraordinaire Patrick Wolf for almost a year now, and their latest collaboration featured a bespoke Frida Kahlo print shirt which he wore for a live performance on groundbreaking fashion film website SHOWstudio, shot by Nick Knight. Watch the full set of videos here.
Fox and Flyte at Ben Pentreath Ltd
28th October 2011
Fox and Flyte opened up shop at the fantastic Ben Pentreath Ltd last Wednesday. It was a cold, autumnal evening in Bloomsbury, but we were humbled by the turn out of so many friendly faces. The night was celebration of the opening of the annual Cabinet of Curiosities at the shop, and the launch of Bridie Hall at Home (beautiful candles and intaglio). A triumph! Our first instore installation will be around for a few more weeks, so please do pop by.
Autumn Sunlight
28th October 2011
The view from Fox and Flyte HQ on this cold, crisp and bright Autumnal morning reminds us that the changing seasons are actually rather a wonderful thing. Long may they continue.
Going Postal
26th October 2011
We are thrilled to announce that after much technical tinkering, the Fox and Flyte website is now able to accept orders from Europe and the USA. We thought we should walk before we could run, but the initial reponse has been wonderful so we have decided to look to shores further afield. If you are not in one of the listed territories on the pull down menu on the shipping page, please do send us a message and we'll do all we can to accomodate you.
Pringle of Scotland
25th October 2011
Thanks to the kind people over at Pringle of Scotland for the charming Fox and Flyte mention on their new blog curated by Ten Magazine.
Bob Bob Ricard
24th October 2011
If, like us, you're deeply serious about cocktails and are not too adverse to highly camp interiors (designed by the fab David Collins - baby pink chinaware, anyone?), then Bob Bob Ricard in Piccadilly could be your cup of tea (or martini). It's most definitely ours. We paid a visit not long ago to celebrate the birthday of Fox and Flyte's very own Haeni Kim. Even though they spelt her name wrong in chocolate sauce (see above), fun and plenty of delicious food was had and enjoyed by all. We recommend the clear bloody mary (clear, you cry? Yes!) and the venison steak tartare. And if you're asking, yes, that is a trio of crème brûlée.
A Nice Day For A White Wedding
24th October 2011
We celebrated the wedding of our good friends Rachel and Nico a few weekends ago with a church service at St Paul's, Covent Garden. The weather was delightful and everybody looked fabulous, and in particular the bride, clad in Vivienne Westwood. We then went onto the National Portrait Gallery for a champagne feast and a splendid party, which went off with a bang. A truly memorable night! (Spot the newlywed couple just behind this rather charming sculpture of Victoria and Albert - the original happy couple.)
Cabinet of Curiosities
13th October 2011
Scribble a note in your diaries, won't you? We're launching an exclusive collection of antiques, objects, and one-off new pieces at Ben Pentreath's store in Bloomsbury next Wednesday 19th October. We'll be taking up residence for a few weeks, so make sure you pop in and take a peek.
Grazia Poster Boys
3rd October 2011
Well whaddya know? Just as London Fashion Week was getting underway, weekly fashion bible Grazia featured a list of the hottest men working in fashion. In rather distinguished company alongside the likes of photographer David Sims, Tom Ford and the very dapper Mr Patrick Grant was Fox and Flyte's own Duncan Campbell shot by the legendary Lord Snowdon nestled next to the other handsome Acne chaps. Fancy that.
Indian Summer
1st October 2011
If, like us, you were lucky enough to be in London or the South-East in the last few days, you will have been thrilled to finally see a bit of early Autumn sunshine. Love an Indian summer.
The Return of Downton
19th September 2011
We could scarceley be more excited about the return of Downton Abbey. Our Sunday evenings are full once again with gripping period drama and the Dowager Countess' incredible one liners.
Scallop Salts
15th September 2011
Adorn your table with these dashing Solid Silver Scallop Salts - new to our shop. These beauties come with removable smoked glass inserts and silver salt spoons. An elegant alternative to the clunky wooden grinder and a chic home for your Maldon. Very Botticelli's Venus.
'I'm into antiques'
13th September 2011
Duncan recently made a dapper appearance in the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Another Man magazine, clad from head to toe in Alfred Dunhill - a firm favourite of ours here at Fox HQ. It was also the first mention of Fox and Flyte in any sort of publication, hurrah.
Wild & Wood
13th September 2011
It was a particularly grey and disheartening September morning yesterday when we popped into Wild & Wood on the Holborn end of the rather grim New Oxford Street. Pay a visit for a perfect flat white, marvel at the church-like seating arrangements, and feel your spirits thoroughly lifted. Coffee and a confession, anyone?
