As I write this in the pre-dawn darkness, it's 30º F outside (or -1º C) and the sky is clear as a bell. The lack of cloud cover brings cold, but another thing it brings -- during the day, anyhow -- is sunlight! Yesterday was glorious, seemingly the first bright sun we've experienced in weeks.
I took a walk from Oxford Street down through Soho to Trafalgar Square, where Lord Nelson's column was beautifully lit.
Many of the shops and restaurants still have their Christmas decorations out.
Hordes of the fashion-conscious were lined up to go to the Stüssy shop in the Hammer House building on Wardour Street. They must have been having a sale. Hammer House, incidentally, is so named because it used to be the London headquarters of Hammer Studios. Remember my visit to the Peter Cushing pub in Whitstable? He acted in several of Hammer's legendary horror movies.
Speaking of the fashion-conscious, some interesting looks were appearing on the street as well.
I stopped at Pret for lunch and then made my way to the National Portrait Gallery, where I wanted to see the annual exhibit of noteworthy entries for the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize. Some truly amazing portrait photography was on display, my favorite being this shot. According to the guide, it's part of a photo series focusing on "queer and trans folx in their homes," and I love the image because there's so much to see -- of course the beautifully posed and perfectly side-lit Yves and Banjo, but also the signs and pictures on the wall, the detail in Yves' tattoos, the unexpected row of cowboy boots, the stacks of clothing and personal effects.
Afterwards I made my way home again, via a Pret on Carnaby Street where I had a quick cup of coffee outside even though it was quite chilly. It was fun to watch the passers-by. I heard an obviously American woman ask someone the way to Regent Street. She was practically there already. I don't often hear anyone asking directions these days, since most people have maps on their phones.
Anyway, it was good to get a dose of Vitamin D and I hope to get some more today!
It was a nice metropolitan ramble. Winter sunshine is so illuminating when it comes to photography. Colours are heightened. The woman in pink looks so elegant and clearly very conscious of her own appearance.
ReplyDeleteShe looks like a model, doesn't she?
DeleteBright blue skies when it is cold are great.
ReplyDeleteWoman in blue, fail. Woman in pink almost gets it right. The guy in jeans, stylish.
Maybe just for coffee, Pret is ok, but I didn't like it and it was expensive. I would have been looking for a Greggs.
I haven't heard or seen Stussy for years. It is obviously not a thing here now.
I remember you saying you were down on Pret. I go there all the time! Greggs is fine for a plain sandwich but they're just a step up from a vending machine.
DeleteGood to see so many people out and about enjoying the sun. That photo of Yves and Banjo is great, all those boots and stacks of caps, T-shirts etc.
ReplyDeleteYou can tell a lot about a person from their possessions, and how they store them.
DeleteSo much gloriosity in these photos. The fuzzy pink and brown look is interesting. I love the look of envy on the face of the guy in the sheepskin. Old Compton‘s Christmas gift tumble is wonderful. I do love that photo by Stas Ginzburg and other photos of Yves & Banjo! Big favor: Can you have that 8-ball in the Stussy window shipped to me? I’ll pay you back.
ReplyDeleteYeah, catching the guy giving the girls the side-eye was pure luck! I wasn't even aware he was there until I looked at the photo afterwards. Maybe if I stand atop the 8-ball I can roll it across the ocean all the way to Spain?
DeleteYour day sounds like a wonderful blend of art, style, and simple pleasures. The National Portrait Gallery's exhibit seems to have truly captivated you, especially that striking photo of Yves and Banjo. Isn't it amazing how a single photograph can tell such a rich and intricate story? The details you noticed, from Yves' tattoos to the cowboy boots, reflect the depth and authenticity captured in that image. It sounds like it offered a real glimpse into their world.
ReplyDeleteA good portrait does just that, I think -- and this one has so many layers and elements. There were lots of good portraits in the show.
DeleteIt's amazing how the sun can alter one's mood after days of gloomy and grey days. Your description of the photo caused me to go back and look at it again. You have a good eye.
ReplyDeleteSun makes a HUGE difference -- especially for taking pictures!
DeleteAs I write this at 6:11 AM it is 26º F and dark and I'm cold ... but I love those Christmas decorations and the Fashion Parade!
ReplyDeleteI have several shots of other stores and businesses with decorations up -- I'll post them in coming days, even though we're all sick of Christmas by now. :)
DeleteThanks for pointing out what makes that photo so good. You helped me appreciate it. I also like your photo of the women in the pink and blue coats and the sideways look of the man behind them. It's chilly in Jacksonville. We got down to 30 something overnight.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
That IS chilly, but then, Jacksonville is only barely Florida!
DeleteLondon is still the vibrant city that I remember from my youth. I don't think I am up to it any more though!
ReplyDeleteIt does take a lot of energy! I'm not up to it either, some days. LOL
DeleteThat looks like a great walk. I stumbled into the National Portrait Gallery in October -- there it was and why not? What a lovely spot. I didn't have time to hit it all but it's on the "return" list. The exhibit sounds great.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great museum, and less crowded than some of the others. There was a huge line to get into the National Gallery around the corner.
