Miss Kiki Salon Presents...

Yiannis Kataris Photography

2010-06-10T04:41:00.000-07:00

We absolutely LOVE Yiannis Katsaris. He is a man of stellar talent, ideas and soul. We recently hooked up for a shoot at Blacks Club in Soho. The following shot is one of our favourites, featuring our friend Dhanasun.

© Yiannis Katsaris

In Yiannis's words: "Dhanasun is one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever met. He is from Thailand and currently lives in London while studying law. He prefers to dress in womens clothes. In this picture he is photographed at Blacks members club in Soho wearing a 'Miss Kiki Salon Presents...' kimono."

In Dhanasun's own words:

"I am a deist. I believe in personal aristocracy. I believe in Art. I know solitude very well, and I would like someone to lead me out of it. I think I am doing a good job in ironing my own clothes. I sometimes shop until I drop into bankruptcy, but I believe in second-hand and sales. I collect price tags. I wear high heels. Surprisingly, my suitcase is never so full of vestments. I think I should have been born in 15th century Italy. Always in search of new moisturisers. I do not see the boundary between to be and not to be. I like mint."

One 'Picture Per Month' explained

'One Picture Per Month' is a monthly mini newsletter by photographer Yiannis Katsaris. The newsletter will feature one of Yiannis' recent pictures or one from his archive. If Yiannis is lucky enough to have his pictures exhibited, published or something worth mentioning you will receive these updates too. This communication platform aims to be a gift in your inbox rather than a traditional newsletter.

To add yourself to his mailing list, please click on this link: Yiannis Katsaris

The kimono dress forms part of a collection of garments inspired by the work of artists we have worked with. It is designed by Sofia Kalaitzidi, working with the textile designs of Kundalini Arts

An Inspiring Afternoon with Vintage Secret

2010-03-28T01:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had one of those afternoons that one never forgets. A reminder of all that was beautiful in traditional dress-making and design - craft, imagination, audacity, colour and pattern - within the parlour that is Vintage Secret.

The founder of Vintage Secret - the delightful and engaging Naomi Thompson - was originally introduced to us by the PR and Communications impresario, Katie Antoniou and we got talking at Gabby Young's recent performance at Bloomsbury Ballroom (where VS had a vintage dress-up area, as part of Gabby's 'Gabberdashery' concept). Yesterday morning I noticed via Twitter that Naomi had just received over 30 packages from America containing items that she had handpicked from various (if I told you, I would have to kill you) sources - clever girl. I secured myself an appointment to view without delay!

Our experience began before we had even arrived - a flurry of Twittering and Facebook postings made us feel like treasured guests. Imagine our thrill then upon arriving when we saw that she had hung out the bunting - how perfect is that? Kisses, giggles, lashings of tea - in proper teacups and saucers, I'll have you know - and delicious macaroons, cup cakes and biscuits were all present, and abundantly so.

We mused about fashion, the era of creativity that seems to be emerging - the new 'belle epoque' - traditional values and craft. We discussed ideas and collaborations. Quite frankly that would have been more than enough to make my day. But the real reason we were there was to view Naomi's incredible collection of vintage clothes and accessories.

So there we were, chatting away, sipping tea whilst she slowly opened her craft paper covered packages. OMG! Remember that feeling you had when you were about six, opening your Christmas presents? Well, it felt just like that! Parcel after parcel of dresses, shoe s, pinafores (yes, really - pinafores are hot so long as they are vintage, new look-style).

Naomi explained how, through the years, she has developed a keen eye for the genuine article and has built a vast archive of the most wonderful garments I've seen for a very long time. Some items - such as a drop-dead gorgeous, tailored 1940's coat with the original rationing label inside - are, in my humble opinion, museum-worthy. But the great thing is that pretty much everything in Naomi's collection is for sale via her website, by appointment and through unique events such as 'TART with Vintage Secret at 40 Winks' - a monthly event at David Carter's beautifully restored residence.

Naomi is pure gold - as a curator, buyer, events manager, ideas-generator, host and friend. If you have a passion for vintage, elegance, charm and craft, Vintage Secret should be on the first page of your little black book - it certainly is in mine! We love Naomi and we are thrilled to announce that she has accepted our invitation to become part of the 'Miss Kiki Salon Presents...' creative collective.

Private View and After Party Pictures!

2010-02-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

After some wonderful press on Culturelabe l, and in Drapers, and having been featured in the London Fashion Week listings, the Miss Kiki Salon Presents private view was a huge success! Hendricks gin kept the guests' thirsts quenched, whilst Stav B spun some tunes that got the party started!Gabby Young looked stunning in a dress by Osman Yousefzada
teamed with the 'Pandora' silk scarf by Kundalini Arts for Miss Kiki Salon Presents, shoes by Irregular Choice and eye-catching headpiece by Sahar Freemantle, UglyLovely.

Miss Kiki by the Darkest Star artwork, and artist Sam Cook modeling some of Darkest Star's work.

Stav B gave a wonderful performance in the beautiful chapel setting at Quintessentially.

Finally, Gabby Young performed a couple of her dreamy songs, accompanied by her musical and romantic partner Stephen Ellis (of the awesome band Revere).

Buy your tickets to Gabby's single launch on the 4th March here; you'll be able to see the 'Six Easy Pieces' exhibition there again, as well as stalls from many of Gabby's incredibly creative fans!And of course Gabby will hopefully be wearing the first creation for Salon Gabrielle!Here's to the future...

Exhibition opens

2010-02-08T01:42:00.000-08:00

London a la mode!

2010-02-02T03:09:00.000-08:00

'Miss Kiki Salon Presents..' collection of scarves now showing at 'London a la Mode' - a pop-up showroom for buyers at Liberty House. Keep checking here for news of London boutiques that will be stocking the range. If you run a boutique yourself, and think the 'Miss Kiki' aesthetic would suit your clientele, then please drop us an email, katie@misskikipresents.co.uk

Stav B models Miss Kiki Presents scarves.

2010-01-31T12:33:00.000-08:00

The wonderful Stav B is the muse, model and artistic director of Miss Kiki Salon Presents. Here she combines her performance art with the inaugural collection of silk scarves.
'I believe with all my heart, blood and bones that 'Miss Kiki Salon Presents' is a wonderful, honest and a very important project that will make a crucial mark in the his/herstory of art and life' Stav B

Concept, styling, performance Stav B
Photography Georgie Clarke