A Room with a View
During the wettest August in London in recent memory, we managed to escape to the Tuscan hills for a week of sunsets, frescoes and mozzarella. We stayed in a converted farmhouse near the village of Asciano, not far from the breathtaking renaissance architecture of Siena and deep in the heart of serious wine country. Yum.
Green Fingers
27th August 2011
As the last days of summer begin to creep in, we are having a green fingered moment and thinking about plants that are happy inside as the winter sneaks towards us. Top pic is perhaps rather an extreme example with the wonderfully talented Mr Tim Walker giving some plants a good bath. The second pic is the orangery of renowned collector and designer Axel Vervoordt outside Antwerp. Serious room envy.
Catnap
23rd August 2011
Please excuse our blogging absence of late. Lots of exciting new developments coming very soon. Honest.
New in the Study
20th August 2011
Keep your quills in order with this new and rather dashing addition to our shop - the Copper and Brass Tumbler.
Get in Touch
2nd August 2011
Over at Fox and Flyte towers we are an inquisitive bunch and would be thrilled to hear any comments, tips or recommendations you had about the website. In addition we would love to hear if there was anything in particular you would like us to keep an eye out for on our next foraging expedition. Click Contact at the the top of the page to get in touch. Sadly we can't guarantee Her Majesty will be on hand to answer every email personally.
To the Lighthouse
2nd August 2011
Luke is spending a week on the north coast of Devon at the moment, around the area of Ilfracombe, which is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and stunning scenery. Plenty of ice cream and a good dose of sea air does wonders for the soul!
Summer in the city
1st August 2011
First day of August and the sun is beating down in London. You think YOU'RE hot? Try living in the desert. If, by any chance you do, then this beautifully carved fly whisk might be just the thing. Click the pic to see it in the shop.
Paper heart
27th July 2011
Fox and Flyte love things done properly, especially when a degree of skill, practice or getting one's hands covered in ink are a requirement. Never truer than for the wonderfully talented printmaker Nicole Thompson, who runs her small studio, Paper Heart, from her London home. Working with both silkscreen and letterpress techniques, she creates a range of witty and charming cards as well as bespoke invitations, posters and other beautiful printed items. Do have a look at her blog here.
Paris, Je T'Aime
23rd July 2011
All three members of Fox and Flyte on a recent trip to Paris. Steak tartare, vin rouge and the odd Gauloise were the order of the day. Mon dieu! We spent a few days there for the Acne Paper launch, renting a beautiful apartment above the Marais and enjoying the early summer sun.
Oh baby it's a wild world
20th July 2011
The final few adjustments are currently being put in place to the website before Fox and Flyte will be delivering to the USA, Europe and beyond. International chums stay tuned.
Ben Pentreath
20th July 2011
After a chance introduction to his work by a friend, Fox and Flyte were thrilled to discover the world of Ben Pentreath. Interior architect and designer, as well as proprietor of a rather charming shop in Bloomsbury, his aesthetic sensitivity and subtle approach are right up our (sympathetically restored) street. Check out his inspiration page here.
To the Post Office
19th July 2011
What's inside you may ask? Well, that'll be the Developer No. 2 Bottle - the very first object to be sold on Fox and Flyte - all wrapped up before its swift delivery. Take a look at our Archive section for a peek at the bottle in all its glory.
What a Tweet
19th July 2011
Should the urge grab you, we would be most delighted if you followed Fox and Flyte on Twitter. Click on the handsome blue grouse above to visit our page.
Veuve Clicquot Polo
18th July 2011
Saturday saw a wet but thoroughly enjoyable trip to the beautiful Cowrday Park Polo Club for the final of the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup. Much champagne was consumed and apparently there were some ponies running around too. Duncan and Luke pictured with the wonderful Caroline Lever of AnOther Group.
Going dutch?
15th July 2011
Although the Fox started out only shipping within the UK (postage further afield to come shortly) we do like to think of ourseves as a worldly bunch. Imagine our joy, then, when we received a charming message on Twitter that Dutch blog Uhier had written a post on Fox and Flyte. We are particularly thrilled because it's the first time anyone has written about us except us, so do take a look at the post here. If, like us, your Dutch is a bit rusty, the Google translated version can be found here.
Acne Paper 12: Youth
July 5th 2011
It was a trip back over the channel for us on Monday, this time to the inimitable Ritz Paris for the launch of Acne Paper 12. Guests gathered in the courtyard before a recital was given by virtuoso violinist Charlie Siem. Check out Style.com's write-up here and click here to buy the new issue. Beautiful pics by Tinko.