DeleteYou get out for the best walks, Steve.
ReplyDeleteI try! I don't do it enough!
DeleteI went back to look at the Yves and Banjo picture several times. You're right- there's a lot going on there. Really nice.
ReplyDeleteAlso really nice is the picture you took of the Ladies in Coats. Composition, color, everything.
That picture was 99 percent luck. I passed them on the sidewalk, got up ahead and turned around with my iPhone, and that's what I got.
DeleteThat really is a good narrative picture. Saying so much.
ReplyDeleteThe sunshine can really transform a mood, especially after a gloomy series of days. The man in the street seems to be looking at the pink coat lady's wild boots, a bit fearfully.
He seems a bit skeptical, doesn't he?
DeleteThe people lined up waiting for the store to open didn't look very fashion conscious. Unlike the lady in pink. Very interesting photo ov Ives, lot to look at, especially him.
ReplyDeleteWell, Stussy is "streetwear," so it's not meant to look very fancy.
DeleteI'll be the first to admit I have no sense of fashion so take my next comment with a grain of salt. The lady in the middle wearing a pinkish coat (I'm partially colorblind so am always hesitant to say colors) seems like she is wearing it backwards and the fur lined hood is facing her instead of being in the back.
ReplyDeleteHa! Well, the coat is definitely the right way around, but the fur neckpiece could be backwards, I suppose. (I don't think it was attached to the coat.)
DeleteSunshine after rain and clouds is always most welcomed. Your photos pop in the sunlight. . . high styled fashion coats in vibrant blue and pink swish and sway as the ladies strut their stuff. The guy behind them has questions.
ReplyDeleteLondon holiday decor is outstanding compared to the very sedate shop fronts in Concord, MA.
Love the Yves and Banjo photo. Lots to take in. Great composition.
He DOES have questions! Ha! Yes, sunlight really makes the colors glow.
DeleteInteresting stuff in your photo. I like looks the guy behind the babe in pink is giving her. Runners and blue coat are a little odd!
ReplyDeletePeople wear "trainers," as they're known here, with anything!
DeleteI like the story of Yves and Bango but my god, what a tiny apartment. The woman in the pink coat, look at me. The woman in the blue coat, appreciates her feet:)
ReplyDeleteYeah, more of a room than an apartment, it seems. Very New York!
DeleteThe lady in pink has clearly got the full attention of the guy behind her, what a great photo! Excellent photos Steve, Lord Nelson's column is a particularly good one.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was very happy with the way the sun was hitting the column.
DeleteIt takes commitment to maintain a stack of folded shirts that neatly. The cowboy boots are great, as is the dog. That's a great photo. The lady in the pink coat is really something, so is the guy behind her giving her side eye. As always, you make me want to live there.
ReplyDeleteYves has a really interesting sense of style, doesn't he?
DeleteThat portrait IS amazing! And adding sun to the day perks it up immeasurably. Happy sigh.
ReplyDeleteHappy sigh indeed!
DeleteThe old Compton had a cracking vodka martini there
ReplyDeleteOK, good to know for future reference! Next time you're in town let's both go get one!
DeleteGreat set of photos today. I see the usual crowd of people at Trafalgar Square. I love the lady in the pink coat and guy behind with the fur collar looks pretty trendy too. I love people watching so I would have enjoyed this walk. I think I would have enjoyed the photo exhibit too. The photo you linked to was great. You are right lots to see in that photo.
ReplyDeleteYes, you would have enjoyed the exhibit, I think! The NPG is a great museum and as I told Jeanie above, it's often much less crowded than the bigger ones.
DeleteThat's quite an interesting holiday display over the restaurant. Is the huge 8 Ball a "magic" 8 Ball or a pool/billiards ball?
ReplyDeleteI don't know! I'd have to go into the Stussy store to answer that question but I didn't want to stand in line. :)
DeleteNice to see some color on the London street- maybe it is making a come back! I am jealous of your sunshine and excellent walk! Entertaining!
ReplyDeleteOh, there's always color out there! It was nice to get out for a walk for a change.
DeleteIt may be sunny but not warm enough for a dip in Nelson's pool!
ReplyDeleteNot even for a polar bear!
DeletePortraits are indeed fascinating (just as people are).
ReplyDeleteIf they're done well they convey so much and ask their own questions.
DeletePortraits illuminate so much about the subjects if done well. I'm a people watcher too although I hate being cold. Brisk weather and winter sun are invigorating!
ReplyDeleteI was fine sitting outside because I had lots of layers on!
DeleteThe Yves and Banjo photo has so many details to study. So does your people-watching photo. I was quite taken by the tiny two-headed man in the dark blue jacket between/behind the lady in pink and the lady in blue. You made the most of your lovely sunshiny day.
ReplyDeleteChris from Boise
Ha! London streets are full of curiosities!
Delete