Cocktail Time
3rd July 2011
Now the weather is improving, any excuse will do for an early evening cocktail soirée in the warm dusky light. Check out this beautiful Art Deco Cocktail Shaker in the shop. Just add ice, jazz and your favourite boozy concoction.
Strike a pose
3rd July 2011
Duncan's first piece for American Vogue went live last week. Just a quickie but you can read the whole thing here.
Get yer Côte
2nd July 2011
After a rather busy few weeks, we managed to steal a weekend away in the south of France to unwind. Sun, a secluded beach and buckets of rosé. Divine.
Foxmobile
2nd July 2011
The Foxmobile is in the garage sadly this week. Like any old lady she needs constant attention and is rather prone to things going wrong. Ah well, at least she isn't freezing to death like she did in January.
Well observed
2nd July 2011
In your face
2nd July 2011
Click the pic to visit Fox and Flyte on Facebook.
Paint Brushes at Dawn
28th June 2011
Haeni adorning Fox HQ with a hand-painted banner in preparation for the recent shoot we did in order to celebrate our debut collection. Visit the shop now and indulge in some treasure hunting. Lillies not currently stocked, sadly.
Caravan
4th June 2011
We recommend the baked eggs for two at Caravan, a glorious little eatery on Exmouth Market, EC1. The perfect place for a brilliant cappuccino and a spot of brunch in the midmorning sun. Oh and keep your eyes peeled for the resident stuffed peacock.
Leila's
2nd June 2011
On a recent working lunch at Leila's cafe on Calvert Avenue in E2, we couldn't help but notice a) the rather generous butter allowance and b) this charming serving apparatus. Now all we need is some toast.
Who's the boss?
2nd June 2011
OK bad title but our embosser arrived the other day. V exciting.
To the Manor Born
1st June 2011
The rainy bank holiday Monday saw us take a trip to the beautiful Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire which was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to display his vast art collection. As you do. It's a breathtaking house in the style of the chateaux of the Loire Valley and only just up the A41.
The Proof is in the Pasta
16th May 2011
We got a bit creative in the kitchen last night and made our own tagliatelle. Delish with lots of black pepper, olive oil and a big hunk of parmesan.
Birds of a Feather
16th May 2011
The latest addition to the Fox HQ: this beautiful taxidermy peacock, which is in almost perfect condition. We took a trip to the V&A yesterday to catch the Cult Of Beauty exhibition, which, by the way, was fantastic, and learnt a lot more about peacocks. They are symbolic of royalty, immortality and beauty itself in case you were wondering. Perfect timing.
Concrete Graveyard
12th May 2011
These strikingly beautiful sculptures were commissioned in the mid 1960s and 70s to commemorate WWII battles by the then president of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito. Very strange but quite wonderful. See the full list here.
Stamp Duty
12th May
The Fox and Flyte stamp arrived yesterday. Very excited, obviously. Nothing in the vicinity has escaped its inky grasp. Expect a hand-stamped card with every purchase.
Got beef?
12th May 2011
After much debate and more than a few chips, our favourite burger in London is definitely at the Rivington Grill in EC2. This one we made last night wasn't a bad effort though.
Gray Matter
11th May 2011
Originally heavily censored for it's 'objectional', 'poisonous' and 'vulgar' content, Oscar Wilde's best known work, The Picture of Dorian Gray, has been republished by Harvard University Press for the first time in it's original state. It only took 130 years. Hurrah!
Going for Gold
7th May 2011
Friday saw the private view of Todd di Ciurcio's new exhibition, Gold at the wonderful Cob Gallery in Camden. Cocktails galore and an impromptu concert from Marques Toliver on the violin, all in the dusky evening light. Delish.
Les Deux Salons
5th May 2011
We highly recommend this restaurant in Covent Garden, and in particular the fantastic côte de boeuf for two. A great find in an otherwise manic part of town.
A Very Royal Affair
4th May 2011
We spent last Friday in our friends' garden, getting rather too excited over the royal wedding. Or was that the prosecco?
Breakfast
1st May 2011
Haeni enjoying a spot of springtime breakfast… homemade hollandaise and all.
Time for tea
This delightful set of willow patterned tea cups and saucers are available to purchase in our shop right now. Perfect for a spot of springtime afternoon tea. Click above to view.
We have arrived!
23rd April 2011
After many months of talking, planning, meetings and cocktails, we're here! We hope you like what you find.
